Hello Team LMOA!

We would like to thank our staff, volunteers, and residents for making the UVA Rowing event possible. Your support and flexibility are much appreciated. Events like this one and the CalTri triathlon aren’t just fun, they generate income that helps support Operations. A spectator from Georgia wrote Member Services complimenting us for our helpful gate staff (our Allied Security Partner) and welcoming community. Feedback like that makes us proud to work here!

Volunteer Water Safety Team: The regatta was the first time our Volunteer Water Safety Team worked together under new leadership from Gib & Diane Kerr. Committed as ever, over 30 water safety volunteers displayed team spirit and good humor during the 4-day event. The team had a record number of new volunteers ride along to get familiar with providing support on the water. In turn, VWST would like to thank Chief Wells: “He's a great partner and always ready to answer his phone as we pivoted from one plan to the next.”

Spring Cleaning: One person's trash is another person's treasure! Starting this Saturday, take advantage of Spring Cleaning opportunities at the Lake:

• Yard Sale Day, April 20 from 8 AM - 2 PM (times may vary per participant). See who is participating using this MAP!

• Bulk Trash Pickup, April 22-25. Find the schedule and rules HERE. Tip: Go treasure hunting and feel free to adopt trashed items before GFL arrives.

• Shred Day, 10 Slice Rd., 9 -11 AM: Lake Monticello Community Foundation and the fire department partner for this annual fundraiser. They will shred your paperwork for $10 per 30-pound box. 

Board Meeting: The next regular Board meeting will be on April 25 at 7 PM in the Fairway Clubhouse. Sign up to speak by emailing the Executive Assistant Karis Rivera at [email protected]. The packet will be posted on lmoa.org today.

New Board Candidates: Congratulations to Jennifer Richardson, Scott Murdoch, Matthew Carter, and Steven Tatro. Your signatures have been verified and you are officially running for the board! Voting is scheduled to open May 27. Annual Meeting Notices will be mailed in the form of postcards with voting instructions, just like last year. Results will be announced at the Annual Meeting on June 29, 2024. The Board’s proposal to raise dues will also be on this year’s ballot. The Board Directors urge the membership to vote YES for the 2025 Dues Increase.  Our Board Treasurer, Director Mike Kelly, says, “We need everyone in our Community to consider seriously voting for the Board Proposal to increase Dues in 2025 by $150. We ask Homeowners to do this for their families and their neighbors. The continuation of Lake Monticello's unique quality of life at current levels depends on all of us paying the additional 41 cents per day to ensure our community's future remains bright. We know the permanent dues increase is a burden for many of our residents, and we appreciate their sacrifice for voting "YES". The $150 will be responsibly invested in our Reserve accounts as you will see explained in the Annual Meeting Notice that will be sent out around May 27. This dues increase will enable the Board to add the needed dollars to the Maintenance, Replacement, and Repair activities for our fixed assets, our Lake Health, and our Roads. There is no greater place to live in Virginia than Lake Monticello! The Board needs everyone's help to maintain this beautiful, private, and secure community.”

Colonial Circle: LMOA has sought legal advice about the verbiage being used on the website and signage of the new apartments at Colonial Circle. We have been advised that they are marketing within their rights. "Lake Monticello" is a place and not a brand with copyright. Furthermore, the restaurant and golf course are open to the public, and LMOA offers Social Associate Memberships for $1000/year allowing them access to some of our amenities. The Ashlawn Courts and Pool require additional membership fees for access. Also, only homeowners can register boats at Lake Monticello. Currently, we have about 17 Social Associate Members.

Tennis Programs:

• Rusty Racquets is for folks who have played some tennis in the past and would like to dust off their racquets and come out and play recreational tennis again. Women can text Karen O'Neill at 973-879-7313 and men can text Betsy Gunnels Text at 434 996-9797.

• Mixed Doubles is every Saturday 9 AM at Ashlawn Courts. Text Betsy Gunnels at 434-996-9797 for more info.

• Quick Start Tennis Camp is for kids ages 5-15 and will be held June 10-14. Contact Lisa Henry at Members Service at 434-589-8263, Ext. 4100 to sign up.

Wildlife Tip: What goes up, will come down! Skip the balloon release celebrations this spring and help protect wildlife and the environment. All released balloons fall back to the earth as litter, even if they burst and fall in many fragments. Spread the word to your friends and family - and don’t let balloons go! This is a message from the Wildlife Center in collaboration with the LMOA Wildlife Committee. The Committee will also present “A Program About Trees & Wildlife” in honor of Arbor Day on April 28. Join Tree Steward, Kathy Nepote, for an informative program at 2 PM in the Fairway Clubhouse and learn why trees are so important, especially for Lake Monticello.

Cal Tri: The annual triathlon and 5K take place here at the Lake on April 28. Hundreds of athletes from around the country will start arriving before sunrise to swim, cycle, and run in and around our community. The event is over around 1 PM. Everyone is asked to share the roadways, respect traffic controllers, and as always, spectators are welcome! Traffic around the Ashlawn Clubhouse will be high, and parking will be limited. Learn more about Cal-Tri at Lake Monticello at https://lakemonticello.californiatriathlon.org/. Don't forget, kids race for free but must be registered!

Other Weekend Activities:

• April 20 Pickleball Clinic: 1-4 PM at the Ashlawn Courts.

• April 20 Free Wellness Workshop “How to Eat for Strong, Healthy Bones in Terrace Room A or B (Ashlawn Clubhouse) from 3-4:15 PM. The first 20 to register at [email protected] and arrive on time will have priority.

• April 21 Newcomers and Old Friends: Join the club for their monthly meeting in the Ashlawn Clubhouse’s Lake Room at 3:30 - 5 PM for refreshments and a program.

Have a great weekend!

Tom Schauder
LMOA General Manager