Recent News
A Message from the President
The maples have shed their soft mantel of leaves after another brilliant display of colors while the oaks, after a bumper crop of acorns, stubbornly hold on to their leaves as if trying to keep warm as the nights begin to dip below freezing. As I reflect on the summer past, I’m struck by the feeling of it being normal— no big crisis, no pandemic, no surprise boat landing issues, normal water levels, reasonable boating etiquette, Boat Decontamination Station fully operational, Island manicured and clean while well used, buoys marking hazards and Railroad Lake channel, Fireworks, Boat Parades, Bass Island Party (setting all time attendance record), Ladies of the Lakes gatherings, Men’s Breakfasts, and dinner parties to attend. All the while the Garden Club helps our gardens grow, the Book Club read more books, and the Bridge Club play more than a few hands….
I am reminded in that reflection however, of the proverbial Duck, gliding smoothly and seemingly effortlessly across the pond. All while, hidden beneath the surface, it is paddling furiously to maintain the calm serenity above.
So, too, have our Board and many volunteers been “paddling” behind the scenes on the many issues that affront us with frequency. Growing membership, not only in numbers but in participation, has been key. Volunteers have taken over the SE Directory, long a personal endeavor of Norie Neff. Volunteers maintain the West Lake channel to a navigable depth, put out and bring in buoys, maintain the island, make sure the Decontamination Station has fuel and water, and work with the County to assure the Station has adequate hours of coverage. Our members monitor local, state, and national rules, regulations and laws regarding a multitude of lake, property, and boating issues. They monitor lake levels and respond to “obstructions” on the Outlet that could again raise water levels to destructive heights, they look for Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) and check out reports from members of possible contamination. Volunteers help direct our professionals to confirmed sites and assist in the pulling of EWM. Volunteers keep us informed of new invasive threats and new defenses as we continue our collective role as Stewards of the Lakes. And the social network, that is so very dear to many of us, is fostered by the tireless planning by many volunteers. But more than just fun, which of course our Social Committee specializes in, it builds the relationships and common ground that is so critical in maintaining and increasing the level of volunteerism that is required to maintain our mission. And finally, volunteers have not only given their time, but their treasure. Without the broad-based financial support from our members many of the solutions to problems would be limited to hand-wringing.
Thanks to all who share their gifts, of expertise, time, knowledge, treasure, and comradeship. And to being a Member! That is, in the end, a voluntary act, without which none of the rest could be accomplished.
Thanks to all,
Scott Reynolds
The maples have shed their soft mantel of leaves after another brilliant display of colors while the oaks, after a bumper crop of acorns, stubbornly hold on to their leaves as if trying to keep warm as the nights begin to dip below freezing. As I reflect on the summer past, I’m struck by the feeling of it being normal— no big crisis, no pandemic, no surprise boat landing issues, normal water levels, reasonable boating etiquette, Boat Decontamination Station fully operational, Island manicured and clean while well used, buoys marking hazards and Railroad Lake channel, Fireworks, Boat Parades, Bass Island Party (setting all time attendance record), Ladies of the Lakes gatherings, Men’s Breakfasts, and dinner parties to attend. All the while the Garden Club helps our gardens grow, the Book Club read more books, and the Bridge Club play more than a few hands….
I am reminded in that reflection however, of the proverbial Duck, gliding smoothly and seemingly effortlessly across the pond. All while, hidden beneath the surface, it is paddling furiously to maintain the calm serenity above.
So, too, have our Board and many volunteers been “paddling” behind the scenes on the many issues that affront us with frequency. Growing membership, not only in numbers but in participation, has been key. Volunteers have taken over the SE Directory, long a personal endeavor of Norie Neff. Volunteers maintain the West Lake channel to a navigable depth, put out and bring in buoys, maintain the island, make sure the Decontamination Station has fuel and water, and work with the County to assure the Station has adequate hours of coverage. Our members monitor local, state, and national rules, regulations and laws regarding a multitude of lake, property, and boating issues. They monitor lake levels and respond to “obstructions” on the Outlet that could again raise water levels to destructive heights, they look for Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) and check out reports from members of possible contamination. Volunteers help direct our professionals to confirmed sites and assist in the pulling of EWM. Volunteers keep us informed of new invasive threats and new defenses as we continue our collective role as Stewards of the Lakes. And the social network, that is so very dear to many of us, is fostered by the tireless planning by many volunteers. But more than just fun, which of course our Social Committee specializes in, it builds the relationships and common ground that is so critical in maintaining and increasing the level of volunteerism that is required to maintain our mission. And finally, volunteers have not only given their time, but their treasure. Without the broad-based financial support from our members many of the solutions to problems would be limited to hand-wringing.
Thanks to all who share their gifts, of expertise, time, knowledge, treasure, and comradeship. And to being a Member! That is, in the end, a voluntary act, without which none of the rest could be accomplished.
Thanks to all,
Scott Reynolds