The Official Newsletter of the Lake of the Woods Association, Inc. Vol. 16, No. 7
540.972.2237
LOWA.org
An Ode to Pony Camp
by Melissa Zukowski, Equestrian Center When I was seven or eight years old, my parents told me I was going to attend Pony Camp. We had moved to Lake of the Woods a year or so before, and I had not found a sport or activity. I begged my parents to let me stay home. I told them horses were too big and scary, couldn’t we just find another gymnastics gym like we used to attend in Florida? Mom and Dad said I was going and that was final. One week was all it took. I had been bitten by the “horse-bug” and there was no turning back. I came home each afternoon after camp, eager to share what I’d learned that day. I was so excited for the Fun Show that Friday so I could show my family all of my new skills, introduce them to my new friends, and have them pet each and every horse that I now knew by name. I started riding lessons immediately after. Through riding, I learned how to be confident and assertive, how to set goals and put in the hard work needed to meet them. By Photo Provided working with a partner who cannot speak my Savannah Buttram, with Stella language, I learned empathy. Riding kept me the horse, participates in LOW physically active as well as mentally tough. Equestrian Center Pony Camp. Every equestrian I know can attest to these benefits of spending time in a barn. Each year I am fortunate to meet so many children in the same Pony Camp that changed my life. I get to watch each group go from shy and nervous to proud and confident. Some campers show up on day one ready to jump in the saddle and go. Some are afraid. Each one is changed by the end of the week, able to recite horse anatomy and the gaits of the horse, eager to show their relatives exactly how to approach a horse or how to correctly, and safely, offer a treat. Some of our campers go on to take riding lessons either here at Lake of the Woods Equestrian Center or in their homes out of state. The ones who stay often reflect on their growth in the sport and look back on their time in Pony Camp fondly. “Miss Melissa,” they say, “Do you remember when I didn’t know what a girth was. Wow!” The ones who return to camp after lessons elsewhere gush each summer about everything they’ve learned and tell us about their favorite lesson horses. Not every child who attends Pony Camp goes on to ride for years to come, but I have been fortunate enough to know many who have. However, every child who attends camp leaves with more confidence, more empathy, and a greater knowledge of horses and horsemanship. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of that. This year we are excited to introduce two new ponies to our campers. Fancy and Squishy have become our beginner riding lesson stars and we cannot wait for them to shine this summer. We are also looking forward to enjoying the shade in our new covered ring. Spaces are still available for Pony Camp and weekly riding lessons, please give us a call at 540-972-2238 or drop in to talk with your management team to schedule a ride.
President's letter 2 Agenda 2 Association News 2-10 Board Minutes 3 CARC Update 3 General Manager's Column 3 Calendar 9-10 Viewpoints 16 Orange County 21 Classifieds 22-23
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LOWA Board Candidates Forum August 5, 4-6 PM
The Elections Committee would like to invite all members to join us for the 2018 LOWA Board Candidates Forum on August 5, from 4 to 6 PM in the Community Center. Format for the Candidates Forum is as follows: • Doors open at 3:30 PM for members to hand in their questions. • The Elections Committee will collect approximately 5-7 questions for the candidates to answer. • Elections Committee will approve questions before asking candidates. • Each candidate will have three minutes for introduction. • Each candidate will have two minutes for their response. The Elections Committee encourages you to read the candidates bios and listen to their interviews so we aren’t asking them questions they have already answered. Any questions or comments regarding the election process and the format of the forum, please send to: elections@lowa.org.
Tuesday, August 7 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Community Center Pavillion (see page 19 for more info)
Friday, July 27 7-9 PM, Concert on the Point Island Gerry Duo
Sunday, August 5 LOWA Board Candidates Forum 4-6 PM, Community Center
Wednesday, August 1 Quarterly Assessments Due
August 10 Teen Pool/Pizza Party 8-10:30 PM, Sweetbriar Pool
Saturday, August 4 LOWA Regular Board Meeting 10 AM, Community Center
July 27, 2018
Wednesday, August 15 LOWA Regular Board Meeting 2 PM, Community Center
LOWA Website Links Clubhouse Area Recreation Complex Info LOWA.ORG/CAPITALPROJECTS dwellingLive LOWA.ORG/DWELLINGLIVE Lake Currents online: LOWA.ORG/LAKECURRENTS