The Official Newsletter of the Lake of the Woods Association, Inc. Vol. 18, No. 24
540.972.2237
LOWA.org
Referendum – When Will It Be Over?
by Pete Brown, Vice President, LOWA Board We hear this question a lot. The Board set a goal of reaching 2,600 total votes, yea or nay, at the beginning of the referendum. This is a mark we have reached in previous referendums. The easiest way to get it over with is for you to cast your ballot. Now, many of you may have started reading the original language, found your eyes glazed over from the legalese, and tossed the ballot away. (It is okay to admit it). In the simplest explanation, the two parts are: 1. ECC right of appeal on certain decisions. You have no right of appeal at present. Voting “yes” would give you that right. 2. Charges for continued lot and covenant violations. LOWA used to issue a $10 per day charge for up to 90 days, as allowed by Virginia law, for members who violated rules and covenants through failure to keep up their property. This worked for almost 50 years, until a Virginia Supreme court ruled that this procedure must be included in our covenants, thus the referendum to put this language into those covenants. The goal is to get members to bring their lots into compliance with our rules, not to collect money. We always work with members to do so in a timely fashion. Here is the bottom line: If you would like a right to appeal certain ECC decisions regarding your future home projects, vote “yes” to item one. Cast your vote. If you want to be a bad neighbor and keep junk cars in your yard, never mow your lawn or let your house start to fall apart and not make repairs, (although you agreed not to do any of these things when you bought into our HOA), vote no to item 2. Cast your vote. Conversely, if you want to be a good neighbor and live in a community that has well-kept homes that hold their values, vote “yes” to item 2. Cast your vote. I have heard people say not voting is a no vote. Perhaps in a way it is, however, the Board is still committed to the 2,600 total votes and the sooner we reach the goal, the sooner the referendum can end. Not voting reminds me of the ostrich sticking its head in the sand, hoping what it fears will go away. The best way to make the referendum go away is to cast your ballot. We need 2,130 yes votes for both measures to pass. We hope you will vote yes to both questions. Here’s how: Confirm your vote or request an email ballot – call 833-2000602 or visit https://vtnw.com/go/LOWAresend/. You can read more about the referendum and the full language at: www.LOWA.org/ECCReferendum.
/LOWAssociation
April 23, 2021
What Sparks Your Interest?
VIRTUAL COMMITTEE FAIR May 7 - 14, 2021
Board of Boating Examiners Clubhouse Communications Community & Youth
Visit our website at www.LOWA.org/CommitteeFair to explore videos about each committee. Check Lake Currents for the TV18 video schedule or watch the videos on Facebook.com/LOWAssociation. Visit the Committee Fair website to find out how you can win one of our fabulous door prizes from: LOW Clubhouse Fareways Cafe LOW Pro Shop LOW Equestrian Center Graze Steakhouse Clearwater Grill
Elections Environmental Control Equestrian External Affairs Finance Fitness Golf Honor Awards Lakes Legal & Compliance Maintenance & Ecology Nominating Pickleball / Tennis Planning Pools Rules
www.LOWA.org/CommitteeFair
Safety & Security
2021 Boat Decal Enforcement
Boat decal check starts May 2; register your watercraft as soon as possible. Members are encouraged to pick up their decals rather than having them mailed, to ensure that they receive them on time.
Agenda 2 Association News 2-5 General Manager's Column 3 Calendar 5, 8 Viewpoints 10 Orange County 13 Classifieds 14-15
LOWA Loyalty Points & Sweeps Expire on April 30 Assessment Statements have been mailed Assessment Due May 1 Saturday, April 24 OC Sheriff’s Office Drug Take Back 10 AM-2 PM, LLCH parking lot
Saturday, May 1 LOWA Regular Board Meeting 10 AM, Community Center May 7-14 LOWA Virtual Committee Fair www.LOWA.org/CommitteeFair May 9 Happy Mother’s Day!
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