Lake Currents March 10, 2023

The Official Newsletter of the Lake of the Woods Association, Inc.

Property Owner’s Guide to Helping Improve the Health of Our Lakes Series 1: Chemical Application

by Bobby Jones, Director of Facilities

Through the spring and summer months Lake Currents will publish a series of articles on how property owners can help improve the health of our Lakes. Every lot owner can make a positive difference to the health of the Main Lake and Keaton’s Lake by following these principles and practices.

Fertilizer Applications

Problem: Homeowners use up to 10 times more chemicals (i.e., fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides) per acre than farmers. You do not have to choose between a healthy lake and a beautiful lawn, but neither do you have to buy lawn applications in excess of your needs.

Solution: Consider reducing the area that needs application by landscaping or using low maintenance vegetation. Start with a soil test to find out what nutrients your lawn needs. You can pick up a soil test kit at the LOWA Maintenance Building at 114 Fairway Drive. Test every 3 years. Correct other deficiencies first. Soil pH, shade, irrigation (or lack of) may be the problem. Fix them first. Adjust the acidity to around 6.5 pH to aid in retention of nutrients. When you do need fertilizers, apply the 4 R’s of Application. Use Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and the Right Place.

• The Right Source

Use no-phosphorous, slow-release nitrogen fertilizers. Established lawns need little or no additional phosphorous. Locust Grove Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowes have nophosphorus and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer.

Check out the FY23-24 Budget in Brief

Pages 12-13

This is a summary of the approved budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

For more information visit www.LOWA.org/Budget

• The Right Rate

Base your rate of application on the soil tests. The tests do not determine the concentration of nitrogen in the soil but do provide recommendations of the rate to apply. LOWA Regulation V.N. prohibits the use of fertilizer containing phosphorus unless a soils test deems it necessary and approval is granted by LOWA. Well-established lawns, where clippings have been recycled, may need little or no nitrogen. Other lawns may need up to 1 ½ to 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year. Never apply more than 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application. More is not better! It is better to apply ½ pound per 1,000 square feet at several key times per season. Do not apply more that 50 to 70 pounds of lime per 1,000 square feet in a single treatment

Annual Assessment Invoices Will Mail End of March

The new fiscal year for the Association begins May 1, and LOWA is currently finalizing assessment packets and invoices for mailing on March 23. Watch your mail the last week of March for an 8.5 x 11” self-mailer which will be folded in half and tabbed shut for privacy.

Members may opt-in to receive the invoice and other documents via email. To do so, visit www.LOWA.org/Forms and complete the electronic transmission form. Submit the completed form to FrontDesk@LOWA.org or drop it off at Member Services.

Mon., April 10

LOWA Special Board Meeting Wake Boat Study Results

7 PM, Community Center, Zoom (Rescheduled from March 13)

LOWA Website Links TEKControl (Visitor Management)

LOWA.ORG/TEKCONTROL

Reduce the area needing application by landscaping or using low maintenance vegetation.

President’s Letter

by Teri Vickery

As I mentioned in my last letter, the budget for fiscal year 2023-2024 has been approved. For details, please read the Budget-in-Brief feature in this edition of Lake Currents. Early boat registration begins March 13, and you can pay your assessment, as well as amenity fees, starting April 1. If you have any doubt about how inflation has impacted, and will continue to impact, our operations here at the lake, just go back to the Feb. 24 edition of Lake Currents and read the Treasurer’s Report.

I hope all of you read the article about FiberLync in the last edition of Lake Currents. The article provided details of one resident’s recent experience signing up for FiberLync’s internet service. I see a lot of questions and concerns, as well as complaints, about FiberLync on social media. I encourage you to contact FiberLync directly if you have a specific issue with damage done to your property or general questions about their internet service. The number to call is 540-360-0585.

Another subject that I read a lot about on social media is ECC violations. Many people have the impression that the ECC is too generous in granting exceptions to our regulations. Often, it is actually that a member has done something without realizing that it is against our regulations and without contacting the ECC for approval. LOWA has both proactive and reactive enforcement of lot violations. Our inspectors drive the streets to identify violations, but they also respond to complaints from neighbors. The staff must document all violations with photographs and must process letters for initial and continuing violations, all of which takes time. Therefore, the easiest way for the ECC to identify a violation to the regulations is for a member to send an email to ECC@LOWA.org or contact the ECC Office at 540-972-2211 (Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 3:30 PM). Although some might consider this as “ratting out your neighbor,” I suggest that it is a way for each of us to watch out for our community. If you choose to contact the ECC with a question, concern, or possible violation, please be ready to provide an address. Also, a picture speaks a thousand words.

In my last column, I mentioned fences, specifically the proposal for an expanded dog run/play area. Many of you took my request to email the Board to heart and I thank you for all your comments, both for and against fences. By the time you read this, the Board will have met on March 8 to consider whether to move all or portions of the proposed amendments to Regulations V and XVI to the Rules Committee and legal counsel. Regardless of what was decided, I encourage you to continue to let us know your position on the topic of fences.

I know it is only early March, but it sure feels like spring is already here. I, for one, am enjoying this weather. As I walk the neighborhood, I see so many signs of spring, including my daffodils which have already bloomed. Have yours?

Potential Speeding/ Distracted Driving

by Richard Harrell, Chief

of Security

Safe Driving – There have been several accidents in the 1200 block of Lakeview Parkway. All have been from distracted driving, or possible speeding. Distracted drivers veer off the shoulder and then attempt to correct and bring their vehicle back onto the road; this often results in damage to their vehicles and the ditch, culverts, and driveways of the residents that live in that area. There is a white fog line painted on the side of the road that, if not distracted, will help the driver stay and maintain their lane while driving. Investigating why these accidents have been happening in this area of Lakeview Parkway, we have noticed vehicles start to go over toward the fog line and then quickly correct. Most of those drivers were noticed on their phones, or doing something that caused them to be distracted. None were speeding. With that all said, LOW maintenance will be installing signs to ensure drivers know and are aware of the potential hazard in the area.

Volunteers Needed for M&E Committee

by Jack Simons, Chair, M&E Committee

The Maintenance and Ecology Committee is an active committee with members who have experience and expertise in construction, maintenance, and ecology. We share a commitment to ensure Lake of the Woods remains a premiere community for the preservation of property values and enjoyment by all members. If you would like to contribute your time and talent to benefit Lake of the Woods, the M&E Committee is a great place to volunteer.

The M&E Committee assists the Director of Facilities and General Manager in evaluating the physical condition of all Association-owned facilities, grounds, and equipment. We review and recommend best practices for the maintenance and enhancement of LOWA infrastructure. The Committee monitors current operations, makes recommendations to the Board of Directors, and assists with long-term planning, with particular attention to the New Asset and Capital Improvement budget cycle. We also work in conjunction with Environmental Resources Manager to review all ecology matters affecting LOW, including storm water drainage, lake water quality, and aquatic vegetation. The committee meets on the first Thursday of each month in the Community Center at 3 PM.

If you have interest in discussing this opportunity further, please email JOSimons179@gmail.com; or submit an application for membership at LOWA.org/Committees.

Board of Directors, LOWA, Inc.

Send email to the Board at: Board@LOWA.org

President: Teri Vickery

Vice Pres.: Rick Rappoport

Treasurer: Walt Diercks

Secretary: Leif Henecke

Directors: Carl Clawson

Vassa Olson

Bill Kay

General Manager: Phillip Rodenberg (prodenberg@LOWA.org)

Assistant General Manager: Carolyn Brodeur (cbrodeur@LOWA.org)

Director of Facilities: James "Bobby" Jones (jjones@LOWA.org)

Director of Finance: Charlie Maneval (cmaneval@LOWA.org)

President of the Board General Manager

Editorial Staff

Communications Manager: Carolyn Brodeur (cbrodeur@LOWA.org)

Communications Assistant: Lisa Naghshineh (lakecurrents@LOWA.org)

Copy Editor Dan McFarland (dmcfarland@LOWA.org)

Graphics/Layout: Chris Porter (cporter@LOWA.org)

LOWA Communications Department: 540-972-2278

Lake Currents The official newsletter of the Lake of the Woods Association, Inc. (USPS 872-400) is published bi-weekly for its membership. Nonmembers $20 per year (25 issues). Periodical postage rate paid at Spotsylvania, VA 22553. Visit our web site at: LOWA.org. ITEMS FOR PUBLICATION in the newsletter must be received in the Association office by noon on the Monday after publication for the next publication or by the preceding Friday if Monday is a holiday. All advertising and articles need to be submitted via email to lakecurrents@LOWA.org. The views expressed in guest articles and paid advertisements represent the opinions of authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lake of the Woods Association, Inc. Call the communications office at 540-9722278 for details about classified and display advertisements which must be prepaid (unless other arrangements are made). POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LOWA, Inc., 102 Lakeview Pkwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508

FY 2023-2024

Budget Overview

by Phil Rodenberg, General Manager, ® CMCA, ® AMS, ® PCAM

The LOWA Board voted on Feb. 15 to adopt the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget for the year beginning May 1 after several weeks of deliberations, including General Manager updates and Board, Committee, and Member input. There were numerous updates and changes this year as we worked with the Board to minimize any increase. This is a balanced budget with total authorized spending of $12,741,167 See Budget in Brief. Pgs 12-13.

This budget enables the Lake of the Woods Association to effectively carry out its numerous obligations to maintain the common areas, lakes and dams; operate the amenities; enforce Association covenants and regulations; and provide adequate gate access and common area security.

Inflation, a nationwide economic reality, greatly affected budget preparation, more specifically regarding repair and replacement reserve and contractual services costs.

Operating Budget Highlights

The annual lot assessment necessary to accomplish the ongoing Operations & Maintenance and Capital Replacement and fund the sixth budget year of the Clubhouse Area Recreational Complex (CARC) Project is $1,970 for the 4,260 billable lots (up one lot since 2022). The increase is $124 (6.7%) above the current $1,846. Compare this to the 6.5% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as of December 2022, and the 8.7% increase of Social Security. Capital replacement expenses are $21 higher. Operating expenses are $103 higher.

Total Revenue is $12,849,170

Expenditures. Operating Budget expenditures total $10,150,962, which is $663,105 more than current year. Cost drivers are: contractual services (up $272,511) including the Security Contract which is up $60,622, employee salaries and benefits (up $198,092), Restaurant and Pro Shop cost of sales (down $52,604), Clubhouse interior painting ($65,000), gasoline (up $42,357) and property insurance (up $31,320) compared to the current budget.

We need a dedicated workforce with excellent customer service skills. Thus, we included a 7% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) raise and 1% merit raise, effective the first pay period in May 2023. Inflation has driven up pay rates in the region and made it easy for employees to jump from one job to another. Retaining dedicated and skilled employees avoids the extra costs related to recruitment and re-training. There is a net change of one additional full-time employee.

Highlights:

• Addition of one full-time Roads Laborer in the 502 Roads Department to do leaf removal during leaf season and ditch cleaning and repair yearround.

• Conversion to full time from part time – the Environmental Control Committee Administrative Assistant in the 303 Environmental Services budget. This current employee is instrumental in implementing the new courtesy contacts program and will continue to assist with the high volume of lot violation notification letters. We want to resolve violations early in the notification process to avoid legal action.

• Addition of a part time Erosion & Sediment Inspector (E&SI) in the 303 Environmental Services budget. We will retain a part time E&SI as well.

• Conversion to full time from part time – with the promotion of the Communications Manager to Assistant General Manager, additional support is needed from the Graphic Designer to handle the workload.

• Conversion of the Golf Pro position from full time to part time. The goal is to fill this position seasonally, with primary focus during the summer and fall.

Revenue – Ongoing Operations & Maintenance and Capital Replacement. After counting amenity and administrative revenues, the budget requires $7,580,636 for cash break even. This translates to $1,779. Importantly, we used two non-assessment revenue sources that saved $95/lot on the assessment: • $300,000 in New Construction & Renovation Reserve (NCR) funds, already collected from private lot construction and renovation projects during FY2022-2023.

• $106,250 in Interest Income earnings on estimated Capital/Reserve balances.

Expected Clubhouse revenue is down $174,758 (-13.0%), expected Fareways revenue is up

$81,545 (13.6%), and expected Tenant Fee revenue is up $13,394 (5.7%), compared to the current budget.

Fee Schedule. The Fee Schedule has changed and includes increases in almost all amenity fees. The Tenant Fee is $1,774 ($5 less than the ongoing operations & maintenance and capital replacement portion of the assessment). Revenue – Clubhouse Area Recreation Complex (CARC) Project. The final project cost was $5,088,693 for which LOWA borrowed $3,714,516 from Mutual of Omaha Bank (now CIT) over a term of seven years. In February 2021, we refinanced the remaining loan balance of approximately $2.9M with Village Bank to save on interest payments. Expected payoff date is Nov. 10, 2024. FY 2023-2024 will be the sixth year of revenue collection at $191 per lot. We expect that the portion of the assessment for CARC in FY 2024-2025, the seventh and final year, will be less than $191.

Member Services/ Holcomb Building: 540-972-2237.

Email: Frontdesk@LOWA.org

M-F; 8:30 AM-5 PM; Sat. 9 AM-1 PM

Vehicle Bar Code Hours: (Weather permitting)

Mon, Wed, Fri: 2-4:30 PM

Tues, Thurs, Sat: 10 AM-noon

Clubhouse: 540-972-2221

Office Hours: W-F, 9 AM-5 PM

Dining Room: Wed 5-9 PM; Th-Fri 5-10 PM; Sat 11 AM-10 PM; Sun 1-4 PM

Sun Brunch, 10 AM-1 PM

Menu: www.LOWA.org/Clubhouse

Communications Office:

LakeCurrents@LOWA.org or 540-9722278

WebSupport@LOWA.org or 540-7553107

Community Center: 540-972-9680

• Elimination of the Turf Equipment Mechanic in the 310/510 Golf Operations budget. International Golf Maintenance now provides the service. Cost Reduction/Energy Conservation. In October 2022, the Director of Facilities hosted an Energy Conservation Summit with staff to identify Energy Conservation Initiatives. As a result, the Buildings Crew is advancing several initiatives that will be help mitigate electrical cost increases in the new fiscal year, notably, installing the first programmable thermostats at LOWA. In FY 20232024, we will benefit from use of recently-installed programmable thermostats (10) at the Clubhouse and purchase/installation/use of programmable thermostats (6) at the Woods Center, mechanical timers on lights at Pavilions, motion sensors on lights in closets, temperature set points (68° in Winter, 73° in Summer), a commercial dehumidifier to replace three less efficient retail units at the Community Center (see 306 Community Activities budget) and, conservation policies prohibiting use of high energy consumption devices such as personal space heaters, personal refrigerators, etc., in LOWA Buildings. Promising on the horizon are potential savings from switching to FiberLync from Comcast and adding window shades in the Fitness Center.

Amenities

Golf Pro Shop (Woods Center): Daily 8 AM Reserve a tee time 540-972-2230

ECC Office: 540-972-2211

M-F, 7 AM-3:30 PM

Equestrian Center: 540-972-2238

M-F 8:30 AM-5 PM (Appt. required) Sat/Sun 9 AM-5 PM

Lessons/Pony Rides by appt.

Fareways Café: 540-972-2216

M, Tu, F, Sat, 8 AM-7 PM

W, Th, 8 AM-9 PM Sun: 8 AM-6 PM

*Last order will be taken 1-hour before closing time. Last call for alcohol will be 30 minutes before closing.

Menu: www.LOWA.org/Fareways

Fitness Center: 540-412-6016

Daily: 5 AM-11 PM

Golf Course: 8:30 AM daily; carts due by 6:30 PM

Maintenance Office: 540-972-2223; M-F, 7 AM-3:30 PM

9.9 Leaf/Brush Area: Daily: 7 AM-5 PM. Starting 3/13 open until 7 PM.

Closed Wednesdays

Pickleball: Paul Jacobson, 630-715-5657

Outdoor Courts available 7 AM-11 PM

Security/Front Gate: 540-972-2210 or 540-972-2020

LOWA.ORG/TEKCONTROL

Tennis: Alice Mote 540-424-8004

Courts available 7 AM-11 PM

Trash: LOW Compactor Site 540-672-9600

M, TU, TH, F, 7:30 AM-7 PM Sat 8 AM-5 PM; Sun 9 AM-5 PM

Closed Wednesdays & holidays

GFL/County Waste: 540-727-0887 or 540-899-7722

Curbside trash recycling/collection: Wednesdays

Save Time and Avoid the Lines!

Early Watercraft Registration begins March 13

Early Watercraft Registration begins on March 13 for only those Members who registered a watercraft last year and have an email address. Registration information and forms will be emailed out on Saturday, March 11. Additional information will be required this year for powered watercraft. Please bring completed forms to Member Services between March 13–31. All watercraft placed in or operated on the Lakes must be registered each fiscal year and have Boat Decals affixed to the hull by May 1 to avoid a summons being issued if your Boat is in the water, on LOWA racks, or in Dry Sail Parking.

If you choose to re-register your watercraft after March 31 or register a new watercraft, you must pay your Assessment in full or have a signed payment plan with initial payment complete to be eligible to complete registration. For more information, please call Member Services at 540-972-2237.

Friendly Reminder to All Watercraft Owners

Fitness Center

The Benefits of Chair Exercise

by Alison Macpherson, Fitness Specialist/Instructor

Did you know? At Lake of the Woods, there are three classes of chair exercise to choose from? Or that you don’t need to be a Fitness Center member to take advantage of any of the great classes offered in the Fitness Center?

Chair exercise is beneficial to all ages and levels of workouts. A great workout is achieved when you bring both legs off the floor, working your abs and core. Did you know that it can provide you not only with burning calories, but also with the following benefits?

• Building muscle mass and strengthening muscles

• Better balance

• Less joint stiffness and pain

• Better concentration and elevated mood

• Lower levels of stress and anxiety

• Improving posture and alignment

• Better flexibility and range of motion

• Increased blood circulation

• Sharpens your memory (by increasing blood flow to the brain)

Chair exercises are a great low-impact way to incorporate movement in your routine. Most people can burn 120 to 250 calories in a 32-minute session. By adding weights and resistance bands, the calorie burn is even more. As we get older, we may not move a lot without putting strain on our bodies. Chair exercise is a great alternative. It is especially beneficial for those who may have limited mobility, find it hard to maintain their balance, or are just looking for a way to exercise while putting less stress on the body. When you do chair exercises daily, you reduce the risk of falls, as the movements increase blood flow and keep your joints active and lubricated. They also strengthen your muscles. The great thing about doing chair exercise is that on the days you are not participating in a class you can do the exercises from just about anywhere to keep up your routine!

With so many positives to a chair exercise routine, what are you waiting for? Come up to our Fitness Center and give one of the classes a try. It may change your life! For more information, please call the Fitness Center at 540-412-6016.

YOUR Clubhouse: The Heart and Soul of Lake of the Woods

by Jeanne Allen, Chair,

Communications Committee

YOUR Clubhouse is getting a facelift!

Orange County Public Schools

2023-2024 Calendar

For detailed information visit: https://www.ocss-va.org/

The Facelif t

It’s enlightening to take a look at the history of the Clubhouse itself. Featured here is an early menu— wouldn’t we all love to get a bowl of soup for 40 cents today? Ryan commented on the menu price of short ribs at $2.75, as they currently cost him $18 a pound! They are an enduring entree, however, and are continually on the menu. Stephanie Coffey relates that the Ahi Tuna appetizer is very popular in the Members’ Lounge. There is truly something for everyone. The Feb. 10 article by Ciearra Longfellow introduced us to the new chefs and their solid culinary backgrounds. The new menu they have created includes many tasty items and everyone is raving about the Sunday brunch offerings. Ryan says their daily specials are “flying out the door!”

For several years, the Clubhouse budget has included annual funds for maintenance. The article by Ryan Richardson in the Jan. 13 Lake Currents was a great summary of the project and provided wide-ranging information about the scope of work of the facelift. Rather than a piecemeal approach of a little here, a little there, these expenditures were delayed until a coordinated plan for a facelift of the entire Clubhouse could be implemented. All systems are now “go” for a new look! While most of the work will be completed in January 2024, there will be tweaks and upgrades throughout 2023.

An article by Pete Rainey for LOWA’s 50th Anniversary contains an excerpt from the Washington Daily News of Oct. 13, 1967, about our new community. Jim Foote, the initial developer, is quoted as saying: “The heart and soul of the amenities was the clubhouse complex with the clubhouse, a focal point for family fun, picnic and beach area, tennis courts and pool and all with a magnificent lake view. We get people in the same business that want to know how we’ve been able to do so well. The answer is simple. We don’t punch a stake in the ground and announce, ‘This will be the clubhouse.’ We build the clubhouse!” The grand opening of the Clubhouse was celebrated in February of 1968.

YOUR Clubhouse has been the focal point — indeed, the heart and soul — of Lake of the Woods from the very beginning, providing a wonderful gathering spot for individuals, groups, friends, and families. The new facelift will be great. For any questions or information, please submit inquiry to www. LOWA.org/ClubhouseFacelift

2023

Aug. 9 First Day of School

Sept. 1, 4 No School - Student/Staff Holiday

Sept. 21 Student Early Dismissal

Sept. 22 No School – Parent/Teacher Conferences

Oct. 9 No School for Students

Oct. 20 No School for Students

Nov. 7 No School for Students

Nov. 22-24 No School – Student/Staff Holiday

Dec. 21 Student Early Dismissal & End of 1st Semester

Dec. 22-29 No School – Student/Staff Holiday

2024

Jan. 1-2 No School - Student/Staff Holiday

Jan. 3 No School for Students

Jan. 4 First Day of 2nd Semester

Jan. 15 No School – Student/Staff Holiday

Feb. 16 Student Early Dismissal

Feb. 19 No School – Parent/Teacher Conferences

Mar. 5 No School for Students

Mar. 15 No School for Students

Apr. 1-5 No School – Student/Staff Holiday

May 18 OCHS Graduation

May 21 Student Early Dismissal & End of School Year

FY 23/24 Capital Projects Highlights

General Manger from p. 3

Capital Budget Highlights

Total Contribution to Reserve is $2,292,895, which is comprised of $2,134,895 for Repair and Replacement Reserve (R&R) which fully funds the 2022 Miller Dodson Level II Reserve Study Update, including a 6% inflation factor, adopted by the Board for planning and budgeting purposes on Nov. 5 and $158,000 in New Asset and Improvement Reserve (NAIR) projects. The R&R CTR increases by $176,340 over the current year. No new assessment funds are needed for the Contingency Reserve since the balance is above the $100,000 Reserve Policy target funding level. Total Capital Spending is $ 2,590,205 for all projects.

Repair & Replacement Reserve. The Capital Spending Plan funds

$2,432,205 for all R&R projects in the Board-adopted 2022 Level II Reserve Study Update. Notable R&R Reserve projects:

• Clubhouse Renovation/Refresh

• Hole #10 Stormwater Restoration (Allowance) $379,000

• Route 3 Wood Rail Fence (Hole #16) Upgrade $214,500

• 2005 Freightliner w/ Clamshell Attachment

•

• Golf Cart Path, 3 Holes (Holes 13, 14, & 15)

• Tar and Chip Phase C, Sections 10, 11, and 12

• Roads Equipment Storage Barn

• Culvert Replacements

Patrick Henry Court to Small Marina Drainage Improvement Project. The previous Capital Spending Plan provided what we believe are the final funds needed for construction. We anticipate bidding the project this summer for construction in Fall 2023.

Chip and Tar Program. For the second year, we have included funding for the Chip and Tar program in the Repair and Replacement Reserve. This was done to provide a better mechanism for tracking and planning towards the eventual conversion to asphalt roadways.

New Asset and Improvement Reserve. The Capital Spending Plan funds $158,000 in NAIR projects from the assessment as follows:

1. Main Gate Improvements Design/Engineering (Alt 2B) $ 100,000

2. Fareways Exterior Dining Patio

3. Veterans Dam Trail (Erosion Repairs)

4. Automated External Defibrillators (4)

5. Life Ring Stations (6) with Fire Extinguishers

6. Traffic Speed Indicator Sign

We built the budget after reviewing actual revenue and expenditures from three previous years and the current year. We considered the stated Board Goals, Board Budget Guidance, federal, state, and local government requirements, and inflation forecasts and expectations. We contacted utility providers and incorporated funds to cover a Rappahannock Electric Cooperative rate increase. Operations Center Managers reviewed the FiveYear Capital Plan to consider new initiatives. Likewise, managers determined if any spending could be reduced or eliminated. We reviewed prices and service quality of current vendors. We considered the local economy which we believe will hold steady.

Conclusion and Acknowledgements

The budget is a responsible spending plan which carries the Lake of the Woods Association forward toward the Board’s Vision: A welcoming, diverse, residential, gated community of single-family homes and recreational amenities that supports the evolving needs of members and their families now and in the future.

The budget document represents many hours of preparation by the Operations Center Managers in consultation with the committees. Finance Director Charlie Maneval and Facilities Director Bobby Jones and their staffs, as well as Assistant General Manager Carolyn Brodeur were instrumental in completing this work. Special thank yous to Executive Assistant Lorri Trocchio and the Holcomb Building staff.

Thank you to the committees and individual members who took the time to participate in the budget process. Finally, thank you to the Board of Directors for the careful review and timely actions to approve the budget.

Members interested in viewing the complete budget, including operation center details, may visit https://www.LOWA.Org/Budget (member login required) or visit the Holcomb Building Reading Room. The budget process is encapsulated in Resolution 2023-2 on the budget webpage.

Property Owner's Guide from p. 1

• The Right Time

1. Late spring thru summer is best for warm season grasses i.e. Bermuda or Zoysia.

2. September thru Oct. 15 is best for cool season grasses i.e. tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, or perennial ryegrass. (Soil temperatures must be above 50 degrees).

3. Nutrient loss from runoff can be reduced by watering immediately after application to promote incorporation into turf. Time fertilizer applications on un-irrigated lawns to coincide with subsequent rainfall. ¼ inch of rain after application is best. Avoid application prior to predicted hard rains.

• The Right Place

DO NOT APPLY WITHIN 20 FEET of a ditch, stream, or lake. Promptly clean up fertilizer or pesticide applications that settle on impervious surfaces.

If you have questions, please contact the LOWA Environmental Resources Department at 540-972-2211. Another resource is the Culpeper Soil & Water Conservation District at 540-825-8591.

F A M I L Y

N I G H T

Rolls again at the Clubhouse

Saturday, Mar 25th, 6:00-9:00 pm

To reserve a seat, register by Mar 24th online at www.lowa.org or use the QR code

Photo provided

Fareways Café staff serve up the fun and drinks during the Neelywed Game Night. The new bar shelf (shown in back) was recently donated by the LOW Woodworkers Club.

Lake Currents 2023 -2024 Back Page

Advertising Opportunities Now Available

We are now accepting advertisers for the Lake Currents back page. Contract required, ads will run every other issue May 2023- April 2024.

Up to four advertisers will be accepted on a first come / first served basis. Call or email to secure your ad: 540-972-2278

LakeCurrents@LOWA.org

Indicate your first, second and third preferences for sizes. Full back page ads will only be available if there are fewer than four contracts. We will do our best to accommodate requests for horizontal or vertical ads but it will depend on the requests we receive.

Pricing & sizes are as follows: OPTION 1: HALF BACK PAGE

COLOR 4.75 W x 13 H $395 per issue

OPTION 2:

BACK PAGE

COLOR 9.75 W x 6.25 H $395 per issue

OPTION 3: FULL BACK PAGE COLOR 9.75 W x 13 H $790 per issue

Saturday, April 1

10 AM, LOWA Regular Board Meeting, CC, Zoom.

Monday, April 10

7 PM, LOWA Special Board Meeting, Wake Boat Study, CC, Zoom (Rescheduled from March 13)

Committee Meetings: Meetings are subject to change. Visit www.LOWA. org/Committees or www.LOWA.org/ Calendar To join Zoom meeting, go to www.LOWA.org/CommitteeAgendas, for Zoom link. Member Log-in Required.

Equestrian: 3/14, 1:30 PM, CC

Pools/Community: 3/14, 7 PM, CC

LCC Meeting: 3/15, 7:30 PM, CC

LCC Hearing: 3/15, 8 PM, CC

ECC: 3/16, 9 AM, WC

Lakes: 3/20, 7 PM, CC

Nominating: 3/21, 11 AM, CC

Ad Hoc Future Finance: 3/21, 2 PM, CC

Rules: 3/21, 3 PM, Zoom

Fareways: 3/22, 2 PM, CH

Communications: 3/22, 3 PM, WC

Planning: 3/23, 4 PM, CC

Golf: 3/27, 3 PM, WC

Investment/Treasurer: 3/27, 1 PM, CC

• Board Meetings: View online at www.LOWA.org/Videos. To join the Zoom meeting, visit www.LOWA.org/ BoardAgendas, for Zoom link. Member Log-in Required.

For assistance with logging on to the website, email WebSupport@LOWA. org. For assistance accessing Zoom meeting call 540-972-9680 or email ZoomHelp@LOWA.org

Sunday, March 12

Daylight Saving Time Begins

Monday, March 13

Early Watercraft Registration Begins. Info: 540-972-2237.

1 PM LOW Garden Club Meeting (CH).

Friday, March 17

12-10 PM St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Fareways Café. Info: 540-972-2216.

Monday, March 20

10 AM LOW AARP Meeting (CH). Info: Pierre 540-972-0519.

Thursday, March 23 7 PM LOW Veterans Club Meeting (LLCH). Info: www.lowvets.club

Calendar of Events

SPORTS & EXERCISE (subject to change)

Saturday, March 25 6-9 PM Family Bingo Night (CH). Register: www.LOWA.org Paid

Whether you are buying, selling, or just have questions about the real estate process, I’m here to help. Call or text me 540-538-6605. Call

Tennis Connection

Save the Date! Tennis Social

by Janet Ratzlaff, Vice Chair, Pickleball/Tennis Committee

When: Saturday, May 20, Tennis 9-11 AM, social 11 AM-noon

Where: Hollyfield Tennis Courts and Pavilion

Who: LOW residents ($2), Guests ($5)

What: Tennis Social!

Tennis balls and water will be provided. Please bring a tasty treat to share after tennis.

In addition, the LOW Tennis Directory has been published and sent out to those who submitted their information. If you would like to be included in the directory, please contact me at Ratzlaff.janet@gmail.com See you on the courts!

Family Bingo Night at the Clubhouse

by Janet Klingensmith, Member, Pools and Community Activities Committee

The Pools and Community Activities Committee is happy to sponsor another Family BINGO Night! On Saturday, March 25, 6-9 PM at the LOW Clubhouse, you and your family are invited to join in the fun of multiple games of BINGO.

So gather your good luck, friends and family and join us for a few games of BINGO and possibly win a prize. And of course, wonderful food and drinks will be available for purchase from the Clubhouse menu.

To reserve a seat, please register online by March 24 using the following QR code: Or online at www.lowa.org/Amenities/CommunityCenter/Pool_Events_Activities

F A M I L Y

N I G H T

Rolls again at the Clubhouse Saturday, Mar 25th, 6:00-9:00 pm

To reserve a seat, register by Mar 24th online at www.lowa.org or use the QR code

LOWA FY23-24 Budget in Brief

Annual Assessment Fee $1,970 Where Do Your Assessment Dollars Go

Where Do Your Assessment Dollars Go FY2023-24

FY23-24 Budget Summary

LOWA again saw excellent participation in the budgeting process by the Finance and Planning Committees and LOWA Membership. The LOWA Board and GM considered inputs from all Committees and the Membership and worked diligently to refine the final assessment number and fee schedule. The Board formally adopted the budget on Feb. 15. To view the full budget and fee schedule online, please visit www.LOWA.org/Budget

Key Budget Highlights

1. The assessment increases $124 (6.7%) to $1,970/lot. Key factors include:

a. Permanent changes in the cost of doing business due to inflation, compensation pressures, and supply chain issues.

b. Increases to overall repair and replacement reserve costs and contractual services support costs. No repair and replacement items scheduled were deferred. Maintenance deferrals always lead to higher future costs of operations.

c. End-of-year cash surplus balances from FY22/23 into FY23/24 were unavailable, although $300,000 in FY22/23 New Construction and Renovation (NCR) funds and $106,250 in interest income were used to offset the increase (see below).

d. One-time costs of $65,000 to paint the interior of the Clubhouse as part of the January 2024 facelift project.

2. When LOWA first began the budgeting process, the proposed increase to the assessment was 10.2%. After extensive review, discussions, and deliberations, we were able to bring the increase down to 6.7%.

a. $300,000 in forecasted 2022/2023 NCR carryover funds and $106,250 in interest income expected on Capital/Reserve fund balances were used in the new budget year to mitigate the assessment increase. That’s equivalent to $95 per lot in assessment savings.

b. Over 85 increases in fee schedule items for amenity and administrative fees combined with an increase in Fareways revenue, and the elimination of any additional contingency reserve funding requirements helped mitigate the assessment increase.

Capital Spending

Check out the Capital Projects Highlights on page 6!

LOWA FY23-24 Budget in Brief

Footnote: The difference between Total Revenue and Total Authorized Spending relates to the inclusion of the CARC Project Assessment Revenue, differences between budgeted Contribution to Reserve and Capital Spending, NCR Fee adjustments, and Interest Income on Capital/Reserve fund balances.

Blankets and Pillowcases and Duffle Bags – Oh My!

by Christine Purtell, LOW Childhelp Auxiliary

AARP: Physical Therapy, Part Two

by Karen Kovarik, Member, LOW AARP

The next AARP meeting will be on Monday, March 20 in the Great Hall of the Clubhouse. All are invited. Come at 9:30 AM for coffee, treats, and a chance to socialize with friends and newcomers.

Last month’s speaker, Lauren Langstone from Select Physical Therapy, met with rapt attention as she described aliments from head to toe that benefit from outpatient physical therapy. This month we will focus on inpatient therapy.

Our speaker is Lisa West, LPN, Rehab Liaison from Encompass Hospital. She describes their services as follows:

When a child arrives at the Alice C. Tyler Village, often he/she will arrive with only the clothes on their bodies - the luckier ones show up with all their worldly possessions in a grocery or trash bag. Most of us cannot even imagine such a scenario. Your LOW Childhelp Auxiliary tries to address these situations.

Your Auxiliary keeps the Village supplied with matching blankets and pillowcases on hand, so when a new child arrives, they received a matching set of a blanket and pillowcase that are theirs, forever! Additionally, when a new student arrives, our Duffle Bag Team is notified. This team consists of Leslie Andricos, Jeanne Dietz and President Barbara Robinson. Immediately, these ladies prepare a duffle bag for this student, with his/her name embroidered on it. The duffle bag is presented to him or her on the day of their departure, along with a card from the Auxiliary, extending our best wishes and prayers for the child in the future. We want these “at risk” children to know that they are not just a number to us - we love them and support them and are there for them. Would you want us to do anything less? Your support of these efforts means everything! Thank you in advance. God Bless all who support our Auxiliary!

“The points of impact for acute rehab are that we are a hospital level of care and admit patients to manage not only their therapy needs, but the acute/chronic medical conditions as well. We provide a more intensive level of therapy that is delivered to the patient at 3 hours daily /5 days per week during their in-patient stay with us. For many patients we are the beginning of their mobility following a recent hospital stay, injury, fall, or functional decline, to move them toward the continuum of going home and being able to get out of their home to appointments and complete activities of daily living that they were unable to achieve previously. We also provide education to family members during therapy sessions to prepare them for the patient’s needs upon return home.”

While we can hope not to need such services, it is comforting to know that they are available locally.

Notices

Read to the Finish at the Wilderness Branch Library.

This year’s adult reading program “Read to the Finish” runs from Mon., March 13 through Sat., April 29. This free program is open to adults 18 years (high school graduates) and over. Complete all four levels on your Horse Racetrack Reading Log to finish the race and take home a tote bag. Read/Listen to titles in the following categories: Level 1 Grounded in History, Level 2 Shrouded in Mystery, Level 3 Escape from the Everyday, and Level 4 Read to a Thrilling Finish. Each level completed gives participants a chance to enter the Grand Prize Drawing to win gift cards and tailgating prizes. Stop by to see the prizes on display at the library and sign up to enter the race! Info: 540-854-5310.

The Brandy Station Foundation is seeking volunteers to show visitors around the Graffiti House, so named because it is full of Civil War soldier signatures, messages, and drawings. The building is open from noon-4 PM every other Saturday from March to November, with the goal of opening every Friday-Sunday over the summer. When we have enough potential volunteers to form a class, we will host a six-hour training session, conducted by a retired National Park Service supervisory park ranger. If interested, please contact the foundation at bsfgh1863@gmail.com

The LOW AARP TaxAide site is scheduling appointments to e-file your Federal/State tax returns Feb 3-Apr 15 from 8:45 AM-1:15 PM. Please pick up your information packet from the Wilderness Branch Library lobby and call our scheduler at 540-318-0345 once you receive all your tax forms. Celebrate Recovery Program. New program at The Lake of the Woods Church, Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. Come and experience healing from life’s hurts, habits, and hangups. Come as you are. Email Kip and Marsha at CRLOWCinfo@gmail.com

Project Excel Program

Reading and Math volunteers are needed at the Locust Grove Primary and Elementary Schools for the Project Excel program. Apply online at OrangeCountyVA.gov/286/ Project-Excel. For more information, email Mr.Tutoring88@gmail.com or call LOW resident, Ginny Biggs at 571-259-8951.

Lost or Found Pets in LOW can be posted on facebook.com/ LOWlostandfoundpets

Hearing Aids/Eyeglasses

Recycled: Place used hearing aids and eyeglasses in LOW Lions boxes at the Ferris Building & Holcomb Building.

Rapidan Service Authority

(RSA): 540-972-2133; Rapidan.org

Rappahannock Electric Coop

(REC): 800-552-3904; Myrec.coop

FiberLync Internet Service: 540-360-0585; Fiberlync.net

Fundraisers

Chattanooga Choo Choo - Join the LOW Chapter of the AARP on a 4 day trip to Chattanooga, TN, June 13-16. Three train rides, a Riverboat Cruise, Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain, three dinners and more, are included. Bus leaves from and returns to LOW. All profits will be distributed to local charities through the AARP Chapter #5239 benevolent fund. For a flyer and info, call Pierre at 540-972-0519 and leave a clear message, or email at pierre114@ verizon.net. Cut-off date is April 1.

LOW F&R Phone Directory

The LOW Directory is available for $10, cash or check only, at LOWA Member Services, Holcomb Bldg. Sales benefit LOW Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company.

Cause 4 Paws. We need volunteer foster homes, monetary donations, and donations of the following: Purina Kitten Chow, Purina Cat Chow, Friskies Pate canned food and Fancy Feast Kitten Wet Food. Proceeds benefit feline rescue. Donations may be tax deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) charity. Donations may be mailed to Cause 4 Paws, P.O. Box 301, Locust Grove, VA 22508. Facebook: causefourpaws Locust Grove VA or call LA, 540-4854181 or Darlene 540-972-8038.

LOW Lioness Book Sale

Used books will be sold on the last Saturday of the month (Feb.Nov.) from 8:30 AM to 1 PM at the Ferris Building. Proceeds go to the Benevolence Fund. Book donations are accepted the day of the sale. No reference or textbooks, please. Info: Ann, 540-972-4338; Sherri, 540412-9854; or Helene, 540-412-0798.

LOW Lions Medical Equipment Loan Program seeks donations of wheelchairs and rollators in working condition to share with neighbors in need. Donate at Velona Building (by compactor) any Saturday from 9 AM to noon. Call 540-388-0110 to schedule a pick-up. If you or a family member needs a walker, shower bench, bedside commode, or other medical equipment, the Lions are here for you!

Lions Furniture Pickup and Yard Sale. The LOW Lions accept donations of furniture and merchandise at the Velona Building (Shoosmith Road, near the trash compactor). Donations accepted Saturdays from 9 AM to noon. To arrange for donation pickup, call Terry at 540-495-0640. The Lions are a 501(c)(3) charity; donations may be tax deductible. The Lion’s Yard Sale at the Velona Building is open every Saturday from 9 AM to noon.

Orange County Humane Society of VA. We are in need of dry and wet cat food in addition to pet supplies. Check out our Chewy profile for our Wish List items. Monetary donations can be mailed to OCHSVA, PO Box 852, Locust Grove, VA 22508 or donate through Paypal. Use the Walmart app, under the Round Up program select Orange County Humane Society Inc. as your charity of choice. Food donations may be dropped off at the Locust Grove Vet Clinic. Like us on Facebook: Orange County Humane Society VA. Call us at: 540-672-0069 for questions about

Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return feral, free roaming cat program, Pets in Place program or for other questions. OCHSVA is a 501(c)3 charity, your donations may be tax deductible.

Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous: Meeting every Monday at 7 PM at LOW Church (Rm 210). For other local online AA meetings go to http://d39. wildwoodweb.com/Meetings.shtml

Info: LOW Church 540-972-9060.

Cancer Support Group for Women and their caregivers: Meetings are held at LOW Church. Please contact Suzanne Lentine for meeting dates/time or for more information, 540-972-9060.

Dementia Memory Café: This is a social event where the person with dementia and/or the caregiver(s) are welcome to come discuss issues. Contact Bonnie at 540-547-4824 or bonnired@comcast.net

Divorce Care Support Group Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM, at the LOW Church Library. For more information, contact Mike Lemay at 540-972-9060 or email mike@ lowchurch.org

Grief Support Group: Griefshare is a free worldwide Bible-based support group to help you through your grief journey after the loss of a loved one. We meet twice a year for 13-week sessions of videos and discussions at the LOW Church. Info: 540-972-9060 or www.lowchurch.org

Living Water Community Clinic in Locust Grove Town Center (32345 Constitution Hwy, Suite P) offers free medical care, dental care, and prescription assistance to the eligible uninsured in Orange, Spotsylvania, and Culpeper counties. Medical care available on 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th Thursdays from 5 to 8 PM. Medical and dental care available on the 2nd Saturday from 9 AM to noon. Call 540854-5922 for medical appointments. Call 540-854-5923 for dental appointments. Volunteers Needed. Info: 540-854-5922, Suzanne.

LOWLINC - Non-profit membership service organization dedicated to enabling seniors at the lake to continue living fully and independently in their homes. Volunteer services provided: transportation, light home maintenance, computer assistance, check-in calls, friendly visits, and referrals to screened service providers. Fee-based. Opportunities to volunteer, too. Info: 1-855-LOWLINC or visit lowlinc.org.

LOW Lions/Lioness Wilderness Food Pantry: Located behind Locust Grove Town Center, Route 20. The pantry is open several times a month to provide food to qualified persons/ families in Orange County. Please call 888-508-9274 for the schedule of openings and other information about the pantry. LOW Lions rely on Federal food programs, local retail stores, community food drives, and financial donations to feed the hungry in our community. Lions Wilderness Food Pantry, P.O. Box 605, Locust Grove, VA 22508. Info: Nicki, 703-217-5615.

LOW Lions Medical Equipment: Durable medical equipment is available for temporary loan to those with needs. Currently loans are being

made by appointment only. Please call 540-388-0110.

Orange County Free Clinic: Offers primary medical care and prescription assistance to the uninsured in OC. Medical care available by appointment. 101-C Woodmark Street, Orange. Info: 540-672-0793.

Parkinson’s Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month at the Lake of the Woods Church at 4 PM. Contact Lee Moore at 540-972-0395 with any questions.

Red Cross Blood Drive: From noon to 6 PM, in the Community Center. Usually fourth Tuesday every other month (call to confirm date). You must be generally healthy and 17 or older. Go to www.redcrossblood.org for schedule and more detailed information. Make an appointment online or call 1-800-7332767. Making an appointment saves you time! Walk-ins accepted, on space available basis. Hosted by the LOW Lions Club. Info: Ginny, 540-848-5829 or Carol, 540-972-0664.

Seeking Counseling? The LOW Church offers affordable counseling for all persons by appointment. Info: Church, 540-972-9060.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), is a confidential, free, 24-hour-aday, information service for individuals and family members facing mental or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. If you or someone you know needs immediate support regarding suicide prevention, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services Care-AVan will provide transportation to health care (including picking up prescription medications) and legal appointments for senior citizens (over 60) and persons (over 18) with physical disabilities. Available MonFri. with minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Free Service (donations accepted), Call 540-825-3100 ext. 3358 or 3013.

Vision Impaired Support Group Meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 AM, Community Center, Room 1. Sponsored by the LOW Lions. Contact: Gail Sauro, 540-9721629 or Gail.Sauro@yahoo.com

~ All Makes & Models

~ Furnaces: Oil-Gas-Electric

~ Air Cleaners ~ Duct Systems

~ Humidifiers-Dehumidifiers

LGA News by Sheran Marks, LGA Communications

There is excitement in the air for the LGA in anticipation of the new golf season beginning very soon.

We will begin with the Spring Luncheon Meeting on March 31 at the Clubhouse. The sign-up sheet will be in the Ladies Lounge soon.

Our opening day of golf will be Tuesday, April 4. It will be a Scramble with both the 9 and 18 hole ladies. You will receive an e-mail from Golf Genius for signing up.

Please check out our Ladies Lounge. A special thanks to Lori Bailey, Dawn Lofdahl, Jane Neubig, Shawn Fuerst, and Theresa Wisniewski, who have been working hard redecorating the lounge. They did a terrific job!

There are still a few spaces open in the Rules Clinic being taught by Eric Barnes. The sign-up sheet is in the hallway leading to the Pro Shop. There will be about 20 people in each class. It will cover basic definitions, 2023 Rule Changes, local rules, and any specific scenarios of concern. This is a great way to refresh your mind about the latest rules,

Heidi Brown announced the LGA Member-Guest Tournament theme. It will be Love My Country, Love LOW, Love the LGA. Look for Red, White, and Blue articles to wear during the Social and the Tournament. It will begin with the social on June 6, and the Tournament on June 7. It will be a Ryder Cup format. All 9 and 18 holers are invited to participate. Be thinking of who you would like to invite. More details will follow at the March luncheon meeting.

Anyone wishing to join the LGA should contact Lori Barnes at ljbarnes106@gmail.com or 540-847-4844, for more information. We always welcome new members.

Free Presentation by Arborist

by Nicole Pappas, Programs Committee, LOW Garden Club

People surrounded by woods may sometimes take trees for granted. The Lake of the Woods Garden Club appreciates that trees are an integral part of our fragile ecosystem. They are the most valuable and hardest working parts of our landscape. They shade our homes and neighborhoods, cutting energy costs. They increase property values, reduce air pollution and soil erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife. Plus, they add beauty and a calming presence to our everyday lives. But they need our help to stay healthy and strong.

Keeping trees healthy and beautiful throughout their life is an important responsibility, whether we are nurturing existing trees or planting new ones. Selecting the right tree for our area, such as native trees, and planting them in the right area of the yard improves the tree’s ability to grow and mature. Learning to recognize, and not ignore, pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies; how to properly apply mulch; how and when to properly prune a tree; and carefully using lawn equipment around trees can mean the life or death of the tree. Our woods are a vibrant ecosystem, and trees support each other both above and below ground. Knowing when, and if, a tree should be removed is an important decision. When trees are removed, gaps open up in the protective canopy. With increased sunlight, the trees left standing are more vulnerable and short-lived. Their underground support system weakens. In summer, more hot sunshine reaches the ground, heating up and drying out the cool, damp, evenly regulated microclimate the trees prefer. Damaging winds can now penetrate the remaining trees more easily, and without neighboring trees to stabilize them, the chance of being uprooted increases.

Matt Tierney, an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist with ArborPro LLC, will speak at the LOW Garden Club meeting on Monday, March 13, at 1 PM, at the Clubhouse, to address these and other issues surrounding tree care. We look forward to learning more on how we can help keep the “woods” in Lake of the Woods.

Photo by Deanne Lawrence

hear a tree expert

The Flying Dutchmen -Who’s

to Blame?

CWSG Dinner Speaker Knows the Answer

by Greg Major, Member, Board of Directors, CWSG

The Civil War Study Group at Lake of the Woods will hold its annual dinner on Friday, March 24, at the Clubhouse and the tale of the “flying Dutchmen” will be revealed.

The featured speaker is Donald C. Pfanz, popular Civil War expert and retired National Park Service historian. His topic is Negligence on the Right: the XI Corps at Chancellorsville.

The May 1863 battle is known for Confederate General Stonewall Jackson’s surprise attack on the unsuspecting troops of the Federal XI Corps that resulted in a rout of the predominately German-speaking troops. Here the phrase “flying Dutchmen” was created to describe the Corps’ disorganized “race to the rear.” He will explore the reasons why and who really was at fault. Was the Corp’s disgrace at Chancellorsville the result of cowardice, as its detractors claimed, or did the Corps suffer blame for the mistakes of its leaders?

Phanz is credited with starting the national movement to preserve Civil War battlefield sites through the creation of the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites in 1987. Twelve years later, that organization merged with the Civil War Trust, now the American Battlefield Trust. Today, ABT has preserved 45,000 battlefield acres in 25 states.

Phanz retired from the Fredericksburg Spotsylvania National Military Park in 2013. He has authored or co-authored five books on the Civil War and has received the ABT Edwin C. Bearss Lifetime Achievement Award.

The public is invited to attend the dinner. Reservations are $28 per person and must be received by CWSG by March 17. The reservation form is available at the CWSG website: http://www.civilwarstudygroup.org

Hawks of Virginia – Part 2

by Deanne Lawrence, FOWL

In part 1 on identifying hawks that nest in Virginia, we discussed Buteos such as Red-shouldered, Red-tailed and Broad-winged Hawks.

Accipiters such as Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks are slender birds with wide, rounded wings and long, narrow rudder-like tails for maneuvering through the forest at top speed.

Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks are similar in appearance. Adults have blue-gray backs and orange barring on their chest. Juveniles have brown backs with brown stripes on their chest.

Size is the most obvious difference, but you’re unlikely to see them side by side. Crow-sized Cooper’s Hawks are square-headed with a dark cap and rounded tail. The smaller Sharp-shinned Hawk has a rounder head, no dark cap, and a square tail.

Accipiters prey mostly on songbirds. They appreciate an easy meal and will notice where songbirds congregate. That pile of feathers near your bird feeder? Likely the work of an accipiter. It may be upsetting to see a hawk preying on songbirds, but it’s part of a healthy and thriving wildlife habitat. You can provide cover for songbirds with dense trees and shrubs, where smaller birds can go to escape predators.

Finally, the Northern Harrier is a close cousin to the Cooper’s and Sharpshinned Hawks, and is of the genus Circus, not Accipiter. They are slender, medium-sized raptors with an owl-like face and sharply hooked bill. Unlike most hawks, they rely heavily on their sense of hearing to capture small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. If you see a large bird with long wings, long tail, and a white rump patch, flying low over open fields or marshes and teetering side to side, you’ve probably spotted a Northern Harrier.

Hawk identification can seem daunting to those of us who are novice birders. Learning to differentiate between Buteo and Accipiter hawks can narrow down the choices and give you a starting point.

Learn more at allaboutbirds.org or attend a Hawk Watch open house, where volunteers gather each fall to watch and count migrating hawks in Cape Charles and Waynesboro.

https://www.rockfishgaphawkwatch.org

https://vawildliferesearch.org/raptor-research

For more resources, visit fowloflow.org. Contact FOWL at 540-395-3205.

Don Pfanz

photo by Deanne Lawrence

Left: Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus); Right: Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

Photo Club: Close Up and Personal, Macro, Abstract

by Kate Martinez, Member, LOW Photo Club

Veterans Club

by Julia Hutt, Member, LOW Veterans Club

Photographers, want-to-be photographers, and anyone else interested in photography - Join the club!

Our February meeting included welcoming new members and sharing of the monthly themed photos, High Key, Low Key. The learning portion was on Macro and Abstract Photos by Karen O’Donnell. We looked at frozen bubbles and many ways to create an abstract photo.

The March theme is macro and abstract. Kate Martinez has provided a macro photo as an example. Get out and have fun exploring macro and abstract shots! The next meeting learning topic will be on filters. Interested? Please join us at 7 PM on March 27, in the Community Center.

The LOW Photo Club meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7 PM in the Community Center. Our members range from beginners to very experienced photographers shooting with everything from the latest mirrorless cameras to cell phones. Everyone is welcome and no matter how much we think we already know; we are always learning from each other. A portion of our meeting is spent sharing our work, and a portion learning from each other. We organize photography field trips and travel together or meet up to find the best local photo opportunities.

For more information contact Jen Heinz (jenheinz6103@gmail.com) or Karen O’Donnell (odonnellake@gmail.com). Check out our FaceBook group: LOWPhotoClub to see what else we are up to!

Living Water Community Clinic Approved

for Full Clinic Membership Press Release

The Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics is pleased to announce that the Living Water Community Clinic in Locust Grove is now a full clinic member. A mark of distinction, this designation for the Orange County-based nonprofit not only highlights its commitment to serving Virginia’s sickest and most vulnerable people, but also how the clinic meets best practice membership standards for nonprofit management and patient care.

Serving the counties of Orange, Culpeper, and Spotsylvania, Living Water Community Clinic treats low-income patients without insurance or who are underinsured. Opened in May 2016, the free clinic provides primary medical care, counseling, medications, diagnostic tests and referrals to specialists for additional diagnostic tests. It successfully added a dental clinic in May 2021.

“We are proud to become a full member of the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics and know it will help us extend and strengthen our impact in our community,” said Debbie McInnis, Living Water Community Clinic executive director. Living Water Community Clinic is one of 60 free and charitable clinic members across the state working toward a healthier Virginia. It is funded by contributions from individuals, area businesses, area churches, organizations, and grants.

For more information about Living Water Community Clinic, visit www. livingwaterclinic.life To learn more about the state’s free clinic network, visit www.FreeClinicsCare.org

The month of March has been designated as the month we raise our cups to the women in history. Women are a driving force of strength, wisdom, sacrifice, bravery and honesty. There are countless women who have made the annals of our history. The remarkable Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody was the first woman to serve as a four-star general in the U.S. armed forces, leading 69,000 employees across all 50 states and 145 countries with the highest levels of efficiency and innovation. She joined the army in 1974 and served until 2012. Even Harriet Tubman can be honored for her military service; she organized a large-scale espionage ring for the Union during the Civil War, serving as a spy, a nurse, and a cook. She was the first recorded woman in American history to lead a military expedition. US Senator Tammy Duckworth, retired lieutenant colonel in 2014, was among the first handful of Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She helped to establish a first-in-the-nation 24/7 Veterans crisis hotline and develop innovative programs to improve veterans’ access to housing and health care. These women are a mere sample of the integral endowment that women bestow upon our team, our families, our country.

The Feb. 24 meeting of the LOW Veterans Club was made remarkable by our guest speaker, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services Daniel Gade. In 25 years of service in the Army, he completed an MBA and PhD, and served his country under President Bush and President Trump while authoring a book. If you are a veteran in need of assistance, please consider contacting Virginia Veteran and Family Support at 804-3714675, 877-285-1298 (toll-free.)

The Veterans Club will be holding its next meeting on the fourth Thursday of the month, March 23, in the lower level of the Clubhouse at 7 PM. For information about the LOW Veterans Club, contact Club President Mike Ferguson at 571-235-5313, email at colmferguson@msn.com, for assistance and information visit our website at www.lowvets.club

Photo by Kate Martinez

Pickleball Has Arrived at Childhelp

by Greg Stoner, Member, LOW Pickleball Club

WFOL: Explore the Rappahannock River and its Dam History with Hal Wiggins by

Karen Kovarik, President, WFOL

You are invited to the Wilderness Branch Library at 2 PM on March 15 to hear Hal Wiggins speak on the subject: the Rappahannock River and its dam history. How did we get to the free-flowing Rappahannock? Hal previously spoke to us on Virginia native plants and their benefits to nature. He is a wellknown and respected authority on the river, and his name is often featured in related articles in The Free Lance-Star.

Separately and sadly, I need to report that Amy Cryst, our hard working and always-cheerful assistant librarian, suffered a major house fire on Wednesday, Feb. 22. A passing motorist noticed the burning roof and alerted the family in time for Amy and her mother, Connie Gooch, to escape. Amy sustained smoke inhalation injuries attempting to rescue her cats and will be off work until she recovers. A GoFundMe account for Connie Gooch and Amy Cryst has been established.

Germanna Foundation – Finding Your Roots Highlights Jeh Johnson’s Enslaved Germanna Descendant Ancestors

Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in America, is now being taught at The Village Academy at the Alice C Tyler Village of Childhelp near Lignum. The Village is a private, nonprofit, psychiatric residential treatment facility. The Village specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents with mild to severe trauma or neglect, psychiatric disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

With the generous donation of a Pickle Net Deluxe portable net from OnCourt OffCourt, a family owned business in Dallas, Texas, the donation of paddles from the Lake of the Woods Childhelp Auxiliary and the donation of paddles and balls from the LOW Pickleball Club, pickleball was introduced to the children this past January. Over 20 volunteers from the Pickleball Club are donating their time to teach and coach the children, both girls and boys, at weekly sessions.

In learning to play pickleball, the children are also learning skills that will last them a lifetime, such as teamwork, sportsmanship, communication, and hand-eye coordination. The program has been a huge success and the children look forward to playing each week.

Tim Lewis, Recreation Specialist, has this to say about pickleball at The Village: “Pickleball is a great learning opportunity for our kids. They look forward to it every week and enjoy pushing themselves to the next level. It also creates an atmosphere of consistency, which is crucial for their development and treatment while at our facility.” One of the children explains that, “I look forward to coming every week and learning more about playing and getting better.”

Free pickleball lessons are conducted every Thursday for LOW residents from 10:10 to 11:45 AM in the Marion Pronk Hall at the Community Center. For further information, please call Renee at 703-405-7687. The LOW Childhelp Auxiliary meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the LOW Church starting at 10 AM. Please call Karen at 540-972-9043 for further information.

Press Release

PBS Finding Your Roots spotlights Virginia’s Germanna Community. On Feb. 21, an episode of the Finding Your Roots program by the National Broadcasting Service featured Jeh Johnson, a descendant of Germanna colonists.

“Mr. Johnson’s genealogy presents us with the opportunity to highlight the history of his great-great-great-great grandmother Eliza Clore, a woman enslaved to Aaron Clore, a Germanna descendant,” said Germanna Foundation Executive Director, Jennifer Hurst-Wender, “Germanna’s history, like that of all history, is complex, and we are committed to being a resource and to serving as a conduit to aid in the understanding of our shared history.”

Eliza was born around 1815 and died in 1880. She bore ten of her enslaver, Aaron Clore’s, children, between 1831 and 1852. Eliza’s thoughts on this are not recorded, nor were Aaron’s. A deposition by their daughter Jennie Clore stated that, “Our father had three farms, his white family was on one, and we were on one by ourselves. When our father died, he was at my mother’s house where we all lived.”

For more information on Jeh Johnson, please see this biography: https:// www.pbs.org/weta/finding-your-roots/about/meet-our-guests/jeh-charles-johnson Germanna is an integral part of this nation’s story. Indigenous peoples, European colonists, and enslaved African and African American stories have been intertwined in this region’s history for centuries. We are dedicated to ensuring that our history is accessible for generations to come through our resources. Information about the Germanna Foundation is available at www. germanna.org, or contact Jennifer Hurst-Wender, executive director at 540423-1700 or email at jhurstwender@germanna.org

Photo by Greg Stoner

Two residents of Childhelp’s Alice C. Tyler Village play pickleball with Bob Stockman (l) and Pamela Simonel (r), volunteers from the LOW Pickleball Club.

Fundraising Opportunity Available to Orange

County Civic Groups

Press Release

The Orange County Litter Control Committee is excited to announce a new fundraising opportunity available to Orange County civic groups through the Volunteer Roadside Cleanup Program. This program is open to organizations based in Orange County such as school-aged extracurricular clubs, fraternal organizations, recreational clubs, and nonprofit organizations.

Interested organizations must submit a Volunteer Trash Pickup Program application along with a copy of their W-9 to be considered. Once approved, a road from a current list of reported littered roads will be assigned and a Challenger Trash Pick Up Kit will be made available for use. Items in the kit include orange trash bags, grabbers, safety vests, gloves, and a notebook of safety guidelines and information. The participating organization will be awarded $100 per hour, with a five-hour cap once the pickup is verified. Only one pickup can be performed by the organization per fiscal year. Spaces are limited.

A complete list of Volunteer Trash Pickup Program Guidelines can be found on the County’s website, along with the online application. For more information, please call the Orange County Litter Control Committee Coordinator at 540-661-5405. Interested residents may also visit: www.orangecountyva.gov/littercontrol

Public Hearing Set: Wilderness Crossing Rezoning

by J. Bryan Nicol, District

5

Planning Commissioner

Mark your calendars and make your voice heard.

The Orange County Planning Commission will hold its formal Public Hearing on the Wilderness Crossing rezoning application on Thursday, March 23, at 6 PM at the Orange County Public Safety Building; Board Meeting Room. The Orange County Public Safety Building is located at 11282 Government Center Drive, Orange, VA 22960.

In several public meetings, I requested that the Orange County Planning Commission hold the Public Hearing at the Locust Grove Middle School. I believe that government works best in partnership with the citizens it serves. Wilderness Crossing is the largest, most impactful proposed development in the history of Orange County, and I supported holding the public hearing closest to the citizens impacted. I was disappointed to learn that the county failed to secure the Locust Grove Middle School for the public hearing.

After hearing from interested citizens, the Planning Commission, (I serve as your District 5 representative) in its advisory capacity, will either recommend approval or recommend denial of the Wilderness Crossing rezoning application to the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

The Board of Supervisors (Lee Frame serves as our District 5 Supervisor) will also hold a formal Public Hearing on the Wilderness Crossing rezoning application. The Board of Supervisors has the sole authority to approve or deny the rezoning application.

Please take time to review the applicant’s information for Wilderness Crossing (REZ 22-02) on the Orange County website at the following link: https://orangecountyva.gov/1000/REZ-22-03-Wilderness-Crossing.

I will continue to update the LOW community as the Wilderness Crossing rezoning application moves through the process. Please share any comments or input with me at bnicol@orangecountyva.gov.

Professional Tree Surgeon

Orange County Supervisor’s Letter

by Lee Frame, District 5 Supervisor

At the last meeting, the Supervisors passed a resolution to declare the birth date of President James Madison as an Orange County annual holiday. James Madison was born on March 16, 1751, and spent much of his life at Montpelier, his family’s historic plantation in Orange County. His vast public service included the Virginia House of Delegates, the Continental Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives, as Secretary of State and two terms as the fourth President of the United States. James Madison helped to organize the Constitutional Convention and is recognized as the “Father of the Constitution” for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The Board of Supervisors desires to celebrate the life of President James Madison as an honored native of Orange County and in recognition of his contributions as a prominent statesman, a diplomat, and a Founding Father of the United States.

Do you have a propane tank that you no longer need and want to get rid of? The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality regulations prohibit the landfill or waste collection sites from taking those propane tanks. However, Blue Rhino will pick up those propane tanks from their display sites at several locations in the county. All you need to do is write RECYCLE on the side of the tank with a permanent marker and leave the tank at the Blue Rhino display. The tanks do not need to be Blue Rhino tanks.

If you have an empty or expired fire extinguisher that you need to get rid of, they can be taken to the Orange County Public Safety Building. I go there regularly for Board of Supervisor meetings and if you bring one to me, I can take it there for you.

You may soon see a change in the kind of containers that you receive when you take out food from any restaurant or fast-food establishment. The Virginia General Assembly recently passed legislation to prohibit the use of “expanded polystyrene food service containers”. Starting July 1, 2023, food vendors, restaurants or food establishments that are part of a chain can no longer dispense prepared food to a customer in an expanded polystyrene food container. That provision goes into effect on July 1, 2025, for all types of food vendors. There is a potential $50 per day civil penalty for violations. This legislation does not directly impact Orange County government since it is not a food vendor, but I thought it interesting since the county did receive $1,429.50 to assist with implementation.

If you have questions about county government or want to let me know your feelings on specific issues, you can contact me at lframe@orangecountyva.gov.

Rental

APARTMENT for RENT, Lakewood Center, across from Post Office on Rt. 3. 2 BR, 1 BA, $800 p.mo., application and security deposit required. No smoking or pets. 540907-6069 or 540-854-4067.

OFFICE/COMMERCIAL Space for Rent, Lakewood Center, Rt. 3 across from Post Office, 375 sq ft to 1080 sq ft. available. For info call 540-907-6069 or 540-854-4067.

ASPHALT Paving - Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

BOAT CANVAS and Upholstery. We work hard to keep your boat protected. Certified Marine Canvas Fabrication & Repair, Mobile Service, Custom Boat, Detailing, Boat Hull Cleaning, Pontoon Cleaning. Trident Marine Canvas & Upholstery, 540-205-9509, www. tridentmarinecanvas.com

BOAT COVER Repair & Custom Boat Covers. We would love to create Custom Boat Covers, seat covers, and any Boat upholstery needs including repair. Affordable and High Quality. Call Sam 570449-4540.

DAVE THE MOVER LLC. 20 years experience. Local and distant. 540-229-9999.

DECK STAINING - Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

DECK STAINING - Call George’s Home Improvements 540-406-7783.

DRAINAGE ISSUES? Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

DRIVEWAY PIPE ReplacementsPremier Arbor Services, 540-718-3794.

ELECTRICAL ISSUES, Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

LEAF REMOVAL, French Drain, Culvert Pipe, Wood Fence, Landscaping, Storm Damage Tree Service, Overgrowth Cutback/ Bush Hogging, Gravel Installation, Power Washing, Junk Removal. Call/Text: 540-850-8060. Trinity Home Improvements, LLC. www. trinityhomeimprovementsva.com/.

MOVING - DAVE THE MOVER LLC. 20 years experience. Local and distant. 540-229-9999.

$100 CASH for ROOF Replacement Referrals leading to a signed contract. Is Your Roof 15+ years old or Leaking? Shingles Damaged, Missing, Deteriorating? Moss/Algae Growing? Water Leaks/Stains? We are GAF

Certified Class A Licensed Roofers & Insurance Claims Specialists. All roof systems come with a Non-prorated 50 Year Material & Labor, 10 Year Workmanship, & 25 Year Algae Warranties that are transferable greatly increasing the Value & Sell-ability of your Home. Check out our Stellar 5 Star Angie’s List Reviews or visit us at AskLukeZello.com. 100% Financing Available! Repairs & Free Inspections. Call 540-406-3589.

1 CALL ABOVE All A+ BBB

Rated, Ask Zello Takes Care of It All.

A Best of the Burg multiple category

Top 5, HomeAdvisor Top Rated & Elite Pro, Home Depot Pro Referral, Class A Licensed & Insured family operated company, 20+ year LOWA residents. Our professional tradesmen love to work and we donate heavily to a home in India that rescues the smallest victims of human trafficking. Protect yourself. Before you hire, verify licensed contractors at www. dpor.va.gov/LicenseLookup. See All of our classifieds & give us a call. Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

25-YEAR NO Clog Guarantee

Aluminum Gutter Guard Installation. Ask Zello, 540-460-3589.

30+ YEARS RESIDENT. Animal Care and House Cleaning. Call Linda 540-220-2138.

A/C & HEATING Installation/ Repair - Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

ADDITIONS, ROOF

Replacement, Kitchen/Bath

Remodel, Deck. Class A Contractor. 540-845-1047. 35 years at LOW.

AIRPORT CONNECTIONSShuttle to Dulles, Reagan, Richmond and Charlottesville. Reasonable Prices, Call Didier at 540-661-2377.

ARMITAGE PAINTING –Handyman Service, 540-735-7977.

ASAP ELECTRICAL and Plumbing. Master Electrician/ Plumber with 35 years experience. Competitive rates. LOW resident. Call, email or text Larry today for a free estimate. 540-226-5570.

ASAPLarry@aol.com

BRICK/STONE MasonryPatios, walkways, porches, retaining walls. Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

BROADUS PROPERTIES Home

Improvements: Carpentry, sheetrock repair, painting, fencing, deck repairs, shed repairs and painting (to include color change), gravel, mulch, and sand delivery, shed gravel site pads, snow removal and more. Steven, 703-969-0827.

CAREGIVER - Homeward Bound Care, LLC. Nursing Aide/ Certified/Insured Assisted living in your home. Short or long term care, day or night. Can manage all the patients needs. LOW resident. Excellent References. Diane Clauson: 540-388-2930; Cell: 540408-1309.

CERAMIC TILE Work - Call George’s Home Improvements 540406-7783.

CERAMIC TILING For Bathrooms, floors, foyers, countertops. Call 540-898-7773 for a free estimate. Ask for Bob Yak. References available upon request.

CHIMNEY REPAIR - Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

CLEANING by BARBARA Harris. Move-in, Move-out, one-time or regular basis. Baths & Kitchens a specialty. 540-672-8069.

CLEANING PROFESSIONAL Service. Excellent References. Call Lourdes, 703-795-5184 or KandHCleaningServices@gmail.com

COMPLETE SPRING Lawn Care - Mowing, Weed-Eating, Mulching, Tree Removal, Fertilization, Aeration, Hedge Trimming, Misc. Clean-up. Bobcat Services. Fully insured, free estimates, references available. Stanley Lawn Care, 540308-8072, Travis Stanley.

CONCRETE MASONRYDriveways, Patios, Walkways, Hardscaping - Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

CONCRETE PATIOS and stamped concrete patios. 540-8451047. Class A Contractor, LOW resident.

CRAWLSPACE WATER Issues? Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

CULVERT REPLACEMENTAsk Zello, 540-406-3589.

CUSTOM HOUSE Painting. Inside and out. Bob Yak & Sons, 540-898-7773. Free estimates.

ELECTRICIAN (ASAP Electrical and Plumbing) Master Electrician with over 35 years experience. Call, email or text Larry today for your free quote. No job too small. Veteran/LOW resident. 540-2265570. ASAPLarry@aol.com

FLOORING - Laminate and Tile, Call George’s Home Improvements 540-406-7783.

FLOWERS - FOR any occasion including events and weddings. We have beautiful unique arrangements. Want to send someone a hug? Take a look at our “Hug in a Mug” arrangement. Www. twosistersfloralarrangements.com Facebook: twosistersaffordableflora larrangements. We can be reached at 540-972-7278. Two Sisters is a LOW small business with years of experience.

FOUNDATION REPAIR - Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

GUTTER CLEANING and Roof Debris Removal. Call Matt at 540-845-6355 for a free estimate, minimum charge $50.

GUTTER CLEANING/Guard Installation - Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

GUTTER SERVICES - Call The Brothers that just do Gutters for all of your gutter service needs; including guards, new installation, cleaning and repairs. Free Estimates. 484-824-4044. We are in the neighborhood!

HANDYMAN - CALL George’s Home Improvements 540-406-7783

HANDYMAN PLUS - LOW resident and Licensed Contractor. Serving LOW over 25 years. I don’t claim to know it all, and I can’t do it all, but what I can do, I do well. To inquire and for a free estimate, call Erich 972-2664.

HANDYMAN SERVICES, Call Ken 540-498-6542.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS - Call George’s Home Improvements 540406-7783.

HOME REPAIRS - Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

JORDANS TREE & Landscaping - Spring Clean-up Specials! Any of your lawn, landscape and tree needs. Leaf Removal, Gutter Cleaning, Pressure Washing, Tree Removal. Call 540-229-2678.

JUNK REMOVAL - Call George’s Home Improvements 540-406-7783.

LANDSCAPINGHARDSCAPING, Retaining Walls, Patios, Walkways. Ask Zello, 540406-3589.

NON-MEDICAL, SENIOR In Home Care. Home Comfort Solution’s LLC. Licensed and insured. 12 plus year’s experience. References upon request. Yonna Philipp Administrator 540-717-8245.

NOTARY LOW- Mobile Local Services- Saturdays and evenings upon request. Beth 540-226-2402.

PAINTING INTERIOR / Exterior. Call/Text: 540-850-8060. Trinity Home Improvements, LLC. www. trinityhomeimprovementsva.com/

PAINTING INTERIOR/Exterior - Call George’s Home Improvements 540-406-7783.

PAINTING, CARPENTRY, Powerwashing. Call Ken, 540-4986542.

PAINTING/STAINING, Interior/ Exterior. Drywall Repairs. Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

PATIOS, WALKWAYS, Retaining Walls - Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

PET-SITTING / DOG Walking. Lisa Ward of “Ward of the Dogs” specializes in Lake of the Woods dogs. Your house or mine. To discuss your pet-sitting needs, call 520-612-5190.

PLUMBER (ASAP Electrical and Plumbing Services) with over 35 years experience. Call, text, or email Larry for all of your plumbing needs. No job too small. Veteran/ LOW resident. 540-226-5570. ASAPLarry@aol.com

PLUMBING ISSUES - Call George’s Home Improvements 540406-7783.

ROOFING and REPAIRS - See our first classified ad. Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

ROOFING REPLACEMENT and Repairs, Class A Contractor. 540-845-1047 or Barbara at 240271-3737.

SEALCOATING, ASPHALT/ Blacktop maintenance. Call/Text: 540412-7177. Pro 1 Sealcoating, LLC. http://www.pro1sealcoating.com/.

SHUTTER INSTALL/ Painting. Call/Text: 540-850-8060, Trinity Home Improvements, LLC. https://www. trinityhomeimprovementsva.com/

SMALL HAUL. 540-735-7977.

SNAPPER JACK Yard Care, LLP - Complete yard care, mulch, powerwashing, grass trimming and pruning. LOW homeowner. 540-287-7143, David Wilkinson; 540-907-5800, Billy Jack. snapperjackyardcare@gmail.com

Fully insured and Free estimates. Veterans 10% off.

SPRING CLEAN-UP/ Landscaping. Call/Text: 540850-8060, Trinity Home Improvements, LLC. https://www. trinityhomeimprovementsva.com/

STAINLESS STEEL Wire Railings, New. 540-845-1047.

TREE CARE/REMOVAL - Premier Arbor Services LLC, Complete Tree Service. Hardscapes, Yard installation, Stump grinding, Tree trimming. 540718-3794.

TREE REMOVAL Services offered at a reasonable price. Free estimates! Please call or text 571359-9303.

TREE REMOVAL, Any size, anywhere. Fully insured. Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

TREE SERVICE - Specialize in Tree trimming, pruning, and tree removal. Jordans Tree & Landscaping, Licensed/Insured, Call 540-229-2678.

WATER / SEWER LINE replacement and repair. Class A Contractor. 540-845-1047. 35 years at LOW.

WATER LINE Replacement, Ask Zello, 540-406-3589.

WINDOW & DOOR Repairs and Replacement. Class A Contractor. 540-845-1047. 35 years at LOW.

WINDOW & DOOR Replacements by Bob Yak & Sons, 540-898-7773.

WINDOW WASHING - ClearVue, the Lake’s Reliable Window Washing Experts. Call for a free estimate, 540-859-3244.

For Sale

2019 RANGER 198 RT

TOURNAMENT Bass Boat. Mercury Pro SX 150 Motor with Trailer. Minn Kota Trolling Motor. Two fish finders. Dark gray and green exterior. Excellent condition. Low engine hours. Call Levi Jones at 540-413-7279.

BOATS For SALE! New & Used. Pontoons, Tritoons, Fiberglass Deckboats & Runabouts, Aluminum Fishing Boats. Accessories: Diving Boards, Fish Finders, Inflatable Paddleboards, Floats, Pool Saddles, Oversized Noodles & More. Call, Text or Just Stop By! Lake of the Woods Marine: 3281 Germanna Hwy. 540972-3740. www.lowmarine.com/

DUAL FUEL Portable Generator. 3500 Running Watts. Used less than 5 hours. $225. 540-972-7515.

FOR SALE: 2021 Sylvan L-3

DLZ TRITOON w/ a Mercury 250HP Engine. This boat is Decked Out! Boat & Engine are still under warranty. Can have warranty transferred if you so choose. Lots of Options Included. $59,900, Call: 540-972-3740.

FOR SALE: 2022 Sylvan 822

Mirage LZ w/ a Honda 115HP Engine. Double Bimini Top Upgrade and more. $39,900, Call: 540-972-3740.

LADIES CLOTHES Used and New. Casual and dressy. Small sizes 8/10. Call Kay 703-220-5788.

LIFT CHAIR Used only a year in very good condition. Asking $1500. Call 540-371-7334.

ADMINISTRATION: Financial Controller. Full-Time. Working with the Director of Finance, this hands on, supervisory position is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Finance department, monthly closing, financial statement preparation, maintenance of the point of sale systems, internal audits, and coordination of the annual audit. This position has significant contact with Association employees, Managers, Senior Staff, and Community Members. A strong background in financial reporting, internal control implementation and monitoring, account reconciliations, and information systems in a commercial environment is very important. Audit experience, public or internal, is preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting plus 5-7 years’ experience in a financial accounting environment, including 2 -5 years in a supervisory role required. Experience as an administrator/power user of accounting and member management software and Microsoft Excel and Word required.

GOLF PROFESSIONAL. Part-Time. Ensure guest satisfaction, provide golf instruction, implement and coordinate golf events, tournaments, outings, leagues, junior/youth golf camps, teaching clinics and other golf programs designed to improve services to enhance competitive positioning in the marketplace. Requirements: PGA Level A1 certification or higher. Flexible hours and compensation negotiable. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, and social media proficiency required. Evening and weekend hours required.

MAINTENANCE: Custodian. Full-Time Hourly Position. This position will be responsible for keeping assigned building clean and pleasant for workers and residents. The majority of work is performed in LOW facilities and common areas. Some prior experience is preferred.

WANTED - GOOD used Work Truck, reasonably priced, 540-6728069.

MARINA: Part-Time Attendants. Assist in operating the marina fuel center. Excellent customer service and record keeping ability required. Must be willing to work flexible hours and weekends. Age 16 or older may apply. Spring hours: April 8-May 29, open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Summer season begins Memorial Day with extended hours and weekdays through Labor Day. After Labor Day, the Marina is open on weekends through October 29.

CLUBHOUSE: Part-Time Servers. Excellent customer service skills, enthusiasm and energy. Work schedule: 4 to 10 PM Wed through Sun, along with some holidays. Must be 18 and older. Some restaurant experience preferred.

BOAT SHOW: Chantilly Family Boat Show. March 1012 at the Dulles Expo Center. www.lowmarine.com/ for more Information!

NURSE AIDE COURSE. $1800 includes tuition, books, PPD, background check, drug screening, CPR, uniform, B/P cuff. Info/Start Dates: www.careernursingacademy. com or Call/Text 703-402-2509.

EQUESTRIAN CENTER: Stable Worker Part-Time. Assist with barn chores, cleaning stalls, paddocks, and water tubs, feeding the horses and blanketing when weather requires. Additional duties may include assisting with pony rides and parties, trail rides and helping with shows and other special events. Previous experience working with Equines required.

FAREWAYS CAFE: Part-Time Positions: Servers. Candidates must be 18 years or older and able to work flexible hours including weekends. Some restaurant experience preferred. Good communication skills and team spirit important.

Line Cooks needed to prepare hot food products accurately and efficiently and portion food prior to cooking. One year experience is preferred, good communication skills, ability to work flexible hours and a team spirit.

General applications are always welcome. All Pay Market Competitive. Submit applications and resumes to HR@LOWA.org or fax to 540-972-2243. All positions must be able to pass a criminal background check and have a valid Virginia driver’s license. More information regarding these positions is available in the Human Resources Department. EOE.