DIY: Make Your Own Fresh Floral Arrangement

by Linda Ticomb, Past President, LOW Garden Club

2. Use some green stalks to guide the size the floral arrangement will be.

3. Check flowers daily to ensure there’s not too much sun on them. Also check block for dryness.

Holiday décor is gone, and your home may look barren. The Lake of the Woods Garden Club can help you make a fresh, colorful arrangement. Floral design is art with flowers, and it follows all the design principles as other art does -- line, mass, proportion, and so forth.

First, since you are working with live material, preparation counts. Buy or cut your flowers and greens (leaves) a day early. Recut stems on an angle and place in water with flower food in a cool, dark place overnight. (Do not use a refrigerator.)

Second, get your solid-bottom container ready (no flower pots). Soak your floral foam/oasis block in cool water with flower food by letting it sink naturally until full of water, which should only take a minute or two. Do NOT “help” it by pushing down into the water; this can lead to dry flowers. Cut your block a little smaller than the inside of your container, so there is room for more water. Using two pieces of floral tape, secure your block, but leave the center of the block available for your feature flowers. Add water.

Third, decide the height and width you want your finished piece to be. Use some green stalks to give you a guideline to its size. As for where things go, stand above your container and imagine the very center area of the block is reserved for the (colorful) feature flowers. The greens will form a loose border around the flowers, and they will be of similar height and width. Then the smaller, filler flowers are on the outside of the green border. Before inserting each stem, rotate them around a little to get the best look in each spot. (This is called facing your flowers.)

Last, add any trim or accents (such as a bow). Water thoroughly and enjoy. Check flowers daily to ensure there’s not too much sun on them. Also check block for dryness; add fresh water or water mixed with floral food. For more photos, visit www.lowgardenclub.org/.

January 18 Board Minutes from p. 3

4. PRESENTATION – Mid-year Capital Spending Plan Report

Director of Facilities Bobby Jones distributed a comprehensive list of all projects in the Capital Plan including project costs relative to budget. In FY2022/23, there were 96 capital projects in the Capital Spending Plan, including carryovers from prior years. Of those, 45 are complete, 45 are in progress and 6 are on “hold” status. The total budgeted for completed projects was $1,630,705, and the total spent on completed projects was $1,549,043, for a net savings of $81,662 compared to budget. Mr. Jones provided more details on specific items of interest in the Plan and responded to questions from the Board.

5. REPORTS

5.1 Reports of Officers President Vickery announced a Special Board meeting has been scheduled for Monday, March 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Center, to review the final report on the Wake Boat Study by A. Morton Thomas. The Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary had no report.

A. Executive Session Actions: None.

B. Committee Changes - Committee Change List dated January 18, 2023. (D-23-06) by consent.

Name Action Committee Term-End Date

Tom Gray Resigned ECC

Donald Michael Dunn Alternate LCC

Lauren Cotton Voting Safety & Security December 10, 2025

5.7 Report of General Manager, Phil Rodenberg

A. Coronavirus and LOWA: The Orange County Covid transmission rate as of January 12th was classified as “Green/Low.” LOWA staff vaccination rate remains at 93%. The GM will report any changes in status on an “as needed” basis.

B. December Financials

In December we collected $85,476 in FY2022/23 year lot assessments for a total of $7,127,336, or 90.6% of total lot assessments billed. As of December 31, the preliminary Unaudited Income Statement Budget-toActual Comparison Summary showed a favorable variance of $319,073, primarily the result of greater than expected New Construction and Renovation (NCR) receipts. The delinquency rate on December 31 was 5.7%, compared to 3.6% at the end of December, 2021. The Finance Department continues to work with members to collect accounts in arrears.

C. Budget Update

The GM reviewed the most recent changes to the FY2023/24 proposed Budget after incorporating amendments to the Five-year Capital Plan and input from the Finance Committee. This resulted in a net reduction to the proposed assessment by $71.56. A summary sheet was distributed to show what adjustments were made. A packet of detailed information for proposed individual amenity fees was also distributed. The new proposed assessment stands at $1962.44 as of January 10. Board members have been issued a Budget Amendment Form to propose any further budget changes. These are due back by January 20th for consideration at the February 4 Board meeting.

D. Annual Membership Meeting Survey

Eighty-four members responded to the Survey. Due to low participation in the survey, no further action is planned.

E. Other Business

A “Love the Lakes Day” will be hosted by LOWA on Earth Day weekend, April 21-22. Educational programs and environmental activities will be offered, and members are encouraged to participate.

Awnings replacement will take place at the Pickleball/Tennis courts in March.

The Main Gate/Front Gate Town Hall on January 11 was well attended. Member comments will continue to be solicited through February 8. The 10th Fairway Improvement Project Town Hall, also held on January 11, was also well attended. The Board will consider authorizing the bidding process at today’s meeting.

The Board was updated on the status of LOWA employee vacancies and steps that are being made to fill the open positions.

Product demonstrations and online meetings have been held with several Maintenance Management software vendors. Research and evaluation is continuing. A chart summarizing the status of each vendor consulted was distributed to the Board members.

5.3 Committee Liaison Reports

A. Lakes Committee Director Rappoport reported the Lakes Committee has reviewed their Charter and has proposed only a minor change. The Board will consider approving the revised Charter at their next meeting.

B. Maintenance and Ecology Committee

Director Henecke reported M&E has submitted three core recommendations for handling the algae blooms at Keatons Lake: 1) lower the testing threshold (ppm) for initiating treatment; 2) streamline sampling procedures; and 3) solicit outside consultation from a professional source to assess the situation and make recommendations. The GM has already reached out to Stantec to determine what assistance they might offer and get an idea of costs. Progress will be discussed by the Board as new information becomes available.

C. Equestrian Committee

Director Clawson reported the Committee reviewed their Charter and has no changes at this time.

D. Director Kay reported the Clubhouse Committee formed a working group with the Communications Committee and they have drafted a plan on how to communicate information on the Clubhouse Refresh Project to our members.

5.4 Committee Reports

A. Fareways Committee

Chair Luis Amador reported the Committee has been meeting regularly. Revenues have improved after dipping during the pandemic, with events and entertainments well attended. Staffing has been slow to come back and efforts to solicit servers continues. They look forward to the proposed outdoor patio expansion to attract more members of the community.

B. Rules Committee

Chair Kurt Heinz updated the Board on the Committee’s activities. There is a full complement of voting members at this time. New officers were elected in September. He briefly reviewed several proposed amendments to the Regulations and Bylaws they have been studying. In October, they started a comprehensive review of the LOWA Bylaws. Priorities for the coming year will include continued review of the Bylaws and recruitment of new Committee members with suitable expertise.

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

6.1 Consideration of Moratorium on the Registration of New Wake Boats to Expire on April 30, 2024. (Resolution 2023-1) (D-23-07)

See January 18 Board Minutes on p. 13

Notices

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.

Come Sing with Us! The Blue Ridge Chorale, a community choir directed by Melanie Bolas. We will meet on Mondays at 6:30 PM beginning on Jan. 23, at Culpeper Baptist Church (Sanctuary), 318 S. West Street, Culpeper. Registration will begin at 6 PM. You can also register online by visiting www.brcsings.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.

Fundraisers

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. Our TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate, return) feral, free-roaming cat program needs canned and dry cat food as well as monetary donations. Food donations may be dropped off at Locust Grove Vet Clinic. Monetary donations are needed for all our programs, including our Pets In Place program for pet dogs and cats in need. Mail donations to: OCHSVA, PO Box 852, Locust Grove, VA 22508, or send through Paypal. Remember, when shopping with Amazon, select us as your charity of choice. OCHSVA is a 501(c)3 charity, your donations may be tax deductible. Facebook: Orange County Humane Society VA. Call 540-672-0069, for questions about our TNVR community cat program (that we affectionately call Andi’s Cats), and our Pets In Place program.

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 540-854-5922 for medical appointments. Call 540854-5923 for dental appointments. Volunteers Needed. Info: 540-8545922, 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 540388-0110.

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 1-800733-2767. 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, 540-9720664.

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-a-day, 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 cits (over 60) and persons (over 18) with physical disabilities. Available Mon-Fri. 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, 540-972-1629 or Gail.Sauro@ yahoo.com

Motion by Rappoport, passed unanimously, that the Board adopt Resolution 2023-1, a General Resolution, extending the moratorium on the registration of new wake-boat type watercraft as established in Resolution 2022-11 from its current expiration on April 20, 2023 to a new expiration date of April 20, 2024.

Recess: President Vickery declared a short Recess at 4:40 p.m., and brought the meeting back into Open Session at 4:50 p.m.

7. NEW BUSINESS

7.1 Discussion of Resolution Approving Board support for Funding and Carrying Out the Lakes Management Implementation Plan. (Resolution 2023-1)

The General Manager provided a status report on the GM Working Group’s ranking of projects in the 2022 AMT Lakes and Stormwater Management Plan which was distributed to the Board. Management is seeking Board guidance toward approval of the Resolution in support of the Plan at the February 15, 2023 Board meeting. (Ref: Board Goal #1)

The GM gave a brief summary narration of each of the projects in the plan, and provided a 20-year annualized budget plan for implementation.

7.2 Consideration of Authorizing Bidding for the 10th Fairway Stormwater Management Down-stream Drainage Improvement and Green Replacement Project Based on the 70% Design Plans. (D-23-08)

Motion by Olson, passed unanimously, that the Board authorize bidding on the 10th Fairway Stormwater Management Downstream Drainage Improvement and Green Replacement Project based on 70% design plans.

7.3 Consideration of Lot Violation Enforcement and Entering Lots for Maintenance. (D-23-09) Adopted by consent, that the Board declare a continuing violation of the Restrictive Covenants exists on the lot in Case #23-0118-01, and the Board suspend the voting rights and the use of the recreational amenities, including the Main and Back automatic gates, until the violation is corrected, in accordance with Section 12.G.b of the Restrictive Covenants, effective January 31, 2023; and further, that the Board authorize Management to send a legal demand letter to bring the lot into compliance.

7.4 Consideration of Authorizing the President to Sign a FiberLync Agreement and Easement Regarding Service to Lake of the Woods for LOWA Sections 11 and 12. (D-23-10)

Motion by Rappoport, passed unanimously, that the Board authorize the President to sign a FiberLync Agreement and Easement regarding service to Lake of the Woods for LOWA Sections 11 and 12 in a form approved by the LOWA Attorney.

8. Director Comments: Director Olson reminded members to use the TEKControl visitor entry system on the LOWA website to authorize guest entry.

9. Scheduled Meetings

Regular Board of Directors Meeting: Saturday, February 4, 2023 in the Community Center, Executive Session: 9:00 a.m. Open Session: 10:00 a.m.

Regular Board of Directors Meeting: Wednesday, February 15, 2023 in the Community Center. Executive Session: 1:00 p.m. Open Session: 2:00 p.m.

10. Adjournment

Motion by Clawson, passed unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 5:37 p.m.