We wanted to give you a brief synopsis of our 2015 Annual Meeting and Dinner including several important points made by our Keynote Speakers, AMWA Interim Executive Director Bill Casey and AMWA Lake Patrol Officer Bill Magee.
The meeting was attended by nearly 100 members from LAPOA, including Bill Casey and his wife, Pat, and Bill Magee. The attendance continues to grow, and we are excited to see new members joining.
Todd Garrett addressing the members
Two director positions held by Karen Mondini and Elaine Schaller were open for election. They both were willing to serve another term, and since no one else volunteered, they were reelected for three year terms.
LAPOA President Todd Garrett gave a brief presentation regarding the Purpose, Mission, and Values of LAPOA.
AMWA Lake Patrol Officer Bill Magee gave a very poignant presentation on lake safety.
Bill Magee’s Keynote
Specifically he talked about Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) and drownings. Bill has been in law enforcement for 40 years with most of it being on the water. He has personally been involved in the recovery of 110 drowning victims during that time, two of which were Game Wardens who were not wearing PFD’s. In all cases (except for three elderly people who were wearing PFD’s but there boat capsized with them under it), none of the victims were wearing PFD’s. His message was clear, drownings are more common than we think, and wearing a PFD almost completely eliminates the risk, so please wear your PFD’s while operating boats or swimming on Lake Athens.
Bill Casey’s Keynote
AMWA Interim Executive Director Bill Casey closed the evening with a comprehensive presentation on the latest with AMWA and Lake Athens. Here are a couple of key points Bill made:
- Construction of the Well Farm is still underway. The goal is to have two wells operating which would dramatically reduce, if not eliminate the need to draw water out of Lake Athens to supply the City.
- Bill updated the audience on the current Marina development. The Gas Dock and Bait Shop are open for business under a temporary 90 day lease. They hope to have a permanent lease by September 9th. Bill assured the audience that hotels, condos, or any overnight boat slips or boat marina are not being considered and would not be allowed under the temporary or permanent lease.
There are some wonderful events on the schedule for the summer of 2015 on Lake Athens:
- The 4th of July includes several activities, the Fireworks at the Fisheries, the 4th Annual Boat Parade, and a new addition, the Ski Show. Please go the website at lapoa.org for more details.
- Skiin’ with the Galilean. Water Ski/Bible Camp for Orphans, Foster Children, and Children with Special Needs. July 28-30. Please go to the website at www.swtgusa.org for more details.
Special thanks once again goes to Bill and Pat Casey and to Bill Magee for joining us at the meeting, sharing a meal and presenting our very enjoyable and informative keynote talks. Thanks also to Bob Bushnell for helping out with some of the photos.
Sincerely,
Your Board of Directors
Good Food, Good Fellowship