Contributed by Mike Feazel
The Lake Monticello Community Foundation board voted unanimously Wednesday (April 9) to work with the Lake Monticello Owners Association to install a floating swim platform and a wood-like mobility mat to make it easier for those with mobility issues to access the beach and docks.
The platform and mat, which would be completely financed by the foundation, are to be installed at the Lake’s Main Beach, hopefully in time for this summer’s swim season. The total cost for the two projects would be about $20,000.
The swim platform would float in the deeper area of Main Beach water and provide a safe platform, including ladders, for swimmers to enjoy. The roll-up mat would reach from the hard sidewalk to near the water and docks.
The new projects are among several the Lake Monticello Community Foundation has launched while it awaits final LMOA approval for a proposed family friendly pavilion at the Lake, also to be financed by the foundation.
In recent months, the foundation board also approved several grants, including $6,000 for three scholarships for Fluvanna County High School students (one from the Lake, one from the rest of the county, and one for a vocational/technical student) based on their commitment to community service. The foundation also approved a $1,000 grant for a golf training simulator for Fluvanna County High School, which would be made available to others in the county. The board also said it will match the next $2,000 that the golf simulator organizers raise toward its $15,000 estimated cost. In addition, the foundation granted $500 for the Studio Arts Tour in the fall and $500 for an effort to pay for students’ PSAT and SAT tests. The project, to replace money previously provided by the county, is organized by Fluvanna Leadership Development Program students and the high school PTSO.
Among the Foundation’s planned fundraisers are a “Shred Day” 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Lake Monticello Fire Department (suggested donation $10 per 30-lb. box of documents securely shredded) and the Lake Talent Showcase starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Sts. Peter & Paul Church (https://www.lakemonticellocommunityfoundation.org/projects-events).
