Lot of things have happened at our lakefront since my last blog! In preparation for the Winter months, we have taken down and stored the swings from the play area and have take down all of our signage except for at the entrance (that will be remove later this month). One of our new Directors, Kathleen, will spend some time this Winter cleaning those signs up and refinishing them. That should really brighten things up at our lakefront come Spring! Other new Director, Terry, will be doing some maintenance on couple of picnic tables and yesterday he removed a tree that came down on our fence in a storm last week. Last month we had a “U” shaped driveway put in at our entrance that would allow for an entrance and a separate exit and with that process we had that area of the drive grated and more gravel added. We also had several trees and brush removed to get the area cleaned for the electric gate to be installed. Some stumps near the pavilion area were also removed. And finally after 5 years of diligently collecting liens, selling advertising and t-shirts and promoting picnic and 50/50 raffles we have saved enough money to afford an electronic gate for the entrance to our lakefront! During this 5 years, much research was done to make sure that we choose the gate that was best for our community. We also kept our promise that the money would be raised so that it would not incur an increase in our annual dues nor would it be cause for a special assessment. The gate was installed last Friday and looks absolutely beautiful! The gate will remain open until Spring of 2019, so be sure to continue to use your 2018 beach pass when you go down to our lakefront. As always, the usual (old) gates will be closed and locked at noon on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and will remain closed until April 1st (sooner if weather permits). There will be lots more information coming your way in the the next 6 months via these blogs/our website, as well as information that will be sent out with your annual dues billing statement. In these next 6 months we will be as informative as possible so that everyone understands the new entrance and so we can be a step ahead of any questions that you may have….so please be sure to read all blogs in the coming months so you can stay informed and be up to date on these new changes. This is really an exciting time for Lakewood…..we are truly making our beach/lakefront area OURS and an electric gate is a great selling/buying feature. Area realtors have also stated that it increases the value of our properties as well!