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APRIL 2025
Welcome to the official newsetter of the Lake Forest Property Owner's Association.  Catch up on the latest news from your Board of Directors along with some golf, tennis and LFPOA club news and upcoming events.    

LFPOA Newsletter

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Burger

Hungry??  Visit the 19th Hole Grill or call for takeout.  251-621-4729.

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Lake Forest Property Owners’ Association Annual Meeting Speech March 2025.  

Good evening, Lake Forest Members. For those who may now know me, my name is Dr. Byrian Ramsey, and I am your POA president. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to our annual meeting. Tonight, we come together not only to reflect on the past year but also to chart a course for the future of our wonderful, thriving community. As members of the Lake Forest Property Owners’ Association, we share the responsibility of maintaining and improving our neighborhood, ensuring it remains a place we are all proud to call home. Before I get into the particulars of our meeting, I want first to introduce our Board of Directors:

 

Mr. Matthew Laws – Vice President

Ms. Charlotte Graham – Secretary

Ms. Sharon St. Laurent – Member at Large

Mr. Tom Opdyke – Member at Large

Ms. Mallory Tapley – Member at Large

Mr. Jeff Arrant – General Manager

Mr. Patrick Collins – POA Attorney

Mr. Bill Donathon – CPA/CFO

Mr. Mike Albrecht – Media Admin

 

Financial Overview

Let’s start with our financials. Over the past year, we have worked diligently and responsibly to manage our resources. I am pleased to report that we have remained financially stable, including membership dues and fees—keeping us on solid footing. We have focused on prudent spending, ensuring that our investments directly benefit our community.

 

This year, we allocated a significant portion of our budget toward necessary infrastructure improvements, maintenance, and community enrichment projects. While we faced some unexpected expenses, we were able to absorb these costs without jeopardizing our long-term financial health. Looking ahead, we will continue to prioritize financial responsibility, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the betterment of Lake Forest.

 

Projects and Accomplishments

2024 has been a year of progress. We have successfully completed several key projects that enhance the quality of life for our residents:

  • Infrastructure and Maintenance Projects: Revitalizing the 19th Hole with new siding that will last several years. Updating and improving the pools and parking lots, and upkeeping our golf course, plus many others.

  • Community Engagement: This past year saw increased participation in community events and programs, fostering residents' stronger sense of belonging.

 

New Mission and Vision Statements

As part of our commitment to ensuring a bright future for Lake Forest, the Board has refined our mission and vision statements to better align with our long-term goals.

 

Our Mission: Our mission is to protect and enhance the value of our properties while fostering a vibrant and connected community. We are committed to actively listening to the needs of our residents, building lasting relationships, and creating a strong sense of trust. By encouraging the use and enjoyment of our shared amenities, we strive to bring the community closer together and make Lake Forest a place where every homeowner feels valued and at home.

 

Our Vision: We envision Lake Forest as a thriving, well-maintained community where residents take pride in their properties and each other. Through open communication, trust, and strong community engagement, we strive to create a welcoming environment where neighbors connect, relationships flourish, and our shared amenities enhance the quality of life for all. Our vision is to build a lasting legacy of unity, security, and prosperity for current and future residents.

 

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, our priorities remain clear: protecting our home values, maintaining financial stability, enhancing our amenities, improving communication with members, and fostering a connected and engaged community. Your input and involvement are vital, and we encourage everyone to participate in committees, attend events, and share feedback.

 

Thank you to our Board members, staff, and volunteers who work tirelessly to make Lake Forest a better place for all of us. Your dedication and efforts do not go unnoticed.

 

Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more vibrant Lake Forest community.

 

Thank you, and let’s have a great year ahead!

BOD Organizational Meeting
April 3, 2025 at 6 PM

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More progress at the LFPOA Offices and 19th Hole. Our siding replacement project is now painted.  Looking Good!!

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Capital Improvement Plan Summary

LFPOA Mission Statement:

Our mission is to protect and enhance the value of our properties while fostering a vibrant and connected community. We are committed to actively listening to the needs of our residents, building lasting relationships, and creating a strong sense of trust. By encouraging the use and enjoyment of our shared amenities, we strive to bring the community closer together and make Lake Forest a place where every homeowner feels valued and at home.

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LFPOA Vision Statement:

We envision Lake Forest as a thriving, well-maintained community where residents take pride in their properties and each other. Through open communication, trust, and strong community engagement, we strive to create a welcoming environment where neighbors connect, relationships flourish, and our shared amenities enhance the quality of life for all. Our vision is to build a lasting legacy of unity, security, and prosperity for current and future residents.

 

Executive Summary

The Lake Forest Property Owners Association's 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) outlines a strategic investment in infrastructure, amenities, and community enhancements from 2025 to 2030. This plan aims to preserve and enhance key assets, ensuring long-term sustainability and improved quality of life for all residents.

 

Over the next five years, the association will undertake significant projects, including renovations to the 19th Hole facility, major golf course and tennis court improvements, sluice gate and dam modifications, and upgrades to pools, signage, and recreational spaces. Additional investments focus on security enhancements, roadway resurfacing, and environmental initiatives such as solar energy installations and drainage improvements.

 

Funding for these improvements will come from HOA fees, reserve funds, and other revenue sources. A structured oversight process is in place to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to project timelines.

 

By proactively investing in infrastructure and community spaces, the CIP is designed to enhance property values, foster greater community engagement, and deliver lasting benefits for all residents. These improvements will help ensure that Lake Forest remains a premier community for generations to come.

 

Planning and Prioritization Process

The planning and prioritization of capital improvements are guided by a systematic approach to ensure that community needs are met efficiently and effectively. The process includes:

 

1. Assessment of Current Infrastructure and Amenities

  • Conducting comprehensive evaluations of existing facilities, roadways, and amenities to identify improvement areas.

  • Engaging professional consultants and Engineers to assess long-term infrastructure sustainability.

2. Community Input and Feedback Mechanisms

  • Hosting town hall meetings, surveys, and focus groups to gather resident feedback on community priorities.

  • Establishing an advisory committee of board members and residents to ensure transparency and representation.

3. Criteria for Project Selection and Prioritization

  • Evaluating projects based on urgency, community impact, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with long-term strategic goals.

  • Prioritizing safety-related projects, followed by maintenance and enhancement initiatives that provide long-term value.

  • Ensuring projects address environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.

4. Coordination with Local Government and Agencies

  • Collaborating with municipal authorities for permits, approvals, and potential cost-sharing opportunities.

  • Seeking grants and funding from state and federal programs to supplement HOA resources.

5. Implementation Strategy

  • Developing a phased approach to project execution, ensuring minimal disruption to residents.

  • Establishing accountability measures, including progress reporting and financial oversight, to maintain transparency.

 

III. Capital Improvement Projects Overview

Year 1 (2025) – Foundation & Immediate Needs

  • Capital Expenditures:

    • 19th Hole exterior siding - $156,260

    • 19th Hole and Clubhouse roof - $120,000

  • Amenity Improvements:

    • Sluice box modification - $12,000

    • Driving range concrete slab - $3,400

    • Golf course drainage and general improvements - $17,000

 

NOTE: The following items have not been approved or voted upon at this time. These items will be voted upon when the new budget is approved.

Also, any money left over in the budget for capital projects will be moved to the following year’s budget.

 

Year 2 (2026) – Community Enhancements

  • Capital Expenditures:

    • 19th Hole interior renovations - $150,000

  • Amenity Improvements:

    • Resurface 2 asphalt courts - $25,000

    • Cover driving range slab - $5,000

    • Golf course drainage and general improvements - $25,000

Year 3 (2027) – Infrastructure & Sustainability

  • Capital Expenditures:

    • Build 19th Hole addition - $500,000

  • Amenity Improvements:

    • Replace all entrance and directional signs & upgrade entrance landscaping - $75,000

    • Golf course drainage and general improvements - $25,000

Year 4 (2028) – Growth & Modernization

  • Capital Expenditures:

    • Replace sluice gate valve - $100,000

    • Modification to top of the dam (increase by 2 feet) - $100,000

  • Amenity Improvements:

    • Repair 4 clay courts - $50,000

    • Golf course drainage and general improvements - $25,000

Year 5 (2029) – Long-Term Improvements

  • Capital Expenditures:

    • Pools, pool buildings, surrounding areas, and pool furniture - $125,000

  • Amenity Improvements:

    • Purchase new seating for tennis courts - $25,000

    • Replace or repair tennis court fencing - $25,000

    • Golf course drainage and general improvements - $25,000

 

Budget & Funding Strategy

The total budget for the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan is structured to ensure financial sustainability while addressing the community's evolving needs. Funding sources include HOA fees, reserve funds, and other revenue streams. Additionally, the association will explore cost-sharing opportunities with local government agencies and private sector partners to maximize financial efficiency. A key focus will explore external funding through grants and sponsorships to alleviate financial pressure on residents. The financial strategy will also involve phased budgeting to ensure that high-priority projects receive immediate funding while allowing flexibility for future adjustments. Establishing and maintaining a dedicated reserve fund will be crucial to address unexpected contingencies and long-term maintenance needs, ensuring the community remains well-equipped for future developments. Since the budget is reviewed annually, capital projects will continuously be updated to reflect current financials and priorities.

 

Implementation & Accountability

Implementation of the CIP will follow a structured approach to ensure timely completion and responsible management. A dedicated oversight committee will monitor project execution, budget adherence, and effectiveness. Regular progress updates will be shared with residents through community meetings, newsletters, and digital platforms. Performance metrics will be developed to measure success, ensuring projects align with the association’s strategic goals, mission, and vision.

 

Conclusion

The 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan serves as a strategic roadmap for the continued growth and enhancement of the Lake Forest community. Through thoughtful planning, prioritization, and a well-structured funding strategy, this plan ensures that essential infrastructure and amenities are maintained and improved to meet the evolving needs of residents. The association is committed to preserving property values and enhancing the overall quality of life by fostering transparency, encouraging community engagement, and optimizing financial resources. This plan lays the foundation for long-term success, ensuring Lake Forest remains a vibrant, desirable, and thriving community for generations to come.

Lake Restoration

Forest Lake

Learn more about the restoration efforts of the Lake Forest Lake

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April is an AWESOME month for golf!  The Masters Tournament is almost here.  The spring flowers have started to bloom, the temperatures and abundance of sunshine is a perfect recipe to get outdoors and take advantage of the many offerings the Golf Club has to offer. 

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Our first MGA event of the year was on March 15, and it was a race to the finish line, due to some forecasted heavy storms later in the day.  The format was a new one, three player teams where the counting score was one ball on par 5s, two balls on par 4s and all three balls on the par 3 holes.  Congratulations to the winning team of Steve Scarcliff, Josh Carden, and Bubba Chance with a 4 shot victory on a  net score of 130, 6 under par.  Also finishing in the money at 134 were the teams of Mike George, Jim Marshall, and Rob Pote, and the team of Terry Fuller, Jack Popp, and Tommy Stutts.  Thank you to all the participants, and we are looking forward to fantastic weather for our spring events.

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Our MGA event for April will be a one person event whose score will be paired on Masters Saturday with a player from that tournament drawn at random with his score from Augusta on April 12.

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 April is usually a heavy month for outings, and this year is no different.  The Pinseekers will be on Monday, April 7, the Sand Crabs on Monday, April 14, The Emerald Coast Seniors on the 17th, and the Spanish Fort Law Enforcement event will be on Friday, April 25th.  Please check the calendar in the pro shop for course re-openings around these events.

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If you are already a golfer, please come out and join in with one of our leagues.  You will meet many wonderful people and have a great time.

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All our leagues play every month, throughout the year.

  • Men’s Golf Association

  • Ladies Golf Association

  • Senior Couples League​

Please keep in mind, for the safety of all who enjoy Lake Forest Golf Club, there should be no walking, jogging, or pet walking on the course during hours of operation (7:00am – 6:00pm).

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Please come out and take advantage of our 2025 Rates.  The Best ANYWHERE!

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Uber Junior Tennis boasts the most popular summer tennis and swim camp on the Eastern Shore of Alabama. We have been operating this particular program for over 10 years now. We came up with a camp that is extremely fun, active and educational. Our summer program is designed to introduce kids to the game of tennis and give them an outlet of a healthy summer lifestyle. Our camps run various weeks throughout the summer Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

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Catch up on all the latest events.  Click Below to take you directly to our events page. 

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Our meeting came to order shortly after 10:00, beginning with some amusing inspiration from Alli. Business was taken care of, including the nominating committee’s recommendation for next year’s slate of officers. They are:

 

        President: Terre Farlow

        Vice President: Mary Loury

        Secretary: Alli Flowers

        Treasurer: Kathy Schuman

 

Our speaker was Donnarae Louther, an end of life doula. She spoke about the duties of an end of life doula as well as the services she provides her clients, which include:

  • End of life care for both the dying and their family

  • Advanced directive vs health care proxy

  • Funeral planning

  • Bringing families back together to resolve emotion and reach closure

  • Celebrate life

  • Legacy work

  • Dignity

   

If you want to help women in our community, here is the link for our Amazon wish list. These supplies go directly to Prodisee Pantry.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/RQQ9D5LM15PR/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 

 

Don’t forget our big yard sale coming up April 4-6. It’s not too late to participate. Information needed to register is your address, days/hours you are selling, categories of items being sold and the types of payment you will accept. 

Send your information to lfyardsale@yahoo.com.

Our twice-yearly sales are brought to you by the Lake Forest Women's Club, a well-established organization that has embraced many local charities. You may think your $5 donation to our organization isn't much and wouldn't have much impact, but those $5 donations pooled with others do make a difference! One hundred percent (100%) of the donations go to a local charity. This year’s charity is the Robertsdale Laundry’s Blessing Barn. Think about how a little financial support can make a difference in the lives of many.

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We had around 20 members attend the monthly meeting. Debbie Arguiro won first first prize for bringing in her favorite azalea.  Thank you to chylene Kampenga, Grace Jones, Sheila , Linda Crowell, Jane Spicciani and Judy Simpson for sharing gardening related stories in their childhood.Our hosts honored St Patrick by putting on a wonderful spread.

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How well do you know Baldwin County?

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No, really. If you are new to our beautiful state, you have probably hit the highlights: the beaches of Gulf Shores, lunch in downtown Fairhope, shopping in Foley and Mardi Gras parades in Daphne. Sound about, right?

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Have you sampled oysters fresh out of Mobile Bay at the Fort Morgan Oyster Festival? Have you stepped aboard the USS Alabama where 2,500 courageous Americans led the American Fleet into Tokyo Bay in 1945? Have you sipped cool, sweet tea on a warm, autumn day and listened to some of the top Bluegrass bands in the nation under the canopy of oak trees behind Stapleton School? Do you spend part of Easter weekend celebrating spring and all its blessings at the annual Strawberry Festival?

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If you haven’t, you should. Alabama is full of destinations and events and Baldwin County is no exception. We are home to beautiful beaches, mysterious swamps, historical landmarks, sports destinations and shopping galore. Our annual festivals are so numerous it feels impossible to visit them all.

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But, as a state official, I hope you will at least make the effort.

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Every year the Alabama Tourism Department works with the legislature to disperse millions of dollars in grants allocated from the state’s budget to tourist events around Alabama.

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Our goal is to help bring to life the geographical and cultural diversity that thrives throughout our great state.

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As a legislator, one of the most fulfilling duties I have is to help pick local organizations and events to receive an annual tourism grant.

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In Baldwin County, our Legislative Delegation is proud to award more than 20 such grants to organizations in our districts.

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The grants, amounting to $2,600 for monies awarded by members of the House of Representatives, are used to help grow these events each year in a number of ways. The hope is that with these extra funds, will not only help the event to grow each year, but as they do, so will the number of folks who get to enjoy these special events.

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For 2025, I am pleased to present Legislative Grants to the following events and organizations: the Delta Woods and Waters Expo and the Jubilee Festival of Arts.

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If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit these events, put aside some time this year to do so. We have some of the most creative and inspiring individuals right in our neighborhoods. A weekend with them is a weekend spent appreciating what makes Baldwin County an amazing place to live.

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