Bits and Pieces

The rather lengthy culvert at Main Beach has been in place for many years and is beginning to “leak” because of decaying timbers that abut the concrete that channels rain water into the lake. Pieces of concrete have also broken away allowing heavy rain water to erode parts of the beach area. The HOA has set aside funds to replace the entire “run” from the street with FONL’s help but other projects tied to the facelift of the clubhouse have had superceding priority to date.

At a recent HOA meeting, card checker Richard Skinner related an incident of a handicapped person in a wheelchair having difficulty transiting the culvert’s curvature to gain access to the beach area. He suggested an initiative to build a short access bridge across the culvert and FONL members set that request in motion. As he is prone to do, Leonard Matheny came up with the answer—a short piece of discarded metal bridge he salvaged from the old downtown Sears building where he works.

On an August Saturday morning, Rob McNulty cranked up his ATV, loaded the bridge on his attached trailer and hauled it down to Main Beach. Paul Barlow showed up with bags of concrete and the three of them (including Leonard) had the bridge anchored in place within an hour. Leftover concrete was used to patch a few of the leaks. Cal Reily returned later and painted the hand railings with the same blue paint that adorns all area gates, swings, etc., patched the remaining leaks and it was a done deal so far as the bridge is concerned. Cost to HOA—zero; cost to FONL—zero. Replacing the entire culvert is still on our collective “to do” list.

Given the number of cars in the clubhouse parking lot this morning at 1030 one would think there was a meeting inside. While there was some of each, it was a rather large showing of Friends who gathered to spruce up the area. Three and a half hours later Leonard's truck body was approaching the full mark composed of limbs, shrub trimmings and other greenery. The oak leaves were raked into several large piles to be removed later as we approach springtime. The split rail fence sports new railings where old broken pieces dangled. Jacobs place was raked and the secure room in the clubhouse has new window blinds in place of the 20 year old ragged, dusty curtains. The sandy beach is free of leaves and ready for any required re-grading.

Dinner on the grounds--pizza and drinks--were provided by Elliott and Christi Scott and enjoyed by all.

Kudos go out to Elliott and Christi Scott, Dennis Williams and son, Richard Keith, Jeri McFadden, Mark Yenney and sons, Karyl Kennedy Harwell, Roy Fair, Leonard Matheny, Rick Cartright, and Beth Pierce and sons.

On a more somber note, we announce the passing of the father of Rob McNulty, our FONL Vice President and former Director of our Homeowner's Association, in Cordele, GA. Rob was at his father's bedside in his final hour. Our sympathies and prayers go out to Rob and Linda in their time of grief.