Q&A:
FRIENDS PRESIDENT REVIEWS PROJECTS, ENCOURAGES YEAR-END DONATIONS
Posted 12/07/2022
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times
Friends of Lake Panorama is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. The first meeting of the Friends of Lake Panorama board was Dec. 3, 2013. An application for nonprofit status was filed with the IRS in January 2014 and approved in July of that year.
The charity is governed by a volunteer, seven-member board of directors. In this month’s Q&A, Jan Reinicke, Friends board president, talks about completed projects and the charity’s current priority project.
Q. For newcomers to Lake Panorama, let’s start with a look back at some of the first major projects Friends of Lake Panorama helped make possible.
A. Our first project was a destination playground at Sunset Beach. It was a partnership project, completed in 2016, with Friends raising $80,000 and LPA contributing $50,000. Our second large project was the sports courts at Boulder Beach, which also was a partnership project with the LPA.
In 2017, the Panorama West golf course saw significant upgrades, thanks to an estate gift to Friends of $473,00 from James and Joyce McLuen. It was a generous gift by longtime lake residents who wanted to support a place they loved by including a bequest in their will. We hope it encourages others to think about the future impact they can have on recreational amenities at Lake Panorama.
Another major project completed in 2021 was a $70,000 fundraising campaign for new playground equipment at both Shady and Boulder Beaches. The LPA provided in-kind contributions of assistance with installation, oversight and maintenance.
Q. Several projects led by Friends were completed this year, correct?
A. Yes, I’m happy to report five projects were completed in 2022. It has been a banner year for adding to the recreational opportunities here at the lake, but none of it could have been accomplished without the continuing support of so many in the community. Our support has run the gamut of great volunteers helping with fundraising and outreach to others to generous contributors at the Beach Ball, as well as a few individuals stepping up to make a project a reality. All are appreciated and applauded.
The biggest of the five projects is the Lake Panorama dog park. A $50,000 fundraising effort began in September 2020. Donations reached $45,000 by the time the 2021 Beach Ball was held, which provided another $5,000 to reach the project goal.
The park opened June 10. Another $4,500 from the 2022 Beach Ball was used to purchase two benches and four trees to add to the park. The dog park project was successful from the beginning as numerous volunteers helped raise the necessary funds. There were so many fundraisers held by our volunteer committee, it appeared to be a labor of dog love. Now it’s gratifying to see the dogs and their owners enjoying the space. It’s become a popular hangout for the canine crowd.
Another project that was in the planning stages for a while and completed this fall is the Panorama West Nature Trail. Private donations and funds from the 2021 Beach Ball made this project possible. Portions of an existing trail being used by a limited number of people and the Panorama school’s cross-country track teams now is a designated nature trail, and ready for visitors.
Posts with directional signage and a trailhead sign have been installed, plus two benches. Parking is in a cul-de-sac at the end of Nicholl Drive, which intersects with Panorama Road just south of the Panorama West clubhouse. Those who use the official trail, plus the optional loop, will complete 2.25 miles. It’s a beautiful trail.
A third project completed this year was the addition of three swings near the existing Sunset Beach playground. The swing set includes two bench swings and one toddler swing and was financed by profits from the 2021 Beach Ball.
A fourth project that wrapped up this fall also is at Sunset Beach. The Friends board had discussed a basketball half-court there for several years. The idea of expanding the basketball court to include pickleball was raised this summer. Adding an extra 10 feet to the original plan made this possible.
Mark and Karen Einck donated $25,000 for this project, with another $5,500 in donations received. A total of $17,500 from the 2022 Beach Ball finished this project, which now is ready for basketball players. A portable pickleball net on wheels will be available there in the spring.
The fifth project came together quickly this spring at Lake Panorama National. Eight large shade trees located around the Spikes snack shop, and between the first and 10th tees, were removed in February. Research on artificial shade options led to a project that cost $22,000.
Fundraising began in April, and the goal was reached in June. Six metal poles were installed in concrete footings in the grassy horseshoe area near Spikes, with two heavy-duty fabric sails attached to the poles. The main use of this area is for golfers in carts before and after tournaments and league play.
Q. What other projects are in the works?
A. The current priority project for Friends of Lake Panorama is enhancements to existing trails on the south shore of the main basin, which the LPA board approved at its Aug. 30 meeting. The board also approved Friends and LPA staff working with Panorama Community Schools personnel to move the cross country team trail from Panorama West to the south shore. The new cross country trail will begin on school property, continue onto the south shore for much of the course, and loop back to end at the school.
So far the school has spent about $5,000 to make a path through an area of cedar trees on LPA property that is near the northwest corner of school property. This new path is about 25 feet wide and 100 yards long and will connect with existing trail sections on the south shore. School personnel also are committed to helping with ongoing maintenance.
The south shore has several existing trail sections that will be combined into a single structure offering a variety of lengths and difficulty. Final details for the trail system will be developed in spring 2023.
Earlier this year, Friends of Lake Panorama presented a recreational concept for the south shore to the LPA board, which included disc golf, fishing dock, a small shelter and the walking trail enhancements. Friends continues to research these additional low-impact recreational amenities, and will return to the LPA board in 2023 for further discussion.
Q. How can people donate to Friends of Lake Panorama?
A. Statistics show a high percentage of charitable contributions are made in the last few weeks of the year. We’re looking forward to donations coming in to support the trails project on the south shore, as well as the Friends general fund. All donations are tax-deductible and donors receive a confirmation letter for tax purposes.
There are several donation options. One easy way is to clip the coupon from the Friends ad in this issue of the Lake Panorama Times, fill it out and mail it with a check to Friends of Lake Panorama, P.O. Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Or simply include a note with your check so we know how you want your donation used.
Direct donations can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Donations also can be made by credit card online at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org. Details about all past, present and future Friends projects also are on the Friends website.
Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions — for donors over age 70 ½ who are required to take forced IRA distributions. There are potential tax-saving benefits when considering either of these direct donation strategies. For information, contact Kristen Crouthamel, financial advisor at GCSB Investment Center, at 641-755-2799 or kristen@investgcsb.com.
Q. Any additional thoughts you’d like to share?
A. Friends of Lake Panorama is the perfect opportunity to forge a strong partnership with the Lake Panorama Association to improve the recreational opportunities here at the lake. Working together, we have the potential to improve the quality of life for current and future residents. While the LPA’s focus, out of necessity, needs to be on safety, security and infrastructure needs, Friends of Lake Panorama can be a catalyst and support group focusing on the amenities our community members desire.
Our working relationship with the LPA is a good model as we move forward. The LPA board has provided financial contributions when possible and many in-kind contributions. LPA staff have spent many hours helping make each of the projects come to be a part of life at Lake Panorama.
We are proud of our commitment to engage LPA community members in establishing priorities and continuing our work to provide additional amenities. The volunteer committee working on developing a concept for recreational amenities on the South Shore is another good example of seeking input from community members with expertise and commitment.
In addition, we were encouraged by the strong response to the survey conducted among lake members affirming their support for south shore projects.
We will be doing outreach for the support needed to complete the next phase of projects and hope you’ll include Friends in your priorities. We’d like to widen our fundraising base in the community and get new first-time donors on board. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you to build a strong Friends organization for the future.
That future support can include marking your calendars now for the sixth Beach Ball on Friday, June 16, 2023. This is our primary fundraising event in addition to the individual donations we solicit throughout the year. It’s always a fun event so save the date and plan to attend. More information will be available in the spring.
By Susan Thompson
Lake Panorama Times
Friends of Lake Panorama is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. The first meeting of the Friends of Lake Panorama board was Dec. 3, 2013. An application for nonprofit status was filed with the IRS in January 2014 and approved in July of that year.
The charity is governed by a volunteer, seven-member board of directors. In this month’s Q&A, Jan Reinicke, Friends board president, talks about completed projects and the charity’s current priority project.
Q. For newcomers to Lake Panorama, let’s start with a look back at some of the first major projects Friends of Lake Panorama helped make possible.
A. Our first project was a destination playground at Sunset Beach. It was a partnership project, completed in 2016, with Friends raising $80,000 and LPA contributing $50,000. Our second large project was the sports courts at Boulder Beach, which also was a partnership project with the LPA.
In 2017, the Panorama West golf course saw significant upgrades, thanks to an estate gift to Friends of $473,00 from James and Joyce McLuen. It was a generous gift by longtime lake residents who wanted to support a place they loved by including a bequest in their will. We hope it encourages others to think about the future impact they can have on recreational amenities at Lake Panorama.
Another major project completed in 2021 was a $70,000 fundraising campaign for new playground equipment at both Shady and Boulder Beaches. The LPA provided in-kind contributions of assistance with installation, oversight and maintenance.
Q. Several projects led by Friends were completed this year, correct?
A. Yes, I’m happy to report five projects were completed in 2022. It has been a banner year for adding to the recreational opportunities here at the lake, but none of it could have been accomplished without the continuing support of so many in the community. Our support has run the gamut of great volunteers helping with fundraising and outreach to others to generous contributors at the Beach Ball, as well as a few individuals stepping up to make a project a reality. All are appreciated and applauded.
The biggest of the five projects is the Lake Panorama dog park. A $50,000 fundraising effort began in September 2020. Donations reached $45,000 by the time the 2021 Beach Ball was held, which provided another $5,000 to reach the project goal.
The park opened June 10. Another $4,500 from the 2022 Beach Ball was used to purchase two benches and four trees to add to the park. The dog park project was successful from the beginning as numerous volunteers helped raise the necessary funds. There were so many fundraisers held by our volunteer committee, it appeared to be a labor of dog love. Now it’s gratifying to see the dogs and their owners enjoying the space. It’s become a popular hangout for the canine crowd.
Another project that was in the planning stages for a while and completed this fall is the Panorama West Nature Trail. Private donations and funds from the 2021 Beach Ball made this project possible. Portions of an existing trail being used by a limited number of people and the Panorama school’s cross-country track teams now is a designated nature trail, and ready for visitors.
Posts with directional signage and a trailhead sign have been installed, plus two benches. Parking is in a cul-de-sac at the end of Nicholl Drive, which intersects with Panorama Road just south of the Panorama West clubhouse. Those who use the official trail, plus the optional loop, will complete 2.25 miles. It’s a beautiful trail.
A third project completed this year was the addition of three swings near the existing Sunset Beach playground. The swing set includes two bench swings and one toddler swing and was financed by profits from the 2021 Beach Ball.
A fourth project that wrapped up this fall also is at Sunset Beach. The Friends board had discussed a basketball half-court there for several years. The idea of expanding the basketball court to include pickleball was raised this summer. Adding an extra 10 feet to the original plan made this possible.
Mark and Karen Einck donated $25,000 for this project, with another $5,500 in donations received. A total of $17,500 from the 2022 Beach Ball finished this project, which now is ready for basketball players. A portable pickleball net on wheels will be available there in the spring.
The fifth project came together quickly this spring at Lake Panorama National. Eight large shade trees located around the Spikes snack shop, and between the first and 10th tees, were removed in February. Research on artificial shade options led to a project that cost $22,000.
Fundraising began in April, and the goal was reached in June. Six metal poles were installed in concrete footings in the grassy horseshoe area near Spikes, with two heavy-duty fabric sails attached to the poles. The main use of this area is for golfers in carts before and after tournaments and league play.
Q. What other projects are in the works?
A. The current priority project for Friends of Lake Panorama is enhancements to existing trails on the south shore of the main basin, which the LPA board approved at its Aug. 30 meeting. The board also approved Friends and LPA staff working with Panorama Community Schools personnel to move the cross country team trail from Panorama West to the south shore. The new cross country trail will begin on school property, continue onto the south shore for much of the course, and loop back to end at the school.
So far the school has spent about $5,000 to make a path through an area of cedar trees on LPA property that is near the northwest corner of school property. This new path is about 25 feet wide and 100 yards long and will connect with existing trail sections on the south shore. School personnel also are committed to helping with ongoing maintenance.
The south shore has several existing trail sections that will be combined into a single structure offering a variety of lengths and difficulty. Final details for the trail system will be developed in spring 2023.
Earlier this year, Friends of Lake Panorama presented a recreational concept for the south shore to the LPA board, which included disc golf, fishing dock, a small shelter and the walking trail enhancements. Friends continues to research these additional low-impact recreational amenities, and will return to the LPA board in 2023 for further discussion.
Q. How can people donate to Friends of Lake Panorama?
A. Statistics show a high percentage of charitable contributions are made in the last few weeks of the year. We’re looking forward to donations coming in to support the trails project on the south shore, as well as the Friends general fund. All donations are tax-deductible and donors receive a confirmation letter for tax purposes.
There are several donation options. One easy way is to clip the coupon from the Friends ad in this issue of the Lake Panorama Times, fill it out and mail it with a check to Friends of Lake Panorama, P.O. Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Or simply include a note with your check so we know how you want your donation used.
Direct donations can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. Donations also can be made by credit card online at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org. Details about all past, present and future Friends projects also are on the Friends website.
Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions — for donors over age 70 ½ who are required to take forced IRA distributions. There are potential tax-saving benefits when considering either of these direct donation strategies. For information, contact Kristen Crouthamel, financial advisor at GCSB Investment Center, at 641-755-2799 or kristen@investgcsb.com.
Q. Any additional thoughts you’d like to share?
A. Friends of Lake Panorama is the perfect opportunity to forge a strong partnership with the Lake Panorama Association to improve the recreational opportunities here at the lake. Working together, we have the potential to improve the quality of life for current and future residents. While the LPA’s focus, out of necessity, needs to be on safety, security and infrastructure needs, Friends of Lake Panorama can be a catalyst and support group focusing on the amenities our community members desire.
Our working relationship with the LPA is a good model as we move forward. The LPA board has provided financial contributions when possible and many in-kind contributions. LPA staff have spent many hours helping make each of the projects come to be a part of life at Lake Panorama.
We are proud of our commitment to engage LPA community members in establishing priorities and continuing our work to provide additional amenities. The volunteer committee working on developing a concept for recreational amenities on the South Shore is another good example of seeking input from community members with expertise and commitment.
In addition, we were encouraged by the strong response to the survey conducted among lake members affirming their support for south shore projects.
We will be doing outreach for the support needed to complete the next phase of projects and hope you’ll include Friends in your priorities. We’d like to widen our fundraising base in the community and get new first-time donors on board. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you to build a strong Friends organization for the future.
That future support can include marking your calendars now for the sixth Beach Ball on Friday, June 16, 2023. This is our primary fundraising event in addition to the individual donations we solicit throughout the year. It’s always a fun event so save the date and plan to attend. More information will be available in the spring.