General Meeting Minutes from 11/15/2019

JACKSON LAKE ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 


​The Jackson Lake Association general meeting was held on Friday, November 15, 2019, at the FFA/FCCLA dining hall. The quarterly meeting had a Fall Family Fun theme with activities beginning at 5:30 pm, featuring kids’ games, crafts, popcorn and decorations. There were around 140 adults and 15 children in attendance.

President Vance Burgess called the meeting to order around 7:15 p.m.   He recognized board members and announced that Michelle Beal is taking over as District 4 Director.

Diane Davis provided information on the Smithsonian Exhibit that will be held in Monticello and said that volunteer docents are needed for assistance with the exhibit. Docent training will be held on Friday, Dec. 6th at the Visitor’s Center.

A member from Turtle Cove announced that the Turtle Cove Women’s Club is holding a health fair and pancake breakfast on November 16th and urged members to attend.
Vance Burgess announced that JLA will again sponsor an art contest during the current school year and that more information will be provided.

The speaker for the evening was Christina Rogers, an environmental educator with Dauset Trails Nature Center. She brought along a box turtle, several snakes, a possum, and several other wildlife specimens and provided “hands on” demonstrations for the kids prior to the meeting.

She gave a history of Dauset Trails and highlighted its attractions. It was founded in 1978 by Hampton Lamar Daughtry who was heavily involved in scouting and youth programs in the area. He left his entire estate to Dauset Trails.

There is no admission charge or parking fee for the recreation center which spans 2300 acres and includes a black bear exhibit, a 19th century barnyard and extensive bike trails. It is home to Gen. Beauregard Lee, Georgia’s official groundhog.  Ms. Rogers said this year around 700 people visited on Groundhog’s day and they’re anticipating 1000 next year.

Ms. Rogers, a biology major who has a wildlife rehabilitation license, has been employed at Dauset Trails for more than 15 years. She has been involved in rehabbing many species, including black bear cubs, skunks, coyotes, possums, and owls, averaging 400 rehabs at the facility per year.

Vance Burgess provided the following updates:
Lake Cleanup - Trash cleanup to be held on November 16th, with 4 boats and lunch provided at Lakeview Restaurant.

Finance – JLA is in a good financial position. High level discussion of how we raise funds and how funds are spent. JLA has approximately $170,000 with more than half of that being donations received for trash trap.

Georgia Power – New shoreline manager, Wes Lewis, is now the only employee at Lloyd Shoals due to company cutbacks.  He is replacing Clint Brown.

Silt Committee – Rhonda Smith, District 9 Director, will be chairing a committee related to the silt issue.

Boat Rescue Program – JLA member Jimmy Smith is looking into starting a boat rescue program on Jackson Lake.

Vance also commended Rhonda Smith on for her efforts in organizing the Fall Family Fun evening. In addition to having the idea for the event, she also spent many hours organizing, recruiting help from others and setting up the event.

Fred Grimes, JLA Liaison with DNR, spoke about his recent meeting with the head of boating safety with DNR. He provided information about JLA to the DNR and is laying the groundwork for getting DNR’s involvement in boating safety initiatives at JLA.

Jared Godin provided an update on the trash trap, which has been ordered by DeKalb County and is currently under construction. The next issue of the Jackson Lake Sun will have more detailed updates.
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After door prizes were awarded, the meeting was adjourned.
Beth Rogers,
Recording Secretary