A long-time friend of Lake Panorama passed away August 8, 2014. Joe Scheiring was well known as the organizer of the Fourth of July fireworks that originated at Shady Beach for 20 years.
He also was well known for his love of golf. “Joe loved golf,” says John Crawmer. “He never went on a vacation without taking his clubs. He won the men’s league at Panorama West several times.”
Crawmer says as he and other members of the men’s league were reminiscing about Joe, they decided it would be nice to honor his memory by placing a bench on the #7 tee box at Panorama West.
“We call this the money hole, since all players put a quarter on the stand and whoever is closest to the flag, takes the money,” Crawmer says. “We thought the perfect inscription on the bench would be – ‘In memory of Joe Scheiring, who loved the money hole, because he usually won it!’”
Crawmer and others researched bench options and have chosen one from Watts Vault and Monument Co. in Des Moines that will cost $2,500, including installation. While discussing how to raise the necessary funds, it was suggested Crawmer contact Friends of Lake Panorama.
This non-profit charity received IRS approval in July to accept tax-deductible donations, with funds used to preserve, maintain and improve existing facilities at Panorama West and Lake Panorama National golf courses, plus the three Lake Panorama beaches.
The main goal of the charity is to raise money for projects the LPA cannot finance. For instance, the charity’s board is developing plans for a major fundraising effort to finance a large playground at Sunset Beach and new sports courts at Lake Panorama National.
But being able to assist with smaller projects such as the Scheiring memorial bench is another reason the Friends of Lake Panorama charity was formed. Working through the charity, donations to the Scheiring memorial bench will be tax deductible to donors.
Any size donation will be accepted. If more than the needed $2,500 is raised, extra funds will go to the Wounded Warriors Project, which Joe designated before his death as a charity of choice.
Checks should be made out to Friends of Lake Panorama and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. For information about the bench, contact Crawmer at 641-755-3043 or 641-757-1950. For information about Friends of Lake Panorama, contact Susan Thompson at 641-755-4382 or 515-240-6536.