2020 Beach Ball Raises $30,000

An estimated 200 people attended the Friends of Lake Panorama 2020 Beach Ball on August 1 at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center. After expenses, the event showed a profit of $30,000.

Friends has a goal of raising $70,000 to provide new playground equipment at both Shady and Boulder beaches. Add the Beach Ball’s $30,000 profit to about $25,000 in direct donations received over the last few months, and just $15,000 remains to reach the playground project goal. 

Both outdoor and indoor spaces were used for the Beach Ball. Outside tables were under tents, located on the grass between the conference center and the golf course. Despite a 20-minute rain shower, those outside stayed dry while enjoying their meal and live music by Little Joe McCarthy, a singer and songwriter who lives in Omaha.

The event raised money through 30 table sponsorships of $125 each, which went directly to the playgrounds, plus half of each $40 event ticket. Friends also received a portion of drink and dessert ticket sales.

Seventy items were donated for a silent auction, which raised $5,440. The live auction raised $9,665. Tickets purchased in the 50/50 raffle totaled $1,935. No one responded to the first ticket drawn. The second ticket pulled belonged to Jan Reinicke, Friends of Lake Panorama president, who donated her half of the money pot back to Friends.

Direct donations came from eight couples or individuals who donated $500 or more as part of the event’s “add your name” challenge.

Fundraising will continue until the $70,000 goal for the playgrounds is reached. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216, with checks payable to Friends of Lake Panorama.

All donations are tax-deductible. Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on signs erected near both playgrounds. More information about the playgrounds and other donation options is available at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Beach Ball 2020 - Let's Play Outside!

The Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors voted at a meeting June 22 to proceed with Beach Ball 2020 on Saturday, August 1, using the theme “Let’s Play Outside!”

To ease concerns about COVID-19, both outdoor and indoor spaces will be used at the Lake Panorama National conference center. Several aspects of the event have been modified to help with social distancing. 

Funds raised at the 2020 Beach Ball will go towards the Friends' current priority project to raise $70,000 for new playground equipment at Shady and Boulder beaches. 

Direct contacts are being made with table sponsors so they can choose a reserved table inside or outside. Outside tables will be under a series of tents, located on the grass between the conference center and the golf course. A drink bar and a dessert bar will be on a roped-off section of the parking lot. The live auction also will take place outdoors. 

Adding this outdoor venue made it possible to include live music for this year’s Beach Ball. Little Joe McCarthy is a Midwest singer and songwriter who grew up in Omaha. At first, McCarthy played as a solo acoustic performer, before spending many years in different bands. More recently, he has come full circle, playing acoustic guitar and singing as a solo performer around the Midwest. McCarthy will perform from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Registration will be open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and take place in the conference center dining room. Attendees can park in both the west and east parking lot, and enter the dining room from either side. There will be two lines for registration. It’s hoped beginning registration an hour early will make social distancing easier.

At registration, each couple or individual will be assigned a number, and all charges through the evening can go against that number. These can include drink tickets, dessert tickets, and purchases of both silent and live auction items. The exception will be the 50/50 raffle, which will require cash only so the appropriate amount of cash will be available when the winning ticket is drawn.

The evening meal will be served 5:30-7 p.m. Tickets are $40 each, with half going directly to the playground fund. A “sweet treat” dessert bar, offering a variety of donated dessert items plus a scoop of vanilla ice cream, will be open 6-7:30 p.m. Tickets for the dessert bar will be $3.

Drink tickets will cost $6, and can be redeemed at either the outside bar or the bar in the banquet room. These tickets will cover domestic canned beer, well drinks and glasses of wine. A portion of each ticket sold will go to Friends.

Announcements will be made towards the end of the evening when people can start checkout. Payment by check or cash will be encouraged. There will be a laptop where credit cards can be used to pay online on the Friends website, with the processing fee of 2.9 percent added on.

So far, about 75 items have been donated for both silent and live auctions, but additional items are being sought. Of particular interest in the live auction will be a 14-feet shuffleboard table with accessories, donated and delivered by Kurt Johnson, valued at $3,500; signed footballs from Iowa and Iowa State; 14K white and yellow gold pendant necklace with a garnet and diamond, donated by Ames Silversmithing, valued at $975; handcrafted cedar kayak, donated by Chris Welp and valued at $2,500; and a case of Busch Light, signed by Carson King, the ISU student who raised $3 million for the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, donated by Carrie Hansen and valued at $500.

Beach Ball organizers are considering offering live auction items first as an online auction, beginning July 20. The starting bid at the live auction August 1 would then be the last bid placed online. Online bidders would be encouraged to attend the Beach Ball if they want to continue their pursuit of a particular item. Watch for additional details in the LPA and LPN newsletters, plus the Friends of Lake Panorama Facebook page and website.

Silent auction items will include a variety of gift baskets; two $100 Target gift cards; five $50 Casey’s gift cards; two handmade quilts; an LPN Stay-and-Play package valued at $680; both Iowa and Iowa State engraved cast iron skillets; a Utah Jazz NBA jersey signed by Georges Niang; and a Cake-of-the-Month item that will provide one home-baked cake creation every month for a year, prepared and donated by Tammy Deal.

Those who have items to donate to the auctions, or want to purchase tickets to the event, can call Susan Thompson at 515-240-6536 or email staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org. 

Anyone who already paid for a table sponsorship or tickets, and now can’t or doesn’t want to attend because of the date change or concerns about COVID-19, can receive a refund on request. Or leave the money with Friends as a donation for the playgrounds.

So far $20,000 has been raised towards the $70,000 goal for the playgrounds. Donations for the playground project are accepted at any time, and can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama.

All donations are tax-deductible. Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on signs erected near both playgrounds, and on the donor page of the Friends website. More information about the playgrounds and other donation options is available at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Panorama West Bunker Renovations Complete

Renovation of the six sand bunkers on the Panorama West golf course got underway April 27 and were finished in early May.

Many improvements have been made at the Panorama West golf course over the last three years, thanks to a $473,000 estate gift from James and Joyce McLuen.

That gift made it possible to install a new irrigation system, add new sections of concrete cart paths, improve turf conditions over a three-year period, landscape around the clubhouse, and add new tee signs, trash receptacles, ball washers and directional signs. 

The bunker renovation is being paid for with $15,000 that remains from the McLuen gift, $1,835 raised in a 2018 golf tournament at Panorama West organized by volunteers, and up to $15,000 from the Lake Panorama Association.

The project involved removing existing sand and gravel, flushing drainage tubes and drains, and installing new drains, as needed. Minor reshaping of the traps was done, followed by new gravel and a two-inch layer of capillary concrete.

This patented product includes aggregates and polymers mixed with concrete. It is porous, allowing water to drain more quickly, thereby reducing washouts and bunker maintenance. The final step was filling the traps with new sand.

James and Joyce McLuen, who both died in 2016, directed 20 percent of their estate to Friends of Lake Panorama to be used at Panorama West. The McLuens were some of the first homesteaders at Lake Panorama. Their home was located near Sunset Beach, and they enjoyed boating, fishing and golfing.

A bench, plaque and sign honoring the McLuens is near the Panorama West pro shop door.

Online Auctions Raises $1,225 for Playgrounds

An online auction April 16-20 raised $1,225 for the Friends of Lake Panorama’s playground project. Mike and Austin Hayden, the father/son team behind ParadisePad watersports products, offered six items to Friends to help raise money for new playground equipment at Shady and Boulder beaches.

When the April 18 Beach Ball was postponed to August 1, the Friends board decided to do an online auction so buyers could enjoy their new water toys this summer. The result was $1,225 raised for Friends to add to its playground fund.

During the month of May, the Haydens are having a preseason sale, with 15 percent off on all products. To continue their giving ways, a percentage of proceeds from these sales will go to each buyer’s favorite lake charity—Friends of Lake Panorama, Lake Panorama Ski Team, Fin & Feather, or the Fourth of July fireworks.

To participate, use the discount code LP15 and place an order on their website—www.paradisepad.com.

Online Auction to Benefit Playgrounds

Friends of Lake Panorama is conducting a $70,000 fundraising drive for playground equipment, to be split evenly between Boulder and Shady beaches. The planned April 18 Beach Ball, postponed to August 1, will be a major fundraising event for this project. Nearly 100 items for auctions and a raffle have been donated for the 2020 Beach Ball.

Five items from Paradise Pads have been offered to Friends at cost, with all money raised above those amounts going to the playground fund. To get these items into buyers’ hands this spring, a silent online auction will be held. Available are an inflatable standup paddleboard, a rolled foam pad, an inflatable yoga mat, and two inflatable pads—one 6’x8’ in size, the other 6’x13’.

For the auction, Friends is using 32auctions, an online platform geared to nonprofits. Bidding will begin April 16 at 9 a.m. and close April 20 at 8 p.m. Bidders will need to create an account with just their name and email address, then will receive an email with an auto-generated screen name and request to confirm the account setup. A step-by-step video of the signup process is available on the Friends website and Facebook page. Accounts can be created at any time.

Once winning bidders are determined on the auction site, final details will be handled locally by Friends, including product pickup and payments by check or cash. Auction details and a link to the auction site are available at bit.ly/friends-auction.

Beach Ball Fundraiser Moved to August 1

The Friends of Lake Panorama board has postponed the April 18 Beach Ball to Saturday, August 1. This decision was made in light of recent increases in confirmed coronavirus cases in Iowa, plus guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health. It is hoped measures being taken by state and federal governments have an impact, and cases decline over the coming weeks. Friends will continue to monitor the situation and adjust plans again, if needed. More details about the August 1 Beach Ball will be available as the date approaches. 

The Friends board is pleased with the support shown for the 2020 Beach Ball, which is being planned to raise money for new playground equipment at Boulder and Shady beaches. So far, more than 80 items have been donated for auctions and a raffle. The 30 tables available for the April 18 event all have sponsors and decorators, and most seats have been sold. 

With this date change, the Friends board understands some people planning to attend won’t be available. Those who have paid for their table sponsorship or tickets and can’t attend can do one of two things—ask for a refund, or leave the money with Friends as a donation. If seats or tables become available, these will be marketed as the August 1 date approaches. 

Direct donations for these new playgrounds now stand at $14,000—a good start towards the $70,000 goal. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216, with checks payable to Friends of Lake Panorama. More information about the playgrounds and donation options is available at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org. Or contact Susan Thompson, 515-240-6536, staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

April 18 Beach Ball Tables Filling Fast

Nearly $12,000 has been donated so far to Friends of Lake Panorama to fund new playground equipment. Friends is raising $70,000 for play equipment, to be split evenly between Boulder and Shady beaches.

A Beach Ball fundraising event will be Saturday, April 18, with all proceeds going to the playground project. The event will be in the Lake Panorama National banquet room, with registration and social hour beginning at 5 p.m.

Just 10 tables remain for sponsorship, as 20 table sponsors already have agreed to participate. Table sponsorship costs $125. Sponsors are asked to decorate their table with a theme of their choice. For those who do not want to decorate their tables, a few volunteers are available for an additional $25 donation.

Each table will accommodate eight guests, with meal tickets costing $40. Half of each meal ticket and the full cost of table sponsorships will go directly to the playground fund.

Table sponsors are encouraged to find eight guests to fill their table, but any empty seats will be filled by those who buy separate meal tickets. Organizers hope most meal tickets are taken by generous people interested in buy items from the auctions and participating in other fundraising events throughout the evening. Attendance is limited to 240 people.

Additional fundraising activities include a raffle; silent and live auctions; buy-a-dessert auction; buy-a-bottomless-beer cup; a 50/50 raffle; and a mini-beach ball drawing for gift cards.

Those interested in sponsoring a table, buying one or more meal tickets, or donating items for the raffle, buy-a-dessert, and live and silent auctions should contact Susan Thompson, staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org, or 515-240-6536.

All funds for table sponsorships and meal tickets will be collected in advance of the event.

Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama are tax-deductible. Donors receive a confirmation letter for tax purposes, both for direct donations at any time, plus contributions made as part of the April 18 Beach Ball.

A sign recognizing all donors of $500 or more will be installed near both playgrounds, with these donors also recognized on the Friends website.

Here’s a description of the playground improvements planned, once Friends reaches its $70,000 fundraising goal. At Shady Beach, existing swings and teeter-totter will be removed to make way for a multi-faceted play set, three swings, and a freestanding “spring rider” designed to accommodate a physically challenged child. The spring rider also has room for two children.

At Boulder Beach, the gray mountain and play set currently there will remain. The spring horses, tire swing and old bathroom will be removed. A freestanding spring rider similar to the one planned for Shady Beach will be added. A new playground nearby will include a play set with features geared to both older and younger kids, plus three swings.

Donors Kickoff Playground Fundraising

During a six-week period at the end of 2019, 20 couples, individuals and businesses donated nearly $10,000 to Friends of Lake Panorama to fund new playground equipment at Boulder and Shady beaches. The Friends board’s current priority project is raising $70,000 for this playground equipment.

At Shady Beach, existing swings and teeter-totter will be removed to make way for a multi-faceted play set, three swings, and a freestanding “spring rider” designed to accommodate a physically challenged child. The spring rider also has room for two children.

At Boulder Beach, the gray mountain and play set currently there will remain. The spring horses, tire swing and old bathroom will be removed. A freestanding spring rider similar to the one planned for Shady Beach will be added. A new playground nearby will include a play set with features geared to both older and younger kids, plus three swings.

A Beach Ball fundraising event, similar to ones held in 2016 and 2017, is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020, with all proceeds going to this playground project. The event will be held at the Lake Panorama National banquet room, with registration and social hour beginning at 5 p.m.

Sponsors are being sought for 30 round tables at a cost of $125. Sponsors are asked to decorate their table with a theme of their choice, and will receive details about decorating guidelines and times when they signup. Some “guest” decorators may be available for those who prefer to donate an additional $25.

Each table will accommodate eight guests, with meal tickets costing $40. Half of each meal ticket and the full cost of table sponsorships will go directly to the playground fund. Table sponsors are encouraged to find eight guests to fill their table, but organizers will help fill tables as needed. Attendance will be limited to 240 people.

Additional fundraising activities will include a raffle, silent and live auctions; buy-a-dessert auction; buy-a-beer cup; and a 50/50 raffle. Some additional activities still are being considered.

Ticket sales will begin in mid-February. To help the planning committee, those interested in sponsoring a table, buying meal tickets, or donating items for the raffle, live or silent auctions, and buy-a-dessert auction are asked to send details to staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

These playground upgrades will continue as the priority project for Friends of Lake Panorama until at least $70,000 is raised and the playgrounds are complete. A sign recognizing all donors of $500 or more will be installed near both playgrounds, with these donors also recognized on the Friends website. No LPA funds are available for this project led by Friends.

A donation form on the Friends website—friendsoflakepanorama.org—provides more details. This form can be printed, completed, and mailed with a check to Friends at PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Donations also can be made by credit card 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 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.

All donations to Friends of Lake Panorama are tax-deductible. Donors receive a confirmation letter for tax purposes, both for direct donations at any time, plus contributions made as part of the April 18 Beach Ball.

Friends of Lake Panorama President Talks About New Priority Project

Friends of Lake Panorama is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. The charity is separate from the Lake Panorama Association, and is governed by a volunteer, seven-member board of directors. In this month’s Q&A, Jan Reinicke, current Friends president, talks about a new priority project, completed projects and future goals.

Q. The sixth anniversary of the Friends of Lake Panorama is this month. Tell us about events so far.

A. The first meeting of the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors was December 3, 2013. An application for nonprofit status was filed with the IRS in January 2014, and approved in July 2014. Fundraising began in October 2014 with two priority projects – a new playground at Sunset Beach and renovated sports courts at Lake Panorama National. 

In May 2016, Friends completed an $80,000 fundraising campaign to build the Sunset Beach playground, with the LPA providing an additional $50,000. The playground equipment was installed in mid-July that year. A year later, Friends had raised $75,000 for sports courts at Boulder Beach. The LPA board agreed to provide matching funds and the sports courts opened in mid-July 2018. 

Q. Now Friends is raising funds for another priority project—new playground equipment at both Boulder and Shady Beaches. How was this decision made?

A. To help prioritize future projects, the Friends board of directors conducted a survey this past April to gather input from Lake Panorama Association members. A total of 171 people responded to the six-question online survey over a three-week period.

Ten potential projects were listed in the survey. Questions were asked to help prioritize those projects, based on survey respondents ranking their top priorities, plus the likelihood of them both using and financially supporting each project.

The Friends board analysis showed the top four projects chosen by LPA members are “beach” related, and where the main focus should be. Further analysis showed we should start by improving playground equipment at both Boulder and Shady beaches.

We settled on plans for $70,000 worth of new play equipment, to be split evenly between the two locations. At Shady Beach, existing swings and teeter-totter will be removed to make way for a multi-faceted play set, three swings, and a freestanding “spring rider” designed to accommodate a physically challenged child, that also has room for two children.

At Boulder Beach, the gray mountain and play set currently there will remain. The spring horses, tire swing and old bathroom will be removed. A freestanding “spring rider” designed to accommodate a physically challenged child, that also has room for two children, will be added. A new playground nearby will include a play set with features geared to both older and younger kids, plus three swings.

These playground upgrades will continue as the priority project for Friends of Lake Panorama until at least $70,000 is raised and the playgrounds are complete. A sign recognizing all donors of $500 or more will be installed near both playgrounds. No LPA funds are available for this project led by Friends.

Q. What are the various ways people can donate to this project?

A. There are several options. One easy way is to clip the coupon from the Friends ad on the back page of this issue of the Lake Panorama Times, fill it out and mail it with a check to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Or simply include a note with your check so we know you want to support the playground project, and mail to the same address.

On the Friends website—friendsoflakepanorama.org—there is a donation form that provides more details. This form can be printed, completed, and mailed with a check. Donations also can be made by credit card 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.

All donations are tax-deductible, and donors receive a confirmation letter for tax purposes. Statistics show a high percentage of charitable contributions are made in the last few weeks of the year. I hope those interested in enhancing two of our beaches with new play equipment will consider donating before the end of 2019.

A Beach Ball fundraising event, similar to ones held in 2016 and 2017, is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020, with all proceeds going to this playground project. More details on that event will be available soon.

Q. Are there other efforts underway as a result of the Friends survey?

A. Yes, the survey helped the Friends board identify other areas of interest. Groups of volunteers are researching four topics—additional beach amenities, walking trails, a dog park, and a disc golf course.

These groups are providing preliminary reports to the Friends board periodically. We anticipate these groups will have final reports to present sometime in 2020. The next step will be for the Friends board to review each report, and decide if there are projects to advance to the Lake Panorama Association board as a formal recommendation. Since physical improvements, when completed, become property of the LPA, all projects undertaken by Friends must first be approved by the LPA board.

The Friends board appreciates the willingness of LPA community members to study the feasibility of other projects and we look forward to the completed reports. But the priority for the next year will be the playground equipment for Shady and Boulder Beaches, and our fundraising efforts will be directed to this project. Any additional priorities will need a separate fundraising campaign. Meanwhile, the task forces are laying the groundwork for possible future work.

Q. In August 2017, Friends of Lake Panorama received $473,000 from the estate of James and Joyce McLuen to be used at the Panorama West golf course. What kind of an impact did that have on both Friends and Panorama West?

A. It was a wonderful, unexpected gift, and we’re so grateful to the McLuens for the commitment they showed to Lake Panorama and a golf course they obviously loved. When the Friends board of directors began to discuss ways to use this gift, there was agreement we needed to get input from LPA members, especially those who play the Panorama West golf course. A special open meeting was held, designed to give anyone interested the chance to comment on how they would like to see the gift used.

We also received ideas from members who completed a short survey, and placed cards in a suggestion box in the Panorama West pro shop. A task force reviewed all suggestions, and developed the final recommendation that was approved by the LPA board of directors.

One impact I think this estate gift had on Friends was for our board to establish and test a protocol for handling future estate gifts. And I think we passed that first test with flying colors.

Throughout 2018, a lot of improvements were made at Panorama West. A new irrigation system and additional concrete cart paths were installed, new tee box amenities and directional signs added, new landscaping completed around the clubhouse, and a three-year plan to improve the turf conditions of tees and fairways began. One final project will be completed in the spring, when the six sand bunkers are renovated.

The McLuens’ generous gift is a wonderful example of long-time Lake Panorama residents who cared about this particular recreational amenity, and made a decision to help support something they loved by including a bequest in their will.

We hope this gift will encourage others to think about the future impact they can have on recreational amenities at Lake Panorama, either through an estate gift, some other financial planning mechanism, or a direct donation now.  

Q. What kind of impact do you think Friends of Lake Panorama has had so far on the Lake Panorama community, and can have in the future?

A. Besides what I’ve already talked about, there have been a few smaller projects – renovation of the Lake Panorama National conference center dining room in memory of Dr. David Wang, a rain garden at Panorama West, and several memorial benches.

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 really 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 good, as that board stepped forward to provide matching funds for both the Sunset Beach playground and the Boulder Beach sports courts. The LPA also has contributed labor and some materials as we completed those projects as well as the Panorama West rain garden. The execution of the improvements at Panorama West made possible by the McLuen gift was a true partnership with the LPA board and staff. I think this is an excellent model as we move forward. While the LPA will not be contributing financially to the Shady and Boulder Beach project, Friends will be depending on staff and board expertise as the project evolves.  

We are proud of our commitment to engage LPA community members in establishing priorities and continuing our work to provide additional amenities. The member survey indicated the highest interest in beach improvements and the current campaign to raise funds for Shady and Boulder Beach is the direct result of listening to your voices. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you to raise the necessary funds and complete the project. Sunset Beach, the sports courts and an improved Panorama West are proof of what we can accomplish by working together as a community. 

Friends of Lake Panorama Board Makes 2020 Plans

Friends of Lake Panorama is governed by a volunteer, seven-member board of directors. The board held its 2020 organizational meeting December 2. 

Two new members were appointed to the board. Jim Tibbles will complete the final year of Dave Furbush’s three-year term. Furbush, who has his Lake Panorama home on the market, resigned from the board in December. He has been a member of the Friends board since December 2014, and had served several years as vice president. 

Tibbles and his wife Julie have owned property at Lake Panorama since 2012, and moved here from Perry as full-time residents in 2014. Tibbles was raised near St. Louis, and graduated from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville. After graduation, Tibbles spent four years working in Des Moines in public accounting. The family moved to Perry in 1983 when he joined Osmundson Mfg. Co. Tibbles retired from full-time work at Osmundson at the end of 2018, and currently works as a consultant. The couple has three adult children and three grandchildren.

The other new member of the Friends board is Galen Johson, who was appointed to a new three-year term. He replaces Bob McCleeary, who had served on the board since it was founded six years ago.

Johnson and his wife Pam have owned property at Lake Panorama since 2008, and built a new home in 2014. Galen and Pam both were raised in Nebraska. Johnson earned bachelor’s and master’s of science in engineering degrees at Wayne State College. He was a teacher and administrator in the Des Moines Public Schools for 30 years. He later was director of the Midwest Region for the College Board from 2000 to 2004, and Midwest Region Director and Assistant Vice President for ACT—the Iowa-based testing company—from 2004 to 2016. He retired in 2017. The couple has three adult children and six grandchildren.

Two current board members were reappointed to new three-year terms. They are Jan Reinicke, who has served on the board since 2013, and John Muenzenberger, who has been on the board for one year.

In officer elections, Reinicke was elected president, Muenzenberger vice president, and Emily Spradling secretary-treasurer. Other board members are Jody Muench and Tricia Steffen. Susan Thompson is the non-profit’s executive director.

The Friends of Lake Panorama’s current priority project is raising $70,000 for playground equipment, to be split evenly between Boulder and Shady beaches. No LPA funds are available for this project led by Friends. A sign recognizing all donors of $500 or more will be installed near both playgrounds, with those donors also recognized on the Friends website.

A Beach Ball fundraising event, similar to ones held in 2016 and 2017, is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020, with all proceeds going to this playground project. The planning committee is seeking 30 table sponsors, for a $125 donation. Meal tickets will be $40, with half of that cost a donation.

Donated items for both live and silent auctions and a raffle also are being sought. More specific details on this event will be available in the coming months. But for now, anyone interested in sponsoring a table or donating an item can send details or ask questions by sending an email to staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

By December 6, more than $5,500 had been donated to the playground project. More tax-deductible donations are anticipated before the December 31 deadline for 2019 tax filing purposes.

Donations can be made by checks payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Donations also can be made by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions—for donors over age 70 ½ that 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.

If donors prefer to direct their charitable contribution to another Friends project, donations can be designated to Sunset Beach, the Friends general fund, or golf course beautification at either Lake Panorama National or Panorama West. Money donated to these funds will be used for targeted projects approved by the Friends board.

Friends of Lake Panorama has a Facebook page. Those interested in keeping up-to-date about Friends fundraising and activities are asked to “like” and “share” the Friends page on Facebook.

Panorama West Sand Trap Renovation Delayed To Spring 2020

Many improvements have been made at the Panorama West golf course over the last two years, thanks to a $473,000 estate gift from James and Joyce McLuen. One final project was planned for this fall—renovation of the six sand bunkers on the golf course.

But the contractor, who has been working on bunkers at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston, has experienced several weather delays. Now cold temperatures make it impossible to install the two-inch layer of capillary concrete, which is an integral part of this bunker design.

This patented product includes aggregates and polymers mixed with concrete. It is porous, allowing water to drain more quickly, thereby reducing washouts and bunker maintenance.

Lake Panorama and the vendor have mutually agreed to an extension of the contract to spring 2020, confirming the company will renovate the six bunkers at Panorama West as soon as the remaining work at Hyperion is complete.

The bunker renovation work will involve removing all existing sand and gravel, flushing existing drainage, and installing new drains as needed. Minor reshaping of the traps will be done, followed by new gravel. The final step will be filling the traps with new sand, once the capillary concrete is set.

Friends of Lake Panorama Launches New Fundraising Effort

Since the first meeting of the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors on December 3, 2013, this nonprofit public charity has made steady progress towards its goal of improving recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. Now a new fundraising effort is underway to improve playgrounds at Shady and Boulder beaches.

In April 2019, the Friends board conducted a survey to gather input on future projects. The Friends board of directors reviewed and discussed the survey results, and advanced a list of action items to the LPA Board of Directors. At its July meeting the LPA board encouraged the Friends board to move forward with further study of its priorities.

Three volunteer task forces were formed—dog park, walking trails, beach amenities/gaming. In addition, Friends staff and two volunteers began researching options for a disc golf course.

The Friends board met again October 14. After a report by the beach amenities/gaming task force, the board approved a motion that continued improvements at the three beaches are a top priority. And that LPA member input from the survey reinforced the need to improve playground equipment at Boulder and Shady beaches.

To that end, the Friends of Lake Panorama board proposed a fundraising drive to begin in early November, with a goal of raising $70,000 for playground equipment, to be split evenly between Boulder and Shady beaches. The LPA board approved the Friends proposal at its October meeting.

Working with Boland Recreation, the vendor for the Sunset Beach playground, plans for $35,000 worth of new equipment at each of the two beaches were developed.

At Shady Beach, the existing swings and teeter-totter will be removed to make way for a multi-faceted play set, three swings, and at least one freestanding “spring rider” that can accommodate two children.

At Boulder Beach, two larger pieces currently there—the gray mountain and the multi-faceted play set geared to younger children—will remain. The three spring horses, tire swing and old bathroom will be removed.

In the existing playground footprint, at least one freestanding “spring rider” that can accommodate two children will be added. A new playground nearby will include a multi-faceted play set with some features geared to both older and younger kids, plus three swings.

Fundraising for these two playgrounds will continue through the remainder of 2019, and into 2020. No LPA funds are available for this project led by Friends.

A Beach Ball fundraising event, similar to ones held in 2016 and 2017, is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020, with all proceeds going to this playground project. More details on that event will be available in the coming months.

These playground upgrades will continue as the priority project for Friends of Lake Panorama until $70,000 is raised and the playgrounds are complete. A sign recognizing all donors of $500 or more will be installed near both playgrounds.

In the event fundraising stalls before the $70,000 goal is reached, the Friends board will review options. Preliminary discussions are that plans would be scaled back, with play equipment installed at the two beaches to match available funds.

Donations can be made by checks payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216.

Donations also can be made by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions—for donors over age 70 ½ that 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.

If donors prefer to direct their charitable contribution to another Friends project, donations can be designated to Sunset Beach, the Friends general fund, or golf course beautification at either Lake Panorama National or Panorama West. Money donated to these funds will be used for targeted projects approved by the Friends board.

The dog park, walking trails, beach amenities/gaming, and disc golf course task forces continue to meet and research assigned topics. It’s anticipated these groups will have final reports to the Friends board in spring 2020. Those reports could lead to additional recommendations to the LPA Board.

Questions can be directed to Susan Thompson, Friends of Lake Panorama executive director, 515-240-6536, or staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Dog Park Task Force Seeks Input Via Survey

A Friends task force is researching the possibility of Friends of Lake Panorama raising money to establish a dog park on Lake Panorama property. Members are gathering information from existing parks on construction and operational costs, rules, administrative and maintenance requirements, size and amenities, and potential locations.

To assist with their research, the task force developed a 15-question online survey. LPA members who are interested in the possibility of a dog park are asked to complete the survey no later than November 30. Results of the survey will be used as the task force develops its final report to present to the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors.

Here is the survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LPAdogpark

Friends of Lake Panorama Begins Research on New Amenities

Friends of Lake Panorama is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity dedicated to improving recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. Major projects so far have been a playground at Sunset Beach and sports courts at Boulder Beach. A $473,000 estate gift led to significant improvements at Panorama West. Donations also have funded renovations in the LPN dining room, memorial benches, and a rain garden.

To help prioritize future projects, the Friends board of directors conducted a survey of LPA members in April. Survey results were used to develop a list of potential projects to study. Now three task forces have been formed to study some of those projects, with initial meetings planned for September.

The Beach Games & Amenities task force will develop a multi-year proposal for each of the three beaches. Items under consideration are potential gaming additions, such as basketball, bocce ball, miniature golf, horseshoes, and others. This task force also will consider current and future needs for shelter houses, tables, benches, and other items to enhance Lake Panorama’s beaches.

The Walking Trails task force is studying upgrades to the existing trail near Panorama West, and the possibility of a new trail on the south shore.

The Dog Park task force is researching the possibility of establishing a dog park somewhere on Lake Panorama property. Members are gathering information from existing parks on construction and operational costs, rules for dogs using the parks, administrative and maintenance requirements, size and amenities, potential locations, and more.

At the same time the three task forces are working, Friends is researching the development of a disc golf course and the addition of new playground equipment at Boulder and Shady beaches.

Some project recommendations may be completed in time for Friends to present a proposal to the LPA board at its October meeting. Board approval will be required since LPA has final authority over new projects on Lake Panorama property. If a project gets a green light this fall, fundraising would begin in November and continue into 2020.

LPA members with questions can email staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Panorama West Sand Trap Renovation This Fall

Many improvements have taken place at the Panorama West golf course over the last two years, thanks to a $473,000 estate gift from James and Joyce McLuen. Both died in 2016. In September 2017, their gift was presented to Friends of Lake Panorama, with instructions to use the funds at Panorama West.

Most of the work was done in 2018, and included irrigation, additional concrete cart paths, signage and tee box amenities, and clubhouse landscaping.

A three-year project to improve turf conditions began in the fall of 2018, with 15 acres of tees and fairways aerified and interseeded, plus starter fertilizer applied. That initial work cost $22,000. Another $6,000 has been invested this fall for additional seed, fertilizer and weed control, with the same commitment in place for 2020.

One final project is planned for this fall, as the six sand bunkers on the golf course will be renovated at a cost of $30,000. With all other projects completed, Friends of Lake Panorama has $15,000 remaining from the McLuen gift for this. Another $1,835 was raised with a golf tournament in June 2018, and the Lake Panorama Association has committed up to $15,000.

A contract to renovate the bunkers has been signed with JGCC Golf N Sports Turf from Ormond Beach, Florida. This will involve removing all existing sand and gravel, flushing existing drainage, and installing new drains as needed. Minor reshaping of the traps will be done, followed by new gravel.

Next will be a two-inch layer of capillary concrete. This patented product includes aggregates and polymers mixed with concrete. It is porous, allowing water to drain more quickly, thereby reducing washouts and bunker maintenance. The final step will be filling the traps with new sand.

The contractor currently is renovating bunkers at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston. Once that project is complete, work will begin at Panorama West. This is expected to be sometime in October, and will impact play on the course during construction. Watch the LPA and LPN electronic newsletters for details.

Friends of Lake Panorama Survey Followup

December 2018 marked the fifth anniversary of Friends of Lake Panorama, a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity dedicated to improving recreational amenities at Lake Panorama. The charity was established in response to members asking for ways they could give back to the Lake Panorama community with an estate gift or other tax-deductible donations.

Major projects so far have been a playground at Sunset Beach and sports courts at Boulder Beach. A $473,000 estate gift made significant improvements possible at the Panorama West golf course. Donations also have funded renovations in the LPN dining room, memorial benches, and a rain garden.

To help prioritize future projects, the Friends board of directors conducted a survey in April to gather input from Lake Panorama Association members. A total of 171 people responded to the six-question online survey over a three-week period, which Friends board members felt was a good response rate.

A total of 10 potential projects were listed in the survey. Questions were asked to help prioritize those projects, based on survey respondents ranking their top priorities, plus the likelihood of them both using and financially supporting each project.

Additional questions asked for input on how to implement specific project ideas, additional projects to suggest, and anything survey takers wanted to share about past or future projects. These questions garnered 175 written comments.

The Friends board met June 24 to review and discuss the survey results, then developed a formal analysis and related action items. The next step was sharing this report with the Lake Panorama Association board of directors at their July meeting, where the LPA board voted to accept the report.

The Friends board analysis showed the top four projects chosen by LPA members are “beach” related, and where the main focus should be. The projects included general beach Improvements such as shelters, tables, and landscaping; gaming areas for such things as bocce ball and horseshoes; playground equipment at Boulder and Shady beaches; and miniature golf.

The report to the LPA board said the Friends board believes beach maintenance and major infrastructure improvements fall outside of its nonprofit guidelines, so must defer to the LPA to fund those items. However, the Friends board is committed to raising funds for such things as playground equipment, benches, and other items to make the beaches more appealing.

Two action items for beach-related projects were adopted. First, the Friends board and staff, working in conjunction with LPA staff, will research new playground equipment options for Shady and Boulder beaches. Once proposals have been developed, interested LPA members will be asked to provide input.

Second, the Friends board is asking for volunteers to serve on a task force to study gaming options that could be added to any of the three beaches. This task force also will consider basketball courts at Shady and Sunset beaches. Basketball courts at these two beaches ended up in 10th place on the priority list. But because the Boulder Beach basketball court receives more play than the other sports courts there, the Friend board will include this in the gaming discussion.

The projects that ranked fifth and sixth in the survey were related to walking trails. So the Friends board is seeking volunteers to serve on a task force to study upgrades to the existing trail near Panorama West, plus the creation of a new trail on the south shore.

Disc golf and dog parks ranked eighth and ninth on the priority listing. While these items didn’t rank as high as other projects, survey comments showed strong support for both from segments of the LPA membership.

A father/son team instrumental in the creation of a disc golf course elsewhere has volunteered to study the possibility of a course at Lake Panorama. They will work with Friends and LPA staff to investigate possible locations, plans, maintenance requirements, and budget.

The Friends board is seeking volunteers to serve on a dog park task force to study location, design, costs, and rules for dogs and owners.

The remaining project included in the survey was a handicapped-accessible fishing dock. While this project did not rank high, nor have a solid group of supporters, the Friends board will keep this idea for future consideration.

The reports that result from these efforts will help inform future decision-making by the Friends of Lake Panorama board. A completed report that shows a project is “possible” is not a guarantee the board will proceed with fundraising and implementation.

Once the Friends board decides on projects to pursue, a second report will be presented to the LPA Board, which has final authority over new projects on Lake Panorama property.

To review, volunteers are being sought for three task forces — gaming options for any of the three beaches; walking trails; and a dog park. In addition, LPA members also are needed to provide input on playground equipment and disc golf, once proposals are developed. Task force meetings will begin in early September.

LPA members who would like to help Friends of Lake Panorama research these proposed recreational amenities are asked to email staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org. Or call Susan Thompson at 515-240-6536.

Extensive Renovations Complete at Panorama West

It’s been a busy year of construction at the Panorama West golf course. A new irrigation system was installed, and new sections of concrete cart paths were added. Old landscape beds surrounding the clubhouse were renovated, with new rock, shrubs and perennial flowers added.

A gift of more than $473,000 from James and Joyce McLuen financed these major construction projects, along with other improvements. Twenty percent of their estate was directed to Friends of Lake Panorama to be used at Panorama West.

A bench, plaque and sign honoring the McLuens is near the pro shop door.

In late August, a three-year project to improve turf conditions of fairways and tees began. Fifteen acres of tees and fairways were aerified and interseeded, plus starter fertilizer applied. Funds have been earmarked for 2019 and 2020 to cover additional seed, fertilizer and weed control as turf conditions improve.

Six directional signs have been added to the course at various locations. These signs direct players to the par-four tee boxes on five holes, plus show where carts should park near the par-four tee boxes on the fourth hole.

Granite yardage markers have been installed in the ground on the par-3 tee boxes to show distances from the red and blue tees. Sign posts have been installed on all tee boxes, and tee signs will be attached in the spring. Ball washers and trash receptacles also will be added in the spring.

The new concrete cart paths have been backfilled, with some seeding and sodding done. Additional work will be needed in the spring to get grass growing along the new paths.

One final project will be discussed over the winter. That involves renovation of the six sand traps on the course. Once a plan is finalized, bids will be sought and construction will take place in 2019.

Sports Courts Open at Boulder Beach

The new sports courts at Boulder Beach opened in mid-June, and have been seeing lots of action since. The courts were especially busy during the Fourth of July holiday week, hosting many family groups.

Dick and Carolyn Koberg, who donated $5,000 to the sports courts project, were among Lake Panorama residents who brought family and friends to Boulder Beach for some fun.

“Over the Fourth of July week our families, grandkids and friends from the Iowa State University golf team enjoyed all the amenities of Boulder Beach. ‘Wow’ was the comment on the sports courts,” says Carolyn Koberg. “They enjoyed beach volleyball, pickleball, basketball and tennis. Boulder Beach has really become a place for families to gather. As noted from our guests, this is a great place to hang out and have fun!”

Friends of Lake Panorama began fundraising for sports courts in October 2014, with an original plan to renovate two tennis courts at the LPN. That early effort raised $7,500. By 2016, a more significant project emerged, and a new push for donations got underway.

The LPA board of directors voted in October 2016 to commit at least $50,000, once Friends raised $50,000. That December, Friends received a $1,000 donation from Mark and Karen Einck for the basketball court. That donation came with a handwritten note, saying basketball is important to the Einck family. They pledged another $25,000 once the initial $100,000 level was raised.

The Beach Ball held in May 2017 put fundraising over $75,000. At its meeting later that month, the LPA board of directors voted to match the money raised by Friends of Lake Panorama, and proceed with construction. By the time the project was complete, the LPA had contributed $100,000.

The Eincks visited the sports courts for the first time July 4. They have owned a home at Lake Panorama for nearly 20 years, and have a permanent residence in Perry.

“We take a lot of pride in community projects, and are fortunate to be able to help,” said Mark Einck. “We know our kids and grandkids will enjoy these courts for many years to come.”

The courts complex includes one tennis court, with two pickleball courts adjacent. These three courts are inside the same fenced enclosure. A separate fence surrounds a basketball court that features two half courts with Goalsetter MVP basketball systems. A PowerGame two-tiered surface covers the concrete base of the courts.

There is a concrete patio between the courts. Recent additions there are a large metal trash receptacle and two wooden memorial benches. The courts are open daylight hours, and available for play on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sports Courts at Boulder Beach to Open Soon

Sports courts that have been in the planning stages for nearly four years will open by mid-June. The courts complex at Boulder Beach includes one regulation tennis court, with two regulation pickleball courts adjacent. These three courts are inside the same fenced enclosure.

A separate fence surrounds a basketball court that is slightly smaller than regulation size. It features two half courts with Goalsetter MVP basketball systems and white lines.

A PowerGame two-tiered surface covers the concrete base of the court. This modular flooring features a locking system, so no glues or anchors are needed. The five-eighths inch high, self-draining surface stays clean by allowing water, dirt and debris to drain through. The cushioned design also provides shock absorption to help reduce joint stress and fatigue.

The idea for the new sports courts came from the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors. The board held its first meeting December 3, 2013. An application for nonprofit status was filed with the IRS in January 2014, and approved in July 2014. Fundraising began in October 2014 with two priority projects – a new playground at Sunset Beach and renovated sports courts at Lake Panorama National. 

Early efforts to raise money for renovating the LPN tennis courts attracted some donors, but the project didn’t generate enough interest to be viable. So full attention turned to the Sunset Beach playground. Once the playground was complete, the Friends board made Boulder Beach sports courts the non-profit’s next priority.

Fundraising for the sports courts was a cooperative effort. Friends had about $7,500 in “seed money” from 2014. The LPA board of directors voted in October 2016 to commit at least $50,000, once Friends raised $50,000. Another benchmark was a $25,000 pledge from Mark and Karen Einck for the basketball court, once the initial $100,000 level was raised.

Donations were strong through the end of 2016 and into early 2017. The Beach Ball held in May 2017 put fundraising over $50,000. At its meeting later that month, the LPA board of directors voted to match the $75,000 raised by Friends of Lake Panorama, and proceed with construction.

It was hoped the courts could be built in fall 2017, but weather issues and other delays pushed construction to this spring. LPA staff handled ground preparation and project management, in consultation with the Friends of Lake Panorama.

Construction took place throughout the month of May 2018. This included building concrete forms, pouring concrete over several days, setting fence poles, installing the PowerGame surface, basketball systems, tennis and pickleball nets, and painting lines. The last step is installing the fence on the posts already in place. The courts will open once the fence is installed.

There is a concrete space between the two fenced court areas. Two memorial benches and a black metal trash receptacle will be installed in this patio area in the next few weeks.

If more private funds are donated, additional amenities could be added to the sports courts complex. For that reason, Friends of Lake Panorama will continue to accept donations designated for use at the sports courts.

For donations by check, mail it to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Or donations can be accepted electronically on the website at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, and will be sold once transferred, with the proceeds deposited into the Friends bank account. A securities account has been established with GCSB Investment Center in Panora.

Donations can be made in someone’s memory or in honor of someone. All donations are welcome. Donors of $500 or more are recognized on the Friends website.

Also, a sign listing donors of $500 or more will be erected near the sports courts. Those who would like to be recognized in this way must make their donation by July 12, 2018, so the sign can be finalized and installed this summer.

Panorama West Improvements Underway

Installation of a new irrigation system at the Panorama West golf course began in late May 2018. The system will make it possible to water all fairways, tees and greens on the course, which wasn’t possible with the existing system.

The work is possible because of a gift from Jim and Joyce McLuen, who died in 2016. The McLuens stated the bequest was to be used at the Panorama West golf course.

Landscapes Unlimited, which has its home office in Lincoln, Nebraska, was the low bidder for the irrigation project. The first materials were delivered May 21, and work began a week later. Construction is to be complete by July 30.

The course remains open during construction. Work is being done on one hole at a time, which means each hole will be closed for a few days.

Another improvement made possible by the McLuen gift is updated landscaping around the clubhouse. In early June, Wood Brothers Landscaping removed undesirable plants and trimmed shrubs that would stay.

Old pea gravel was removed from the beds on the north and west sides of the clubhouse, and replaced by river rock. New shrubs and perennials have been added to the landscaped beds on all four sides of the clubhouse, with new pea gravel added on the south and east. A flowering crab tree also was placed on the east side.

A six-foot metal bench has been ordered, and will be placed in the landscape bed near the clubhouse entrance. A bronze plaque on the bench will express appreciation to the McLuens. A second plaque with additional detail also is planned.

New signs, yardage markers, ball washers and trash receptacles have arrived, yet another improvement made possible by the McLuen gift.

Each of the 15 tee boxes now will have a sign showing distances to the green from all tee markers. Nine of the posts will have trash receptacles attached, with five of these also holding ball washers. Having the trash receptacles and ball washers mounted on these single posts will make maintenance easier.

Six additional signs will be added to the course at various locations. These signs will help direct players to the par-four tee boxes that exist on five holes, plus make it clearer where carts should park near the par-four tee boxes on the fourth hole.

Eighteen 5”x7” granite yardage markers will be installed on the nine par-three tee boxes, showing distances to the green from both the red and blue tee markers. All signs, tee markers and other new items will be installed as staff time allows, and in coordination with the irrigation construction.

Once the irrigation construction is complete, attention will turn to a cart path improvement plan. This will include adding concrete paths to most par-four tee boxes, plus a section of concrete adjacent to par-three tee boxes where none currently exists. A decision on the extent of the cart path additions will be made once bills for the irrigation work have been paid.

In fall 2018, a three-year project to improve turf conditions of fairways and tees will begin. Fifteen acres of tees and fairways will be aerified and interseeded, plus starter fertilizer applied. This project will result in better disease and drought-tolerant turf conditions.

In 2019 and 2020, funds will be added to the existing Panorama West annual operating budget for additional seed, fertilizer and weed control as turf conditions improve.