FUNDRAISING CONTINUES FOR DOG PARK, GRANT RECEIVED FOR PLAYGROUND

The current priority project for Friends of Lake Panorama is a dog park. Fundraising for this project began in September 2020. The goal is $50,000 to construct the park and provide all desired amenities. So far, $33,000 has been donated to the project, which will be open to LPA members and their guests.

The park will be located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road, near the east campground. Plans include a 6’ high chain link fence 650’ long and 155’ wide. There will be two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. A single entrance will be protected by a keyless lock.

A sign recognizing donors of $500 or more will be posted at the park. Dog park supporters who donated in 2020 can keep the fundraising momentum going by making a second donation that will be deductible on their 2021 tax returns. Organizers hope enough money can be raised to begin construction in fall 2021 and the park open in spring 2022.

The previous priority project for Friends was new playground equipment at Shady and Boulder beaches. Early donations and proceeds from the 2020 Beach Ball made it possible to order the play equipment for Shady Beach, which was installed last October, the same month the $70,000 goal was reached.

Additional donations of $1,700 in the last two months of 2020 made it possible to add one bench and a second spring rider to the Boulder Beach playground. That equipment was ordered in January, and will be delivered and installed this spring, once ground conditions allow.

In early February, Friends of Lake Panorama was notified it will receive a $500 grant for the playgrounds from Aureon, a technology products and services provider. The grant is being given in conjunction with Panora Telco, which sponsored the grant application submitted last fall by the charity. The Aureon Charity Grant program was created in 1993 to increase service and support to rural independent telecommunications companies and the communities they serve.

FRIENDS OF LAKE PANORAMA PROJECTS MOVING FORWARD

Progress continues on two Friends of Lake Panorama projects.

For the past 14 months, the charity focused on raising $70,000 for new playground equipment at both Shady and Boulder Beaches. New play equipment and a bench were installed at Shady Beach last October, the same month the $70,000 goal was reached.

Additional donations of $1,700 in the last two months of 2020 made it possible to add one bench and a second spring rider to the Boulder Beach playground. The Boulder Beach play equipment was ordered in January for spring delivery.

The new spring rider is a bright green frog. Both it and the yellow bumble bee spring rider already planned will be installed in the existing playground. All other equipment will be located in a second playground south of the existing one. The new bench also will be located in this second playground.

In the existing playground, a swinging bench donated by Marcia Priestley in memory of Bill Priestley will be installed. The timing of the delivery and installation of these benches and playground equipment will be dependent on spring weather conditions.

A sign recognizing all donors of $500 or more will be installed near both playgrounds.

The latest priority project for Friends is the Lake Panorama Dog Park. Fundraising for this project began in September 2020. The goal is $50,000 to construct the park and provide all desired amenities. On February 1, the total raised for the dog park stood at $33,000.

The park will be located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road, near the east campground. 

Plans include a 6’ high chain link fence 650’ long and 155’ wide. There will be two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. A single entrance will be protected by a keyless lock, and overhead roof. Once inside this gate, users can choose a gate to either the large dog or small dog area. 

The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. A sign recognizing donors of $500 or more will be posted at the dog park.

End-of-year donations generally are higher as people make charitable contributions for tax purposes. But in this new year, dog park supporters who donated in 2020 can keep the fundraising momentum going by making a second donation that will be deductible on their 2021 tax returns. Organizers hope construction can begin in fall 2021 and the park open in spring 2022.

Donations can be made by check 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.

Currently, donations to Friends can be designated to the Lake Panorama Dog Park, the Friends general fund, any of the three beaches, or golf course beautification at either Lake Panorama National or Panorama West.

Donations For Lake Panorama Dog Park Surge In December

At the beginning of December, $19,000 had been donated to Friends of Lake Panorama for a proposed Lake Panorama dog park. By the end of December, donations had reached $29,000.

The ultimate goal for the dog park is $50,000 to construct the park and provide all desired amenities. The Friends board had set an interim goal of $25,000 raised by May 1, 2021, to ensure this is a financially viable project. With $10,000 donated in December, that goal was surpassed four months early.

One reason for the strong level of donations was a challenge made early in December by Amanda and Jeff Creen, who said they would match up to $2,500 in donations made within the month.

The couple has been taking their two rescue pups to the Perry dog park for the past year. They were excited when plans for a Lake Panorama dog park were revealed, and are looking forward to it being built. Amanda says they decided to offer the December matching funds to help speed the process.

Amanda is the Lakeside Village director, and she and Jeff live on the third floor of the senior living facility. Lakeside Village is pet friendly, and there are several dogs living with their owners there, in addition to Lola and Toby, the dogs she and Jeff own.

The couple adopted Toby three years ago, and Lola two years ago. Both came through United Yorkie Rescue and were seven years old at the time of adoption.

"We love the idea of a dog park at Lake Panorama," Amanda says. "I know we'll be loading up the Lakeside bus with dogs and their owners and making trips to the dog park on a regular basis."

Plans for the park include a 6’ high chain link fence 650’ long and 155’ wide. There will be two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs, with chain link fence dividing the two areas. A single entrance will be protected by a keyless lock. Once inside this gate, users can choose a gate to either the large dog or small dog areas.

Crushed rock will create a 5' wide walking path along and under the fencing to provide a weed barrier and keep dogs from digging. A small gravel parking lot will be adjacent to the park.

Amenities inside the park fence included in the $50,000 cost estimate are four benches, four stations where bags for dog waste would be available, and two domed waste receptacles. A dual station pet fountain placed in the fence line between the two sections would make it possible for dogs to access drinking water from either side.

The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. Signs will be posted for responsible use. A sign recognizing donors of $500 or more also will be posted at the dog park.

Fundraising for the dog park will continue as Friends of Lake Panorama’s priority project over the next several months, with hopes construction can begin in the fall of 2021.

The Friends of Lake Panorama board will host its fourth Beach Ball fundraiser on Friday, July 30. A final decision will be made at the board’s spring meeting, but it is anticipated a percentage of funds from this event will go to the dog park.

The board also hopes to use some of the Beach Ball funds for smaller projects, such as walking trails near Panorama West and the south shore, a disc golf course on the west side of the lake, and more benches and other amenities at all three beaches.

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Friends of Lake Panorama Board Makes 2021 Plans

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Friends of Lake Panorama is governed by a volunteer, seven-member board of directors. The board held its 2021 organizational meeting Dec. 1. 

For the past year, the charity has focused on raising $70,000 for new playground equipment at both Shady and Boulder Beaches. New equipment was installed at Shady Beach in October, and the $70,000 goal also was reached in October. One key item of business at the Dec. 1 meeting was to approve a motion to purchase the playground equipment for Boulder Beach.

The Boulder equipment now has been ordered and will be delivered and installed in the spring. There is a room for more benches and individual spring riders at both locations, so any additional money donated to the playgrounds in 2020 will be used for these extra items.

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

In other business, two board members were reappointed to the board. In 2020, Jim Tibbles filled out the final year of Dave Furbush’s three-year term, and agreed to be reappointed for a full three-year term.

Also reappointed to a three-year term was Jody Muench. Muench has served on the Friends board since 2015. Other board members are Galen Johnson, John Muenzenberger, Jan Reinicke, Emily Spradling and Tricia Steffen. 

In officer elections, Reinicke was elected president, Muenzenberger vice president, and Emily Spradling secretary-treasurer. Susan Thompson is the non-profit’s executive director.

The board heard an update on fundraising for the Lake Panorama Dog Park. As of Dec. 1, $19,000 has been raised for this project. The ultimate goal for the dog park is $50,000 to construct the park and provide all desired amenities. The Friends board has set an interim goal of $25,000 raised by May 1, 2021, to ensure this is a financially viable project.

Other topics discussed at the Friends board meeting included raising awareness and beginning work on some smaller projects in 2021, including walking trails near Panorama West and the south shore, a disc golf course on the west side of the lake, and more benches and other amenities at all three beaches.

The board also discussed hosting a 2021 Beach Ball to help raise funds to divide among several projects. A final decision will be made at the board’s spring meeting, but it is anticipated a fundraising event will take place in early fall of 2021. 

To provide some relief for charitable organizations during this difficult year, Congress included a provision in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that permits individuals who do not itemize deductions to deduct $300 of charitable contributions as an "above-the-line" deduction. Married couples can deduct $600 when taking the standard deduction.

For those who do itemize, cash contributions to qualified charities can be deducted up to 100% of adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year.

Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions. Those 70 ½ or older can make a tax-free gift from their IRA and see that gift put to use today. 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, 641-755-2799 or kristen@investgcsb.com.

Donors currently can designate benches or spring riders for the Boulder and Shady playgrounds, the Lake Panorama Dog Park, Sunset Beach, the Friends general fund, or golf course beautification at either Lake Panorama National or Panorama West.

Donations can be made by check 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,

 

Octoberfest Raises $6,225 for Dog Park

Fundraising for a proposed dog park at Lake Panorama got a big boost from a day-long Octoberfest event Oct. 17. A total of $6,225 was raised that day from participants in a morning walk/run, afternoon golf tournament and evening open house at the LPN conference center.

A volunteer committee planned the event, designed to increase awareness of the dog park plan, while raising money and collecting donations. Friends of Lake Panorama is managing the donations, with a goal of $50,000 to build the park and provide all desired amenities.

The Friends board of directors has set an interim goal of raising $25,000 by May 1 to make sure this is a financially viable project. No matching funds from the LPA are available, so all funding needs to come from donations and fundraisers.

Nearly $9,000 had been donated to the dog park in advance of the Oct. 17 fundraiser, and additional funds have come in since. The total raised to date is more than $18,000.

Because Friends is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit charity, all donations are tax deductible. Donors of at least $500 will be recognized on a sign at the dog park, plus on the Friends website. If the needed funds are raised, the facility will be located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road, near the east campground.

The “Going to the Dogs” walk/run had 12 participants, and took place on the back nine cart paths of the LPN golf course. Registration was at Spikes, where freewill donations were accepted, and water and dog bandanas handed out.

A trailer was set up throughout the day between the #12 green and #13 tee box, where volunteers provided information, took donations and showed the layout and location of the proposed park.

Nine teams participated in the “Going to the Dogs” nine-hole, four-person best shot golf tournament. The cost was $40 per person, with $20 going directly to the dog park. The winning team was Jim and Julie Tibbles and Scott and Sherri Miller. They donated their $40 cash prize back to the dog park.

At the open house, five donated items were used in a silent auction that raised $400. Raffle tickets were sold for 21 donated items. A 50/50 raffle raised $310. The holders of the winning ticket were Jim and Julie Tibbles, who donated their half back to the cause.

The biggest part of the fundraising came from eight individuals or couples who that day each made a direct donation of $500 to the dog park. 

Plans for the park include a 6’ high chain link fence 650’ long and 155’ wide. There will be two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs, with chain link fence dividing the two areas. A single entrance will be protected by a keyless lock. Once inside this gate, users can choose a gate to either the large dog or small dog areas.

Crushed rock will create a 5' wide walking path along and under the fencing to provide a weed barrier and keep dogs from digging. A small gravel parking lot will be adjacent to the park.

Amenities inside the park fence included in the $50,000 cost estimate are four benches, four stations where bags for dog waste would be available, and two domed waste receptacles. A dual station pet fountain placed in the fence line between the two sections would make it possible for dogs to access drinking water from either side.

The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. Checks made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Other donation options and more information is available at www.friendsoflakepanorama.org.

$70,000 Goal Reached for New Playgrounds

The $70,000 goal set by Friends of Lake Panorama to provide new play equipment at both Shady and Boulder beaches was reached in late October. Fundraising kicked off just a year ago, and had strong support from donors throughout the last 12 months. The August 1 Beach Ball, which raised about $30,000, provided a big boost.

The equipment for Shady Beach, which was ordered in late July, was installed the third week in October. A drainage tile and final grading and mulching was completed the first week of November, and the playground now is open.

The new equipment includes a multi-faceted play set, three swings, and a freestanding “spring rider” designed to accommodate a physically challenged child. The spring rider has space for two children.

One bench is located within the mulched area of the Shady Beach playground. It was given by the Pauk family in member of Ray Michael Pals. A memorial plaque will be installed on the bench next spring.

The Boulder Beach play equipment will be ordered in early December for spring delivery. The gray mountain and play set currently there will remain. A spring rider like the one at Shady Beach will be added.

The Bill Priestley family has purchased a swinging bench in his memory, which will be installed in the spring in the original playground footprint. A new playground nearby will include a play set with features geared to both older and younger kids, plus three swings.

For those still interested in helping with these two playground projects, there is room for more benches and more spring riders at both locations. Any additional donations designated to the playgrounds through the end of 2020 will be used in this way.

All donations are tax-deductible. Checks made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donors should include a note the funds are to be used for the playgrounds.

Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on signs erected in the spring near both playgrounds and on the Friends website.

$9,000 Needed to Complete Playground Fundraising

The month of September brought good news to Friends of Lake Panorama in support of its efforts to install new playground equipment at two beaches. While the LPA board of directors recently approved fundraising for a dog park, the Friends’ priority project remains wrapping up a $70,000 fundraising campaign for new playground equipment at Boulder and Shady beaches.

The first piece of good news is that at the beginning of September, another $12,000 was needed. Donations in September lowered that number to $9,000.

The second piece of good news is that the playground equipment for Shady Beach, which was ordered in late July, is scheduled to be delivered to Lake Panorama the first week of October. Installation is scheduled for the last week of October.

The Shady Beach playground will open as soon as all work is complete. The new equipment will include a multi-faceted play set, three swings, and a freestanding “spring rider” designed to accommodate a physically challenged child. The spring rider has space for two children.

Once the remaining $9,000 is raised, the Boulder Beach equipment will be ordered. The Friends board hopes to reach this goal before the end of this year, to avoid a price increase on the playground equipment that will go into effect January 1, 2021.

After fundraising for this project began in the fall of 2019, nearly $8,000 was donated by couples and individuals. The Friends board is asking those early donors to consider an additional donation for the 2020 tax year.

All donations are tax-deductible. Checks made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donors should include a note the funds are to be used for the playgrounds. Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on signs erected near both playgrounds and on the Friends website.

Dog Park Fundraising October 17 Event

Fundraising is underway for a dog park at Lake Panorama, with $500 donations from two couples kicking off the campaign the week of September 21. Friends of Lake Panorama is managing the donations, with a goal of $50,000 to build the park and provide all desired amenities.

Because Friends is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit charity, all donations are tax deductible. Donors of at least $500 will be recognized on a sign at the dog park, plus on the Friends website.

If the needed funds are raised, the facility will be located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road, near the east campground.

A volunteer committee is planning a day-long Octoberfest event for Saturday, Oct. 17, at Lake Panorama National. The day includes three components, all designed to increase awareness of the dog park plan, while raising money and collecting donations.

First up is a “Going to the Dogs” walk or run that will be held 8-9:30 a.m. on the back nine cart paths of the LPN golf course. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether they want to walk or run with or without a dog. The event will begin and end at Spikes. No pre-registration is needed, just arrive at Spikes between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to check in. Freewill donations are encouraged.

A tent will be set up between the #12 green and #13 tee box, where volunteers will provide information, take donations and show the layout and location of the proposed park.

Second on the agenda is a nine-hole, four-person best shot golf tournament, with a shotgun start at 2:30 p.m. Cost is $40 per person, with $20 going directly to the dog park. Sign up a four-person team, or the pro shop will create teams from singles or couples.

Play will be on the back nine only, with a stop available between holes 12 and 13 to pick up information and view the dog park location. Check-in at Spikes at 2 p.m. Participants can register and pay in advance in the pro shop, or pay that day. Call the pro shop at 641-755-2024 to register. 

An open house will run from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the LPN banquet room. Free wine and beer samples, plus complimentary appetizers, will be available. There also will be a cash bar. Information about the dog park will be on display, with committee members available to answer questions, and donations accepted. Several items will be available in a general raffle, plus a 50/50 raffle will be conducted.

Plans for the park include a 6’ high chain link fence 650’ long and 155’ wide. There will be two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs, with chain link fence dividing the two areas. A single entrance will be protected by a keyless lock. Once inside this gate, users can choose a gate to either the large dog or small dog areas.

Crushed rock will create a 5' wide walking path along and under the fencing to provide a weed barrier and keep dogs from digging. A small gravel parking lot will be adjacent to the park.

Amenities inside the park fence included in the $50,000 cost estimate are four benches, four stations where bags for dog waste would be available, and two domed waste receptacles. A dual station pet fountain placed in the fence line between the two sections would make it possible for dogs to access drinking water from either side.

The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. Signs will be posted for responsible use, with volunteers helping decide on these rules as fundraising is underway.

Checks made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donors should designate the funds are for the dog park.

Playgrounds Continue to be Friends' Priority Project

While the LPA board of directors recently approved fundraising for a dog park, the Friends of Lake Panorama’s priority project will remain new playground equipment at Boulder and Shady beaches until that $70,000 goal has been reached.

The August 1 Beach Ball raised nearly $30,000, which was a huge boost to the playground project. There already was $25,000 in the bank received from donors since this fundraising effort began in November 2019.

The Beach Ball increased visibility of the playground project, with another $3,000 in direct donations received since that event. Another $12,000 is needed.

In late July, the Friends board of directors voted to order the play equipment for Shady Beach. Once the remaining $12,000 is raised, the Boulder Beach equipment will be ordered. The Friends board hopes to reach this goal before the end of 2020, since a price increase on the playground equipment is scheduled for January 1, 2021.

All donations are tax-deductible. Donors of $500 or more will be recognized on signs erected near both playgrounds and on the Friends website. Checks made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donors should include a note or designate on the check the funds are to be used for the playgrounds. Explore other ways to donate here.

LPA Board Approves Dog Park Concept

Friends of Lake Panorama now is raising funds for a dog park, after receiving approval from the Lake Panorama Association board of directors at their August meeting.

The idea of a dog park on LPA property has been discussed off and on for nearly a decade. In April 2019, Friends conducted a survey to gather input from LPA members on possible future projects. The Friends board met June 24, 2019, reviewed and discussed the survey results, and approved several action items.

One action item dealt with the possible development of an LPA dog park. While a dog park didn’t rank as high in the survey as other projects, there was strong support from a segment of the LPA membership. For that reason, the Friends board decided to recruit volunteers to serve on a dog park task force to study location, design, costs, and rules.

At its June 22, 2020, meeting, the Friends board received the dog park task force report, and voted unanimously to endorse the project and advance the report to the LPA board. The Friends board also agreed to manage donations to this project.

The cost of the dog park plan developed by the task force is $50,000. All funds will need to be raised with support from dog park enthusiasts and dog lovers, as LPA will only be partnering with in-kind contributions such as running a water line.

If the needed funds are raised, the dog park will be located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road, near the east campground and across the road from holes 12 and 13 on the Lake Panorama National golf course.

A 6’ high chain link fence that is 650’ long and 155’ wide will encircle the park. There will be two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs, with chain link fence dividing the two areas. The property currently is planted to soybeans, so funds will be needed to improve the seedbed and establish turfgrass.

A single entrance will be protected by a keyless lock. Once inside this gate, users can choose a gate to either the large dog area or the small dog area. A concrete slab at the entrance will be covered with a steel roof structure.

Crushed rock will be used to create a 5' wide walking path along and under the fencing to provide a weed barrier and keep dogs from digging. A small gravel parking lot will be adjacent to the park.

Amenities inside the park fence included in the $50,000 cost estimate are four benches, four stations where bags for dog waste would be available, and two domed waste receptacles. A dual station pet fountain placed in the fence line between the two sections would make it possible for dogs to access drinking water from either side.

The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. The entry code will be available to members and guests of members by calling LPA security or the LPA office, and will be changed periodically. Signs will be posted for responsible use, with volunteers helping decide on these rules as fundraising is underway. One rule already determined is all dogs must wear a tag showing they are up-to-date with state-required rabies vaccinations.

Because Friends of Lake Panorama is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit charity, all donations are tax deductible. Donors of at least $500 will be recognized on a sign at the dog park, plus on the Friends website.

Checks made payable to Friends of Lake Panorama can be mailed to PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donors should include a note or designate on the check funds are to be used for the dog park. More information about other donation options is available here.

Rain Garden at Panorama West Flourishing

It’s been more than three years since a rain garden was installed along the east side of the Panorama West clubhouse parking lot. Even though 2020 hasn’t brought a lot of rain to Lake Panorama, the native plants in the rain garden have been putting on a show this year.

Some plants bloomed their first year in the garden, but it generally takes two to three years for native plants to hit their stride. That’s because natives first establish deep root systems, before substantial growth happens above ground.

A rain garden is a perennial flower garden strategically located to capture runoff from rain that falls on parking lots, roofs, driveways and yards. The idea of installing a demonstration rain garden first was discussed at a Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors meeting in 2016.

Derek Namanny, an urban conservationist with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, began working with the group that fall. He visited Lake Panorama to look for possible rain garden locations, and found an existing water drain on the east side of the Panorama West parking lot that receives rainfall runoff. Namanny designed a garden that covers 500 square feet surrounding this drain.

“Rain gardens help reduce surface runoff and protect water quality,” he said. “Runoff that travels to a rain garden is temporarily ponded, but it doesn’t stay ponded for long. Plants in the garden use the water, pollutants are filtered out, and the water percolates down through the soil, rather than running off into the lake and nearby streams and rivers.”

The cost of this project was about $2,500. In December 2016, the Guthrie County Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners approved an application from Friends of Lake Panorama for $1,250 in cost-share funding for the rain garden. These funds were made available through Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection program, better known as REAP.

The Lake Panorama Association provided site preparation assistance. Excavation was done before layers of rock, sand and soil were covered with a hardwood mulch. A biodegradable erosion blanket was placed over the mulch to keep it from washing away. Holes were cut in the blanket and the plants placed and watered by volunteers.

In 2018, large rocks were placed around the three elevated sides of the garden to help reduce weeds and protect the garden. Smaller river rock was placed along the west side. 

An informational sign installed nearby explains how rain gardens help improve water quality. The Panorama West rain garden features 170 native plants in a dozen different varieties, that bloom at various times from spring to late fall. The sign shows the names and photos of eight varieties. Details on all 12 plant varieties are available HERE.

Play Equipment Ordered for Shady Beach

In late July, the Friends of Lake Panorama board of directors voted to order playground equipment for Shady Beach. The board determined direct donations, plus expected proceeds from the 2020 Beach Ball, would be enough to cover the cost of one playground. The board voted to begin with Shady Beach, because the current equipment there is the oldest, and in need of complete replacement.

At Shady Beach, the 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 has space for two children. It is hoped the play equipment can be delivered and installed in October of this year.

Once another $15,000 is raised, the equipment for Boulder Beach will be ordered.

At Boulder, the gray mountain and play set currently there will remain. The spring horses and tire swing will be removed. The same freestanding spring rider ordered 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.

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.