END-OF-YEAR DONATIONS BOOST FRIENDS OF LAKE PANORAMA

Nearly $5,000 was donated to Friends of Lake Panorama in the final two months of 2021. About $1,800 of that was designated for the Lake Panorama dog park. Construction began in September 2021, with opening planned for spring/summer of 2022.

While the costs of construction and basic amenities are covered by the $50,000 already raised, the park will have ongoing expenses for turf management and waste disposal bags. Additional trees or benches also may be desired. For these reasons, donations for the dog park continue to be accepted. Donors of $500 or more by February 1, 2022, will be recognized on a sign posted at the park.

A total of $1,450 was donated to a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach. Mark and Karen Einck, who matched donations of $25,000 for the Boulder Beach basketball court, have pledged to match up to $20,000 for the Sunset Beach court. The estimate for this project is $40,000, and fundraising will continue throughout 2022.

The Friends board has appointed a task force to develop a recreational concept for Lake Panorama’s south shore. The LPA board of directors voted unanimously in June 2021 to allow Friends of Lake Panorama to develop this concept.

The task force report will be presented to the LPA board at either its April or May meeting. The preliminary report to the LPA board in 2021 said the concept will include a disc golf course and a walking trail, with additional amenities possible. If Friends receives final LPA board approval this spring, a specific fundraising campaign will be launched to finance the approved amenities.

Nearly $500 was donated in the last two months of 2021 to the Friends general fund. The charity has ongoing expenses, including insurance, post office box rental, postage, website and email hosting, tax preparation, administrative fees, and fundraising fees. When not enough money is available in the general fund, a percentage of donations given to specific projects is allocated to these expenses.

To attract additional donors interested in helping cover ongoing expenses, a new program has been established that allows donors to make a monthly transfer from their bank account to the Friends bank account at Guthrie County State Bank.

Those interested can print and complete a form on the “Donate” page on the Friends website, and send it to the address on the form. There is no fee for these transactions, and the transfers can be stopped at any time. Those who would like a form sent to them can email their request to staff@friendsoflakepanorama.org.

Two other projects that were funded with proceeds from the 2021 Beach Ball will be completed in spring 2022. These include the multi-use Panorama West Trail, and three swings added to the Sunset Beach playground.

Although more donations are made at the end of each year than any other time, donations are accepted year-round. These can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends at PO Box 488, Panora, IA 50216. Direct donations can be sent via Venmo @Panorama-Friends. 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 information, contact Kristen Crouthamel, financial advisor at GCSB Investment Center, 641-755-2799 or kristen@investgcsb.com.

Details on past and current projects are available on the Friends website. Friends of Lake Panorama also has a Facebook page. Those interested in keeping up-to-date about Friends activities are asked to “like” and “share” the Friends page. The next Friends Beach Ball fundraiser will be Friday, July 22, 2022.

FRIENDS OF LAKE PANORAMA BOARD MAKES 2022 PLANS

Friends of Lake Panorama is governed by a volunteer, seven-member board of directors. The board held its 2022 organizational meeting Nov. 29. 

At the meeting, to new members were appointed to the board for three-year terms. Bill Winkleblack replaced Tricia Steffen, who has been on the Friends board since the nonprofit began in December 2013. Jackie Wellik replaced Emily Spradling, who was appointed to the board in May 2016 to complete two years of her husband Jim’s term when he was elected to the LPA board. She then served one full three-year term.

Other board members are Galen Johnson, Jody Muench, John Muenzenberger, Jan Reinicke, and Jim Tibbles.

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

For the past year, the charity has focused on raising $50,000 for the Lake Panorama Dog Park. A total of $45,000 had been donated in advance of the July 30 Beach Ball fundraiser. That event cleared $25,000, and at a meeting in August, the Friends board voted to direct $5,000 to the Beach Ball proceeds to the dog park.

Construction is nearing completion. Turfgrass that was seeded late this fall was able to germinate, but overseeding will be needed in the spring. The park will open in 2022, once the turfgrass is established well enough to handle the expected traffic.

Two trees have been planted at the park, which were donated by Larry and Heather Isom, who own Isom Tree Farm. Fundraising will continue to add more trees to the park in the fall of 2022. In the future, the Isoms have offered to donate one tree for each tree purchased. Donations designated to the dog park also will be used to cover ongoing expenses for waste bags, and perhaps the installation of a couple of benches.

Other topics discussed at the Friends board meeting included a report on progress being made on establishing a multi-use Panorama West Trail, and three swings that will be added to the Sunset Beach playground. Both projects are being funded with proceeds from the 2021 Beach Ball, and will be completed in spring 2022.

Board members reviewed plans for a new project—a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach, for which fundraising is underway. Mark and Karen Einck, who matched donations of $25,000 for the Boulder Beach basketball court, have pledged to match up to $20,000 for the Sunset Beach court. It is hoped $40,000 can be raised for construction in 2022.

The Friends board formed a task force to develop a proposal for recreational amenities on Lake Panorama’s South Shore. The task force is made up of both Friends board members and additional volunteers from the community. The proposal created by this task force will be presented to the LPA board in the spring. The proposal is expected to include a disc golf course and walking trail, with additional amenities also being considered.

Preliminary plans for the next fundraising Beach Ball were discussed. The event will be held July 22, 2022. Final decisions on plans, pricing and how funds raised at this event will be used will be made at the board’s spring meeting.  

Currently, donors giving to Friends can designate their gift to the basketball half-court at Sunset Beach, South Shore future recreational amenities, the Lake Panorama dog park, and the Friends general fund.

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. Direct donations can be sent via Venmo @Friends-Panorama. 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 information, contact Kristen Crouthamel, financial advisor at GCSB Investment Center, 641-755-2799 or kristen@investgcsb.com.

DOG PARK CONSTRUCTION NEARING COMPLETION

The physical features of the Lake Panorama dog park are nearly complete, including the fencing, gates and entrance. The ground within the park has been seeded and fertilized. Now rain is needed for the grass seed to germinate and establish a solid turfgrass base before winter.

Bryce Arganbright, Arganbright Construction of Panora, is the contractor handling the fencing, gates and covered entrance.

The park is located on the east side of Lake Panorama, at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road. A 6’ tall chain link fence 400’ long and 150’ wide surrounds the park. There are two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. 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 has been used to create a 4-foot-wide walking path along the inside of the fence, and extends another one-foot under and outside the fence to provide a weed barrier and keep dogs from digging.

The Lake Panorama Association has provided some in-kind contributions to the park. LPA staff used a skid loader with a soil conditioning attachment to prepare the ground for grass seed. The LPA also will install a driveway and gravel parking lot adjacent to the park to the east.

The LPA maintenance staff trenched a water line from the golf course to the main entrance of the dog park, which will supply two water fountains for dogs, one in each section of the park.

Because the LPA will be providing ongoing maintenance once the park is complete, the association is donating two picnic tables, one for each section. These will be the same types of tables used at the lake’s three beaches, which can be moved by the mower to different locations as needed.

Two sugar maple trees, donated by the Isom Tree Farm, will be planted in December, with one in the center of each of the two sections.

Amenities inside the park fence yet to be added are four stations where bags for dog waste will be available, and a waste receptacle near the entrance gate. Signs will be posted for responsible use.

The facility will be open to LPA members and their guests. Once the park is ready to open, members will need to contact the LPA office to receive the key code. Opening of the park is expected for spring/summer 2022, and will depend on how quickly the turfgrass gets established and all amenities are in place.

At the time of the July 30 Beach Ball, private donations for the dog park stood at $45,000. The Friends board voted to provide another $5,000 from the Beach Ball proceeds to reach the $50,000 goal.

A sign recognizing donors of $500 or more will be posted at the dog park. Donations continue to be accepted to help with final construction expenses, plus future needs such as turfgrass fertilizer, weed control and dog waste bags.

2021 Beach Ball Funds Will Complete Three Projects

The Friends of Lake Panorama’s Beach Ball fundraiser July 30 had a profit of $25,000. At its Aug. 16 meeting, the Friends board of directors voted to spend the Beach Ball proceeds to complete three projects.

First is the Lake Panorama dog park. Fundraising for this project kicked off in September 2020. The idea of a dog park on LPA property had been discussed for nearly a decade. In April 2019, Friends conducted a survey to gather input from LPA members on possible future projects. The Friends board reviewed and discussed the survey results, and approved several action items.

One action item dealt with the possible development of an LPA dog park. In September 2019, Friends recruited volunteers to serve on a dog park task force to study location, design, costs and rules. The Friends board received the task force report at its June 2020 meeting, and voted unanimously to endorse the project and advance the report to the LPA board.

The LPA board reviewed the dog park proposal at its July meeting, and gave unanimous approval at its August meeting for Friends to begin fundraising. A goal of $50,000 was set to build the park and provide all desired amenities.

At the time of the July 30 Beach Ball, donations for the dog park stood at $45,000. The Friends board voted to provide another $5,000 from the Beach Ball proceeds to reach the $50,000 goal.

Construction on the park is underway. It is located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road. A 6’ high chain link fence 400’ long and 150’ wide is being installed. There will be two sections, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. 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 gravel parking lot will be adjacent to the park to the east. Once construction is complete, the park area will be fertilized and grass seeded. Two red maple trees, donated by the Isom Tree Farm, will be planted.

Amenities inside the park fence will be a picnic table in each of the two sections, a dog water fountain in each section, stations where bags for dog waste will be available, and waste receptacles. Opening of the park is planned for spring/summer 2022, and will be dependent on how quickly the turfgrass establishment is complete and all amenities are in place.

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.

Another project that will receive Beach Ball funding involves enhancements to an existing trail near the Panorama West golf course. This project has been estimated at $5,500. Donations of $700 already have been received. The Friends board voted to provide $5,000 from the Beach Ball proceeds to complete fundraising for this project.

The existing trail is used by the Panorama School District as a cross-country track site and covers a variety of terrain including timber pathways, golf fairways and roadways. A task force of volunteers has developed plans that include marking a portion of this trail and designating it as the “official” multi-use trail.

For safety reasons, and in compliance with current LPA rules, users of this 2.5-mile trail, which includes a 1.5 mile out-and-back section, and an optional 1-mile loop, may include hikers, runners, cross-country skiers and dogwalkers, but no motorized vehicles. 

The newly marked trail will wind its way through grassy open areas and timber, but will not cross any portion of the golf course or roadways. A trail map will be developed, and placed on an informational kiosk that will double as a trail head sign. The trail head, with limited parking, will be located at the end of the Nicholl Drive cul-de-sac just east of the Panorama West clubhouse. 

Low profile 4x4 recycled plastic lumber posts with directional signage, recreational symbols, and distance markers will be installed along the multi-use portion of the trail. To avoid confusion, these park-style, recreational markers will be different from the cross-country signage. One or two recycled plastic benches will be placed along the trail. 

Task force team members will meet soon to finalize design details for the kiosk, markers and benches. Product orders will be placed this fall, with installation and project completion planned for spring 2022.

The third project to receive proceeds from the 2021 Beach Ball is the addition of three swings to the Sunset Beach playground. These will be the same swings as the ones now at both Boulder and Shady beaches, and will be placed directly west of the existing playground. The budget for this project is $8,000, and the Friends board voted to provide the full amount to this project.

The swings were ordered Aug. 20 from Boland Recreation of Marshalltown, the same vendor that now has provided new play equipment at all three of Lake Panorama’s beaches. The swings will be delivered and installed in spring 2022.

The Friends board voted to hold the remaining $7,000 raised by the Beach Ball in reserve until these three projects are complete, in case costs increase beyond what has been budgeted. If the funds are not needed for any of these three projects, the money will be applied to a new project.

Because of the success of the 2021 Beach Ball, the Friends board plans to hold its next Beach Ball on Friday, July 22, 2022.

Tax-deductible donations can be made at any time by check payable to Friends and mailed to Friends of Lake Panorama, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made using VENMO @Friends-Panorama, or by credit card on the Friends website at friendsoflakepanorama.org.

2021 BEACH BALL RAISES $25,000

An estimated 200 people attended the Friends of Lake Panorama 2021 Beach Ball on July 30 at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center. After expenses, the event had a profit of $25,000.

The Friends board will meet in mid-August to discuss how to allocate the funds. Three projects had been designated to receive Beach Ball funding—Lake Panorama dog park, three swings at Sunset Beach, and enhancements to the Panorama West trail.

Information about these three current projects, plus two future projects, were on display at the Beach Ball. One of the new projects involves developing a proposal for a multi-use recreational area on Lake Panorama’s south shore on the main basin. The proposal is expected to include a disc golf course and a walking/hiking trail, with additional recreational amenities considered. The plan will need approval from the LPA board of directors before work begins.

The other new project is half-court basketball at Sunset Beach. The LPA board approved this project at its June meeting, and fundraising will begin this fall.

Both outdoor and indoor spaces were used for the Beach Ball. Outside tables were under a series of tents, located on the grass between the conference center and the golf course. A buffet dinner was served outside, and included steaks and chicken kabobs cooked on a nearby charcoal grill. Little Joe McCarthy, a singer and songwriter who lives in Omaha, provided live music under an outdoor tent.

After dinner, with weather radar showing heavy rain headed to the area, a decision was made to move the live auction into the banquet room. Those sitting outside moved their chairs inside to participate in the live auction, while volunteers quickly took down tents and stacked tables and chairs as the rain arrived.

New in 2021 was the Friends Beach Club. Those who joined at one of these levels paid a little extra to get a little extra, while also making an extra donation to Friends of Lake Panorama. Friends Beach Club members were listed in the program.

There were 17 businesses and groups of individuals that spent $600 to join the Premier level of the Beach Club. Fourteen couples spent $200 to be in the Couples Beach Club, with 12 businesses or individuals spending $150 for the Sponsor level.

There were 77 items donated for the silent auction, which brought in nearly $5,000. The live auction of 13 items raised $8,000, and the profit from a 50/50 raffle was $2,250.

Donations to Friends of Lake Panorama are accepted at any time, and can be designated for a current or future project, or for the general fund to be allocated by the Friends board.

LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS REMAIN FOR JULY 30 BEACH BALL

The Friends of Lake Panorama’s fourth Beach Ball fundraiser is Friday, July 30, at Lake Panorama National, with tables available either in the LPN banquet room or outside under tents between the conference center and the golf course.

There will be 30 round tables, with seating for eight at each. As of July 1, all 30 tables have sponsors. An estimated 50 tickets for those purchasing only event tickets are available at some of the sponsored tables.

New this year is the Friends Beach Club, with many of the table sponsors joining at either the Premier or Sponsor level. These levels include an additional contribution to the nonprofit charity, while getting some tickets in the 50/50 raffle and names in the 2021 Beach Ball program.

Those interested in purchasing some of the remaining 50 tickets have two options. They can join the Friends Beach Club – Couple for $200, which includes two dinner tickets, five tickets in the 50/50 raffle, and their name in the 2021 Beach Ball program. Individuals also can join the Friends Beach Club for $100, which includes one dinner ticket, two tickets in the 50/50 raffle, and the person’s name in the program.

Besides the Beach Club options, just dinner tickets can be purchased for $50 each, with half of that going to Friends, the other half to the LPN. The planned dinner menu includes charcoal-grilled 10-ounce NY strip steaks, chicken kabobs, pasta primavera, fruit bowl, dinner rolls, and desserts of strawberry shortcake cups and triple chocolate Ghirardelli brownies.

The 2021 Beach Ball will feature live music, a 50/50 raffle, and both live and silent auctions. Registration is 4:30-5:30 p.m., with dinner served 6-7 p.m. Cash bars will be available both in the LPN banquet room and outside. The silent auction will close at 7 p.m., with the live auction beginning at 7:15 p.m.

A wide variety of items will be offered on both auctions. Kurt Johnson is donating a set of custom bags/cornhole boards. Michael Kleinwolterink is donating one of his photos of Fourth of July fireworks over Lake Panorama, printed on metal. Danny Cunningham, Lake Panorama Barge, is donating two dock bumper pads. These are a few of the items that will be offered during the live auction.

The silent auction will include a wide variety of gift cards, home décor items, wine, several gift baskets, a selection of jewelry items, several golf-related items, and Jody Muench’s Guthrie County Tapestry Afghan. While a good number of items has been donated so far, there is room for more quality donated items for both the live and silent auction.

Anyone interested in purchasing Beach Ball tickets or donating an auction item, can contact Susan Thompson, thomcomm@netins.net, or 515-240-6536.

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR JULY 30 BEACH BALL

Plans have been finalized for the Friends of Lake Panorama’s fourth Beach Ball fundraiser. It will be Friday, July 30, at Lake Panorama National, with seating available either in the LPN banquet room or outside under tents between the conference center and the golf course.

Registration now is open for those who want to attend this event. There will be 30 round tables available, with seating for eight at each.

New this year is the formation of the Friends Beach Club. People who choose one of the four Friends Beach Club levels will be making an additional contribution to Friends, while getting some extras. The levels are:

• Friends Beach Club - Premier: $600—includes 1 Table Sponsorship; 8 Fund Raiser Dinner Tickets; 20 tickets in the 50/50 raffle; Name in the 2021 Beach Ball program

• Friends Beach Club - Sponsor: $150—includes 1 Table Sponsorship; Name in the 2021 Beach Ball program

• Friends Beach Club - Couple: $200—includes 2 Fund Raiser Dinner Tickets; 5 tickets in the 50/50 raffle; Name in the 2021 Beach Ball program

• Friends Beach Club - Individual: $100—includes 1 Fund Raiser Dinner Ticket; 2 tickets in the 50/50 raffle; Name in the 2021 Beach Ball program

Dinner tickets only will be available at a cost of $50 each, with $25 of that going directly to Friends. The planned dinner menu includes charcoal grilled 10-ounce NY strip steaks, chicken kabobs, pasta primavera, fruit bowl, dinner rolls, and desserts of strawberry shortcake cups and triple chocolate Ghirardelli brownies.

Past table sponsors are being contacted to ask if they want to join the Friends Beach Club. Anyone interested in becoming a Friends Beach Club member, or purchasing just dinner tickets to the Beach Ball, can contact Susan Thompson, thomcomm@netins.net, or 515-240-6536.

At a meeting May 3, the Friends board of directors chose three projects to support with funds raised at this year’s Beach Ball.

One 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. So far, $38,000 has been raised for the park, which will be open to LPA members and their guests.

The park will be located at the corner of Sage Trail and RV Road. Plans include a 6’ high chain link fence 400’ long and 150’ 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 second project that will receive funding from this year’s Beach Ball is the Panorama West trail. A task force has developed plans that include marking a 2.5-mile trail, which includes a 1.5 mile out-and-back section, and an optional 1-mile loop. A trail map will be developed, and placed on an informational kiosk that will double as a trail head sign. Trail markers with directional signage and distance markers will be installed. Locations for two benches will be identified. The budget for this project is $5,500.

Three swings added to the Sunset Beach playground is the third project that will receive Beach Ball proceeds. These will be the same swings as those now at both Boulder and Shady beaches. The budget for this project is $8,000.

The Friends board chose these three projects in hopes enough money will be raised at the Beach Ball to complete funding for all three in 2021.

Two other projects will be introduced at the Beach Ball—a disc golf course and a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach. If more money is raised than is needed for the first three projects, the funds will be set aside for these two projects, with additional fundraising beginning this fall.  

BEACH BALL PLANNED FOR JULY 30 AT LPN

Friends of Lake Panorama will host its fourth Beach Ball fundraiser on Friday, July 30, at Lake Panorama National. The format for the event will be similar to the 2020 Beach Ball, with seating available either in the LPN banquet room or outside under tents on the grass between the conference center and the golf course.

 The 2020 Beach Ball had a profit of $30,000. Those funds, along with many direct donations over a year’s time, made it possible to purchase $70,000 worth of playground equipment for Shady and Boulder beaches. The equipment at Shady Beach was installed last fall. The Boulder Beach playground equipment is scheduled to be installed in late April.

A Beach Ball in 2016 raised money for the Sunset Beach playground, while the 2017 Beach Ball helped finance the sports courts at Boulder Beach.  

The Friends board of directors discussed plans for the 2021 Beach Ball at their spring meeting March 15. Rather than having a single project to which funds will be directed, the board plans to offer several options.

The board will make a final decision at its May meeting on what projects to promote at the 2021 fundraiser, but the plan is to have information on a handful projects available. This will allow donors interested in a particular project to make a direct donation to that project.

The nonprofit charity’s current priority is the Lake Panorama dog park, which will be one of the projects those attending can learn more about and to which they can make a direct donation. By the end of March, $34,000 had been raised towards the park goal of $50,000.

Other projects being considered by the Friends board are improvements to the trail near Panorama West, a disc golf course, a basketball half-court at Sunset Beach and other beach amenities.

Projects chosen by the Friends board to promote at the Beach Ball will receive a percentage of pooled funds raised at the event, plus all direct donations designated to a specific project.

The 2021 Beach Ball will feature live music, a 50/50 raffle, both live and silent auctions, and other fun, and fundraising, events. Prices for table sponsorships and admission tickets are being finalized, with event registration beginning in early May.

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.

Friends of Lake Panorama Board Makes 2021 Plans

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.