Annual Meeting Highlights

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We had a record number of 350 Lake Burton Civic Association (LBCA) members attending our Annual Meeting last Saturday evening at the YMCA Camp High Harbour. Thank you to all who came out for this fun evening and all those who volunteered to make the evening a big success. Our Special Event team co-chairs, Paula Jones and Andrea Sorgeloos, outdid themselves with the fun theme of a Retro Beach Party.

Those of you who missed this meeting can view the slide presentation and placemat with the pertinent information we covered using the links below.

View Placemat

HB 121

  • HB 121 became law on July 1. The LBCA has produced and sent out an educational video and other educational material but will not recommend where the 200-foot law applies on our lake. DNR will make those judgments. Sergeant Cody Jones was present and reported they had seen some violations thus far and given verbal warnings. Most of what they see is what they call “Rules of the Road” (eg. staying 100 feet away from the shore and driving on the right).

Voter Registration

  • Matt Mitcham, Co-Chair of the Local Government Liaison Committee, spoke passionately on how important it is to vote in Rabun County. Members were encouraged to register at least one property owner in the upcoming election. It is a simple process to register. Go to https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/ to accomplish this. You have until April 22, 2024, to register for the Primary on May 21, 2024. It is the most important local election.
    • Three Rabun County Commissioners are up for reelection next year and have consistently voted for more construction close to Lake Burton. 
      • Greg James – Chairman
      • Tom Garrison – District 2  
      • Will Nichols – District 1

LBCA Foundation

  • Lin Goen and Diane White, Co-Chairs of the LBCA Scholarship Committee, introduced 15 of the 30 students to whom we gave an LBCA Scholarship. Their shining faces are always a highlight when they share their plans for college and major selection. One student talked about how she was the first member of her family to go to college, and we made it possible. Chills and cheers ensued.  
  • As you can see from the slide show and placemat, the LBCA and LBCA Foundation are in fiscal solid shape, and between the scholarships and grants, we are donating large amounts of money. 
    • Seventeen years ago, the Lake Rabun Association realized the same and went to a third party to help them. They selected an organization out of Gainesville called North Georgia Community Foundation to help them. We are currently interviewing this company.  
    • The current state of the Scholarship Committee needs to be revised. For individuals on this committee, it is a full-time volunteer job. 
    • Your LBCA Board has formed a new committee, led by Robin Gunn Parker,  to see if this might be a good solution for us. So, this fall, you will also see different asks when we send out our “asks” for the scholarship donation. We want to continue our generous scholarship program and possibly even enhance it. In our grant program, we want to make more significant, impactful grants to help our community. 
  • Let’s dream.
    • How about an LBCA Pavilion where we can gather?
    • How about saving Billy Goat Island from falling into the lake?
    • It is all several years away, but we want to think big
    • If you want to serve on this critical committee to help us decide where to spend our money, please contact Robin Gunn Parker.

Water Quality

  • Lake Burton is in the headwaters of the Savannah River. The LBCA Board has partnered with the Savannah Riverkeeper (SRK) to address concerns related to water quality and construction on and around Lake Burton. Tonya Bonitatibus, Executive Director of SRK, shared more about our partnership. This partnership will include setting up water quality testing for Lake Burton Water at Tallulah Falls Schools. Look for opportunities to participate in this water quality initiative soon.

Looking Forward

  • As you can see from this information and the attachments, the LBCA is a strong, dynamic nonprofit organization. To continue to impact our community and be good stewards of this beautiful lake, we need the input and combined effort of all our 2,300 members. Please continue to connect with us through our website, email, and social channels. 
  • Please don’t forget to add the following dates to your calendar:
    • ​Annual Golf Tournament | Friday, October 20
      • ​Sponsors and Volunteers are needed
      • Registration Opens on September 5
    • Burton Bash | Saturday, October 21
      • ​Registration Opens Later this week
    • 2024 Tour of Homes | June 22, 2024

We appreciate your continued support,

Elizabeth Gill
President
LBCA Association