Join us this Saturday, June 14, from 7 to 9 p.m., for our second Summer Vibes Concert, featuring The Holdouts in Cherokee Cove.
Dan Marlow
DNR Water Safety Meeting Video
If you missed the 2025 Water Safety Meeting, you can view it here. Highlights include: Rules of the Road that every boater must know, No Wake Zone regulations and enforcement, Navigation Light requirements for day and night boating, plus answers to real questions from fellow members.
Annual Member Meeting and Dinner
July 12, 5-9 p.m.
What to Expect
- A fun night with your lake friends and neighbors
- Cocktail Hour from 5 to 6 pm. Wine (courtesy of Tiger Mountain Vineyards), beer, and Ranch Water will be provided from 5 to 6 pm. BYOB after that!
- Short business meeting with raffle prizes!
- Buffet dinner catered by beloved Jamie Allred and Kelsey McCracken of Holden Oversoul Kitchen and Oyster Bar featuring ranch-inspired fare.
Dress Code
Western-themed ranchwear for the evening—come party at the Burton Ranch!
Location
Camp High Harbour–parking is limited. Please plan to car or boat pool.
How HB 121 Affects Wakeboarding and Surfing at Lake Burton
Watch LBCA's educational video on how the GA HB 121 affects wakeboarding and surfing at Lake Burton and see frequently asked questions about HB 121.
Lakeside with Dan: Welcome to Summer 2025!
Lakeside with Dan: Welcome to Summer 2025!
As the dogwoods bloom and the lake begins to shimmer with activity, I’m delighted to welcome everyone back for what promises to be another spectacular season at Lake Burton! Whether you’re a year-round resident or just arriving for your first visit of the year, the entire LBCA Board joins me in extending a warm welcome as we kick off summer 2025.
May Events: Starting the Season Strong
We have an exciting lineup of events to launch our summer:
- Memorial Day Weekend Concert: Saturday, May 24, 7 pm – Join us for our first Summer Vibes Concert featuring Tribute, an Allman Brothers Band.
- Annual Wooden Boat Parade and Show: Sunday, May 25 – A Lake Burton tradition! The parade begins at 11 am from Timpson Cove and is led by our own Fireboat One; it will end at LaPrades Marina around noon, where you can admire these beautiful vessels up close.
- DNR Water Safety Meeting: Saturday, May 31, 10 am – As we prepare for peak boating season, join us for this important refresher on lake safety protocols and regulations at the LaPrades Pavilion. Don’t miss your rare chance to meet the DNR officers who patrol the lake, hear from them about their experiences, and ask them questions.
Community Survey – Your Voice Matters
Your input directly shapes our priorities and initiatives for the coming year. The member survey, which can be found here, remains open until May 31. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts if you haven’t completed it yet. Your voice matters to us.
Volunteers Needed!
Our dedicated volunteers have always been the heart of LBCA. As we approach another busy season, we seek community members to join various committees and help with upcoming events. Here are the places we need help. Whether you can give a few hours or take on a larger role, there’s a place for everyone.
Off-Season Progress Report
Your board has been hard at work during the quieter months:
- Billy Goat Island Preservation Project: We’ve been developing a comprehensive plan to protect Billy Goat Island from ongoing erosion using strategically placed riprap. Once we finalize the engineering plans and cost estimates, we’ll launch a dedicated fundraising campaign to preserve this beloved lake landmark for future generations.
- Burton Park Insurance Victory: Through diligent negotiation and risk assessment, we’ve successfully reduced Burton Park’s insurance costs, allowing us to redirect those savings toward community programs.
- Fire Safety Initiative: We’ve partnered with local Volunteer Fire Departments and Rabun County officials to identify and repair inoperative fire hydrants around the lake. This critical infrastructure work enhances safety for all residents and properties.
As the lake fills with boats and our community again comes alive with familiar faces and new friends, I’m reminded of what makes Lake Burton so special. It’s not just the stunning natural beauty surrounding us, but the people who form this remarkable community.
See you on the lake,
Dan Marlow
LBCA President
Be a Guiding Light: LBCA Advocate
“Having an advocate has made a significant impact on my educational journey. Though we only met a few times a year, her unwavering support and encouragement provided me with a sense of stability and motivation. She believed in my potential, which inspired me to push through challenges and strive for my goals. Her guidance helped me navigate obstacles with confidence, reminding me that I was never alone in my pursuits. Her presence, even from a distance, was a powerful reminder of the importance of having someone in your corner.”–Macie Conner Jarred, Truett McConnell Class of 2025
Macie is an RCHS graduate who recently graduated from Truett McConnell. This fall, she will be a fourth-grade math teacher for the Rabun County Schools System.
Lake Burton Civic Association (LBCA) seeks compassionate members to make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life through our Advocate program. As our 2025 scholarship recipients prepare for their college journey, they need someone in their corner who understands both the excitement and challenges ahead.
What Is an Advocate?
The LBCA Advocate program connects Rabun County high school graduates and LBCA members with similar interests or expertise. As an Advocate, you’ll serve as a mentor, sounding board, and supportive presence throughout a student’s college career.
A Critical Support System
Many of our scholarship recipients are first-generation college students—the first in their families to pursue higher education. For these students, having an experienced mentor can be transformative. Without family members who have navigated college life, these students often face unique challenges understanding academic expectations, managing new responsibilities, and accessing campus resources. Your guidance as an Advocate can help bridge this gap, providing insights and encouragement that might otherwise be missing from their support network.
How It Works
The commitment is simple but impactful:
- Stay in touch with your student at least once per quarter
- Connect primarily through emails, texts, or phone calls
- Meet in person before they leave for college
- If mutually agreeable, enjoy occasional activities based on shared interests (boating, hiking, cooking, etc.)
Why Become an Advocate?
College represents a significant transition for young adults. Having someone to turn to with questions and concerns or simply for encouragement can make all the difference in a student’s success and confidence. Your life experience and perspective are invaluable resources to a student navigating this new chapter.
As an Advocate, you’ll experience the satisfaction of watching a promising young person grow and develop, knowing you played a part in their journey. Many of our Advocates report that they gain as much from the relationship as the students.
Make a Difference Today
Ready to become an Advocate? Contact Lin Goen at 770-356-1758 or lingoen@yahoo.com to volunteer or learn more about this rewarding opportunity to support our local scholars.
Your time and attention could be the difference between a student simply attending college and truly thriving there. Join us in building a stronger future for Rabun County’s brightest young minds.
DNR Water Safety Meeting May 31
From 10 a.m. to noon, at the LaPrade's Pavilion, we offer our members a unique opportunity. Representatives of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct a boating and water safety meeting. This is a once-a-year opportunity to meet the DNR officers who patrol the lake, hear from them about their experiences, and ask them questions. We value your safety, and this meeting is a testament to that.
This meeting is of utmost importance for all members. Your active participation and education are the key to an enjoyable summer boating experience.
Summer Vibes Concert May 24
Join us for our first Summer Vibes Concert of the 2025 season on May 24, featuring Tribute, an Allman Brothers Band. Beginning at 7 pm, this is a great way to kick off Memorial Day weekend. Please see the LBCA calendar for more details.
Wooden Boat Parade and Show
Join us on May 25 for the LBCA 6th Annual Wooden Boat Parade Show–fun for the whole family! This free, family-friendly event is not just a show but an opportunity to witness the charm and craftsmanship of these historical watercraft up close. The parade starts at 11 am. A fleet of around 30 vintage wooden boats, built between 1930 and 1970, begins in Timpson Cove and is led by the iconic Burton One Fireboat. The procession will go to LaPrade's Marina, where the boats will be moored and open for public viewing until 1 pm.
LBCA Foundation Creates Endowed Scholarship for Carter Rhoad
The Lake Burton Civic Association Foundation is proud to honor a life of service by establishing its first endowed scholarship, a poignant tribute to Carter Rhoad. As Dan Marlow, the Lake Burton Civic Association president, said: "When this happened to Carter, we had a lot of people who said 'we need to do something."