50th Anniversary Community Photo Competition
The Ostlund Team would like to thank everyone who submitted photographs, and all who participated in the voting for photographs that depict the spirit of community here at Lake of the Woods. From the many entries, four were chosen that offer a glimpse of the essence of what makes a community.
Webster’s dictionary defines community as: “a unified body of individuals, such as the people with common interests living in a particular area”. Clearly that definition only captures a small swatch of the community that represents Lake of the Woods. The many colorful threads of kindness, spirit of volunteerism, neighborliness, cooperation, uniqueness and civility are interwoven and have evolved to create a beautiful tapestry of community we are proud to call HOME!
As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our Community, we want to honor the elements of community that bring us together, and put aside any differences we may have; each of the photographs chosen clearly does that!
(Backside of Postcard…)
Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. Honoring the 50th Anniversary of Lake of the Woods, we celebrate the sense of service, cooperation, neighborliness and random acts of kindness that contribute to the vibrant sense of community that helps distinguish Lake of the Woods as “Virginia’s Best-Kept Secret”. The photographs chosen embody the spirit of “community” that one can witness every day at LOW! Each of these photographs represent acts of altruism and love that enrich our lives and those around us.
As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we encourage you to continue to make a difference for others and contribute to our community in any way you can; continue to wave to each other; volunteer for a cause; follow the rules; listen to opposing viewpoints and reserve judgement; be courteous, kind and civil to all and share your love unconditionally! We congratulate those who have served our community in any capacity these past 50 years to help LOW evolve into the community it has become! We are grateful and feel blessed to both live and work in this great community. Here’s to the next 50 years!
The Photo Contest Winners!
“Fall”
Dan Cianci – “Age is Just a Number!”
These two friends are separated by almost 80 years of life, but both enjoy sending off the bus riders EVERY Friday, especially because everyone at our bus stop gets a lollipop on the last day of the week. Perhaps one of the most special aspects of Lake of the Woods is the multi-generational composition of our community. From a sociological perspective, one fundamental change that has occurred in western societies is the decline of multi-generational communities. Although a common misconception about LOW is that it is primarily a “retirement” community. With over 1/4th of all Orange County school-age children living in Lake of the Woods, that is clearly not the case. In this particular photograph, one can only imagine the myriad of life lessons this child will learn from the “Mayor of Harrison Circle”, and of the example of kindness and caring for neighbors, no matter what their age.
“Volunteer Fire & Rescue”
Mike Cianci – “It Takes a Village!”
“Volunteers are not paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”
The spirit of Volunteerism is alive and well in Lake of the Woods. From the many clubs and organizations working to support community needs, to the many personal examples of neighbors helping neighbors, clearly many recognize as Aesop said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
This young volunteer is discovering at an early age that, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”-(M. Gandhi).
We are indeed fortunate to have the service of so many volunteers who support the LOW Fire and Rescue Company. Providing between 75-100 calls for service per month, the LOW Fire and Rescue Company is there in your greatest time of need. Relying primarily on volunteers and needing private donations from our community members; stop by at the Clubhouse Point of the 4th of July celebration (July 1) and make a donation; or better yet, see how you can help this most valuable organization.
“Lion King”
Dan Reams – “Lion King”
I had a sunset photo shoot at the lake and a family wanted to be in a sunset silhouette shot. Her name is Heather Lowe and lives in the lake.
Dan Reams is a talented photographer who has captured the love of family and the scenic beauty of Lake of the Woods. Often described as a “magnet for grand-kids”, LOW provides not only the beauty captured in this photo, but an amazing array of amenities and activities that represents the best in living a recreational lifestyle no matter what your age. Lake of the Woods offers so many choices to live life to the fullest!
“We Rise By Helping Others”
Kerry Sipe/Alexis Gray – “Win-Win-Win”
Logan Hernandez, 9, of Lake of the Woods beams with excitement as she enjoys a day on the lake, sponsored by the Lake of the Woods Adaptive Watersports Foundation.
The LOW Adaptive Watersports Foundation was formed last year as a project of the LOW Ski Club. A recent event drew over 70 participants from the Wounded Warriors program, as this organization clearly provides a “win-win-win” program for all. As with most foundations, there is always a need for donations to continue to provide this amazing experience for those who may have never enjoyed the thrill of water-skiing. To learn how you can help visit: www.adaptivewatersport.org
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