HARTWELL, GA - The Lake Hartwell Association (LHA) Annual Spring Meeting was held on Saturday, May 12,  at the Big Oaks Park on Hartwell Lake. It was a beautiful day for enjoying great food, visiting with neighbors and friends and, for several lucky attendees, winning some terrific prizes.

Joe Brenner, LHA President, welcomed LHA members and guests, thanked LHA volunteers and introduced the LHA Board. He also provided some brief updates on LHA activities, including the Savannah River Basin Advisory Committee of which Joe is a member and the draft Georgia Water Plan.

Larry Dyck, LHA Vice President and Technical Committee Chairman, presented the latest status of the PCB settlement plan and an overview of LHA’s upcoming Covekeeper program. Larry invited attendees to sign up for the Covekeeper training and other Technical Committee volunteer opportunities.

Pat Goran, LHA Legislative Committee Chairman, provided updates on water-related resolutions and bills passed by the GA Legislature and on legislative bills under review in SC.

Virgil Hobbs, USACE Hartwell Project Manager, gave the group updates on the current drought conditions in the area and the potential impacts on lake levels. He also answered questions regarding shoreline management and the removal of discarded floatation devices.

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Frank Carl, Executive Director of the Savannah Riverkeeper (SRK). Dr. Carl discussed the SRK’s role and approaches to protecting the water quality of the Savannah River and the integrity of its watershed. Dr. Carl offered suggestions regarding the further SRK cooperation and coordination with LHA.

Joe Brenner presented Wayne Gaskins with the LHA Emeritus Member Award in recognition of his distinguished and outstanding service to LHA. From 1994 to 2005, Wayne served on the Board of Directors including terms as president, vice-president, Safety Committee chair and Lake Clean-up Appreciation Committee chair. LHA Emeritus Member Award winners receive a commemorative plaque and lifetime membership to LHA.

Ed Garbe and Anne Hinson, members of the LHA Programs Committee, presented a number of door prizes to the following lucky winners:

Children's Prizes/Winner: Bubble Generator – Ashley Pradham, Anderson, SC Radio Control Mastercraft Boat – Alexis Kratzer, Anderson SC Motorized Wave Rider – Kody Kratzer, Anderson, SC.

Adult Prizes

• $50 Gift Card (donated by Wal-Mart, Hartwell, GA) – Lois Brooks, Anderson, SC
• Spring Float Lounge Chair, Tomilyn Bowen, Anderson, SC
• Rhino Pre-Spooled Fishing Rod & Reel – Cindy Pradham, Anderson, SC
• Rolling Cooler – Sheryl Cantwell, Hartwell, GA
• Vinyl Coated Pool Float – Wayne Gaskins, Lavonia, GA
• Shop Vacuum – Elizabeth Beatty, Townville, SC
• Toaster Oven – Frank Woodward, Hartwell, GA

Thanks to everyone’s enthusiastic participation; it was a delightful, informative and fun day!: