We are off to an exciting and eventful start for 2007. The theme for this year is inclusion. Many residents and newcomers have told me that part of the magic of Berkeley Lake extends beyond the waters, and our frequent community-wide events are unique and treasured. The parade on the 4th of July and its companion Fireworks Flotilla spark fond, deep seated memories that are a rich part of our families' heritage. I am grateful that my parents discovered this oasis many years ago and appreciate that my children feel the same way.

Our cornerstone events in the Spring & Fall serve as festive bookends to usher in the summer and reminisce into autumn. Whether a fish fry or low country boil, a BBQ or Luau, the gatherings are as perennial as the seasons. Last year's Regatta not only celebrated our 50th anniversary but also served as a reminder that this has always been a neighborhood renowned for celebration.

Although our overall membership was slightly down last year our BLHA events had the highest attendance of all time. As reflected in Chip McDaniel's membership report [see page 8], more homeowners have joined BLHA in January than ever before. We anticipate a record membership this year. For those who have already joined we thank you. For those who have yet to join we encourage you to do so. This will be a year you don't want to miss.

To that effect we are reviving some of the summer activities that had been so well received. Our events committee, spearheaded by Dag Sandbakken, will be assisted by Linda Craigg in organizing events for the younger members of our families. The camp-outs, cook-outs and movies on the beach were some of the most fun and we look forward to seeing what is planned this year. Please review the events section of this and future Reflections and put the dates on your Calendars.

In regard to notification of events and "getting the word out" to the membership we will have a renewed focus on email and our website, as primary sources of information. We have a new webmaster, Ann Chambers. Take a moment to visit the web site, www.berkeleylake. org and send her a message with comment and ideas. [Note: Reflections can be seen and printed in color from the website.] One of the most laborious (and perhaps unlawful) practices of the past was the ceremonial "stuffing of the flyers" into your mailboxes. For many members this was the official declaration of a BLHA event. For board and committee members this was one of the most time consuming and labor intensive chores. As a board we are sensitive to concerns over email etiquette and will be extremely judicious in sending broadcasts and protective of your addresses.

The flyer method also did not lend itself to some of the summertime activities that are affected by rain and may need to be rescheduled within a week's notice. In addition to electronic notification, please be on the lookout for BLHA event signs placed near the intersections as you enter/exit the neighborhoods. We also encourage "peer to peer" messaging, so if you do plan to attend an event or activity, use this as a reason to call your friends and neighbors to invite them. I would especially encourage you to reach out to some of our more seasoned citizens who may not be as enslaved by internet communications as we are.

I do want to note that although the most visible characteristic of the BLHA is the signature celebrations and events, it is not the most important aspect. From a financial perspective the events are generally self-funding and a couple of them actually generate revenue. The vast majority of the BLHA funds, and the impetus of its charter, are to protect and preserve the Lake. I am most thankful for the continued stewardship of Randy Johnson and Bill Hunkapiller as Watershed and Lake Maintenance Directors respectively. Their dedication to your lake and its health should not go unnoticed.

Some things you may notice this year will be capital and grounds improvement. Steve Seitz has a lengthy and detailed list of projects and improvements. Steve heads the capital improvements committee. They will be meeting to review both short term and long term plans. The results of this committee will be presented at our Spring event in May. We will provide detailed proposals for the membership to vote on.

Tom McDonald joins the BLHA board this year as director of Security. Tom and his son "Deputy" Quinn are fixtures at the beach and will be a welcome set of eyes and ears. The BLHA finances are again under the watchful eye of Mickey "the money" Merkel, who has skillfully arranged and invested our funds to not only generate additional interest income but provide an understandable view of our assets and cash flow. I am personally indebted to Lesley Pendleton for serving again as BLHA secretary. Transcribing the rapid fire discourse of a board meeting and rendering a coherent record of minutes is an arduous task at best. I appreciate her patience at the meetings as well as the continuing participation by our City Councilman Walter Anderson. Walter serves us well as a liaison keeping the board and BLHA members up to date on the City initiatives as well as informing the City of our positions. For all of us that have purchased and enjoyed our BLHA logo apparel & glassware, we are pleased that Phil Gilbert will again serve as Merchandise director. We had very successful sales in 2006 and we encourage members not only to buy & wear BLHA items but also to let us know what type of merchandise you would like us to offer in the future.

There is a new designation for Tod Senne this year as Maritime Security. Tod will not only issue watercraft stickers, but will also coordinate with key members to promote and ensure water safety and adherence to boating guidelines.

Please enjoy and reflect upon the articles from the BLHA Board throughout this publication. Letters or comments should be directed to our editor, Eileen Barnes.