Finally we can say goodbye to 2020! Each of us faced unprecedented challenges that truly reshaped our focus and priorities.
VCLRA, like so many others, found new ways to connect with our community and coworkers so we could press on with our work and make an impact. Due to the pandemic, we tailored our approach to engage and inform through zoom meetings, virtual events, and expanded online digital learning experiences. Fortunately, we had set a goal to strengthen our ability to connect with people by adopting new web technology even before the pandemic. While we look forward to the time when it is safe to return to in-person events, these new approaches will continue to provide alternate pathways to effectively connect with others (especially younger audiences). We will therefore continue to look for opportunities to improve our organization’s virtual presence.
While we have not met face to face for many months now, I am proud to report that we still were able to award a youth scholarship to a local high school student, make a virtual presentation of a Blue Heron Shoreland Stewardship Award, co-host a virtual lakes workshop, roll out the new GREET initiative for Lake Associations, partner with Vilas County Land and Water Conservation to launch the Northwoods Businesses for Clean Waters program, publish and distribute our two annual print newsletters, post a number of articles and videos on our website, and many other accomplishments.
As we move into a new year, we look forward to continuing to work for the protection of our Vilas County lake and river heritage with our partners and supporting member families and lake organizations. Our world is certainly different right now, but we can still realize the value of working together. Connect with us today through membership and also share what’s on your mind through email or our website contact form. We’d love to have a chance to get to know you better, hear about your ideas and concerns, and share some of our thoughts and plans.
Remember to renew your VCLRA membership! Much of our work is funded by generous support from our member families and lake organizations.
As I close, there is a new sense of hope as effective Covid-19 treatments appear on the horizon. I hope your New Year is happy, healthy and full of normal!
Tom Ewing
VCLRA president