The Wallooner | Winter 2021
17
Junior Member’s
CORNER
By Emily McAteer, Junior Member
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s generations pass, who will continue to protect the lake that we love and cherish? The WLAC’s Junior Membership Program creates an amazing opportunity for kids under 18 that share a common interest in the community and environment of Walloon Lake. As of this year, we have 75 junior members. It is clear that we have a great group of young Wallooners that take pride in, and are excited to get involved in the community. Through nature hikes, bonfires, fieldwork and shoreline cleanups, our junior members have shown off their passion for the environment and adventure. Not only that, but their young minds have helped the WLAC Junior Membership Program grow and develop through the use of social media and their tech-savvy skills. Junior members have the opportunity to share their ideas as a part of the committee. For the past two summers, junior members have helped host the WLAC’s boater safety and wakesurf event; which was created to teach people about how to safely and respectfully operate a boat, while also having fun participating in water sports. This past year, members had the great idea to incorporate sailing and waterskiing into the event; which attracted a number of participants. The junior members brainstormed many more ideas for future events including a storytelling night and geocaching. If you have family or friends from ages 0-18 that would be interested in joining the program, please visit www.walloon.org and head to the membership section. Junior memberships are now free, so be sure to sign up! We are so excited that our junior members are going to help continue the lake’s legacy for future generations!
NEW STAFF BIO
EDEN HAVEN Director of Finance
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den is a native of Petoskey and has spent many summer days enjoying Walloon Lake and all its beauty. She graduated from Lake Superior State University with a degree in accounting and has worked in public accounting for the past five years where she worked in many areas, including non-profit accounting and auditing. When not at the office, you will find her spending time with her son (Jaxson), husband (Ian), and two dogs (Roman and Athena). Eden enjoys reading, swimming, and just spending time outdoors, whether it be going for a walk or just relaxing on the deck.
SAFETY FIRST You may have noticed some of the navigational buoys leaning a little too far this summer, well the WLAC Safety Committee noticed too and has decided to replace them for the 2022 summer season! Although we only purchased the current buoys in 2018, safety is our top priority and we feel the replacement is more than warranted. The new buoys will have brand new lights and will be outfitted with our new organizational logo. Safe Boating, The WLAC Safety Committee
