December 2020 President’s Report

Each time we drive into the Shores, no matter the entrance, we are greeted by a sign that says, Roaming Shores, a private lake community. We all made a conscious decision to join a private lake community when we purchased property here and became a member of our Rome Rock Association. 2020 has been a year like none other and probably more than any other time we were able to focus on all the outdoor activities that a lake community provides.

I want to thank our Board of Directors, our employees, and our members for rising to the challenges that living through a pandemic can present. Tough decisions that were often unpopular had to be made. New ways of doing normal things had to be developed. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

Your Board has worked hard to keep members informed during a time when social distancing and limited gatherings were enforced. Many of you sent letters and made phone calls expressing your concern and asking for attention to specific issues. The primary focus of all member communications has been related to water quality and lake safety. The EPA was also called by a property owner expressing concern over the water quality.

As a Board we heard you! We are also residents and we agree that our Lake needs action to address water quality and that lake safety is a top priority. We have spent a great deal of time reviewing our 2020 budget and have reviewed each and every line item. Fiscal responsibility is critical. We need to invest in our lake. Failure to do so could easily result in depreciating property values and certainly it would impact all recreational activities we enjoy on Lake Roaming Rock. At the same time we can’t afford to forget about our roads, our pools, our beaches, our buildings, our recreational areas and the infrastructure needs that go with all of those items.

Whether you own property on the lake or your property is off the lake you are all part of a Lake Community. Each property owner shares the responsibility of lake stewardship. As we enter 2021 this will be a priority and programs will be implemented to address short term solutions and build the base for ongoing long term water quality maintenance. Lake Safety will be a top priority as well. Flagrant abuses of rules and laws will not be tolerated. Each property owner needs to understand they are responsible for the actions of their guests as well as family members.

We have a beautiful place to live and play. We also have a responsibility to ensure it stays that way. Let’s continue to work together and find the best way to make that happen. I love the Shores. I love the people who make the Shores the best lake community in Ohio. Please enjoy the holiday season. Stay safe. Be responsible and be Shores Proud!!!