Lake Anna Welcomes Its First Rotary Club

Barry SchaefferFeatured, The Breeze 122, Wave Worthy

If you’re looking for a worldwide volunteer service organization, Rotary International—founded in 1905 and currently with more than 1.2 million members—would be at or near the front of the line. The Rotary name was chosen by its two initial members based on the rotation of local meetings between their offices. If, however, your search is for a local volunteer organization, …

Housing Foundation Breaks Ground for Affordable Housing in Louisa

Jen BaileyFeatured, Louisa, Wave Worthy

On May 13th, the Fluvanna-Louisa Housing Foundation (FLHF) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a planned affordable housing project to be constructed on a lot adjacent to the foundation’s headquarters location in Louisa.  The new project, currently in the final planning and permit phase, will contain 16 one-bedroom and 9 two-bedroom units, funded by a combination of grants and donations.  These …

Bringing the Arts to All: Inside the Louisa Arts Center

Barry SchaefferFeatured, Issue 120, Wave Worthy

Look where you will, and you won’t find many facilities with a history as long and varied as the one we now know as the Louisa Arts Center. First constructed in 1905, the building originally housed the local high school. A fire in 1924 destroyed much of the structure, prompting a major rebuild. In 1940, the building was converted into …

Saving Lives, One Paw (or Hoof) at a Time

Barry SchaefferFeatured, Issue 117, Pets of Lake Anna, The Breeze™, Wave Worthy

If you’re a Central Virginia animal down on your luck and in need of rescue and support, several places can help you get back on your paws—or hooves. In Louisa County, especially if you’re neither canine nor feline, one invaluable option is Hooves and Paws (H&P), located on Poindexter Road west of Louisa. H&P was founded in 2002 in Southern …

A Social Club with a Charity Problem: Lake Anna Roosters & Foxes Raise Big for Local Needs

Jen BaileyAll Articles, Featured, Issue 115, The Breeze™, The Breeze™ 2024, Wave Worthy

The Lake Anna Roosters and Foxes gathered for their fourth annual Thanksgiving Donation Dinner, hosted by John and Lori Pope at Cooling Pond Brewery. Reflecting on their humble beginnings—just ten friends sharing a meal at Callie Opie’s in 2020—the group has grown into a powerful force for good in the Lake Anna community. One of their primary focuses this season …

“No One Leaves Here Hungry”: The Louisa County Resource Council Impacts Thousands of Locals in Need

Barry SchaefferFeatured, Issue 115, The Breeze™, The Breeze™ 2024, Wave Worthy

When, in 1991, local pastor Rev. John von Hemmert recognized a need for help with the basics of life among many in his Louisa congregation and beyond and founded a modest effort to provide these services to a few hundred individuals and families, he likely didn’t expect that his effort would grow into a major county-wide organization with multiple programs …

Teacher of the Year: Laura Austin of Livingston Elementary

Jen BaileyAll Articles, Featured, Issue 112, The Breeze™, The Breeze™ 2024, Wave Worthy

Introducing our latest Q&A feature, we are proud to spotlight Laura Austin, who has recently been named 2023-2024’s Teacher of the Year for Livingston Elementary, a Spotsylvania County School. Laura has been an inspiring force in education for six years, with experience across multiple grade levels. She began her teaching journey as a para educator in Louisa County in 2018 …

The “Float and Rescue” Rubber Ducky of Lake Anna

Jen BaileyFeatured, Issue 111, The Breeze™, The Breeze™ 2024, Wave Worthy

Weekends at Lake Anna are synonymous with sun, waves, and leisure for many boaters. However, for Robert Thomas, owner of Lake Anna Marine Towing, these waters represent more than just recreation—they embody a mission to assist boaters with unexpected challenges. Rob Thomas, known affectionately as Rob to friends and clients, spent nearly two years bringing his vision to life. His …

The Man Behind the Fireworks Magic: Mike May

Jen BaileyFeatured, Issue 110, The Breeze™, The Breeze™ 2024, Wave Worthy

“It’s all part of the adventure,” said Mike May, referring to the little details that make up the whole show experience. May, chair of the Fireworks Committee at LACA, is the driving force behind the Lake Anna Fireworks Show. His passion and dedication have turned this event into a highlight of the year for the community, bringing joy to thousands …

One Leash, Two Lives: Former Marine Finds New Mission to Save Lives through Service Dogs

Jen BaileyFeatured, Issue 108, The Breeze™, Wave Worthy

After 13 years of dedicated service in the Marine Corps, including three combat deployments, Jason Haag faced a daunting transition to civilian life. Like many veterans, he grappled with the invisible wounds of war, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, Haag’s journey took an unexpected turn towards healing thanks to a loyal companion named Axel. Haag’s life changed forever when …