By Mark Strauss, founder Lake Anna Roosters & Foxes Social Club

As 2024 arrives, it is time to reflect on the remarkable impact that the LKA Roosters & Foxes Social Group has had on our Lake community in 2023. This dynamic and vibrant volunteer organization has dedicated itself to fostering a sense of camaraderie, social connection, community service, and support for local businesses. In a year marked by challenges, Roosters & Foxes has proven that unity and compassion can truly make a difference.

Lake Anna Roosters & Foxes in Action 2023:

Photos were collected from Facebook, including some from professional photographer Carol Wyatt from Lake Anna Photography.

Through our active Facebook group, Lake Anna Roosters & Foxes Social Club, members have kept us connected and informed daily. Alice Bougie (ABC Fox), kept us informed and entertained with ABC specials and drink puns. Jack Chandler (R & F Foodie and administrator), kept R&Fs straight and provided daily levity on almost any subject. Carrie Withers, (Inspirational Fox), offered much-appreciated, hard-hitting, uplifting motivational thoughts daily. Rhonda Reinhardt (Cruise Planners / The Travel Fox), posted travel vacations both on land and sea. If you could dream it, she could make it happen. Weekly, Rock n Roll Rooster, Lance Wolak, posted the live music schedule around the lake & music trivia, including “On Permanent Vacation,” a crucial tool for determining our socializing plans. Tiffany Hazelwood and Mark Strauss also posted birthdays, ensuring everyone could celebrate with their friends.

At the heart of Roosters & Foxes’ mission in 2023 was the commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for community members to connect and engage. Many new R&Fs this year met new friends and participated in events throughout the year. Through various initiatives and events, the group left an indelible mark on the community, exemplifying the power of collective action and goodwill.

Here’s a shortlist of a few things Roosters & Foxes has been able to achieve this year:

• Environmental Stewardship: Active participation in Louisa County Clean Up (LouisaClean) and adopting roads for cleanup.
• Charitable Donations:
  • Donating $250 to the Lake Anna Rescue Boat from Nestle’s resources.
  • $2600 raised through weekly Darts for Charity at Log Home Brewery.
  • Generous donations totaling $4100 to The Journey Home, Giving Words, and Lake Anna Rescue’s new emergency boat.
• Education Support: Contributing to Batman’s Backpacks for Success initiative, providing supplies and backpacks to 100 underprivileged kids.
• International Travel Experiences: Funding and organizing 9-night tours to Ireland and cruises through the Greek Islands for members.
• Holiday Initiatives:
  • Adopt a Child for Christmas initiative, bringing joy to 54 children.
  • Donation drive for essential items, contributing 171 bulk items to The Journey Home.
• Community Events:
  • Hosting summer and Christmas parties, fostering community togetherness.
  • Organizing Roosters & Foxes Christmas Dinner and a New Year’s Eve 50 Shades Masquerade NYE Party.
• Promoting Local Businesses: Sale of 55 R&F’s Drink Locally T-shirts, raising $1200 from 12 local businesses.

One standout accomplishment in Roosters & Foxes’ community engagement efforts was the unwavering support extended throughout the year to Jody Korman’s Louisa County Clean Up, also known as LouisaClean. By actively participating in this initiative, members of Roosters & Foxes demonstrated their dedication to preserving and beautifying the local environment and adopting roads to clean up around the lake.

Highlighting Roosters & Foxes members, Susan and Don Kingsbury, who graciously hosted both summer and Christmas parties at their residence since their arrival at the lake in 2021, exhibited exceptional hospitality. They also initiated an all-day work party to help a fox in need, cleaned up and prepared her house for the winter. Additionally, in her capacity as a Nestle employee, Susan leveraged the company’s resources to provide $250 for the Lake Anna Rescue Boat. Every little bit helps, and the Kingsburys are very much appreciated.

In May 2023, Travel Fox Rhonda Reinhardt and 19 R&Fs enjoyed a 9-night tour of Ireland. The “Irish Pub Tour” began in Dublin and traveled to Killarney, the Dingle Peninsula, the Cliffs of Moher, and Galway. Each stop included a uniquely Irish experience in an iconic pub, bar, or distillery.

In October 2023, the Travel Fox and 35 R&Fs cruised from Athens through the Greek Islands, where ancient myths echoed through sun-kissed shores with late-night stays for beautiful sunsets in Mykonos and Santorini. Highlights included stops at Ancient Ephesus, a carpet weaving factory, and the unique island of Milos.

In August 2022/23, Roosters & Foxes threw their support behind Tiffany and Tom, aka Batman’s Backpacks for Success initiative, collaborating with Batman for a cause that impacts local students directly. This effort included buying all the supplies, packing the backpacks, and providing them to 100 underprivileged kids, giving them a head start into the new school year. This highlights the group’s commitment to education and providing resources for the younger generation.

Weekly Darts for Charity at Log Home Brewery, an ongoing event organized by Marie and Paul Snyder, emerged not only as a source of entertainment but also as a fundraising powerhouse. Since September 2023, the initiative has raised an impressive $2600, showcasing Roosters & Foxes’ ability to turn a social event into a force for good.

November was a month of significant community impact for Roosters & Foxes. The 3rd Annual Blood Drive, held at Log Home Brewery, saw an astounding collection of 50 pints of blood. This not only demonstrated the community’s willingness to contribute to essential resources but also showcased the organizational prowess of Roosters & Foxes in coordinating such impactful events.

Later in November, the Thanksgiving Potluck at Cooling Pond Brewery drew more than 80 people together, fostering a sense of togetherness during the holiday season. The generosity of Roosters & Foxes members shone through as they donated $1800 to The Journey Home, $1800 to Giving Words, and $500 to the Lake Anna Rescue’s new emergency boat, which are the group’s charitable causes.

Kristin Barmoy, R&Fs Charity Chairman, embarked on a mission with Marie Snyder, Laura Preston, and others to spread joy through their Adopt a Child for Christmas initiative. A heartwarming 54 children were embraced with gifts, showcasing the group’s commitment to making the holidays brighter for those in need.

During the months of October to December, Kristin Barmoy took the lead with the support of her husband Doug, and despite the chilly weather, Roosters & Foxes remained steadfast in their commitment to giving back. The donation drive for essential items for The Journey Home saw an impressive contribution of 171 bulk items, offering crucial support to individuals rebuilding their lives to become thriving and contributing members of our community.

Ronda Quill set up the Roosters & Foxes Christmas Dinner and packed El Gran Patron, bringing the community together for an evening of joy and celebration. Ronda also sold 55 R&F’s Drink Locally T-shirts, which she designed with 12 local businesses that donated a total of $1200 to R&Fs Charities. El Gran Patron will also be donating 10% of total sales for the evening to R&Fs Charities. In 2022, they donated ~$500. The 50/50 drawing brought an additional $600 to Lake Anna Rescue’s Hot Side new emergency boat fund. The group’s commitment to fostering a sense of family and community was evident in every aspect of the event.

As the year ends, several Roosters & Foxes organized a New Year’s Eve 50 Shades Masquerade NYE Party at the Tavern on the Rail Barn. This black-tie affair promises to be a vibrant occasion, marking not only the conclusion of the past year but also ushering in the new one with a spirit of optimism and unity.

In summary, the Roosters & Foxes Social Group has truly left an indelible mark on the community in 2023. Through their diverse initiatives, events, and unwavering commitment to service, Roosters & Foxes has proven that a collective effort, fueled by compassion and dedication, can create lasting positive change within the lake community. As we step into the new year, the impact of Roosters & Foxes will undoubtedly continue to resonate, serving as a beacon of inspiration for community involvement and social responsibility.

Mark Strauss