| TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Mission Statement | 4 |
| Vision Statement | 4 |
| Eligibility Requirements | 4 |
| Letter from Chairman of the Board | 5 |
| Message from Business Manager | 6 |
| Financial Highlights | 7 |
| Purpose and Benefit | 8 |
| History to Present | 8-9 |
| Volunteering | 10 |
| Partnership and Fundraisers | 10 |
| Communication | 10 |
| Donor Acknowledgements | 11 |
| Scholarships for Veterans | 11 |
| Governance and Leadership | 12-13 |
| Honorary Board Members | 14 |
Veterans on the Lake Resort 161 Fernberg Road Ely, MN 55731
www.Veterans-On-The-Lake.com Email: VetLake@frontiernet.net
OUR MISSION
Veterans On The Lake Resort, a not-for-profit organization will provide a barrier-free setting for a memorable outdoor recreation experience for disabled veterans, veterans, their families, friends and supporters; designed “With Veterans in Mind”, recognizing what they have contributed to and sacrificed for our nation.
OUR VISION
Veterans On The Lake Resort will become a nationally recognized, year-round, financially sound, not-for-profit resort, for disabled veterans (their survivors and survivors of members deceased in service), disabled general public, service members, and veterans and their families. Veterans on the Lake Resort emphasizes quality barrier-free, educational programs and experiences with emphasis on veterans’ camaraderie in a wilderness lake setting.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PRE-REGISTRATION
Please note the current eligibility requirements to make a reservation at Veterans on the Lake Resort. These must be fulfilled in order for us to comply with our Special Use Permit with the United States Forest Service.
Person making reservation must come from one of the following categories:
1. Disabled Veterans (must furnish VA claim # or State disability).* (see note) Survivor of deceased disabled veteran. Name Required. Survivor of veteran killed in action. Name Required.
OR
2. Veteran age 65 or older
OR
3. Non-veteran disabled
OR
4. Active Duty Military
OR
5. Able-bodied veteran (reservation can be made up to 30 days in advance of arrival)
Also permitted:
*Note: Disability can be from in or out of military service. Disabled veterans category includes spouse and children of service person killed in action and spouse of deceased disabled veteran. Anyone from one of the above qualifying categories can bring guests of their choice.
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Greetings to All:
I was elected Chairman of the Board in January 2005, having served as Vice Chairman for one year and joining the board as a Director in November 2002. From my first days on the board, I have seen many improvements and changes to our resort. All of these changes were to improve our facility for our guests. Some of these were hard decisions for our directors to make but with the wide knowledge and expertise of these dedicated individuals, they have done a remarkable job.
One of the hardest things to see as Chairman had to be the resignation of our past General Manager. The Board took hold of the situation and we now have an Interim Volunteer General Manager and a new Business Manager. Our Vice Chairman, Michael D. Neubarth, along with his wife Sheri, have taken over the operations of the Resort, and might I say are doing an excellent job. Mike and Sheri have made many changes since they took the jobs; some stand out and some not, but all have improved our resort for all.
Last January, Mike and I made a 1500 mile trip stopping at VA homes and Hospitals in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota. During our trip, we visited with various groups and individuals on how we can make it more inviting and helpful to all our guests at our resort. We are planning to repeat this trip again next year, with hope to visit more veterans’ facilities to spread the word of our great resort.
I would also like to say thank you to all the volunteers for their help at the resort and at all of our fundraisers throughout the year. Remember, without these wonderful people, Veterans on the Lake Resort could not survive. This organization survives on its user fees, donations and fundraisers. It takes a lot of ingenuity by our board of directors to keep our resort afloat. Thank you to all for doing such an incredible job. It has been terrific working with everyone this year and I am looking forward to next year with much enthusiasm.
In closing, always remember our veterans, support our troops, and God bless this great country of ours.
David A. Buczynski
Chairman of the Board
MESSAGE FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER
Dear Friends and Supporters,
In 2005, I was offered the position of Business Manager for Veterans on the Lake Resort. Not knowing what to expect or the challenges that lay ahead, I accepted the position, knowing I would receive support from the Board, staff, donors, guests and volunteers along the way.
The many changes that have taken place this year have strengthened the resort. Management turnover took place on October 1, 2005. This move has lead to the much needed restructuring of staff departments. The transition was a true test of worthiness, loyalty and spirituality. By the end of 2005, things were on an upward climb due to the endless supply of ideas, suggestions and encouragement from the resort community.
Many improvements made to the property were long overdue. New sidewalk by the ADA entrance door is now wide enough for 2 wheelchairs or scooters. A new well was drilled to accommodate the west side of the resort. The maintenance department completed upgrades to the landscaping, removing dangerous fallen trees to be used as firewood and to preserve the naturally beauty of the property. The gift shop and office were enlarged, to allow for easier access and efficiency. All of these projects were necessary to maintain the mission of the organization and our path toward realizing our vision.
Future plans for VOTLR will help to continue this momentum of success. Cabins will be thoroughly evaluated to ensure safety standards are met. Some of the changes that have already been recognized as priority include new roofs, new decking and improvements to the existing boathouse and watercraft. Also slated for 2006 is the redevelopment of two cabins, to make them completely handicap accessible. BOTLR relies heavily on its donors and volunteers to accomplish these goals.
I have faith that 2006 will be a year of growth and achievements. I am honored to be in a position to continue service to our veterans, now and in the future.
With Veterans in Mind,
Sheri Neubarth
Business Manager
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Veterans on the Lake Resort revenue sources consist of contributions from individuals, veterans’ organizations, and other service organizations; matching programs; corporate contributions; fundraising events, memorial gifts and resort user fees. Donations for 2005 were down approximately $30,000 from 2004. Also, expenses increased almost $50,000 due to increased grounds and cabin maintenance, insurance and utility costs and improvements to meet the requirements of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
REVENUE SUMMARY CALENDAR YEAR 2005 Donations, Fundraising $ 119,781.00 31%
Resort User $ 259,329.00 68% Fees
Interest Income $ 2964.00 1%
Total $ 382,074.00 100.00%
Programs $ 413,275.00 96% General and $ 17,891.00 4%
Administrative Total $ 431,166.00 100.00%
PURPOSE AND BENEFIT
Veterans on the Lake Resort (VOTLR) was charted as a facility to supplement and enhance the lives of disabled veterans and their families. While the Department of Veterans Affairs may spend millions of dollars to treat veterans, VOTLR believes more can be done to help veterans heal from the pain and suffering they endure.
This recreational and educational facility, through group meal times, wilderness surroundings, and amenities geared for the disabled, promotes camaraderie, good memories and refreshment of mind and spirit. In organized groups the independence of each person is strengthened; in the family setting, quality of life is enhanced. This recreational facility is remarkable; it is unique from any other facility in the nation.
HISTORY TO PRESENT
Disabled Veterans Recreation, Inc. was founded on March 17, 1982. The first day of operation was May 13, 1983, with a grand opening celebration and the 1983 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener.
That year the resort was host to its first large group of veterans from the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. Since then, veterans and their guests from 21 states have enjoyed the resort including groups from the Minnesota State Veterans Homes in Minneapolis, Hastings and Fergus Falls and the VA Medical Centers in both St. Cloud, MN and Iowa City, IA.
In May of 2005, the Secretary of State gave official notification of the name change for the resort; the organization would from then on be known as Veterans on the Lake Resort. In 2005, the user population represented: 81% Disabled Veterans, 1% Disabled General Public, 2% Active Duty Military, 7% Able-Bodied Veterans, 8% Group Use and 1% Walk-Ins. Also this year, cabins were made available for winter use, allowing the resort to be a year-round facility for the first time.
Veterans on the Lake Resort (VOTLR) is located on the wooded shores of Fall Lake, three miles east of Ely, on Hwy 169, (Fernberg Road, commonly referred to as “The end of the road”). The resort has 2,700 feet of beautiful shore line on 24.99 acres situated on Superior National Forest land. VOTLR is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that provides barrier-free recreational opportunities to disabled military veterans and their families.
VOTLR accommodates those who have disabilities with special equipment: Wheelchair accessible cabins, roll-in showers, hospital beds, Hoyer lift systems to assist in getting veterans in the outdoor pool and onto fishing boats, electric wheelchairs, 4-wheeled scooters, and electric golf cartsall for no extra charge.
Like other wilderness resorts the in Ely area, Veterans on the Lake Resort offers many desirable amenities: heated outdoor swimming pool, wood-fired sauna, recreation cabin, campfire areas, volleyball, basketball, tennis, badminton, horseshoes, shuffleboard and other yard games. For lake activities, guests make good use of the sandy beaches, fishing docks, bait house, fish-cleaning shed and the boathouse, where pontoons, 14 & 16 foot boats, 15 & 25 Hp motors, paddleboats, and canoes are managed.
The main lodge at the resort offers a conference room, dining room with seating for 75, business office, guest registration area and a gift shop offering shirts, jackets, souvenirs, tackle, and other sundries. The property has accessible paved pathways, a maintenance workshop and storage buildings.
Cabins range from one room cabins to six bedroom combination cabins. Seven of the cabins are wheelchair accessible. Guests can choose to dine in the main lodge dining room or cook for themselves in their cabins. Meals prepared in the resort’s commercial kitchen are served buffet-style with an emphasis on home cooking and Minnesota North Woods flair; kitchen staff can accommodate individual veterans, families and groups up to 100. Twenty three of the modern wilderness cabins offer kitchenettes, microwaves, coffee pots, toasters, basic cooking pots, pans and utensils, dishes, bed linens, TV with limited satellite dish, VCR, outdoor grills, bathrooms with showers and heat & AC units.
The tranquility of the splendid lake views, exquisite sunrises and sunsets, starry night skies and Northern Lights are some of the most memorable nature sights at VOTLR. On an average day, one may see eagles, loons, ducks, ravens and a variety of songbirds. Guests have also reported their observation of deer, moose, fox and black bears.
Fall Lake is approximately seven miles long. Five miles are unrestricted waters. Two miles of the east end of Fall Lake is located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW); this section of the lake is restricted to 25 Hp Motors. VOTLR boats are permitted for this area. The fish population consists of: Walleye, Northern Pike, Crappie, Sunfish and Smallmouth Bass.
Ely and the surrounding area offer exciting enticements. Minutes from VOTLR, guests can enjoy golf, hiking trails, shopping, dining, ethnic festivals, mine tours, Boundary
Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, International Wolf Center, Dorothy Molter Museum and other attractions.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers at Veterans on the Lake Resort are the best supporters and advocates. Volunteer hours recorded at the resort in 2005 total 10,150 hours. Volunteers include Board Members, Honorary Board Members, Orators and Fundraising Event Assistants. Volunteers also aid VOTLR staff in service to its guests in areas of maintenance, housekeeping, cooking, table service, office administration, fishing guides and volunteer coordinators. The generous donation of time and knowledge helps VOTLR achieve its mission and work toward accomplishing its vision.
PARTNERSHIPS AND FUNDRAISERS
Veterans on the Lake Resort has established successful partnerships with organizations as a vehicle for broadcasting its mission, conducting fundraising events and recruiting new volunteers. Many veterans service organizations host meals to generate donations for the resort and to offer a venue for the VOTLR Board members to make informative presentations to the public. The Board also conducts an annual golf tournament, which provides additional volunteer and fundraising opportunities to the community.
COMMUNICATION
Veterans on the Lake Resort guests, volunteers and donors are from locations across the United States. To maintain an ongoing relationship, VOTLR issues its official biannual newsletter, “Loons and Pontoons”. The publication reports season highlights, area news, upcoming events and the ongoing needs of the organization.
On behalf of the resort, Board Members, Honorary Board Members and other representatives make presentations to interested parties. In addition to the audio visual presentation and resort brochures, information is communicated on placemats, which are used at the VOTLR fundraiser dinners. The placemats add interest to dinner tables with their patriotic colors and the VOTLR mission statement in bold lettering.
VOTLR is represented on the World Wide Web, thanks to the talents of Gregg W. Asher, PhD, Computer and Information Science, at Minnesota State University Mankato. VOTLR is pleased to welcome Mr. Asher as a frequent guest of the resort.
DONOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Veterans on the Lake Resort does not receive assistance through federal, state or county funds. VOTLR receives support through monetary contributions, in-kind donations and donations of time. The Donor Wall of Fame at VOTLR recognizes those who have made a commitment to pledge an recurring cash donation to the resort. Partnerships with community groups provide a generous level of income from fundraiser dinners and events. The great number of hours clocked in by volunteers equate to the work of approximately five full time employees.
GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP
Dave Buczynski, Board Chairman Cloquet, MN U.S. Navy Veteran, Retired mechanic and truck driver. Memberships: American Legion Post #262, Disabled American Veterans-Life Member, Disabled Veterans Deer Hunt Volunteer, MN DNR Fire Arms Safety Instructor, Past Board Member of the North Country Ride, MN 4Wheel Drive Association, MN Go Wheelers Club.
U.S. Navy 1968-1972. Memberships:American Legion Past Department Commander, American Legion National (PUFL), Disabled American Veterans, American Veterans (MN Chapter), VFW, Voiture 40/8, Sioux Falls VA Board Member, Cripple Children’s School, Sleepy Eye Honor Guard, Second District Representative- Sioux Falls, SD VA Hospital.
U.S. Army 1967-1969, Retired from 35 years of Federal service most with the US Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Paul MN, Washington DC, Lincoln NE, Montgomery AL and Cheyenne WY. Awards: a fellowship to Harvard University for Senior Government Executive in 2003, the Presidential Rank Award for Excellence in Government Service in July 2004. Memberships: American Legion, VFW, Minnesota State Bar.
Military Retiree- US Navy 1953-72, U.S. Army 1950-53, Driver’s Education Instructor, Waste Water Technical Instructor. Memberships: VFW- Past Post Commander & Past District Commander, The American Legion– Past Post Commander, Fleet Reserve, Disabled American Veterans, The Retired Enlisted Assn., Non-Commissioned Officers, City of Ely Comprehensive Planning Board, Ely-Winton Historical Society Board, Ely Honor Guard, Moose Lodge.
Certified Public Accountant-30 years, Bachelor of Business-Western Illinois University. Licensed CPA in the States of Illinois and Minnesota.
Business Owner, Degreed Accountant, Bachelor of Business-Southern Illinois University, Past Controller for Hazleton Environmental Sciences-Division of Nalco Chemical, Munson Foundation, “This is Columbia” Expo Foundation, Irma Robinson Foundation. Memberships: National Audobon Society, National Geographic Society, National Wildlife Federation, National Park Conservation Association
National Guard and U.S. Army Veteran, Carpenter and Superintendent of construction projects for 40 years, Landlord for 18 years. Memberships: The American Legion Post 1776, Mt. Calvary Lutheran - Property Board Member.
U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, Retired Public Safety Officer, EMT, Firefighter, First Responder. Memberships: Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members Association.
PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE
HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS
The Honorary Board Members are a real asset to Veterans on the Lake Resort. As representatives of the organization, Honorary Board Members play a key role in communicating its mission and vision to the community.
Joel “Duff” Duffina Fletcher Freeman Marvin Gerdesmeier Don Hayden Everett L. Holz June Johnson Paul J. Peterson Walter “Wally” Peterson Dennis Sculthorp Robert A. “Buster” Skallerud Hailey Smoger Laverne “Vern” G. Spindler
