3/6/2026
For more than a year, I have submitted a series of respectful, data driven letters to the LOWA Board of Directors regarding a simple but important question: should all LOW residents continue subsidizing an amenity used by fewer than 1% of our community? As one letter noted, “the Equestrian Center continues a multi-year pattern of underperformance… while assessments continue to rise.”
Despite repeated attempts - which include letters that can be viewed at
https://www.gmacfadden.com/LOWBOD.html, the Board has not provided a meaningful response. In one case, the matter was redirected to a committee whose charter explicitly excluded it.
This is not about horses, nor about denying enjoyment to those who value the Equestrian Center. It is about transparency, fiscal responsibility, and giving members a voice in how their assessments are used. When an amenity operates at a chronic loss and serves a very small fraction of residents, the community deserves the opportunity to weigh in.
I hope the Board will finally engage this issue openly and directly.
Respectfully, Gary MacFadden
Our GM’s recent article said, “Transparency without truth doesn’t build trust; it destroys it.” How relevant to the letter I received from Valley Link regarding their proposed 765 kV Electric Transmission Line. It included a map of the proposed routes which did not have any details such as road labels, town names, or even the location of LoW. We pulled up a map of our area online and aligned it with their vague map to show our proximity. How ironic that our GM has just written an article on the importance of disclosure with honesty, context, and clarity.
Bernie has stressed the value of our robust amenities on everyone’s property. A quick internet search indicates that power lines near homes may decrease their values by as much as 40%.
Research the facts that Valley Link didn’t share. Read articles by the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, NIH, EPA, and medical journals, which support with scientific evidence the risks of long-term exposure to people and animals near transmission lines.
Speak up to Valley Link. They should provide full disclosure of health, environmental, and agricultural risks, AND DATA CENTERS. They should consider safer alternatives like underground lines or using existing corridors.
Janet Anderson
Lake of the Woods residents can justly be proud of the many well-managed amenities offered by the Association. The food/beverage amenity is one that is rarely present in a planned community. LOW offers two such operations. The Fareways cafe in the Woods Center provides breakfast and lunch, and is a popular gathering place. The grill room, dining room and lounge in our beautiful Clubhouse provide residents with a variety of choices to enjoy and take guests.
In addition to contributing to the overall ambience of the community, amenities favorably impact property values. It would be extremely detrimental to our community to reduce or eliminate these valuable and very enjoyable entities.
Mary R. Nolan