Volunteerism
Our Volunteers
are what make this place so special.
Highland Lakes Club and Community Association is largely guided by the efforts of dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy and share their knowledge, experience, and skill to help make, and keep, our community strong, vibrant, and diversified.
All members in good standing are encouraged to join any of the committees. Check the calendar located in the
TOPS Owners Portal for upcoming meeting dates.
Voting
Board
5 Executive Officers
12 Trustees
The Club is geographically broken down into 12 sections, and each section is represented
by an elected section Trustee.
The Club is governed by an elected
17-member Voting Board which includes
President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President,
Treasurer and Secretary, and the 12 Section Trustees.
Committees
Committee members meet on a regular basis to study and discuss real and potential issues with the potential to affect the community, and then they collectively propose actions and/or make recommendations to the Officers and Trustees to consider.
Badge Checking Committee
The Badge Checking Committee recruits Club members who are willing to volunteer their time to check badges at the beaches and entrance ways to other Club owned properties. Chairperson: Ursula Fahmy Email:
boat dock Committee
The Boat Dock Committee oversees the status of Club docks, boat racks, bulkheads and ramps at dock areas throughout the community. Advises management when these items need repair and advises the board when expenditures are needed. Develops a schedule for replacement of docks. Oversees the assignment of dock space to HL members in good standing who apply for space at the large dock locations: Club Park, Comet Row, Beach 3 and Beach 4. Maintains a waiting list for dock space at those locations after all spaces are assigned. Continues the alternating year rotation of required boat removal from boat racks. Conducts inspections as necessary. Chairperson: Tom Buchney Email:
Building & grounds committee
The Buildings and Grounds Committee oversees the status of Club buildings and recreational facilities and advise the board when work needs to be done to improve or maintain that property. Research projects as directed by the board. Review project bids as directed by the board and advise the board on qualified contractors and workers. Chairperson: Hugh Cringle Email:
clubhouse committee
The Clubhouse Committee creates, schedules, organizes, and conducts social (dances and parties) and community (blood drives) events that take place at the Clubhouse. The committee encourages special events organized by volunteers (Trunk or Treat, Halloween Dance, St. Patrick’s Dinners, etc.) and select group activities (children’s playgroup, knitters club, ceramics club, etc.) Chairperson: Louise Staley Email:
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee is actively engaged in producing content for all of the Club’s authorized communication channels. Activities with which the committee is involved include: Newsette production as it pertains to setting of an editorial schedule; enforcement of existing editorial guidelines; writing content for the feature article in each issue of the Newsette; and the final editing (in conjunction with Club staff) of each issue before it goes to press. The Club office is responsible for the actual production of the Newsette. Production of other communication pieces as determined by the board – the committee will work with other committees to produce educational/informative communications as authorized by the board. Chairperson: Sue Ross Email: communications@hlcc.org
dam Committee
The Dam Committee stays abreast of NJ dam safety standards and informing Club management and the voting board of what must be done to ensure that all of our dams are in compliance with these regulations. The committee reviews inspection reports and plans for work to be conducted on the dams and spillways. The committee is expected to advise the board on the necessary periodic maintenance and repair work needed on Club dams. Chairperson: Richard Spoerl Email:
ecology Committee
The Ecology Committee is expected to advise the board on matters related to lake water quality and management. Their knowledge-based input on matters such as responsible septic system maintenance practices; use of environmentally friendly cleaning agents and fertilizers; development of lake-friendly landscaping and forestry management of land owned by the Club is encouraged. The committee also may conduct various activities which relate to the education of members on all issues relating to ecology and the improvement of our environment. Activities and events may include such things as clean-up days, ecology fairs, septic pumping programs and youth educational activities. Ecology Committee Signup Form. Chairperson: Joe DeLorenzo Email: ecologycommittee@hlcc.org Meeting Dates: 4th Wednesday of the Month Meeting Time: 8:00pm
elections Committee
This committee reviews the eligibility, as defined in the Club’s By-Laws, of those who have been nominated for officer positions as well as the eligibility of those who have filed petitions to be elected as an officer or trustee (terms are generally for three years). The committee and its volunteers manage the voting at the Annual Meeting and publish election results in the Newsette. The committee also conducts the voting on proposed By-Law changes and other questions as determined by the By-Laws. Chairperson: Arthur D. Dawson Email:
fish Committee
The Fish Committee advises the board on what fish to stock the lake with and when stocking should occur. It assists management and Club consultants in the investigation of fish kills and related problems. The committee also oversees fishing related activities including the children’s fishing contest, the ice fishing contest and any other open fishing contest. Chairperson: Michael Ewasko Email:
Goodwill Fundraising Committee
The Goodwill Fundraising Committee conducts activities to raise contributions made to the Goodwill Fund. The committee has overseen the creation of the Path to Goodwill and coordinated several successful Community Yard Sales. Additionally they have conceived and created the memorial donation cards that are available at the Club office if someone chooses to make an honorary donation to the Goodwill Fund. Current activities are: Annual Community Yard Sale (held in mid July ) Path to Goodwill ( a brick path containing donated inscribed bricks) Goodwill Donation Gift and Memorial Cards (cards in memory of a person or occasion). Chairpersons: Nancy Eisenberg & Liz Holda
planning Committee
Members of the Planning Committee are responsible for reviewing and making recommendations for change to the Community Master Plan which is then sent for review by Vernon Township’s Planning Board and acceptance by the Town Council. Once accepted, this document provides for expedited approval of Club building and development projects, and, to the extent different zoning standards for Highland Lakes are proposed compared to the existing standards within a PLC zone, may benefit members with relaxed setback requirements. This committee is also asked to envision a future Highland Lakes and make recommendations to the board using strategic thinking with a respect for preserving all that is good in our lake community while keeping an open-mind to new opportunities. Before any serious exploration of an issue is considered, the committee must receive board approval. Chairperson: Ron Levine
roads Committee
The Roads Committee is charged with identifying and advising board and management regarding the upkeep and maintenance of Club roads and drainage facilities (detention basins, catch basins/etc.). The committee investigates member complaints regarding drainage and speed control matters. There are nearly 32 miles of private roadway within our Highland Lakes community, all of which are owned by the Club. The Club is responsible for the snow plowing, maintenance, and repair of these roads. While privately owned, all of these roads fall under Title 39 of New Jersey’s motor vehicle laws. Enforcement of Title 39 is the responsibility of the Vernon Police Department. Chairperson: Rich Spoerl
rules & by-laws Committee
Chairpersons: Nancy Eisenberg need info
conservation club
The Conservation Club are members who volunteer their time and talents to support our mission. Those efforts include: - Identifying and mitigating the negative impact of invasive species (aka removing dangerous plants). - Maintaining a rain garden which reduces storm runoff at the clubhouse parking lot. - Improving conditions for pollinators by providing the appropriate native plants for their continued survival. - Reducing soil and silt erosion due to storm water runoff at club freeways. - Building and improving hiking trails on forest lands owned by the club - Providing signage to identify club properties. - Adding viewing benches which provide unobstructed views of our lakes. - Adding signage to remind our members and their guests of appropriate environmental behavior. - Preparing articles for HL Publications pertaining to our environment and work activities. - Coordinating with HL maintenance staff for support with various environmental projects. - Acquiring and maintaining tools for our hands on projects.
Activities & Clubs
Our volunteer community-run activities and clubs include interests for all ages. Participating in any of the activities or clubs is as simple as just showing up!
Most of the activities and clubs host their meet-ups at the Clubhouse unless specially noted. Contact the Activity Coordinator directly with any questions or email the Club office.
Current Activity & Club Meetups Include:
Aqua Aerobics, Artists Group, Bocce Ball, Book Club, Breakfasts at the Clubhouse, Bunco, Ceramics, Chess Club, Concert Series, Conservation Club, Darts/Pool, Fishing, Halloween Trunk or Treat, Jr Photographers, Kids Tennis,
Kidz Clubhouse, Men's Golf, Movie Night, Pickle-ball, Playgroup Under 5, Robotics, Sailing, Seniors Club, Stitching, Summer Athletics, Sunset Yoga, Swim Lessons, Swim Team, Team Tennis, Teen Council, Women's Auxiliary, Women's Bowling, Women's Fitness, Women's Golf, Yoga, Yoga & Meditation.
