My name is Laura Packwood, and I have been one of your elected Board of Directors for more than 6 years now. I also serve as the Committee Chair of our Finance Committee and the Woodhaven Lakes Audit Committee. I have been going out to Woodhaven since the mid 70s; I was 12 years old the first time I arrived with my friends family, so I have seen the changes that have come to pass over the decades. I remember my first experience of sleeping in a pop-up and waking up to a screechy bird around the campsite.  That was my very first experience with a Blue Jay, and to this day, when I hear them, it immediately takes me back to my childhood at Woodhaven. I even love that their little wishing well between the lots still bears their name! 

When my husband Joe and I bought in 2006, I could have only hoped our kids would love it too, and they did! Our youngest daughter, who is now almost 16, has been out there since birth and has forged so many friendships with the kids out there that she’d rather be at Woodhaven than at home, so with Spring Fling on its way at the end of April, I’m sure I’m not alone in saying I can’t wait to open up!! 

There’s a sort of sadness that comes over all of us every Fall Fest, knowing it’s the last time most will see their home away from home for several months, but then come spring, we count down the days until Spring Fling! Cleaning up our properties of all the leaves and branches that have fallen, planting flowers (that the deer and rabbits won’t eat!), putting out the patio furniture, stacking up the firewood and lighting that first fire of the season! Our campsites come alive once again from their winter hibernation! Ahhhh, just the smell of a campfire burning, even in the distance, lets me know camping season is upon us! 

As we all prepare for the upcoming season, let’s not forget our neighbors around us, as some may be new owners. 

Here are a few reminders that might be helpful: 

• Quiet time is from Midnight to 7 a.m., and while you may be enjoying your music, your neighbors just might have small children trying to sleep. (This includes barking dogs, running lawnmowers, chainsaws, and any other construction equipment)
• Woodhaven only allows for 2 dogs per lot, and they must be leashed at all times.  Your dog might be friendly to you and your family and friends but may react a little differently in a new setting. 
• If you’re out walking your pets, please bring plastic bags with you to clean up after them. 
• Do not bring firewood from the outside. Even though it seems trivial and harmless, doing so can bring in diseases from outside trees and infect Woodhaven’s own beautiful trees. 
• If you’re planning on making any improvements to your property, please make sure you check in with ESAC in the office FIRST.  No one wants to get that ‘letter’ in the mail! 
• Do not put unacceptable materials in the trash containers around the park. Woodhaven has a specific site at the Maintenance Building, near Woody’s Hardware Store, that you can drop off things like, white goods (refrigerators, stoves, microwaves etc.), old furniture, etc. 
• Speed limit is 20 mph on all roadways in the park and scooters and LSVs are not allowed on ANY of the trail systems. Please make sure any guests you have come out to visit are aware of these rules.

Lastly, let’s not forget the all-important ‘WOODHAVEN WAVE’! Yes, it IS a thing! When you’re passing your fellow Property Owners, whether in a car, LSV, scooter, or bicycle, give them the wave! It will definitely make them smile!  Here’s to a great 2023 camping season and if you see me around, don’t forget to say “Hi!”