Join The FMCA
New Membership . . . Renew Membership . . . Donate
Welcome to FMCA's updated website. Please take a moment to read through the entire site. Please join the FMCA if you haven't already done so.
New Membership . . . Renew Membership . . . Donate
Join . . . Renew . . . Donate - It's Never Too Late!
The FMCA's fiscal year runs from July 1 - June 30. As of February 2022, we currently have 162 members, which is up from 80 members during our first year of operation.
There are many reasons to join, renew and/or donate to the FMCA as detailed in the following paragraphs. For those folks who just want to cut-to-the-chase, here are the details and the how-to's.
Fill-out the FMCA membership form for the July 1, 202s - June 30, 2023 fiscal period. Click here to access the current FMCA membership form.
Mail or drop off the form and your payment to Carol Lubbers (details are on the form).
There are several memberships to chose from:
Couple Membership - $150; Single Membership - $100; Rental Membership - $250; Additional Family Membership - $50 each; and our popular Honorary Furry Friends Membership - $25 each.
The membership form can also be used to donate funds towards the retirement of the debt the FMCA incurred in 2021 when it purchased the adjacent lake lot.
Isn't the FMPOA the same as the FMCA? Why set-up a separate organization to do this?
Originally, the FMPOA (Fleetwood Mountain Property Owners Association) was asked if it would be willing to purchase the lake for the community, however, it wished to remain focused on its main purpose of maintaining roads and enforcing covenants. So, a new nonprofit was necessary in order to raise the necessary funds to purchase and maintain the lake. The FMPOA has been very helpful to the FMCA by posting announcements on its Facebook page, publishing updates in its newsletter and giving the FMCA time to speak at its annual meetings.
Why should I join the FMCA?
The Lake is a great amenity. Any Fleetwood Falls property owner or resident and their guests are welcome to use the lake property. It is a great place to picnic, fish with the grandkids, walk the dog, do some nature watching (think herons, kingfishers, and polliwogs) or just catch a little sunshine at the beach.
Increases market value of our properties. A beautiful and well-maintained lake property enhances property values and makes our properties more marketable. Realtors use this as a selling point in showing Fleetwood Falls properties.
A more desirable place to live and vacation. A pristine lake in the mountains makes the community a more desirable place to live or stay. Renters have told us that the lake was the reason they choose to vacation Fleetwood Falls.
Protects downstream properties and road access. The dam that forms the lake is classified as a “high hazard dam” by the state. Should the dam fail, the properties below the lake and Railroad Grade Road would be threatened. The FMCA maintains the dam and works with Ashe County Emergency Management and the Fire Department to submit and maintain the state-mandated Emergency Action Plan.
Community Get Togethers. The lake is the gathering place for neighbors. The FMCA sponsors community picnics, celebrations and musical events featuring our own the Fleetwood Folk band.
The short answer is no, not at this time. Here is the reason . . .
The FMCA, as a 501(c)4, is eligible to apply to the IRS for tax exempt status, with no guarantee that the exemption would be granted.
The cost to apply is $600 and the FMCA Board did not feel it was prudent to invest that amount at this time.
Due to the new tax laws, many people now choose not to itemize their deductions, so the tax exemption is not important to them.
Should this be a concern for enough potential donors who itemize, the FMCA is willing to reconsider this decision.
What has the FMCA accomplished as an organization since purchasing the lake in July 2019?
Prior to the purchase of the lake, negotiating for the repair of the support structure for the water release valve.
Restocked the lake with fish [largemouth bass, bream (bluegills and shellcrackers), and catfish].
Removed silt build-up from the mouth of the creek that feeds the lake.
Worked closely with the property owners association to stop erosion by installing a culvert for the creek on Raccoon Run.
Rebuilt the beach area and filled it with white sand.
Installed a French drain to protect the beach from erosion due to underground springs.
Added welcome, safety and informational signage.
Cleared brush from the dam (required annually by the state).
Submitted an Emergency Action Plan for the Dam (required by state law).
Hosting community picnics on Memorial Day and the 4th of July 2019 - Prior to COVID restrictions.
Built FMCA website and Facebook media site.
Designed and installed donor plaque in a newly established garden with walking path.
Built new benches . . . thank you Bob Varley! Established "meditative sitting area across the lake.
Continuous mowing and trimming throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Rental of porta-potty for the busy summer months.
With many, many more improvements to come! Thank you for your support and consideration!
Janine Boudreau, President (jaboud53@gmail.com)
John Walker, Vice President (john@jcwalkercpa.com)
Carol Lubbers, Treasurer (carolubbers@gmail.com)
Terry Harper, General Board Member (carolubbers@gmail.com)
Kelly McKinney, General Board Member (the3mckinneys@mac.com)