September 3, 2026
Greetings Lakesiders,
The Lakeside Association stewards a unique community rooted in faith, learning and tradition that fosters renewal, connection and growth through thoughtful leadership and a sustainable vision.
Community Conversations
During this summer, board members and community members have engaged in meaningful dialogue about the future of Lakeside. Across these conversations, several consistent themes have surfaced:
- Planning ahead,
- Keeping our Christian values at the center of the mission,
- Broadly sharing our opportunities so that we can roll up our sleeves and tackle them together.
As Chair of the Lakeside Association Board of Directors, my role is not to act alone, but to ensure that the Board listens with many ears and speaks with one voice. We recognize that trust is built through collaboration and clear roles, and we strive to communicate plainly and behave transparently with the full breadth of the community we serve.
Board Reports & Financials Online
Board meeting reports, financial reports and policies are posted on The Lakeside Association Board of Directors and Annual Report & Audited Financial Statement webpages.
Public Board Meeting Recap
This is my report from the Public Board Meeting held on August 7, 2026. At the meeting, 70 community members joined in person, and 30 individuals joined via livestream.
The Rev. Dr. Charles Yoost opened the meeting in prayer and shared an update on his important work with the Chautauqua Trail and Historic Camp Meeting Network.
In the Board Chair’s report, I explained the role of a policy Board and reinforced the Board’s commitment to providing insight around our work while providing opportunities for community engagement.
I stressed the three key pieces of strategic guidance for our community:
- 2021 Strategic Plan highlights
- Universal themes identified in the work of Beyond Strategy Consulting
- Capital Improvement & Business Case Advisory Task Force survey presentation
This important work included the input from approximately 200-550 Lakesiders and tells a remarkably consistent story. We care deeply about this place and want to preserve its character, steward its resources wisely and make thoughtful investments that position our community for generations to come.
Don Longwell, Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation Board Chair; Charles Allen, President and CEO; Sam Chelliah, VP of Finance and Gretchen Colon, VP of Advancement & Marketing reported on generosity, financial performance and operations.
As a follow-up to the spring theme of “Revival,” during which Charles Allen shared our focus on capital improvements, he provided details on the order of capital improvement projects, just as he has in the ‘Lunch with the President’ sessions throughout July. He highlighted detailed planning work underway for Hotel Lakeside, Hoover Auditorium exterior and the Fountain Inn. The Board further discussed the capital needs in the afternoon.
Streets Project Phase II Update
Fred Seling presented a report addressing community questions about Phase II of the Street Paving Project. The Streets Recap Update provides clarity around the decision to complete Phase II this fall.
Board Actions
The following Board actions were taken:
- Resolution #2026-21 approving the audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2026
- Approval of the Surface Water Management Advisory Task Force
Surface Water Management Advisory Task Force
We have identified experts within Lakeside to serve as members of the new Surface Water Management Advisory Task Force. The Task Force held its first meeting on August 20, 2026. Download the charter, members and submit surface water issues.
Afternoon Board Work
After lunch, the Board reconvened in the Pavilion Upper Room with further discussion on e-bikes. The need for safety education is a high priority and will be promoted in the community. Meanwhile, the proposed e-bike policy will be taken back to the Municipal Services Committee.
Charles requested additional discussion on the Capital Improvement Plan to ensure we move forward with obtaining bids to remodel Hotel Lakeside, the Fountain Inn and Hoover Auditorium.
The Rev. Scott Low closed our meeting with prayer.
Next Board Meeting
Our next Board meeting is Friday, November 13, 2026. This meeting is not public, but the agenda will be posted on the Board webpage before the meeting.
Blessings,
Gwen Nichols, The Lakeside Association Board Chair
