Many people have asked me about the history of my logo. In case it isn’t apparent to you, my logo is comprised of my initials, P and L, that form a swan. Immediately upon moving to Lake of the Woods, I was adopted by a lone mute swan that I named Carl (for the star of Alexandra Day’s childrens’ “Good Dog, Carl” books). Carl was a character! He amused me daily with his antics, which you can read about here. To me, Carl represented everything great about this community-nature and wildlife, caring people, and a true sense of community.
A professional image to convey the level of real estate service I provide my clients is important to me, so I pursued commissioning a personal logo. And not just any logo. If you know me, you know that I am a thinker, and I am a perfectionist. I drive myself crazy; I drive others crazy in pursuit of perfection. My logo had three criterion: to represent something personal about me,the Lake of the Woods community I serve, and my professional ethics. The swan logo did just that! I love swans (which is personal), and when I think of them, I think of loyalty. And had I never moved to Lake of the Woods, I never would have had the pleasure of experiencing Carl, and learning more about me in the process. I am loyal to my clients, providing them with the best real estate service possible, whether buyers or sellers. They, in turn, are loyal to me. So the end result, for me, was perfection!
So now you know the journey to the logo, as well as a little more about me!
It’s another beautiful day at the lake! Pat Licata, REALTOR Licata on the Lake
In October, I had the privilege of sharing Lake of the Woods with fabulous Washington Post freelance writer and nature photographer, Ann Cameron Siegal. An avid wildlife person like me, Ann, my husband John, and I trolled around the lake, and Ann was able to take some incredible photos of her favorite, the Blue Heron, and my favorite…the swans. Ann spent the weekend with me and was truly able to gain the “Lake of the Woods experience.” We had a great dinner at Clearwater on Saturday night and a great brunch at the Clubhouse on Sunday. Ann stopped people walking their dogs and kids fishing to learn how they felt about life at the lake. Overwhelmingly, residents love the community! I believe that Ann captured the essence of Lake of the Woods extremely well in her feature. But don’t take my word for it: please click on the link to see why “It’s another beautiful day at the lake” each and every day at Lake of the Woods! Where We Live: Behind the gates, a quiet escape
Another swan rescue! A few days after my article in Lake Currents appeared with my contact information for residents seeing swans in distress, I received a call from Holly Marshall! Thanks to the keen eyes of her dad, Fred, and Holly’s having read that article in Lake Currents, Holly called me about an injured swan. The following day, I was able to rescue Bella, another female mute swan, which wasn’t easy. I found her in Section 1 off of Mt. Pleasant, in the creek that leads to the lake that goes under Mt. Pleasant. The embankment was about 5 or 6 feet above the creek, and it was pouring rain. Thanks to Bella for her cooperation, Walt Benton, Don Roth, a helpful passerby, and especially Jim Simprini, who loaned me his waiters to climb into the creek and provided a loaf of bread, the rescue was accomplished!
Bella and I made the trip to rehabilitator Kaylee, who advised that she believed Bella had a fractured leg that healed improperly. Bella spent the night in a crate in my car, and the next morning we were then off to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, where we learned later that day that, in fact, Kaylee was correct, and nothing could be done. The trip to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center was a trip I hope I don’t have to repeat anytime soon. Bella having been in my car all night (and, well, you know, Bella exhibiting normal swan bodily functions), I almost gagged when I opened the car door! Unfortunately, it was absolutely pouring down rain, so I barely opened the windows! I alternated between holding my nose and opening the windows anyway, with the rain coming in! The next day, I picked Bella up from Blue Ridge and transported her to Rikki’s Refuge, a fantastic place for many animals, but Rikki’s just simply wasn’t a great fit for Bella. Due to her injury, it’s best for her to be in water as much as possible, and Rikki’s doesn’t have a pond. So…more calls…
Well, if you know me, you know that I am extremely persistent! As a full-time REALTOR, I am successful in finding either the perfect new home or the perfect buyer for my clients. Why not put these skills to work for the permanently injured swan? I did just that!
After countless hours of additional phone calls, Sheila Bolin of the Regal Swan Foundation found a forever home for Bella…in Chicago! At first, the plan was to fly her to Chicago on Delta, but the regulations changed. So…I’m basically putting a stamp on Bella’s butt and sending her Express Mail through the US Post Office!! This is by no means a great way for her to travel, but the only alternative is euthanizing her. Frankly, she is totally healthy except that one leg and foot simply do not work. In the water, she’s fine. But because the lake at LOW freezes, she would freeze to death in the water, since she is unable to get out.
Bob Knox, the fabulous man who is taking Bella, is a swan breeder. He has all species of swans (whoopers, trumpeters, tundras, blacks), and a pond that he uses for those that are handicapped. The conditions are perfect! This pond is only 3 inches lower than the shore, so Bella won’t have any trouble thrusting herself out to dry off. Bob keeps a bubbler in the pond so that it doesn’t freeze in those cold Chicago winters. AND he has a male…so who knows? Bella may find a mate in addition to a perfect, forever home!
As I write this, Bella is swimming in my bathtub, patiently awaiting her “flight!” My interest is swans began when I moved to Lake of the Woods and was adopted by Carl, an old, lone swan. It is in his honor that I do whatever I can to assist our swans at Lake of the Woods. Click here to read about my adventures with Carl; I hope he is proud!
At the Lake of the Woods Board of Directors meeting held on December 3, apparently the HOA/assessment delinquencies were mis-stated. Below is a correction that was made by Pat Rowland, President.
Delinquency Report Corrections
The percentage of delinquencies of FY 11 LOWA assessments reported by the Treasurer at the December 3, Board meeting and then subsequently reported in the Free Lance Star was incorrect. At the end of October the delinquency rate was 4.2% not 11%. A rate under 5% is considered in the normal range according to our Director of Finance.
Pat Rowland
President, LOWA Board of Directors
Although Lucy gave it a truly valiant effort, she passed away in the care of a swan technician in Boston, VA, over the weekend. I am so sad that she didn’t make it…and I’m concerned about the future of swans on our lake, as the numbers have dwindled. Did you know that mute swans are viewed as evasive and are being removed (killed) from the Chesapeake Bay? This makes me sick! While I can’t control what happens, I’d like to be in position to help any little animal in need. If anyone is interested in being part of a wildlife rescue team, please let me know. I’ve already thought of the name…FOWL (Friends of Wildlife at the Lake) and have a rehabilitator who will assist! Let’s care about the wildlife at Lake of Woods in addition to each other! Please contact me!
I am simply amazed by the concern shared by so many residents who have heard about Lucy, the injured swan! I am truly grateful that we are fortunate to live in a community so rich in compassion. Thanks to you, Lucy isn’t the only “lucky” one–we all are!
This evening began uneventfully–until I received the call. For about three hours prior, I had been feverishly engrossed in writing the second article in a series for Lake Currents on distressed properties. I needed a break! And boy, the adventure began, definitely taking me away from my task! The call was from Sue Benton, a fabulous neighbor I hadn’t yet met! She had been given my name by Kayley, a wildlife rehabilitator, who knew of my affinity for wildlife, especially swans.
Sue was crying…having desperately been trying to find some assistance for an injured swan on the lake. After countless phone calls trying to find a crate large enough to house a swan but small enough to fit in my car, finding the owners of the home where Sue last saw the swan from across the lake, came the question: how do you capture a swan???
The end result, after many hours on the rescue mission, was that Sue, her husband, and I were able to capture her, in the dark I might add! It certainly is helpful that swans are white! To be honest, it was much easier than I anticipated, unfortunately because the poor swan can’t walk more than a few steps without collapsing! Thanks to Jodi, Joann, Lois, Wayne, and the Hardings (from whose yard we captured the bird), and of course, the Bentons, for their part in this collaborative effort. The swan, named Lucky Lucy by Sue, is now in a crate in my bedroom as I write this post. Tomorrow, Lucky Lucy is off to see Kayley for her thoughtful care. Everyone, please wish Lucky Lucy well and hope for the best!
Until next time, “It’s another beautiful day at the lake!”
