Q3 2025 Membership Update
Our third quarter has come to a close, and we are heading into the final months of 2025. I wanted to take a moment to provide you with some details about WICA’s recent accomplishments, and what to expect on the horizon.
The Rehabilitation of Fort Segarra Project is underway! As reported last quarter, Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol notified us in late April that DPNR has secured funding for the maintenance of Fort Segarra from the USEDA Tourism Enhancement Program for up to $150,000. This important project will improve signage, lighting, and paint at the historic landmark, in addition to safer flooring, railings and ladders.
Committee Chair Doug Hoffman reports that two first steps were completed in September, on time and under budget: the repair of the drainage gate in the flooring of the south gunner station and the restoration of the ladder in the pillbox interior. October goals include the removal of the concrete doors that were installed by Walter Philips to create a cistern, returning the fort to its original configuration. We will also be designing and implementing solar lighting and signage, including seven interior and seven exterior panels.
Vice President Rachael Ackley reports that she and her son Andre installed a new sand screw in the swim area, which allowed them to detangle the yellow ring raft from the newer grey disc one, which are now a more appropriate distance apart. She adds that we have two projects to work on in early December: painting the repaired Bus Stop by the Firehouse on December 6th and the beach shed clean-up on December 7th. Be on the lookout for further details if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and help out with those endeavors.
Our Secretary Chuck Nestrud has been hard at work on two separate projects:
Chuck’s Water Island Scavenger Hunt and Coloring Book highlights our flora, fauna and local attractions in a fun, engaging way. Each booklet comes with a set of colored pencils, and at the back there are coupons for savings with local vendors, too. Both entertaining and educational, these booklets will be available for sale in early November, in time for the holidays and our busy peak tourist season. Stay tuned for further details regarding where these can be purchased.
In conjunction with the Membership Committee, we are working to develop a means for those who do not qualify for WICA membership to help support WICA’s work and mission to improve Water Island. A new “Friends of Water Island” group will create a community of people who have a relationship with the island and wish to be more involved and supportive. We plan to more formally launch this endeavor in November.
Treasurer Jason Schmitz provided us with our up-to-date financial reports. Currently, we have spent less than anticipated in our budget, due in part to a much drier summer season relative to last year and reduced roadside cutting expenses. Note that we have collected over three thousand dollars allocated to the Water Island Feline Fund. A group of caring residents are working hard to manage our cat population — particularly the colony by the dump — by feeding, trapping, spaying and re-releasing them. You may have noticed the spiffy new Kitty Cat Club feeding station when you dropped off your trash.
The Nominating Committee is starting to put together the 2026 slate of officers and member-at-large positions on the Executive Committee. Please consider stepping into a more active role, sharing your time and talents with the association. Speak up if you are willing to serve!
Chaun Thomas of the Social Committee has provided dates for early next year’s social and fundraising events: the Poker Run will be held on January 31st, and the Casino Night on February 28th.
We plan to conduct the annual meeting on January 24, 2026. You will receive all the appropriate documents in preparation for this meeting in mid-December.
Thank you for your participation, and I wish you all a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Julia Rhode
2025 President