Ron Chambers, left, is shown with Holli Roberts, right, who was named the 2024 Tippecanoe Lakes Distinguished Lake Citizen of the Year. Photo provided by Jeff Thornburgh.

News Release

LEESBURG — Holli Roberts was honored as the 2024 Tippecanoe Lake Distinguished Lake Citizen of the Year. The honor was bestowed on Roberts at the annual Lake Tippecanoe Property Owner’s annual meeting Saturday, July 13.

Roberts was awarded a $500 grant from LTPO to be directed to her favorite nonprofit charity.

Ron Chambers, past honoree, presented the award.

During his presentation he stated Roberts could be called a behind-the- scenes “volunteer extraordinaire.”

He noted many recognized her with a clip board in her hand, writing down names of potential volunteers.

Roberts is said to have a knack for organizing, recruiting, spending time at both ends of the lake from Patona Bay to Shoshoni and all points in between. She will even ride her bike around the lake once a week looking for new volunteers.

Chambers noted her high level of energy and an infectious smile makes it impossible to say no when she is asking for your involvement.

“She will make you feel really good about contributing your time and energy at any event that is supporting our lake community,” said Chambers.

He added she is behind the scenes at almost all lake events. He gave some examples:

“Eight times as chairperson of our cottage tour. As she recruits you to share your home she would say, ‘you will only have a few guests.’

“Ten years of organizing pontoon boats for the environmental study high school student and sixth graders rafting event. As she recruits you and commandeers your boat she will say, ‘These teenagers are so well mannered and polite they will probably clean your boat.’

“Five times as co-founder and volunteer for the Tippy Dinner Dance fundraiser. She will recruit you by saying ‘We will have a great band, free dancing and clean-up is so easy for all volunteers.’

“Volunteering her whole family to work at the annual fish fry, she would be saying ‘it’s family fun night, let’s go serve some friends.’

“A repeat lake clean-up volunteer, as she recruits you she would say ‘Come join the treasure hunt. We are looking for tires, lawn chairs, pier sections and other lake antiques. The person finding the most unique item gets to be committee chair next year.’

“You get our drift!”

She is from a musical family and enjoys live bands, dancing, Zumba and yoga.

Roberts concluded by saying Roberts always has a friendly smile, is enthusiastic, has positive energy, and “a true friend to our lake.”

Those eligible for the award must be nominated by a member of the LTPOA, reside full or part time on the lake for the last five years, be a member of the association, and have a positive impact on the quality of life on the lake.

The selection committee is made up of past recipients: Don Drook, Lyn Crighton, Jeff Thornburgh and Chambers.

The annual meeting also included election of landing directors for 2024-25, announcing the fishing contest winners.

Guest speakers included Jeremy Price, associate director of the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams. He provided updates on the center’s work around the Tippecanoe Lakes; Steve Henschen, senior engineer with Jones Petrie and Rafinski, updating the sewer projects; and Lyn Crighton, executive director of The Watershed Foundation, updating activities and looking ahead.

The annual meeting was held at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club.