By Bill Hariu - May 2026

Jack Bertron Award Nominees Sought:

Each year, LACA presents the Jack Bertron Distinguished Service Award to an individual or organization that has gone above and beyond on behalf of the Lake Anna community.  Originally known as the LACA Good Neighbor Award, the commendation has been presented at the annual meeting since 1996.  Following the death of Jack Bertron, founder of LACA, the award was renamed in 2002 to recognize his dedication to the Lake Anna community. At the LACA annual meeting, the Association presents JACK BERTRON DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Certificates to selected individuals or organizations.

Last Year 2025 - The prestigious (LACA) Jack Bertron Distinguished Service Award was presented to Pat and Jane Gallagher of the Foundation for Lake Anna Emergency Medical Services. This award was for Lake Anna Emergency Services for their efforts to spearhead the establishment of the New Bridge Fire and Rescue facility.  Pat and Jane Gallagher, have made quite an impact on the Lake Anna community by spearheading the efforts to have fire and rescue services located at the lake. And once our New Bridge Station 8 was established, they didn’t sit back and relax.  They have continued to raise money for the extras for the station for the benefit of the lake residents and guests.

Recent past winners of the (LACA) Jack Bertron Distinguished Service Award have included Harry Looney, Chris Lee and Elk Creek Farm - the Morris and Chisholm families. Others who have received the honor include the late Louis and Claudia Chisholm, Doug Smith, the late Del. V. Earl Dickinson, George O’Connell, Herb Distefano, Ken Remmers, James Beckley, and Rebecca Vigon.

At the July (LACA) Board meeting, the Board shall approve the Jack Bertron awardees.

Nomination Criteria for (LACA) Jack Bertron Award selection:

1. Nominations should be selected for good work or act(s) performed for the benefit of the LACA membership for the Lake Anna Community in general.

2. The good work or act(s) should be of such significance that great foresight or long and difficult work was demonstrated.

3. The good work or act(s) should be in accord with the mission, goals and objectives of LACA

4. Nominations may be individuals or organizations.

5. You may submit more than one nominee

6. Each Nominee you submit should have a short-written reason for receiving the Award.

7. Nominees do not have to be members of LACA and can include agency or organization representatives that work with LACA committees to better the community.

8. Members of the (LACA) Board normally will not be eligible until after they have completed two terms of distinguished service.

Please send your nominations before July 1, 2026 to: 

bill.hariu@lakeannavirginia.org