By Deb PattersonStaff WriterWawasee Property Owners Association has been a big part of the lakes community and supporter of a number of organizations and programs. It is the voice of its membership with state and city government, the Department of Natural Resources, the sheriff’s department, the board of zoning appeals and other lake associations.WPOA liaisons with the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, ensures lake safety by supporting the Wawasee Lake Patrol with boats owned and managed by the WPOA; provides and maintain the “pump and dump” stations at the public boat launch to help keep the lake clean; provides funding for educational projects in local schools and street lights at many dark points around the lake.WPOA was instrumental in acquiring the severe weather warning systems, tested the first Saturday of each month and in its support of the local fire territory in its endeavors to protect property and lives of residents. One such support was the installation of dry hydrants for continued fire protection around the lake. The WPOA also coordinates and implements the annual Fourth of July fireworks.Directors work hand in hand with additional organizations for the betterment of the lakes area.WPOA is also a supporter for the development of the Syracuse/Wawasee Trails. It sponsors an artist series, proceeds of which go toward the trails.Returning, after a five year absence, will be the popular cottage tour. The “Tour of the Century” will be held Aug. 4. Open to members of the WPOA, this year’s tour will begin at Wawasee Boat Company and tour five century old cottages at the lake.Slated for this year’s tour are the homes of Mike and Carla Leppert, pier 7; Jerry and Diane Moore, pier 316; Scott and Julie Laughner, pier 748; David and Judith Eckrich, pier 749; and John and Margaret Feighner, pier 795.WPOA members are encouraged to fill a pontoon with guests, of six or more at a cost of $75 per person. Every boat will receive a goodie bag containing programs, a wrist bands, sponsor gifts and tour agenda for each person. There will also be a gourmet boxed snack from “BluSpoon Catering by Catablu.”If you are not a WPOA member, but would like to participate, find a member and encourage them to help you get a pontoon full of guests. The tour will be limited to 500 people. Invitations will be sent out June 15 with reservations due no later than July 20.Anyone is welcome to attend the WPOA board meetings. Guests and members are invited to express their thoughts and concerns. Meetings are ordinarily held at the WACF pavilion. This summer’s meeting schedule will be at 9 a.m. June 9, July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8.The WPOA annual breakfast will be from 7:30 to 10 a.m. June 30 at Oakwood Resort. This year’s fireworks show will be Saturday, July 7.The annual meeting will be a brunch at noon, Sunday, Aug. 19, at The Owls Nest, CR 800N, North Webster.Find out more about the WPOA and the various activities it supports by visiting www.wawaseepoa.org.