By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Jerdon Real Estate Inc. Saturday noon at The Marketplace made a $500 donation to the Twin Lakes Improvement Association at its annual meeting to establish a Neighborhood Watch program with the Cass County Sheriff's Office.
"This grant allows us to help lake communities by improving the quality of life for those living or vacationing on our area's vast lakes," Tom Jerdon said. "Twin Lakes is especially meaningful for our family as we vacationed there decades ago when our parents (Floyd and Donna) had a cottage near the old Hilltop store."
"This is actually the second time Twin Lakes has received the grant, as the first donation to them was for a signage project that posted the boating and fishing rules at the lakes," Tom Jerdon said.
Other lakes that have received the grant include Finch and Big Fish Lakes near Marcellus and Clear Lake in Jones.
"Twin Lakes are two non-connecting lakes located in Wayne Township," according to Jerdon.
"Both lakes are spring, fed, offer very clear waters, have good lake depth, and most shores have sandy swimming beaches. Big Twin is 63 acres in size and Little Twin, 46 acres."
Tom Jerdon said Jerdon Real Estate is now ready to receive 2007 grant applications.
"We wish to have other area lake associations where we serve apply for the upcoming grant," he said.
Phil Saia, president of the Twin Lakes Improvement Association, said, "It is our intention to use the grant toward the Neighborhood Watch program which is now being formed in association with the Cass County Sheriff's Office. We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation and thanks to Floyd and Tom Jerdon and to Jerdon Real Estate for the award of the $500 grant to Twin Lakes."
Floyd Jerdon, recalling how the Twin Lakes Improvement Association put in a drain when the water level was too high, then a well to monitor water level, told the officers, "You have been dedicated in looking out for your lakes."
Please turn to page 2 for a photo.