The Findley Lake Community Foundation Board of Directors was well represented at the 2009 Regional Affiliate Retreat hosted by the The Erie Community Foundation. FLCF President Thomas Roche, secretary Donna Beth Luce , and board members Carol Eller and Al Stohr spent Tuesday, May 19th, networking with other local community foundations. Presentations included a review of board member responsibilities, asset and donor development, improving communications, and best practices in grant making.
The Findley Lake Community Foundation is committed to the future of the lake and the community. Previous grants have benefited the Alexander Findley Community Library, The Findley Lake Nature Center, weed harvesting on Findley Lake, the Mina-Findley Lake Historical Society, and town beautification projects. Donations to the Findley Lake Community Foundation are invested and managed through the Erie Community, a 501C3 non-profit corporation.
Donations can be made by sending a check made out to:
Findley Lake Community Foundation
Mail donation to: Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Findley Lake Web Site Links
If you are looking for more information about Findley Lake NY, try these web sites:
FLACC (Findley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce) http://www.findleylakeinfo.org
Great place to locate lodging and dining options, retail and professional service businesses.
Read the biweekly news from Findley Lake with the "Tapestry" button.
Check out the Calendar of Events or download the Charm Trail map and begin your collection.
Town of Mina (Findley Lake) http://www.townofmina.info
Read Town Board minutes, search the 2007 assessment roll, download zoning permit and other documents.
Findley Lake Watershed Foundation http://www.findleylakewf.org
Read the latest news about the management and health of the lake. Join the Foundation as a member (property owner) or supporter using the membership application.
If Findley Lake holds a special place in your heart, please make a donation to the Findley Lake Community Foundation. Committed to the future of Findley Lake and the surrounding Town of Mina, the Community Foundation through its grant program supports the health of the lake through weed harvesting grants; education through its grants to the Alexander Findley Community Library, The Findley Lake Nature Center, and the Mina-Findley Lake Historical Society; and the well being of the community through beautification grants. The Foundation uses the fund management services of the Erie Community Foundation (a 501c3).
Donations can be made by sending a check made out to:
Findley Lake Community Foundation
Mail donation to: Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507
FLACC (Findley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce) http://www.findleylakeinfo.org
Great place to locate lodging and dining options, retail and professional service businesses.
Read the biweekly news from Findley Lake with the "Tapestry" button.
Check out the Calendar of Events or download the Charm Trail map and begin your collection.
Town of Mina (Findley Lake) http://www.townofmina.info
Read Town Board minutes, search the 2007 assessment roll, download zoning permit and other documents.
Findley Lake Watershed Foundation http://www.findleylakewf.org
Read the latest news about the management and health of the lake. Join the Foundation as a member (property owner) or supporter using the membership application.
If Findley Lake holds a special place in your heart, please make a donation to the Findley Lake Community Foundation. Committed to the future of Findley Lake and the surrounding Town of Mina, the Community Foundation through its grant program supports the health of the lake through weed harvesting grants; education through its grants to the Alexander Findley Community Library, The Findley Lake Nature Center, and the Mina-Findley Lake Historical Society; and the well being of the community through beautification grants. The Foundation uses the fund management services of the Erie Community Foundation (a 501c3).
Donations can be made by sending a check made out to:
Findley Lake Community Foundation
Mail donation to: Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th St., Erie, PA 16507
Saturday, May 9, 2009
New Businesses, New Services
Wonderments, on Main Street, finally received the nod from New York State to open a wine shop. Wines from around the world and local wines from our corner of New York State are featured. This is a great addition to the business community in Findley Lake and a true convenience to both residents and visitors. If you are trying to be a "locavore" and consume products grown close to home, this shop is triply welcome. You save gas and time driving to wineries or liquor stores, you can choose from a great selection of local wines, and you are supporting our local economy. Be sure to tell the owners that you read it here first.
Also finally receiving their license from the Liquor Control Board was the Findley Lake Market. Carrying a large selection of beers in the new cooler room, the Market continues to expand it's offerings and services. Probably one of the best products carried is the Hersey's Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. In our home, we use this for medicinal purposes. At any sign of congestion, or a scratchy throat, a quick trip to the Market gets us healthy again.
Findley Lake Auto Repair on Rt. 426 is selling mulch by the cubic yard. Here's a great chance to save yourself time and effort by stopping in to order yours.
Vinnie's Pizza is the place to pick up your Asian cooking staples. Whether it's Thai, Chinese, Korean, or a fusion dish, you don't have to drive to Wegman's to find a solid selection of necessary products including hot chili paste, several kinds of soy sauce, noodles, tasty desserts, and even shrimp paste. Never judge a book by it's cover and this is a perfect example of a pizza shop that serves dinner or take out, includes Asian favorites on it's menu, sells clothes, eggs, milk, and has an extensive inventory of Oriental and American foods.
The Main Street Cafe is a new face on Main Street. Checkout the selection of sweet rolls and muffins while you order your coffee to go. The weather is perfect for sitting on the benches in the gazebo or by the waterfront and enjoying the view while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Findley Lake Fashions, inside Our Own Candle Company, provides quality women's clothes and accessories. Complements to Teri for carrying styles and fabrics that appeal to all age groups. This has been a wonderful addition to Main Street.
Also finally receiving their license from the Liquor Control Board was the Findley Lake Market. Carrying a large selection of beers in the new cooler room, the Market continues to expand it's offerings and services. Probably one of the best products carried is the Hersey's Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. In our home, we use this for medicinal purposes. At any sign of congestion, or a scratchy throat, a quick trip to the Market gets us healthy again.
Findley Lake Auto Repair on Rt. 426 is selling mulch by the cubic yard. Here's a great chance to save yourself time and effort by stopping in to order yours.
Vinnie's Pizza is the place to pick up your Asian cooking staples. Whether it's Thai, Chinese, Korean, or a fusion dish, you don't have to drive to Wegman's to find a solid selection of necessary products including hot chili paste, several kinds of soy sauce, noodles, tasty desserts, and even shrimp paste. Never judge a book by it's cover and this is a perfect example of a pizza shop that serves dinner or take out, includes Asian favorites on it's menu, sells clothes, eggs, milk, and has an extensive inventory of Oriental and American foods.
The Main Street Cafe is a new face on Main Street. Checkout the selection of sweet rolls and muffins while you order your coffee to go. The weather is perfect for sitting on the benches in the gazebo or by the waterfront and enjoying the view while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Findley Lake Fashions, inside Our Own Candle Company, provides quality women's clothes and accessories. Complements to Teri for carrying styles and fabrics that appeal to all age groups. This has been a wonderful addition to Main Street.
A Year of Housing Changes
I found the task of keeping up with the building/remodeling changes in Findley Lake during 2008 were daunting. Here's a brief update of what has occurred over the last year.
Probably foremost in change and scope was the demolition of John and Barb Henry's house on the point. The new house, still under construction by the Schwartz's, is taking full advantage of the views up and down the lake that the property provides. I hope it will continue to give shelter and respite to generations of families to come.
Continuing on down Shadyside from the Woodland Shores point, one house was damaged by mold/mildew necessitating a controlled burn to remove the superstructure. That house has now been completely rebuilt and should also provide years of enjoyment.
Approaching the south end of the lake, major dock work has disrupted the fine lawn and gardens of the Lewis's. Everything comes with a price and I'm sure that the Lewis's are looking forward to the completion of this necessary repair. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain waterfront property.
One house down has seen a complete exterior remodel including expansion and siding. That's one of the great things about living in Findley Lake. Property owners are constantly improving their homes.
Several homes have opted to re-roof using metal roofing. It's an excellent choice of materials for this area. The past winter saw 306" of snow. That's over 25' of snow. Fortunately it didn't all fall at once but accumulations over several days of over two feet were normal. With metal roofs, you sometimes get unintended consequences when the snow slides off in one massive whoosh. Two interesting situations included snow ending up piled in front of the garage doors and a chimney knocked to a sixty degree angle (and subsequently removed).
Starting up Sunnyside from the bottom of the lake, Mulkearn's new house continues to evolve. Working full time and trying to build a new house must be terribly hard.
The new house which had been built at the site of the former skating rink is soon to have a second floor deck. So far the framing has been constructed. The new deck should provide lovely views both of the lake and of the woods behind the house.
Sunnyside Restaurant has been purchased and reopened. The new name is Addie's and they are continuing the ice cream shop tradition. Currently it is open on the weekends. The new owners are spiffing up and refurbishing the restaurant area and plan to open that at some point soon.
At the corner of Sunnyside and Main Streets, the former EUB church was sold at auction. It is currently being dismantled. The large Jesus painting on the end has been removed, as have the stained glass windows. Anyone interested in buying this memorabilia can contact Gordon Post at Post Scientific in North East PA. The building, when dismantled, will be come a home when the materials are reused.
The north end of Shadyside saw one severe fire this winter at the Ball home. Fortunately the family and pets were either not at home or were able to evacuate safely but the home and contents were a total loss. As of this date, rebuilding has not started although the site was recently leveled.
For those who have followed my blogs on home exterior colors in Findley Lake, the new/remodeled homes have continued the pattern of muted shades. The most popular have been shades of moss green/light olive, with light gray/slate a close second. Trim color continues to be white.
All in all, it's been a year of change in Findley Lake.
Probably foremost in change and scope was the demolition of John and Barb Henry's house on the point. The new house, still under construction by the Schwartz's, is taking full advantage of the views up and down the lake that the property provides. I hope it will continue to give shelter and respite to generations of families to come.
Continuing on down Shadyside from the Woodland Shores point, one house was damaged by mold/mildew necessitating a controlled burn to remove the superstructure. That house has now been completely rebuilt and should also provide years of enjoyment.
Approaching the south end of the lake, major dock work has disrupted the fine lawn and gardens of the Lewis's. Everything comes with a price and I'm sure that the Lewis's are looking forward to the completion of this necessary repair. It takes a lot of hard work to maintain waterfront property.
One house down has seen a complete exterior remodel including expansion and siding. That's one of the great things about living in Findley Lake. Property owners are constantly improving their homes.
Several homes have opted to re-roof using metal roofing. It's an excellent choice of materials for this area. The past winter saw 306" of snow. That's over 25' of snow. Fortunately it didn't all fall at once but accumulations over several days of over two feet were normal. With metal roofs, you sometimes get unintended consequences when the snow slides off in one massive whoosh. Two interesting situations included snow ending up piled in front of the garage doors and a chimney knocked to a sixty degree angle (and subsequently removed).
Starting up Sunnyside from the bottom of the lake, Mulkearn's new house continues to evolve. Working full time and trying to build a new house must be terribly hard.
The new house which had been built at the site of the former skating rink is soon to have a second floor deck. So far the framing has been constructed. The new deck should provide lovely views both of the lake and of the woods behind the house.
Sunnyside Restaurant has been purchased and reopened. The new name is Addie's and they are continuing the ice cream shop tradition. Currently it is open on the weekends. The new owners are spiffing up and refurbishing the restaurant area and plan to open that at some point soon.
At the corner of Sunnyside and Main Streets, the former EUB church was sold at auction. It is currently being dismantled. The large Jesus painting on the end has been removed, as have the stained glass windows. Anyone interested in buying this memorabilia can contact Gordon Post at Post Scientific in North East PA. The building, when dismantled, will be come a home when the materials are reused.
The north end of Shadyside saw one severe fire this winter at the Ball home. Fortunately the family and pets were either not at home or were able to evacuate safely but the home and contents were a total loss. As of this date, rebuilding has not started although the site was recently leveled.
For those who have followed my blogs on home exterior colors in Findley Lake, the new/remodeled homes have continued the pattern of muted shades. The most popular have been shades of moss green/light olive, with light gray/slate a close second. Trim color continues to be white.
All in all, it's been a year of change in Findley Lake.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring Tra-La, Year 2
Naturalized daffodils are up all over our old pasture area. These have double flowers, pretty in their own way and apparently very hardy. Spring Beauty is blooming in the forest and naturalized crocuses in the lawns. The willows are turning a distinct shade of yellow as the sap rises to the tips of the trailing branches. The local Corvette owners have started taking their pampered cars out for rides when the weather is good.
Last but not least, the Findley Lake "flower du jour" is springing up - "For Sale". Not surprising, after the cold and snowy winter we are just coming off. Thoughts turn to warmer climates, not digging snow every day, and toying with selling the old homestead. It's more a knee jerk reaction than a true desire to move. By June, the horror of seemingly endless snow will have vanished, the green of the land and the blue of the lake will be soothing jangled nerves, and thoughts of selling the house will recede.
It's a good time to look at property out here. You can see the lay of the land before the underbrush, shrubbery, and tree top shadows change it's appearance. Lakeside properties have much to offer but so do those out in the more rural areas. All in all, if you are looking to purchase your home or get-away haven, checking out these "flowers" will be worth your time.
Last but not least, the Findley Lake "flower du jour" is springing up - "For Sale". Not surprising, after the cold and snowy winter we are just coming off. Thoughts turn to warmer climates, not digging snow every day, and toying with selling the old homestead. It's more a knee jerk reaction than a true desire to move. By June, the horror of seemingly endless snow will have vanished, the green of the land and the blue of the lake will be soothing jangled nerves, and thoughts of selling the house will recede.
It's a good time to look at property out here. You can see the lay of the land before the underbrush, shrubbery, and tree top shadows change it's appearance. Lakeside properties have much to offer but so do those out in the more rural areas. All in all, if you are looking to purchase your home or get-away haven, checking out these "flowers" will be worth your time.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Take a Leek
It's that time of year again in Findley Lake - Leek Season. There is a certain satisfaction from hunting, harvesting, and preparing your own food. When it comes to leeks, we have ample opportunity to harvest wild leeks in northwestern NY and PA.
First, if you've never had leeks and want a quick and tasty introduction to them, try to attend the Ham & Leek Dinner, Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Spring Creek Fire Hall, from 11:30am to 4:30 pm. From Findley Lake, the easiest way to reach Spring Creek is just follow Rt. 426 south, through Corry and directly to Spring Creek. The reddish fire hall will be on your left with parking directly across the road on your right. You can't miss it as this is a popular activity. The meal is served buffet style with ham, potatoes, cooked leeks, etc. Usually there are raw leeks on all the tables for the adventuresome and cheese/leek spread for the more civilized among us. Adults 13 and up are $8, children 6 - 12 $4, and those 5 and under are free. There is always a fine array of desserts included in the meal, plus beverages.
For those looking to pick your own, it's time to head out for a drive and look into the woods for green stuff. P.S. - not everything green is a leek. Other green plants are up including skunk cabbage and day lilies. Leeks don't grow everywhere. For instance, leeks are not readily found on a drive around Findley Lake until you reach the south end of Shadyside . Look in the woods. Driving to Erie on I-86 I could see some on the road side of the fence as we drove up the first hill. Like a Pooka (see the movie "Harvey"), they appear first in that place and then in another place. Be sure you ask permission of the land owner before harvesting wild leeks. Bring a trowel and something to put your harvested leeks into. Gloves are also advisable unless you wish to smell strongly for a while. Ditto sampling your harvest in the field. A bite of raw leek used to guarantee a student being sent home from school.
Having found a patch of leeks, gotten permission to harvest, and donned your gloves, take care to take only 1/10th of what is available. Gently grasp a bunch of plants and use the trowel to pry up the clump, including the bulbs. Shake off the loose dirt and put in your bag or basket.
Once you've harvested your leeks, rinse off the dirt. Trim off the very end with the roots and discard. Cut off the next two inches, which will be mostly the white end. Wash the remaining leaves. Dry on paper towels. Slice or sliver the leaves and freeze for use in soups. Slice the white parts and freeze separately. A very easy cheese spread can be made by combining equal parts butter and grated sharp cheese with several tablespoons of the leek bulbs (white part). This will improve in taste overnight in the refrigerator and can be frozen for later use.
Leeks will disappear in the next two weeks so the season is already coming to a close. I have had some success transplanting wild leeks but need to leave these patches undisturbed until they begin to spread. Good luck with your own hunt !!
First, if you've never had leeks and want a quick and tasty introduction to them, try to attend the Ham & Leek Dinner, Saturday, May 2, 2009 at the Spring Creek Fire Hall, from 11:30am to 4:30 pm. From Findley Lake, the easiest way to reach Spring Creek is just follow Rt. 426 south, through Corry and directly to Spring Creek. The reddish fire hall will be on your left with parking directly across the road on your right. You can't miss it as this is a popular activity. The meal is served buffet style with ham, potatoes, cooked leeks, etc. Usually there are raw leeks on all the tables for the adventuresome and cheese/leek spread for the more civilized among us. Adults 13 and up are $8, children 6 - 12 $4, and those 5 and under are free. There is always a fine array of desserts included in the meal, plus beverages.
For those looking to pick your own, it's time to head out for a drive and look into the woods for green stuff. P.S. - not everything green is a leek. Other green plants are up including skunk cabbage and day lilies. Leeks don't grow everywhere. For instance, leeks are not readily found on a drive around Findley Lake until you reach the south end of Shadyside . Look in the woods. Driving to Erie on I-86 I could see some on the road side of the fence as we drove up the first hill. Like a Pooka (see the movie "Harvey"), they appear first in that place and then in another place. Be sure you ask permission of the land owner before harvesting wild leeks. Bring a trowel and something to put your harvested leeks into. Gloves are also advisable unless you wish to smell strongly for a while. Ditto sampling your harvest in the field. A bite of raw leek used to guarantee a student being sent home from school.
Having found a patch of leeks, gotten permission to harvest, and donned your gloves, take care to take only 1/10th of what is available. Gently grasp a bunch of plants and use the trowel to pry up the clump, including the bulbs. Shake off the loose dirt and put in your bag or basket.
Once you've harvested your leeks, rinse off the dirt. Trim off the very end with the roots and discard. Cut off the next two inches, which will be mostly the white end. Wash the remaining leaves. Dry on paper towels. Slice or sliver the leaves and freeze for use in soups. Slice the white parts and freeze separately. A very easy cheese spread can be made by combining equal parts butter and grated sharp cheese with several tablespoons of the leek bulbs (white part). This will improve in taste overnight in the refrigerator and can be frozen for later use.
Leeks will disappear in the next two weeks so the season is already coming to a close. I have had some success transplanting wild leeks but need to leave these patches undisturbed until they begin to spread. Good luck with your own hunt !!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Findley Lake Poll
Because you, the reader, are interested in Findley Lake, I've added a few multiple choice questions to this blog. It's not a marketing or advertising gimmick, just a little survey to see how you, the reader, came to know about Findley Lake, what you do here, etc. You'll be able to see the stats as other readers take the survey. You'll find the survey to your right, under "Questions about Findley Lake". Click on "Cast Your Vote Now" to participate.
While lots of changes have happened in town over the last year, the primary concern lately has been TOO MUCH SNOW !! Fortunately right now we are having a four day thaw with temperatures above freezing. Ice is falling off of the roofs everywhere in town, snowbanks have changed from stark white to tabby brown, and the deer, birds, and other animals are out foraging to fill their bellies. Meanwhile, the natives are breathing a sign of relief for a few days. The sign by the Fire Hall says we have received 258" of snow already. The betting has been on this winter being a 400" snowfall monster. With the rest of February, March and into April still in front of us, that's quite possible. In Findley Lake, when the groundhog sees his shadow on February 2nd, we give a sigh of relief - ONLY six more weeks of winter. Punxy Phil saw his shadow this year so we're hoping to see the end of winter around St. Patrick's day (not likely).
Soon to come, a photo album you can click through for photos from Findley Lake.
While lots of changes have happened in town over the last year, the primary concern lately has been TOO MUCH SNOW !! Fortunately right now we are having a four day thaw with temperatures above freezing. Ice is falling off of the roofs everywhere in town, snowbanks have changed from stark white to tabby brown, and the deer, birds, and other animals are out foraging to fill their bellies. Meanwhile, the natives are breathing a sign of relief for a few days. The sign by the Fire Hall says we have received 258" of snow already. The betting has been on this winter being a 400" snowfall monster. With the rest of February, March and into April still in front of us, that's quite possible. In Findley Lake, when the groundhog sees his shadow on February 2nd, we give a sigh of relief - ONLY six more weeks of winter. Punxy Phil saw his shadow this year so we're hoping to see the end of winter around St. Patrick's day (not likely).
Soon to come, a photo album you can click through for photos from Findley Lake.
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