Spring 2024 Newsletter
President’s Letter
This past fall we, unexpectedly, lost one of our dear friends and hard working board members, Sandy Davis. You will see a tribute to her later in this Newsletter.
I hope you were able to enjoy the lighted Christmas trees this past December. Your Association was able to purchase two trees, one as a result of memorial donations on behalf of John Marchese. We are looking forward to adding additional trees this next winter. While the cost has not been determined yet, if you are interested in purchasing a tree(s) please let us know.
Our usual 4th of July festivities will continue this year. We appreciate the long-standing efforts of the Crawford family that have been such a big part in making these activities happen. In addition, we are purchasing a new bulletin board, and, with the Borough’s help, will be installed this summer.
We encourage your input and ideas to help us continue to make our community a better place to live or vacation.
EDINBORO COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS - 2024
Community Message Board
Lakeside Association is proud to announce our new community message board that will soon be placed at Crawford Beach. This board is dedicated to John Marchese also known as, "The Keeper of the Lake", who passed away in 2023. Lakeside Association would like to thank Julie Marchese and family for the funding of the message board through John's bereavement donations. A dedication will be held this summer. Please share community announcements and keep up to date on local happenings as you enjoy Edinboro Lake that John Marchese so loved.
Little Free Library Charter #167647
Lakeside’s first ever Little Free Library was unveiled. It is conveniently located by Crawford Beach’s fishing dock. The Little Free Library has been a community effort from the start. Purchased by donations from Edinboro Lakeside Association and generous neighbors. The Borough of Edinboro quickly assisted in its installation. The Edinboro branch of the Erie Public Library and friends provide the books.
“Take a book. Share a book.” is the motto of the Little Free Library organization. (https://littlefreelibrary.org/) There are over 175,000 Little Free Libraries in 121 countries around the world. Three parts of their mission are: building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all.
During our first year, hundreds of books for both children and adults passed through the library’s door. Come sit on the bench under the big elm tree and enjoy a book in 2024.
Edinboro Lakeside Association and Edinboro Borough Lakeside Association thanks the Borough of Edinboro! Positive interactions, discussions, building productive relationships are ever valuable and essential to great communities and neighborhoods. Although there are differing opinions in nearly all situations, mutual respect and willingness to work together are key to our success.
With that said, the Borough and Edinboro Lakeside Association (ELA) have worked cooperatively together to benefit Lakeside and the entire Edinboro area community, most recently and over the years. This is true not only for those who live here, but also for the visitors to the Lakeside area. Importantly, the benefits start with open opportunities to meet with the Borough to discuss topics. This has resulted in notable safety and esthetic enhancements for the Lakeside area as well as in planning for related successful Lakeside community events.
Points to consider: The Lakeside Drive and Cypress Street speed hump installations, tree plantings in the beach area, south boat launch/lift station area plantings, plans for kayak rental lockers, installation of new electrical outlets at the beach, seasonal beach lighting, decorating and events planning throughout the year (spring cleanup coordination, July 4th festivities, summer beach concerts, pumpkin promenade, witches’ paddle festivities, the holiday Light up the Beach).
Additionally, the Borough and ELA have worked together to enhance the Lakeside area with the Little Library, the new community bulletin board, Purple Martin house location, the high-quality trash and recycling containers, dog waste pick-up bag stations, the new drinking fountain and bicycle fix-it station near the beach. For all of that and more, ELA is grateful to the Borough of Edinboro and to everyone involved who, together, help make it all happen! Our community is our treasure.
Summer Beach Concerts
Four free summer concerts were held on Crawford Beach. Each very well attended (despite the rain!), some with food trucks participating. Five concerts are scheduled for 2024 (check out the dates below). Everyone is welcome to bring a chair, relax and even dance!
July 4 Holiday To start festivities, on Tuesday July 2nd at 6 p.m., ELA will hand out ice cream sandwiches to “kids” of all ages! Wednesday, July 3, we’ll hold the annual Sidewalk Chalk Art contest from 10 am until noon (register by July 2 by contacting Annette Smith at 814-450-1321).
On Thursday, July 4th festivities will be: 9:30 – 10:00 Registration (waiver required)
10:00 National Anthem 10:05 Trike, Bike, & Group parades
10:30 across the lake swim 11:00 Greased Watermelon Battles
11:30 Tug of War 11:45 Sack Races
12:00 Water Balloon Toss
On Friday at 6:00, ELA is sponsoring a beach concert as well.
Thanks to the Crawford’s once again for organizing and conducting the 4th of July events. Contact Jane Crawford-Lightner at 717-903-1205 for additional details.
Witches Paddle
If you happened to be on Lakeside on October 21st, 2023, you may have noticed a coven of witches at Crawford Beach. The event, founded by Sandy Davis, brought people dressed up like witches and warlocks, benefited two non-profit organizations.
Onlookers smiled as they gathered to dance around the cauldron, cackling and cheering. A wonderful group of creative individuals dressed in scary yet beautiful costumes. The event offered a bon fire, cider, treats, music, prizes and one-of-a-kind decorations. Cold and rain didn’t stop the witches launching paddleboards and kayaks to paddle Edinboro Lake. You can expect to see witches and warlocks make this float next fall. Grab your broom and join in to make this a successful, annual event to honor Sandy. As summer ends, we’ll post more information and entry forms on ELA website.
A Tribute to Sandy Davis
This past fall we unexpectedly lost a wonderful Lakeside Board member, Sandy Davis. She was full of energy and committed to making our community a better place to live and visit. She spearheaded many projects...the concrete post street signs painted by local artists, the development of the banners along lakeside and of course the Witches Paddle mentioned above. Sandy spent her life in service to others as a nurse for many years and also as a Dominican Republic medical missionary providing medical and spiritual assistance to those in need. She is greatly missed, and will long be remembered for her inspiration and commitment in making Lakeside a great place!
Christmas Lights
We held ELA’s first official “Light up the Beach” event on December 2. A few elves served cocoa and offered S’mores to roast around the bon fire. We welcomed special guests, Boro Brass, Edinboro’s newly formed brass band, of course Santa Claus, Frosty, as well as Sandy’s and John’s family to light our new “Pole” trees in their honor. We are hoping this year’s event will bring even more holiday spirit and more lights!
2024 ELA Dates to Remember – Crawford Beach
June 13 Beach Concert 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
July 2 Ice Cream Social
July 3 Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
July 4 Holiday Festivities
July 5 Beach Concert 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
July 6 Annual Lakeside Yard Sale
July 18 Beach Concert 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
August 8 Beach Concert 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
August 22 Beach Concert 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
September 21 Witches Paddle (rain date 9/28)
September 30 Pumpkin Promenade 10:00 a.m.