Seneca Lake brings elegance to the beach

Sparta - An elegant picnic - anyone who didn’t know better might say it’s an unlikely pairing of words, an oxymoron of sorts. But for those acquainted with Zoe’s by the Lake, it’s an event not to be missed. A lunch served picnic style with a definite flair of elegance, that’s what Seneca Lake Club members have in store for guests at an upcoming fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, July 16. The noon event features a luncheon on Seneca Lake beach, sponsored by Zoe’s by the Lake restaurant “Any time Zoe’s is involved in our fundraisers, they’re always a bit more special,” said committee member Christa Collis. “Their food is first rate. We will have tents and tables set with linens, however, our guests are welcome to bring their own beach chairs or picnic blankets for that picnic feel. It is also a BYOB afternoon.” Lake committee members are hoping the fundraiser will generate enough money to help with needed beach repairs and to purchase new playground equipment for the community’s children. “We (the community) are really looking forward to the new playground equipment for both residents and outside members of the beach. We use the lake all the time, it’s great to have it back,” said Tammy Crimando. Crimando and other community members are indeed happy to see the lake getting back to its pre-2000 state, before the torrential rains of August hit, resulting in an earthen dam break that led to the emptying of Seneca Lake into Tomahawk Lake. For the next few years following the dam break, the lake remained dry, appearing more like a wild flower meadow in full bloom, than the lake it once was. Lake Committee President Marion Cuff moved from Queens, NY, to Seneca Lake in 1979 when her three children were in grade school. The family grew up on that lake, enjoying the summer months and the lake community. Over the years, Cuff watched as other families enjoyed the same, until that fateful day in August. “That deafening roar on that Saturday in 2000 signaled the loss of our beloved lake and created an appalling sight as we watched our lake racing into Tomahawk Lake, as the fish helplessly flopped around in lake beds,” said Cuff. “It was devastating to watch.” Through the community’s countless fundraising efforts and the assistance of a 30-year SBA mortgage loan, the lake was restored in April 2005. Since the lake is private, there is no state, county or municipal funding. Each resident’s yearly dues have been increased by $300 on average in order to repay the loan needed to subsidize the cost of rebuilding the dam. Tammy and Jeff Crimando were thrilled to see the committee’s many fundraising efforts finally pay off, with their lake restored and the community again thriving. The Crimando’s two young daughters were ages two and six in the year 2000 and most likely don’t remember the fun they had at their local beach before it was swept away. Donations for the luncheon are $30 for adults, $15 for teens and adolescents age 13-17, with children under 12 free. Anyone may attend the beach picnic, as it is not restricted to lake members. Area residents are encouraged to stop by for a dip in the lake and an elegant picnic experience. For more information about the luncheon, reservations, or beach membership contact Christa Collis, 973-729-7073 or Donna Sheridan, 973-729-9577.