Hard copies of the Tapestry will be available to those who do not receive the Tapestry electronically at Community Connections at Findley Lake in their office in the Community Center. These will be available from 10am to 3pm Monday-Friday.

EARLY REGISTRATION OPEN AT

TWIN DOCKS GOURMET FOOD AND DELI

MAIN STREET, FINDLEY LAKE

FRIDAY JUNE 14th 4:30-6:30PM

SKIP THE LINE REGISTER EARLY

PICK UP YOUR MUG AND TOWN SWAG BAG

Meandering, Foraging and Daydreaming the Past into the Present

Written for The Tapestry by Destiny Kinal

Little Hope Auction

Dear readers,

This is an indelible memory from my 20’s through my 50’s.

Always Monday.

If you’ve never seen an auctioneer in action, the show starts about 1pm in Little Hope where the Chesley men, apprenticed one to the other until mastery is achieved, perform their arcane craft, reading their audience with energetic grace as they hold you in the palm of their hands.

Head south on Rt. 89 out of North East to Colt Station where 89 crosses 430 coming out of Findley Lake.  The sign to Little Hope arrives soon after.  Take the left and you will have arrived. Step out to the smell of hay. Let the deep peacefulness of a country way-of-life envelop you. I’ve been going to the Little Hope Auction for the majority of my life, sixty some years so I can say with some authority that the feeling of community has never changed; you’re welcome in this community no matter who you are.  I’ve never eaten at the lunch counter because every stool is taken but the atmosphere calls up images of a fast order cook slinging  burgers, of chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes and meatloaf, pie.   (That’s how my imagination runs.)

Stroll through the paddocks to see what young and tender animals will be auctioned off today.

The small amphitheater of benches is steep, the better to see the action.  The Chesleys call it The Ring.

The Chesley ringmen are assembled to make the action flow easily.  In my day, Delmas Chesley was the patriarch.  (We have a photo of our mom Constance Kinal with Delmas, part of the group that went to Ireland together, just before she died.)

I went out to Little Hope earlier this week, just to see what was cooking.

I got a seat at the lunch counter and ordered a hot dog.  I started a conversation with a school teacher on my right, there “for the history,” he said.  

I took a few photos of The Ring which I was told is no longer used unless it’s a special auction of an entire household, or a gun collection.  After the auction outside was done, they moved inside where eggs and flats of strawberries would be distributed at prices below market.  

Two incidents stand out from my early days of being a grandmother.  Delmas’ sons brought out a box of bunnies, inarguably the most adorable creatures on Earth—unless you catch them nibbling on your lettuce.

My grandson and granddaughter, 3 and 5 respectively, were captivated until they understood we were not sending them back to Berkeley California with a bunny, each.  As the harsh truth dawned on them, they erupted with the injustice of it all.  We had to carry them out, horizontally, kicking and protesting to the collective amusement of the gallery.

The other unforgettable incident involved said grandkids the next year, during their annual visit to the charmed environs of Findley Lake and our family farm.  My sister-in-law Mary was living out her Little Bo Peep fantasy in a small barn that held her collection of dwarf animals: a donkey, two goats  and a chicken coop. 

The thorn in this idyll was the rooster Mister Furry Feet, who waited until you turned your back to try to sink his talons in your calves.  (Familiar to all chicken keepers with a resident rooster.)

If roosters crow at the break of dawn, Mister Furry Feet began crowing at the false dawn, around 4am in the summer, when you are just entering REM sleep with the delightful visions that accompany this time, IF you are undisturbed.

When the decision was made to take MFF to the Little Hope Auction, I’m sure it was my brother Lance’s duty to put him into the sack.  He thrashed all the way to Little Hope.

Now, being a writer, I can’t resist opining on the name of the village, which turns on its meaning like a cotter pin in its fitting.  “Hope,” as the poet Emily Dickinson said, “is the thing with feathers/that perches in the soul/and sings the tune without the words/and never stops—at all.”

Yup.

When Delmas Chesley held the struggling sack and was beginning his auction chant,  just as he pulled the rooster out with gauntleted gloves, my granddaughter (with all the wisdom and conviction of girls that age) stood and shouted, “Don’t buy him!  He’s mean!”  The amphitheater erupted with laughter.  (I’m pretty sure MFF went for 75 cents.)

Here's a recipe for coq au vin when your rooster has had his last say about the day. From La Vie du Chateau, online.

If you find a  recipe that says, use chicken, don’t!

Hold out for the real thing, a rooster.  If you live anywhere near a chicken house, put it out there that you’re looking for a rooster to cook.  Offer to share it.  One saucy rooster will come your way.

Destiny will be writing a column for The Tapestry. Destiny lives part of the year on her famly homestead outside of Findley Lake and the other part in the San Francisco Bay area. Her most recent work The Textile Trilogy of novels tells the true story of how our suffragist foremothers were influenced by their Seneca and Haudenosaunee neighbors, a matrilineal way-of-life where men and women have always shared power. You can reach Destiny at destinykin22@gmail.com. 

FINDLEY LAKE LIBRARY

If you would like to be included in a map of Yard Sale locations, email Barb C @ villagephotography@yahoo.com no later than Sun., 6/23. Include your address and day(s) you will be participating.

Ducks will be available on the 4th of July at the Gazebo from 10am - 12:20pm (or sold out). Race starts at 12:30pm. Prizes announced and distributed approximately 1-1:30pm.

Boat Parade "A Sentimental Journey" starts at 2pm.

FLARES FOR THE 4TH

The flares are $4.00 each. They are available at French Creek Store, Findley Lake Hardware, Twin Docks, Findley Lake Marine and the Library.

All proceeds benefit the Findley Lake Library.

On July 4th at 9:30PM the flares are put around the lake and lit (when you hear the fire whistle sound) before the fireworks at 10PM north end of the lake.

Photo Credit Nancy Bracken Roche

July 18th Findley Lake Triathlon Festival

JULY 31

4th Annual Don't Tell Shirlee Concert in the Pines

Follow Pine Junction's

Facebook Page for updates!

FUNDRAISER FOR THE FINDLEY LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Pine Junction is excited to announce this Fundraiser in conjunction with our 4th Annual Don’t Tell Shirlee Concert that will support The Findley Lake Fire Department! This is brought to you generously from Dave Warren Auto Group, Bentley Tree Care, Bentley Initiative LLC, Alexander Construction Co, Chautauqua Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning and Snap Fitness NE: K.O. Boxing Bootcamp!

Tickets can be bought in person at Pine Junction (cash only).

His and Her Bintelli E-Bike Set valued at $3698.

Tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20.

Winner will be drawn at our 4th Annual Don’t Tell Shirlee Concert in the Pines on Wednesday, July 31st. (Need not be present to win, however if you are present at the concert and are the lucky winner you will receive a bonus prize!!)

Thank you again to our generous sponsors and local businesses who are supporting one another! We are so thankful to our Findley Lake Community!

Findley Lake Watershed Foundation

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Make sure to check Community Connections Facebook Page for scheduled events. Monday-Friday at 8:45 AM Zoom Yoga. In Person Yoga every Friday. Every Tuesday Mahjong at 1:00pm in the Community Tea Room.

Please visit Community Connections website!

https://www.connectionsatfindleylake.org/

or on Facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/CommunityConnectionsatFindleyLake.org

June 14 BEER CRAWL EARLY REGISTRATION AT TWIN DOCKS 4:30-6:30PM

Register Early! Pick up your mug and your town bag of discounts and swag!

June 15 Findley Lake Beer Crawl 1-5PM Registration at noon at the Gazebo on Main Street. Join us for the ultimate beer lover's experience! Enjoy beer, listen to great music while enjoying the beauty of Findley Lake! Ticket will be $25 if purchased before the event at link below or in Twin Docks or Our Own Candle Company. Tickets will be $30 the day of the event. Live music, 8 breweries. Ticket includes sampling and a commemorative mug. Music in town with Rankin & Schell 1-3PM; Derek Davis 3-5PM.

BUY TICKETS HERE FACEBOOK EVENT HERE

June 15 Alexander's OTL Live Music after the Beer Crawl 5-7PM with 2 & 1/2 Pints.

June 16 PINE JUNCTION Father's Day with Duke Sherman Band 2-5PM Free Event.

June 18 Alexander's OTL Live Music with Matt Boland 7-9PM

June 20 Community Connections Live and Learn Series 1PM in the Tea Room. New York State Tick Blitz with Kelly McDonald. Learn about ticks and the research happening in our community. RSVP 716-769-2473

June 20 Findley lake Library Book Club at 6PM. Discussion of June's book Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay.

June 21 Community Connections BINGO at 1:00PM. RSVP 716-769-2473

June 21 Peek'n Peak Bistro 210 Live Music with Jesse Smith 9:30PM-12:30AM

June 22 Findley Lake Artists In Residence (FLAIR) 11AM-1PM Minda Community Center (gather at the Pavilion). Artist Meet Up/Plein Air Experience. Bathrooms available. Use the nature trails and surrounding property for inspiration. Flair_FindleyLake@gogglegroups.com

June 22 Alexander's OTL Pig Roast at 2PM with live music 3-5PM.

June 22 FULL MOON Kayak Ride with Community Connections at 8:30PM. Meet at the south end of the big island. Call Christy at 716-769-2473 for updates, and if you need a place to put in your kayak or canoe.

June 22 Peek'n Peak Bistro 210 Live Music with Interstate Daydream 9:30PM-12:30AM

June 22 Bison Trace Luxury Camping 3PM All About French Creek with Judy Archer

June 25 Alexander's OTL Live Music with Brooke Surgener 7-9PM

June 27 Community Connections Live and Learn Series at 1PM. Meet Dr. Zachary Blakeslee, Blakeslee Chiropractic to discuss headaches, migraines, TJM pain, and neck pain caused by misalignment of the Atlas and neck. RSVP 716-769-2473

June 27 Zoomer's 3-6PM Meet at Bison Trace Luxury Camping for at Tour and $14 Chicken Dinner. Must RSVP by June 23 at 716-769-2473

June 28, 29, 30 Findley Lake Around the Lake Yard Sale 9AM - 3PM

June 28 & 29 The Camp at Findley will be participating in the Yard Sale 9AM-3PM

Yard Sale Fundraiser. Rain or shine, we are inside. We have been blessed by many donations, so we can bless those who attend The Camp at Findley.

June 29 Bison Trace Luxury Camping Live Music with SHADYSIDE 6-9PM. Open to the Public. Food available for purchase. BYOB

June 29 Peek'n Peak Bonfires & Brews Theory of Evolution on the Gazebo Grill Stage 5-9PM

June 29 & 30 Free Fishing Days NY State.

June 30 - July 3 The Camp at Findley Youth Summer Mini Camp Grades 1-6, overnight or day camp options

July and August Findley Lake Library Summer Reading Program. More info to come.

July 2 Alexander's OTL Live Music with OsbornNash 7-9PM

July 4 - July 4th Celebration Day of Events

Duck Race 12:30PM, Boat Parade 2PM, Flare Lighting 9:30PM, Fireworks 10PM

Live Music at Alexander's OTL 1-4PM

July 5 Bison Trace Luxury Campground Live Music with Northern Accents 6-9PM. Open to the Public. Food available for purchase. BYOB

July 5 Peek'n Peak Bistro 210 Live Music with Garrett Owens 9:30PM-12:30AM

July 6 19th Annual Race Around the Lake Findley Lake Nature Trails Network Details on their Facebook Here

July 6 Bison Trace Luxury Campground Live Music with Miranda Wilcox & The Line 6-9PM. Open to the public. Food available for purchase. BYOB

July 6 Peek'n Peak Bonfires and Brews Nick Magee & The Roadhouse Rockers 5-9PM on the Gazebo Grill Stage.

July 7-12 The Camp at Findley Youth Summer Camp Session Grades 1-8 day camp, 9am-5pm.

July 9 Alexander's OTL Live Music with Mike and Marie 7-9PM

July 12-14 Peek'n Peak Jimmy Buffett Tribute Weekend: Friday, Pirate Dreams on the Gazebo Grill Stage 5-9PM; Saturday Sun of Beaches on the Gazebo Grill Stage 5-9PM; Sunday Key west Express Lite 12-4PM on the Gazebo Grill State.

July 12 Peek'n Peak Bistro 210 Live Music with Lopaka Rootz Duo 9:30PM-12:30AM

July 13 Peen'n Peak Bistro 210 Live Music with Neville Francis & The Riddim Posse 9:30PM-12:30AM

July 14-19 The Camp at Findley Teen Mission Camp Grades 7-12, overnight camp.

July 15 - August 8 Summer Recreation Program. Packets will be available in late May.

CCS website, Dutch Village, Clymer Library and Findley Lake Library will have Registration Packets.

July 16 Alexander's OTL Live Music with Jesse James Weston 7-9PM

July 17 Community Connections Sunset Sounds on the Lake 6-7:30PM.

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live music with SHADYSIDE

July 20 Alexander's OTL Hawaiian Night. More info to come.

July 20 Peek'n Peak Gazebo Grill Live Music with The High Life 5-9PM; Bistro 210 Live Music with Pendleton Station 9:30PM-12:30AM

July 21-27 The Camp at Findley Family Bible Camp

July 23 Alexander's OTL Live Music TBA 7-9PM

July 27 Bison Trace Luxury Camping Live Music with Rankin & Schell 6-9PM. Open to the Public. Food available for purchase. BYOB

July 27 Peek'n Peak Gazebo Grill Stage Live Music with Bear The Bronze 5-9PM; Bistro 210 Live Music with Rick Magee & The Roadhouse Rockers 9:30PM-12:30AM

July 28 - Findley Lake Triathlon

https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/FindleyLake/FindleyLakeTriathlonFestival

July 28 - August 2 The Camp at Findley Youth Summer Camp Grades 1-8, day camp 9am-5PM

July 28 Peek'n Peak Bistro 210 Live Music with Tyler McClain 9:30PM-12:30AM

July 30 Alexander's OTL Live Music with Sarah Haggerty 7-9PM

July 31 - 4th Annual Don't Tell Shirlee Concert in the Pines at Pine Junction

Opening Acts: Garrett Owens and Chris Higbee. Check Pine Junction's Facebook page for hints!

EVENT INFO HERE BUY TICKETS HERE

August 2-3 Peek'n Peak Honky Tonk Weekend: Friday, The Swamp Yankees in Bistro 210 9:30PM-12:30AM; Saturday, Apple Jack Country Band on the Gazebo Grill Stage 5-9PM and Honkey Tonk Heroes in the Bistro 9:30PM-12:30AM.

INFO HERE

August 6 Alexander's OTL Live Music with Tommy Link 7-9PM

August 9-11 Findley Lake's Bicentennial Celebration See banner above. More info coming.

August 9 Peek'n Peak Singin' in the Peak Karaoke Gazebo Grill 6-9PM

August 10 Bison Trace Luxury Camping Live Music with Blues Beaters 6-9PM. Open to the public. Food available for purchase. BYOB

August 10 Peek'n Peak Bonfires and Brews Live Music on the Gazebo Grill Stage with Flight 5-9PM; Bistro 210 Iron Eyes Maybee 9:30PM-12:30AM

August 13 Alexander's OTL Live Music with Matthew Texter 7-9PM

August 16 Peek'n Peak Singin' in the Peak Karaoke Gazebo Grill 6-9PM; Bistro 210 Live Music with Garrett Owens 9:30pm-12:30AM

August 17 Alexander's OTL Backyard BBQ with Live Music Osborn Nash 5-8PM

August 17 The Camp at Findley - Awake Music Fest

August 17 Peek'n Peak Bonfires & Brews Live Music at the Gazebo Grill Stage with A Strange Kind of Sunshine 5-9PM; Bistro 210 Rick Magee & The Roadhouse Rockers 9:30PM-12:30AM.

August 20 Alexander's OTL Live Music with Acoustics by Fudge 7-9PM

August 23 Findley Lake Artists In Residence (FLAIR) 6PM-until dark. Artist Meet Up/Plein Air Experience. McDonald Home 2588 Sundyside Road, Findley Lake (come up the hill). Gardens galore, forested property and Buesink Creek will provide inspiration. This is a private property; bathrooms will be available. Please do not bring pets/animals. Flair_FindleyLake@gogglegroups.com

August 23 Peek'n Peak Singin' in the Peak Karaoke Gazebo Grill 6-9PM; Bistro 210 Live Music with Interstate Daydreams 9:30PM-12:30AM.

August 24 Peek'n Peak Bonfires and Brews Live Music with Hellz Bellz on the Gazebo Grill Stage 5-9PM

August 27 Alexander's OTL Live Music with Tyler McClain 7-9

August 30, 31 September 1 Findley Lake Harvest Festival

Findley Lake Library Annual Book Sale During Harvest Fest

Music lineup so far: Friday evening Shady Side; Saturday Juvenile Characteristics, Theory of Evolution; Sunday Gabe Stillman. MORE TO BE ADDED

August 30 Peek'n Peak Gazebo Grill Singin' At the Peak Karaoke at the Gazebo Grill 6-9; Bistro 210 Live Music with Tyler McClain 9:30PM-12:30AM

August 31 Peek'n Peak Bonfires and Brews Live Music with Apple Jack 5-9PM

September 1 Peek'n Peak Bonfires and Brews Live Music with Theory of Evolution 5-9PM.

September 3 Alexander's OTL Live Music with Ion Sky 7-9PM

September 7 Bison Trace Luxury Camping Live Music with Rankin & Schell 6-9PM. Open to the Public. Food available for purchase. BYOB

September 8 PINE JUNCTION Myron Elkins 1PM and Smilo & The Ghost 2PM

Ticketed Event. BUY TICKETS CLICK HERE

September 14 Chautauqua County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day 9AM-2PM Chautauqua County DPF Building, 454 North Work, Falconer

MORE INFO HERE

September 28 Free Fishing Day in NY State.

September 28 Bison Trace Luxury Camping Live Music with Duke Sherman 6-9PM. Open to the Public. Food Available for purchase. BYOB

October 1 Alexander's OTL Halloween Trivia Night

October 12-13 & 19-20 Peek'n Peak Fall Fest 2024

October 26 Findley Lake Artists In Residence (FLAIR) 9:30AM-11:30AM Artist Meet Up/PleinAir Experience. Findley Lake Historic Cemetery, Rt. 426 Findley Lake, NW corner at the blinking light). No bathroom at this location, use waterwheel building 2 blocks away. Historic cemetery with a view of the lake. Flair_FindleyLake@gogglegroups.com

November 2 Findley Lake Library Fall Craft Show 10AM-4PM in the Findley Lake Fire Hall.

November 2 Peek'n Peak Wurst Party Ever

November 5 Alexander's OTL Thanksgiving Trivia Night

November 10 Findley Lake Nature Trails Network Veterans Day Dinner at the Community Center 1:00-3:00PM. RSVP 814-899-8228

November 11 Veterans Day Free Fishing Day in NY State

November 12 Alexander's OTL Celebrity Chef TBA

November 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 Peek'n Peak Medieval Feast Dinner Theater

The Retreat Dinner Theater Info Here

November 23 & 24 Secret Cubby's 11th Annual Vintage Christmas

November 30 Alexander's OTL 2nd Annual Turkey Trot

December 3 Alexander's OTL Christmas Trivia Night

December 7 & 8 Findley Lake Christmas Through the Village

December 10 Alexander's OTL Celebrity Chef TBA

January 19, 2025 Findley Lake Annual Tree Burn at dusk.

Links to the Town of Mina

Upcoming Meetings, Agendas, Minutes

Laws, Forms, and Resolutions

can all be found on the Town of Mina Web Page.

Town of Mina Home Page

http://www.townofmina.info/

Minutes, Board and Zoning Board Meeting Packets & Agendas (not necessarily in order by date due to edits check date of report)

http://www.townofmina.info/minutes--agendas.html

Town of Mina Publications

http://www.townofmina.info/publications.html

FINAL REPORT CULVERTS AND STORM WATER APRIL 18 2024 HERE

PRINCETON HYDRO FINAL REPORT NUTRIENT STUDY APRIL 24 2024 HERE

Forms, Budgets and Laws

http://www.townofmina.info/forms-budgets-laws.html

Legal Notices and Resolutions.

This is where notices are recorded for meetings, resolutions.

http://www.townofmina.info/legal-notices--resolutions.html

Findley Lake Community Foundation Information https://www.eriecommunityfoundation.org/donors/give-today/give-to-a-nonprofit/findley-lake-community-foundation

Findley Lake Forward Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556008632813

Visit Findley Lake Community Website https://www.visitfindleylake.com/home

New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide

https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/fishguide.pdf

Jack'n Sherri's Twin Docks Dam Cam - Live camera link

Link to Dam Cam

Community Connections Website https://www.connectionsatfindleylake.org/

Findley Lake Volunteer Fire Company Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/FindleyLakeVolunteerFireDepartment/

Findley Lake Watershed Foundation Website https://www.findleylakewf.org/

Alexander Findley Community Library Website https://www.findleylibrary.org/

Findley Lake and Mina Historical Society http://findleylakehistory.weebly.com/

Link to New Facebook Page

NY Department of Environmental Conservation https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/26958.html

Findley Lake Nature Trail Network Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FindleyLakeNatureCenter/

Events throughout Chautauqua County https://www.tourchautauqua.com/

Clymer Central School District https://www.clymercsd.org/

Sherman Central School District https://www.shermancsd.org/

Please check Visit Findley Lake Community Website https://www.visitfindleylake.com/home

or on Visit Findley Lake Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/visitfindleylake

Please contact The Tapestry at

TapestryFindleyLake@gmail.com

or write Town of Mina

Attn: The Tapestry

PO Box 38

Findley Lake, NY 14736

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND MEMORIES, STORIES, PHOTOS, COMMUNITY INTEREST ITEMS, EVENTS TO tapestryfindleylake@gmail.com

Links for earlier editions of The Tapestry can be found on www.visitfindleylake.com

(not all of the back issue links are available at this time they will be available shortly. If you are looking for a specific Tapestry please email tapestryfindleylake@gmail.com and a link can be sent to you directly. Thank you.)