Giving Tuesday is May 5, 2020

Hello Members, Donors, and Friends,

Giving Tuesday is a universal generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. It's a special day each year meant to unofficially "open the giving season".

First started in 2012 in the United States, Giving Tuesday typically takes place on the first Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, this year, Giving Tuesday is taking place on May 5, 2020 as a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

Nine years ago, a group of individuals combined their talents collectively to make sure that Glade Run Lake would not remain a barren wasteland. It’s amazing what you can achieve if you put you mind and efforts behind a project. Having the lake now open for fishing and boating puts a smile on our faces and makes all of us on the Glade Run Lake Conservancy Board of Directors happy to know we did a good deed for our community, county, and state.

Our intent is to make the lake and nature preserve better every year. The Glade Run Lake Conservancy, or GRLC, is a non-profit charitable organization that exists only by and through your support. Our success is your success and we did this together.

In 2011, Glade Run Lake was drained due to a large crack discovered in the lake's dam during a routine inspection.

Glade Run Lake today, re-filled with water and open once again for public fishing, boating, and recreating.

For those of us fortunate enough to be able to go outside and get some exercise right now, we count ourselves lucky. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the safety and well-being of every person that visits the lake the GRLC's top priority. That is why the PA Fish & Boat Commission and the GRLC are urging everyone to please abide by the physical distancing guidelines of six feet. We can all enjoy the outdoors, but we need to be responsible. This pandemic and related protocols may go on for some time with waves of the virus reoccurring, so the continual practice of social distancing and not letting our guard down is so very important. Remember, we are all in this together!

Hiking trail at Glade Run Lake Preserve.

People are able to walk, ride, or bicycle to the lake for relief. The trout are stocked and the bass are getting bigger every day. I often see 30 or more cars in the parking lot, numerous fishermen on the dam, canoes, kayaks and small boats out on the lake, people bird watching, picnicking, or walking the trail. You have the opportunity to see other people and say "Hi". Yet there are many people not as fortunate that have been stuck inside, without a yard, a park, or lake. Some don’t have the finances to make ends meet and are going through very tough times. They are in need of a helping hand and some human interaction.

During these trying times, we are asking you to reach out and help someone in need on “Giving Tuesday.” On this special day, what can you give? Giving can be helping out an elderly neighbor, supporting all those on the front lines, helping out with the food banks, checking in to see if anyone needs groceries, buying a gift card for them, doing small jobs, or anything that will make a difference. Little acts of kindness are how character is built and can be an assortment of things, not just one big thing.

So, on Tuesday, May 5th please utilize your talents and resources and give back to someone or your favorite charity to help those less fortunate than yourself. Make the effort to do something. A simple thank you to those putting themselves on the front lines daily goes a long way and not only puts a smile on their face but yours as well. Your good deeds can and do make a difference.

The GRLC Board of Directors encourages you to visit Glade Run Lake and preserve. Please be respectful of each other, the port-a-potties, the plants in the lake and on the property, the signage, and as always, take out what you bring in. We are all stewards of the lake and the environment!

Also, make sure to check our website and new blog at gladerunlakeconservancy.org for informational updates on the pandemic and lake.

I thank all of you for helping us put a smile on the many faces I see at the lake. It makes me happy to know that we did make a difference. Now, it’s your opportunity to do the same, to put a smile on someone’s face and give whatever you can and however you choose.

Thank you for your support,

Sigmund J. "Siggy" Pehel III

President, Glade Run Lake Conservancy