Islands in the street object of Harveys Lake fundraiser

HARVEYS LAKE �?? Jimmy Buffet might not island hop on these, but the Harveys Lake Protective Association has just finished giving a facelift to the median islands located in the center of three intersections within the borough, and now help is needed to maintain them.

Mark Sobeck, past president of the association and co-chairman of the Island Maintenance Committee said the three median islands were left go for quite sometime. Once looking sparse and brown, the islands today are lush and green, adding to the natural beauty of Pennsylvania�??s largest natural lake.

The eight-year project consisted of more than just planting a few flowers. Using several different landscapers, Sobeck said the project included weeding, lighting, irrigation, a selection of a variety of plants, seasonal cleanups, and a new wooden sign welcoming residents and visitors at the lake entrance.

Now the association needs some help again. They are looking to mirror a fundraiser they did in 2004 to kick off the project. Sobeck said they were able to raise about $16,000 then and are hoping for the same.

�??We are hoping the response will be similar,�?� he said. �??Funds raised will go toward maintaining the islands for years to come,�?� Sobeck said.

Letters will be sent out to all association members, roughly 190 lake residents, he said. Businesses or residents who are not currently members can join or make donations through their website, www.hlpa.org.

The new landscaping is eye catching and residents are noticing. Sobeck said he received a letter from a resident who stated the islands look fantastic.

Borough council chairman Francis Kopko said he has heard many complaints on the HLPA�??s project.

�??They had a good plan and a good crew,�?� Kopko said. �??It looks pretty sharp.�?�

Harold Taylor, manager of Grotto Pizza for 20 years, has seen the islands go through many transitions.

�??They look really nice,�?� Taylor said.

Sobeck said years ago during the lake�??s heyday, people used to sunbathe on the islands when the beaches became too crowded.

The Harveys Lake Protective Association is a long-standing organization in the lake community, originally started to protect the summer cottages. It has implemented many programs, including the buoy program and a reduction of boat speeds to 45 mph on weekends.