The Sierra Club Finger Lakes Group hosted a picnic to enjoy the company of fellow environmental advocates on Thursday June 11 at Champlin Beach Park in Hammondsport on the shore of Keuka Lake. It was delayed by one day due to severe weather. The picnic weather turned out to be beautiful and the comradery was great! Food and refreshments were enjoyed by all. 

Philip Gillemot spoke and fielded questions about the issues surrounding the controversial proposed extension and expansion of Seneca Meadows, the sanitary landfill in Seneca Falls. Elizabeth Donderewicz did the same concerning sewage sludge spreading PFAS-type chemicals into water in the town of Thurston and adjacent areas in Steuben County. She was also presented with a Sierra Club Award of Appreciation for Outstanding Achievement for her efforts in obtaining measurement of PFAS-type chemicals in water in these agricultural areas. These studies showed that the concentrations of PFAS-type chemicals were greatly increased in areas that were close to sludge spreading.

Rachel Treichler was recognized with a Life-Time Achievement Award for "exemplary service, dedication, compassion, & love for the environment."

Many thanks go to Finger Lakes Group Chair Bill Mattingly and all who helped make this event a success!