Friends of Twin Lakes hosting ‘Love the Lake’ benefit

JOHNSONBURG - The Friends of Twin Lakes ANF (Allegheny National Forest) nonprofit organization will be hosting a ‘Love the Lake’ benefit at the Johnsonburg Fire Hall on February 11.

This event will take place from 4 to 10 p.m., with dinner being served from 5 to 7 p.m. The meal will include beef on wick sandwiches, rigatoni and meatballs, salad, and other sides.

Basket raffle donations will be accepted until early into the day of the event, and there will be a cash drawing and grand prize drawing taking place as well. The winner of the grand prize drawing will be pulled at 9 p.m. and does not have to present to win.

All of the money raised for this benefit will go towards the revitalization of the water and sewage systems at Twin Lakes.

Last year was the first year ‘Love the Lake’ was held, and yielded a good turnout despite it occurring on one of the coldest days of the year.

The winter weather brings an ‘offseason’ for this time of year at Twin Lakes, but they are looking forward to hosting their 2nd Annual Chili Cook Off in April as well as welcoming the opening day of camping on April 1 when the spring season comes to fruition.

Laura Funaki, president of the Friends of Twin Lakes board, spoke about how important it is to have this ‘gem in the forest’ in Wilcox for campers locally and outside of the area.

“Twin Lakes is an amazing, unique recreation area in the ANF that offers something for everyone,” Funaki said. “I believe Twin Lakes is bringing our local communities together in a special way.”

Funaki noticed a significant increase during the pandemic when there was not much to do besides to be outdoors, and she believes this gave people who do not usually camp an opportunity to see the beauty of Twin Lakes and explore what it has to offer.

She also spoke highly of all of the volunteers that have helped keep this recreational area alive, and the overwhelming support it has received from local communities over the years.

For any additional information activities or camping availability at Twin Lakes, visit their website at fotlanf.org.

Photo submitted Twin Lakes has received strong community support over the past few years with campers packing the sites nearly every week in the spring and summer.