In the heart of New York’s Southern Tier lies Nichols Park Pond, a gem of a landmark in the Village of Spencer. The historical park has been home to generations of festivities, gatherings, farmer’s markets and more since its establishment in 1860, and this summer, the people of Spencer will gather to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Nichols Park Pond Beautification Committee. “The park is the centerpiece of the village,” said Lee Haefele, longtime resident of Spencer and member of the committee. “Everybody uses it.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Community
Lee is no stranger to the park, nor to the people of Spencer. Aside from being the founder and owner of local cable tv, digital phone, and internet service provider Haefele Connect, Lee has volunteered to help with event preparation at the annual Spencer Picnic for a whopping 48 years, using his fleet of bucket trucks to set up lights and keep everything in working order. He has also exercised his technical prowess with the Haefele Connect team to run fiber drops to every single building in the town. His dedication and love for the Spencer community truly knows no bounds.
The Champions of Nichols Park Pond
Lee and his wife, Sherry, are major contributors to the efforts to improve and maintain Nichols Park Pond, through decades of donations toward pond and park improvements. Their unrestricted donations were trusted to Joan and Dale Weston, co-chairs of the Beautification Committee, who stewarded the funds into action. Lee was quick to share his gratitude for the couple’s effort to make the proposed ideas a reality; “Without Joan and Dale, none of it would have happened,” Lee emphasized. “They put the real effort in. It was easy for us to contribute money, while their work was much harder.”
A Bridge to the Future
In 2012, a covered bridge was built in the park by an all-volunteer group led by Donald Brock. A plaque was installed on the bridge, dedicating it to Lee and Sherry, unbeknownst to them. “Lee didn’t know the covered bridge was going to be dedicated to us,” Sherry recalled, laughing over her words. “He rode his bicycle 21 miles to the ceremony and was late. We were all frantic wondering where he was!”
Transforming Nichols Park Pond
Along with the bridge effort, the Committee spearheaded a grassroots transformation of Nichols Park Pond throughout the late 90s. From the initial clearing of the brush surrounding the pond and the building of the covered bridge to the newly established fountain and walking trail, the park was completely revitalized. It has evolved over the years to a beautiful, walkable area for the community, with support from the Haefele family every step of the way. As a result, the park has seen a steady increase in recreational activity through the years, while also bringing greater economic value to the village of Spencer and a stronger sense of pride to its residents.
Join the Celebration!
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Committee and the legacy of Nichols Park Pond, join us for a “Party at the Pond” on July 12, with live music, food, games and more. Stop by the Haefele Connect booth and “Say Hey” to our team! We’ll also be out supporting the 114th annual Spencer Picnic, the town’s longest-running community event, in August. You might even catch Lee setting up the lights!