Moravia Community Connect

09/19/2026

Here’s a Facebook post that keeps the personal story behind the recipe—it makes the recipe feel tested rather than generic.

🍫 **This Chocolate Cake Was Too Good Not to Share!**

Not too long ago, I decided to bake a chocolate cake simply to treat my wife. No special occasion—just something homemade.

I tried this recipe for a rich, moist chocolate cake, topped it with creamy fudge chocolate frosting, and hoped for the best.

Well… it was **fantastic**. Moist, deeply chocolatey, easy to make, and honestly one of the best chocolate cakes I’ve made at home.

So naturally, I had to share the recipe. ❤️

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned chocolate cake that doesn’t turn out dry, give this one a try. Make it as a 9×13 cake, frost it generously, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and enjoy.

Sometimes the simplest recipes—and the simplest reasons for making them—turn out to be the best.

🍰 https://11lakesdesign.com/ultimate-moist-chocolate-cake/

And yes… I’ll definitely be making this one again.

09/16/2026

🎨 **From a quiet farm on Cayuga Lake to an unmistakable American design style.**

How did **MacKenzie-Childs** become one of the Finger Lakes’ most recognizable creative success stories?

The story begins in **Aurora, New York**, where bold colors, hand-decorated ceramics and a willingness to break the rules of traditional home design helped build something extraordinary.

Today, those famous black-and-white checks are recognized far beyond the Finger Lakes—but the company’s connection to Cayuga Lake remains an important part of its identity.

Our newest **11 Lakes Magazine** feature explores the story behind MacKenzie-Childs, its Aurora home, and why what we make here still matters.

👉 **Read the full story:**
https://11lakesdesign.com/mackenzie-childs/

MacKenzie-Childs: Where Whimsy Found a Home on Cayuga Lake On the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, where farmland rolls toward […]

09/14/2026

🍁 **Autumn doesn’t arrive across the Finger Lakes all at once.**

One hillside turns red while another remains green. Vineyards become golden, farm stands fill with apples and pumpkins, and quiet country roads begin leading toward some of the season’s most beautiful views.

Our new feature, **“The 11 Lakes Fall Color Trail,”** travels from Otisco and Skaneateles to Keuka, Canandaigua, Hemlock and Conesus—pairing the lakes with scenic roads, welcoming villages, wineries, farm markets and memorable outdoor stops.

The goal isn’t to rush past all 11 lakes in one day. It’s to choose a route, slow down and experience autumn as it moves across the region.

🍂 **Start planning your Finger Lakes fall journey:**
https://11lakesdesign.com/fall-color-trail/

The 11 Lakes Fall Color Trail How to plan an autumn journey through the villages, vineyards, farm country and scenic […]

09/13/2026

🎰 **Could del Lago Resort & Casino be sold?**

Churchill Downs Incorporated is exploring the possible sale of nine regional gaming properties—including del Lago in Seneca County.

No buyer has been announced, and a sale is not guaranteed. Still, a change in ownership could have important implications for local employment, tourism, entertainment and the wider Finger Lakes economy.

What could happen next—and what should our region be watching?

👉 **Read the full story at 11 Lakes Magazine:**
https://11lakesdesign.com/del-lago

What would you like to see from a future owner of del Lago? Share your thoughts in the comments.

11 Lakes Magazine illustration Churchill Downs Considers Selling del Lago: What It Could Mean for the Finger Lakes The Seneca […]

09/11/2026

**BIG TECHNOLOGY IS COMING TO A SMALL FINGER LAKES TOWN**

A proposed artificial-intelligence data center at the former Cayuga power plant could eventually draw hundreds of megawatts of electricity. Supporters see an opportunity to reuse an industrial property, attract investment and strengthen the local tax base. Opponents are raising serious questions about energy, water, noise, land use and costs to the surrounding community.

But this story is larger than one project in Lansing.

Are small towns equipped to evaluate developments of this scale? Who pays for the independent experts needed to review them? What benefits should the community be guaranteed—and what risks could remain long after construction ends?

Our new 11 Lakes Magazine feature examines the proposal, the statewide legislation surrounding it and the difficult choices facing Finger Lakes communities.

This is not a story telling readers what to think. It is an invitation to look closely at the facts, consider what is at stake and ask the questions that should be answered before irreversible decisions are made.

Read “When Big Technology Comes to a Small Town” at https://11lakesdesign.com/cayuga-lake-data-center/

Then join the conversation: **What should communities require before approving a project of this size?**

A proposed data center overlooking Cayuga Lake is forcing the Finger Lakes to confront a difficult question: How much development […]

08/18/2026

# # # Welcome to the Neighborhood, Rural Pack! 🌿

It’s always exciting to see a new small business open its doors in Moravia, and we’re pleased to welcome **Rural Pack** to our community!

Rural Pack is bringing together local makers, bakers, farmers, growers, and small businesses in one place—giving our neighbors another opportunity to **shop local and support local**.

Their **soft opening is Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 AM–6:00 PM** at **10 Central Street in the Village of Moravia**.

Stop in, say hello, and take a look around. You’ll find local produce, baked goods, pantry items, sauces, jams, crafts, and more from area vendors.

Starting a new business takes vision, hard work, and a belief in the community you serve. We wish Rural Pack and all of its participating vendors every success as they begin this new chapter.

**Welcome to Moravia, Rural Pack — we’re glad you’re here!** ❤️

📍 10 Central Street, Moravia
📅 Saturday, August 22
🕘 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

07/21/2026

06/16/2026

Today is Election Day.

One of the great privileges of living in a democracy is having the opportunity to make our voices heard. Whether your views are shared by many or held by only a few, your vote is your chance to participate in shaping the future of your community.

Every election is an opportunity to be heard, to stay engaged, and to help strengthen the civic life of our community. When residents participate, our community is stronger.

If you are eligible to vote and have not yet done so, please take a few moments today to cast your ballot. Your voice matters, and every vote is part of the conversation that helps guide our future.

06/08/2026

**"Knowing that all service offered with a sincere heart has value."**

As I reflect on my time serving as your Village Trustee, I am reminded that public service is ultimately about giving back to the community we love.

Not every decision is easy. Not every challenge has a simple solution. But when service is offered with honesty, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others, it has value.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of Moravia, to work alongside fellow board members, village employees, volunteers, and community organizations, and to be part of the progress our village continues to make.

As Election Day approaches, I place my trust in God, knowing that whatever the outcome, His plan is greater than my own. I am thankful for the support, encouragement, and friendships I have experienced along the way.

Thank you for allowing me to serve this community. It has been, and continues to be, a privilege.

— Paul Nelson