EATON column by Nancy
E. Williams 7/16/24. 447-5635
Dale, Gary and I are
so thankful that the weather held for the July 4th celebration
at our lovely Crystal Lake. The wind was quite strong when they
were setting up the tent, so when the side closest to the road
was going up, many of us were standing on the tent flaps by the
lake, so that the breeze wouldn’t take the whole tent away!
It all worked out and the weather was good for the next two days
so we really lucked out. Thank you to the weather Gods. Big thanks
to all the helpers: John, H., Phil L., Dick F., Don G., Gary
S., Peter K., Philip H., John B., Frank H., Peter K., Phil T.,
Dick B., Jerry M., Dave B., John H., and Jake C. That’s
just the guys! Add to that Dale S., Kerry M., Nora K., Anne D.,
Suzanne R., Mary M., and yours truly who did stand on the tent.
Many thanks to Stubby for bringing all the picnic tables down
to the Beach. And to John Hartman and friends who brought the
tent from the Town Garage. Successful tent set up - check.
The next day, instead
of rain (isn’t it raining nearly every day?), setting up
the table started early and was done in a flash, after Dale swept
off and cleaned up all the tables before we arrived. Time to
thank the other helpers: Judy F., Linda J., Heidi F., Annie J.P.
and her sons Jace and Devon, Barb H., Jeanne H., Elaine K., Mary
M., Judy W., and Betsy G.
Gary Schofield and Don
Fields were our super chefs, turning out wonderful burgers and
veggie burgers, hot dogs, topped with cheese (all purchased from
Shaw’s - thanks to Tony and Shaw’s). You could add
ketchup, one of two flavors of mustard, relish, cut up onions,
and some pickles. Yes, that’s just for the meat. Then our
wonderful townspeople brought all sorts of hors d’oeuvres,
a myriad of salads, watermelon that melted in your mouth, and
so many delicious side dishes, that no one left hungry. Did I
leave some food items out? What an array of fabulous desserts
to choose from. I’m sure many went back for seconds; I know
I did. I do have a pretty plate with red and blue flowers on
it (Churchill on back), and I believe it had had fruit in toothpicks
on it. I have it in the Post Office. Delicious food - check.
Ok, who was missing???
Sunni and Ralph Wilkewitz, who began this tradition so many years
ago, were not in attendance. Sunni, we all wish you the best!
They first started this picnic at the Grove in 1992, but the
next year had to bring everyone over to the Beach to accommodate
the number of people who multiplied into a picnic crowd. For
years Sunni and Ralph continued to create a true dynasty, taking
care of everything and everyone. Good things sometimes end and
in 2014, the Eaton Community Circle offered to bring food, which
was delicious. However, the consensus was “We want burgers
and dogs,” so I kind of took on the job. After years of
wonder chefs, Chris Kennedy and Tom Head, serving up great food,
we now have two new experienced wonder chefs and the party goes
on and on and on. (Thanks to Diane Portnoy for the use of her
big grill and to Hunter Haynes for bringing it.)
What else do we offer
other than a beautiful lake to swim in, but happy music coming
from Candace M., accordion; Dennis S., fife; Peter on guitar
and John on ukulele. How fun it is to belt out those patriotic
songs overlooking such beauty and remembering the great sacrifices
of our Veterans, who fought and are still fighting today so that
we can live with all the freedoms we are lucky enough to have
in this great country. In the 50/50 raffle, our two lucky winners
were Sally Plaisance, and Mary McCormick who received $130 each.
Lovely party enjoyed by all - check.
In other news, I hope
you all received copies of Joyce Blue’s “The Eaton
Bell.” Reminder: on Saturday, July 20 from 12:00 p.m. until
4:00 all are invited to celebrate the life of our friend Meg
Gospodarek, a longtime resident of Eaton and a special nurse
up at Memorial. The Church will be presenting some excellent
concerts this month: On Sunday, July 21 at 4:00 p.m., Ellen Schwindt
will be bringing along Maisie Brown and Kaitlyn Sakash, two amazing
young women who are graduating seniors this year and wonderful
pianists. Come hear them.
Then on Thursday, July
25 at 7:00 p.m. you must see Village Harmony. This concert with
teens from around the world and their leaders will astound and
complete your heart and mind. Suggested donation, $10; all are
welcome. Stay tuned for more events at our LWC.
Speaking of our Church,
the Board of Directors is looking for new board members. You
can be a part of this iconic entity’s preservation and continued
vitalization. We typically do not meet in the winter, and we
love when people bring their talents and expertise forward to
benefit this historic gem. If you are interested, please contact
a board member you know or Patricia McMurry (447-6822) or pmcmurry4@gmail.com
Are the berries ready
at Linda and Dave Sorensen’s BerryKnoll? Here is the latest:
red currants and champagne currants are ready. Black currants
and gooseberries need another week. Blueberries need approximately
2 more weeks. Some daylilies are beginning to bloom. A plastic
bin with berry boxes and the money box is on the picnic table.
All berries are $5/quart, the same as last year.
OLLI@UNH is once again
having an Openhouse July 24th 10:30 - noon to let people know
about the upcoming fall classes and events. Drop by the Journey
Church in Center Conway to meet the presenters and find out what
is starting in September. 30 classes locally including two by
Eaton residents: John Border with “Using the iPhone Camera
to Your Advantage,” and Beth Griffin, with “Making
Peace with Your Plate with Intuitive Eating.”
Do NOT miss the South
Eaton Meeting House Fair coming up on Saturday, July 27 from
11:30 to 2:00 p.m. at the Meeting House, off Rt. 153, left on
Horseleg Hill Road (going south). Grilled meats, pulled pork,
vegan options, baked beans, homemade salads, desserts, bake sale
items and drinks. This is definitely my favorite Fair for great
food, hospitality, fun conversations, and super desserts. Take
a tour of the historic Meeting House and the cemetery across
the road. Don’t forget money for the raffle tickets.
