Roving Reporter - Picnic

We had a cozy somewhat smaller group, as some of our "regulars" were on vacations: some in the Caribbean, some at the Outer Banks taking advantage of reduced rates, and others at other vacations.

After the weeks of dreary, overcast or rainy, hot, humid days, we could not have asked for a nicer day weather wise.

Bright and early, the Heindels, Rissers, Smysmeisters (That's Vye and Karl), and Shermans with help from daughter Sue and granddaughter, Alison and her friend Rachel, we got the place ship shape in plenty of time. We had about 74 persons for dinner. Darrell was our M.C., Tom Fink spoke of 9-11-01. He had the car ribbon magnets available for sale, Ron Herman also talked about 9-11, and George Young passed out the poppies. To their surprise, they did get about $35 in contributions to the cause of West York VFW. Chaplain Joe Watson gave the invocation. Jackie and Darrell were in the kitchen with Sue, Alison, and Rachel serving. We had halves of chicken, Gertie Spangler's potato salad, corn on the cob, cole slaw, apple sauce, and rolls with butter. I suppose everyone had enough to eat, as we did have leftovers. We had 20 contributors of desserts: cakes, pies of all sorts, and fresh fruits: watermelon, cantaloupe, honey due, and our regular salted snacks. I sure hope some of these fantastic bakers will be sharing their recipes for our cookbook. (Hilda Herman brought in her recipes, so that is a start.) Help with the meals also included Bill Zavalick in charge of seeing that the coffee was always available, Dawn Langis, Dorla, and Vye all seeing that the desserts were ready and attractively presented. I'm sure others were helping, too. Come to think of it, I never did see Darrell and Jackie sit down to eat! Not to forget the drinks of beer, sodas, lemonade, iced tea, and cranberry juice. Al Heindel kept his watchful eye in that department.

Tom Fink was our Auctioneer. We had 13 contributors (those that signed the paper) and realized $75 on the auction. Tom did a great job especially since he was asked only earlier in the day. Joan Gruver and a guest of Peter's helped Tom. It is really great to be able to just ask and get a positive and enthusiastic reply. As important as our contributors are the buyers. Gloria Watson and Dorladeen Brown did the 50/50. That net to the club was $30. THANK YOU ALL!

We had tapes or CD music throughout the day using the club's tapes as well as those of the Rissers. We thank Sielinde Davis for sharing her German CDs with us.

I had wrapped the flatware in a napkin and attached a ballot for the members to select the site for the picnic in 2005. Fourty-one (41) completed their ballot. George Erich tallied the results: 35 for Yoe Park, 6 New Oxford that was requested by member Joe Anderson.

I do not have the bottom line as far as financial outcome. When all expenses are received by Treasurer Al Langis, that will be available to you, our members.

It was so wonderful to have so many people help with the cleanup. I cannot begin to name everyone who worked so hard at some time during the day. Peter Dreuckhammer always works hard at clean-up. I'm sure the Langis's were exhausted. They worked hard and still had to keep their eyes on their grandchildren. All in all, it was a great picnic. I hope all of you who attended enjoyed the day, and those of you who did not attend, feel you were there after reading this report and not want to miss it next year. After receiving the vote, we will schedule the Yoe Park again next year for the first Saturday after Labor Day. Mark your calenders!

Betty Sherman

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