Maple Hill Lane reunion
Warm weather signaled the start of family reunions and gatherings. Today’s families, more than ever, need to relax and spend more time together. Put down those tech gadgets and rejoice in one another. Time goes by so fast, kids grow up too quick, some have married and started families of their own and have gone their separate ways, so reunions can be a way to bring everybody back together.
Anna Clatterbuck and Mae Racer held a reunion for about 80 people at their residence on Maple Hill Lane on June 11. The weather was beautiful and a better day couldn’t have been had. The ladies were running around trying to make sure everything was in its place, while the men stood around catching up on the news, waiting to eat.
After all the table were filled with the food, Mary Gochenour tried to get everybody’s attention, but couldn’t because everyone was still catching up on old times and new times, and didn’t quite hear her. Eventually, Emily Dodson took the floor and finally got everybody’s attention. Emily is one great woman, who was also running around trying to make sure everyone was having a great time.
Mary asked the blessing, then it was time for the food! Allen Streightiff and his wife Lisa, made the potato salad, coleslaw, pork BBQ and the delicious homemade rolls. They also made a few chocolate pies to indulge in after the main meal. I have to say, their coleslaw has KFC’s beat by a long shot.
After the main dinner was finished, the ladies went inside and brought out the desserts. There were so many to choose from and the kids certainly got their sugar rush for the day. And again this year, the talk of the crowd was Mae’s rice pudding and Allen’s homemade rolls. They were great!
Fred and Sandra Stoots, their daughter Crystal Owens, and Crystal’s stepdaughter Caley traveled the furthest for the reunion. They came up all the way from Marion, Virginia. Always great when they can come up.
We had three very special birthdays this year to also celebrate with the reunion. Steve Clatterbuck celebrated his day on Thursday, June 16, Mary’s birthday will be on Thursday, June 30, and Sandra will celebrate her day on July 13. They had a beautiful birthday cake that was delicious. Sandra doesn’t get to come up this way very often, so the family also wanted to celebrate their birthdays along with the reunion, and they received many beautiful cards.
At the close of the reunion, everyone could say that the day had been memorable — and that no one left hungry. We even had enough food to take home with us. As I always say, there are three things that one cannot recover: The stone after it is thrown, the word after it is said, and most importantly, time after it’s passed. Always remember one thing, people are not on this earth forever, and could be gone tomorrow, so if you have a chance to spend time with family, take it!
Family reunions are an important part of the Clatterbucks’ family life. They help everyone to preserve the rich fond memories, stories, and most importantly, relationships the will last for generations. They provide family members with important values, strong and lasting bonds, and a deep sense of belonging that they can pass on to their children and grandchildren. I hope as the years pass by, that families keep this legacy going on and always remember the memories they made.
The family would like to thank Allen Streightiff and his wife Lisa for the food they catered to the reunion, also to those that brought a dish to be served and for everyone who could make it out and make it so memorable.
TRINITY’S OPEN HOUSE AND BLESSING
Trinity Episcopal Church celebrated the Open House and Blessing of its rectory on June 11 with tours and a ribboncutting ceremony. According to Juliet Del Grosso, the church’s administrative assistant, close to 90 people enjoyed the beautiful sunny day by touring the newly renovated home and seeing what was done to bring it to modern efficiency with 1937 flair. The house was filled with fresh flowers, and live music and refreshments were enjoyed by all outdoors. Spots and Cindy Williams were the ones in charge of the Rectory restoration.
BERMUDA CRUISE
Diane Moore and her husband, Chuck, from Washington, went on a five-day cruise to Bermuda on earlier this month with her sister, Debbie Flournoy, and her husband Bobby and their family. According to Diane, the highlight of the trip was visiting the beautiful Horseshoe Bay beach with it's pastel pink sand and lovely blue water. Also, Diane and Chuck Moore celebrated their 36th anniversary on Tuesday, June 14.
CELEBRATION OF TULA’S NEW MURAL
Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Tula’s for a celebration of the completion of the restaurant’s new mural with Linda Heimstra and her band, the Nethers Hot Club. The muralist herself is featured on guitar and vocals, the Rannie Winn on horns and vocals, Bob Williams and his stunning guitar leads, Joe Pipik getting down on bass (watch for his surprise persona in the second set) and Ralph Getsinger keeping everyone honest with his dynamic and complex beat on the congas. Enjoy a walk through the woods, which is what Heimstra’s mural depicts, and dance. No cover charge, reservations for the patio suggested.
LOST KEYS
According to Mary Collins, the Thrift Shop found someone's key ring in the grass up by the barn on the Fire Department property. Probably someone attending a function at the hall. The Tuesday crew found them. If anyone lost them, please call 540-6836499 between 10 and 5 on Wednesday or 10 and 1 on Saturday.
Have a nice week.