A Gathering by the River

What a fabulous afternoon, sharing lunch with over 60 friends and neighbors of all ages, from Lyme, Orford, and beyond! It was such a happy mix of guests, enjoying conversation and good food together — just a joy to be a part of!

There are so many people to thank, starting with the organizing team of Chris Bunten, Priscilla LaMott, and Martha Tecca. That was a big job, and great work to involve lots of others:

Mark and Martha Teccas’ spot by the river was a gorgeous setting for a relaxing meal. Those Guys of Lyme provided the tent — a generous contribution, on a steamy hot day for the set-up and a race against the coming storm to take down the tent so it could be transferred to the Lyme Common for the Prouty SAG stop. The Orford-Fairlee Lions provided tables and chairs, and they also moved the equipment to host a Prouty SAG stop, in Fairlee. Cammie Wheeler graced all the tables with lovely flower arrangements. Mark Berger helped guests with parking.

The meal was a combined effort. The starter was Martha’s beautiful green minty pea soup. Speaking of beautiful greens, Chris and Priscilla made a salad with incredible heads of lettuce donated by Peaked Moon Farm, picked just hours before the lunch. Martha and Lee Lopez made a variety of frittatas — something for everyone. The Orford Senior Center shared Willing Hands vegetable bounty for the frittatas. Hannaford in Bradford donated watermelons. Several bakers provided a mix of breads and a tempting selection of sweet treats. Bakers included Chris, Priscilla, Kathy Sherrieb, Ann Green, Jude Parker, Susan Musty, Lee Lopez, Helen Oliver, and Abbe Murphy. Tony Patterson provided ice for the event. The Lyme Congregational Church lent hospitality supplies. We were also able to deliver 20 meals to neighbors who weren’t able to join us, as well as share some love in the form of food and flowers with the staff at Alice Peck Day who have been taking good care of a Lyme friend.

Set up, serving, and clean up helpers included Susan Musty, Beth Taylor, Lee Lopez, Lynn McRae, Patty Jenks, Kathy Sherrieb, Teri Hontas, Dianne Stanley, Chris, Priscilla, and many guests who pitched in. There was a virtual swarm of smiling people removing the tables and chairs as the weather was threatening after the meal. What a community!

We are so very grateful to all who attended and all who helped for the joyous and uplifting day.