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Everybody dressed for the weather!
To say this year’s Summer Picnic did not turnout as we planned it last March would be an understatement, but as usual, TOHG members not only carried on, they also found cause for celebration during this event that will long be remembered! With torrential rain in the forecast for Sunday, it was decided to cancel the bike ride, but because the NARA Park Pavilion is covered and the food was being catered, we decided to go ahead with the picnic. Around 11:30 a.m. people started to arrive, dressed for the weather and, in typical TOHG fashion, ready for a party. It rained heavily with a few gusts at times, but for the most part, it just rained. About 45 to 50members showed up. We moved tables under the pavilion, wiped them down, and caught up with each other while we waited for the caterer to arrive.
Note from the editor: The prize quote from the picnic was from John Bannick who said “When Eleanor and I arrived at the picnic site, Paul was battling wind and deluge, like someone in a Dürer print. He may not have Storm Master powers yet, but he certainly was giving his all to try to give us a party!”
The caterer pulled up at 1:00 p.m. ready to set up, but mentioned that we could move to an indoor facility about 30 minutes away in Marlboro instead of staying at the NARA Park pavilion. We decided to drive to Marlboro. It was just another adventure for the Top of theHill Gang!
By the time members arrived, the food and tables were prepared and we resumed the celebration. Nothing can deter the party atmosphere among Gang members who are always ready to make the most of every situation! As for the leftover food? We were glad to hear that whatever we didn’t take home, would be delivered to a women’s shelter and other charitable organizations. Despite a few weather-related uncertainties early on, we all came away with a delicious meal, friendships renewed, and a rainy day that we will talk about for years to come!
Paul M and Ellen W
Happy to eat inside and dry
After a very hot day in paradise the golfers are enjoying the shade under the canopy. The course is in great shape! We asked the UPS guy to take our photo, but he already had his own plan: to photobomb it.
Marco A
The Gang entered a surreal world on the Assabet River, a world where there was no sense that we were a mile from Concord and less than 20 miles from Boston. Thick woods lined the river and the only sign of life was a white-tailed deer. The trip began at the Southbridge Boat House in Concord and lasted two hours. We paddled up the Sudbury River, detoured onto the Assabet, and ended on the Concord River down where the Battle of Lexington and Concord was fought. Along the way we saw herons and turtles. And the deer. Enjoying the trip were Jill F, Pat G, Marty and Shelly G, Miriam J, Karen L, Daniel Y, and Harry P. This was the Gang’s second outing on these rivers and the consensus seems to be that this should be an annual occurrence.
Karen L.
An exceptional group of “Super Seniors”—TOHG members with common interests—gathered to enjoy lunch and friendship recently at “Not Your Average Joe’s” restaurant in Burlington, MA. The group was invited to reconnect with old friends, ski buddies, and hiking/biking pals and to share outrageous stories, some of which are true. Having traversed highways and bi-ways, completed multi-national treks, and frequented local venues for too many years to count seemed like a good- enough reason to gather again, to talk, laugh, and—maybe what we do best—eat!
The idea for the event was generated by friends who have connected through the years and miss being active participants in more challenging adventures, while still maintaining their zest for life and friendship. “Not your average” Joe Messina coordinated the location, contacted those he could remember (!), and relied on the help of others to identify and coerce the faint hearted into “one more time,” which may become an annual TOHG event. After all, isn’t that what we all say when the light begins to fade and the lift lines are short—“Just one more time?”
Dawn M and Joe M
Chris B, Barbara B, Carol B, Jan G, Cindi A, Marie K
On a beautiful sunny June day five members of the West Mystery Group and one guest enjoyed a visit to the unique Y V Art Museum and Sculpture Park in Acton. Previously known as "The Quarry", the name was recently changed to honor the two primary contributors of works of art. We were warmly greeted by Yin Peet, owner and artist, who gave us an extensive tour of the museum and it's art. Many of the works are her own, other works are by her partner, Viktor and various other artists. Our tour continued outdoors where she showed us some of the earliest sculptures in the park, the stone quarry and surroundings, as well as the newer "Rock Pile" sculpture site. Throughout our tour,she shared vignettes of her life and her evolution as an artist. We were then free to roam on our own over the two trails in the woods to view sculptures and installations there.
Jan G, Chris B, Barbara B, Cindi A, Carol B, Marie K
Facilities tour after the presentation with our guide Glenn Field
13 members participated in a guided tour of a little-known government organization that predicts the future, with a 50% chance of getting it right and a 100% chance of being forgiven for getting it wrong. Yes, we are talking about the NOAA’s National Weather Service. We learned about the mysteries behind the most creative guessing game and the misconceptions about lightning, amongst other fascinating facts.
The guided tour was followed by lunch at Brack’s Grill.
L-R: Joe C, Lucille S, Joe M, Elaine M, Joan S, Elsie L, Nonie L, Susan and Chuck H, Sandy L. Marco took the photo.
Ken, Alan, Allan, Linda, Marjorie, Daniel, Ken and Kim
Alan U
End of the Causeway "The Cut"
Enjoying a variety of weather conditions 43 TOHG members enjoyed a 3 day trip to Burlington VT.
We cruised Lake Champlain on board of The Spirit of Ethan Allen on Monday followed by a buffet dinner at Zachary’s Pizza.
Wednesday morning 19 hardy souls rode The 127 Trail from the Ethan Allen Homestead with snow flurries making for a memorable ride. And of course some of the Gang stopped at Ben & Jerry’s factory on the way home!
Dinner at Zachary's
Photo left to right: Gayle, Ken, Gail E, Daniel, Alan U, Allan G, James. Carolyn, Herta. In front - Nancy. Missing from photo was Miriam who took the picture.
Eleven TOHG members set off from Salem NH on a 2 hour bike ride to Derry NH along the Salem, Windham and Derry Rail Trails. It was a beautiful warm Spring day and fortunately much of the trail was shaded. Most of this route is wooded and passes several ponds, bogs and streams and we were fortunate to see several turtles sunning themselves along the way.
Joan, Linda, Jan, Judith, Jane, Dori (not in picture Meredith, John and Carol)
After the walk we ate bagged lunches at a shady picnic table.
Meredith P
Jane, John, Carol, Joan, Dori, Jan, Judith, Jane
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