Camp Miakonda a lovely party setting

Janet M. Fitzpatrick was honored at the Comandress Ball.

Community movers and shakers continue to get together for charitable causes.

WARM fall weather made for a peaceful walk through the woods at Camp Miakonda in Sylvania Township. But this time the walk was for the big kids. The second annual "Feast in the Forest" at Miakonda with the Erie Shores Boy Scout Council was Oct. 13, presented by Sky Bank.

Janet M. Fitzpatrick was honored at the Comandress Ball.

Adults who maneuvered through rush hour traffic after a hectic day at work welcomed a deep breath of fresh air. A shiny black stretch limousine brought guests to the party from the parking lot, although several preferred to walk. While it was still daylight, some party-goers took a trail to the see the fort and Tepee Village. As the proud sister of two Eagle Scouts who attended Miakonda every summer in their youth, I gladly showed newcomers the surroundings. The historic museum told the story of the camp. The board began buying land and the first building was constructed in 1917; in 1926 it was incorporated as the DeVilbiss Scout Reservation and is now officially known as the DeVilbiss Scout Reservation, Camp Miakonda.

Torches lit the path to the Council Lodge, where the party was held. The lodge was built in 1934 as a WPA project and has been updated, but it still has the rustic feel. For those looking for a venue for a party, check it out. The caterer, Tom Elliott, the camp's executive chef, whips up some tasty meals.

At the party, wines and water sated thirst, and cheeses, fruits and oodles of shrimp whet guests' appetites for a buffet of gourmet-style salmon, chicken, pork, steak, salads, and more. The chocolate fountain and desserts were yummy, too. Viola, violin, guitar, and flugelhorn music added to the tranquil scene.

Paul Koester was recognized for his longtime service to Scouting and to Miakonda. Hostess gifts were a set of wine glasses compliments of Libbey Glass. The party over, a stroll during the moonlit night was the finishing touch.

Bill Fall, left, Richard Fisher, and Robert Thompson at the Feast in the Forest at Camp Miakonda.

Event chairman Robert Thompson was assisted by a vast committee that included Charlie Warr, Lindy Cree, and Milissa Clark. Board members, including Dick Reynolds, Hank Newcomb, Paul Tait, Tom Blank, and Granger Souder, also assisted. Among the guests were Tom Fry, John and Connie Ulmer, Ben Waggoner, Dave and Sally Adkins, Bill Brennan, Rob Robinson, Russ and Jean Miller, Tom and Jan Gagnet, Joe and Annie O'Leary, Dean Roberts, Mark and Donna Zaharski, Dave and Natalie Williams, Dan and Theresa McHugh, Bill Gosline, Bob and Kate Martin, and my brother, Greg Hendel, a board member who has served the Scouts for many moons.

Board chairman Bill Fall and Scout Council executive director Richard Fisher estimate a net of $7,500. Proceeds will help support the Scoutreach Division.

LADIES in gowns and gentlemen in tuxedos made for an impressive scene Oct. 8 at the Radisson Hotel. The formal dinner was the 42nd annual Commandress Ball of Mecca Court No. 73, Daughters of Isis, Oasis of Toledo-Desert of Ohio. The event honored Illustrious Commandress Daughter Janet M. Fitzpatrick, who was escorted by her husband, Clarenton Fitzpatrick, and son, Donald Newsom. Some 200 guests came from all over Ohio and Michigan.

Ball chairman Myrna Banks was assisted by co-chairmen Claudia Roberts and Delores Shorter and their committees.

IT'S TRUNK show time again! The Country Garden Club's annual Holiday Trunk Show will be held Sunday though Tuesday at Carranor Hunt and Polo Club. Chairman of this year's event is Margaret Hedlund, assisted by Cindy Taylor and Tina Black. President Sue Kienzle said there will be more than 20 vendors from several states offering a wide variety of jewelry, clothing, giftware, and more.

Admission to the show, which is open to the public, is $7; guests can also purchase lunch. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday. Some are getting first dibs on items by buying tickets to the preview party Saturday.