Winona Woods Picnic: Thank You!

Thanks to the support of so many of our neighbors we had another terrific picnic despite the rain.Because of your help and support we were able to have another successful event for our community.

Right from the start Ken Cronin did a terrific job getting the popcorn machine cleaned up and ready for business.The handmade carnival games were a hit thanks to their construction by Dick DeYeager and the friendly facilitation by Margaret and Dave Burns. In addition to a million other tasks, Tom Broderick’s assistance rounding up the soda-pop and balloons was a great help but his performance as Clifford certainly stole the show. I’m not sure what we would have done without Susanna Kopp’s warm smile and helpful efforts to price the bake sale with her tasteful tags. It was such a relief when Amy and Joe Lombardo took over in a pinch to make sure we could keep the bake sale open during the middle of the picnic. In addition to this Jackie Mooney and her family did a great job welcoming neighbors to the event and organizing our bike parade even though it kinda got rained out. A helpful hand from Marie Puckett was invaluable as we closed down the bake sale and cleaned out the popcorn maker. When the event wrapped up James Peterson and Mike Puckett were an enormous help as they made at least half a dozen trips up and down the stairs to clear out the church hall and pack up the cars.

We’d also like to thank our bake sale bakers who helped us to raise revenue to pay for this event. A big thank you to Ashley Robbins, Tasia Lee, Susanna Kopp, Heide Jorgenson, Jen Sally,  Kate Gallagher, Shirley Tschang, Anne Johnson, Pat Zacharias, Erica Walton, Jennifer Peterson, Amy Lombardo, Sarah Reali, Meg Stoffel and many others for their delicious treats.

In addition, we need to thank all of our awesome street captains who sold nearly 200  tickets. Susanna Kopp, Kate Gallagher, Jess Neerbash, Amy DeYeager, Jen Sally, Paula Krawczuk, Pat Zacharias, Alison Smith, Anne Johnson, Heide Jorgenson and Jeremy Morgante not only knocked on doors but knocked this out of the park.

Of course we should also thank our Winona Woods Board members. Eileen Broderick who’s help with several last minute tasks allowed us to take the picnic indoors on short notice. Our secretary, Amy DeYeager’s help with general organization, food permit applications, ticket distribution and money management should not have gone unnoticed. Our Vice President, Jeremy Morgante’s expertise with the audio equipment and his efforts to schedule the fire truck visit really lent to the atmosphere. Completing the block party permit, getting change and making important and timely deposits would not have had happened without our savvy Treasurer Pat Zacharias. And how could anyone forget Anne Johnson’s assistance serving meals at the window, friendly announcements and her help painting the game backer boards.

Last but certainly not least, thank you to Eric Okrin and the Trinity Communion Church for hosting us in their wonderful space as well as saving the day due to the rain.

If it has not been said already, please know how much each of your contributions were valued in making this event a success. Its stuff like this that makes our neighborhood a great place to live.