The Friday menu says “anything that is left over”. If it was mentioned in this blog during the week we put it out this morning. Sausage, creamed dried beef, French toast, eggs, fried apples, watermelon, etc.
We cleaned up from breakfast with packing to head home in mind. Carl broke down the outdoor griddle area with Pat’s help and filled the back of his truck.
Rich and Anne went on site to help a group for the second day with roofing.
Mollie, Bette and Makenzie put the rental house in order.
Most of the preparation for tonight’s dinner of pizza and tacos was done in advance. We were cleaned up and out by six.
Rich and Anne have left for home.
Our next big event is tonight’s Mary Keller memorial ice cream social at eight o’clock. Makenzie stayed at the school after dinner and will help Carl serve the ice cream to the campers and their guests, the owners of the houses they worked on.
After we put out breakfast tomorrow morning the rest of us will start home also. We all have had a great experience, just ask any of the CAMT members who are named in this blog, we’d love to talk about our experiences.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Today was the last day of the Bike VA event. On Sunday and again today we were the recipients of all the unused items from the rest stops here in the county. Again Bagels galore, peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches, cookies, trail mix and bananas. Very ripe bananas.
So every morning this week Bette has been making banana smoothes. First using orange juice, then later in the week she added apples, and then blueberries left over from our Thursday pancake breakfast menu. Low and behold they are very popular. She is kept busy making batch after batch in the mornings. We have now added a sign to the pitcher of smoothes – Presbyterian Smoothes.
Dinner was chopped sirloin and real mashed potatoes followed by watermelon as dessert.
So every morning this week Bette has been making banana smoothes. First using orange juice, then later in the week she added apples, and then blueberries left over from our Thursday pancake breakfast menu. Low and behold they are very popular. She is kept busy making batch after batch in the mornings. We have now added a sign to the pitcher of smoothes – Presbyterian Smoothes.
Dinner was chopped sirloin and real mashed potatoes followed by watermelon as dessert.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Mackenzie is ok and reported to work on time this morning.
The Middle School Principal has been having breakfast with us most days as he comes in to work. Today he brought his wife and daughter along. Having his company has allowed us to have several conversations about the school district here. Like West Virginia, the school district is all of Pulaski County.
As previously described we have Wednesday Afternoons off and all of us went a different direction. Mollie and Bette went to the Heritage Trail Museum, Pat and Carl followed a map of Artisan Shops throughout the County. Rich and Anne visited the Virginia Tech campus and the memorial from the shooting there of a few years ago.
We all came together for dinner. It was a good dinner, and typical of when we get together socially, a good discussion followed. Tonight’s topic – Covenant’s mission projects and works.
We only have two more days before we head home. The weeks working here with Mid-Atlantic Christian Endeavor go by so quickly.
The Middle School Principal has been having breakfast with us most days as he comes in to work. Today he brought his wife and daughter along. Having his company has allowed us to have several conversations about the school district here. Like West Virginia, the school district is all of Pulaski County.
As previously described we have Wednesday Afternoons off and all of us went a different direction. Mollie and Bette went to the Heritage Trail Museum, Pat and Carl followed a map of Artisan Shops throughout the County. Rich and Anne visited the Virginia Tech campus and the memorial from the shooting there of a few years ago.
We all came together for dinner. It was a good dinner, and typical of when we get together socially, a good discussion followed. Tonight’s topic – Covenant’s mission projects and works.
We only have two more days before we head home. The weeks working here with Mid-Atlantic Christian Endeavor go by so quickly.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Tuesday, June 28
Yes, we are continuning to break records. With seven people and everyone knowing their job it has been easy work and early completion times. With just sixty people here to be served each meal our initial reaction is we serve more than that at Coatesville each month.
This leaves time for three of us to work on site with some of the groups. Rich Smith and Anne have been helping in the mornings on various projects.
Mackenzie Hughes spent the whole day with Grace Lutheran from Macungie on demolition of a house before a bulldozer comes in to complete. Well as it turns out not the whole day. She stepped on a nail and her grandmother had to take her to the local hospital for a tetanus shot. Which still took several hours of the day.
Here in Dublin, about five miles from the hospital, is a billboard that has a digital display tell everyone the minutes waiting time at the emergency room. It has never been greater than 25 minutes.
This leaves time for three of us to work on site with some of the groups. Rich Smith and Anne have been helping in the mornings on various projects.
Mackenzie Hughes spent the whole day with Grace Lutheran from Macungie on demolition of a house before a bulldozer comes in to complete. Well as it turns out not the whole day. She stepped on a nail and her grandmother had to take her to the local hospital for a tetanus shot. Which still took several hours of the day.
Here in Dublin, about five miles from the hospital, is a billboard that has a digital display tell everyone the minutes waiting time at the emergency room. It has never been greater than 25 minutes.
Monday, July 04, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Zip, zip we’re done. Carl and Pat go to the school by 5:30 and put out all the products each of our crew needs to do his/her job. The rest arrive at 6:00.
Rich Smith is tutoring on the griddle to take over next year as a weekly food manager. Bette, Ann and Mollie package cut apples in baggies for the lunch line. McKenzie bakes a sheet cake for dessert tonight and then does a sheet pan of brownies for tomorrow’s lunches. Pat lays out the breakfast bar items. Mollie cuts watermelon pieces to go with the cake for tonight. We serve French toast and bacon to those waiting at 7:00 and are done by 7:30. Cleaned up and out at 8:05. A record.
This afternoon might take a little longer because we need to fill out the salad bar items. But we will see if we can continue to break time records.
Rich Smith is tutoring on the griddle to take over next year as a weekly food manager. Bette, Ann and Mollie package cut apples in baggies for the lunch line. McKenzie bakes a sheet cake for dessert tonight and then does a sheet pan of brownies for tomorrow’s lunches. Pat lays out the breakfast bar items. Mollie cuts watermelon pieces to go with the cake for tonight. We serve French toast and bacon to those waiting at 7:00 and are done by 7:30. Cleaned up and out at 8:05. A record.
This afternoon might take a little longer because we need to fill out the salad bar items. But we will see if we can continue to break time records.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Mollie Hughes, Bette Bowes, and Mollie’s granddaughter McKenzie arrived right on time this afternoon giving them time to settle in. We will repeat the same schedule as last week. At 5:00 we head to the school to make sandwiches. Rich Smith and Anne Zayeitz did not want the dorm experience of group living in the rental house so they have opted to drive an extra twenty miles each day by staying at a motel. Because of the Bike Virginia they could not get closer.
They pull up in front of the house and follow us to the school. Everyone familiarizes themselves with the school cafeteria layout for handling the serving of meals, setup for lunch, and then complete the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Afterwards we all head to Shoney’s back in Dublin for a dinner together. McKenzie returns to the school with me for the second Dori Gilstrom ice cream social at 9:00.
The attendance this week is only 60. We still have the same amount of work to set up and cleanup but serving goes quickly. McKenzie and I are back at the house by 10.
Last year while we were in West Virginia McKenzie became close with some of the teens from Grace Lutheran Macungie PA and has stayed in touch all year. It is the reason she and her grandmother are here this week.
Each participant in attendance has an envelope with his or her name taped to the wall in the back of the cafeteria. The object is to write notes of friendship or appreciation. On Saturday morning as they are leaving the envelopes are handed out so they can be read on the drive home. Pat and I had several notes in our envelopes. These two hit home.
and
They pull up in front of the house and follow us to the school. Everyone familiarizes themselves with the school cafeteria layout for handling the serving of meals, setup for lunch, and then complete the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Afterwards we all head to Shoney’s back in Dublin for a dinner together. McKenzie returns to the school with me for the second Dori Gilstrom ice cream social at 9:00.
The attendance this week is only 60. We still have the same amount of work to set up and cleanup but serving goes quickly. McKenzie and I are back at the house by 10.
Last year while we were in West Virginia McKenzie became close with some of the teens from Grace Lutheran Macungie PA and has stayed in touch all year. It is the reason she and her grandmother are here this week.
Each participant in attendance has an envelope with his or her name taped to the wall in the back of the cafeteria. The object is to write notes of friendship or appreciation. On Saturday morning as they are leaving the envelopes are handed out so they can be read on the drive home. Pat and I had several notes in our envelopes. These two hit home.
Thank you so much for preparing and planning all of our meals for the week. We are always excited to see your canopy and griddle when we pull in.
and
Upon arriving at work camp my youth leader said that we were in for a real treat because you were the cook. Now after a week here at camp, I completely agree with my leader. The food was Spectacular!
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Our first group from CAMT packed last night and started home early this morning.
On Saturday we serve a bare bones breakfast of cereal and juice. And left over pizza. You can’t believe how many teenagers will eat pizza for breakfast. The first group of High School Church fellowships head for home.
Pat and Carl get a day and a half off until group two of our CAMT teams arrive Sunday late afternoon.
On Saturday we serve a bare bones breakfast of cereal and juice. And left over pizza. You can’t believe how many teenagers will eat pizza for breakfast. The first group of High School Church fellowships head for home.
Pat and Carl get a day and a half off until group two of our CAMT teams arrive Sunday late afternoon.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Earlier in this blog I reported that Bike VA started today. I thought it was a motorcycle rally. I was wrong. It is truly a gathering of bicyclists 1700 of them. They have booked all the motels for miles around and many of them are camping in tents at the local high school.
Being the end of the week for breakfast we serve “whatever we have left over”. In this case it is French toast and eggs over easy and cinnamon rolls,
I mentioned Thursday is our big meal, but Friday is our kid’s meal. Pizza and tacos, with chili in place of soup on the salad bar. The kids really love it even though it is a do it yourself meal. They go through 30 lbs of hamburger as they build some wild combinations in flour tortillas. The spice combinations alone would give an adult heartburn.
So at 8:00 after the praise service we again serve ice cream. This year is the First Annual Mary Keller Memorial ice cream social. A quote from Mary has been our motto here. “The kids are here to serve the community, we are here to serve the kids.
Both Mary Keller and Dori Gilstrom have served CAMT by participating with what was PACE (Pennsylvania Christian Endeavor) and is now MACE for many years and are still remembered.
Actually our crew this week has many years of service under our belt.
It’s been nine years for Pat and Carl Lotz, Mollie and Millie have at least twelve years.
Being the end of the week for breakfast we serve “whatever we have left over”. In this case it is French toast and eggs over easy and cinnamon rolls,
I mentioned Thursday is our big meal, but Friday is our kid’s meal. Pizza and tacos, with chili in place of soup on the salad bar. The kids really love it even though it is a do it yourself meal. They go through 30 lbs of hamburger as they build some wild combinations in flour tortillas. The spice combinations alone would give an adult heartburn.
So at 8:00 after the praise service we again serve ice cream. This year is the First Annual Mary Keller Memorial ice cream social. A quote from Mary has been our motto here. “The kids are here to serve the community, we are here to serve the kids.
Both Mary Keller and Dori Gilstrom have served CAMT by participating with what was PACE (Pennsylvania Christian Endeavor) and is now MACE for many years and are still remembered.
Actually our crew this week has many years of service under our belt.
It’s been nine years for Pat and Carl Lotz, Mollie and Millie have at least twelve years.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Mentioned previously we have changed our food schedule today to allow everyone to attend the Pulaski Mariners baseball game at 7:00.
Thursday is our big meal, but is quickly comes together. Carl browned the chopped steaks after breakfast this morning and now they will be finished off in the oven. What eventually will become the mashed potatoes start out as commercial packaged ¼ inch cubes. This allows us to put the 20 plus lbs into a steamer to cook. We then mash them with potato masher from the dollar store and use a small manual beater to finish.
In the mean time Pat Lotz does the brown gravy and then, as she does every night, prepares the soup that is part of the salad bar. They are simple modifications built around canned soup but get rave reviews each night.
Well each night except Tuesday. On Tuesdays we get won ton soup from a local Chinese restaurant. This is always an experience. Early in the morning I tried to explain to the manager what we wanted. No one in the restaurant spoke English. I thought I was getting through to them until she placed a call to her teen-age son who speaks English. It only took us another 15 minutes with him as interpreter. Either I have to learn Chinese or Pat has got to be able to make won-ton soup. I would prefer the latter.
As previously reported Millie Williams and Nancy Reynolds complete the salad bar. Keeping it stocked takes all of the lead-time we have before serving.
Nancy Carpenter baked some chocolate chip cookies to serve hot along with watermelon for dessert.
The kids are finished dinner by 5:30. They finish their evening praise service by 6:30 and are off to the game.
At the game they are publicly recognized for the work they are doing, The Mariners win their third straight game 13 to 2.
Thursday is our big meal, but is quickly comes together. Carl browned the chopped steaks after breakfast this morning and now they will be finished off in the oven. What eventually will become the mashed potatoes start out as commercial packaged ¼ inch cubes. This allows us to put the 20 plus lbs into a steamer to cook. We then mash them with potato masher from the dollar store and use a small manual beater to finish.
In the mean time Pat Lotz does the brown gravy and then, as she does every night, prepares the soup that is part of the salad bar. They are simple modifications built around canned soup but get rave reviews each night.
Well each night except Tuesday. On Tuesdays we get won ton soup from a local Chinese restaurant. This is always an experience. Early in the morning I tried to explain to the manager what we wanted. No one in the restaurant spoke English. I thought I was getting through to them until she placed a call to her teen-age son who speaks English. It only took us another 15 minutes with him as interpreter. Either I have to learn Chinese or Pat has got to be able to make won-ton soup. I would prefer the latter.
As previously reported Millie Williams and Nancy Reynolds complete the salad bar. Keeping it stocked takes all of the lead-time we have before serving.
Nancy Carpenter baked some chocolate chip cookies to serve hot along with watermelon for dessert.
The kids are finished dinner by 5:30. They finish their evening praise service by 6:30 and are off to the game.
At the game they are publicly recognized for the work they are doing, The Mariners win their third straight game 13 to 2.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesdays are half a day. We serve breakfast and the kids complete their lunch by working down the line of items that ends with fruit and then write their names on the bags. BUT we don’t have to serve dinner. The groups only work half a day until 1:00 o’clock. Then the afternoon is free for group activities. Most seem to go somewhere to swim.
There is a professional baseball team here in Pulaski. The Pulaski Mariners, a division of the Seattle Mariners. They play in Calfee Park, built in 1932 and nestled between two close hills. On one side houses high enough over right field that they can sit in their front yard and watch the game. Dense woods cover the hill on the left field side. The Phillies were here back in the 50’s. Citizens Park in Philly seats 45,00. Calfee seats 2,000. Well that is a misnomer because you have to bring your own seat in some areas of the stadium. The team is a Rookie League with a short season that just started Tuesday. I never heard of a Rookie League before but it is the starting point for many players. The season is late starting since most of the players have just been drafted and are just out of college. Although several are right out of High School.
Wednesday is a great night for baseball so Pat and Carl attend. Almost 800 people come out for the game paying $4 for general admission. We opt for reserved seating at $6 per ticket behind home plate. Scouts who are familiarizing themselves with the new players surround us. The experience is similar to when the Mets play the Phillies in Philly. A lot of verbal haranguing of the umpire and even the players.
The town of Pulaski is treating our groups to a free game on Thursday night. As a result we have to modify both breakfast hours to get them out to work early since they are stopping by 3:30. Then we have to have dinner ready by 4:30 so they can have the daily church service at 6:30 to head to the ballgame by 6:30 for the first pitch at 7:00.
(To be continued)
There is a professional baseball team here in Pulaski. The Pulaski Mariners, a division of the Seattle Mariners. They play in Calfee Park, built in 1932 and nestled between two close hills. On one side houses high enough over right field that they can sit in their front yard and watch the game. Dense woods cover the hill on the left field side. The Phillies were here back in the 50’s. Citizens Park in Philly seats 45,00. Calfee seats 2,000. Well that is a misnomer because you have to bring your own seat in some areas of the stadium. The team is a Rookie League with a short season that just started Tuesday. I never heard of a Rookie League before but it is the starting point for many players. The season is late starting since most of the players have just been drafted and are just out of college. Although several are right out of High School.
Wednesday is a great night for baseball so Pat and Carl attend. Almost 800 people come out for the game paying $4 for general admission. We opt for reserved seating at $6 per ticket behind home plate. Scouts who are familiarizing themselves with the new players surround us. The experience is similar to when the Mets play the Phillies in Philly. A lot of verbal haranguing of the umpire and even the players.
The town of Pulaski is treating our groups to a free game on Thursday night. As a result we have to modify both breakfast hours to get them out to work early since they are stopping by 3:30. Then we have to have dinner ready by 4:30 so they can have the daily church service at 6:30 to head to the ballgame by 6:30 for the first pitch at 7:00.
(To be continued)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday and Tuesday, June 20, 21 2011
The big advantage to the work we do here with MACE (Mid-Atlantic Christian Endeavor) is the experience of the team that is together this week. Last year Nancy Reynolds was a rookie. This year she is a veteran working right along with Millie Williams. They serve breakfast from 7 to 7:30 and then change hats to set up and distribute the lunch materials. Together they prepare the sandwiches offered everyday, over a hundred and fifty meat and cheese sandwiches. Nancy Carpenter, who once worked in a school cafeteria, does the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Spreading that much peanut butter is a real knack, and no body does it better. Nancy also handles the baking of cakes and cinnamon rolls etc.
The biggest problem for all of us is always adapting to the hours we keep. This week because we have an attendance of hundred and ten we don’t start breakfast until 7am. In the past it was 6:30. But we still are up at five every morning and are finished most of our morning work around 8:30. The time we usually are just getting up at home.
In the mornings Nancy Carpenter is baking items for breakfast but also cakes for tonight’s desert or 160 drop biscuits for strawberry shortcake.
The schedule of the evening meal is salad bar at 5:00 and dinner at 5:15. Nancy Reynolds and Millie Williams maintain and set up an extensive salad bar and serve the soup that Pat Lotz prepares. 110 teenagers can and do strip the salad bar, and Millie and Nancy are kept busy restocking.
Nancy Carpenter prepares most of the dinner items and she and Pat Lotz then serve.
And it all goes amazingly smoothly.
Outside under a canopy Carl Lotz works the griddle (described previously) for most of the breakfast items.
The menu is a refinement of what CAMT has discovered over the years to offer a balance of good meals that teenagers like and their leaders expect.
The biggest problem for all of us is always adapting to the hours we keep. This week because we have an attendance of hundred and ten we don’t start breakfast until 7am. In the past it was 6:30. But we still are up at five every morning and are finished most of our morning work around 8:30. The time we usually are just getting up at home.
In the mornings Nancy Carpenter is baking items for breakfast but also cakes for tonight’s desert or 160 drop biscuits for strawberry shortcake.
The schedule of the evening meal is salad bar at 5:00 and dinner at 5:15. Nancy Reynolds and Millie Williams maintain and set up an extensive salad bar and serve the soup that Pat Lotz prepares. 110 teenagers can and do strip the salad bar, and Millie and Nancy are kept busy restocking.
Nancy Carpenter prepares most of the dinner items and she and Pat Lotz then serve.
And it all goes amazingly smoothly.
Outside under a canopy Carl Lotz works the griddle (described previously) for most of the breakfast items.
The menu is a refinement of what CAMT has discovered over the years to offer a balance of good meals that teenagers like and their leaders expect.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Pat and Carl Lotz sleep in and then celebrate a Fathers Day breakfast at Shoney’s. Dublin is a nothing town. It consists of a CVS and Walgreens on opposite corners, two banks and a food store. Dublin is two miles from the exit of interstate 81. Clustered around the intersection is the standard number of fast food hamburger chains and a 24 hour Walmart.
I called Sam XXX and the group from Mid-Atlantic Christian Endeavor saying I would need four cinder blocks for the canopy I put up over the griddle used for most of our breakfast products. Because of the propane tank attached to the griddle it has to be outside. Cinder block were going to be a problem to them. They would have to go about 30 minutes to get to a Lowes. And they were planning on going to church.
A little later I called them again, what time are you going to church? 10:30. Well pray for me because I just stole four cinder blocks.
The bulk of Sunday Afternoon was taken up checking out the food order that arrived on the previous Wednesday and sorting items that came in the trailer from Pennsylvania
Millie Williams and Nancy Carpenter arrived at the house around four. Pat was there to meet them and ride with them to the Pulaski Middle school. The three built 200 sandwiches for Monday lunches while Carl met with the leaders of the groups in attendance.
By then Nancy Reynolds, who got a late start from home, arrived at the house. We all met up with her and went out for dinner.
For the past few years we have celebrated the Dori Gillstrom Memorial Ice Cream social with the campers on Sunday night after their evening church service,
Sundaes all around on Sunday.
I called Sam XXX and the group from Mid-Atlantic Christian Endeavor saying I would need four cinder blocks for the canopy I put up over the griddle used for most of our breakfast products. Because of the propane tank attached to the griddle it has to be outside. Cinder block were going to be a problem to them. They would have to go about 30 minutes to get to a Lowes. And they were planning on going to church.
A little later I called them again, what time are you going to church? 10:30. Well pray for me because I just stole four cinder blocks.
The bulk of Sunday Afternoon was taken up checking out the food order that arrived on the previous Wednesday and sorting items that came in the trailer from Pennsylvania
Millie Williams and Nancy Carpenter arrived at the house around four. Pat was there to meet them and ride with them to the Pulaski Middle school. The three built 200 sandwiches for Monday lunches while Carl met with the leaders of the groups in attendance.
By then Nancy Reynolds, who got a late start from home, arrived at the house. We all met up with her and went out for dinner.
For the past few years we have celebrated the Dori Gillstrom Memorial Ice Cream social with the campers on Sunday night after their evening church service,
Sundaes all around on Sunday.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
CAMT in Pulaski, VA - Saturday, June 18, 2011
Just couldn’t get it together to leave Friday night so the second best option was an early start this morning. Drove to Carlisle PA and had breakfast. Pulaski VA is straight down route 81 315 miles. Much closer that most of CAMT destinations in past years to WV and KY.
The town of Dublin is in a broad valley with hills to the left and right. On top of the highest hill stand three structures. In the past you might have seen three crosses at the top of the mountain. But right now the visible structures are a very welcome sight. Communication towers. This means my cell phone will actually work while we are away on a mission trip.
By the way, why are we in Dublin VA when we were actually going to Pulaski. In a few words – no room at the Inn. We will be here for two weeks June 18 through July 2nd. Right in the middle of those dates is “Motor Virginia”, the biggest motorcycle gathering you will ever see. As a result CAMT members, who because of your senior ages stay in a motel while serving, could not get reservations.
While lamenting our plight to the Pulaski Area Chamber of Commerce representative we found a solution. A group who owns a house in the town of Dublin (6 miles from Pulaski) just joined the chamber. I called them and was able to work out the dates. So here it is Saturday afternoon and we are getting the keys for our home for the next two weeks.
The drive to Pulaski via route 11 is a delightful ride in the country. This area is not unlike Chester County with rolling hills dotted with farms. The cows are huddling under the tree shade, but the sheep are frolicking in the fields. The traffic is light with next to no speeds posted for us to obey. (You would have had to read previous CAMT trip blogs for an understanding).
Carl heads to Pulaski to see what we have to work with. We are in the Pulaski Middle School. Probably the oldest school in the County school system. The only one not air-conditioned. The school is high on a hill with the front overlooking the town. Pulaski is about half the size of West Chester with a business section of two streets similar to Gay and Market. The one exception is between a myriad of antique and second hand shops are empty stores. If Pulaski was not the County Seat with various government agencies based in town, it would look deserted. But the surrounding areas are full of prosperous homes.
The school is well equipped, it should be a good week. We’ll set up tomorrow.
The town of Dublin is in a broad valley with hills to the left and right. On top of the highest hill stand three structures. In the past you might have seen three crosses at the top of the mountain. But right now the visible structures are a very welcome sight. Communication towers. This means my cell phone will actually work while we are away on a mission trip.
By the way, why are we in Dublin VA when we were actually going to Pulaski. In a few words – no room at the Inn. We will be here for two weeks June 18 through July 2nd. Right in the middle of those dates is “Motor Virginia”, the biggest motorcycle gathering you will ever see. As a result CAMT members, who because of your senior ages stay in a motel while serving, could not get reservations.
While lamenting our plight to the Pulaski Area Chamber of Commerce representative we found a solution. A group who owns a house in the town of Dublin (6 miles from Pulaski) just joined the chamber. I called them and was able to work out the dates. So here it is Saturday afternoon and we are getting the keys for our home for the next two weeks.
The drive to Pulaski via route 11 is a delightful ride in the country. This area is not unlike Chester County with rolling hills dotted with farms. The cows are huddling under the tree shade, but the sheep are frolicking in the fields. The traffic is light with next to no speeds posted for us to obey. (You would have had to read previous CAMT trip blogs for an understanding).
Carl heads to Pulaski to see what we have to work with. We are in the Pulaski Middle School. Probably the oldest school in the County school system. The only one not air-conditioned. The school is high on a hill with the front overlooking the town. Pulaski is about half the size of West Chester with a business section of two streets similar to Gay and Market. The one exception is between a myriad of antique and second hand shops are empty stores. If Pulaski was not the County Seat with various government agencies based in town, it would look deserted. But the surrounding areas are full of prosperous homes.
The school is well equipped, it should be a good week. We’ll set up tomorrow.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Last Report from the West Virginia Team 2010
Thursday July 1, 2010
It’s cold in Glen Ferris this morning. The temperature overnight dropped into the low 50’s. The nine miles to Smithers has become almost mechanical at a controlled speed of 45 miles an hour. In fifteen minutes I am at the school at exactly 5:30 a.m. Cindy is not here yet so I go to the school front door and punch in the entrance code on the keypad. 1,2,3,4,star. The principal said he didn’t want anything too complicated for his teachers. Last week at this hour there would be several adults sitting at the benches along the walk already drinking coffee. Not this week.
I turn on the lights in the cafeteria and do the same in the kitchen. It’s bad enough that the temperature outside is cold; I am in and out of the fridge and freezer getting out food supplies for the morning. Cindy arrives followed by Rich and Anne who have been arriving early each morning.
When the girls (see previous explanation) arrive, everyone does their own thing toward their assigned goal. Pat Lotz makes creamed dried beef, and I prepare to do pancakes on the griddle and apple sticks in the fryer.
After breakfast I suggest we should have a party. Today is the last day we have to make sandwiches for the next day. Friday is going to be good.
We leave the school again at 8:30. Today is a good day to visit some of the work sites the groups are working on. With directions in hand we agree to meet at 10:30 for a tour. Bette is having problems with her shoulder so she, Molly and Mckenzie decide to stay at the Inn.
Rich, Anne, Carl & Pat set off to find the locations on the list. Even though several of them are literally at the end of dirt roads we find them. Strange as it may seem, the crews were glad to see someone who they knew and in general have visitors.
Friday July 2, 2010
Life is good on Fridays. It’s just easier on Fridays. Not only are we looking forward to heading home tomorrow, everything just seems easier. This morning’s menu calls for “whatever we have left over.” And that’s what they get, a little bit of everything. A few eggs, some French toast, English muffins, creamed dried beef, a few sausage patties, a few sausage links and just a little more bacon. The object is to have as little food items from our menu left over for the change of shift for the next three weeks.
The menu is drastically different starting next week. Their goal is to feed each camper for $26 for the week. I spend more. My costs are $30 per camper for the week. It’s amazing what $4 can buy. But then if you have read this complete blog you know what it can buy.
Last report for this adventure
We will all be home by the time many of you read this. If you would like to share more of our adventure, stop any of us, Millie Williams, Nancy Reynolds, Molly Hughes, Bette Bowes, Pat Lotz or Carl Lotz and talk awhile.
Or better yet, think about joining us next year.
It’s cold in Glen Ferris this morning. The temperature overnight dropped into the low 50’s. The nine miles to Smithers has become almost mechanical at a controlled speed of 45 miles an hour. In fifteen minutes I am at the school at exactly 5:30 a.m. Cindy is not here yet so I go to the school front door and punch in the entrance code on the keypad. 1,2,3,4,star. The principal said he didn’t want anything too complicated for his teachers. Last week at this hour there would be several adults sitting at the benches along the walk already drinking coffee. Not this week.
I turn on the lights in the cafeteria and do the same in the kitchen. It’s bad enough that the temperature outside is cold; I am in and out of the fridge and freezer getting out food supplies for the morning. Cindy arrives followed by Rich and Anne who have been arriving early each morning.
When the girls (see previous explanation) arrive, everyone does their own thing toward their assigned goal. Pat Lotz makes creamed dried beef, and I prepare to do pancakes on the griddle and apple sticks in the fryer.
After breakfast I suggest we should have a party. Today is the last day we have to make sandwiches for the next day. Friday is going to be good.
We leave the school again at 8:30. Today is a good day to visit some of the work sites the groups are working on. With directions in hand we agree to meet at 10:30 for a tour. Bette is having problems with her shoulder so she, Molly and Mckenzie decide to stay at the Inn.
Rich, Anne, Carl & Pat set off to find the locations on the list. Even though several of them are literally at the end of dirt roads we find them. Strange as it may seem, the crews were glad to see someone who they knew and in general have visitors.
Friday July 2, 2010
Life is good on Fridays. It’s just easier on Fridays. Not only are we looking forward to heading home tomorrow, everything just seems easier. This morning’s menu calls for “whatever we have left over.” And that’s what they get, a little bit of everything. A few eggs, some French toast, English muffins, creamed dried beef, a few sausage patties, a few sausage links and just a little more bacon. The object is to have as little food items from our menu left over for the change of shift for the next three weeks.
The menu is drastically different starting next week. Their goal is to feed each camper for $26 for the week. I spend more. My costs are $30 per camper for the week. It’s amazing what $4 can buy. But then if you have read this complete blog you know what it can buy.
Last report for this adventure
We will all be home by the time many of you read this. If you would like to share more of our adventure, stop any of us, Millie Williams, Nancy Reynolds, Molly Hughes, Bette Bowes, Pat Lotz or Carl Lotz and talk awhile.
Or better yet, think about joining us next year.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Everyone is to work on time. Everyone tackles their assignment and we are already ahead of the 6:45 breakfast time. Last week many of the campers did not show up for breakfast until 6:45 even though we were ready at 6:30. So I decided we might as well buy ourselves an additional 15 minutes in the morning.
Sausage, cheese and egg on an English muffin doesn’t seem like much until you have to build 75 to 100 of them with the clock ticking. Molly makes our signature cinnamon rolls and we are a hit.
While everything inside was is going well, outside Pat cooks the scrapple on the griddle for tomorrow. I in turn brown the chicken patties in the fryer. The color improves the appearance when we serve it tonight on top of rice pilaf even though it is covered with gravy.
We complete the routine of replenishing the breakfast buffet, building more sandwiches and even restocking the salad bar for tonight. The problem again is they have closed down the breakfast buffet and Pat and I did not get to eat. That’s ok—we will go out to breakfast. Thank heavens there is a McDonalds across the street.
Oops, I forgot—we have to cut up the strawberries for the strawberry shortcake tonight. By the time we do that we are no longer early but we are out on time by nine.
Our next challenge is the fact that our small coffee maker gave up the ghost this morning. The only prospect for a replacement is at Walmart in Fayetteville. Rich and Ann have been talking about getting an oil change in their car. I convinced them to accomplish both by driving to Fayetteville and then meeting Pat and I at Hawk Nest Park hotel for lunch. We both arrive at the hotel within 15 minutes of each other and go to the scenic restaurant. After lunch Rich and Ann head back to Glen Ferris.
It may be guilt from last week but Pat and I take the gondola to the river and the jet boat ride.
I may have mentioned previously that the school also has a janitor working split hours. That means he is on premises most of the time we are. Sam is a unique character. Big, at least 300 pounds. Massive bushy beard. Oversize farmer overalls with a T-shirt underneath. Sam has become our friend. Every morning while I work at the griddle he stands nearby and carries on a conversation. The staff here, including a woman who is preparing food for the summer school, has been eating with us. Sam piles on the food. He approves on the appearance of the chicken I am browning and reminisces about last Thursday’s pancakes.
Sam was right, the chicken was good. Of course the strawberry shortcake with whipped cream helps.
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Pat has hit the wall, When the alarm goes off she wants to stay in bed this morning. Things have been going so well, working without her this morning should not be a problem. And it isn’t. We are out early. And best of all, free until Thursday breakfast.
MacKenzie is going to join a church group and go whitewater rafting this afternoon. Rich and Ann go to Charleston for the day.
Pat and Carl chase an allusive model of the property, 10,000 plus acres the Boy Scouts of America have purchased down the road at Glen Jean. They intend to develop it into a permanent home for the National Scout Jamborees and as a high adventure base. We spend several hours talking with a PR representative at the office overseeing the property development. They refer to it as a one hundred year plan.
Having a day off is wonderful….
Sausage, cheese and egg on an English muffin doesn’t seem like much until you have to build 75 to 100 of them with the clock ticking. Molly makes our signature cinnamon rolls and we are a hit.
While everything inside was is going well, outside Pat cooks the scrapple on the griddle for tomorrow. I in turn brown the chicken patties in the fryer. The color improves the appearance when we serve it tonight on top of rice pilaf even though it is covered with gravy.
We complete the routine of replenishing the breakfast buffet, building more sandwiches and even restocking the salad bar for tonight. The problem again is they have closed down the breakfast buffet and Pat and I did not get to eat. That’s ok—we will go out to breakfast. Thank heavens there is a McDonalds across the street.
Oops, I forgot—we have to cut up the strawberries for the strawberry shortcake tonight. By the time we do that we are no longer early but we are out on time by nine.
Our next challenge is the fact that our small coffee maker gave up the ghost this morning. The only prospect for a replacement is at Walmart in Fayetteville. Rich and Ann have been talking about getting an oil change in their car. I convinced them to accomplish both by driving to Fayetteville and then meeting Pat and I at Hawk Nest Park hotel for lunch. We both arrive at the hotel within 15 minutes of each other and go to the scenic restaurant. After lunch Rich and Ann head back to Glen Ferris.
It may be guilt from last week but Pat and I take the gondola to the river and the jet boat ride.
I may have mentioned previously that the school also has a janitor working split hours. That means he is on premises most of the time we are. Sam is a unique character. Big, at least 300 pounds. Massive bushy beard. Oversize farmer overalls with a T-shirt underneath. Sam has become our friend. Every morning while I work at the griddle he stands nearby and carries on a conversation. The staff here, including a woman who is preparing food for the summer school, has been eating with us. Sam piles on the food. He approves on the appearance of the chicken I am browning and reminisces about last Thursday’s pancakes.
Sam was right, the chicken was good. Of course the strawberry shortcake with whipped cream helps.
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Pat has hit the wall, When the alarm goes off she wants to stay in bed this morning. Things have been going so well, working without her this morning should not be a problem. And it isn’t. We are out early. And best of all, free until Thursday breakfast.
MacKenzie is going to join a church group and go whitewater rafting this afternoon. Rich and Ann go to Charleston for the day.
Pat and Carl chase an allusive model of the property, 10,000 plus acres the Boy Scouts of America have purchased down the road at Glen Jean. They intend to develop it into a permanent home for the National Scout Jamborees and as a high adventure base. We spend several hours talking with a PR representative at the office overseeing the property development. They refer to it as a one hundred year plan.
Having a day off is wonderful….
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Compliments - And Starting A New Week
As I closed last week I noted I would list some of the praise that comes along with the appreciation of CAMT’s service. It is that appreciation that brings us back year after year.
Sometimes it’s just the recognition by group leaders – “When I saw you, we realized we really lucked out to have your menu and your food this week”. “We were with you two years ago at Gaulley Bridge. We brought a stock of food of our own to fill in the expected gaps. Your food was so good we never even touched our own stock”
If you had read any of the past CAMT blogs about our service with Christian Endeavor, you know each week we are here they post an envelope for campers to write notes. Here are just a few from last week:
“You are a blessing to all of us! We are served top-notch meals everyday. Your ministry through food touches everyone here. Thank you for all you do.
“You take very good care of us, I don’t eat this well at home.
“Thank you for being our cook again this year. Food is one of the most valuable parts of camp.” (This one from Mid Atlantic Christian Endeavor executive Sam Yeager.)
Sunday June 27, 2010
Mollie Hughes, her granddaughter Mackenzie and Betty Bowes arrive at the Glen Ferris Inn right on time. Or at least the time they are expected and get settled in their room. We gather at the restaurant at 4:45 for dinner. The time is dictated by the fact that I have to meet with the incoming group leaders at 6:00.
During dinner I drop the bomb that we have to build the sandwiches for tomorrow morning. As penance, I pick up the tab.
I go off to my meeting and the rest start building sandwiches. Many hands make light work. They are done within the hour and head back to the Inn.
As you know, I stay at the school for the 9:30 serving of Ice Cream--our second Dori Gillstrom ice cream memorial. While I wait, Rich Smith and Ann Zayaitz arrive at the school. They got to the Glen Ferris area after visiting Ann’s mother. It just meant they were later than usual. They stay with me to serve the ice cream and clean up. We are home at the Inn by 10.
Monday June 28,2010
We are running 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Every shift we have been out 30 minutes ahead. Life is good. But I am ahead of myself in the narrative.
Monday morning went well. We are benefiting from what we learned last week. Molly Hughes is doing the baking. Betty Bowes handles the lunch set up and salad bar. Rich Smith and Ann Zayaitz cover the breakfast buffet and serving dinner. Mackenzie Hughes floats helping Molly bake and Betty set up the salad bar. She also serves the soup on the evening salad bar. Carl handles the griddle and Pat is the runner tying everything together.
OOPS!
Our only problem is one of supply. I don’t have enough syrup for the French Toast this Morning. The school seems to have four gallons on hand. I have a food order due later today that includes syrup. I decide to “borrow” syrup to get through the meal. In the warmer I put what little syrup I have and start to ad the borrowed. The consistency doesn’t seem right as I pour, and the smell is not syrup. I look at the label, it is actually Worcestershire.
Now we are really in trouble. Rich heads to the local Krogers in the hope that they open at six a.m. He is not back by 6:30 and I am working on plan “d” when he comes through the door. The store hours say six a.m. but they really don’t open until six fifteen or later. I am saved.
The French toast goes well. After breakfast the girls* make the lunch sandwiches and replenish the breakfast items ready for tomorrow.
*Last week I referred to our group as women – this group decided on girls to separate themselves.
As I mentioned, everyone is out by 8:30, a two and a half hour shift.
I have a food order due in at 11:30. But often there can be an hour difference, usually on the long side. We go back to the Inn and rest, and head back to the school at 11. Eleven thirty comes and goes, no truck. So we are joined by Rich and Ann for lunch. When we return an hour later the truck is there and unloading.
Everything fell into place for our Sloppy Joe dinner. Everyone not only did their job but jumped in to help each other. Rich, when finished serving dinner, gravitates to the dish washing machine and keeps the flow of soiled items humming through. Again we are out 30 minutes early. Another 2.5 shift....
Sometimes it’s just the recognition by group leaders – “When I saw you, we realized we really lucked out to have your menu and your food this week”. “We were with you two years ago at Gaulley Bridge. We brought a stock of food of our own to fill in the expected gaps. Your food was so good we never even touched our own stock”
If you had read any of the past CAMT blogs about our service with Christian Endeavor, you know each week we are here they post an envelope for campers to write notes. Here are just a few from last week:
“You are a blessing to all of us! We are served top-notch meals everyday. Your ministry through food touches everyone here. Thank you for all you do.
“You take very good care of us, I don’t eat this well at home.
“Thank you for being our cook again this year. Food is one of the most valuable parts of camp.” (This one from Mid Atlantic Christian Endeavor executive Sam Yeager.)
Sunday June 27, 2010
Mollie Hughes, her granddaughter Mackenzie and Betty Bowes arrive at the Glen Ferris Inn right on time. Or at least the time they are expected and get settled in their room. We gather at the restaurant at 4:45 for dinner. The time is dictated by the fact that I have to meet with the incoming group leaders at 6:00.
During dinner I drop the bomb that we have to build the sandwiches for tomorrow morning. As penance, I pick up the tab.
I go off to my meeting and the rest start building sandwiches. Many hands make light work. They are done within the hour and head back to the Inn.
As you know, I stay at the school for the 9:30 serving of Ice Cream--our second Dori Gillstrom ice cream memorial. While I wait, Rich Smith and Ann Zayaitz arrive at the school. They got to the Glen Ferris area after visiting Ann’s mother. It just meant they were later than usual. They stay with me to serve the ice cream and clean up. We are home at the Inn by 10.
Monday June 28,2010
We are running 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Every shift we have been out 30 minutes ahead. Life is good. But I am ahead of myself in the narrative.
Monday morning went well. We are benefiting from what we learned last week. Molly Hughes is doing the baking. Betty Bowes handles the lunch set up and salad bar. Rich Smith and Ann Zayaitz cover the breakfast buffet and serving dinner. Mackenzie Hughes floats helping Molly bake and Betty set up the salad bar. She also serves the soup on the evening salad bar. Carl handles the griddle and Pat is the runner tying everything together.
OOPS!
Our only problem is one of supply. I don’t have enough syrup for the French Toast this Morning. The school seems to have four gallons on hand. I have a food order due later today that includes syrup. I decide to “borrow” syrup to get through the meal. In the warmer I put what little syrup I have and start to ad the borrowed. The consistency doesn’t seem right as I pour, and the smell is not syrup. I look at the label, it is actually Worcestershire.
Now we are really in trouble. Rich heads to the local Krogers in the hope that they open at six a.m. He is not back by 6:30 and I am working on plan “d” when he comes through the door. The store hours say six a.m. but they really don’t open until six fifteen or later. I am saved.
The French toast goes well. After breakfast the girls* make the lunch sandwiches and replenish the breakfast items ready for tomorrow.
*Last week I referred to our group as women – this group decided on girls to separate themselves.
As I mentioned, everyone is out by 8:30, a two and a half hour shift.
I have a food order due in at 11:30. But often there can be an hour difference, usually on the long side. We go back to the Inn and rest, and head back to the school at 11. Eleven thirty comes and goes, no truck. So we are joined by Rich and Ann for lunch. When we return an hour later the truck is there and unloading.
Everything fell into place for our Sloppy Joe dinner. Everyone not only did their job but jumped in to help each other. Rich, when finished serving dinner, gravitates to the dish washing machine and keeps the flow of soiled items humming through. Again we are out 30 minutes early. Another 2.5 shift....
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 25, 2010
It's Friday.
What a difference! TGIF has a new meaning. For breakfast we serve basically whatever is left over from the week. French toast and eggs over easy from the grille and Nancy baked the last of the cinnamon rolls. But the best part of the morning is we do not have to build any sandwiches for Saturday. Everyone is going home tomorrow. Including the CAMT members.
After breakfast Millie, Nancy and Nancy drove the 30 miles to Charlestown to explore one of West Virginia’s large cities. They return raving about the pizza they had for lunch. The real test is we are having pizza for dinner; can they really take pizza for two meals a day?
Actually Friday’s dinner starts with chili on the salad bar, a dinner buffet line to build their own tacos and a choice of plain or pepperoni pizza. This menu is Friday's for one main reason. (See Saturday).
While we are eating dinner, an unknown to me adult tells me we do not have to clean up. They will take care of the tables. Someone forgot to tell me that Valley School was having their 1978 to 1982 class reunion starting at 7:30 here in the cafeteria. Here’s another fine mess Sam (Mid Atlantic Christian Endeavor) has gotten me into. We have scheduled another ice cream party for the campers here at 8:15. Adaptable is us!
The school library has many posted signs – No food or drink. Guess where we have to have our ice cream?
I have free time until 8:15. So I mingle in the cafeteria. Eventually I sit down and thumb through one of the 1980-year books on the tables. It doesn’t take long before someone asks what class I was in. Now I just turned 70 last Saturday. These people are in their late forties, and someone asks what class I was in. It’s a commentary on how hard life is here in WV.
My main problem in answering their question is should I extend a character from one of the murder mysteries Pat has written, or should I fess up. I fessed up--but enjoyed a conversation with the person of what the school was like when they attended.
With special care for neatness, the library is no worse for wear considering the number of ice cream sundaes that are served. I finish up and am back to the Inn by 9.
CAMT sometimes means: Can Adapt Many Times
What a difference! TGIF has a new meaning. For breakfast we serve basically whatever is left over from the week. French toast and eggs over easy from the grille and Nancy baked the last of the cinnamon rolls. But the best part of the morning is we do not have to build any sandwiches for Saturday. Everyone is going home tomorrow. Including the CAMT members.
After breakfast Millie, Nancy and Nancy drove the 30 miles to Charlestown to explore one of West Virginia’s large cities. They return raving about the pizza they had for lunch. The real test is we are having pizza for dinner; can they really take pizza for two meals a day?
Actually Friday’s dinner starts with chili on the salad bar, a dinner buffet line to build their own tacos and a choice of plain or pepperoni pizza. This menu is Friday's for one main reason. (See Saturday).
While we are eating dinner, an unknown to me adult tells me we do not have to clean up. They will take care of the tables. Someone forgot to tell me that Valley School was having their 1978 to 1982 class reunion starting at 7:30 here in the cafeteria. Here’s another fine mess Sam (Mid Atlantic Christian Endeavor) has gotten me into. We have scheduled another ice cream party for the campers here at 8:15. Adaptable is us!
The school library has many posted signs – No food or drink. Guess where we have to have our ice cream?
I have free time until 8:15. So I mingle in the cafeteria. Eventually I sit down and thumb through one of the 1980-year books on the tables. It doesn’t take long before someone asks what class I was in. Now I just turned 70 last Saturday. These people are in their late forties, and someone asks what class I was in. It’s a commentary on how hard life is here in WV.
My main problem in answering their question is should I extend a character from one of the murder mysteries Pat has written, or should I fess up. I fessed up--but enjoyed a conversation with the person of what the school was like when they attended.
With special care for neatness, the library is no worse for wear considering the number of ice cream sundaes that are served. I finish up and am back to the Inn by 9.
CAMT sometimes means: Can Adapt Many Times
June 24, 2010 - Soup Saga
The morning routine for breakfast is the same. After breakfast we (CAMT members and Cindy) sit down for the relaxation of breakfast and some time for fifteen minutes fellowship before we break down the lunch and breakfast line. The women are out on time
Pat and Carl hang out at the school waiting for a food order from USFood that is due about nine o’clock. We usually give them plus or minus sixty minutes on the delivery schedule. Sure enough he is there by ten. The driver brings the products in grouped by frozen, refrigerate, and dry. This makes putting them away easy and efficient.
There is still one problem with the order. On Monday’s order we received a case of Tomato soup marked and identified as Cream of Chicken. So on this order we tried again to get Cream of Chicken. However we get a case of Chicken Noodle marked as if it is Cream of Chicken. OK I give up. It’s the logistics that the others never get to see.
Only Nancy Carpenter has cell phone service in this area. My Nextell has no service, so I head to where I know I do have service so I can check for messages. Unfortunately that’s over near Fayetteville on route 19, about 18 miles away. I document my 18 messages and call some of them back, just to tell them I am in West Virginia.
Some days are easier than others....
Pat and Carl hang out at the school waiting for a food order from USFood that is due about nine o’clock. We usually give them plus or minus sixty minutes on the delivery schedule. Sure enough he is there by ten. The driver brings the products in grouped by frozen, refrigerate, and dry. This makes putting them away easy and efficient.
There is still one problem with the order. On Monday’s order we received a case of Tomato soup marked and identified as Cream of Chicken. So on this order we tried again to get Cream of Chicken. However we get a case of Chicken Noodle marked as if it is Cream of Chicken. OK I give up. It’s the logistics that the others never get to see.
Only Nancy Carpenter has cell phone service in this area. My Nextell has no service, so I head to where I know I do have service so I can check for messages. Unfortunately that’s over near Fayetteville on route 19, about 18 miles away. I document my 18 messages and call some of them back, just to tell them I am in West Virginia.
Some days are easier than others....
Saturday, June 26, 2010
A Change of Pace
Wednesday June 23, 2010
Wednesdays are different; we have the day off after we serve breakfast. We are half way through the week and the days are flying by. The groups will work a half-day and then spend the afternoon at a myriad of activities from a cookout to whitewater rafting.
As a result we serve a big breakfast. It includes scrapple we brought from home. It is always surprising how some people look forward to a simple food item that reminds them of home. Along with the scrapple we prepare scrambled eggs, fried eggs over easy, and my experiment. This year I brought a deep fryer and experimented with something we do in boy scouts. Take off the shelf Pillsbury biscuits that are in tubes, separate into the individual biscuits, cut each into quarters, fry for a couple of minutes and dust with powdered sugar. They taste like donut holes and are a great addition to the meal.
After breakfast we seem to be a little slower building the sandwiches for Thursday and spend more time talking—and before we know it - it’s 9:30. OK we’ll come back tonight and do the PB&J sandwiches.
We all agree to meet at 11:00 and head to Hawk’s Nest State Park. Millie Williams, Nancy Carpenter and Pat Lotz get dropped off at the hotel parking lot at the top of the mountain. The hotel has a gondola that takes you down to the river.
Nancy Reynolds and Carl drive on to the nearby town of Amstead to the rail trail that follows the stream that intersects the river at the bottom where the gondola lands. It’s like the letter “V” with each group starting at a different location but coming together at the point (river).
The rail trail is a beautiful shaded walk at a 3% downhill a little over two miles. Nancy and I arrive at the bottom gondola station after about a one-hour walk. Nancy heads for the ladies room and finds it locked. We look around for Pat, Nancy and Millie and they are nowhere in sight. In fact no one is in sight, the river area is deserted except for two state workers painting the under carriage of he gondola station. The gondola is now closed on Wednesdays. They tell Nancy the men’s room is unlocked and she goes off. While I am waiting for her I carry on a discussion with the two workers. I am not sure that they just wanted to get rid of me, but within a short time they offer to start up the gondola and take us up to the Hotel. Because of the gates being locked one of the workers has to ride with us and unlock the gates at the top so we can get out.
And there the women are in the hotel lobby waiting for us to show up one way or the other. It’s only a few minutes after one so we go up to the restaurant on the top floor and enjoy the view through the big picture windows and a good lunch.
A little time to rest in the afternoon before we head back to the school to make the PB&J. Pat Lotz takes the time to make the creamed dried beef for Thursday morning’s breakfast.
We are between storms. When the clouds hit the mountains around us the rain seems to increase to the point that visibility is almost impossible. Earlier a storm raced through the Kanawha Valley with lightning and thunder that makes you want to hide. As we approached the school tonight another storm just like it passed through. The thunder just echoes off the peaks with amplified sound.
Wednesdays are different; we have the day off after we serve breakfast. We are half way through the week and the days are flying by. The groups will work a half-day and then spend the afternoon at a myriad of activities from a cookout to whitewater rafting.
As a result we serve a big breakfast. It includes scrapple we brought from home. It is always surprising how some people look forward to a simple food item that reminds them of home. Along with the scrapple we prepare scrambled eggs, fried eggs over easy, and my experiment. This year I brought a deep fryer and experimented with something we do in boy scouts. Take off the shelf Pillsbury biscuits that are in tubes, separate into the individual biscuits, cut each into quarters, fry for a couple of minutes and dust with powdered sugar. They taste like donut holes and are a great addition to the meal.
After breakfast we seem to be a little slower building the sandwiches for Thursday and spend more time talking—and before we know it - it’s 9:30. OK we’ll come back tonight and do the PB&J sandwiches.
We all agree to meet at 11:00 and head to Hawk’s Nest State Park. Millie Williams, Nancy Carpenter and Pat Lotz get dropped off at the hotel parking lot at the top of the mountain. The hotel has a gondola that takes you down to the river.
Nancy Reynolds and Carl drive on to the nearby town of Amstead to the rail trail that follows the stream that intersects the river at the bottom where the gondola lands. It’s like the letter “V” with each group starting at a different location but coming together at the point (river).
The rail trail is a beautiful shaded walk at a 3% downhill a little over two miles. Nancy and I arrive at the bottom gondola station after about a one-hour walk. Nancy heads for the ladies room and finds it locked. We look around for Pat, Nancy and Millie and they are nowhere in sight. In fact no one is in sight, the river area is deserted except for two state workers painting the under carriage of he gondola station. The gondola is now closed on Wednesdays. They tell Nancy the men’s room is unlocked and she goes off. While I am waiting for her I carry on a discussion with the two workers. I am not sure that they just wanted to get rid of me, but within a short time they offer to start up the gondola and take us up to the Hotel. Because of the gates being locked one of the workers has to ride with us and unlock the gates at the top so we can get out.
And there the women are in the hotel lobby waiting for us to show up one way or the other. It’s only a few minutes after one so we go up to the restaurant on the top floor and enjoy the view through the big picture windows and a good lunch.
A little time to rest in the afternoon before we head back to the school to make the PB&J. Pat Lotz takes the time to make the creamed dried beef for Thursday morning’s breakfast.
We are between storms. When the clouds hit the mountains around us the rain seems to increase to the point that visibility is almost impossible. Earlier a storm raced through the Kanawha Valley with lightning and thunder that makes you want to hide. As we approached the school tonight another storm just like it passed through. The thunder just echoes off the peaks with amplified sound.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Monday, June 21 & Tuesday, June 22
Monday June 21, 2010
The knock on the door at five o’clock was Nancy Carpenter with a cup of coffee for Pat. Nancy Carpenter brought her own coffee maker from home. She and I pass in the hall as I head out to Smithers. I try to be on site at 5:30 to get out the foodstuffs we will use in the morning. The women will arrive by six.
It’s still dark as I head toward Smithers. As I travel the nine miles in the dark, I pass through towns named Falls View, Alloy, Boomer and a few others, all unincorporated. Which means they are communities, but have no local form of government except the county of Fayette.
Cindy, the kitchen representative from the school district,is right on time and gives me the ins and outs of the equipment we will be using.
Nancy Carpenter starts baking the cakes needed for desserts for dinner. Millie Williams and Nancy Reynolds set up the lunch tables with the items the kids will pack in the lunches. Pat Lotz oversees the breakfast buffet.
I heat up the griddle that travels with us and start making Texas style French toast. The problem with the first day is the kids are not tired yet from working projects so they show up for breakfast en-mass. We serve breakfast from 6:30 to 7:30 but on Monday morning everyone is in line at 6:45. This keeps us hopping
We sit down to eat at 7:30 and a well-deserved break. Nancy Reynolds and Millie Williams start building 50 ham & cheese and 50 turkey and cheese followed by 50 PB&J (peanut butter & jelly) sandwiches for Tuesday. Yes we pre-build PB&J even though they won’t be distributed for 24 hours. We mix the jelly in with the peanut butter which speeds up the process and then freeze them overnight. They are still frozen the next day when the kids add them to their lunch bag. They love them. Who knows kids?
We are out by nine o’clock. All I want to do is nap for several hours, so Pat and I head back to the Glen Ferris. Millie Williams and Nancy Carpenter are riding with Nancy Reynolds. They head to the town of Fayetteville, about ten miles as the crow flies, but 22 miles by road.
The town of Gauley Bridge has an unmarked police car this year. Nancy Reynolds was stopped on the outskirts of town and given a ticket for being over the speed limit. Then the girls go on to Fayetteville and try to have a good time.
I head back to Valley school at 3:30. A routine I will duplicate every day but Wednesday. I put out all the foodstuffs needed for dinner along with some of the items Millie and Nancy Reynolds will prepare for the salad bar. The women are right on time at 4:00.
The line for the salad bar starts promptly at 5:00. Dinner is at 5:15. Our goal is to be out the door of the school by 7 o’clock, a three-hour work shift. We do it.
But we are all tired. This schedule takes a little getting used to.
Tuesday June 22, 2010
Nancy is right on time with coffee, as the knock on the door could have actually been our alarm clock. She hands me Pat’s coffee cup, which I pass over to Pat. Then to my car for my nine-mile commute. I am not alone on the road at five am. Ahead of and behind me are the large tractor-trailer trucks hauling coal. Each is loaded with 80,000 pounds, of which in West Virginia, is black gold. Or tandem trucks hauling wood logs used by the mill at Alloy that makes metal castings, each with their brake retarders howling as they negotiate the curves.
This morning we make egg, sausage & cheese on English muffins. Nancy Carpenter, who has handled our baking, makes cinnamon rolls and coats them with vanilla icing. She is now the hands down favorite of most of the campers. But since we are having strawberry shortcake for dessert at dinner tonight, her fame is short lived. She has to make a hundred short breads yet this morning.
We are getting used to this schedule enough to spend less time napping. Or to put it in the positive, we are spending more time doing things during the day. Millie and Nancy Carpenter spend a lot of time on Nancy’s computer. Pat and I have lunch at the Inn dining room.
Because we worked out of Gauley Bridge for the last two years, Christian Endeavor has a charge account at the Gauley Bridge Foodland. As a result I also make a daily stop there to get milk and any other item we need. Today I spot Bonnie. If you read any of the blogs from the past two years you will know Bonnie was our school kitchen helper here at Gauley Elementary. Bonnie and I would kid back and forth and in general enjoyed each other. Enough that Pat and I, when we came through Gauley Bridge on Sunday, went by her house. There was no one home.
She and I catch up on the people we worked with those two years and then I slip into the conversation. “I need a ticket fixed”. I explain the ticket issued to Nancy Reynolds, and without hesitation Bonnie offers to go by the station and talk with an officer she knows to see what he would do. We break off the conversation because it is after three and the police shift changes at four. I agree to call her later tonight.
After dinner I get the good news form Bonnie, the officer checked out the record and agreed to “take care of it” when he got in in the morning. I break the news to Nancy only to find she went to Town Hall during the day today and paid the ticket.
Once again governmental corruption has been thwarted by an honest citizen.
The knock on the door at five o’clock was Nancy Carpenter with a cup of coffee for Pat. Nancy Carpenter brought her own coffee maker from home. She and I pass in the hall as I head out to Smithers. I try to be on site at 5:30 to get out the foodstuffs we will use in the morning. The women will arrive by six.
It’s still dark as I head toward Smithers. As I travel the nine miles in the dark, I pass through towns named Falls View, Alloy, Boomer and a few others, all unincorporated. Which means they are communities, but have no local form of government except the county of Fayette.
Cindy, the kitchen representative from the school district,is right on time and gives me the ins and outs of the equipment we will be using.
Nancy Carpenter starts baking the cakes needed for desserts for dinner. Millie Williams and Nancy Reynolds set up the lunch tables with the items the kids will pack in the lunches. Pat Lotz oversees the breakfast buffet.
I heat up the griddle that travels with us and start making Texas style French toast. The problem with the first day is the kids are not tired yet from working projects so they show up for breakfast en-mass. We serve breakfast from 6:30 to 7:30 but on Monday morning everyone is in line at 6:45. This keeps us hopping
We sit down to eat at 7:30 and a well-deserved break. Nancy Reynolds and Millie Williams start building 50 ham & cheese and 50 turkey and cheese followed by 50 PB&J (peanut butter & jelly) sandwiches for Tuesday. Yes we pre-build PB&J even though they won’t be distributed for 24 hours. We mix the jelly in with the peanut butter which speeds up the process and then freeze them overnight. They are still frozen the next day when the kids add them to their lunch bag. They love them. Who knows kids?
We are out by nine o’clock. All I want to do is nap for several hours, so Pat and I head back to the Glen Ferris. Millie Williams and Nancy Carpenter are riding with Nancy Reynolds. They head to the town of Fayetteville, about ten miles as the crow flies, but 22 miles by road.
The town of Gauley Bridge has an unmarked police car this year. Nancy Reynolds was stopped on the outskirts of town and given a ticket for being over the speed limit. Then the girls go on to Fayetteville and try to have a good time.
I head back to Valley school at 3:30. A routine I will duplicate every day but Wednesday. I put out all the foodstuffs needed for dinner along with some of the items Millie and Nancy Reynolds will prepare for the salad bar. The women are right on time at 4:00.
The line for the salad bar starts promptly at 5:00. Dinner is at 5:15. Our goal is to be out the door of the school by 7 o’clock, a three-hour work shift. We do it.
But we are all tired. This schedule takes a little getting used to.
Tuesday June 22, 2010
Nancy is right on time with coffee, as the knock on the door could have actually been our alarm clock. She hands me Pat’s coffee cup, which I pass over to Pat. Then to my car for my nine-mile commute. I am not alone on the road at five am. Ahead of and behind me are the large tractor-trailer trucks hauling coal. Each is loaded with 80,000 pounds, of which in West Virginia, is black gold. Or tandem trucks hauling wood logs used by the mill at Alloy that makes metal castings, each with their brake retarders howling as they negotiate the curves.
This morning we make egg, sausage & cheese on English muffins. Nancy Carpenter, who has handled our baking, makes cinnamon rolls and coats them with vanilla icing. She is now the hands down favorite of most of the campers. But since we are having strawberry shortcake for dessert at dinner tonight, her fame is short lived. She has to make a hundred short breads yet this morning.
We are getting used to this schedule enough to spend less time napping. Or to put it in the positive, we are spending more time doing things during the day. Millie and Nancy Carpenter spend a lot of time on Nancy’s computer. Pat and I have lunch at the Inn dining room.
Because we worked out of Gauley Bridge for the last two years, Christian Endeavor has a charge account at the Gauley Bridge Foodland. As a result I also make a daily stop there to get milk and any other item we need. Today I spot Bonnie. If you read any of the blogs from the past two years you will know Bonnie was our school kitchen helper here at Gauley Elementary. Bonnie and I would kid back and forth and in general enjoyed each other. Enough that Pat and I, when we came through Gauley Bridge on Sunday, went by her house. There was no one home.
She and I catch up on the people we worked with those two years and then I slip into the conversation. “I need a ticket fixed”. I explain the ticket issued to Nancy Reynolds, and without hesitation Bonnie offers to go by the station and talk with an officer she knows to see what he would do. We break off the conversation because it is after three and the police shift changes at four. I agree to call her later tonight.
After dinner I get the good news form Bonnie, the officer checked out the record and agreed to “take care of it” when he got in in the morning. I break the news to Nancy only to find she went to Town Hall during the day today and paid the ticket.
Once again governmental corruption has been thwarted by an honest citizen.
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