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NewsPlenty of community spirit at Union Hall potluck
Plenty of community spirit at Union Hall potluck
by Neil Carleton
The 11th annual potluck supper at Union Hall was a great success on Saturday night. When notices for this popular event were first posted, there must have been a collective rustling of kitchen calendars across the region.
Although many people were on hand by 6:00 p.m., those who arrived in the next while didn’t have any problem finding a seat. It was pretty much a full house by the time the last table was called to line up.
It wasn’t a quiet hall by any means as the welcoming atmosphere of friends, neighbours and other good company encouraged plenty of conversation.
What a feast! Is there anything better than a community potluck? There wasn’t enough room on regular-sized plate for just a sample of every dish on offer. A second helping was needed to ensure that all the other tasty selections received proper attention too. It wouldn’t have been polite either if any significant amount of the beautifully presented pies, squares, and the like were left unattended.
Mike Andrassy, Master of Ceremonies for the evening, had everyone’s attention when it was time to call line up for supper. Later on, he welcomed and introduced performers on stage for the talent show portion of the evening. In between set-ups he was also on hand to entertain with humorous anecdotes about the foibles of human nature.
If prizes were awarded for presentation, Sylvie Beaudry would have been a recipient for her creative devilled eggs, each one complete with vegetable eyes, nose, and mouth.After supper, before the talent show began, everyone had an opportunity to introduce themselves in the Union Hall tradition. To start, MC Mike Andrassy asked people to stand if they had lived in the community (broad interpretation) for 3 years or less. After those 5 had given their name and general address, and taken their seat again, Mike called for anyone who had been here for 3 to 10 years. This time 9 other people stood up and provided introductions. There was 1 person in the 10 to 15 year range, 10 between 15 and 25 years, and 32 over 25 years. The folks in attendance for supper had travelled from the across the community, including the Almonte, Blakeney, Cedar Hill, Clayton, and Middleville areas of Mississippi Mills and Lanark Highlands. Others were visiting friends and relatives.To start the entertainment, Ruth Fortune led the singing of rounds. The songs were a surefire way of engaging everyone in the hall. When the Wolf Grove Singers were assembled on stage, Ruth led the group in a spirited performance. This was followed by guitarist and singer Marc Reid. Alas, only a blurred photo was captured of Marc’s vigorous style.
Although Terry Anderson referred to some nervousness performing before a full house, it sure didn’t show. Her songs were toe tapping, sing-along favourites.The toe tapping and sing-along continued with spoon playing, leg slapping, and some foot stomping in the audience when fiddlers Ron Caron and Bruce Kingsley joined with Noreen Young on the keyboard.Ed Lawrence took the stage and told a joke about the tide coming in. Sadly, a technical challenge interfered with this colourful photo opportunity. When the call went out for any other performers to come up, Adam Reese unpacked his guitar and was soon on stage. He and his finance had driven across the country from Victoria only a few weeks before. Adam performed songs he had written about their Vancouver Island experiences.
Next year isn’t that far away. Mark your calendar early.
by Neil Carleton 
