Memories of the 2003 Summer Gathering at Shadysprings Farm

Wow what a day! We realize that the Gathering has become a true neighborhood tradition. Former neighbors, who have moved away, still return to attend the Gathering. The kids who attended the earliest Gatherings now are grown up and are beginning to bring their kids to the Gathering. The SRN Board and Fundraising Committee each year question whether the Gathering is worth the tremendous effort. But watching old friends reconnect, meeting new neighbors, and the general good feeling of this year’s Gather ing convinced us to repeat this event again next summer.

Many children came. Kids rode Spot, Lucy, Triscuit and other horses from Phoenix Farm. Photos of kids were taken on ponies painted by Karin and Coral Kuhlman to look like a zebra and an Indian pony. Raz Sauer, old-fashioned games coordinator, was amazed by the number of kids participating this year. Cooper Campbell’s frog won the Large Frog category and Coral Kuhlman (her frog, that is) topped the Small Frog category in the Shadysprings Down Frog Race. Youthful muscles dominated the Tug-of-War.

The Gathering could not be possible without many committed volunteers. The auction was coordinated by Kathe Fradkin, Sharon Barthmaier, Sarah Bowersox, Jan Campbell brought in a record amount in proceeds. Linnton Community Center, Skyline Grange and Plumper Pumpkin graciously let us borrow tables, chairs and benches that Steve Fradkin and Joe Barthmaier spent hours transporting. Registrants were warmly greeted by Carol & Roger Wilkerson, Nora Schreiber, and Elena Speroff. Donald Jenkins again conducted a rousing oral auction. Miles and Libby Merwin cashiered. The fixed price items section was manned by Sarah Bowersox and assisted by Cassity Aello. We deeply appreciate Karin Hunt and Michael Tillson for letting us again use Shadysprings Farm with its beautiful facilities and pastoral setting.

The Stilltenders played lively music. The potluck was plentiful and delicious and coordinated by Laurel, Joe and Tony Erhardt. Tod Orris grilled hot dogs and sausages and the Pat Brady family made and served homemade ice cream. Cheryl Neal washed all the dishes. Catherine Dalziel coordinated the Informational Displays. KC Davison coordinated the kids’s art table. Susan Ahern designed colorful ribbons for the games.

Informational displays and literature were provided by Friends of Forest Park, The No Ivy League, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Department, Skyline Church, and Skyline Grange. Personnel from TVF&R were present for safety and to provide the water spray for the popular Tug-of-War. Sevda Speroff, Tovah and Moriah Goldfarb helped with the games. Patrick and Susan Ahern updated all of the road signs with Steve Fradkin’s artwork, and installed and removed them with hardly an argument as to the best placement locations! Tractorman donated the requisite field mowing.

(Excerpted from Skyline Ridge Runner, Nov. 2003)