Featured Gathering
The weather in Newport, Ark., is great in early fall. Modern Woodmen representative Brenda Benish and friends have taken advantage of it for well over a decade. The families get together annually for a picnic in an area park.
Brenda helps coordinate the event with several of her close friends. A small committee chooses the exact date and place – doing its best to accommodate everyone’s schedules. They delegate one person to mail invitations. Another person assigns dishes to bring.
The day of the event, the group enjoys a variety of activities, which last from noon until dark. Eating, of course, is one of them. According to tradition, the men grill hamburgers and hot dogs. And there are always a variety of side dishes and desserts.
In addition to food, attendees take part in volleyball and croquet games, a horseshoe pitching contest, and/or a quick nap under a shade tree. The little kids blow bubbles and take advantage of the playground. Everyone brings pictures from the previous year’s event to share and enjoy.
They also add a touch of volunteerism to the day. The group picks up litter in the park. And since a majority of them are Modern Woodmen members, they sometimes take advantage of Modern Woodmen’s Plant A Tree Program during the gathering.
But Brenda’s favorite part of the day is simply visiting with everyone in a laid-back atmosphere.
“We try to spend more time together than money,” she says. “There’s no pressure on any one person because it’s not at a home. Everyone really looks forward to a day outside with family and friends.”
Feed the multitudes
With so many mouths to feed, Brenda and her friends serve dishes that will go the distance. One of Brenda’s favorites is punch bowl cake. Learn how to make it.