BETTY ALLEN SADLY ‘SKIPS’ POPULAR GULL LAKE PICNIC
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
GRAVENHURST — “Better safe than sorry.”
That’s the “bottom line” from Betty Allen, organizer of a popular summer community picnic and large growing social gathering of Gravenhurst “old-timers” at Gull Lake Rotary Park each July the past six years, which she regretably cancelled this week.
After much deliberation on her part — and plenty of feedback she solicited online from disappointed, but understanding lovers of the fun reunion-type event that nearly 100 now look forward to each summer — she has decided for this year to “skip it.”
It was sad email for many.
But an understandable one — given the older average age of participants at the free noon drop-in that was scheduled for July 15.
“A tough decision & a sad one, but its the right one,” wrote Mary Templeton.
In an email this week to “friends” Allen wrote:
“I thank everyone for the feedback about the picnic this year.
“I must admit I have been dragging my feet about the decision to hold the picnic or whether we should skip this year due to the Covid-19.
“I thought maybe we could do it a little later — August/September.
“But to be honest, I don’t see the present situation changing any time soon.
“Also, how long a period of time would you want to elapse before gathering in a park, even after the restrictions are pulled.
“I think the gatherings in Toronto this past weekend and in many spots in the USA was very irresponsible of those people and so feel a bit of a hypocrite to think of planning one in the near future.
“So, bottom line, the decision is to skip the picnic this year and be ‘better safe then sorry.’
“I hope everyone is well, stays safe and will be able to attend Gull Lake Park in 2021.
“Take care.
“Betty.”
What began in 2014 with 21 of her old friends has doubled each year since.
She said in an email this week to MuskokaTODAY.com that “It started as a result of a conversation I had with Sheila (Sanderson) Taylor.
“Seems every time we talked we would say we must get together for lunch. But it never happened.
“So one phone call was about just that and we said. “OK, Wednesday Gull Lake Park.
“I put out an email to a few mutual friends asking if they would care to join us.
“And we have now had six with increased numbers.
“That is why it was hard to make the decision to cancel but again the only safe one.”
Sympathetic comments the past week were reflected in the sequence of emails.
Many, like Earle Laycock, suggested a Zoom meeting. He said he could arrange one with 100 participants.
Rod Brazier wrote to say: “…Perhaps you could look at an alternate date in August or early September. Given that virtually all attendees are retired, there may be more flexibility in scheduling. Finally, I’m sure most folks would be OK with skipping one year, and let the world find a “new normal’ before making future plans.
Your efforts regarding this event are very much appreciated Betty — I encourage you to do whatever gives you less stress! 😉
“Thank you for doing what you do, in terms of organizing us all!! I do agree with Rusty (Draper) and Rod (Brazier). Perhaps late summer/September could work, if we could be so lucky,” said a hopeful Sherry Smith.
There were other understanding comments:
Cheryl Millar wrote: “Unfortunately, it’s the right choice under these crazy circumstances. Tks so much Betty for all that you do! Stay safe everyone.”
“A tough decision & a sad one, but its the right one. Be well everyone. See you ALL next year,” said Mary Templeton.
Email mark@muskokatoday.com
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