Life in Ludlow: Fun and fundraisers

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It was a great Independence Day weekend this year, with lots of friends and fundraisers.

The events started on Wednesday before the weekend with the annual Jefferson County Foundation luncheon, this year at The Palindrome. I had never been in the building and I could hear the echo of faint cheers and music of yesteryear coming out of the walls. Some of you may have created those sounds many years ago.

Siobhan Canty, the foundation’s new executive director, reviewed her impressive experience and vision for the future. There were interesting and innovative displays describing the various ways the foundation helps people in Jefferson County as well as ways folks can support the foundation’s programs.

Marrowstone Vineyards held a hootenanny on the afternoon of July 3 to raise money and awareness for the Friends of Fort Flagler. Energetic blues and country music for the almost 300 folks in attendance was provided by the Wolf Mountain band and the Jack Rabbit Trio. Then, the Delta Rays took the stage to provide a full agenda of their original danceable music. The food included a great lamb kabob, and the ribs looked great! Locals Bonnie and Frank Vahcic, Diane and Ron Campo, and Sally and Phil Frenzel were also there enjoying the ambiance. We ran into Port Townsend’s Carol “Carrie” McGough enjoying the wine and weather, too.

Then there was a July 4 celebration at FairWinds Winery, where we enjoyed some homemade beer made by the irrepressible Mike Cavett. In a conversation with Teresa Goldsmith, we noted that it seems like this was one of the few parties we had been to in the past few years that was not a fundraiser of some sort. It seems as if these events have replaced the cocktail parties we went to years ago. Given the dangers those parties spawned from drunk driving to you name it, this may be a good thing. Speaking of good things, former PLVC president Terry Umbreit is continuing in his mission to provide leadership and service to the community by accepting the role of president of the East Jefferson Rotary Club. It was a nice evening down at the Inn at Port Ludlow, and there was celebration all around, not the least of it done by past president John Erickson.

If you thought the party season was over, wrong. Last Friday, Port Ludlow’s Jim Brannaman celebrated his 90th birthday at the yacht club with about 130 of his friends and family. He is a legend.

WELCOME, NEIGHBORS

Today, July 12, is the “Welcome to Your Neighborhood” party at The Bay Club. It again offers the opportunity to share complimentary wine and cheese with old and new friends.

The annual Dove House Benefit Golf Tournament is to be sponsored by the Boeing Bluebills again this year. It takes place on Friday, Aug. 18. You can sign up at the Port Ludlow Golf Course or call 437-0272.

The Hadlock Block Party is just around the corner, on Aug. 5. There will be a parade, kids’ games, car show and more, all close by in Port Hadlock. This is not to be missed.

After listing all these parties and activities, we need to be reminded of an observation by Samuel Butler: “Life is one long process of getting tired.”

Love a curmudgeon and have a great week.

(Port Ludlow resident Ned Luce writes this column weekly for The Leader. Contact him at nedluce@sbcglobal.net.)