By Daniel Curtin
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Members of the Dover community weren’t going to let a little rain stop them from enjoying the Friends of the Council on Aging’s Up In Smoke BBQ to kick off the summer last Tuesday evening.
The event outside the Caryl Community Center had to deal with a bit of rain at the start, but the sun returned and the evening turned into a great success with dozens of members of the community in attendance.
Children were running around playing as people sat down talking with old friends, eating burgers and hot dogs. The event had a red, white and blue theme with many patriotic decorations.
Linda Pettit, the president of the Friends of the Dover Council on Aging, played a large role in ensuring the events success.
“We put on this barbecue every year - usually in the beginning of June - and it’s our gift to the town,” Pettit said. “There were a few little blips,” she added, “but it all worked out beautifully.”
The fifth annual barbecue is set up by the Friends of the Council on Aging every June and welcomes all members of the community to join in the festivities. People of all ages were in attendance with children under ten eating for free.
Ruth Townsend, an associate member of the board of the Council on Aging and also on the board of the Caryl Community Center, was in attendance with her son at the cookout.
“I think it’s a great opportunity … [for the] COA, as well, and what it offers … They open it up to the whole town, and its nice to get all kind of generations [together].” Townsend said.
The barbecue featured staples like cheeseburgers, hotdogs, sausage and chicken, but also had healthy dining options with fruit and vegetables. A wide variety of cookies and desserts were also provided. Planning had been going on for several months to make sure the event went smoothly.
Robert “Bob” Pettit, Linda’s husband and member of the Dover Council on Aging, was happy that the weather didn’t deter people from coming out.
“That means that basically they have come out because they like the social part of it, and the weather is not going to deter them. Every year we have this. You can see people get together that you haven't seen for a while, and that’s so important as you get older,” Pettit said. “You talk to people at these events and they can tell you where they grew up, who they knew, and how the town has evolved. My wife and I have been here for 44 years and raised four kids.”
The Friends of the Dover Council on Aging will have a booth at Dover Days in September.
