09/07/2024
Every year, for the past 16 years, our community has gathered for the Lake-a-Thon. It is a tradition that continues to amaze and inspire. This year was no exception.
From young children to seasoned athletes, everyone came together to support the Peggy O'Leary Seigler Scholarship, each other and the unofficial punctuation on summer. The camaraderie was evident as participants cheered each other on, offered words of encouragement, and helped those in need.
A particular highlight was the bravery of our swimmers, who faced their fears and conquered the deep end of the lake. Their determination and resilience were truly inspiring. The water was cool and the wind was much, making it even more of a challenge to those who fought off panic to prove they can do hard things. You are amazing.
We were also thrilled to see families competing together, including grandmothers, daughters, and grandchildren. New girlfriends and boyfriends are tested, not just with meeting the family, peesha, that is the easy part, but meeting the community and competing in an event, well see the previous statement of being able to do hard things.
The sense of unity and shared accomplishment was inspiriting. We had newbies and oldies, which made finding a replacement for Carol Marcus’ crown very difficult. But seriously, come on, really, who can replace Carol? We had about 63 brave souls to compete, but about equally as many supporting. So Fantastic.
We raised just shy of 2,000 dollars for the scholarship, which is just plain amazing. Zack and Caroline came in neck and neck for first place with literally less than a second difference between them.
I mean, if you look at the top 10,
Zack
Caroline
Mat
Allison,
Scuba Mark,
Milo
Red,
Mitch,
Beth and
Mattias
there is less than 10 mins between them all. And then there is Jake, who made his own race and came in first with running around the whole lake, skipping the swim and boating legs. And Jessica, who could not face the walking part, so swam from her house on the bowling alley to Jodie and Kevin’s to boat back.
This is the point of the thank you that we like to thank the volunteers and call them out by name, but that is getting harder and harder to do every year because there are so very many people involved. Jodie tasked me with writing the note, but….
How do you property thank all the volunteers and participants?
Well you don’t.
If you try to, you will fail miserably and leave someone out. I spent all this week trying to make sure that all those that were part of the heavy lifting were called out. I have leveraged AI, my neighborhood, past stories and still, I am not proud of the list I have created. I know we have forgotten so many. However I am proud of the way we have found in this community to make a difference.
Larry and Kat and Rob moved to the lake to enjoy the tranquil beauty of our world. A secret spot that is like no other. However, they have found that once a year, the entire neighborhood cascades onto their dock for a quick change or access to their boats. They have leaned in and that is wonderful. Thank you Kat and Rob for the balloons, the gatorade and the processing of sweaty shoes and clothes! Thank you Larry for the hand holding and cheerleading.
Doug showed up to his old dock to support Larry because it is a big responsibility.
Nancy, Pete, Kim, Mark lend their support every year. Always.
Doris shows up on her porch to ring bells, hoot and holler, and sometimes on her birthday!
Guy took the mantle of designing the shirts and they were excellent.
Liz hosted the art table which created such treasures
Kim captured the event, once again, with lovely photos that tell a story of passion, excitement and camaraderie.
Cathi timed folks that wanted to know their times, while watching her granddaughter cheer for daddy.
Brad solved the coffee/hot chocolate issue by making a Dunkin’ Run.
Kevin got the bagels to us safely
Susan for helping pick the poem
Carol and Tina, because, well just because.
Joanne, though not onsite this year, cheered from her window and pumped us up the weeks and days before the race.
Those that came to their first race
Those that have competed every year
Those that spot every year
Judy and Blake always taking on the role of sweeper and supporter
Jen’s texts asking when the race started and did she need to bring a bathing suit? And George bringing his beard.
Jeana, Brianna and Emiliano who drag my friends and our boats back to my dock
All those who shared their watercraft, Abby I am looking at you.
The Lake-a-Thon is more than just a race; it's a celebration of community, courage, and camaraderie. Felix mentioned when asked what was the best thing, he said there were two things, jumping in the cool water after the run AND doing it, he was proud of himself for finishing. Anderson Kirby, one of our littles was also asked about the race, what he thought, how he felt, and at 5 years old, he called out that he was proud of himself.
Yeah buddy, we are proud of you guys too. These kids these days. A good reason to have hope.
Thank you so much. Jodie and I are excited to see what next year's event will bring!
With love and gratitude,
Winnie and Jodie
