Front row: Pete Toppan; second row: Susan Parker, Nancy Toppan, Barbara Cooper, Robin Sims, Vickie Bone, Betty Dennenberg and Sheri Twiggs; third row: Billie Maxwell, Clarice Turner, Paula Monroe, Wendy Cessna, Kathy Zumann, Michael Sims, Linda Strader, Chuck Strader, John Twiggs, Klaus Dennenberg and Rebecca Fridley; fourth row: John Maxwell, Charles Turner, Fred Monroe, Susan Knopick, Sam Cessna, Carol Fortner, Paul Knopick, Tom Zumann, Dave Cooper, David Parker and Dale Fridley
Nancy Toppan
Neighborhood parties increase that sense of belonging to a community.
On the afternoon of May 16, East Crestveiw neighbors gathered under partly sunny skies in the backyards of Susan and David Parker and Nancy and Pete Toppan, bringing a delectable array of appetizers, side dishes, fruits, desserts and beverages to accompany finger-licking barbecue. Dale Fridley delicately slow-cooked two mouthwatering beef briskets and a turkey breast. The beef brisket was dry rubbed with a variety of spices including salt, sugar, white ground pepper, lemon pepper, onion powder, celery salt, paprika, cumin and other savory flavors. The briskets were smoked over 10 hours until perfectly juicy and tender. The turkey breast was dry rubbed in Cajun spices and subtly smoked over six hours until the skin was just golden and inside was moist and tender. David Parker gently slow-cooked a juicy pork roast for six hours over applewood chips. The pork was infused with apple juice, water and salt solution. It was then covered with a tangy rub made of brown sugar, sugar, smoked paprika and other spices. Yum!
Overlooking the picturesque pond and open fields was the setting for our get-together. Many neighbors were getting acquainted for the first time. New homes are popping up on the north side of the street while neighbors on the south side have lived there as long as 12 years. What informative conversation – those new to the ranch learning the ropes from the long established.
Fun games were a part of the recreation. Several tried their hand at bean bag and ladder toss.
The planning committee for our neighborhood barbecue included Susan Parker, Cathie Rod, Paula Monroe, Rebecca Fridley and Nancy Toppan.
A big thanks to all who contributed their time, supplies, food and most of all their congenial selves. We look forward to the next neighborhood gathering.