Fall Festival Report

There were 11 scarecrows and then there were only 8. The three scarecrows in uniform from the CT Tigers (baseball team) were stolen their very first night as a sign thanked the community for their warm reception in their first year. Our grateful thanks to Hannah Terrien, AARP #1004, RSVP/UCFS, Putnam Bank, Eastern Federal Bank, St. Mary's Church, the CT Tigers, Camero Signs and all who made scarecrows. All participants will receive a certificate of appreciation.

George Fratoni and a few of his friends brought their 1960's cars for people to see. The museum opened in 1960, 50 years ago, when these now antique cars were new! A reminder that what is new today is a history lesson tomorrow.

In the tavern room two restaurants competed for the Norwich Lion's 2010 trophy placque, Jackie's Bake Shop of Norwich and Chaplin's Tavern of New London. Jackie's has retained their title for the best cocoa in Norwich! Art Mueller was the Lion in charge of cups and voting buttons.

Mike Fox and Denise Williams dressed in colonial costumes and recruited others to ring large handbells as they braved strong winds and chilly temperatures on the street level to attract attention to the festival. Our grateful thanks to them for chairing the event for the Norwich Lion's. I know how hard you worked. Great Job! Thank you!

Six Apple, six Blueberry and six Pumpkin Pies made by St. Vincent de Paul's Catering were sold by Natali Wall and Kate Clark. Thank you Gabe Terrien for making a delicious home baked apple pie! Natali also helped people discover their future fortune by cutting the apple in half and counting the seeds.

You all know I do not bake so I made Pumpkin Pie in a Crockpot. Melodye Whatley and President Jay Deming served samples to people with a gingersnap cookie and whipped cream. A friend later said "Congratulations! You've invented dessert dip." Put some of the mixture in a dish surrounded with ginger snaps and vanilla wafers. Warm or cold YUM!

China Williams-Sneed (10), Nicole Sellum (10) and Lauren Veile (13) greeted guests and gave first floor tours. Big responsibility taken on by these three young ladies. They were very professional, maintained a cheery disposition and kept track of the games hoops and rings on the lawn. That was huge at the end of the day when it was time to clean up!

Chili-Bob Whatley gave a candle making demonstration in the summer kitchen as he chatted and met with each and every visitor who went down stairs. Chili-Bob is our chandler making all of the candles we have for sale in the gift shop. $5.00 a pair. Have you ordered any lately? They make great gifts!

Karen Beasley, Norwich LAA, stopped in to say she will begin planning for the Norwich 2011 Arts and Heritage Weekend on Monday.

Our thanks to CJ Knudsen, Vice President of Operations for the CT Tigers for his understanding and sense of humor in dealing with the theft of their scarecrow entries and to the Norwich PD for their help. We hope the scarecrows or at least the uniforms are returned soon.

To everyone who came, to everyone who helped that I have not mentioned (my apologies) but "THANK YOU!" "THANK YOU!" "THANK YOU!" "THANK YOU!" TO ALL!!

Crockpot Pumpkin Pie

Here is the Crockpot Pumpkin Pie recipe I used

Mix all together:

1 15-oz. can pumpkin, 12-oz. evaporated milk (you can use reconstituted dry milk mixed double-strength, 12 oz. is 1-1/2 cups liquid), 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup baking mix (like Bisquick), 2 beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1+ tablespoons pumpkin pie spice (or your own equivalent) and 2 teaspoons of vanilla.

Pour into a greased crock-pot (I used an oil spray). Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours. It will puff up nicely when it's done. It's done when the inside temperature reaches 160 on a thermometer.

~Beryl Fishbone, Program Manager