by Sherry Bowman-Kluck
On Saturday, March 1, the Petersburgh Veterans Memorial Community Center was transformed into a 1920s Speakeasy. Approximately 125 people of all ages had the opportunity to enjoy travelling back in time to the Roaring Twenties – an era of flappers, the prohibition and the birth of jazz. The event was held to celebrate Mardi Gras and raise funds for the Petersburgh Youth Program.
[private]The PVMCC and Ingrid Schaaphok, with her band Tune Travelers, joined forces to help support the Town’s youth program. The PVMCC’s goal for the event was to raise $1,000 for the invaluable program. With the generosity from residents in Petersburgh and surrounding communities, the Mardi Gras Celebration was a huge success. The amount raised thus far is a little over $1,600 and still counting. An outpouring of donations in all amounts continues to be given and is gladly being accepted on behalf of the community’s youth.
Tune Travelers, a band of local friends including vocalists Len Cave, Lindsay Cave, Andrew Hanerfeld, Liz Hill and Ingrid Schaaphok along with Dottie Cross on keyboard, Mike Chapman on drums and Bill Cottrell on horns, performed for the evening. The group created an intimate program that evoked the era, allowing the audience to dance and sing along to 1920s music. Many members of the audience came dressed in Roaring Twenties garb and were ready to partake in The Jazz Age. All who dressed the part were offered a Mardi Gras prize mask complete with sequins and feathers.
Keeping with the speakeasy theme, a secretive and cozy aura was maintained. Small tables were set up under stringed lights throughout the room. A hooch bar served wine and beer from tea cups and coffee mugs.
The food buffet, overseen by chef Justin Rice and assistants Mike and Meg Norland, was continuous with local cheeses from Mapledale Farm, fresh breads and spreads by Starry Ridge Farm and deviled eggs from Hill Hollow Farm, along with plenty of fresh fruit, crackers, sopressata and cocktail meatballs.
A 50/50 raffle was held to enhance the fun and raise additional funds. Peter Schaaphok, Jr. won the prize, and generously contributed his $53.50 winnings back to the raffle fundraiser which raised $107.
Youth Program Director Cindi Mars introduced Ariel Gilbert and junior counselors in training Elysia Mars, Joshua Kluck and James Akers who were past program participants since kindergarten and now up and coming counselors. They were on hand to help serve drinks and clean tables for the special evening. Director Mars publicly thanked the community and attendees for their generous support.
This successful event was made possible by a community collaborating its efforts for a valuable asset….our youth. Many positive comments were heard such as, “This is what this town needs,” “It’s like the good old days,” and “This feels like a community again.” Not only did the community come together for the benefit of our youth, but it was quite evident that everyone had a great time in the process.
The PVMCC would like to thank all who donated and provided support for this important cause – Berlin Seventh Day Baptist Church, Brown’s Brewery, Stephen and Kathleen Bowman, Hill Hollow Farm, CSA, Jeff and Rossie Knight, Mapledale Farm, Mario’s Wine & Spirits, the Petersburgh Methodist Church, the Petersburgh Public Library, Peter and Ingrid Schaaphok, Rolland Hewitt, and just as importantly, the many individual donations.
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