For
many years the Lehigh Valley S Gaugers staged their "Night out on the Town"
in December. The night out was to reward the members wives for putting up with the
crew for the year.
It was also a reward to them for cooking meals at the meetings when their husband was host. Back then, it was mere formality for the host to provide the evening meal. Of course, as the boys' were into trains, the little ladies did the cooking. Also in those times, there was monthly dues of $7.00 to pay the host and a $10.00 fee that accumulated for the year to help pay for the "Night Out on the Town."
Wow! I sure can remember great home cooked meals! Thinking about it, you know it just wasn't so bad sitting around a members table, breaking bread and sharing in some really great home cooking.
Well, as the years went by, it seemed that the club gradually moved into going out to a diner for their meals. In one member's case, 99% of the time it was a Burger King! The collecting of $10.00 [refundable] to help pay for the member's "Night Out" was stopped and attendance dwindled.
In addition to December bad weather, that month seemed to become very busy for the "grand parents" and the "Night Out on the Town" had to be moved to another month.
Next, the idea came up to change the "Night Out on the Town" to February to coincide with Valentine's day. While it is still a tough time getting all the members and their "Sweethearts" out to this meeting, a very valiant and resilient LVSG member in charge really gives it a good shot! Every year!
Just
in case that you haven't noticed, I didn't mention who works so hard to
make all this come together. It's none other that our LVSG member, Barry Mertz.
Yes, Barry has worked very hard trying to keep this project together for the past ten years, maybe more. We wouldn't have had these "Nights Out" if it wasn't for his persistence.
So, I want to take a moment and say "Thank You" to Barry and his lovely wife Gloria, from the entire LVSG group for enduring the hard times they get every year when trying to muster up enthusiasm for this outing.
What a great way to share your time with your Loved One, your friends and all of the gang. I'm still baffled at how the Playhouse can come up with the great food for all those guests! The plays are normally very good too! For the sweet toothed, all the desserts you want!
Actually, while many members return home that evening, in Bill and Mary's case, we love to book into the local Holiday Day Inn Select in Clinton N.J. They have a great Sunday morning breakfast buffet. [Brunch later, if you so desire] Then onto downtown Clinton, over to the Flemington N.J. outlets, then the piece de'resistance, New Hope, Pa. WOW! What a great weekend. Oh, Yes, the photography is great too!
Bill