By Ruthann Carr
Correspondent
Despite the ominous clouds and high winds swooping in, the block party went off without a hitch.
On Saturday, (Sept. 28) Lake Monticello Owner’s Association continued its year-long 50th anniversary celebration with a block party outside the Ashlawn Clubhouse.
The Early Grove String Band performed under the big tent. Strewn in front of them on a large area rug were tambourines, gourds, washboards, and drums inviting young and old to sit and play along.
Sarah Monceaux watched as her nieces waited for Jim Stark, to make balloon animals for her nieces Vivian and Evelyn Monceaux.
Nearby, volunteers Leslie Chambers and Maria Puente-Duany swirled cotton candy on sticks. Chamber’s daughters Meghan and Katie handed them out to the crowd.
Zach Graham and his family are newcomers to the Lake community. He and his wife have four children. They moved to the Lake because he could find affordable housing with room for his family and still be close to Charlottesville.
“We’re still getting settled and this is the first event we’ve been to, but it’s nice,” Graham said.
Robin Barwick was at the table for her employer Mill Creek Orthodontics, but lives at the Lake.
“They do a great job,” she said, looking around at the block party. “It’s a safe place for kids. We moved here to be with the grandchildren.”
One of the longest lines was for the caricature artist, Daniel Ryman.
Korbin McComb, 12, sat for his portrait as his mother, Rebekah McComb looked on.
“We’ve lived here for, let me count, 18 years,” she said. “I love that they’ve been doing so many free activities and getting so many out. It’s great.”
Volunteers Connie Wet and Yvonne sat under a tent selling Lake Monticello phone books and raffle tickets for a commemorative quilt. New resident Donna Crow stopped to chat and get information about other activities at the Lake.
Crow said she began searching two years for the right place to retire to. She chose the Lake because of its central location to good medical care and restaurants but mainly for its “sense of community.”
Crow moved in two weeks ago. “I bought my first house,” she said. “I wanted a place I could afford and where, as a retired woman, I had a community. I’m thrilled with my decision.”
