Photos courtesy of:
Kyle Atwell
and
Terri & Doug Omatick

DER PCA Balsams Lunch Event

Story by Kyle Atwell

DIXVILLE NOTCH, New Hampshire - An absolutely gorgeous day beckoned 15 cars to the spectacular White Mountains of New Hampshire. We gathered on the well traveled causeway of Naples, Maine which joins Sebago and Long Lakes at 9:00 am. After a bit of socialization and a short “drivers” meeting we were off!

At the helm of the group, the very able Dresser contingent led the way for a leisurely drive (abiding the speed limit as directed) through the majestic mountain ranges of Maine and New Hampshire. We took route 113 through Evans Notch – truly a scenic drive – through quaint villages and right by the Errol “International” Airport, turning many heads along our way. A welcome pit stop along the way in Gorham, NH provided the opportunity for a snack for those who were not aware of what was ahead at the Balsams.

Arriving precisely at 12:30 on the beautiful grounds of the Balsam Grand Resort Hotel, we congregated in the upper parking lot (albeit gravel), to prepare for our stroll down to the main building for the spectacular buffet. And I mean spectacular! After our trusty treasurer secured twenty-nine tickets, we made our way to the upstairs dining room and began the eating event. The tables were impeccably set and after a short time of settling in our places we were directed to the buffet tables. The first table was filled with every imaginable dessert (with more than one event participant starting there first!), the second table had a most elegant presentation of soup, salads, meats, cheeses and breads. One could have definitely been full before reaching the end of this table but then you realize that it a good idea to go eat you first full plate and return to the third table for the main entrees of the day, way too much to elaborate here.

After enjoying a large amount of chocolate and other decadent delights we all enjoyed the grounds at our leisure, before strolling back up to the cars. Shortly after 2 o’clock most of us toured behind Dutch and Elaine once again to the final stop of our day’s activities - the new McLaughlin Science Center at Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine. We were treated to a personal demonstration of the magnificent sculpture in the entry way of the building – The Dresser Celestial Sphere – designed by our tour organizer, Dutch Dresser.

Many thanks to Dutch and Elaine Dresser for suggesting and organizing this event. Many comments were heard at the end of the day about repeating this event next year.

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