Longboat Island Chapel dinner wraps up the season

One of the hardest things to do is say goodbye.

The Longboat Island Chapel hosted a goodbye dinner for members on April 25 before some of them went up north.

“This is a way we can say goodbye to our friends, and we’ve been doing it each year,” said Valerie Evanko, events coordinator. “We get to talk about all the plans we have for the summer, and it’s a really great time.”

The chapel’s hall was decorated with balloons and the atmosphere was filled with laughter, smiles and hugs.

Evanko explained that the theme of this dinner was “travel.” Toy trailers and cars were the centerpieces for each table. 

Chef David Stone prepared a curated menu for the evening, comprising ravioli in a tomato sauce with olive pesto and grilled chicken, baked lasagna, garlic bread, rustic bread and an Italian harvest salad.

“The dessert is a lemon cake with vanilla ice cream drizzled with limoncello,” said Chris Johnson, a member who helped prepare the salad.

Inge and Alan Boudreau, members of the church, explained how they felt leaving their beloved community to go up north.

“We’ll be going to Holland, Michigan, and I’m so very sad leaving the church because it’s a part of our family. But, we’ll be returning in November,” said Inge.

As the night progressed, Jim Scherz, who has been an accordion musician for 60 years, started to play Italian music.

“It’s fun to have everyone together sharing a meal. It’s our last hurrah,” said Karen Pashkow.