CMW Comes to NOLA!
Jim, Denice and Lindsay traveled to New Orleans this past weekend for an awesome alumnae gathering, Big Easy style! Paul and Sara Ruffin Costello graciously opened their home to host an exceptional evening, planned by Helen Nalty Butcher, where generations of Merrie-Woode alumnae enjoyed reminiscing about their camper days. Camp friends of all ages enjoyed good food and good company as they laughed well into the night.
After some chilly mountain mornings, we were thrilled to soak up some warm Louisiana sunshine! We also enjoyed the opportunity to spend some time with our former Assoc. Director, Betsy, and her husband, Josh Helms. With their departure from camp coming in the middle of our summer season, we didn’t really have time for proper goodbyes. We went out for a wonderful dinner on Friday night and loved getting to hear how their new life in New Orleans is going! Betsy is enjoying her new position teaching English at Newman School, Josh is looking forward to launching his physical therapy career in a new city, and little Owen is growing like a weed! Jim and Denice made a surprise visit to McGehee School on Monday morning, much to the delight of many campers!
After such a wonderful weekend of camp fellowship, we are looking forward to planning more alumnae gatherings in other cities soon. From the Big Easy to the Big Apple, we are off next week to New York City! Keep an eye on the Merrie-Woode website and social media to find out when we might be coming to a town near you!