Pancake breakfast marks Father’s Day

By Lori Ruhlman

Skaneateles Rotarty

Rain didn’t dampen spirits inside the Allyn Arena during the 51st annual Rotary Club Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast on Sunday.

Outside, it was gloomy, chilly and wet.  Inside, it was bright and warm – with colorful balloons, lively music (thanks as always to the members of the Skaneateles Community Band) and friendly smiles between old friends.

“We had another large crowd, and the rain seemed to encourage people to hang around longer than usual,” said Rotarian Chuck O’Neil.

“It went exceedingly well despite the rain,” said Rotarian Robin Jowaisis who carefully oversaw the parking of hundreds of cars without the benefit of the grassy areas, which were just too wet. He said 125 volunteers helped pull off another community-wide breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, and pancakes.

“They came out in force,” said Rotarian Karen Price of community members.  “There were many first timers who couldn’t believe how huge and amazing the event was.  The best part was and always is the reunions.  Whether it’s once a year or once a decade- the hugs shared were priceless.”

Rotarian Gard Lorey agreed. “I see people here that I literally see only once a year.” That is partly why he feels “the whole thing is fun.”  Lorey helps manage the army of volunteers who serve coffee, juice and milk to customers as they dine at the long tables.  Many of the volunteers come back year after year, too.

Price manages the High School Interact Club tent, where student volunteers sell balloons as the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year.  “It is always so wonderful to hear how much fun the kids say they had while volunteering,” she said.