2022 NMA Picnic

[Scott McKee]

It many circles it is common knowledge that musky guys and gals have a propensity to brave and endure freezing conditions in foul weather in the quest for our prey.  I can handle the cold fairly well, but today's heat and humidity wilted me.  How Scott Kitchen and Frank Stachowiack cooked for us in the sweltering, tangible heat is beyond me.

About 30 (or somewhere around there) members and their family members had a nice time at our Summer Picnic at Stiglmeier Park.

The kids caught fish in the pond.  They took turns smashing a pinatas (you should have seen Tony scramble for candy with the kids, which is of course not true) and each little NMA'er took home a very nice prize from their "raffle" table.

The adults sweated and shoo'd bees. And then we (I know I'm pushing it including myself with the adults) ate, sweated and shoo'd bees.  After lunch we pulled the winning tickets for our raffle table,  which was a good one, and sweated.  At this stage of the picnic it seems we earned a respite from shooing bees since none of the honey producing little buggers purchased raffle tickets, or perhaps they were suffering in the throws of an epic sugar crash.

If I had to say who had the best time, I'd bet with all of the sweets people brought, that the bees had a blast. I don't think anyone was stung which is great.  I came close deftly spitting out a flying intruder who was swimming in my soda.  Sometimes I do get lucky.

The food was cooked perfectly by our previously mentioned brave duo and all of the dishes and desserts people brought were outstanding.  Shockingly I planted myself by the confections table and it seemed like the biggest hits were a peach (I think) pie made by Derek Muste's wife who's name escapes me and Dawna Kitchen's zucchini muffins.  I didn't have any of the pie which shocks me as much as it does you, but the muffins were out of this world.  Truth be told, all of the sweeties were a hit.  Thanks to Scott and Frank for suffering in the heat to grill for us and to everyone who brought a dish or dessert to pass.

Frank, as he's prone to, came up with a whacky, brilliant idea called a "splat club" drawing.  What's a splat club? People purchase tickets and the winner takes home all of the money.  I think this was an exceptional idea since Carrie won.  Frank also walked around pouring shots of a Polish honey liquor for anyone brave enough to partake.  I'm pretty sure most of the bees who imbibed went home extra happy.

The Kitchen family are quite something, aren't they?  Not only did Scott grill, but Veronica and Dawna purchased all of the non-fishing items on the raffle table.  As if that wasn't enough, they brought Godzilla zucchinis (these things were massive) for anyone who could lift them, from their garden.  Thank you, ladies!

The fishing pond, as it always is, was a big hit with the kids and well wishers who cheered on the junior anglers.  From afar it seemed most of the fishing fans were really excited fist pumping and waving to their favorite fishing participants, or perhaps they were just shooing bees.  Fishing highlights from the picnic may be viewed early this morning on ESPN 8 (the Ocho) at 3AM. The little Lapa Girls and the  Kitchenette Boys should have their own fishing show, by the way.  Many thanks to Greg Stromecki for bringing 100 nightcrawlers the kids used as bait.  Nice work, Greg, who rewarded the fish in the pond with the remaining terrestrial invertebrates.

I'd like to thank Mark Wozniak for securing the date for our picnic with the town of Cheektowaga.  Thanks, Mark!

Many thanks to Joe Wilczewski who supplied all of the cooking utensils, paper products, chili and what is in my opinion the greatest example of its kind anywhere in the universe including any hypothetical parallel realities or dimensions, my absolute favorite picnic side dish of all-time, Claudette's potato salad.  Joe, start selling this stuff nationwide and watch the cash come flying in.  You'd need to store your lures in an airplane hanger... or should I say a second airplane hanger.  You are the best, Joe.  Thanks for taking care of us like you always have and always do.

l love our picnics.  They are a great opportunity to hang out with members, eat some good food and chill out.  While there wasn't much chilling today with the scorching heat, I'm pretty sure everyone had a nice time.  I know I did.  

[Frank Stachowiak]

Kudos to Scott Kitchen for starting the charcoal without a single drop of lighter fluid. The two charcoal chimneys performed beautifully. Scott was able to manage the cooking of hot dogs, burgers, cheeseburgers and sausage patties like a world famous maestro.  You think he is intense when he fishes???? You ought to see him perform at a pipin' hot grille.

[Scott McKee]

Did anyone leave a white and gray cooler at the picnic?

[Frank Stachowiak]

Mark Wozniak and I were the first guys at the shelter.  No coolers there at the time.  The cooler you are describing must have been left by a picnic attendee. 

[Scott McKee]

Mystery solved.