Bob Boorady - You will be missed.

Those of you who have been to the Point, might know this man. He's the guy who runs the local store called Andy's, although we've always called it Bob's. The man had a kidney transplant and is now doing much better, although he is winding down his long and storied career. Last night VBP had a giant roast for him, including a cake and entertainment. It was a wonderful evening.

The Farrell Week

This was the week all the Farrell's decended on Van Buren Point.
The Casey's stayed at the Hogg cottage, while Grammy Farrell, her other
4 daughters stayed at the Hall's cottage along with Davey and his family. It
was a blessing to have Grammy Farrell here once again ( at age 93 ).

Merry Go Round

Liam loves horses, but nobody enjoyed the Merry Go Round more than Tristan. All the kids had a ball at this year's fair.

Young Redneck

Tristan has a natural redneck mentality. Here he celebrates
running over a ground hog with a $50,000 New Holland tractor
and brush hog.

Fresh Milk

Liam now knows what it takes to get some milk for his cerel in the morning. He did lots of farming chores at the fair and now wants to be a farmer.

First Place Winner

Pap Pap got out his paints and brushes this Summer and came up with a winner for the fair. Here, his fan club cheer him on. As you can see, Tristy and Liam are the President and Vice President of the club.

Another First Prize

Erin did it again. She not only won first prize, but a special ribbon as well. Plus, a judges choice award!

This is a pencil drawing of George Farrell, the great grandfather of Gillian, Liam, and Tristan.

Second Place Ribbon

Gillian won a 2nd place ribbon for her painting at the fair. It was a water color and titled "Sunset."

Rabbits

The kids all loved seeing the bunnies at the fair. They were something you could pet without getting bitten! Tristan is always willing to pose to get his mug on the blog.

The County Fair

Sam and Pap Pap took these kids to the County Fair. They needed a rest after all the walking and riding. From left to right are: Liam, Bryan, Ann, Gillian, and Tristan. We all played "I Got It." Gillian won three free games.

No more training wheels!!!

After a few stutter-steps, and the removal of one training wheel, Tristan was able to ride his bike last week for the first time.

The 4th of July (VBP style)

The older I get, the more I realize that moments of childhood magic/mystique and that special-something we once felt as children becomes more fleeting or difficult to re-capture as we continue to put the years behind us. Well, being able to celebrate the 4th of July while in Van Buren Point is NOT one of those instances. The feeling of those good old days is still very much alive and well here for children.


Here at the Point, the magic still flows, as the community comes together for one of the most unique slices of Americana you will ever find between the oceans of the fruited plains. A tradition dating back almost 50 years ago by a neighbor named Jim McKinley, something out of a Normal Rockwell painting occurs here once per year. Kids decorate their bikes, and ride in a bike parade in front of the community, while adults after saying the Pledge of Allegiance eat hot dogs and rub elbows with their neighbors in the morning sun.


Then the Brocton Fire Department use their fire truck to give the kids rides around the point. Having grown up experiencing this type of holiday ritual, I can say first hand that it gives the 4th of July a special type of meaning that many kids in this nation virtually have no similar type affection or knowledge of. Then again, not everyone is as blessed as we are to be here on this special day. It's one of my few favorite holidays, and always will be. Here are some pictures from this special day. Enjoy the smiles.

Other shots from today,