Volunteers, sponsors ensure success of WCA’s Black Fly Blitz

Ann and Marc Davis
Race directors
WCA Black Fly Blitz
To the community,

Thanks to the work of more than 40 volunteers, the Wilmot Community Association’s (WCA) 15th annual Black Fly Blitz on Memorial Day – Monday, May 27 – was a resounding success. Nearly 160 runners and walkers took to the 5K course which winds through scenic Wilmot.

Proceeds from the Black Fly Blitz support the WCA, which owns and operates the WCA’s Red Barn, a community center, and Timmy Patten Park, a beach and playground. The track and cross-country teams at Kearsarge Regional High School (KRHS) receive a portion of the race proceeds.

Several members of the KRHS track and cross-country teams assisted with the race. KRHS coaches, staff and parents assisting with the event included Peter Angus, Ernie Brake, Brian Pauling, Mary Anne Morcom, and Ed Rehor. Current and former students who lent a hand included: Leslie, Eleanor and Libby Angus, Hunter Burns, Serenity Cole, Mya Dube, Evan Pauling, Avril Prak and Sophia Reynolds.

David Zuger, Wilmot police chief and members of the Wilmot Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) FAST Squad were on hand throughout the morning to ensure a safe event. The FAST Squad members Scott, Carpenter, Sean Cushing, Dave Herr, Kim Hill, Tom Jenssen, Jonathan Jusczyk, Phil Nicholson, and Stanley Rayno were ready to assist with any medical emergencies. The Wilmot Ladies Aid Society loaned their tables. The Wilmot Highway Department provided road barricades to ensure safe passage for runners at intersections along the course.

Runners and walkers were rewarded with water, oranges, bagels and a special treat – delicious, home baked cookies – at the end of the race. Bakers included Melissa Aubertin, Janet Baker, Lisah Carpenter, Ann Davis, Chris Jenssen, Jan Sahler and Rachel Seamans.

Bill Burris set up his wonderful handmade games. He was ably assisted by Bill and Margaret Doody. Lori Meding and Brian McCarthy applied temporary tattoos – in a black fly motif – to the delight of children and adults. Mark Aldrich was at the piano. He kept the music coming and toes tapping.

Other volunteers included: Hayden and Max Brown, Jenny Santora, Will Santora, Jim Santora, Keith Seamans, and Adam Glass. Marc Davis assisted with sponsor recruitment. Susan Nye photographed the event.

Ensuring the financial success of the Black Fly Blitz were the 54 race sponsors.

Rayno Construction contributed at the super platinum level.

Platinum sponsors included: Echo Communications, Kearsarge Property & Landscaping, Lakes Region Tent & Event, Tom Conway Tree Service and Woods Without Gile.

Sponsoring the event at the gold level were: Clarke’s Hardware, FloorCraft, Frank Anzalone Associates, Gutgsell & Phipps Dentistry, Huckleberry Propane & Oil, InterTown Record, Northeast Delta Dental, Perkins Landscaping, Pizza Chef of Andover, Scott Carpenter Construction and Walker Automotive Services.

Silver level sponsors included: Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Barton Insurance Agency, Belletetes, Better Homes & Gardens Milestone Real Estate, Byron’s Septic Service, C.A. Miller Plumbing & Heating, Chadwick Funeral Service, Cherry Pond Fine Furniture, Colby Insurance Group, Colonial Pharmacy, Cornelio Law Offices, Four Seasons Sotheby’s Realty, Grounds, Hubert’s of New London, Kearsarge Veterinary Clinic, Marathon Landscaping, Marshall’s Garage, McCrillis & Eldredge, Nathan Wechsler, O’Halloran Group – Keller Williams Lakes & Mountains, Park N Go Market, Philip Nicholson Builder, Pleasant Lake Veterinary Hospital, Spring Ledge Farm, Sugar River Bank, Terhune Family and Walco Mechanical.

Sponsoring the event at the bronze level were: Bow Family Dentistry, Dr. Donna Reed, Dunkin Donuts, Hannaford – New London, Joan Marie’s Beauty Boutique, Market Basket – Warner, Morgan Hill Bookstore, Promotional Solutions, Village Sports and Woodcrest Village.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the Black Fly Blitz a fabulous event!

Sincerely,