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October 2006
Sam's Birthday Party
By: Larry Duffy
Creative Director
There are few things in life so profoundly rewarding as raising a child. Nurturing an infant and watching them develop under your tutelage is a tremendous responsibility. The challenges are enormous but there is no greater satisfaction then when you realize that all the hard work is paying dividends.
That being said, there are many difficulties presented that require parents to summon all their courage and strength. Of these difficulties, I can think of few more daunting than the dreaded BIRTHDAY PARTY.
Who among us has not cursed vehemently upon receiving yet another invitation? Who has not lamented the precious lost hours on a weekend afternoon, and who is not guilty of hosting the event for no better reason then everyone else does it and my child expects it!
I’ve seen them all, I’ve been through the fire and I can testify. I’ve seen the skate party that degenerates into a bloody scene from "Rollerball" as dozens of kids jacked up on sugared shortening and soda pop careen around a concrete floor on four wheels when they can barely navigate on two legs. I’ve seen the swim party where seemingly hundreds of kids cram themselves into a pool the size of a laundry tub. Like antelope at a dwindling Serengeti watering hole, arms flailing and elbows crashing as they fight to keep their heads above water. I’ve seen the pizza party where robotic rodents play banjo music while pleading children cajole and coerce their parents for more, more, more tokens. I know the horror and anguish that comes from watching your five year old climb up a plastic tube and disappear into a Habitrail maze not to be seen again for the next hour or two. You’re helpless to do anything but wait and wonder if they’re not cornered in the pipeline somewhere, suspended 30 feet above you in a four mile maze of tunnels and netting being pummeled by some juvenile delinquent who’s in a foul mood because he didn’t receive the X-Box 360 he demanded for his birthday. All the while you stare upward muttering and praying, gripping the sticky railing, white-knuckled as some wayward waif bounces plastic balls off your forehead. Oh yes, I have seen it all and I shudder at the recollection. But take hope good people. I assure you there is a better way.
It doesn’t have to be like that. Rich and Judy Wallut of New Town realized it. What is even more impressive is that their nine year old son Sam realized it too. The Walluts asked themselves why they should rent one of the usual suspect party facilities for hundreds of dollars, when they could instead take advantage of the amenities offered right outside their front door. Like everyone in New Town, the Walluts live near lakes and parks. They decided to utilize them for a party that will remain in the memories of those who attended, long after the din and blur of the packaged parties fade.
The party was brilliant in its simplicity. Rich and Judy set up decorated tables on their wraparound porch and had a commanding view of the festivities. A group of about twenty-five kids and their parents had plenty of room to spread out as they participated in a fishing tournament on the big lake. The kids were having a blast and Rich and Judy were scrambling to keep up while recording the size and type of fish caught. Most fish, largest fish, smallest fish, there were lots of winners in this derby. The fish were plentiful and some very nice bass and catfish were landed along with the blue gill.
After the tournament some kids lingered with their poles still trying to catch that big one. Others were at the playground and the park. All of this activity was easily monitored from Rich and Judy’s yard. I’ve never seen a birthday party of that size where everything seemed so relaxed and unforced. The grill was cooking, the sun was shining and the parents were hanging out enjoying themselves as the kids ran and played. Cake was served, presents were opened but the party continued. As the sun set, the entire group was mustered and moved to the amphitheater for the Friday night movie. "The Incredibles" was showing and the Walluts decided to incorporate the movie into their party. Where else but New Town could you throw such a shindig? Fishing, playgrounds and a movie all within a stone’s throw of the party and all free. But it’s not about the money saved. It’s about recognizing that it isn’t necessary to pay a fortune to celebrate a special day. It’s about remembering that the simple things are very often the best in life. Sam Wallut turned ten years old and that is a big deal. His mom and dad wanted to throw him a party he wouldn’t forget. They certainly accomplished their goal, and they did it all from the front porch of their home. New Town continues to provide a special setting for many special memories. I think that is the promise of any real community and in New Town, I think it’s a promise fulfilled.
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