By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

Music plus ice cream equals summer.

At least that’s what the large crowd thought as it gathered for a picnic and concert June 29 in Ebenezer Church Grove.

Community members were invited to bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs so they could best listen to music featuring Valerie Borman and Fred Reith.

Selections included classics such as “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Shut Up and Dance with Me, (Walk the Moon)” and “I’ll Fly Away.”

“It was Valerie’s idea to have a concert in the grove,” church member Susan Christ said. “We were going to move it indoors to our new hall but I’m glad we could be outside.”

“Valerie is our church director,” church member Bonnie Smoyer added, who also sings in the church choir. “She does everything from Aretha Franklin to church music.”

The weather held as people chatted amiably.

“If we get a chance, we’ll do this all again,” Borman said. “Mark your calendar for Sept. 28.”

Denise Oxford and her family were happy to be at the event.

“This is a great church,” she said. “All the kids were baptized here. There are friendly, caring, wonderful people here.”

Not everyone in attendance was a member of the church.

“I’m not a member but I go here,” New Tripoli resident Nancy Hartman said. “Everyone makes you feel like you’re part of this neighborhood.

“It’s small-town neighborhood church and you get that warm feel.

“Pastor Wally is a very down to earth person.”