Mascarenas celebrates 50

By Lex Quintero-Brode

Mountains surrounding you, a cool breeze mixed with hot sunshine, and a clear lake is my idea of a perfect getaway, which is why I spend almost every weekend in the summer at Crowley Lake. When I was about seven-years-old I remember seeing at least 15-20 campers, but now when I go there are only about three families that stay the night.

Last weekend, however, there were 13 or more trailers camping. Local Abe Mascarenas turned 50 and threw and huge birthday party. He made food for all of Beaver Cove, hosted paddleboard races and hired a live band! Somehow I got sucked into doing the paddleboard races with Jamie Rae Morris. Her partner wasn’t able to participate so I was just a fill-in. Surprisingly, we got third place! Tara Calvin-Peterson got first place, closely followed by Lara Evans Walker who got second place in the women’s race. As for the men’s division, Kyle Williams got third, Brent Peterson got second, and Russ Chessler finished in first.

It was a great day followed by a fantastic night with campfires, s’mores and music. However, it wasn’t the band or the contests that were special. It was simply seeing so many people laughing, dancing, swimming and smiling.