2011 Fling Chronicle
Christine Perry
Looking back through the rear window, I caught sight of the house fading in the distance as we drove away. That home recalled the memories of a very special week. A week of reader’s theaters and debates, of singing and dancing, of Toblerone bars and aebleskivers, of hymns and chorales, of name games and Greek phrases, of “Stand and Shoot” and “No picking fruit,” of fiddles and banjos, and most of all, of growing minds and friendships. It all began one morning in June. . . .
Wednesday
After months of anticipation and nearly 3,000 miles on the road, my family arrived at the ETS Fling. With a flutter of nervous excitement in my stomach, I hopped out of our car and followed the caravan of students toting lawn chairs up the asphalt pathway and onto the Hinrichs estate. Mr. Hinrichs offered a warm welcome and ushered us to the breakfast buffet. Classmates exchanged hugs and greetings and matched new faces to familiar names. We were still enjoying our bagels and cream cheese when a bell’s toll summoned us to the hall doors. When the students had gathered, Mr. Hinrichs introduced Mrs. Hinrichs, Benjamin, Christian, Dante, Eloise, and Baby F; and he quickly reviewed the Fling guidelines. Next, Mr. Hinrichs explained the Toblerone quiz tradition and started firing trivia questions: “Who was Helen’s sister? . . . . What is the periodic symbol for silver? . . . . What is one of Lucretius’ arguments for earthquakes?” While the rest of us, still rusty from summer, struggled to respond, five-year-old Dante correctly answered our first Greek question of the week. After a stroll through the property and a group picture in front of the hall, we assembled a circle of chairs on the lawn for another classic Fling challenge: the Name Game. Beginning with Reilly Fitzpatrick, the names raced around the circle. When the last of the participants successfully completed the daunting list, the more audacious volunteered to compete for the record time. Although several undertook the challenge, Jessie Schnoebelen repeated her 2009 Name Game title, emerging victorious by more than two seconds! The group reassembled in the hall, and we concluded the morning in song.
Following a potluck lunch of homemade casseroles, burgers and hot dogs from the grill, and freshly-picked tangelos from the orchard, we commenced the afternoon activities. While the first rehearsal of this year’s play, Metamorphoses, convened outside the hall, others contended on the basketball court. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Hinrichs announced the results of the baking conquiz: the winning fruit pizza (compliments to Anya Corse!), raspberry cheesecake, cupcakes, lemon cheesecake, and many more. Soon the bell beckoned us back to enjoy the Homeric Read-a-thon. After a summary of his historic coin collection, Mr. Hinrichs began the group reading of The Odyssey with characteristic fervor: “Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story of that man. . . .” Ryan McDonald, David Voytek, and Christina Lambert portrayed the beguiling Calypso, blundering Cyclops, and enticing Circe, each bringing a unique touch and flair to the story. Unfortunately, “all good things must come to an end,” and we were off to dinner.
But there was more to come. On the side porch, Mr. David Hinrichs set up his telescope, and as the sky darkened, observers enjoyed a stunning view of Saturn’s rings. On the lawn, the dancing began. Among the repertoire were many favorites: the Virginia Reel, Patty Cake Polka, and Gay Gordon, as well as swing, waltz, and various Greek dances. With smiles on our faces and music in our ears, we danced the night away. Tired but radiant, we finished the night by singing hymns and chorales, and Mr. Hinrichs closed the day in prayer. We left the hall with the Doxology ringing in our hearts and minds: “. . . . Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.” And the evening and the morning were the first day . . . . what a day!
Volunteers needed to read books from The Odyssey. If you volunteer to read a book, please practice your book so that you can read it with good interest for the listeners.
Contact coordinator: Mr. Hinrichs gbt@gbt.orgMr. Hinrichs I
Ryan McDonald V
David Voytek IX
Christina Lambert X
Matthew Staley XXII
Mr. Hinrichs XXIII
Feel free to dress semi-formally or casual for this event. We will be teaching: country dances (i.e. Virginia Reel), swing, polka, German dances, Regency dances and any other dances we forgot to mention but have time for.
