Camilla Faragalli, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Lively discussion filled the basement of the Church of St. Charles Borromeo during the Harvest Supper in Otter Lake on Saturday.

One hundred and sixty people from across the Pontiac were in attendance. “People are happy to be here,” said Father Michael Smith, “It’s an initiative of the parishioners and there’s been a very good response.”

Anita Lafleur is one of the parishioners who initiated the event. “I just wanted to bring proceeds to the church, to help the church,” she said, adding that it was a group effort that made it all possible. “The ladies that used to be the Otter Lake Auxiliary pitched in,” she said, “And we all worked together.”

After an opening blessing from Father Smith, attendees patiently waited to be called up table by table to the impressive buffet-style spread.

“It was advertised, we go to church, it was supper, and the price was right,” said Larry Kluke, whose wife Isabel Kluke added that because of covid, many regular church events have been cancelled. “This is the time that we’re having something this year,” she said.

In the French, English and laughter-filled room that had been specially decorated for the occasion, one thing seemed evident – a sentiment perhaps best captured by the words of attendee Adam Lafleur:

“Supper and family brought me here tonight,” said Lafleur, “And the hometown feel – that’s not going to change.”