Department Hosts Annual Fall Picnic at Wiard's Orchard

By Camren Clouthier | October 25 2021

On Sunday, October 10, the Department of Pathology hosted its annual Fall Picnic at Wiard's Orchard in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Members of the department ranging from faculty, to staff, to trainees, came out for a day of fun in the fall weather. Attendees participated in several activites including hayrides, pumpkin picking, visiting the petting zoo and more. Lunch, along with cider and donuts, was served at the pavilion and employees had the chance to mingle and connect with colleagues from all different areas of the Department.

"I was happily greeting folks and handing out plates and silverware with Jeff to the line as they came in," says Dr. Parkos. "It was great to see so many staff and faculty along with their families enjoying the bbq and warm weather on this beautiful fall day."

"The annual family picnic was a great success, with over 300 in attendance," says Regina Ferguson, Facilities Manager within the Department. "[There were] so many research and clinical employees bringing their families and friends out to enjoy the beautiful Michigan sun and warm temperatures."

"After what has sometimes felt like a decade of pandemic stress, it brought me such joy to see our pathology staff and their families gathering together to enjoy the beautiful day and all the fall activities that Wiard’s Orchard offers,"  notes Shirley Hoffman, one of the organizers. "It was great to see smiling faces and reconnect with folks I haven’t seen in a while, and I’m looking forward to many more memories with our pathology community!"

"I really enjoyed seeing so many people at Wiard's, and the weather was beautiful," describes Yvonne Beadle. "The food was delicious, and the cider and donuts were the best! I also went on the wagon ride and loved seeing all the animals at the Animal Petting Farm."

We offer special thanks to Drs. Parkos and Myers for serving the food, Yvonne Beadle, Yvonne Bidwell, Shirley Hoffman, MJ Liu, Oscar Mendez and Michal Warner, as well as our Pathology students Ryan Chekan and Cameron Smith for their planning and registration of the day’s event.