The wedding arch sits beautifully over Dorthe Balaskas‘  Memorial bench, next to Sandy’s Memorial garden. The garden originally housed the band shell at one time, which no longer exists. Sandy West, Maqua resident, passed away a few summers ago and chimes were donated in her memory. The flowers and ornamental trees are part of the remembrance garden for our loved ones who pass away, which began with Sandy’s plantings.

The arch was made by Kim Gorman, Maqua resident, who fashioned the arch for Kyle and Liz Baker‘s wedding from fallen birch wood. Four other Maqua offspring have married at Maqua, including Brooke and Gage Beauchemin, Ryan and Cara West,and Chris and Lisa LaGerould.

The bench was donated by many ex-campers in memory of Dorthe Balaskas—revered director of camp from 1963-69. It overlooks the lake and campfire pit to the west of the boathouse.

Our group of ten owners take pride in the shared property, which consists of hiking trails, communal beachfront, craft hut, campfire pit and boathouse. Many potlucks, celebrations and campfires have created ongoing memories in this spot.