Radiating joy and vitality, Carmela Crawford embodied the adage “age is just a number” as she celebrated her 70th birthday on May 4, 2024, at the picturesque Portsmouth Historical Society in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She embraced this milestone birthday as an ideal occasion for gathering loved ones and appreciating the gift of life.
The Charm of Carmela’s New Home
A native New Yorker and Organizational Development powerhouse, Carmela moved to the New England Seacoast area seven years ago. Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with its charming historic streets, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming community, has become her beloved new home. The town’s rich history and coastal beauty in spring added flair to such a joyous occasion.
The Portsmouth Historical Society served as the perfect backdrop for Carmela’s birthday celebration, adding a meaningful touch to the event. Those who know her understand that the venue’s enduring presence mirrors Carmela’s own resilience in navigating life’s ups and downs and standing the test of time with positivity and grace.
46 guests traveled from across the country — family members, classmates from New York University Stern School of Business, former colleagues, fellow Girl Scout leaders, fellow board members from the Portsmouth Women’s City Club, and old and new friends — gathered to honor Carmela’s milestone.
Rocking 70 Years Young
The party commenced with a cocktail hour at 4 PM, offering an array of beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and two signature drinks meticulously crafted with locally sourced ingredients, specially concocted in honor of Carmela.
Anecdotes and memories flowed freely, painting a vivid portrait of Carmela’s remarkable journey through the seven decades — from her adventurous world travels to her unwavering kindness to the local communities.
Adding to the uniqueness of the occasion, guests had the opportunity to explore the gallery and appreciate the Portsmouth Historical Society’s collection of artworks, immersing themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The birthday girl, dressed in an ocean blue silk blouse with vintage gold jewelry, epitomized elegance. She also wore a yellow flower on her shoulder as a warm symbol of connection and sisterhood as a member of the “traveling girlfriends,” a group of nine who frequently travel together.
Dinner tables were adorned with a seacoast theme: ocean blue tablecloths, white linen runners, and yellow napkins tied with nautical ropes, mimicking sunshine on the water. Centerpieces of sailboats, lobsters, freshly picked tulips, and seashells added to the vibrant coastal ambiance.
Guests delighted in a multi-course, 13-item omnivore menu prepared by Chef Frank Verdillo of the beloved local gem Common Roots Collective. The creative, nourishing, and flavorful dishes featuring New England favorites elicited glowing praise.
The crowning jewel of the evening was the birthday cake — an orange cake from the renowned local bakery Popovers on the Square, a Portsmouth favorite since the 1930s. Layers of vanilla cake with orange cream cheese icing, garnished with orange jellies, delighted guests with its nostalgic and exquisite flavor.
Sweeter with Age
Before departing for the rooftop after-party, guests took away their sweet Seacoast memories encapsulated in delightful party favors, including locally sourced New Hampshire maple syrups from Fuller’s Sugarhouse and enticing lobster candy pops.
Carmela’s daughters, Mary Crawford and Jen Liang, donning vibrant spring dresses, highlighted the essence of the celebration, saying, “It is Carmela’s generosity and love for her friends and community that brought everyone here and made this gathering so special.”
Reflecting on her big day, Carmela remarked in front of the group, “People usually have a big gathering of friends and family at their wedding and funeral. Now, I’d rather not look down on everyone from the afterlife, so let’s celebrate together in this life instead.”
Carmela’s birthday was a gathering that symbolized not just a milestone of time but also the joy of shared moments and the warmth of connections, weaving together laughter and heartfelt conversations. It resonated with the beauty of togetherness, the abundance of love, and cherishing the moments that make life worth living.
