January 22
...serving up your daily dish.
Yes galas are expensive... but how often do you get to see your mayor in all kinds of unmayorly positions? Left, Glen Ridge's current mayor Carl Bergmanson. Right, former mayor Steve Plate. The sold-out Glen Ridge Gala raised money for the library's children room, which was flooded in 2004. And...
... what's more pathetic that an author checking her Amazon numbers every 15 minutes? Sending her husband go back to the silent auction every 15 minutes to check on the progress of this.
January 22, 2006 in Civic Virtue | Permalink
When the Barista left, during the polka number, it was at $190 for 8 autographed copies and a book group visit.
Posted by: The Barista | Jan 22, 2006 9:03:13 AM
Speaking of childrens' libraries, I visited the Bloomfield Childrens' Library for the 1st time in awhile, and see that they've remodelled the upstairs! They've added 5 new computer workstations, more bookshelves filled with new items for the collections, comfy chairs, and cushions for sprawling out on the floor. The walls have been painted a calm, soothing yellow, and there've added some classy-looking ceiling lighting fixtures. The downstairs still has those great storybook character murals. The place really has an aura of old-fashioned charm -- it's not cookie-cutter modern at all (and I mean that in a good way).
And they're open on Sundays now. We whiled away a nice afternoon there last Sunday, when it was so icy outside.
Posted by: skippy | Jan 22, 2006 10:13:56 AM
Skippy, thanks for mentioning the Bloomfield Children's Library renovation. I agree it is very nicely done. There is a new Library Director in town and he has a lot of great ideas. Look for more positive change at the library in the coming months.
Posted by: Mimi | Jan 22, 2006 10:31:07 AM
Raymmmondo:
I remember when this picture was taken; believe it or not, this is actually a picture of me dancing (coincidently, I was dancing with Nancy Plate). I am screaming Yeaaaaaaaah!
What a great party! We raised a lot of money for a great cause. A big thank-you to Gala Chairperson Beverly de Filippis and the Gala Committee, John Sitnik and the Library folks and Mike Rohal and all Borough employees who set things up, helped staff the party, ran the Jitney and cleaned-up. Sam Joseph for all his help. The Women's Club for providing the fabulous venue. Joe and the whole staff at Joseph's Restaurant (The best damn restaurant in Baristaville, right in downtown Glen Ridge) for the great food. Event Planner Joni Bronander and her staff, all the great folks who advertised in the program, and/or gave stuff for the auction (like The Barista), plus all the folks who placed bids. Our Congressman Bill Pascrell for almost making it, Assemblyman Tom Giblin for taking time out of his busy schedule to come, The Borough Council (all six of whom were there), Former Mayor Steve Plate (who started the Gala six years ago) and his lovely wife Nancy, and every one of our wonderful and generous guests, especially the folks who no longer live in town, but came back for this special night.
What a wonderful town we live in, thanks again to everyone, and I hope to see you all at next year’s Gala, January 20, 2007 – save the date!
Posted by: Carl Bergmanson | Jan 22, 2006 2:08:52 PM
Debbie - The bidder who won your auction item is a huge fan of yours. He has been following your writing since your early NY Times days. Maybe this is the start of your fan club!Thanks again for your donation and for your participation in the gala.
Posted by: Beverly de Filippis | Jan 22, 2006 2:49:25 PM
To Skippy - the re-do of the mezzanine at the Bloomfield Children's Library was achieved through the generous donation of Margaret Sherlock, who died about three years ago. She was a steadfast Bloomfielder who was a former scientist with Schering-Plough, with close to 100 patents in her name. She was a spectacular woman who garnered my utmost respect - I just went to visit the redone space last week and smiled to myself - "Peg" would have been so proud.
Posted by: annie oaklely | Jan 22, 2006 3:32:10 PM
A really fun event for a very worthy cause... well done! to all involved.
Posted by: Dan Murphy | Jan 22, 2006 6:22:20 PM
This was a great event. Thanks to all of the great volunteers on the committee. It was a wonderful time for a wonderful cause.
Posted by: Jessica | Jan 22, 2006 10:32:19 PM
Annie O.,
Thanks for the info about the funding source of the mezzanine's renovation -- I was wondering how it had been possible. What a great thing she made happen!
Posted by: skippy | Jan 23, 2006 7:54:40 AM
the high bidder for your auction was really looking to score brownie points with his wife and her friends. the best part about it is the book club meets on the barista's street.
Posted by: todd | Jan 23, 2006 11:49:06 AM
>> What was Carl saying?
"No photos!"
? <<
Looks to me like he was caught in the act of trying to cop a feel.
Posted by: crank | Jan 23, 2006 1:21:07 PM
How convenient for me! I can't wait for this event.
Posted by: The Barista | Jan 23, 2006 1:21:11 PM
