Galacious Gala 2013

Fran Morrier described the First U Gala 2013 as “galacious”.  There was delicious food delightful fellowship, and vibrant dance music. Thank you to those who attended!

It was amazing how we chefs choreographed our places in the kitchen.  We gracefully swerved out of each other’s way.  Sue and Bob Shaw were invaluable to us helping out here and there. They also washed dishes and more dishes…until there were no more to be washed.

I cannot thank everyone enough who helped in some capacity. Every bit counted.  In fact, we finished set-up in record time this year!  I guess “Three is a charm.”  I was so energized by the gratitude of the guests. Then more encouragement--During the fundraiser one chef told me he has next year’s menu theme already in mind.  The following morning, one of the band members said I “should do it again…this was the best one…you have it down now.” I responded, “It seems the band does, too.”  So I am already conjuring Gala 2014!

This year’s dinner-dance seemed to go by fast.  Why?  From my perspective—smoother coordination of tasks. The congenial participation of these people made my job much easier.  My words of thanks can’t convey my true appreciation of their contribution.  

Kudos to:

Chefs:  David Spanagel, Jay Lavelle, Linda Carney, Kate O’Dell, Susan Anderson, Jesse Anderson, Suzanne Kroll.

Chefs’ assistants:  Becky Spanagel, Paul Kelley, Rob Kroll, Phil Nigro

Chefs’ Servers:  Alana Wyatt, Maddie Hayman, Will Hayman, Ben Mandile, Aria Jordan

Kitchen Staff:  Sue Shaw, Bob Shaw, Peter Haroutian

Bartender:  Seth Popinchalk

General Assistants:  Scott Hayman, Donna Rossio, Jennifer Bowes

Decorations:  Linda Wyatt, Abby Hannaford-Ricardi, Hogwarts Campers, Kris Johnson, Alana Wyatt

Train with Village Team:  Rudy Cepko, Bob Shaw, Seth Popinchalk, Sue Shaw

Christmas Tree:  Jennifer Bowes, Mike Keating and crew

Set-up:  Alana Wyatt, Kate O’Dell, Kris Johnson, Scott Hayman, Maddie Hayman, Phil Malm,  Jean McInerney, Paul Kelley, Peter Merghart

Sweets Team for Dance:  Mahroo Morgan, Sue Shaw

Musicians:  Cindy Bizzarro, Lydia Fortune, Cosmic Slim and His Intergalactic Plowboys (Known in the flesh as—church members/friends—Sten Gustavson, Rick McCarthy, Bill Fisher, Phil Nigro; and friends by default—Rick Levine, Tim Bowles with the “Sound Guy”—Chuck Demers)

Photographer:  Fran Morrier

Childcare:  Jessica Gray, Diane Colon, Nan Gibbons

Clean-up Crew—Many participants, but especially, Seth Popinchalk, Scott Hayman, Sue Shaw, Bob Shaw, Marilyn Dufresne, Kris Johnson, Abby Hannaford-Ricardi, chefs

Pre-Gala Kitchen Cleaner:  Gini Johnson

Hope I honored everyone!

It was difficult to take off the dress and jewelry to finalize the closing of another Gala.  They remain untouched for a week on my bed and dresser, respectively.  I finally put them away this past weekend.

However--more joy to be made--Save the date for Gala 2014—Saturday, December 6, 2014!   6-11 p.m.  I’ll be there, at least some of the same chefs, and Cosmic Slim and his Intergalactic Plowboys.

Happy Holidays and God bless!

Linda