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Community Corner

"Good Vibrations" Gala Benefit for the Stratford Library

The Stratford Library Board of Trustees will present its annual major fund-raiser for the library on Saturday, April 26 beginning at 6:30 pm.  The eleventh annual event entitled “Good Vibrations” will have a beach party theme and is a gala evening of groovy Beach Boys music, dancing in the aisles, appetizers, dinner, fine beverages and delectable desserts.  All proceeds will benefit the library’s collections.

The evening will feature top-notch entertainment by The Beach Meanies and singer Alyson Cahill.  The Beach Meanies, are one of the most popular and versatile tribute bands on the East Coast.  They have performed high-profile tributes to the Monkees and Beatles along with other performances featuring the music of The Who, Rolling Stones, The Doors and many more.  The New York/New Jersey-based Meanies have been performing together since 1984 and are renowned for energetic and fun tribute shows.  They have performed the best of classic pop and rock at fan conventions, music academies, libraries and music festivals from New York City to Los Angeles to Liverpool.

Alyson Cahill is an arts educator and performer based in Norwalk, Connecticut.  Born and raised in Stratford, she received her B.A. in Music Theater from the American University in Washington, DC.  After graduation she became a staff member at TADA Youth Theatre, a professional theater company dedicated to providing musical theater education to children.  She pursued a Masters degree in Educational Theatre from City College in New York and graduated with honors.  Cahill is currently on the Performing Arts faculty at The Unquowa School in Fairfield and the Music Theatre of Connecticut in Westport.  She will be accompanied by Stratford’s David Childs who has served as the Main Lobby pianist for the Library fundraisers for several years now.

The Stratford Library will be transformed for the benefit to accommodate two special performance areas and 200 guests.  A cocktail buffet of delicious edibles, full dinner and fine desserts with an open bar will be provided by David M. Grant Caterers.   The Event Decorators of Bridgeport will provide a variety of magical balloon creations and beach party decorations for the benefit.  Dancing will be encouraged.  Pianist David Childs will entertain guests in the lobby between performances. 

An expanded silent auction in conjunction this year will include: two weeks of Sterling House Day Camp (value: $350), tickets to the Late Show with David Letterman, Wine Making Party Kit for 8 people and gift certificates for Shear Excellence, Crunch Fitness, Discovery Museum, Cindy’s Hair Company and a variety of local restaurants.

Event co-chairpersons are Doreen Jaekle and Robyn Proto of Stratford with committee members Meg Bachtel, Barbara Blosveren, Judith Crudo, Jim Duffy, Tory Florek, Karla Glad, Shelley Hall, Tom Holehan, Deb Perman, Barb Poisson, Heather Silverman, Cynthia Smith and Sheri Szymanski.  The Honorary Chairman for “Good Vibrations” is Stratford Mayor John A. Harkins.

Major sponsors for the benefit currently include Berchem, Moses & Devlin, People’s United Bank, Aquarion Water Company, Florek & O’Neill, Hubbell Water Heaters, Curran Volkswagen, Joel Pleban, CPA, UIL Holdings Corporation, Pistey Funeral Home and Stratford Land Development. Additional sponsors and program advertisers are being sought.

Tickets for the event are $75 and contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Black tie optional, beach party attire is welcome.  Seating is limited and reservations are required.  Call the Stratford Library for an invitation or further information at 203.385.4166.  

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