Dear Editor:
This past Thursday, June 10, the Jersey City Free Public Library Foundation, Inc. held another successful fund-raiser at O’Hara’s. As a result, the library can continue purchasing and installing additional security cameras for the entire library system, assuring the safety of library patrons and staff. Cameras have already been installed at the Five Corners, Greenville and Miller branches, and the Main Library.
Many people contributed to this effort, and need to be acknowledged. Many thanks go to Mike Sims, owner of O’Hara’s, for use of the facility for Hot Times at the Fiesta, and for Michael Anthony’s restaurant for supplying the food, tent, refreshments and music. With tacos reflecting that theme, the food was, to use a Spanish word: ¡Perfecto!
We always appreciate the elected officials who take time from their busy schedules to attend, Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, City Council President Peter Brennan, and Councilman Bill Gaughan.
The Eamonn Ryan Band provided upbeat classic rock tunes that beckoned dancers all night, therefore, the Library Foundation offers kudos to the best cover band around!
This fund-raiser smoothly ran because of Library Director and Library Foundation Executive Director Priscilla Gardner and all the volunteer library staff that helped make Hot Times at the Fiesta the fun fund-raiser that it was.
Library Foundation Chairman Michael A. Ryan worked the event as if he was tending to his guests at home. That type of dedication is extraordinary, and deserves special commendation. This also was a family affair, as Mike had the support of his wife Liz and his two young girls, Patricia and Claire. Special thanks go to Library Foundation Recording Secretary Eileen Gaughan (Beanie), for her hard work alongside Mike and Liz. And of course, thanks go to the Board of Trustees of the Jersey City Free Public Library Foundation, Inc.
Many thanks also are in order for the Library Board Trustees who attended: Library Board Treasurer John A. Mehos, Secretary Alicia Bass, and Board Members Sondra E. Buesing-Riley and Cynthia Cartagena.
Sincerely,
James K. Morley
President, Board of Trustees
Jersey City Free Public Library