On the evening of February 15, the North Bennet Street School atrium was magically transformed into a Valentine Coffee House hosted by the Friends of the North End Library.
Photo credits: Meredith Piscitelli
Local talent found their inner poets and entertained the enthusiastic audience with love themed poetry, letters, and music recited and sung. A vivacious Rita Pagliuca emceed the event and encouraged the audience to participate by completing the sentence, “Love is…”. Everyone agreed that “Love is living in the North End”.
A special thank you to Bobby Eustace from Polcari’s for donating delicious Baci chocolates and for bringing music to the event. His serenade for Laura Benvenuto brought down the house! Other talented local celebrities included Jennifer Hawes, BPL North End Branch Librarian, Sherri Snow from NEMPAC, and Nicola Orichuia of I AM Books, as well as Cheryl Fraser and Joe Aleo, our beloved Post Office workers. Robyn Reed and Joanne Hayes-Rines from Friends of Christopher Columbus Park also touched our heartstrings. Marie Salvati, grandmother and great grandmother read her grandson’s award winning poem. Joe and Katie Kelly, history buffs and devoted couple, completed the evening with romantic excerpts from the letters of John and Abigail Adams.
The spirit of this wonderful neighborhood was showcased through the heartfelt performances of our local celebrities. What a night!
Talk is in the air for a return of the Coffee House next year with some exciting new ideas!
The event was sponsored by the Friends of the North End Library, North Bennet Street School, and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park.
If you would like to join the Friends of the North End Library, go to our website: www.friendsnelibrary.org and click on “Memberships – Donate”. If you have any questions, please send an email to info@friendsnelibrary.org.
the event could not have been a better time. Collaboratively the NBSS, Library and FOCCP worked together making it a success. One participant said ” wow you just gave prizes and treats and a great fun time” Its easy to have fun and feel relaxed because it was like la famiglia!