By Tricia Sabbey
On Wednesday evening, May 17, the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park invited the community to a Membership Social at Tia’s adjacent to the Park. About a hundred twenty-five people came out on a very chilly evening to join in the festivities. MaryGaye Grizwin, Membership and Social Committee Chair, echoing the ‘Spark in the Park’ theme of the evening welcomed everyone and thanked members, sponsors, and volunteers for being the sparks of energy that all together create such a vibrant and welcoming Park. Joanne Hayes-Rines, FOCCP President, thanked the attendees and conducted the highly anticipated raffle which consisted of items generously donated by the following sponsors: Brix Wine Shop, Golden Goose, Pasta Beach, House of Colour, and Joe’s Waterfront. Joyce and Jim Morgan who had planned to leave earlier but stayed for the raffle, lucky decision, won the top prize, a one night stay at the Marriott Long Wharf including breakfast worth $500.
The highlight of the evening was Horticulture Co-Chair Robyn Reed’s farewell tribute to Meredith Piscitelli, a fifteen year member of FOCCP, who is moving away. As Robyn noted, Meredith wears so many hats in her volunteer work with FOCCP that it’s hard to keep count.
* If you walk through the Park and see the constantly updated, creative, and colorful bulletin board, that’s Meredith’s doing.
* She loves taking photos in the Park especially of engagements and weddings and posts these on the FOCCP Facebook page that she manages.
* If an event is coming up and dozens of posters need to be distributed, she is in her car from Charlestown to the Seaport delivering posters to hotels and condo buildings.
* If you’ve seen the colorful display of 200 pots of daffodils under the trellis as a reminder of Boston Strong on Patriot’s Day weekend, Meredith has organized the whole project from start to finish.
Meredith’s enthusiasm, dedication, and friendship will be greatly missed. FOCCP members are trying to find three or four people to fill her shoes!
All in all the FOCCP Membership Social was a resounding success. Information about FOCCP including the option to become a member can be found at foccp.org.