BAY MINETTE, Alabama — A still and
cool autumn evening fell upon Bay Minette as a breeze blew up from
the lake. Guests meandered down a long driveway and parked under
pine trees in the large yard.
Upon entrance, attendees …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Please log in to continue |
"font-family:">BAY MINETTE, Alabama — A still and cool autumn evening fell upon Bay Minette as a breeze blew up from the lake. Guests meandered down a long driveway and parked under pine trees in the large yard.
"font-family:">Upon entrance, attendees stood mesmerized by the aroma of pork tenderloin wafting from chafing dishes, and dazzled by an exquisite display of cheeses and an even more extensive selection of wines from Vino e Birra.
"font-family:">Guests wandered through the country style home with wooden floors, art-laden walls and heavy, culturally diverse bookshelves. Tom and Harriet McMillan’s home reflects their travels, along with their respect for art and literature.
"font-family:">It makes sense that the evening’s event was a Wine and Cheese Social fundraiser for the Bay Minette Public Library.
"font-family:">“I think it's a wonderful project,” Harriet said with a warm smile. “That’s your education and your children’s, especially — it’s the only way to get books.”
"font-family:">Harriet said one of the reasons they chose to open their home to this cause is to further indulge one of her own passions.
"font-family:">“I love reading,” she said humbly. “I think it (the fundraiser) has been going on so long, it’s just a natural thing to do. My parents did it, too. There’s just a need for it.”
"font-family:">Tom agreed their generosity was for a great purpose.
"font-family:">“The library is needed for Bay Minette and it does a lot of good,” he explained. “I’m amazed at the people who use it. The community needs to keep it going.”
"font-family:">Harry Shiver, a Republican member of the Alabama House of Representatives, spoke of his appreciation of the event’s hosts and of the cause they and approximately 100 guests support.
"font-family:">“The library helps the most unlikely people,” he said, his grin widening as he passed a check to the library director and board members.
"font-family:">“I'm just glad I could help,” Shiver said. “It means so much to me, and if I have any funds left over in January, I’ll give y’all some more.”
"font-family:">Library Director Joanna Bailey said her predecessor, Charlotte Cabiness, started the fundraising effort eight years ago, and had “worked tirelessly” to acquire their current building.
"font-family:">She said she’s extremely proud of their current, “stunningly beautiful” building and the patio they’ve added and equipped with two patio table sets and Wi-Fi capability. She said these fundraisers have made possible the improvements to the library.
"font-family:">“We’re so fortunate that people open their homes to us,” she said of the gracious hosts.
"font-family:">Margo Allen, executive director of the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, said so many people contribute to the worthwhile charity event held by the Friends of the Library.
"font-family:">“The FOL’s Wine and Cheese fundraiser is always a great event,” she began. “Year after year the FOL committee does a wonderful job planning the Wine and Cheese fundraiser to ensure the current year is slightly different than the year past, and the venue is always a beautiful home setting.
"font-family:">“This year Tom and Harriet McMillan have graciously opened up their home to host the event, and it was surely a memorable one. Money raised by FOL is given directly to the library to help fund, among other things, new book purchases and costs associated with the library’s summer reading program.
"line-height: 115%; font-family:">“Friends of the Library encourage everyone to visit the used book sale room on the second floor of the library, and to donate used books and magazines. The library gives away the magazines and resells the books.”
