Organizers Declare Ball: ‘Ready To Go!’

By Nancy K. Crevier

Barbara Kasbarian and Janet Woycik, co-chairs for the Tercentennial Ball, declared the event “ready to go!” at Wednesday’s meeting of the Tercentennial Steering Committee. The ball is scheduled for Saturday evening, February 5, from 7 pm to midnight at the Fireside Inn.

Nonetheless, some members of the committee registered shock to hear that the final count of tickets sold numbered 627.

Pointing out a December 2004 Newtown Bee article that stated 400 tickets would be sold, Cindy Simon, secretary, questioned just how the number had edged up over 600, and when the executive committee had decided upon increasing the original number of tickets. Ms Woycik clarified that the committee had hoped to sell 400 tickets, but that they had never agreed to sell only 400 tickets. As to the executive decision, she stated, “It was never voted on,” continuing that it had been a mutual agreement among those present.

There is good news for attendees concerned about previous plans to check coats in outdoor tents: the Fireside is providing rooms and racks to accommodate all outerwear inside the establishment. Eight greeters and many volunteers will be in the lobby to assist partygoers with check-in.

Guests will be given a booklet containing names, table numbers, and bidding numbers at that time. A glass of champagne will kickoff the celebration as partygoers linger in line.

Tercentennial Ball committee members put to rest concerns raised by other members that ball patrons were not issued a response when they mailed in their money. “If you sent in a reply with a check,” said Ms Kasbarian, “you are in.”

The list has been checked and rechecked for accuracy by members of this committee, and many hours have been put in to ensure that all who responded to the invitation and sent in their money are accounted for. Table order has been determined, and while Dan Cruson, chairman, acknowledges, “There will be glitches,” everyone has worked hard to make certain all who attend have a good time.