Plainfield wine-tasting at McGreevey's a hit -- even with teetotalers

Friends of the Plainfield Public Library's 7th Annual 'Wine Discovery'
was hosted by former Governor Jim McGreevey and Mark O'Connell.

Four hundred ticket-holders thronged the garden and grounds of the home of former Governor Jim McGreevey and Mark O'Connell, the gracious hosts of this year's (the 7th) 'Wine Discovery' event of the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library.

"This was definitely the biggest and best we have ever had," said Library Director Joe Da Rold, after finishing his tour of duty as a 'celebrity' pourer.

I can attest to the crowd and the feeling that this was a very special event -- and that as a teetotaler (as was my 'pouring partner' Sharri Effman, a realtor, volunteer and community activist).

At our station -- Number 6, featuring a 'very, very dry' Pinot Noir and a 'yum!' Cabernet Sauvignon (the evaluations were offered by those who tasted the proferred goodies) -- Sharri and I gleefully poured away for the crowds who jammed each and every table, where a wide selection of reds, whites and sparkling wines were available.

There was even a table of chilled bottled waters for non-imbibers -- a truly thoughtful touch.

Servers passed through the crowd with platters of hors d'oeuvres prepared by ever-creative caterer Sandy Spector, and there were also tables of crudites, a buffet, and a dessert table. And a silent auction.

Of course, the big hit of the day was getting to chat for a moment or several with the gregarious and affable former governor, who greeted attendees as they arrived at the garden's entrance.

Though most of the Plainfielders there were just having a good time, without much pretension to oenophile expertise, the perhaps a hundred or so who may have come as readers of the 'Wine Goddess' blog were quite serious about the tasting -- though they usually loosened up and enjoyed some good-natured banter and laughs with the locals upon prodding.

Two observations --

POLS: The only elected official spotted was Assemblyman Jerry Green who, FOPPL member Carol Bicket proudly announced, had BOUGHT four tickets. (Elected officials have something of a reputation for freeloading, so this was a pleasant bit of news.) Readers may be interested to know that the Assemblyman and I had a perfectly cordial chat and I got to meet his gracious wife, Wanda, for the first time ever. All other elected officials were MIA -- including Plainfield Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs.

REALTORS: Surprisingly, there were relatively few real estate professionals spotted, though I did see my colleague Darlene McWilliams and several other Burgdorff ERA pros and most of the gang from Sleepy Hollow Realtors scattered about and chatting with one and all -- making sure, in truly professional fashion, to talk with the guests and not just each other. (Jean Burgdorff, my real estate mentor, would smile approvingly.) This was a pleasant contrast with other events -- such as house tours -- which are often clogged with realtors handing out their business cards.

Congrats to the Friends Of The Library and all who worked on the various committees -- and a special nod to Peter and Libby Price, whose recruiting of tons of volunteer 'pourers' ensured that everyone got a chance to contribute to the event's success by volunteering AND a chance to be released from duties to enjoy the event. Bravo bravissimo!

-- Dan Damon

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