At the Taste of the Abingtons, held Sunday, Oct. 2 at the Ramada Inn, the classy tone was set in the lobby when the sounds of the grand piano, played by Kenny McGraw, were heard by crowds of people. The 12th Annual Taste had begun. Local restaurants, caterers and markets set up mini stations and served bites of their best food in the spacious dining rooms of the Ramada.

The inn sparkled with large floral bouquets of purples and greens in exotic décor. Pumpkins had no jack-o’-lantern faces, but rather elegant looks, painted shiny in gold and silver. The double ball room opened up with our own past president and past district governor, Gus Vlassis, giving information and welcoming all to the event.

The Mark Nolan Trio played throughout the afternoon, adding to the party ambience. Round tables and chairs were set off in one area for friends to gather and offer opinions on the various foods presented.

Cooper’s Restaurant has been with us every year. They do not actually serve their famous crab bisque, that chore has been done by our Rotary Past President Roger Mattes. When he was out of the country this year on Rotary business, his wife, Jackie, took over the job of serving the popular soup.

Thirteen Olives gave out slices of a walnut mousse cake, all made with olive oil. Sidel’s, from Scranton, showed off its chicken scarpaletti. Jambalaya was given away by the Sunrise Café. La Tonalteca served tacos. Crab was featured by several restaurants, such as Fern Hall Inn, Wise Markets and Gerrity’s. Pasta was set out by chefs, penne vodka by Abbiocco and pasta with kale and pine nuts by A Little Pizza Heaven. A second station set up by Wise Markets showed off their confections, decorated to perfection.

Wines were sipped from tiny cups through the courtesy of Capra Colina and Bartolai Wineries. Patrons not only tasted the varieties of wine, but also were treated to beer. Throughout the afternoon in this sipping room, we were treated to outstanding guitar music.

Our high school students in the Interact Club brought their families and helped set up. The local Boy Scouts, one of our many charities, ably assisted in the event.

All of this gala event was planned and directed by our vice president, Laurie Stevens.

She is a graphic designer by trade and a generous Rotarian. She designed a holding plate so that as eager patrons stopped by for food bites, they could set them on an attractive plate and leisurely nibble while strolling through the inn. Her management of all the details of this fund raiser showed in the success of the wine pull, the silent auction and the smooth execution of this classy fall social event.

As Rotarians, we work free. We even buy a ticket as we work to help our cause. And extraordinary causes they are. First our international goal continues to be the eradication of polio in the world. We also raise money for the Salvation Army, who uses that charity for local people at risk. Boy Scouts receive our help, dictionaries are given to every third grader, the highway is cleaned up and the community enjoys the fireworks display on the Fourth of July.

All of these goals are carried out in a spirit of cooperation and friendship. Perhaps you are looking for a way to do good and make friends. If so, join the Rotary Club of the Abingtons. You are invited to a Thursday lunch meeting at the Ramada Inn. Call me for details at 570-563- 1171.

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Past District Governor Gus Vlassis mans the welcome table at the Rotary Club of the Abingtons’ 2016 Taste of the Abingtons.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ABJ-Rotary-1.jpg.optimal.jpgPast District Governor Gus Vlassis mans the welcome table at the Rotary Club of the Abingtons’ 2016 Taste of the Abingtons. Submitted photos

Weis Markets set up two stations at this year’s Taste of the Abingtons fundraiser for the Rotary Club of the Abingtons.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ABJ-Rotary-2.jpg.optimal.jpgWeis Markets set up two stations at this year’s Taste of the Abingtons fundraiser for the Rotary Club of the Abingtons. Submitted photos

Paul and Jean Manning serve ice cream at the Rotary Club of the Abingtons’ 2-16 Taste of the Abingtons.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ABJ-Rotary-3.jpg.optimal.jpgPaul and Jean Manning serve ice cream at the Rotary Club of the Abingtons’ 2-16 Taste of the Abingtons. Submitted photos

Rotary Club of the Abingtons

Eileen Christian

Reach the Abington Journal newsroom at 570-587-1148 or news@s24528.p831.sites.pressdns.com.