Our Events Committee (above) is a big reason for an outstanding success. Everyone gave their all, but committee chair Betsy Woodrow deserves special mention for steering the process.

Treasurer Linda Scott originated FMSP’s Progressive Dinner a decade ago and continues to improve it. Linda says the 10th annual is a financial success. While the numbers aren’t all in, we raised about $9,000 for Marshall Square Park improvements and beautification.

Hats off to our generous hosts* who shared food, drink, their homes and good cheer…
Appetizers—Jeff Beitel and Miriam Coleman
Appetizers—Mike South and Robin DeRogatis
Dinner—Bill and Linda Scott
Dinner—Jerry and Judy Wisneski
Desserts—Tom and Connie McEvoy

On December 24, a mystery person decorates our gazebo with lights! The next morning, they are gone. On that foggy eve, Jim Salvas captured the “miracle” for us to raffle at the last house. The three framed prints, titled Mystery Lights, brought in over $300.

The FMSP event to watch for later this year is the anticipated dedication of our restored fountain! Meanwhile, mark your calendar for next year: The 11th Annual FMSP Progressive Dinner, February 4, 2017.

* With gratitude to our past hosts…
2007 Barton & Vely, Eberts, Gardner & O’Donnell, Cigler & McCoy
2008 Wills, Woodrow, DePhillips, McCann
2009 Trajtenberg, Herrin, Wisneski, McEvoy
2010 Walters, Rodgers, Sweet, Phillips
2011 Kitchen, Voltz, Pastino, Naughton
2012 Lasko, Cody, DePhillips, DelRossi
2013 Rosenberg & Neiblum, Fazio, Soldwich & Szcepaniak, Balassone & Tirk
2014 Miller, Norris (Mike & Cathy), Wallace Varney, Scott (Charles & Sue), Brennan
2015 Veita & Baker, DePhillips, Cornell, Strode, Nelson
2016 South & DeRogatis, Beitel, Scott (Linda & Bill), Wisneski, McEvoy

[Coming soon—an e-blast about Progressive Dinner photos.]

Previously, because homes have a limited capacity, many could not get tickets. To have room for more, we added a home, dined in two groups for the first two plates, and then joined for dessert.

The 8th Plates made more money for the Fountain Restoration than any other event because, even though the ticket price increased, more people could buy tickets. Membership increased, and people paid their annual dues. Way to go Friends!

Our Progression

The Walnut Group

The Matlack Group

How We Looked

Thanks to Jim Salvas & Patrick McCoy
for preserving our lovely faces

Click to See Slideshow

Another PROGRESSIVE DINNER! at the four neighborhood homes of our…

HOSTS

Thanks to all the hosts and guests over the years for making this event possible and successful.

Your support brings our next big project closer every year—reinstalling the long-lost, NOW-FOUND FOUNTAIN at Franklin and Marshall Streets, gone since the last mid-century!

The day started with a groundhog in Punxatawney failing to see his shadow (the sign of an early spring); but here, the temperature was dropping below freezing as we set out for the 7th Annual Progressive Dinner. Thoughts of the cold dispelled quickly as our first hosts welcomed us to their spectacular home.

Our biggest crowd ever—60 members—spread out through the first floor, exploring the appetizers laid out in the dining room, the huge hearths (one configured as Annie’s bed, a very lucky, friendly dog) and the beautiful living room. As we compared notes on the year past, about travels, about work and family, about the neighborhood, it quickly became clear many in this group had gone beyond neighborliness and into friendship.

Unexpectedly, Jeff Beitel, our President, called us all upstairs to gather in the huge game room. Jeff updated us on the group’s projects in the park, especially the efforts to restore the long-lost and now recovered fountain.

Jeff also showed off a newly discovered photo of the fountain from 1899 that shows it in more detail than we’ve ever seen.

Running slightly late, we then made our way to the home of Beetsie and Rich Fazio on Virginia Avenue. Dark had come, showing off the luminaries lining the path to each host home. A few thin flakes of snow also struck our cheeks.

The second stop is usually reserved for soup OR salad, but the Fazios decided not to choose and instead offered both, plus a hot pot of chili. Conversation seemed to slow a bit as the crowd dug in, but soon we returned to speaking quite loudly to hear above the background chatter.

Too soon, Linda Scott–perennial majordomo, creater and organizer of the Progressive Dinners–rang the gong; the bright red and very loud fire bell could not be ignored.

Leaving, we discovered the snow had picked up and made the going a little slippery. Thankfully, the next stop was next door at the home of Beth Soldwisch and Jerry Szczepaniak.

Departing from our unwritten custom of buffet dinners balanced precariously upon laps, our hosts for the entree had transformed their home into a multi-room restaurant with seating for all, flowers on each table. The main course was also impressive: huge portions of polenta topped with fresh mozzarella and served with sausage and tomato gravy.

Judging by photos taken during this stop, the crowd was becoming even chummier, with much hugging, some kissing and a few hijinks. Did I mention each home served wine and beer?

The final stop was just around the corner where more luminaries lined the curving walk to the home of Ronnie Balassone and Kirby Tirk–more surprises and delights awaited. The dessert trays and the selection of beverages impressed us. However, we were not prepared for the sound of a jazz duo—piano and bass—playing from the living room. FMSP member Mike Norris and his accompanist simply wowed with one tune after another from their broad repertoire. Of course, with toes tapping, it wasn’t long before a few were dancing.

Now here’s a warning to all future dessert hosts: people do not want to leave. Though some had to hurry home to children and sitters, many stayed way past our posted closing time, thanks to the hospitality of Ronnie, Kirk, and Seuss (another lucky dog). The band played on. The wine, beer and coffee kept pouring. For all we know, some are still there.

The rest of us? The 364-day countdown to next year’s 8th Progressive Dinner starts for us today.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnpITb4ZvR0?rel=0&w=400&h=225]

Jim Salvas
FMSP Secretary

2012, February 4 (Saturday)

Members Only
+ their guests

$37.50 PROGRESSIVE DINNER!
At the four neighborhood homes of our…

HOSTS

Oscar and Vivian Lasko
4:45 to 5:50 PM • Appetizers

Jackie and Paul Cody
6 to 6:50 PM • Soups or Salads

Sandi & Mark DePhillips
7 to 8:00 PM • Casserole/Main Dish

Joe & Gretchen DelRossi
8:10 to 9:00 PM • Dessert, Coffee

Thanks to all the hosts and guests over the years for making this event possible and successful.

Your support brings our next big project closer every year—reinstalling the long-lost FOUNTAIN at Franklin and Marshall Streets, where it was well into the last mid century!

6^th ANNUAL
PROGRESSIVE DINNER

CLICK FOR SLIDESHOW
by Jim Salvas

Narrative by Jim Salvas,
FMSP Secretary

“Standing here among the people of Punxsutawney and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn’t imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter.
—Bill Murray, from Groundhog Day

Once again, just after Groundhog Day, Friends of Marshall Square Park gather for their midwinter festivity, the Annual Progressive Dinner. With a chilly dusk approaching, we walk down the hill of North Matlack to the first of our four stops, the sprawling and beautiful home of Oscar and Vivian Lasko.

This first door swings open and there’s Oscar to greet us and lead us to the beverages, with Vivian not far behind, passing around the first trays of appetizers. We greet old friends and meet new ones as we all marvel together at how cozy our hosts have made their large home. Oscar, a 91-year resident of West Chester, is relatively new to the home, having built it only four decades ago.

For many of us, this year’s Progressive Dinner is something of a reunion. For the first time, we gave past hosts “first dibs” on our scarce, hot tickets to show our appreciation. As a result, almost all of them are here, sharing tales of the nights they hosted The Progressive. We see John Cigler and Patrick McCoy, who served the dessert course way back in 2007. Bob and Mary Kay McCann took their turn in 2008; and they’re here, too. There are more from each year; but last year’s hosts take the prize—every one of them is here this year (there’s a 2011 Host Group photo in the slideshow at time 2:49).

Too soon, Linda Scott—our longtime mastermind—rings her new bell (traditionally a gong), and we’re off up the hill a little ways to the stately home of Paul and Jackie Cody. Soup’s on!

Warmed by their den’s fireplace and in the great room (and, wow, is it a GREAT room!), everyone mingles. The party kicks into high gear as we are joined by a few late arrivals. A lot of talk, a few glasses of wine and a delicious cup of soup later, it’s time to move on.

As we make our way to the home of Mark and Sandi DePhillips on Penny Lane—many of course singing the old Beatles tune—those in the know thread our way in the dark through the backyard.

The DePhillips have the distinction of being our first repeat hosts, having also served the main course in 2008. More importantly, they are serving up their warm hospitality. Though theirs is the newest house ever on our tour, they make it feel like an old, friendly gathering spot.

This time Miriam Coleman gets in on the bell-ringing and does it in style, signaling it’s time to move on to our last stop, just up the hill to the stone home of Joe and Gretchen DelRossi, where we find welcoming Christmas decorations shining brightly.

Inside, we’re impressed to find that Gretchen has made almost every one of the delicious desserts herself. How is it she and Joe are so trim? (Gretchen told Lane the coconut ones had no gluten—?)

A cup of coffee… A few last chats… A speech by our stalwart President (since 2007), Jeff Beitel.

The 6th Annual Progressive Dinner ends as we climb back up the hill—a few still holding hands in the midwinter chill.

See SLIDESHOW—6th (most-recent) Progressive Dinner

See PHOTOS and read about PAST PROGRESSIVE DINNERS

Members Only
+ their guests

$37.50 PROGRESSIVE DINNER!
At the four neighborhood homes of our…

HOSTS

Lisa and Jeff Kitchen
4:45 to 5:55 PM • Appetizers

Barbara Voltz with daughters Audrey and Bridget
6 to 6:50 PM • Soups or Salads

Heather and Mike Pastino
7 to 8:00 PM • Casserole/Main Dish

Holly and John Naughton
8:10 to 9:15 PM • Dessert, Coffee

5^th ANNUAL PROGRESSIVE DINNER

Click for Slideshow by Jim Salvas
Narrative by Phyllis Dunn

The 5th Annual FMSP Progressive Dinner is a wonderful way to conduct a fundraising event. Attending for the first time last year, my husband and I were convinced it could not be topped. But in true Friends of Marshall Square Park fashion, for us, this year seemed even better.

We can’t put our finger on the specific reason, but we all know the friendliness of people attending an event can set the tone for the evening. This party certainly had all the right ring tones. Knowing more people this year—who also seemed to remember us—created a feeling akin to putting on a warm, favorite party sweater—very comfortable indeed.

BUT one thing we do know; the always-iffy weather doesn’t make this annual celebration a success… or does it? Could our fear of cancellation make our souls jubilant when we finally don our coats and head out for good fun and food? That jubilant behavior doesn’t fade as the evening wears on; it’s as though each entered doorway gives a “winter transfusion” of joy! How else do you explain the cheerful faces in February, pockets of laughter and outstretched hands greeting you? …all night long!

The Homes, The Food and The Gong

The sold-out crowd hurried down the street, some sporting umbrellas to ward off the heavy mist, to be warmly greeted by Lisa and Jeff Kitchen. Their beautiful, warm home near N. High and E. Virginia was our first stop for appetizers and drinks. As delicious appetizers—more variety than you can imagine—swirled thru the crowd, attendees also swirled into groups for conversation and good cheer. But alas good times had to end with the Gong sounding promptly at 5:55PM… time to move along.

Slipping back into our boots, we crossed the street to the home of Barbara Voltz and a stunning display of shrimp salads served in long-stem glassware elegantly arrayed upon the longest granite kitchen island I’ve ever seen. The sunken dining room served as the wine and beverage room artistically laid out among the small twinkling white lights. Then, before we knew it, THE GONG again. 6:50PM and off we went.

As we bustled down the street, watching for small icy spots, we headed north on N. Walnut to the home of Mike and Heather Pastino and into their dining room for our main course—a real crowd pleaser and the king of comfort food—Stuffed Shells. The small high tables in the den proved a welcome place to meet up with friends and enjoy the good food in total comfort. Glasses of poured wine beckoned from the kitchen. Sounds of laughter and conversation reverberated through the house and then… something else started to reverberate… THE GONG. At 8:00PM, we were off to our last stop.

With the temptation of dessert and coffee before us, the short stroll up the steep driveway and into Holly and John Naughton’s home on N. Walnut was easy. Their dining room was a sight to behold… mouth-watering desserts everywhere, a real sweet tooth’s delight. Then, all at once, it seemed to dawn on everyone; ’twas our last chance to find friends with whom we hadn’t yet talked. The conversations and laughter got louder, and it seemed to me to be more fun—or was it all that wine?

But what is this, it can’t be, yes it is, THE GONG! Linda Scott stepped forward and announced it was time to draw the winner of the John Suplee print “The Swiss Cottage.” (Whew, I thought the night was over and I was not ready for this to end.) To everyone’s delight, the winner was… Shelagh Purnell. This seemed so appropriate since she was the Borough’s Recreation Director for over 13 years!

The Naughton’s family room seemed to be the perfect place to end the evening. The comfort of a huge blazing fireplace, friends and neighbors grouped in conversation, memories of past years and the anticipation of next year’s fabulous annual event; if ever you decide to join us, reserve immediately—11 people remained on this year’s wait list.

Members Only
+ their guests

$25 PROGRESSIVE DINNER!
At our four neighborhood…

HOSTS’ HOMES

Hosts Anne and Greg Walters
4:45 to 5:55 PM • Appetizers & Cocktails

The Home of Sue Casso and Bob Rogers
6 to 6:55 PM • Soups

The Home of Glen and David Sweet
7 to 8:00 PM • Main Dish

The Home of Marybeth and Steve Phillips
8:15 to 9 PM • Dessert by Sue Scott, Coffee, and Live Music

4^th ANNUAL PROGRESSIVE DINNER
By Jean Mayne©, deceased
February 13, 2010

The FMSP Fourth Annual Progressive Dinner began for me with a walk in the park one warm autumn day. As I marveled at the Parks’ beauty, a very kind gentleman stopped to explain the history of its development, the neighborhood’s efforts to raise funds for improvements and the raw human labor it takes to support its beauty and uniqueness. When I related my past involvement in a similar project, he suggested I join the Association …“and by the way, come to our Progressive Dinner in February.”

I chuckled to myself. I’d just moved here the previous month. Imagine inviting a total stranger to what was obviously a private party. After all, an invitation is not a ticket. Little did I know that in February, I would be sharing an incredible feast with my neighbors under the guiding hand of the completely unflappable Linda Scott—who should be appointed director of FEMA.

When the FMSP decides to have their annual celebration, nothing can stand in the way—not even an historic blizzard that left two feet of snow and roared off only four hours before the dinner began.

How incredible. Beginning with coordinating hosts, menus, signage and guest lists, Linda’s job ‘snowballed’ into what could have been a logistical nightmare.

With less than three hours until cocktails, she and her stalwart band had the added task of locating people to clear a path to each home, devising and notifying all of a ‘boots and socks’ plan to preserve the floors of each beautiful home and worrying over the progress of each guest through the two feet of snow gracing our park.

As the group worried about the storm, the hosts did not know whether to ‘cook it or book it’ until two in the afternoon. Julia Childs would have hoisted a bottle to the talents of each. With the decision made to go ahead, Anne and Greg Walters got the celebration off to a roaring start with a clever and tasty assortment of hors d‘oeuvres. The kitchen became a well-stocked bar.

At precisely 5:55, we were ‘gonged’ on to the next stop. After trudging through the snow, we found a roaring fire and the unmistakably sea-air salty tang of fresh clams in a thick chowder. As the perfect accompaniment, Sue Casso and Bob Rogers chose crisp white apples tossed into bowls of a perfectly sauced Waldorf salad.

Gonged again, we were off to the main course. As we struggled out of our boots, Glen and David Sweet pulled huge trays of tangy, cheesy lasagna from the oven. Groups formed and reformed as conversation bubbled over family, friends, borough events and how soon another party could be planned.

As the gong tolled for the last time, we were off to our last stop. Streams of laughing partygoers scoffed at the cold as we struggled through trenches cut into the deep drifts by the hastily recruited snow removal crew.

Mother Nature appropriately provided a scenario reminiscent of the Swiss Alps for Sue Scott’s tables laden with authentic Viennese pastries. As a hint of the pleasure to come, Sue had scattered G clefs hand-crafted from dark chocolate.

This party waltzed into history with a live keyboardist provided by Marybeth and Steve Phillips in their magnificent and acoustically perfect living room. As the music began, Franz Lehar would have applauded the redheaded image of his ‘Merry Widow’ who led off the waltz.

Wandering home that evening, I realized my most lasting memory would be that of holding a mug of the Casso/Rogers’ “crammed-with-clams” chowder while discussing a painting of downtown—for it was then I understood the sincerity and openness I’d encountered; there are no strangers in this lovely and well-loved community.

Jean Mayne©

Members Only
+ their guests

$20 PROGRESSIVE DINNER!
At the four neighborhood homes of our…

HOSTS

George & Adriana Trajtenberg 5 to 5:45 PM • Apps & Cocktails	Stan & Dianne Herrin 6 to 6:45 PM • Soups	Judy & Jerry Wisneski 7 to 8 PM • Main Dish	Connie & Tom McEvoy 8:15 to 9 PM • Dessert/Coffee
Chris and I had a really great time! It’s so nice to commune with all your neighbors — even if it’s only once a year.The food was outstanding! And it’s always a treat to see inside some of these houses that I fantasize about on my dog walks. Thank you, Linda [Scott], for organizing this. I hope it continues next year. —Laura B. (former Host) Once again, the Friends of Marshall Square Park Progressive Dinner was a joyous event. I want to thank the four families who shared the warmth of their homes and made us feel part of their lives for the evening. Like the candles which guided our way, they helped make this year’s Progressive Dinner a bright light in a dark winter.Personally, I’ll remember learning a bit of local history from Hugh Purnell, talking about our town with neighbors of long-standing such as Doris Davis and getting to know new neighbors like the Gallos. It was all a treat. —Jim S. (FMSP Secretary) It is a great opportunity to visit with so many neighbors. I hope we might now try to do twice a year. With so many nice patios etc. I would be happy to do barbecue as main course. —Gordon W. (former Host)  It was great meeting the neighbors. The food was great. Thanks again. I think we should have a progressive garden party in the summer. Pet friendly. —Barbara M. (FMSP member) Great soups! Want the recipes! Awesome hosts and terrific homes too! Looking forward to ’10 and suggesting a summer progressive dinner too! —The DePhillips (former Hosts) A truly JOYOUS event!! An evening of smiles, sincere handshakes, hugs, and pats on the back for those we just met or haven’t seen for a long time. With the frigid cold weather we’ve had, it was just a delight to go to Beautiful Homes filled with warmth, friendship & laughter! Friends and neighbors talking about their children & their grandchildren. People talking about their pets, their loved ones and even their future goals. It was warm and refreshing! It was a WONDERFUL escape to almost a fantasy world for a short while where we could forget all the bad stuff and be to thankful for all the GOOD STUFF that an evening of food and wine and wonderful neighbors GAVE to EACH OTHER! Thanks to all!!! —Debbie P. (FMSP member) Had a great time as always! Good food, good conversations, great houses!!! Three of the houses this year were ones I have been wanting to get inside for years to see what they were like. —Jane D. (Guest, Architectural Historian) The Progressive Dinner was so enjoyable that I have already marked my calendar for next year’s event and it’s only the day after. Meeting some neighbors and reconnecting with others that I haven’t seen since the last progressive dinner enhances my feeling like part of the community. I cherish it. I thank the hosts for generously opening their homes, serving tasty food, and creating warm environments for us to visit.Linda, thanks for your organization and follow-through on this fabulous event! —Susan S. (FMSP Member) I had NO idea that Holly is 63!!! Holy cow I hope I look that young at 63! Must be the clean air filtered by our wonderful Park. —Patrick M. (FMSP Member) Linda, I just had this wonderful idea. Collect all the recipes from the progressive dinners and publish a cook book as a fundraiser. The first could be prepared before the 5th progressive dinner but include the recipes for the 5th. It could be a simple paperback edition. I know that anyone who has attended the first three dinners would love to have recipes. Of course this booklet would have to include a “How to organize a progressive dinner party and how to make it fun.” I would definitely include your Gong.Aside from my idea and on another topic Saturday evening was lovely. My congratulations to you for planning such a wonderful event. —Shelagh P. (FMSP Member) Dianne makes incredible soup and Jerry must have been trouble as a youth because he was way too comfortable with a pool cue. This is my favorite neighborhood event and we have great neighbors! —Tom M. (Host) I really enjoyed hosting this event. I loved opening our home and got a lot of pleasure out of making the soups for everyone to enjoy. And special thanks to Anne Walters for nudging me along to the main course and dessert. I’m so glad I didn’t miss it! I hope we can do a summer event. —Dianne H. (Host)

$10 PROGRESSIVE DINNER!
At the four neighborhood homes of our…

HOSTS

Maria & Charles Wills
5 to 5:45 PM • Appetizers & Cocktails

Betsy & Gordon Woodrow
6 to 6:45 PM • Soups

Sandy & Mark DePhillips
7 to 8:00 PM • Main Dish

Mary Kay & Bob McCann
8:15 to 9 PM • Dessert, Coffee

• I am forwarding my checks today. The 2007 progressive dinner was one of the most fun events that I attended last year! —Shelagh P. (Guest)
• Did we have a great time last night or what? —Linda S. (Officer and Organizer)
• Great dinner on Saturday! —Jane D. (Guest)
• We had a GREAT time!!!!! I think the timing of the event is perfect. Where can you have dinner and drinks, great conversation AND help a cause that effects all of our daily lives in some way for that price??? —Laura B. (former Host)
• Thanks for all your hard work. It looks like this fundraiser is off to a solid start. —Charlie & Marcia W. (Hosts)
• It was indeed a terrific evening. We thoroughly enjoyed the homes (and only the responsibility to eat, drink and be merry this year). —Patrick M. (former Host)
• Linda, Once again you hit a home run with the progressive dinner!!ÊMany thanks for all your help in coordinating a great event. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. —Jeff B. (Officer)
• First, Linda — thanks for all that you did to make things run so smoothly! Everyone that I have talked to has said such nice things about the whole evening. Congratulations on a great evening! —Anne W. (Officer emeritus)
• Thank you for organizing it all. I think everything went very well last night. —Mary Kay M. (Host)
• Fun night! I am happy to do it again as a host. —Sandy D. (Host)

$5 PROGRESSIVE DINNER!
At the four neighborhood homes of our…

HOSTS

• Laura Barton and Chris Vely
  Appetizers & Cocktails
• Peg and Paul Eberts
  Soups
• Hannah Gardner and Pat O’Donnell
  Main Dish
• John Cigler and Patrick McCoy
  Desserts & Coffee

About fifty members and guests of Friends of Marshall Square Park were royally wined and dined during our first Progressive Dinner. Organized by Linda Scott, the event — more a Friendraiser than Fundraiser, although we netted $131.95 — was flawlessly planned, perfectly timed, and served to remind us all of our exceptional neighbors.

Setting a very high (but not too high) standard for the hosts of our next progressive dinner, our first hosts went all out:

• Laura and Chris presented a delicious, colorful, artistic assortment of appetizers from humus to a spectrum of peppers and served anything you wanted to drink.
• The Eberts’ soups were Roasted Pepper and Harvest Squash with spiced apple, accompanied by yummy cheesy bread twists and wine. The fireplaces were blazing.
• Hannah and Pat’s beef chilli had all the fixin’s, from cilantro to sour cream. Vegan chilli, black beans and whole-corn bread completed the entrée.
• Pat and John served two cheesecakes—out of this world—one, a caramel apple and the other, chocolate. A large assortment of pastries, cookies, and delicious coffees accompanied dessert wine contributed and served by Bob and Gayle Teti.