Belknap Mill Society prepares gala event

The Belknap Mill Society will offer a visual and culinary feast as part of the activities to honor four long-standing friends of the organization. The gala event is open to the public and will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, at the Belknap Mill in downtown Laconia.

The committee members who are preparing the event are Marcia Cotter, Peter S. Karagianis, Jon Nivus and Betty McGreevy. All of the members of the committee are currently serving on the board of trustees and have served as president of the Society.

"We use party to get together, have some fun, and to thank people who have made a difference with the organization," said Cotter, who chairs the committee.

The four individuals who will be recognized will be inducted into the Peter S. Karagianis Society, formed by the trustees in 1995, and named after one of the founders of the organization who has continued his commitment over the years.

Guests will be treated to a preview of the opening of the exhibit on William F. Paskell (1866 -1951), an artist who painted many views of the White Mountains, his favorite being Chocorua, with some views of the Lakes Region. Some of the paintings have toured nationally, and others have never been on public view. Guest curators Sam and Sheila Robbins will give an informal "walk through" as visitors sip beverages and taste hor d'oeuvres. The White Mountain exhibit is sponsored by the Penny Pitou and Milo Pike Charitable Fund.

Pending weather, the dinner will be held either in Rotary Riverside Park next to the Mill or on the Rose Chertok Hall. Michael Moore, owner of M & J's Restaurant in Belmont, will cater the event. The menu will include seafood Newburg, slow roasted prime rib, assorted rice and vegetables, salads, breads and rolls and homemade desserts. Guests will be treated to complimentary champagne, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tickets are $35 per person if reserved by June 6 and $40 if reserved by June 18. Proceeds support the Belknap Mill Society's operations as an art and history center for the Lakes Region

To make reservations, call the Belknap Mill Society at 524-8813 or contact the Mill via e-mail at belknap@metrocast.net.