In late May, under outdoor protective cover from pounding rain at Beaumont Village’s Amalfi’s restaurant, longtime former editor of this newsletter, Al Ellis, was treated to a surprise party by his longest-participating newsletter team members. In addition to dinner and beverages, Al was presented with a bobblehead figure, one made in the Uncle Sam image Al used for years as an icon for his editor’s column.
The party was a lively, story-filled event. Former BWNA president Tim Gillespie served as master of ceremonies, regaling the group with fun facts about Al’s stint at the newsletter helm. Tim’s extensive research and thoughtful words fueled stories by others and the laughter that followed. Amalfi staff members Malachi Mathews and Rondarian Moore added to the levity with their hysterical antics throughout the celebration.
And the bobblehead? “It will,” says Al, “live not in the basement ‘museum’ amid myriad memorabilia, but stand proudly on our den bookshelf.”