“Piazza Del Bristol” at The Grundy Commons
by Cate Murway
You’ll find yourself wanting to “ROME”…..as you make your way through the distinctive iron gates into the open-roofed courtyard of the rich in texture, impressive Grundy Commons complex nestled in historic Bristol on the Delaware. The iconic century-old clock, brazenly displaying its indomitable spirit, will loom majestically above the enchanted gala under the stars.
From now on, the spacious cobblestone courtyard surrounded with raw, enduring, and beautiful architectural and historical integrity, will be inextricably linked to the striking “Piazza Del Bristol”, after being converted into an elegant old world setting where beautiful memories will be made.
Co-event coordinators, Joanna Schneyder and Ron Walker most sincerely thank Frederic H. Baumgarten for benevolently offering his Grundy Commons square for the “Piazza Del Bristol”.
“Fred has gone way beyond, helping us with that!” and Joanna added, “This place has to be showcased. It is one of the prettiest venues in Bristol with the Clock…you couldn’t ask for anything nicer!”
Step in…you’re cordially invited to be transported into a one-of-a-kind cobblestone piazza with a vintage village fountain, a true little piece of Italy; all just mere minutes from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Italy is well known to be filled with wonderful sights and smells and sounds.
So, when in Rome…..
A canopy of Italian style, dramatic lighting will illuminate the sky in this private, comfortable and tasteful setting for an unforgettable, wonderful evening of music, friendship, and food to help support Bristol’s “Raising the Bar”.
Four prominent community organizations have partnered for the benefit of Bristol by organizing the “Piazza Del Bristol” event for May 31st from 6:00 to 10:00 PM.
Joanna, a member of the Rotary Club, as well as board member of the economic revitalization group, “Raising the Bar” has voiced, “This is the first time the service clubs of Bristol Borough have gotten together for a joint venture. We’re proud of the work of the Bristol Lions, Bristol Rotary, Bristol Borough Business Association and the Bristol Borough Economic Development Group and we’re proud of the cooperation between the groups. The service groups do so much for the community, with scholarships and helping the blind, and the business community.”
“It's our way of showing support for the projects that Raising the Bar has embraced,” said BHS grad Ron, a Bristol Lions Club member.
The Lions and Rotary Clubs’ new Presidents will be installed that evening but the co-chairs, Joanna and Ron are in complete agreement. “Not a lot of speeches. It’s all about having a good time and coming together; family and friends together!”
“We encourage everyone to speak to each other!” smiled Mycle J. Gorman, proprietor of Spice & Co., awarded the Landmark Towns of Bucks County “Best New Business”.
Mycle; the BBBA President, Jimmy Bason; and Event Coordinator and Past President of the Artists of Bristol on the Delaware, Rosemarie Strippoli are decorating for this fantastically-themed affair.
Artists from the AOB will be showcasing their talents during the evening.
“It’s costing us a lot to put the event on, because we’re doing something very unique having it outside. It’s going to look like the picture [on the poster], even better!” shared Ron.
There will be a piano cocktail hour from 6:00-7:00 PM, followed by 3 amazing hours of the Tri-State's hottest contemporary big band, “Monday Blues Jazz Orchestra” from 7:00-10:00 PM, providing music for dancing. Think: Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Etta James, and Harry Connick, Jr., in an ever-evolving classic mix of music with a distinctly unique and modern style!
The 20+ member band is comprised of some of the top instrumentalists and vocalists in the region, so
get your ticket.
There is guaranteed reserved seating with tables that will accommodate up to ten guests, set to enjoy the “Memorable Affairs” catered meal of culinary delights that will please the most discriminating palate, including hors d'oeuvres, dessert, “Regions of Italy” wine and Peroni Nastro Azzurro premium beer.
Ronnie Walker is accenting the place settings with the center pieces she has created using wine bottles.
“Extra special touches with Italian appetizers, mini homemade cannoli from a Bristol Borough vendor, gelato donated by the Bristol Riverside Theatre, and a bottle of limoncello at every table.”
The handcrafted signature Italianate Gelato and Flower carts are fashioned by Joanna’s husband, Richard Schneyder, proprietor of Schneyder Construction, Inc.
Bids will be accepted for the handmade carts.
Be forewarned! The bacio [dark chocolate hazelnut], café, and savory stracciatella gelato will tempt you. The beautiful blooms, courtesy of Jimmy Bason, proprietor of Bird of Paradise Flowers, will gently soften and balance the muted shades of the classy ambiance.
Fund raising raffles and a 50/50 will benefit “Raising the Bar”.
20 tickets for the Silent Auction are $20.00 a sheet, and $5.00 or 5 tickets for $20.00 for the 50/50.
Phillies tickets are always popular! Allied Electronics has donated Phillies tickets [$200.00 value] for the Friday, June 27th game vs. Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park.
Many local businesses have benevolently made major contributions. “NLEQ, Inc., Allied Electronics, Harris Comfort, and First Federal and National Penn Banks have donated.”
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Support your town and have a wonderful time. There is ample parking and great weather has been ordered in advance!
The $100 tickets can be purchased at Allied Electronics Inc., Bird of Paradise, Great IDs by Anne and the Bristol Borough Tax Office. Checks should be payable to Bristol Borough Raising the Bar.
The tickets are limited and available until Thursday, May 29th.
Call Joanna 215.788.0520 or Ron 215.785.6200 to reserve your table for memories that will last a lifetime.
Then take a deep breath and get ready to embrace a whirlwind of people and excitement.
Pick out your cocktail attire and break in your shoes, there will be a wooden dance floor for you to enjoy dancing under the stars.
Courtyard of the Grundy Commons Complex
925 Canal Street
Bristol, PA 19007
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
The 2014 Bristol Event
"Piazza Del Bristol"
Saturday 5.31.14
Under the stars at the Grundy Clock.....
artist- Jennifer Elizabeth Renshaw
