Senior Dinner

Last year we held our first Formal Graduation Dinner in the new Library facility. We had a dozen seniors, many of whom had worked here for their full four years, and we wanted to have an evening of appreciation to thank them and tell them how special they were to us.

We decided on tablecloths, real china and stemware, full service, flowers, candles, the whole works. We presented them with a personalized mug with the library pictured on it. One night of elegance cannot really express how much we value their faithfulness, their competence, their good natured willingness to do the boring tasks we ask of them. But in some small way, perhaps it will let them know that they are not taken for granted.

It worked well last year, but of course, as with all new events, we learned how to do it better, what worked, what could be improved. This year, we have eighteen seniors graduating! A different case requiring some sculpting on top of the changes we wanted to implement over last year's event.

Our committee plotted and planned for weeks. Our chairwoman had been part of last year's event as a student. This year, she was learning how to function on the other side. What a joy to work with such gifted people who's hearts are filled with pleasure at preparing something for others with grace and love.

A week before the event, dishes and glasses and water pitchers, salt and pepper shakers, cream and sugar and gravy boats, cans of condiments and bread baskets began to appear in the staff break room. Little hand lettered signs begged that no one disturb the stacks - they were sacrosanct for the Graduation Dinner!

Let me tell you, these people know how to entertain! They have it down to a science. The night of the event, the break room was filled with happy people carving "Congrats!" in the butter sticks, folding napkins around bread baskets, filling salad plates with spinach, almonds and mandarin orange slices.

Everyone scurried about, anxious to do their part, to ensure that our grads had a great evening. Students arrived, staff chatted with them over crackers and cheese, fruit and punch in the Conference Room. Then we moved down to the Fireside Reading Room which had been transformed to an elegant dining room.

The china gleamed, the glassware sparkled, the flowers filled the room with a light fragrance. Lining the mantel were certificates and cellophane wrapped mugs. The smorgasbord groaned under a full turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, dressing, cranberries, gravy, green bean casserole - and at the head of the sideboard, properly attired, our Head of Collection Services in white gloves merrily carving the bird, laying slices on plates, making conversation as the line passed by.

As with last year, students were a little unsure of what to expect at the hors d'oeuvres, a bit more at ease once seated, and by the end of the meal, comfortable. After the presentation of certificates and mugs, we shared pumpkin mousse and brownies over a cup of hot decaf or tea while we chatted. No one was in a hurry to leave, lingering until papers finally called and the first brave soul departed.

It was a good dinner. I think we will tweak it a bit for next year, but it went well. Kudos to our newbie organizer for a job well done. And now, back to papers and deadlines!