By Mona Raskin

While April 29^th, 2011 was a special gala event in London, England (Royal Wedding), there was also a special gala affair on the 29^th in Monterey Park, California. A Gala Library Benefit was held at the famous Monterey Hills Steak House located on the hill slopes of Monterey Park. Parking, unfortunately, was not an easy task!

The evening program began with a warm welcome by our city’s mayor, Betty Tom Chu1 It was followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance” by the police department Explores color guard! Completing the opening welcome, was some stirring  “words of Inspiration” by Pastor Albert Hung!

Dinner

Table 9 sponsored by former mayor Francisco Alonso proved to be hüpfburg mit rutsche not only an interesting one but a warm and fascinating one, as well!  Our table companions were as follows, Probation Officer, Hans Liang and his lovely wife, Lani Liang. We had a truly interesting and pleasant time conversing with them. Other diners were Mr. Howard Lee, Marie Chu and Carol Tang, Eileen Ta and friend, David Tran and us, the Raskins! We also had the special honor of having former Francisco Alonso sitting at our side!

It was a great evening, besides a steak dinner, we had a wonderful desert  “Cheese cake topped with whip cream”! The program continued with special features, Pure Fire Salsa Dancers, plus another special performance by the harmony group, “Chinese Folk Dances”!

During the course of the evening, raffles were available for diners to purchase. There were some humorous routines including riddles for patrons to figure out, for example, Which building in Monterey Park has the most stories? The answer is at the end of this article!

At this point, we would like to express our appreciation and thanks to our special host, friend and Monterey Park’s favorite mayor Francisco Alonso for this special invitation1

Answer to the above riddle:  Bruggemeyer Library has the most stories!