December 6, 2008 at Our House Restaurant in Farmingdale, NJ was the site of a most memorable birthday party for Bernie Miles, director of the Happy Days String Band.
The evening started off by saying hello to friends and enjoying hors d´oeuvres.
Bernie received an excellent birthday saxophone solo from one of his grandsons.
A most interesting video, capturing the first 65 years of Bernie's life, was shown on the big screen. Bernie followed up with a few personal remarks.
Bernie directed the Happy Days String Band for his guests. We did have a youthful critic.
Jim Kelly invited Philadelphia String Band veterans (Cy on bass, Terry on Alto Sax and Joe on Banjo) to perform for the party. Everyone was singing along and when they played a polka, everybody got up to dance.
Howard Wolf created a unique skit that was well received.
Gene Benko initiates the mysterious ¨Black Hat Ceremony¨.
Larry Hiller on clarinet and Aileen Stahl vocalist were featured entertainers.
Bernie´s wife June, recited a poem she wrote just for the occasion. June also kicked off dinner by inviting everyone to the food tables.
Birthday cake time and Bernie blew out all the candles with one try. (Fortunately they didn't have all 65 candles or it would have looked like a bonfire).
Jean Hastick made personal birthday remarks and then brought Bernie out to center stage for a special surprise.
The surprise was Michele Marzano as Marilyn Monroe. Burnie was really enjoying himself here, as well as family and friends who were all smiles too.
I took a few mug shots, but I also passed around a digital camera for guests to take their own photos. Here they are:
Everyone Paddy and I spoke with unanimously agreed: Bernie's birthday party was the best birthday party we ever attended !! Thanks Bernie, and to your family !
