Time machines, space ships and tribbles ? lots of tribbles ? invaded the Devil’s Ridge Golf Club Friday night as the Oxford Public Library Friends hosted its 9th Annual Storybook Gala.
Science Fiction was the theme and Connie Miller was the guest of honor. The Oxford Village resident was selected as this year’s ‘Friend of the Year.?
‘I never planned to have this party ? this party that I love so much ? with me in this spot,? said Miller, who’s served as the Gala’s chief organizer and coordinator all nine years.
As she read the plaque bearing the names of former Friends of the Year such as Irene Schaible, Don and Colette Chadwick, Roger Oberg and Ann Marie Offer, Miller was overcome with emotion and tears of joy.
Miller told audience seeing her name on this plaque is ‘pretty amazing? and ‘something I never expected.?
The past Friends president said she’s ‘very grateful for the friends and relationships? she’s forged while organizing nine gala events.
During a champagne toast, Friends President Chris Carnacchio called Miller ‘one of the best friends Oxford could ever ask for.?
Longtime Friends member and past president Michelle Tenaglia was also honored at the Gala with the ‘President’s Choice Award,? a beautiful crystal vase filled with a dozen roses.
‘Wherever there’s Connie, there’s Michelle and vice-versa,? Carnacchio said. ‘It’s only fitting we also honor Michelle for her years of dedication and hard work. Together, they make up the heart and soul of the Friends.?
In addition to Miller and Tenaglia, there was one other star at this year’s Gala which kept people talking all night.
Oxford Village resident Greg Jorgenson, also known as the ‘Mad Scientist of Dennison Street,? built a life-size replica of the time machine featured in the 1960 movie ‘The Time Machine,? based on author H.G.. Wells? 1895 novel of the same name.
As he climbed aboard his vehicle, Jorgenson bragged that his time machine can travel 3,600 seconds an hour into the future. He and his infernal contraption then vanished.
He was last seen 30 years from now at a Star Trek convention on the moon.
There were scattered reports throughout the night of random ‘tribble fights,? in which some giddy guests began whipping the furry little creatures of Star Trek fame at each other.
Unidentified flying dinner rolls were also reported by several diners.
No major injuries were sustained, however, many hangovers were suffered the next day. It’s believed an alien disguised as an open bar was the culprit.