| Smoking South Beach with a Secret Garden Party |
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By: MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer
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Posted: Sunday, May 17, 2009 7:27 am
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Dr. Libby Long and Dr. Melinda Mallette organized the Discovery Center at Murfree Springs museum’s largest fundraiser, the annual Secret Garden Party. The pair wanted to give back to the community by volunteering with the children's museum.
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On June 5, the Discovery Center will bring a little bit of Miami to Middle Tennessee in Bill and Kathy Jones’ backyard with the “Smokin’ South Beach” Secret Garden Party.
Co-chair Dr. Libby Long lived in Miami for five years and wanted to bring the relaxed feel of the beach to the ‘Boro.
“We’re trying to have more of a relaxed event,” Long said, explaining the food, provided by Ryan’s Smokin’ Rotisserie will have a “tropical Latin flavor with more traditional Southern food.”
Long lived in Miami for five years, but grew up in a small town in West Virginia.
She prefers Murfreesboro’s Southern charm and conveniences to the fast-paced life found in Miami, but that doesn’t mean the beach won’t make a good theme for the party.
The Miami theme was also chosen to try and bring in more people, Co-Chair Dr. Melinda Mallette said. She added the relaxed feel will extend to the seating, which will include poolside lounges.
“We want to make a fun event that people will want to come to the next year,” Long said.
This is Long and Mallette’s first foray into party planning. The pair usually spends their weeks working part-time as pediatricians at Tennessee Pediatrics.
“We wanted to get involved with the community with an organization that we support,” Mallette said.
So they joined the Discovery Center at Murfree Springs Advisory Board. They wanted to support a worthwhile cause and it doesn’t hurt that they work with Dr. Joe Little, husband of Discovery Center Director Billie Little.
“We wanted to get more involved in the community and we work with kids,” Mallette said. “It seemed like a good fit.”
It’s a particularly good fit for Mallette, who grew up in Murfreesboro as Melinda Beckman.
She said she remembers going to pottery classes at the Discovery House, when the hands-on museum was in an old home on Maple Street.
“I remember it from being little,” Mallette said. “It’s amazing how it’s transformed.”
It’s also a good fit for Long whose 2-year-old daughter, Quinn Shibayama, likes to play with the train and grocery store exhibits at the museum.
Long and Mallette also wanted to encourage the broader community to come out and support the Discovery Center in the relaxing Miami theme.
“It’s a common misconception that the Discovery Center is part of Rutherford County or Murfreesboro,” Long said, explaining the museum is funded primarily by federal grants and community donations, making the Secret Garden Party more important as the facility’s primary fundraiser.
Mallette said anyone who wants to come is invited and tickets cost $75 at the door or $50 in advance.
“Come out, support the Discovery Center and have a good time,” she said.
The evening will feature Caribbean food by Ryan’s Smokin’ Rotisserie and specialty drinks and wine provided by Stones River Total Beverages.
Rounding out the night will be an auction, featuring a Kenny Chesney tour guitar, Yankee tickets and airline tickets, in a beautiful setting.
Preview party attendees will get a sneak preview of the Jones home and garden from 6-7 p.m., with the party beginning at 7 p.m.
Continuing the tradition, Discovery Center will honor, Rep. Bart Gordon, for his unwavering support and participation in helping Discovery Center reach thousands of children and families throughout Middle Tennessee.
Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com.
More Info …
Discovery Center Secret Garden Party
June 5 at 7 p.m.
At the home of Bill and Kathy Jones, 2806 Windsong Place
Tickets are $50 in advance, $75 at the door
Call Jennifer Neal at 890-2300 with any questions or for more information |
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