Helping the Library

Who knew a couple sips of wine and beer could do so much good?

Nagle's Market in Milan held a wine- and beer-tasting event Saturday at the Milan American Legion to benefit the Milan Public Library. Organizer Bob Cooper said $1,250 was raised that evening. Library Director Susan Wess and Library Board Treasurer Millard Phillips were on hand to accept the check from Bob Cooper, and Tim and Connie Nagle.

The event attracted a sold-out crowd of 100 people. Julie and Chet Nagle joined representatives from wine and beer distributors pouring samples of wine and beer, and their mother, Connie, made all of the food. The Nagles' grandchildren also helped out, dishing out soup and cleaning up plates and glasses.

The event was a nice evening out for Milan-area residents and business leaders. I saw Milan Area Chamber of Commerce President-Elect Christine Mann, Ed Ochalek of Ochalek-Stark Funeral Home in Milan, Robert Haeske, a chamber board member and owner of Primerica in Milan, and local officials Dan Bishop and Doug Gilson.

I'd like to see more events like this in Milan. Not only was it for a good cause -- raising needed funds for the local library -- but a great marketing effort by a local business, raising its profile in the community, and opportunity for area residents to have a relaxed evening out with like-minded community supporters.