Rep. Michael Costello and Newburyport Mayor Donna Holiday
On Friday the Masonic Temple filled with local politicians and business men and women for a corned beef and cabbage lunch and “roasting” all to benefit the John Ashford Link House.
Charlie Cullen and Ann Ormond
Headlining the event was Provident Bank president Charlie Cullen who opened the festivities with song. Using his signature ukulele and the back up singing of Newburyport Chamber of Commerce President Ann Ormond. The two serenaded the crowd with their rendition of “Those Were The Days”(Newburyport themed of course). Ann seemed to take front stage for this number as she channeled Edith Bunker to belt out a pitch perfect rendition of what was the whiny high pitched character’s theme song.
Kim Chatigny, Rachel Ela, and Tracey Jackson
Many dressed for the day, but none better then these ladies from the Provident bank.
Esther Sayer and Ann Ormand
In attendance was Esther Sayer who’s infamous “Hairball” was called out in one of Cullen’s songs. Cullen crooned “Don’t try to be funny by being scummy or you’ll get thrown right out on your a**” Referring to the ousting of longtime Newburyport Housing Authority Chairman Mark Moquin after he was overheard at the party making what were referred to as “unprofessional and inappropriate remarks” – Moquin insisted the remarks were made in jest at a social gathering… None-the-less he was dismissed, but the incident will now live on forever in song.
One of the photos included in the roasting of Mayor Donna Holaday
Representative Costello had many good one liners for the event, including stating that “City Councilman Ari Herzog just got back from staring in the Social Network” and he inquired if anyone in the audience (besides the Mayor) was his Facebook friend. Other highlights included Mayor Holaday taking a good amount of ribbing for having an all male staff, John Tierney for having a GPS that only goes left, and State Senator Steven Braddour who was dubbed the “North Shore Situation”.
Amesbury Mayor Thatcher Kezer
Amesbury Mayor Thatcher Kezer took a fair amount of teasing throughout for not being funny. He himself began his time at the podium in a self deprecating way by announcing that “Mayor’s aren’t funny. I leave that the the legislators” He then proceeded to have the audience in hysterics over his “gift bag” which he said contained essentials for those visiting Newburyport. Inside his handy bag were such as items as a hazmat hat and goggles, a dog poop disposal kit, a defibrillator, energy boost drink, sand from Plum Island, and loose change for the parking meters.
There was a standing ovation when Nicolas Costello announced Newburyport Five Bank CEO Rich Eaton as “Irishman of the Year”.
Carl Strube and Pete Falconi from WNBP
The annual event was filled with fun and good cheer and all to benefit a good cause, The John Ashford Link House. Mike Costello seemed to sum it up best. “We spend about as much time each year on this as we do the budget. They both come out about the same.” To learn more about Link House CLICK HERE.
