By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
On a night of imagination and creativity Dec. 12, 39 people put their talents toward making a gingerbread house at the Manville Public Library.
The library-sponsored event drew young and old, families and children to make this traditional holiday treat of gingerbread, icing and candied decorations.
”I think it went well,” said Nan Peterson, the adult services librarian. “I like to see these multi-generation types of projects. We get children as well as parents and make them aware of the library services. I feel happy with our results. It was one of the largest programs that we have run in recent months.”
Some participants were messy, some were meticulous, but everyone had fun.
”It was hard because it kept falling” said Courtney McGinn.
She said the best part of making the gingerbread house was eating the icing, but admitted she and her mom, Lorraine, had a good time. They were given a prize for building the most rustic gingerbread house of all.
Prizes were award for the gingerbread houses. The grand prize winners for the best overall representation of holiday spirit went to the Olson family, who received a gingerbread cookie jar.
Runners-up included:
Irene Pastula and her granddaughter, Abigail, for the most perseverance of trying to make the perfect gingerbread house.
Pawel Zombrzycki and Scott McGinn as the most independent workers.
The Barnish family for the most colorful.
Grace, Gayle and Nancy Perun for the best use of original materials.
An award was presented to Michael Zangara for the best recovery effort after making do with the supplies after his gingerbread house collapsed. The best snow scene prize went to Kristin and Emily Yurgel. Laianna Correa had the best pop culture elements.
The most realistic house was built by Natalie Day, and the Dutta family was deemed to have put forth the best family effort.
Adult crafters who also came to participate were Barbara Suhaka, Mary Lapotasky and Linda Kowal.
”I am always happy that people will come back after a long day of work or at school,” Ms. Peterson said. “I would like to see more of it, and we are looking for opportunities. I was happy that the adults brought the children with them as we were kind of looking to do that.”
Ms. Peterson says the Manville Public Library is a lot more than just looking up books.
For information about the upcoming programs and events at the library, call 908-722-9722.

