While the afternoon of Sunday April 14th was misty and a bit damp, it was warm and inviting inside The Pastime Club in Mendham, as local author Ron Felber read from and signed his latest book, 'The Radiant'.
A Mendham resident and Pastime Club member, Ron has written thirteen novels covering a wide array of subjects, from science fiction to thrillers to non-fiction. One of his works inspired a television series. In addition to literary success, he is an adjunct professor of creative writing at Drew University.
The day started with Ron seated a table in the center of the game room, greeting members and their guests while signing and selling books. As events of this type tend to attract budding and first-time authors, Ron displayed his good nature by handing out heartfelt advice to three or four burgeoning authors. One of whom happened to be a student of his from Drew.
While he was there to promote his newest book and entertain his fellow Pastime Club members, Ron was also doing his good deed for the day by donating all sale proceeds to the club. After about an hour of signing and selling 'The Radiant' and 'The Mojave Incident', Ron read a chapter from 'The Radiant'.
A social organization at heart, The Pastime Club, located off Main St. just down the street from The Black Horse Pub, is also a civic minded organization. Foremost among its community outreach is the four-day carnival it runs over Labor Day weekend at Borough Park in Mendham. The proceeds from this event are donated to youth leagues and local charities. In addition, the club has hosted fundraisers for families who have been in need.
One particular family, the Daviau's, has unfortunately been especially in need recently. They accumulated significant medical bills trying to help their young son, Nick, recover from a serious illness. He put up a brave fight, but sadly passed away just before the Pastime Club hosted a pasta dinner for the family on March 13th.
Ron did his part Sunday by earmarking his donated proceeds to help the Daviau family. Once again showing his generous spirit.
Despite the reason for the event it was a nice affair. Backgrounded by Tiger Woods winning a fifth green jacket at the Masters (one most people thought he would never win), an entertaining book reading and signing, along with all who attended enjoying each other's company, a nice afternoon was had by all.