### **GALA: To celebrate 25 years of caring for and engaging people with the South Mountain Reservation, the South Mountain Conservancy is holding an anniversary celebration at South Orange’s newly reconstructed [Baird Center](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Baird+Cafe+%26+Lounge/@40.7513052,-74.2578976,3416m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x89c3ac81581a4f71:0x7bc793f954e65ed2!2sMeadowland+Park!8m2!3d40.7513052!4d-74.2578976!16s%2Fg%2F1tdc64x9!3m5!1s0x89c3ac83ee7c5095:0xe3e993d9265bdc4b!8m2!3d40.7499204!4d-74.2581601!16s%2Fg%2F11b73s0650?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) on Saturday evening, October 26th, from 7 to 10 p.m. This catered buffet dinner will offer an array of sumptuous dishes and will feature the jazz trio Blue Sphere led by local keyboardist Bill Tally, a silent auction, a slide show of scenic places in the reservation, a contest of hidden reservation places, and much more. Tickets are $80 per person, which includes admission, dinner and a free drink at the bar. To learn more about the Conservancy, its history and programs, visit us at [www.somocon.org](https://www.somocon.org/). To buy tickets, click [HERE](https://ticketstripe.com/events/2332106070367009).**
### **SILENT AUCTION: The Conservancy is asking individuals and local organizations to help support its mission by donating a service, membership, or item to the silent auction. Auction items should have a value of $100 or more. This is a great way to both promote your organization and help us continue to serve the greater Essex County community through programs and unparalleled stewardship of the park. We will advertise all donors in the event literature and on our website. *We will also allow remote bidding to reach a broader audience.* If interested in donating to the auction, contact *conservancygala@somocon.org.* The Silent Auction will be operational starting mid-October.**