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COMMENTS ABOUT THE MEETING |
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Synopsis Comments Photos Press Release BiographyThis Meeting Next Meeting 2003-04 Meetings 2004-2005 Meetings 2005-06 Meetings |
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November 12, 2003 |
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Enjoyed Bill Ervolino's talk very
much. He was able to blend his own kind of humor with his experiences as a
freelancer. Felt that his comments were meaningful to both writers and artists
(which included designers, illustrators, photographers etc.) He's a riveting
speaker/stand-up comic. The turnout testified to the fact that it was a special
evening for NJ Creatives.
Keep up the good work!
The meeting with Ervolino was one
of the best ones that I've attended since joining SWAN . Not only was he funny,
but he was informative and encouraging. That's two winners in a row. Nice going. |
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I love Bill, always have. In fact, you could consider me an Ervolino Groupie.
Unlike his usual fare which is entertainment only, this was enlightening,
informative and his wisdom should have appealed and applied to all of the
creatives, not just writers. In regard to the entertainment portion, a colleague
sitting next to me has been having a tough year in all aspects, and this was the
first time I've seen him laugh in a long time! And quite loudly, I might add. I
was rolling as usual, and taking notes as well! Come back anytime, Bill, as a
spectator or speaker! I pity anyone who missed it!
If you were going to attend only one meeting in a year, then you just missed it!
If this meeting didn't put fuel in your creative tank, call for the
paramedics.
I found Bill to be interesting and entertaining. What struck me most was his
determination from a young age to march to the beat of his own drum. Though he'd
had opportunities to do other kinds of writing and make more money, he stayed
with what he enjoyed. In the end, he has gotten himself a gig that rewards him
both financially and professionally. A good point for all freelancers to keep in
mind. Bill E ―
very funny ― excellent speaker The November meeting was another
hit. That's three in a row. It's a good thing you've scheduled a Christmas party
in between the next meeting because Bill Ervolino is a hard act to follow.
His droll wit, unique perspective, and wiry, animated presence kept everyone
erupting into laughter throughout the very entertaining evening. He was honest
about his feelings and idiosyncrasies, from his cranky dislike of every season
to his penchant for wearing only black pants and white shirts. His candor, verve
and ability to transmute his personal experiences and thought processes into
hilarious scenarios made for a fabulous evening of fun. I don't think he stood
still for a moment, hands gesturing excitedly, his thin spaghetti tie (that he
chose especially for the occasion) being flung this way and that, and his
on-again, off-again cap in constant motion. From his
sister-in-law's gift of black underwear that he unwittingly thought were shorts
and wore inside-out and backwards to a Hawaiian luau to the Thanksgiving that
launched his career as the police showed up to arrest his brother for unpaid
parking tickets, there never seems to be a dull moment in Bill's life.
Everything is grist for his column mill, including his difficult bout with
Bell's Palsy, a disease that paralyzes facial muscles. The episode of
discovering he has this disease and his subsequent arrival at the hospital is
golden material for any comic. I know because I shared his story with friends,
who were all hysterical laughing at my recounting of his emergency room tale.
Imagine how much more hysterical they would have been had they witnessed his
contorted facial expressions while describing ER cuisine and the effect he had
on the nauseous patient there as he tried to eat his sandwich with his mouth
half open. Bill, like Frank Scandale, also shared his career path
and the twists and turns that led him to "The Record." That's always interesting
for other writers to hear. What he does isn't easy, churning out two columns a
week in addition to other feature writing assignments. But listening to him and
the way his mind works, he makes it seem easy and effortless (most of the time,
anyway). In reading one of his columns, Bill shared a lovely
Christmas story of his highly ambivalent decision to send his new neighbors a
gift for the holidays. He might not have known it at the time, but his energetic
appearance at NJ Creatives and the wit of his column were early holiday gifts
for all who attended the meeting. He doesn't want to pursue a
career as a stand-up comedian, but it's wonderful that he schedules speaking
engagements throughout the year so he can share his unique, engaging presence
while spreading some laughter, especially in these difficult times. A new book
would be great, but we've got to wait until someone assembles his new computer.
That, I'm sure, will be another funny Bill Ervolino story. |
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