It's fallen to me to pass on the sad news of the death of Joe Wasielewski, the principal founder of the long running "Saint Nicholas Ball". Joe was a chef at the Biltmore when he started the event, which became an annual tradition there for many years. After new Biltmore management made the environment less friendly, the dinner dance moved to the Hollywood Roosevelt. It ran there for a few years until Joe's health and other issues caused it to fold.

Joe passed away on October 15th after a long illness, in a monastary in Northern California. His sister Fran and his friends are planning a suitable remembrance for him some time soon.