Rotarians were drawn like iron filings to a magnet last Wednesday, descending upon the Burlingame Community Center for our last meeting of the year—until January 11. Our annual Holiday party started with a warm and effervescent hallway welcome from Christine Krolik, fresh from her coronation as the new mayor of Hillsborough. But wait, there’s more…
Contending for “main event of the day” was the Eggnog bar, hosted for decades by the now late Duffy Offield. Duffy, bigger than life, enlivened our yule by encircling members and guests alike in his embrace of cheer and glad tidings. It was a tradition, in fact a “fact” that in those days, nobody left that liquid welcome without a cup of Noel cheer in hand (hi-test or commoner version), and a new recognition that at least once a year, at Burlingame Rotary, the past was in the past, all was forgiven, the future was bright, and that Garrison Keillor was correct that “all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.” Ah, the good old days of yore.
But the question which kept us on our tiptoes this year was whether our newest bartender-in-training would turn out to be as personable as his predecessor. Mark Lucchesi had been a close friend and neighbor of Duffy, but was he up to this task? To start off, he had a framed picture of Duffy on the bar. Good one! He enthusiastically offered to absolutely everyone (including 3-year-old Lilly, from Millbrae) a cup of nog. Good too. But then came the piece de resistance: Mark had personally imported Mollie Stones, “Pennsylvania Dutch” incredible, award-winning eggnog blend that is for sale right next to their cash registers (shameless plug). Wow, this is a hat trick, a triple play, possibly taste-tested by the three Magi themselves, I heard. Well, well now—we clearly have entered a new and classy era of “Libation Central” being run by Mark, who has fully earned his new nickname, “Little Duffy.”
Whew—such a party to report on—the fun keeps coming: Our program was a three woman singing group. They will now be welcomed back any time they take a fancy to coming over-- Our food was catered by Sapore Italiano, the Burlingame Avenue anchor for fine dining in the Italian tradition. The ethnic tie helped draw Joe DiMaio to tell of his heritage in Sorrento, Italy, and Joe LaMariana fresh from his 40th anniversary soiree through Italy with his wife Terri. We had two visiting Rotarians, Tom and Faye Dawdy (and granddaughter Lilly) from Millbrae. For his second visit was Raul Pulido. Unfortunately, his wife, Karina Vargas, could not attend. New member Scott Campbell was there. Tom Chakos made a surprise visit. Lage Andersen and his new knee were in fine form. Burlingame councilmembers Donna Colson and Michael Brownrigg also made it, as did Al Royce (newly retired mayor of Hillsborough).
Past president Emily Matthews was “working the desk” to collect money, hand out name tags, and generally remind everyone that they had come to the right place and the party would not have been the same without them. Col. Alden Cunningham and his wife Carol [prominently featured in his recently published memoirs., “A Cold War Warrior’s Report”]. Mike Kimball was seen with his scarf (reportedly # 283 in his endless collection) wrapped around his collar with a debonair flair. President Fritz was present sporting blinking colored holiday lights concealing his still-fresh Hawaiian tan. Jim Shypertt was roaming the room with his camera providing pictures to array this High Gear. But wait, there’s still more…
We had singers, yes, we had three really fun singers with songs thoughtfully adjusted for us and for the season. These women were: Christine Krolik (leader of the pack), Liz Buljan, and Michele Gutierrez. All are local residents who sing in great harmony a capella. Wow! They could name their group “Will Sing For Food,” and do quite well. But one suspects they actually have songs in their hearts, and will sing whether or not there is food involved!
Okay, in sum: a fine time was had by all. And next meeting is Wednesday, January 11, our Three Amigos (a priest, a rabbi and a pastor…) speaking on: “2023 Through the Eyes of Faith.” Be there or be square!
And may your holidays be bright, your New Year’s be safe, and your most important gifts be those you give rather than the ones you receive.
