Do it today. It could be illegal tomorrow.
Saturday night, I attended La Pétanque Marinière’s year-end party/business meeting. To be truthful, I proceeded somewhat reluctantly.
Instead of the anticipated restaurant venue, we had to settle for the rather stale environment of the Villa Inn in San Rafael.
We fought for years to have our function in a restaurant, and 3 years later we are back where we started. I understand that money (as usual) was a factor in this decision, but I think that this choice turned off many people who opted out of this event.
But, despite a low attendance and in spite of my initial misgivings, the party turned out pretty well. The club spent a fair amount of money on edibles and refreshments and there was more food than anybody could possibly eat.
Upon my arrival, I bumped into Louis Toulon and Ken Lee. Smiling from ear to ear, Louis told me that he won first place in the Singles tournament that took place (in the rain) in San Rafael the same day.
Felicitaciones amigo! (I am watching a lot of Hispanic telenovelas)
It does my heart good because Louis and I are the same age (two months apart) and he proved that Old Timers still can teach whippersnappers a thing or two.
I was also told that Maryanne Curley (from Petaluma?) won first place in the women’s category and our own Christine Cragg came a close second.
Well done Christine! Or as Tamara would say: Молодец!
After a few drinks and appetizers Christine Cragg, our long time president, gave the opening address. She mentioned that some new people (Henry Wessel and Mark Shirkey among others) volunteered to join our Board and that Brigitte Moran is now our new treasurer.
Brigitte then took center stage and spelled out how she envisioned our future. She is a very dynamic and motivated person and I am solidly behind her.
She is experienced and understands how to deal with the County’s authorities; I believe that with her help our club has a bright prospect in front of us.
I cannot spell out everything she said, but you will glad to know that, among others things, starting next year the field maintenance will be done by county workers.
She is also actively pursuing the field fencing project and contrarily to what some people think it is not going to bankrupt us. More about this later.
Mireille (a longtime employee of the Villa Inn) Monique Bricca and a certain Tamara worked very hard to handle the food and keep everything under control.
A big hand for these ladies!
Addendum: Calvert Barron, Sandra and Mark Shirkey were also of invaluable help.
I tried to take some pictures of this event, but as you will see it did not turn very well. Nothing more difficult than snapping pictures in an artificial environment.
All in all, this meeting turned out better than expected. For those who did not attend, I think that you missed a lot.
“Be pretty if you can. Be witty if you must. But be gracious if it kills you.” Elsie de Wolfe
Alain
To look at photos of this event and listen to the accompanying background music, turn your computer’s sound on, and click on the link “My Photos” located on the right side of this page. For best viewing, go Full Screen.