Entertainment News
by Esther Lerner-Carrico
First let me say that I have never had such a marvelous experience working with so many dedicated, talented and fun loving volunteers as on my Entertainment Committee this year. We have pulled off some ambitious and wonderfully successful events. Thank you to all who helped bring these to our members.
Two recent events about which I have not had the prior opportunity to report on are the Commodore’s Angel Island Picnic on Labor Day and the very recent Commodore’s Ball.
The Commodore’s Picnic, Chaired by Sharon Barr, was a total and magnificent success! Many helped Sharon overcome sizable logistical obstacles, including Chef Ian, Liela all of the CCI staff who got behind and did such a great job and our wonderful CYC staff, especially Hans Anderson. Also to be thanked for their major roles are Teresa Prescott who planned the games, Bill Stucky and Tari Nix who did a fantastic job hosting our Tiki Bar that never seemed to run out of Mai Tais, Kim and Allyn Schafer who’s help in coordinating with island authorities was invaluable and a setup team that included Kim Barr, Clay Prescott, John Bundschuh, D. G. Tilton, Alan Smith, Marie Jorajuria, Hans Roeben and Sally Huse, Doug and Andrea Owen, Trip and Jill Ames and Brenda and Richard Buckerfield. Whew! And most impressively, dear Marge Bundschuh single handedly (actually with both hands on her knees) spent well over an hour picking up deer poop from the lawn (with napkins of course) so that we could have a clean space for the games. I have never seen such true Corinthian spirit applied to such a menial task! Also, special thanks to Torild Roberts who eagerly accepted the daunting task of making sure every member’s revenue dollar was accounted for - an important role for sure.
We had ideal weather and over 130 attended. This event was perfect for everyone, kids, parents and us older kids too. I say that because it was just like summer camp. We had rounds of tug-o-war, three-legged and gunny sack races for everyone; kids, kids and adults, girls vs. guys and you could just tell that everyone had a ball. The tables were decorated in different pastel colors with flowers, we even erected a flag pole from which hung the Corinthian burgee and the Commodore’s flag! Commodore Dan with clipboard, megaphone and whistle in hand reverted to his Camp Director days and ran the games with Teresa’s help. CCI and its staff certainly gave us a great feed! At the end of the day all went home happy and tired just as we should after a good old-fashioned picnic. Thank you Sharon and everyone involved.
The Commodore’s Ball was very groovy this year. Ask anyone who attended. Brenda “Twiggy” Buckerfield did a really marvelous job as our Chair on the theme, “Austin Powers – International Man of Mystery”. We all traveled back in time to 1968 and the Summer of Love to the music of the Shagadelics performing very authentic renditions of that era’s music. Band members included Dr. Evil, Goldmember and Fat B@ s t @ r d.
We had an Austin Powers double who helped get the party going and sang along with the band. Many attending were in very authentic 60’s and 70’s dress and that really added to the fun! Bruce Powell donned a big black afro wig and Pascale made a beautiful flower child. As soon as people arrived they knew they were in for a good time. Liquid light shows and an Austin Powers movie were projected around the ballroom and the sunporch was converted into a blacklight room complete with day-glow painted slogans like “Make Love Not War”, “Peace” and “Love”. Incense perfumed the air. Valli and Gary Bedey constructed a four-person go-go booth that was raised off the floor with a dance ball and spotlight that proved to be very popular with the crowd. It was hilarious. I spent most of my time between it, on stage with the band and dancing with my Commodore. The crowd danced until the band could no longer go on. The Richardsons and Bradys were in rare form. The accompanying pictures, courtesy of Doug Owen and others, tell the tale. More are available on the CYC web site.
Many worked hard to make this event so special. We thanked them that night but they should also be mentioned here. Of course Brenda Buckerfield who really added a lot and was a joy to work with. The set-up crew consisted of Jim Stevenson-Dunn, John Bundschuh, Bill Brady, Gary Bedey and Paula Hansson, our club decorator extraordinaire. They all worked with us most of the day until the setting was in place to delight our membership. We would also like to thank the entire CCI staff for preparing a marvelous meal and for serving us in costume further adding to the event’s success.
But Wait! There is more fun in the offing! By popular request and with the success of CYC’s last “Caberet By the Bay” in October of 2000, we are announcing “A Taste of Broadway - with a pinch of salt” Saturday, November 2nd featuring erstwhile stars among your midst singing and performing an amazing variety of composer’s songs. As those know who came to the last one, there is a lot of talent and heart in the club and they have been rehearsing for months. Most of the former cast is back but we also have some new talent for your enjoyment as well. We can’t go wrong with Jackie Taylor directing us. Thank you Jackie for putting your heart into this show. Thank you also, Andre Klein for constructing our stage. I encourage everyone to reserve early as this will sell out soon.
It has been a distinct pleasure serving as Entertainment Committee Chair this year. I feel as though we brought a lot of joy to our members and had fun doing it. Thank you for the privilege.
