Mercy Center

Posted by Rosalie McCloud 
on Jun 06, 2016
 
We gathered under gorgeous blue skies at the Mercy Center, among the majestic oaks, to see what the center has to offer and to welcome Burlingame Historical Society President, Jennifer Pfaff...
 

Ramble...Pramble....

On Peter Camaroto’s birthday, we gathered under gorgeous blue skies at the Mercy Center, among the majestic oaks. It wasn’t quite that simple for your reporter.  Being a zealot, I arrived an hour early, just to be sure I could locate the building and wouldn’t be late.  Following the curving roads down the hill, I was ejected back out onto Adeline at the lower gate.  Fortunately , or unfortunately, I ran into Jim Shypertt who had walked from home.  He pointed out the “right” building, went in to verify the location, and very authoritatively suggested I stand in front of the building while he would stand on Adeline to guide in Rotarians.  Wrong  building, Jim!  Finally, ten Rotarians rescued me and we joined the other 30 or so who found their way with no help from me.    Excuse all the texts and emails.  All is well.  Jim Shypertt’s fault!!!   Your reporter last one in.

ABOUT MERCY CENTER

The room was spacious and light-filled,  Copenhagen lunch boxes were waiting, and Director Ms. Suzanne M. Buckley welcomed us. 
The Sisters of Mercy have been in residence since 1922; there are 23 now.  Mercy Center was established in 1982 as a retreat and conference center. The 40-acre property includes the Kohl Estate built in 1914, the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse and novitiate established 1924, Mercy High School opened 1931, and the popular Music at Kohl Series in production since 1984. Rotarians enjoyed our delicious box lunches, were invited to visit the gift store, took guided tours, and especially enjoyed the labyrinth. In all, a lovely luncheon and great exposure to this Burlingame treasure.

GUESTS AND BIRTHDAYS

Your reporter sang Happy Birthday to Pete Comaroto.  Happy Birthday today to Joe Cohn as well.  Other June birthdays: Jennifer Pence on the 18th, Joe Galligan on the 19th, and Mike Heffernan on the 25th. 
 
Guest of Cheri Carr was the lovely Jane Carr.  Good to see you, Jane. 
Your reporter serves as Vice President of the Burlingame Historical Society. The Board was invited to attend the Burlingame Lions’ lunch last Thursday,  just because.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Odd, some of the husbands attended, as in Pete Garrison, Joe Baylock, and Juergen Pfaff.  Pastor Pete is a Lion, but that’s beside the point.  Lo and behold, turns out we were there for Jennifer Pfaff to be announced Lions Club Citizen of the Year!  Yup, the husbands were in on the surprise. Jennifer richly deserves the recognition. She is godmother to every tree in Burlingame, writes voluminously on any subject relative to Burlingame, extensively researching her facts.  She is an unsung hero of Burlingame, so it was fun to be part of this recognition.  Pastor Pete painted a two-times lifesize picture of Jen in period costume.   
 
Your reporter was disturbed that Kevin Osbone (yes, that Kevin Osborne) kept  referring to Lion Pete, Lion Bob, Lion whoever.  I kept thinking he was calling them Lyin’ Pete and Lyin’ Erik, like The Donald does.

GO BURLINGAME DRAGONS

Horror of Horrors!  You reporter reported in the High Gear that the Burlingame Dragons were coached by the San Jose Sharks.  Dumb bunny!  I do know the difference between soccer and ice hockey. I contacted Jim Hicks and apologized profusely; the Board is considering sanctions.                
 
Attend a Burlingame Dragons game right here: Burlingame High School at 7:00PM., Friday, June 10. Don't mention my name. I'm in the penalty box.
 
See all of you back at ye olde Hilton next Monday, June 13.
 
Remembering "The Greatest," Muhammad Ali