But that won't stop the gathering and celebrating or the discussions about politics and travel of growing up with two big brothers life during World War II and the invasiveness of the internet. Spengler and Jacobsen said they are retiring from organizing the luncheons. They want to recruit younger people - new retirees in their 60s, they said. There are fewer seniors in the neighborhood as old neighbors have moved away or died. Breitbard played the accordion while Rauti led the seniors through holiday songs, some familiar, some more obscure: "Nuttin' for Christmas," "Deck the Halls," "Santa Claus is Coming," "White Christmas," and "Let it Snow," - the latter two admittedly incongruous for the Bay Area, they noted. The pair, who have been performing at the senior holiday party for six years, said it is always a highlight. With dinner now well toward finishing, Breitbard and Rauti, who took time out to eat, started handing out Christmas carol lyrics books and jingle bells. The lunches offer consistency and an open hand of warmth and friendship to anyone who desires it, they said. One month someone can't make it because they are off visiting grandchildren or traveling the world another month someone just might not feel too well.
The bimonthly gathering doesn't impose any rules or requirements on the seniors. "It's an opportunity to socialize," she said, adding that she came to the holiday luncheon because of the musicians. Reine Flexer, a petite woman with blond hair and glasses who also lives nearby, agreed. I see some of the same people there," she said. Sometimes they meet at Cibo other times at a nearby Szechuan restaurant mostly, they gather at The Corner Bakery, all venues within walking distance.Īgnes Paccagnini, a slender, silver-haired woman with sparkly eyes, said she can't recall how many years she has attended. Lunches, which were for a long time organized by Jacobsen, Spengler, and former resident Bob Frost, attract about 20 to 30 people, Leon said. We didn't let that stop us at all - just went ahead and yelled," Leon wrote in the Barron Park Association newsletter that fall. and volume was so high we all had to yell to carry on conversations. The first successful gathering garnered 26 people in June of that year in Hobee's restaurant's small back room. Many people expressed an interest in getting together for either lunch or coffee, Leon said. Possibilities included music, game parties or lectures. The luncheon idea came after senior coordinator Mary Jane Leon and Spengler sent a survey to association members in 2001 asking which services seniors needed. Younger people talk about things such as their children or jobs or cooking - life events and activities that most of the seniors can't relate to anymore, the seniors said. We all relate to the same things," she said. "When you are among seniors, it's wonderful.
Julie Spengler, a lively woman with carefully coiffed, pale-blond hair who has been co-coordinator with Rosemary Jacobsen for 15 years, said the gatherings have been a great way to feel connected to one's peers. The neighborhood tradition brings seniors together with their peers, with whom they share generational history and experience. 13 the Barron Park seniors capped off a 16-year tradition with holiday song.Įvery two months for the past two decades the seniors have gathered to share stories, food and friendship at local bakeries and restaurants, and occasionally at Bol Park for a summer picnic. The venue was decked with a holiday tree and festive wreaths on the windows.Ĭlinking glasses and diving into sumptuous lunches of broiled salmon filets with saffron sauce, chicken with spinach and mushrooms in light cream and tofu stir-fry with assorted vegetables, on Dec. Sporting matching sequined berets in green and gold, musicians and longtime Barron Park residents Gary Breitbard and Jena Rauti took up their instruments - a violin and an accordion - and serenaded the 18 diners in Cibo Restaurant's private dining room. Barron Park Senior Club members Peter Mueller and Lilian Marcus talk following lunch at Cibo restaurant during the club's monthly meeting on Dec.
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