Vic's Retirement Party

On Saturday November 30, Elizabeth and John Tralka and Heyman Mailing Service threw a wing-ding retirement party for Vic.  About 50 people attended at the Argyle Country Club after the Cottonwood Cafe suddenly closed. Good food, good entertainment -- Rachel Bissex, Kate McDonnell, Leslie Tucker, and at one point, my daughter Judy. Attendees were about a third folkies, a third family, and another third other friends and special clients. Elizabeth planned and executed the whole thing magnificently as always. She made what may have been the longest speech of her life -- 5 minutes right from the heart.

Leslie Tucker had the experience of the day. She rented a car to drive to the party and then drove home to Lexington VA, driving over 300 miles.  When she got to the Cottonwood, it was dark and closed. I had sent emails telling people of the change and Elizabeth sent out notices. But Leslie was so busy she hadn't read any of this stuff. Fortunately, we got a little nervous that somebody might not get the word and had posted notices on the front door of the restaurant. So, Leslie pulls up at the Cottonwood, realizes something is wrong, notices the posters, and continues on to the Country Club, getting there just after supper had started. As always, Elizabeth is prepared for anything, and Leslie pulled it off like the Queen of England. Looked fabulous, sang well, and made a touching toast.