Well, we are ready to kick off the summer of 2023 and of course, that means the Memorial Day remembrance of our servicemen who died while serving in the United States military. It also means that our Pechanga gathering has come and gone. For those who are not familiar with this event, it is a wonderful, multi-day event filled with camaraderie, food, drink, and plenty of fun. From golfing, food and drink competitions, to just sitting around the camp fire with friends, the beautiful Pechanga Resort located in Temecula, California has lots to offer. Have a RV, plenty of space to camp for a few days. Camping not your style, stay in the nice luxury hotel and pamper yourself. Either place you are close to all the action.
First and foremost, this year’s gathering could not have come off without LAFRA staff support, trustees (and spouses) helping, and the attendees working to clean up and come up with great new games and adventures.
On Monday, Melo Chavarria arrived with our supplies and helped set up the Club House in anticipation of the afternoon meet-and-greet. A big thank you to Adela and Jim Stine, who have set a new standard for the hors d’oeuvres offered at our meet-and-greet. This included fruit, a variety of charcuterie boards, and a pasta salad that was out of this world. I guess packs of goldfish crackers are not going to cut it anymore.
Tuesday started with a 0800 lineup in the clubhouse, where stories and memories were shared. A little later, a Wine Blending event was held in the clubhouse. Teams of six or so worked to choose a team name and blend a white wine and a red wine unique to their team. Each of the teams presented their creations and judges selected the winners. Team Anytime/Anyplace won the prize for best white wine blend, and Team Just Enough to Be Dangerous came in first in the red wine blend category. Best Presentation was won by Team Make America GRAPE Again. A big thanks to all who were involved in the planning and execution of this fun affair. An extra special recognition to Lisa Peters, Alma Fowble, and their patient spouses.
A pizza and salad dinner was provided by LAFRA for the attendees. A cake was also shared in honor of Steve Berkery’s birthday.
Wednesday’s 0800 line-up was extra special. It was deemed an “Irish coffee gathering.” This day was set aside to purchase merchandise from LAFD FIRE Apparel, and to have some face time with the vendors and representatives with whom we interact day in and day out, but might not get to meet with in person. They included Anthem Blue Cross, Pensions, Firefighters First Credit Union, UFLAC, LARFPA, LAFRA, Kaiser, Sedgwick, Express Scripts, and of course your Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
Our dinner was prepared by Pete’s Firehouse Barbecue. It was tasty and well-received. After dinner, our President Chris Stine spoke about LAFRA’s mission, accomplishments, and future objectives. He introduced Valerie Lawrence, who spoke about the great work accomplished by the Widow Support Group. Carol Swanson spoke and had kind words about her relationship with the association. Richard and Marilyn Balzano were recognized as our most senior attendees.
After dinner, the room was rearranged and Jack Wise led a fun time with Kamikaze Karaoke. Some danced, some sang, but one thing was for sure: everyone had fun.
Thursday after our 0800 line-up is usually a golf day, but due to a scheduling confusion the golf course was not available. This made more time available for the Bloody Mary bar and the Martini Madness competition. Another heartfelt thanks to the sponsors of these gatherings, especially Wendy and Jack Wise, Karen and Gary Maga and Diane and Ron Maga.
We are looking forward to 2024 and the next episode…
