(A human-interest article describing an invitation-only luncheon for American San Felipeños)

By

Bruce F. Barber

Convening during the second week of August, participation in this annual event is by invitation only. The one qualifying criterion is …attendees must be (or must have been) residents of the Greater San Felipe region. Freda and I have been invited three times although this was the first year “other obligations” permitted our attendance… and we’re sincerely happy we did.

The luncheons began a dozen years ago as a good idea between close friends: there were four couples in attendance in 1993, six in ‘94 and thirty attendees in ‘95. The first nine luncheons convened in a San Diego-area restaurant but it closed, unexpectedly, leaving the group in somewhat dire straits… until a friend of a friend offered his restaurant, which was enjoyed each of these past three years.

Whereas last year’s get-together included 68 attendees, this year’s had 37 plus 10 no-shows. And therein lies the reason for “invitation only:” more than 50 is too much for a wide variety of reasons. For example, finding a conveniently located restaurant that will accommodate large groups is not easy. Finding one with a separate dining room can be difficult, and finding a place that will tolerate the group’s special needs is a chore.

A no-host buffet luncheon, arrival time was 11:30 and the vast majority of attendees arrived within minutes of that hour. It was like Old Home Week for us who have seen none of our San Felipe friends since our departure in mid-June. Not only were we delighted to see those we haven’t seen in too long a time, my guess is we didn’t know 40% of the group… and we’ve lived there for the past twenty years. Can it be that we’ve had our heads in the sand …or is this indication of San Felipe’s recent growth?

We spent our first hour saying hello, getting reacquainted, and sipping on one form of “suds” or another. Meanwhile, our lunch was prepared, set up and, promptly at 12:45, we were invited to form a line. Roasted Marinated Breast of Chicken, Barbecued Ribs, Sliced Roast Beef au jus, a Caesar Salad, a Potato Salad, an Elbow Macaroni Salad, Mixed Fresh Fruit, and Fresh-Baked Rolls was “all they had to offer” …for lunch, that is. Dessert included a fantastic Apple Crisp with whipped topping and everyone had a truly great time.

Not only did no one walk away hungry, at least three of us walked away with prizes won during a lottery the luncheon’s organizers conducted during dessert. But, as suddenly as 11:30 had come upon us earlier that day, 2:45 brought us back to reality and the fact that Freda and I, at least, had other obligations. And so, promising to see each other in San Felipe in the fall, another summertime San Felipeño Luncheon came to a close. Assuming we are among next year’s invitees, we will be there with bells on, a camera, pencil and paper …and a whopping-big appetite (for renewing San Felipe friendships).

We hereby offer our most sincere THANX to this luncheon’s organizers and the delightful lady who made a special effort to learn if we’d be available this year. Whereas each of these ladies and gentleman will remain anonymous, if you enjoyed this article the ball is now in your court… to start your own Summer-Time Get-Together (and let the rest of us know how well yours went).

Long live San Felipe and its amazing full- and part-time (senior) citizenry!