2 quick things. You should scroll down to the next-to-last comment on the first blog — the one from Mrs. Moschetto. She talks about her van pool and the ditto machine. It is very funny. And I have decided to post entries on the 5’s — the 5th, 15th and 25th of each month. (Might skip Christmas.) Try not to get too excited on the 4’s of each month in eager anticipation.
OK, now here is the Gala Guide.
Some of you may not be very accustomed to mingling at lavish affairs, so I want to help out with advice based on my social experience.
First, here are my credentials. I have been in the company of: the heir to the Holy Roman Empire; John Schmitz, the 1972 Presidential Candidate for the American Party who got a million votes; Supreme Court Justice Byron (Whizzer) White who voted against Roe v Wade; President Richard Nixon’s daughter (I think her name was Julie); Sean O’hare and Jim Koehr, sometimes organizers of lavish affairs.
The first thing to rememeber is that people might not remember or recognize you. So be ready to introduce yourself often. (I am told that George W. Bush always introduced himself by name at social events.)
If the person you just introduced yourself to does not reciprocate the info, it is fine to ask. It might be a bit blunt to say, “Who are you?” Try something humble sounding like, “My memory never was too good, and it has gotten worse. Could you help me out with your name, Social Security # and date of birth?” (Try to avoid asking this of the same person twice in the evening.)
Always think of yourself as the host/hostessof the Gala. That is, go to the Gala wanting everyone else to have a good time without thinking so much of yourself. Seek out those who seem to have trouble mingling. If your concern is for others, you will find you will have the best time possible. This also means you should be more eager to find out more about others than to talk about yourself. If you have done something really amazing, such as maybe you have met President Nixon’s daughter, mention it only as passing item. Amazement will naturally follow.
Show your esteem to those being honored. Specific examples are better than generalities. “Mr. Scheetz, I still celebrate Mole Day every October 23rd (make sure that is the right date) with mock apple pie. Thanks for teaching me about those things.”
Congratulate those who put in a lot of time making the evening possible. “Mrs. VW, I hear you were one of those behind the scenes people that every event depends on for success. It’s been a great evening. When do you think the next gala will be?” If she faints at this question, do not call 9-1-1. She will recover quickly.
Now, those of you who were a little dubious about going to the Gala because you felt socially inadequate, go ahead and sign up. There isn’t much time left — the deadline is June 3rd. You are certain to enjoy the company, the program, the music, the food and the surprises.
And remember the Mass Saturday morning at 10:30. Then there is the picnic that follows.