Fezziwig Society 2011
The Fezziwig Society has been in existence for approximately 29 years; however its origins began in Chevy Chase about thirty years ago, meeting in different homes.
A group of retired service officers and university professors, who enjoyed dressing formally for dinner and socializing, would get together during the Christmas Season to celebrate. We met at The Buckeystown Inn for years. Holly Hills Country Club has served our needs most graciously for the past 17 years. The staff enjoys our visit and eagerly await our arrival.
The name Fezziwig was adopted when the theme for one of the dinners was Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". It was Scrooge who said Mr. Fezziwig knew how to keep Christmas. While the early members were mostly retired service, the membership has expanded with the sole criterion for being invited is that the individual keep the meaning of Christmas just as Mr. Fezziwig did. We have members from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania and California.
Mr. Fezziwig would have more than approved of the warmth, conversation, congeniality, music, spirit/spirits that were present for the evening. Claudia and John Allemang were kind enough to volunteer to help Mrs. Fezziwig again this year. She chose the theme, mysteries, this year which included authors, books, movies and T. V. Encouraging reading and discussion of characters. Thank you Claudia and John plus help from Kristen, Starrette, and Raksha.
Gretchen Kraft provided the music for us once again. Maggie and Gretchen were ready for the Christmas Carols and Mr. Fezziwig, who many/most times is not to sharp, called on Dolly and Cliff and Jim and Patsy to show off their new dancing skills. Then as we all are aware ( I have been giving lectures, seminars-whatever for along long time. I have bored students, faculty, friends - you get the picture - this time I actually made a member sick. So sick that she thought of a unique way to escape -- via ambulance with young EMT's. How is that for an exit? Mrs. P. is fine, but does hold a grudge because I made her ill. Wonder what she will do to top this exit? Mary and Mike thanks for driving!
The food was great--"The Before's" excellent. Entrees, Sirloin(tender) and Chicken and out in space was the superb Lobster Thermidor. Thanks to Chef John and all the staff for another great experience.
At least one new guest joined us for the evening and we trust was richly rewarded. Meeting and mixing adds to a "Fezzwigian's" development. Some had rather take a cruise or stay in Florida rather than attend. Can you believe several new to the area have expressed an interest in being a "Fezzwigian".
Next year Mrs. Fezz says she is going to more closely monitor the seating, of course she said that the year before!
To our regulars who could not be with us, Mr. Fezziwig will be looking forward to seeing you next time in reasonable, if not good health! We miss seeing you and sharing the Yuletide Season.
A glass was raised to “Absent Friends” , at least mine was. Dr. Yasuko Walcott was given a round of applause in recognition of her new Ph.D.I noticed in proofing, I missed a couple of folks--sorry about that, but then I lost two drinks as well!
We join in wishing each of you A Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and A Most Healthful New Year!
Adobe Web Photo Gallery
12/13/11