It was a standing room only crowd at the historic Burlingame Women's Club Wednesday night as newly minted 2024 Citizen of the Year Russ Cohen and past Citizen of the Year Mark "Mark at the Mic" Lucchesi led the crowd through more than an hour of entertainment and education. The first ever Burlingame Trivia Night hosted by the Historical Society and some local partners saw attendees vacillate between nailing trivia answers and flailing away until Russ gave mercy answers.
It's one thing to know there are seven creeks in B'game. It's quite another to know all seven names. Same goes for the decorative sculpture above the door of the Old Post office that lives on in the new building--it's called "The Letters". Nobody got that one! Russ has a true skill with the microphone, a la Phil Donahue, that kept everyone engaged and entertained. It's just one example of the many contributions to community spirit he has made and continues to make. The Citizen of the Year nomination noted his work leading the Historical Society Museum refresh, donating poster designs (like the Pet Parade), serving as a city council member and, of course, co-founding the Voice as noted here.
In his acceptance speech last week, Russ quoted Mark Twain's obituary description of Anson Burlingame (they were friends) as one of his aspirations. Twain wrote “In every labor of this man’s life there was present a good and noble motive.” Mr. Cohen is well on his way to achieving that life goal.
The Dairy Boy was a featured question at Trivia Night. The treasure chest of questions is deep enough for a repeat performance in the future.
Not to get too picky, Joe, but the 1941 New Deal cast-stone relief is called "The Letter" (singular), by James Hansen. There are actually two identical reliefs that were incorporated into the structure over the USPO's original entrances (on Park and on Lorton). One has been carefully removed and repurposed to embellish a hallway and stairwell leading to underground parking.
That was a totally fun, very well attended event; thanks for the reportage:)
Posted by: Jennifer Pfaff | June 14, 2025 at 09:49 AM
And the other, of course, has been beautifully cleaned up and remains over the primary entrance on Park Road.
Posted by: Jennifer Pfaff | June 14, 2025 at 09:52 AM
Thanks for the kudos. It was a pleasure to host Burlingamer Trivia night and honored to accept The Citizens of the Year award. Rock on Burlingame!
Posted by: Russ Cohen | June 16, 2025 at 09:33 PM
Wow! What a wonderful evening. Great turnout.
I learned many things about Burlingame that I never knew.
Mark & Russ, thank you for your fun presentation.
I also managed to stay awake the whole time, which is saying something!
You 2 did a fantastic job. Gracias 😊
Posted by: Constance | June 17, 2025 at 07:01 AM
Really a fun night and two great guys,
Posted by: Peter Garrison | June 17, 2025 at 07:31 AM
Joe, my apologies for the late thank you for covering our event. I've been out of the loop the last few days. Anyway thanks to you Cathy, Jenn, Joanne, Peter and Leslie, and Joe Suarez for the video and others for attending and supporting our event. The turnout was better than expected and I'm pretty sure everyone had a fun eventing. Mark at the Mic
Posted by: mark lucchesi | June 18, 2025 at 10:51 AM