On January 19, Mary Falso, long-time PebbleCreek resident and a member of “The Circle” golf group, was surprised to find a bobby-socked, poodle-skirted lady at her door wanting to take her for “a ride.” Reluctant at first, she was soon convinced to change out of her slippers and step outside. Waiting for her was a pristine 1956 Chevy. “When I was 16, my boyfriend had a car just like this,” she said in awe and thus began her 80th birthday journey, a progressive dinner through the decades.
First stop, the ’40s/’50s, where she was greeted by over 50 of her closest friends including guests from California and Florida. Recovering from her great surprise, Mary and guests enjoyed the gourmet appetizers and lemon-drop martinis prepared by Carrie Grein. But more was to come. As the bell tolled to signal it was time to move on, Mary was escorted outside by a handsome man in a tuxedo where her second chariot awaited, a 1967 GTO, ready to whisk her away to the ’60s/’70s.
At the home of Rose Dudney-Latino, she was greeted by a dishy, long-haired hipster, clad in maroon crushed velvet. He escorted Mary inside, back to the days of a crooning Sinatra and an elegant restaurant, where guests were served a delicious sit-down Italian dinner prepared by Rose and Rose’s sister, Chrissy Bridges. The wine flowed, but it wasn’t long before the ’80s/’90s loomed. This time a late-model Grand Marquis took her in style to the home of Monica Lee for the cutting of a two-tiered, rose bedecked cake and chocolate-chipped gelato.
The night, however, was far from over. At 8:30 p.m. a modern-day, yellow Fiat 500 Pop was waiting to take Mary into the modern age and a dazzling after-party at the home of Chrissy Bridges. Here, guests were entertained by DJ Chanca Morrell as she walked them through the musical decades of Mary’s life, pictures were taken in the photo booth and a professionally-tended bar was on hand.
The Circle would like to give a special thank you to Mary’s chauffeurs: PebbleCreek Classic Car Club
President Charlie Miller (’67 GTO) and members Arlene and Mike Girard (’56 Chevy), and PebbleCreek residents Joe Lupo (Grand Marquis) and Betsy Crosson (Fiat 500). In addition, a huge shout-out to our valets, Bill O’Day and Rueben Rivera. Thank you all so much for helping make Mary’s birthday party such a great success!
Happy birthday, Mary! We love ya!