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.
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