Ladies Night at MECCA Is Back!

Ladies Night at MECCA Is Back

MESSAGE SEND TO LADIES NIGHT E-MAIL LIST:

TO: MECCA Ladies Night List

FROM: Betty

RE: Last Night's Re-Opening Night Party

Wow! That's how I'm feeling after the tremendous time we had last night at the Re-Opening Party at MECCA Ladies Night. You all were so wonderful and I thank you sincerely for the many big smiles, best wishes and good cheer.

So many of you came with hugs and words of congratulations on the re-opening, and I found myself to be beyond words a number of times. I cannot say THANK YOU enough to the women (and their friends of all gender identities) of MECCA Ladies Night who support this event now and have for more than five years since we first began in the fall of 2002.

I'm just too excited to sleep, so here are some thoughts for you!

Thank you for being so gracious and patient with the door “line” or “list” that was necessary in order to meet the City of San Francisco capacity regulations. I cannot say enough about how much I appreciate your understanding, and to answer the question I was asked about this a number of times, we do not expect for staffing of the door or "a line" to be necessary on an on-going basis.

I do realize that there was confusion about the need to monitor capacity and how that was accomplished, and I do apologize for the inconvenience you may have experienced. Most everyone was very gracious, and again, I thank you. I was very happy that we reached the point during the evening when the line was no longer necessary.

Here are some additional observations:

First, my thanks to singer/songwriter Cathy Richardson and her fabulous “manager / gal pal” Rachel Regan for coming as our featured guests. We will definitely invite Cathy to perform for us once again when the “kinks” are worked out of the new sound system. We enjoy promoting Cathy's performances on “Betty's List,” so you'll hear more about her, and please check out Cathy's offerings and appearance schedule on her web site: http://www.cathyrichardson.com

Also, big thanks to DJ Page Hodel and DJ Gray, both of whom came forward to help us immediately when the sound system glitch happened. I was reminded once again of how truly blessed I am with good friends who are so willing to help.

It truly is a new sound system, as a result of the previous one having been damaged and rendered unusable. We will address that and have a smooth plan in place for the future “Music Showcase” Nights coming up in months to come.

Many of you know DJ Gray who comes to Ladies Night frequently and is a columnist on our Betty's List web site (www.bettylsist.com). Many of you also know DJ Page Hodel who is among the most legendary music spinners in our community and has been for decades. Page hosts Respect, a terrific dance event, every 2nd Sunday - that I personally love to attend - and you’ll see announced regularly via “Betty's List.”

Plus, big thanks to Tim Gaskin, producer and host of the weekly TV show OUT Spoken, for serving an our impromptu emcee. Tim welcomed everyone on behalf of MECCA and introduced me to lead our "Return of Ladies Night" toast. Tim and Kristopher are the handsome guys with the microphone in the photo feature with me during the toast segment.

 The full dinner menu at MECCA will return soon. I had a chance to sample numerous examples among the small plate items as well as the famous oysters, much beloved French fries and other items we have come to enjoy: little burgers, meatball sandwiches, romaine salad and many more. Stay tuned for more news to come about Chef Randy Lewis' culinary offerings in days to come.

Praise for MECCA's Wine List! With us last night was wine industry expert Vivien Gay who had wonderful words to share about MECCA's award-winning wine list (Wine Spectator Award). Thank you, Vivien! I so appreciate your words of praise, and I know many who enjoy the libations of MECCA's popular circular bar totally agree with you!

Many of you remarked on the various changes at MECCA. You particularly loved the “lowered” wood ceiling over the bar and the new shelf/rail that separates the front bar area from the tables in the “café” area, making that entire section much more comfortable. You also loved that huge carved pumpkin that glowed “MECCA,” but I dare say it's going to go the way of all great pumpkins. We do have some photos of it, though, that will soon be posted. Other thoughts? Do tell!

Big, big thanks to general manager Kristopher, assistant manager Ginny and the entire new hosting team! What an evening they had with us and I've heard tell they loved meeting so many of you and learning what Ladies Night is all about. Thanks also to waiter Jonathan and his colleagues who took care of us! And a sincere thank you to MECCA's Dave Jennings and Benson with whom I had a great time just getting to know each other.

Much love to our fabulous bartender pal Steve and to the entire bar staff. I know they were working double-time in the effort to serve everyone and provide those outstanding cocktails MECCA is known for.

Thanks to the “Betty's List” team who help me so very much and who share the love: Grace Floyd, Mary Ann Brown, Gayla Schiff, Cathy Blackstone, Michelle Jester, Mary Sager . . . Also, thanks for being with me to those who know me best: Margie Adam, Nanette Miller, Catherine Pinkas, Professor Cynthia Kaona and Rachel Herbert, Christina Allen and the list goes on. You know who you are and I do love you!

* Thanks to the leaders of many LGBT non-profit groups who joined us for the Re-Opening Party, including Matt Kohls, AAA Travel; Laurie Wagner, The Commonwealth Club; Jovida Guevara-Ross and Christiana Remington, Community United Against Violence (CUAV); Hon. Leslie Katz and Mike Marshall, Equality California (EQCA); Rebecca Heaps and Sabrina Riddle, Human Rights Campaign (HRC); Hilary Clark and Leslie Ewing, Lyon-Martin Health Services; Kris Herrmans and Eleanor Placios, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR); Dr. Kathleen McGuire, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus; Lindsey Jones and Mikayla Connell, San Francisco Pride Celebration Committee; Diane Sabin, UCSF Lesbian Health Research Center; Dixie Horning, UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health; Ellen Goodman Variety Children's Charities/The Preview Room and more.

Personally, I am so appreciative to the staff professionals and volunteers who do so much important work through non-profit organizations in our community. They truly are changing the world and I am honored that they came to be with us at MECCA for the re-opening of Ladies Night.

In closing, I want you to know that we will be back on track in the weeks ahead, bringing the  latest information about the exciting special occasions at Ladies Night and new developments as things continue to evolve.

We also have coming up lots of “REPLY TO ENTER” drawings for tickets and other items, so please continue to enter. Sooner or later, you are going to win for your first time, or second or . . .

Finally, each of you is encouraged to send a reply with your thoughts, suggestions and ideas. We are here for you and we do hear you. I look forward to seeing you every Thursday evening as we are back at MECCA for Ladies Night . . . now and forever!

Oh, and before I forget, if you know anyone who does not receive our MECCA Ladies Night announcements who might want to do so, just let me know. It's absolutely true that there are subscribers to “Betty’s List” who are not on the MECCA Ladies Night List, and the Ladies Night List does receive messages that don't go to the “big list” or any of our other specialized lists, for that matter. Anyone who is concerned about not having received full information, please talk with me so that I can make sure you are on all of the lists that you wish. Call me at 415-503-1375 (direct) where I can usually be reached easily on most days anytime after 12:00 noon.

See you next week on Thursday a MECCA when we have another great time now that Ladies Night . . . is finally . . . back!!!

Most sincerely,

Betty

Dr. Betty L. Sullivan
Founder & Host, Ladies Night at MECCA

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