For many years, 15 – 20 guests would descend upon my home on Easter Sunday for a great family gathering. Although a wonderful occasion, it was always work to put it on (cleaning), work to pull it off (cooking and entertaining), and work to finish it off (more cleaning). Five years ago, we received an invitation from Cecile, the mother of a large Italian San Rafael family. We are fortunate to be part of her extended clan. She invited us to play Bocce Ball at the Albert’s Park courts next to the B Street Community Center in San Rafael. The invitation asked for each family to bring a side dish and beverages; everything else would be handled.

You guessed it! For the past 5 years we’ve been part of Cecile’s party and Bocce tournament. There are generally upwards of 50 – 60 guests (kids and adults). Joe, Cecile’s son, barbeques the hot dogs and hamburgers. This year, in addition to the burgers, dogs and appetizers, the buffet included smoked salmon, pasta di pesto, taco salad, shrimp dip, chicken chow mein, Chinese chicken salad, deviled eggs (3 platters), Caesar salad and assorted cookies, cakes, desserts and chocolate. There were plenty of beverages including beer and Italian wine.

4 courts are going at once and Cecile makes it her business to get everyone playing and understanding the rules. I played with and against my family much of the time but in years past I’ve played with folks I didn’t know until that day. Things get quite competitive after a few beers and everybody gets the Bocce hand signals down. We all think we know what we’re doing. Then we play one of the regulars and they put us in our place!

Do what the Italians do. Take time out and have some fun! Play Bocce Ball, it does a body and soul, good!

Posted By: Mark Machado