Dave Burmester's "Celebration of Life" this Saturday at the Vets

Plus a unique Lenten sacrifice, a very stable genius at work and spring magic all around us

For those who may have forgotten, there will be a celebration of the life of Dave Burmester on Saturday (March 8) at the Veterans Memorial Theatre in Davis beginning at 1 p.m.

The theatre is located at 14th and B Streets and plenty of parking is available.

Burmester, a former Davis High School teacher, founder of the Acme Theatre Company, servant of the poor with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and one of the greatest human beings God ever put on this earth, died in January at the age of 86.

He cannot be replaced, but he will be celebrated by those whose lives he so profoundly touched.

Dave Burmester

This from Tom Burmester, one of his seven children, speaking on behalf of the Burmester family:

"We can’t wait to see everyone as we come together to celebrate the remarkable life of Dave Burmester. For many of us, this will feel like a reunion - a chance to reconnect with old friends, share stories and honor the incredible impact Dave had on all of our lives. It’s probably going to be a joyful and tearful day as we pay tribute to someone who meant so much to so many. Here are the final details to help you plan for this special day:"

Program Details:

1. Performers and Speakers
   We have a program planned with performers and speakers who will honor Dave’s life and legacy. If time permits, we will try to allow an opportunity for last-minute speakers during the program.

2. Improv Performance
   A group of former improv folks is organizing a framework for a short improv show. If you’re a former improv participant and would like to join in, there will be an opportunity for you to be part of the performance.

3. Dave’s Seat
   There has been a request to keep Dave’s seat in the theatre empty, and we’ve decided to honor that by offering the opportunity for people to bring something to add to his seat as a tribute, to build a sort of Dave Shrine. This could be a flower, a photo, a card, a bit of memorabilia, a bottle of booze or anything else that feels meaningful to you (or, of course, nothing at all).

4. Interactive Lobby Timeline
   The lobby will open at 1 p.m. featuring photos, memorabilia and a video presentation celebrating Dave’s life. Light refreshments will be available. We encourage everyone to contribute to the interactive timeline. You can bring a photo to add, write a quick memory or even just sign your name directly onto the timeline. It's a space for everyone to share how Dave touched their lives. And to read what others wrote.

Event Schedule:

• 1 p.m. – Lobby Opens: Photos, memorabilia, video, and refreshments available.

• 2–3:30 p.m. – Memorial Celebration: Performances and speakers in the theatre.

• 3:30–5:30 p.m. – Reception: An informal opportunity to mingle, reconnect and share stories on the stage and in the lobby. Light refreshments will be provided.

• 5:30 p.m. – Clean-Up: You’re welcome to stick around and help us clean up if you’d like.

Post-Event Gathering:

After the celebration, the official post-event “Landing Spot” will be at Sudwerk starting at around 6 p.m. until closing. We’ve reserved space there and hope you’ll join us.

GoFundMe for Event Costs and Charities:

There is a GoFundMe account set up to help cover the costs of the event. Thank you so much to everyone who has already made a generous donation. The fundraiser has been successful, and at this point, any additional funds raised will be donated to two of Dave’s favorite charities: Acme Theatre Company and St. Vincent de Paul.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing this special day of celebration, remembrance, and connection.

Warmly,

The Burmester Family

LENTEN SACRIFICE ... Our son Mick had his wisdom teeth removed on Ash Wednesday (March 5).

Knowing he is Catholic, one of his friends asked him, "What are you giving up for Lent?"

Said Mick, "I gave up four teeth for Lent. And forever."

Straight to heaven.

SPEAKING OF ASH WEDNESDAY ... A kind person at Mass on Ash Wednesday provided me afterward with a small packet of ashes in case any acquaintances had been unable to attend.

It's a new home delivery service called "Door Ash."

CAUTION - A VERY STABLE GENIUS AT WORK ... Since Donald Trump is, by his own admission, a genius and is also most likely the smartest businessman in the world, he no doubt recognizes the close relationship between supply and demand.

If someone opened a hamburger stand that used earthworms instead of ground beef, the lack of demand would be so overwhelming that the earthworm suppliers would quickly go out of business.

The same with drugs.

If Americans weren't demanding fentanyl, the cartels would have to import something else. Like avocados. And while guacamole may well be addictive, it's not nearly as dangerous as fentanyl.

Despite this obvious connection between supply and demand, Trump's genius war on fentanyl - which I sincerely hope he wins - is focused strictly on supply.

Or is that just a ploy to make us hate Mexicans and Canadians?

Yes, we should attempt to break up every drug cartel wherever located and throw every participant in jail for life. We should also try to halt the flow of drugs into our country and the manufacture of drugs within our country.

But missing in all this is a sincere attempt to deal with the overwhelming American demand for fentanyl and other deadly drugs.

Which means spending serious money on prevention and treatment.

Until the demand is broken, the drugs will always be with us.

JOY TO THE WORLD ... With spring busting out all around us, time to share a brilliant display from a patch of the happiest yellow flowers on earth.

Reach me at bobdunning@thewaryone.com