A Warm Send-off for the Bogers

On Saturday night Steve and I had the privilege of attending the retirement party for Don and Mary Boger at the home of former CVHS principal Michelle Doll. Mary has been a fixture on the board of education for a dozen years, a fighter for children across the district. She has the heart of an activist, as is evident in her years of service as a volunteer in the district, as a PTA member, unit president and as Glendale Council PTA president. She currently sits on the board of education as its president.

During the dinner a microphone made its way through the crowd, giving attendees an opportunity to share a “Mary moment.” It was hard for me to choose from the many I could share. I chose to tell people that, as president of Prom Plus, it is difficult to sometimes get homes to participate in our annual holiday home tour fundraiser. But all we had to do was call Mary and Don and they would open their nautical-themed home in Glendale for ticketholders. I know that Crescenta Valley wasn’t the only recipient of their generosity, either. I remember seeing certificates of appreciation from Hoover and Glendale high schools, too.

Another moment included my partner in crime, Mary O’Keefe. We were invited to Mary and Don’s over the holidays one year to talk about one thing or another. They had a party the evening before and Mary offered us some wonderful cheese and crackers. Mary O and I ate our weight in cheese, constantly commenting on how delicious it was. We decided that we needed to replenish her supply, but when Mary O went to the store it was discovered that the cheese was rather expensive. We still laugh how we ate a car payment worth of cheese.

Another moment is of a more personal nature. When my granddaughter, who is a special little girl, was preparing to go to preschool, I told Mary where I thought she should be attending. Mary quickly redirected me, pointing me to a school near our home that would be perfect for our little one. More than a year later, she is thriving in her environment where her teachers and fellow students love her.

Don’t let my gushing over Mary overshadow Don’s achievements. An accomplished forensic doctor, Don’s expertise has shined light on cases that stumped others … many, sadly, relating to injuries sustained by children. At the party on Saturday were some business friends of his who obviously admired and respected him.

Mary will be officially resigning from the school board at the August GUSD meeting and I have no doubt that the event will be tear-filled.

Don and Mary will be relocating to the east coast. They leave a California legacy of love and devotion that will help bridge the distance.

  robin goldsworthy