64 Creeley Unit 3 Oktoberfest
64 Creeley Unit 3 Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Information and Logistics Page
Belmont, Massachusetts, October 19th.
Hoping to recover from its recent image as an outdated, male-dominated "pig fest," 65 Flett Oktoberfest underwent a significant rebranding effort. It was retooled as "64 Creeley Unit 3 Oktoberfest" and a woman, Nahir Torres, was invited to be a part of the planning committee. Torres's credentials as a graduate from an all women's college and not-for-profit funder of underserved communities fit the bill. However, amid rumors that Torres's role was more public relations stunt than a genuine attempt at change, controversy has continued to plague the event. Accusations of lingering gender bias and Old Boy nepotism erupted after institutional "footdragging" robbed up-and-comer Elsie Johanna Hose Witt of a shot at the Youngest Attendee Ever award, creating a media storm around the event. Then Torres admitted publicly that she was shut out of critical date selection and invitation coordination meetings. Here are some quotes from those involved.
"I don't think anyone is going to have what it takes this year to beat my 'Youngest Attendee Ever' award."- Finn "McCool" Barrett, born September 1st, 2006, attendee at 43 days old.
"October 27th? That's total BS. Finn's year was the 14th. But Finn and [long time Event Committee Chair] Daniel go way back. This is just another example of the Old Boy Network colluding to maintain the Glass Ceiling."- Elsie Johanna Hose Witt, born September 10th, 2013, prospective attendee at 47 days.
"I've got to hand it to [Elsie]. Caleb and I thought we were in this year, but she had us beat, for sure. And she would've made a fine champion. Frankly, I'm a little disappointed in how the event is currently being managed."- John "Jack" Sawyer, born with brother Caleb September 4th, 2013.
"Whatever 'honor' the award had has long since been destroyed by years of self-interested mismanagement. The Diaper Competition is a prehistoric throwback and is offensive to infants of all genders and ethnicities. I'm glad that I decided to avoid the whole thing."- Emma Niepel, born January 26th, 2012
"Rigged. Against. Women."- Abigail Sawyer, born July 15th, 2010.
"I had no idea that my invitation to be part of the planning committee was such a sham. Whenever I tried to push for planning, I was shut out. Rest assured, this will not happen again next year."- Nahir Torres
"Man! I was just busy and a little lazy. Can't you girls cut me some slack? Jeez, did all of your cycles sync up or something?"- Event Committee Chair, Daniel Wakabayashi
"Nahir, learn from my mistake!"- Susan Wakabayashi
Others were less surprised about the lack of change and ensuing controversy.
"Whatever. I heard the food has gone way downhill, and they're resorting to gimmicks now to keep up attendance."- Mariko Suarez, born July 28th, 2013
"The food has gone way downhill. If they weren't showing the Pats and Sox on the HD TV I helped pay for, I definitely wouldn't even consider going."- Jeff Suarez
"Sure, the venue is an upgrade, but at the end of the day, it's still a sausagefest. It's putting lipstick on a pig, or at least a bunch of pork products. What did people expect? I've lived with Daniel before, and all I can say is that Nahir has her work cut out for her."- Jim Sokoloff
"Like you're one to talk."- Kris Dickson
If you can give us an idea that you are attending, that is appreciated. However, don't let lack of an RSVP prevent you from showing up last minute.
First, it's more than okay to show up empty handed.
A little beer will be provided. If you think you'll be drinking beer, feel free to bring a six pack of a beer you're interested in drinking. No need to bring a lot more beer than you intend to drink.
For those who wish to contribute food in the spirit of Oktoberfest, but don't know where to begin, bring sausages. Johnsonville brats from your local supermarket are fine. Trader Joe's Hofbrau Brats are okay, too. (You know, if they can have a Trader Giotto and a Trader Ming, how about a Trader Johann? Where's the love? Hofbrau, my *ss.)
For the more epicurious, check out these sources:If you have a favorite German dish, or even just feel motivated to contribute a party dish (egg rolls, fried plantains, whatever), feel free to bring it.
Also, an interesting mustard would be a good thing to contribute to the party.
Again, it's okay to show up empty handed.
Creeley Road is off of Slade Street which is off Trapelo Road in Belmont, between Waverley Square and Cushing Square. There is a stoplight at the intersection of Slade and Trapelo, near Belmont Hill Cleaners and Domino's. The big CVS is nearby. Take a turn onto Slade Street away from the Domino's and other storefronts. The take your first left onto Creeley. We're on the third floor of the second house on the right.
Here is a Google maps link.
On-street parking is available around the neighborhood.
The 73 bus runs from the lower level of Harvard Square T station past the end of Slade Street. It stops just past Slade Street. Tell the driver you'd like to get off at Slade St. It takes about 16 minutes from Harvard Square. The bus will be traveling along Trapelo Road. When you get off the bus, go down Slade St away from the Domino's. Creeley Road is about 200 yards down Slade. Take a left. We're two doors down on the right, on the third floor. The 73 Bus schedule can be looked at here. Our apartment is located near the Waverley Square end of the route, so you can time your return trip based on being near Waverley.
Also, the Fitchburg line of the commuter rail isn't too far away. 64 Creeley is about a 15 minute walk from either the Belmont Center or the Waverly stop. Email me, and I can give you directions. See the Fitchburg Line.
The current menu is
For the youngest (who are on solid food), there will be soft pretzels and butter. For toddlers and above, no menu item is particularly spicy, so more adventurous young palates should be able to try just about anything, except maybe stinky cheeses.
There is a high probability that even the stuff one might believe is vegetarian is in fact not. For instance, the onion pie, cabbage, and potato salad are not vegetarian. We may try to offer more variety of completely vegetarian options than in years past. If you're in doubt, just ask.
Also, vegetarians are welcome to contribute food items that they can eat.
Those who keep kosher are likewise rather restricted. Not only is there pork in all kinds of unexpected places ("Daniel, this cake is delicious! What's your secret?" "Lard."), but there is butter in all kinds of places, too, making the meat-dairy separation difficult: "Dan, great martini! What's in it?" "Butter. And a little lard." If you're keeping kosher, your best bet is to ask me at the party what's safe.
Vegans will have some options but, like vegetarians, ask if you have any doubt.
Our pledge of naming quality: "We will never call the event 'Rock-toberfest.'"