The Bozzi team asked me to continue Vince’s “Lilacs and Lemons” column as he recovered. Sadly, Spokane lost two titans of encouragement in a short period. Still, I will spotlight some lilacs  and offer some milder lemons—Vince was an unparalleled pitcher of lemon fastballs. I would be remiss to not offer a shout out to Vince, a “right jolly old elf,” as well as Emily Bozzi, who always sported an ear-to-ear smile.

I met them when I was the Commander of the 92d Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base. They deeply appreciated the Airmen’s red, white, and blue hearts, and invited me to events to further involve the base. The duo had enthusiasm and kindness as tall as the Spokane clock tower. Meeting them and others with equally infectious cheer convinced me to stay. Bozzi Media’s commitment to honoring leaders in the community is part of what makes our home special.  Excellent leaders never pat themselves on the back, but we had Vince and Emily to sing their praise. In doing so, our leaders aimed even higher. They changed my life, and I know I speak for others in this sentiment. I need Vince’s captain’s hat to properly capture his distinctive prose. A day never passed that he and Emily were not captains of SS Bozzi. That ship continues to sail smartly due to a dedicated team that carries on their mission—with heavy hearts, but a love that binds. Accordingly, my first lilac is for the Bozzi Media team, determined to preserve the magic.

Lemons to the void created by the absence of our fine arts traditions—the holiday pops at the symphony, Jersey Boys at the First Interstate Arts Center, Spokane Civic productions, Terrain in the fall celebrating our artists, First Friday, and so much more. Health conditions necessitate this, but I believe as Pablo Picasso does that, “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” 

Lilacs to our school districts for ramping up efforts.  As a recent Spokane School Board member, I can only imagine the complexities are far above even the challenges I had in my first occupation of flying an Air Force aircraft in combat.

Lemons to the sour state of education, despite educators’ best efforts.  A child’s education is a moving train. The recent challenges will be difficult to overcome, particularly for our younger kids. The educational impact will be a long-lasting societal fissure. It is crucial we turn these lemons into lemonade for the sake of our kids.

Lilacs to our businesses for their resiliency throughout this COVID drought. Many continue to innovate and evolve, and as the leader of Girl Scouts, I remain humbled by our Girl Scouts, who sold cookies from yards and drive-thru booths. We remain committed to persevering with our Thin Mint 2021 motto, “We got this!”

Lemons to the Zoom mute button, which has protected me from embarrassing moments but stolen countless minutes of me talking to myself while others giggle. More accurately, lemons to Zoom users who fumble despite ten-months practice.

Lilacs to our health care workers, my wife included. First responders and essential workers continue to catch us before we fall. One constant through this tumultuous period has been the perseverance and courage of our heroes donning scrubs and badges.

Lemons to COVID.  This disease is wicked, dividing households, destroying businesses, and ruining lives. COVID has taken lives, including my friends Vince and Emily. At the time of the writing of this column, we have lost over four hundred precious lives in Spokane County and over four hundred thousand lives in our country. This contrarian disease—mild for some, deadly for others—complicates our public response. I will never again shake Vince’s hand and hear his happiness with the community. I will never see Emily light up the room with her love of life and humanity.  Rest in peace, Bozzis; we will never forget you…you were captains of your ship, SS Bozzi, still sailing second star to the right but straight on ’til morning.