OPC members toast to the club's longtime office manager, Boots Duque. Photos: Chad Bouchard
Boots Duque listens to remarks in her honor during a celebration at The Playwright Tavern.
Boots Duque, in foreground, with former OPC presidents (left to right) Michael Serrill, Marcus Mabry, Larry Martz, Bill Holstein, Alexis Gelber and Allan Dodds Frank.
Former OPC President Marcus Mabry, right, chats with Boots over cocktails.
Former OPC President Bill Holstein reads a Certificate of Lifetime Achievement for Boots during the party.
Fomer OPC Executive Director Sonya Fry reflects on Duque's contributions to the OPC.
Boots listens as former OPC President Bill Holstein reads the Certificate of Lifetime Achievement.
Allan Dodds Frank, left, and former OPC Executive Director Sonya Fry look on as Boots Duque speaks to the group.
OPC veteran member Jacqueline Albert-Simon, left, with Larry Martz listen to remarks to honor Duque at the celebration.
OPC Executive Director Patricia Kranz, left, with Boots.
OPC Foundation Executive Director Jane Reilly, right, with Boots.
OPC member Linda Fasulo, right, poses with Boots.
By Chad Bouchard
A small crowd of OPC notables gathered on July 19 to bid farewell to the club’s longtime office manager, Lucrecia “Boots” Duque, who retires after nearly two decades at the end of July.
During a small party at The Playwright Tavern at the heart of the Theater District, about 20 guests, including seven former OPC presidents, raised a glass to celebrate her hard work and years of service.
Former OPC President Bill Holstein read the Certificate of Lifetime Achievement from the Board of Governors in appreciation of her loyalty to the club, as well as “devotion, trust and patience” which “provided it with a constancy of purpose and stability of character.”
The proclamation also noted that “her keen eye has caused her to emerge as the sacred keeper of facts and astute proofreader of all manner of written material,” and lauded her “deep knowledge of various and assorted heroes and villains affiliated with the OPC [that] has made her a strategic asset.”
Former OPC Executive Sonya Fry, who worked with Duque from 1998 until 2014, said that “Boots was the perfect combination of attention to detail, politeness and generosity toward members.”
Fry also mused that Duque “has a photographic memory, which was very helpful before Google.” She remembered sharing personal losses and weathering Annual Awards Dinner stresses together over the 16 years they spent in the office together.
She read a letter from former OPC President John Corporon, who could not attend.
“OPC owes you a great debt of gratitude. Thanks again for your splendid service. We will miss you.”
Corporon served as the club’s president from 1996 to 1998.
“I could have never survived without Boots,” said OPC Executive Director Patricia Kranz, citing her deep knowledge of club members and sharp memory. Kranz also struck an emotional note, thanking Duque for her professional and personal support.
“She’s been my rock at the OPC, and I’ll miss you.”
Duque told the crowd that she strived in her work not only to maintain professional standards, but also treating people with respect and dignity. “That’s my secret,” she said.
Duque plans to return to the country of her birth, Philippines, to enjoy her retirement among family members.