Again, the weather was not the typical Holiday Fest type - unseasonably warm, dry, and for the non skier, truly great. The Gallery welcomed us as usual with a wide variety of pre dinner treats. The table was full with a selection of meatballs, assorted cheeses and meats, crudities, bruscetta, accompanied by passed bacon and scallops, and stuffed mushrooms. Chris, the great bartender, as always, remembered names and even one's favourite beverage! The holiday party is always a highlight of our Rotary year, and this one didn't disappoint. Everyone seemingly was enjoying the evening.
After enjoying the happy hour, President Marc called us to order and proceeded with the usual opening rituals. Steve Jacoby was called upon to deliver his thoughtful Invocation. He left us with a few serious truths, among them- that the brotherhood and sisterhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations, and that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life. Well done, Steve!
In a departure from the norm, President Marc continued on with the business portion of the meeting. The highlight of the annual holiday party is always the announcement of the next group of Paul Harris fellowship recipients. Our club has traditionally chosen to select its nominees from amongst East Hartford Rotarians and from members of the community. As if by magic the president called Susan Hansen, Nick Cecere and Chickie Amberg to the podium and had them sprinkled with magic dust by the Empress, who then bestowed upon them the honor of the Paul Harris recognition award for this year. Another will be given to Bob MacCllelan, owner of Burnside Ice, who supports many town projects. These awards will officially be given out at the Paul Harris Recognition Banquet to be held on April 13, 2016. Congratulations to our four new Paul Harris Fellows!
A phone call was made to wish a merry Christmas to Gil Wishart who is residing in Florida until April. Sheryl O'Connor thanked the Club for all the support shown to her family on the death of her father by her Rotary family. President Marc thanked Ceil Collins and Bob Buettner and the committee for putting together tonight's festivities. He also thanked Frank and Ceil for donating the seasonal soap dispensers for all in attendance. Jack Sayre needs one bell Ringer for Saturday 10-11. Call him if you can do it. Finally, Janice Freschlin held the Raffle - First Prize $80 worth of scratch off lottery tickets was won by Jeanne McCarthy, 2nd Prize - a Lenox hurricane lamp was won by Jack Sayre, and Third Prize - winter scene was won by Steve Jacoby. Thus ended the formal part of the evening!
Following the meeting, the Gallery staff started to serve what is traditionally a huge, oversized meal. A tasty tomato bisque started the meal and was followed by the several selections which included the typical Filet Mignon, half a cow roast beef, and chicken or salmon Florentine. All were thoroughly enjoyed, and a lot of"doggie bags" were seen on many of the tables. Dessert was an ample serving of ice cream pie, This was followed by a large selection of specialty coffees made to order. All in all, another home run type meal! The End!
Again, the weather was not the typical Holiday Fest type - unseasonably warm, dry, and for the non skier, truly great. The Gallery welcomed us as usual with a wide variety of pre dinner treats. The table was full with a selection of meatballs, assorted cheeses and meats, crudities, bruscetta, accompanied by passed bacon and scallops, and stuffed mushrooms. Chris, the great bartender, as always, remembered names and even one's favourite beverage! The holiday party is always a highlight of our Rotary year, and this one didn't disappoint. Everyone seemingly was enjoying the evening.
In a departure from the norm, President Marc continued on with the business portion of the meeting. The highlight of the 
annual holiday party is always the announcement of the next group of Paul Harris fellowship recipients. Our club has traditionally chosen to select its nominees from amongst East Hartford Rotarians and from members of the community. As if by magic the president called Susan Hansen, Nick Cecere and Chickie Amberg to the podium and had them sprinkled with magic dust by the Empress, who then bestowed upon them the honor of the Paul Harris recognition award for this year. Another will be given to Bob MacCllelan, owner of Burnside Ice, who supports many town projects. These awards will officially be given out at the Paul Harris Recognition Banquet to be held on April 13, 2016. Congratulations to our four new Paul Harris Fellows! 
A phone call was made to wish a merry Christmas to Gil Wishart who is residing in Florida until April. Sheryl O'Connor thanked the Club for all the support shown to her family on the death of her father by her Rotary family. President Marc thanked Ceil Collins and Bob Buettner and the committee for putting together tonight's festivities. He also thanked Frank and Ceil for donating the seasonal soap dispensers for all in attendance. Jack Sayre needs one bell Ringer for Saturday 10-11. Call him if you can do it. 
Finally, Janice Freschlin held the Raffle - First Prize $80 worth of scratch off lottery tickets was won by Jeanne McCarthy, 2nd Prize - a Lenox hurricane lamp was won by Jack Sayre, and Third Prize - winter scene was won by Steve Jacoby. Thus ended the formal part of the evening!
Following the meeting, the Gallery staff started to serve what is traditionally a huge, oversized meal. A tasty tomato bisque started the meal and was followed by the several selections which included the typical Filet Mignon, half a cow roast beef, and chicken or salmon Florentine. All were thoroughly enjoyed, and a lot of"doggie bags" were seen on many of the tables. Dessert was an ample serving of ice cream pie, This was followed by a large selection of specialty coffees made to 
order. All in all, another home run type meal! The End!