Our Social Committee of Bob Buettner, Ceil Collins, and Janice Freschlin really put together a great Holiday Party. Coming into the Gallery from a cold, damp, and misty night, and entering a dining room decorated with seasonal taste certainly lifted one's spirits. It's a great evening that presents a special opportunity for our Club to really socialize in a meaningful and interesting way. Conversations abound in all corners of the room as our Rotarians seem to move from one group to another. This is special, and enhances the meaning of the "Rotary Family". It seems to start as one approaches the bar and is greeted by Chris, who says "Hi, Bob, will that be a Coors?" What a great memory! Next is a visit to the Hors d' oeuvre table filled with meatballs, artichoke dip, assorted meats and cheeses, crackers, and a bowl full of great olives. As one wanders from group to group, a server presents a platter of stuffed mushrooms or of scallops wrapped in bacon - what a treat! How many weight watchers points are used up during the course of the evening? As the social hour winds down, the Empress Mary approaches the podium and members gather at their tables.
Emanuel "Mo" Moshoves is called upon to offer the invocation giving us the opportunity to choose the "long or short" one. I'm not sure which one was delivered but Mo spoke of the great fellowship we have and that sincere thanks should be given for the bounty we have, and that we should keep the needs of others in mind as we practice "Service Above Self"! The food was then served and lived up to expectations. Choices of Salmon, Chicken, Filet, and Roast Beef were served in great abundance. Jack Sayre got his 3" thick cut end piece and Jay Stewart got a week's worth of Roast Beef! Dessert followed - a whopping piece of ice cream pie, with coffee and after dinner special coffees served to order.
The Empress reconvened the group following the meal. She introduced our special guests, Marty and Carol Finns, our Assistant Governor and wife. To keep the meeting on a high note Art Bradbury and Dan Larson were called upon to lead the Welcome Song. She then talked of caring moments and mentioned Neal Cunningham who limped into today's festivities after tearing the quad muscle in his right leg. She mentioned that Pat Gately was under the weather and would appreciate cards - 1422 Main Street, EH 06108. At this point Sue Klock spoke up and wanted the Sgt. at Arms so she could pay for an anniversary IN ADVANCE. What is the world coming to? And Speaking of Sgt. at Arms, Jack Sayre is looking to fine Doug Willett for his appearance on national TV for his antics at a recent Women's basketball game in Florida. Pay up, Doug! Jack also spoke of the need for bell ringers for December 13 and 20. Sign up next week!
Mary next asked for four elves. Our Club has adopted two families for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. One family has 9 kids, and the other has 4! She needed the elves to do the toy shopping as she and Happy Jack will do the food shopping. She quickly got her four elves. What a Club! Ceil, Neal, and Rosemary did the food shopping for Thanksgiving. We then had our traditional Christmas tree lottery raffle. The lucky winner was Larry Frazier, who is still scratching the many tickets - hope he got his investment back! Other winners of UConn football tickets were Marty Finns and Mike Kerrigan, and Baskets were Sue Klock and Jack Sayre.
Now, on to the special business of the night. Mary called up newbie Susan Hansen and presented her with a Paul Harris award for supporting the Rotary Foundation in a significant way. Susan has sure jumped into being an active Rotarian in so many ways. Mary then explained the significance and history of the Paul Harris award and explained our Club's procedure giving thanks to Chair Jim Watts. She then announced the Club's three winners, two from the Community and one from the Club. The Community recipients were Rita Brown and Charlotte Turner, and the Club, Mike Derr. These individuals will formally receive their awards in early April. What a way to end a great evening. Thanks to all who attended, prepared for, and participated!
Emanuel "Mo" Moshoves is called upon to offer the invocation giving us the opportunity to choose the "long or short" one. I'm not sure which one was delivered but Mo spoke of the great fellowship we have and that sincere thanks should be given for the bounty we have, and that we should keep the needs of others in mind as we practice "Service Above Self"! The food was then served and lived up to expectations. Choices of Salmon, Chicken, Filet, and Roast Beef were served in great abundance. Jack Sayre got his 3" thick cut end piece and Jay Stewart got a week's worth of Roast Beef! Dessert followed - a whopping piece of ice cream pie, with coffee and after dinner special coffees served to order.
jumped into being an active Rotarian in so many ways. Mary then explained the significance and history of the Paul Harris award and explained our Club's procedure giving thanks to Chair Jim Watts. She then announced the Club's three winners, two from the Community and one from the Club. The Community recipients were Rita Brown and Charlotte Turner, and the Club, Mike Derr
. These individuals will formally receive their awards in early April. What a way to end a great evening. Thanks to all who attended, prepared for, and participated!
