2019 Christmas Past
Thanks to Rotarian Al Curtis for coordinating another successful Christmas Party on December 16, 2019 at the Selkirk Golf and Country Club. Fifty-two people attended including Active Rotarians, Honorary Rotarians, major fundraising sponsors and spouses. The guests were invited primarily for their outstanding help/contributions to the book sale. These included: Steve and Pam Grahame (LSSD), Matt and Brandi Bialik (Red Bomb Fireworks) and Wayne Sutherland, Shelley Sinclair, Paul Sutherland and Brenda Sutherland (Packers).
President Sharon opened the evening by welcoming all of the guests and reading the following invocation.
“Let us take a moment to remember all the religions represented in the worldwide Rotary family. Let us recall that when we were invited to join this Rotary club, we were
not asked if we were a Protestant, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Jew, a Catholic, or a Buddhist. We were not asked because all religions are welcome in the Rotary family.
Please join me in a moment of reflection and thanks with these words: With our friends beside us, and no person beneath us, With the bonds of Rotary between us, and our worries behind us, With our goals before us, and no task beyond us, With a thirst for knowledge, and a dream for a polio-free world, We are thankful for our Rotary friends and the meal we are about to share. Thank you.”
Chris Offer, 5040 District Governor
The meal was delicious thanks to Diane and her team. While waiting to be served many worked on the Christmas Carol question sheet. (For which there were no prizes awarded.)
After dessert Rotarian Al and Rotarian Elf Michele began the prize draws. This year I believe every table won at least one prize or door prize. A few, not to mention a lawyer’s name, did win multiple prizes and insisted the last one should be put back and redrawn.
Overall it was a very enjoyable evening and a wonderful way to recognize our major sponsors, connect with our Honorary members and bring the Active members together for a very sociable night.
President Sharon brought the evening to a close by reading “A Christmas Wish List.”
If you were to ask me, with the holidays drawing near,
“What would you like for Christmas; what should I get for you this year?”
If I say that I want nothing, you might get me something anyway,
So here’s a list of what I’d like, please believe me when I say:
School supplies for children, food and medicine for the poor,
Clean water for a village, and I ask a little more….
Perform good deeds and let me know, or volunteer your time,
These things are worth a fortune, and they won’t cost you one dime.
I’ve got too many things already, C.D.’s, tools, and clocks,
My closet’s full of fashion “must haves,” sweaters, scarves, and socks.
Candy is so fattening, and grilling gadgets – I have twenty!
I don’t need cologne or gourmet coffee – and golf clubs – I have plenty.
I’ve got no place to hang more pictures; I’ve still got books I haven’t read,
So take what you would spend on me, and help the poor instead!
Dear friends,
just send me cards and notes, and tell me what you’ve done,
I’ll open them at Christmas time, and read them one by one.
It won’t cost as much for postage, as a package sent would do,
And you won’t have the hassle of the paper, tags, and glue.
And I’ll be thankful that you listened to what I have to say,
As together we help those in need as we journey on our way.
A poem in the Dear Abby column adapted by Meg Huff, a Bloomfield NY Rotarian.
The silent auction and the auction of the Jets Tickets, (generously donated by Jim and Betty Anne Gaynor), brought in a total of $800.00. This amount was evenly donated to the Bear Clan (Selkirk) and the Rotary Foundation.
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