It’s time for the annual Christmas Party! Although it’s titled “Christmas” the party is really a time to celebrate friendship and common interests; it’s a time to forget old angers and ill-will. It’s a time to renew and/or start friendships, and enjoy good food mixed with goodwill. So please, come join us and help celebrate another year of survival and adventure. The price of admission is a good attitude and a willingness to enjoy yourself. Friends and family are invited as is anyone interested in finding out more about our club. We hope you will join us this Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Building of Sonoma County. We’ll be in the Lodge Room. Please bring food or drinks to share; main dish, side dish, appetizers, desserts, something you would like to share with others. The club provides cold-cuts, bread, cheese, and some condiments. Please join us.
At the November meeting Ben Conrad announced that he is stepping down from the office of Club President. We need someone to take his place, and although this isn’t usually the year to hold elections, Ben is going back to school and will not have time to fulfill the office. He would rather step down than do a half assed job. We need someone to fill this office, so if you are interested, let us know. NO experience necessary! Richard Giddens has also asked me to tell the club that he won’t be coming back as the Ombudsman due to cardiac problems, so here’s hoping Frank Madsen will consider making the position full-time instead of just standing in for Richard. And if anyone wants to challenge ANY position on the Board, now would be a good time to speak up; it is YOUR club and if you want to take a turn at being a Board member, we can take a vote. No politics, and no hurt feelings!
I also need to remind you that this is the LAST meeting Jim and Maryann McGinnis will be tending to coffee and tea each meeting; SOMEONE needs to step up and volunteer to bring the urns each month. The club pays for the coffee, tea, creamer and sugar, so your big job would be to bring the urns each month, set them up, take them back home, wash them and bring them to the next meeting. Jim and Maryann have been doing it for years, and now it is time for someone else to take a turn.
At the November meeting Ben spoke about the on-going project he has for new T-shirts for us. He discussed the need to feed the ‘kitty’ for the snacks at break-time each meeting, and the importance of donating to PLP. James Conrad and Charlie Cockle both spoke at the Show and Tell portion, as did Cecil Perkins. And our ever-faithful Rose entertained us with comical jokes.
I took editorial license and condensed the minutes from the November meeting because I want to thank everyone for being part of the club and making it work. Many of us have had our differences, some more heated than others. But we have stuck together for a few decades now, so we must have something good going for us. We are like a big family; one that has many distinctive and strong personalities and strong opinions that many times are at opposite ends of the spectrum. But when one of us needs the support of the others (whether we know we do or not!) the ‘family’ comes together and supports the members in need. It is a really good feeling to know that kind of support is there and I just wanted to thank all of you for being a part of this family. Rose Klemenok is ALWAYS trying to make sure we have a laugh and a smile before we go home; how nice is that? How many of your other friends make sure you smile? Lance, Cecil, Rose, Mike, James, Jack, Daryl …well, I would have to name the whole club, but you make sure we know the latest spots to go, and you share your knowledge. Now THAT, anywhere else, would cost “six easy payments of only $19.99, plus shipping and handling!!!! BUT WAIT!! Call NOW and receive this special offer! ” NOBODY , well not many, shares that kind of knowledge without a price-tag attached. So I guess I am just trying to remind all of you how important you are to this club, and how each and every one of you contribute and make it such a good place to be. I thank you all for the gift of your friendship; we’ve lasted a long time and may we last forever.
In summary: Come to the Party on Wednesday, 12-15-10, at 7:00 p.m. Some of us will be there early to set up, so you can come early.
Bring something to share food-wise, and bring friends and family .
Be ready to nominate and elect a new president.
Think about volunteering to do the “coffee run”.
Bring something to donate to the raffle and receive a free raffle ticket.
And, remember how important you are to the life of our club.
See you on the 15th, and if you can’t be there, have a safe and happy Holiday Season, and a prosperous New Year.
As always,
Kathe for SRGD