Pres Steve asked that the Salvation Army kettle be circulated and reminded us that donations must be in today to be eligible for the $5000.00 match.   He also started a Christmas card moving among us to sign and deposit a thank you tip for the excellent service and food our caterer Dianne A provides throughout the year.  Stan C. our aquatic center representative reported on the group’s last meeting.  Seems it is bogged down in the paralysis of analysis and choice.    Should the facility be inside or outside and where should it be located.  He also reported that the Habitat house is about 85% completed.  Currently interior painting is taking place and the cabinets and wood work will arrive by weeks end.  Ben D passed around the Salvation Army bucket list and reminded us again to get our donations in today to qualify for the match.  Pres Steve reminded us there will not be a meeting on Dec 27^th and presented Anna W with her new button.  The Four Way Test winner is Shantanu Mallick from Hillcrest. 

 

Bob R provided the Rotary minute, based on arithmetic using numbers found in The Twelve Days of Christmas.   The same questions seem to surface every three or four years.  Only one individual rose for brags and fines and it was neither.  Randy K informed us that Diane A, our caterer, is providing occasional meals to the Cheshire children and donations to help cover the costs are appreciated.

 

Dean M.  introduced today’s program; it was a 17 member ensemble from Hillcrest, Vocalease, under the direction of Lanett Tonneson.   They sang six selections: Grace From Christmas Snow, Jazz Gloria, a Nigerian carol with an unpronounceable title, O Holy Night, Mary Did You Know and finished with a little different arrangement of Away in the Manger.  It was well done, think our Dec programs are among the most enjoyable and relaxing and least demanding.  Thanks Dean for securing them.

The contents of the Salvation Army kettle were counted following the meeting.  It contained $5744.75. That combined with the $1160.50 donated at the two previous meetings brought to $6905.25 the amount contributed by our membership.  When the $5000.00 match is added we find that at least $11905.25 will be contributed to the Salvation Army as a result of the benevolence of members of our club.  I say “at least” because it is my hope the kettle will be there next week and we can each put in a couple dollars and change to bring the total to $12,000.00 Your scribe is truly amazed at this and does not recall a time when we have produced much more than a third that amount from both the kettles and individual contributions.  Guess it shows the value of incentives and leverage and would also guess it achieved what the anonymous donor hoped it would.  Thanks to all who were a part of this.

 

 

Merry Christmas -

John MacFarlane