A Holiday Choral Celebration
Our meeting began with Paul Schaumburg leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Anne Guest gave the invocation, a reminder that we need to look for opportunities for service and strive to make the world a better place, with an objective of peace and tranquility.
President Susan Hay Patrick welcomed all to the meeting, and reminded us that we'll meet again at the Hilton next week for the Christmas party with the Youth Homes kids, and our meeting with start earlier, at 7:00 a.m.
Sergeant at Arms David Bardwick introduced several guests including Katie Cummings (Justin Metcalf); Alina Niklison (Linda Pijon); Julie Betty (Jim Betty); and Abby Bardwick (David Bardwick). We were also joined by Agustina Hatem, youth exchange student from Argentina.
Susan Patrick announced the Kris Paffhausen was celebrating a birthday, and the group serenaded Kris with "Happy Birthday." Susan also thanked Kris and Kara McCarthy for their work on last week's new member orientation.
Susan announced that the District is still working on a Rotary cookbook, and wants member recipe contributions. Susan will send out the link so you'll have details if you'd like to participate.
Susan also announced that a GSE team to Brazil is being formed for a trip in May/June 2010, and that a group is being put together for a polio immunization trip to India in 2011. See Susan if you are interested in either opportunity.
Susan announced that the Money Train is scheduled for February 6th. Mark your calendars!
Agustina reported on the outing with the Interact group, some Sunrise Rotarians and the kids from the Youth Homes last week. The group went to the Carousel, and Agustina said it was great to meet the kids and that the Interact group now wants to do more.
Bill St. John announced that next week is the Youth Homes Christmas party breakfast (again 7am at the Hilton). Chris Warden brought gift bags to this morning's meeting-you can bring your gifts next week in these bags if you'd like. Chris will also provide tissue paper next week. Bill also announced that Cynthia Bryan had invitations (with a map to her home) at this morning's meeting. The invitation is to the MSR holiday party at Cynthia's home on Wednesday, December 30th at 6pm. A signup sheet was circulated. Cost is $5.00 per person, including Rotarians, because as was said, "Members are people too."
Susan Patrick announced that Julie McFarland, PR Committee Chair, has been serving as a committee of one and is looking for help. If you'd like to be a part of the PR Committee, please see Julie or Susan.
Susan Patrick announced that a Nominating Committee has been formed to finalize nominations for board officers and directors for next year. Committee members include Arnie Didier, Bill St. John, Julie McFarland and Adele Gibbs. Susan said our annual meeting will be January 20th, and a slate of nominees will be presented prior to then. If you are interested in a leadership role, please contact Susan or one of the Nominating Committee members today!
Susan Patrick had a cookie this week for Donielle Engebretson (sadly today was her last day with us as she is moving to Billings); and Susan had pumpkin bread for Kris Paffhausen and Bob Brown, both celebrating birthdays this week.
Those making contributions to the club cookie jar this week: Anne Guest, with thanks to Darko for a fantastic Holiday Pops Symphony Concert last weekend, and to the many Sunrise Rotarians who attended; Ramey Kodadek, recognizing Westin Gibbs (Adele's son) who after participating in the Youth Homes outing last week, and seeing a schoolmate was part of the Youth Homes group, said he's going to be sure that boy isn't picked on at school anymore; Susan Patrick, with support to Rusty Lockner and Doug Hadnot on their recent losses; and Chris Warden, with thanks to Bill St. John and the programs committee for the terrific programs.
Bill St. John then introduced our program, guest singers Sky Blue Choir from Big Sky High School and their director Nancy Labbe. Ms. Labbe introduced the group's piano accompanist Sara Galardo (who is the first female band director in Class AA in Montana!). Ms. Labbe thanked us for the invitation to sing at the meeting, and said the group truly appreciates the breakfast and missing the first period of the school day. She explained that the choir (15 members) has one freshman and one sophomore and the others are juniors and seniors. They rehearse twice a week at 7am.
The Sky Blue Choir treated us to several wonderful holiday selections including Spanish and Austrian carols, as well as "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Baby It's Cold Outside." The group then led the entire audience on lively renditions of "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night," "Joy to the World," and "Deck the Halls." We ended this terrific meeting with a spirited rendition of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."