"Antlers on a Bald Guy"

Our meeting began with Bob Brown leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mary Windecker gave the invocation, a wonderful poem about Christmas by Helen Lowrie Marshall.

President Susan Hay Patrick announced that this was Rusty Babington's last meeting as he is leaving Missoula to take a job with the Army in El Paso, Texas.  Rusty will be living closer to his parents in Albuquerque.  We will miss you, Rusty!

There being no guests or visitors to introduce, Sergeant at Arms David Bardwick took some time enlightening the group on the origins of Santa Claus.  David explained that it all started in the Middle East in 270 AD with an early Christian bishop in Turkey named St. Nicholas.  He provided details all the way up to the present day.  And now we know!

Susan Patrick then called the Blue Canyon staff forward and presented a token of appreciation from the club to each of the five staff members:  Tony, Justin, Tasha, Shawn and Bill.  We appreciate their work this past year!

Susan Patrick announced that the Nominating Committee and the Past Presidents Committee have both met and a slate of nominees will be recommended to the club at the next meeting.  Susan reminded all that it isn't too late to step up-please talk with Susan!

Bill St. John reminded all that the holiday party will be at Cynthia Bryan's home on December 30^th at 6:00 p.m.  There will be NO regular meeting held Wednesday morning December 30^th. 

Bob Brown announced that he is having back surgery on December 31^st.  He'll be in the hospital a few days, then convalescing at his condo here in Missoula for about two weeks before heading home to Whitefish.  Bob said he will welcome visitors at his home in Missoula from about January 3^rd to January 10^th, so please visit.  Susan and the club wished Bob well.

Cookies this week from Susan Patrick:  to Glenn Marangelo who is celebrating a birthday on December 30; for the the absentee Chris Warden and Margot Belden (who are also celebrating birthdays soon); to Bob Brown with good wishes on his back surgery and to Rusty Babington, in acknowledgement of his fine service to our club.  Lynda Frost mentioned that Rusty Lockner also was celebrating a birthday (cookie at last week's meeting).  Happy birthday wishes to all those celebrating birthdays!

Susan Patrick announced that the United Way is developing a program called "Helping Hands."  All donations to this program will be given to charities that show an increased need due to the Smurfit-Stone closure.  Susan thanked Dick King for all his work surrounding the Stone closure and gave him the last cookie.

Those making donations to the cookie jar this week:  Kara McCarthy, in celebration of Community Medical Center's surpassing its United Way campaign goal of $40,000; and Anne Guest, with thanks to Greg Johnson for a brilliant production of Hamlet and to Justin Metcalf for opening the Wilma for the showing of the Grizzly game with donations raised for those at Smurfit-Stone.

We then had a special visitor:  David "Menachem" Bardwick the Reindeer.  As David pointed out, no one likely expected to see antlers on a bald guy this morning.  David had a variety of what he termed "Jewish Christmas gifts" to bestow on various lucky members in attendance.  These included:

--a lighted Griz hat to be worn on his next trip to Chattanooga for Brett Felton

--a bottle of Reisling that "no one wants" from the first money train for Bob Brown

--a spinning fish "sculpture" for Rusty Lockner

--a computer rear view mirror for the ever watchful Susan Anderson

--a "sombrero" and sunglasses for the sun in his new home in Texas for Rusty Babington

--a CD of arias and duets from La Traviata for the ever-signing Jim Clark

--a pair of Slipper Genies for her work at Serve Pro to Annie Gerken

--a nice water bottle for her work on the marathon to Ramey Kodadek

--a package of Kleenex ("for feeling left out" per Menachem) to Lynda Frost

--a book called "Kiss and Tell" for the newly married Annie Gerken

--a pair of stuffed hugging bears for the newly married Susan Patrick

--a jar opener for his "longevity in the club" to Gordie Campbell

--a toe separator for a pedicure and toe socks for the "always on his feet" Greg Johnson

A couple of gifts awaiting absent members upon their return:

--a leopard skin steering wheel cover and seat belt protector for Paul Williamson-to "match" the pink pole for dancing.

--for the "never present" Arnie Didier, "something that really isn't," a moose, or perhaps a jackalope.

Happy Holidays, one and all.  We'll see you at the holiday party at Cynthia Bryan's on December 30^th!