Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Visits!
Our meeting began with Jim Clark leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Susan Hay Patrick gave the invocation, a wonderful reading about the work of Christmas.
Susan Patrick announced that this would be Rotary Youth Exchange Student Agustina Hatem's last meeting. Agustina spoke and thanked all Sunrise Rotarians for helping to make her dreams come true. She said she learned on her exchange that it "isn't about me, it's about people." Agustina gave special thanks to her host family Lisa McFarlane and Jack Nichols and their son Lance. Kara McCarthy then also thanked Jack, Lisa and Lance and had flowers for them and for Agustina.
Sleigh bells could then be heard, and the "Jolly Old Fellow" himself appeared. Santa presented gifts to each of the kids from the Gallagher and Francetich Youth Homes and shared wit and insights with all. The kids were all dressed to the nines and wore wide smiles. Not to be outdone by Santa, several kids offered their own wit and insights. Following a terrific breakfast and visit with Santa, the kids were off to school. (They will see on Christmas morning the fruits of the efforts and generosity of many Sunrise Rotarians!)
Sergeant at Arms David Bardwick then introduced several guests, including members' spouses Debbie Didier, Carolyn Prinzing, Jeanne Clark, Judy Neu and Baiba Eastlick; Kjerstin Gurda; Agustina Hatem; Brandy Sularz; Eva Hernandez, Geoff Birnbaum and Alina Niklison.
Susan Patrick then said our thoughts and hearts are with our friends from Smurfit Stone, especially Steve Eastlick. Steve was presented with the first cookie of the day. Susan also had cookies for Lisa McFarlane, Agustina Hatem, and for Carl Prinzing who is celebrating a birthday this weekend.
Susan Patrick announced that Eva Hernandez, Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Spain, needs a host family for the rest of the school year. If you or someone you know can help, please let Susan know.
Bobby Clay announced that the tour of the Francetich and Gallagher Youth Homes last Sunday was a great event. Bobby thanked Cory and Barb at the Youth Homes on behalf of the 10 Rotarians who attended.
Susan Patrick announced that the Nominating Committee met the evening before and should have a slate of nominees to present to the club after the first of the year. Susan reminded all that it isn't too late to step up-please self select!
Carl Prinzing introduced Brandy Sularz, who has applied for the GSE team traveling to Brazil and would like to be sponsored by our club. Brandy thanked us for the welcome and explained that she is a civil engineer who for the last year has been in South Korea teaching English. She's looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of the GSE team.
Bill St. John reminded all that the holiday party will be at Cynthia Bryan's home on December 30th. Signup sheets, invites and directions were available at the meeting.
Next week's meeting (December 23rd) will be an informal meet and greet with no formal program. We will meet at the Blue Canyon.
To close the meeting, Jim Clark led us in a rousing rendition of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Happy Holidays to all!