Of Thanks and Holiday Gift Ideas
We gathered in the spirit of giving thanks this Wednesday morning and looked ahead to some terrific ideas for holiday gift giving.
With David Bardwick ill (get well soon, David!) Rusty Lockner filled in as Sergeant at Arms. Rusty greeted us and introduced our guests Bill Swenson (guest of Jeanine Nguyen) and Rob Abarr (guest of his sister, Margot Belden). Visiting Rotarian Ken Langer of Ferndale, California (currently club president there) joined us and exchanged banners with our club. Ken explained his club meets on Tuesday evenings and two members cook the meal for the entire group!
Though asked at the last minute to step in as Sergeant at Arms, Rusty Lockner still had some good (?) humor to share with us. He shared details of some Hallmark cards that were perhaps created when the writer was having a bad day. One sample: "Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad!" Rusty explained this card is only available to those in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia.
Chris Warden presented the club with the award we received from Western Montana Fundraisers Association for being this year's "Outstanding Service Club" in Western Montana. Let Chris know if you have an idea about where we could display this award.
Carol Gaub announced that we have received many thank you notes from area third graders for the recent gift of dictionaries. One student wrote in his thank you note that the dictionary is "cooler than my dog!"
Chris Warden announced that the Nominations Committee will be meeting next week and nominations are now being accepted for various officer and director positions for next year. Please consider club leadership!
Arnie Didier reminded us of two special upcoming meetings: 12/10 is the holiday music program (at the Hilton) with entertainment by the Hellgate Chevaliers; and 12/17 is the Youth Homes Christmas breakfast program (also at the Hilton).
Kelly Katz announced that the "wish lists" for the Youth Homes children and some children at the Poverello are available. A basket was circulated and members chose the tags with the wishes they'd like to fulfill. The price range for gifts is up to $50. Please do NOT wrap the gifts, but put them in a gift bag (Chris Warden has extras if you need some) and cover them with tissue. Please bring the gifts to the meeting on the 17th, or deliver them to Kim Anderson at the Youth Homes Administration Office (550 N. California) or bring them to one of the next two meetings. If you did not attend today's meeting and want to participate, please get in touch with Kim Anderson (kanderson@youthhomes.com, 721-2704).
Paul Williamson circulated a list of local businesses which might be good contacts for sales of Baskets of Plenty. Members were asked to note any business that they will contact. There are 100 baskets to sell at $60 each. Please help!
Jeanine Nguyen announced that she has tickets available for the Money Train. The tickets are $125 each and only 80 tickets will be sold. Please get yours soon!
Arnie Didier announced that his two-year contract with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is ending. He thanked the club for being a big part of his life, and announced that he has a new job with a company whose values mirror those of the Four-Way Test. He is not leaving Missoula, but he will be traveling a bit. We're fortunate to get to keep Arnie!
Brenda Thayer provided the Rotary Minute, an inspiring story of 87-year-old New Yorker Billy DeLong who says his motto is "service above self." Following a career in military intelligence, DeLong began waiting tables in New York's luxury hotels and works 50 to 75 banquets a year, using the money he makes to pay for humanitarian trips to places like India and Africa. Because of his volunteer work, the New York City Rotary Club appointed him traveling ambassador. DeLong says, "No matter how old you are, you can get out and help others."
Arnie Didier introduced our program and the various vendors who came to provide a glimpse of hot holiday gift options.
Barry with Desmonds displayed several gifts for men, including wool sweaters, Viyella shirts, coats, etc. Desmonds also has the Pendleton Shop with gifts for the home including blankets. Desmonds has been in downtown Missoula for 20 years and has been a donor to the Money Train. Barry gifted a Viyella shirt to Darko Butorac who happened to be sitting in the lucky chair!
Nancy with Body Shop at Home spoke about her business and encouraged us to consider hosting an in-home party. Nancy explained that Body Shop at Home is worldwide, and is the "original ethical cosmetics company." Nancy displayed several gift items, including "cranberry booties" and a (unisex) warm amber fragrance. Cynthia Bryan gave a sound endorsement of the Body Shop at Home's vitamin E lotion-her Shih Tzus love it when she wears it!
Jeremy with Vann's displayed several entertainment and "techie" gifts including a Panasonic TV (with an incredible picture), iPod and iPod dock and various other gifts. Vann's has been in Missoula for 47 years and provides a "customer/client based experience." Visit Vann's for your entertainment needs, including "Blu Ray" disc players!
Noreen and Jennifer with Bella Donna brought along several hot lingerie gift items including the one-size fits all Hanky Panky thong and new Spanx bra ("no back fat" ladies!). Chris Warden and Rusty Lockner didn't model, but they did help to display the items to the group! Bella Donna also has the Dreamsacks' BambooDreams line for men and women. Jennifer and Noreen are offering their Spanx tights (a hot item this year!) for 50% off at the store, and reminded us to shop local!
Kathleen Stoverud of Stoverud's Fine Jewelry and Gifts displayed several beautiful items in sterling silver from the Monica Rich Kosann collection. Kathleen explained that Monica Rich Kosann is a photographer famous for family photos, and this jewelry collection builds on that. The pieces are designed for photos to be included (and they are not your ordinary locket). Kathleen explained that "family is always in fashion!" Rusty reminded us that Stoverud's has also been a good supporter of the Money Train.
Last, but not least, our own Jason Ludeman displayed one of the Baskets of Plenty. The baskets each include a bottle of Montana raspberry wine, "bread in a bottle" with Moose Drool beer, huckleberry taffy, Montana jelly and Wheat Montana flour. This is a great holiday gift idea and is a fundraiser for our club. Only 100 baskets are available - get yours today!
Special thanks to the Programs Committee for a fun program.
As is our tradition, we closed the meeting with a recitation of the Four Way Test. Happy Thanksgiving!