Merry Christmas, everyone!

 
This years’ RCMI Christmas Party took place on Monday, December 19th. Superbly organized by our very own Amelie Winkhaus, we enjoyed a lovely evening filled with Christmas spirit.
 
 
After a reception in the “Alter Hof” with Glühwein, Maroni and Lebkuchen, we moved inside at 8pm to a beautifully decorated cellar vault.
 
President Thomas Eilfort welcomed all members and guests, especially District Governor Peter Wohlrab and spouse Monika as well as the many other spouses and friends accompanying members on the wonderful evening.
 
 
With only 15 days left until the end of the year, President Eilfort proceeded to summarise some of the positive and unfortunate events that 2016 has brought us.
 
While there is a lot of uncertainty and disruptive change occurring, President Eilfort reminded that in our culture, we celebrate Christmas every year because 2016 years ago with Jesus a man was born who wanted to better the world. He sent out his followers to distribute the message: Make the world a better place.
 
The inspiring message President Eilfort conveyed was that we should not seek shelter behind walls. We should go out to help. As Rotarians, we are committed to help humanity. At the end of this year it is more certain than ever that help is needed.
 
President Eilfort completed his warm reception by wishing everyone an enjoyable evening, a wonderful Christmas celebration and a good start into 2017. As Rotarians, we should continue to serve humanity because we are lucky we can.
 
With this, we started our enjoyable chats and lovely dinner.
 
After the first course, President Eilfort presented Conny Plötz with the Paul Harris Fellow Membership for 8 years of support of our art auction and the Orlandus Lassus Stiftung.
 
Immediately afterwards we were lucky to enjoy a wonderful musical interlude by Orlandus Lassus Scholar Miriam Helms-Alien (violin) and Tatjana Chernicka (piano). They played three pieces:
  • Songs My Mother Taught Me by Dvořák
  • Liebesleid by Fritz Kreisler
  • The Gitarre by Pablo de Sarasate
 
 
After the main dish, Amelie Winkhaus provided a delightful presentation of the famous poem “T’was the night before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore. And after dessert she managed to animate everyone to heartily sing some Christmas carols.
 
With everyone merry and full of good food and wine, we headed home in anticipation of a peaceful and joyful Christmas celebration. See you all next year!