A Portland Rotary first - Karaoke Christmas!  Thanks to Quinn Slayton, who personally loves karaoke, for bringing her joy and enthusiasm to the forefront. Singing at our club was for decades very much a part of our club, but fell off in recent years. Like vinyl, maybe it will make a comeback!

 

For our Holiday festivities, Quinn set up her system and coaxed numerous members to the front to lead us in song. After Quinn showed us the ropes, we had a steady stream of song leaders. Nannette-Ranger Duncanson lent her considerable vocal talents several times teaming up with Amy Chipman and then Niki Curtis. Newly minted member Tricia Toms, and vintage member Bill Blount each gave a solo performance, as did Bruce Jones who wrapped up the show. All well done, and reinforced with supportive club participation on our playlist: Jingle Bell Rock, Winter Wonderland, I'll Be Home for Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch, Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, and The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).

 

David Small kept us informed that many of the Christmas songs were actually, and often performed by those of the Jewish faith. "White Christmas/Irving Berlin. "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire"/ Mel Torme. "Let It Snow"/Sam Cahn-Julie Styne.  "Santa Baby"/Joan Javits-Phil Springer. "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer"/Johnny Marks. "Walkin' In a Winter Wonderland"/ Felix Bernard- Richard Smith. Impressive!  Thank you Quinn for a smooth set-up and charismatic leadership to round us into song! Photos of our singing cast below!

Thanks to the Italian Heritage Center’s welcoming staff, the special meeting room where Rotarians gathered was “Deck the Halls” seasonally adorned, with lovely table arrangements, a lit Christmas Tree and the beautiful seating was arranged like we were entering a banquet hall. Even the cloth napkins were folded by an expert who knew how to create Christmas tree shapes at every place setting. A joyous mood was created for the last meeting of 2023, and set the tone for a Holiday celebration.

 

President Dick Hall welcomed everyone and opened the meeting with a Pledge of Allegiance led by new Rotarian Tricia Toms. An inspirational video was played portraying the telling of a story about how important it is to choose the people we want to be with. Rotarians are examples of people who we choose to be with.

 

Dave Small gave the daily inspiration in a memorable quote, “If you want to touch the past, touch a stone, if you want to touch the present, touch a flower, if you want to touch the future, touch a life”, anonymous source.

 

Welcome: Bruce Jones introduced Rotary guests  of Nannette Ranger-Duncanson; John Ranger and Carol Ranger,  and Paula Ross a guest with her Rotarian husband Bill Ross.

 

Not Yet: Zach Newell led the 50/5 raffle drawing and Patty Byers was chosen to try for the winning Queen of Hearts and the $130 jackpot, but she drew a 10 of clubs.

 

 

Because I'm Happy: Happy Dollars were donated by Dick Hall who was happy about having caught and released a groundhog who he found in his basement. Tom Talbott gave two happy dollars in coinage because his paper currency was inadvertently left at the grocery store’s check out register after he paid for his take out lunch. Peter Goffin is happy to be going to a warmer climate in January and gave $20-  Five Happy Dollars times the four days he will be enjoying 70 degree Palm Desert California weather.

 

Ringing Strong: Tom Ranello thanked all our Rotarian "bell ringers" who supported the Christmas Salvation Army kettle drive. Donations received help to feed, provide clothing and shelter to those in need in our community. Thanks to our efforts, a total of $4,691.10 was donated via the kettle drive and the Salvation Army is very grateful for this high level of generosity. Our amount led all service organizations in Portland! #1 !! (Photo)

 

FINALLY!  New Rotary member Susan Young was introduced by her sponsor Larry Gross. They have been friends for over 30 years. Susan is known and respected for her writing, teaching and experience as mental health counselor, workshop leader, yoga and meditation practice. As a published author and commentator, she writes about improving the human condition and provides counsel about lessons to help live a richer, fuller life that reveals the universal common humanity we share. Welcome Sue to the Portland Rotary! (Photo)

NEW MEMBER NOTIFICATIONS: 

January 5 - Carolyn Delaney, Journey Enterprises Media - Journey Magazine

January 12 - Rich Brooks, Artificial Intelligence

January 19 -   No Meeting  (Club Social This Week TBD)

January 26 -Mark Lee, Harriman Architects -$60Million Portland School Renovate

February 2 - Wiley Muller, Lift All Boats

February 9 - Michael ZIegler, Portland Conservatory of Music

February 16 - Club Visioning  - No speaker