'Twas the week before Christmas,

And we were as busy as could be,

Yet we gathered this noon

For our last Meeting of 2023!

Though there were not nearly as many as the group who showed up last week for the Christmas Party, a fair showing of faces was at The Redwood for today's Noon Meeting. Some like Bo, Pat, and Cindy joined in via Zoom.

Rose was today's Greeter, and no doubt, she ushered in the attendees with her trademark warm smile. President Liz led us in saying The Pledge, after welcoming everyone to the Meeting. We were led by Micah today, as he chose "God Bless America" for our patriotic song. Liz, herself, gave a lovely Invocation, as she noted that life is a gift, and that each new day is an opportunity to bring good to others. There were 18 Members on hand this noon. along with Tim Williams, who was soon to be included in the Membership. (Tim had been a Member of the Honeoye Rotary Club). There were no Guests visiting us today. Pres. Liz had a "Special Holiday Program" in store, and she and Steve R. each had a Rotary Moment to share.

Here are a few announcements which Liz shared with the Membership. *It had been a busy weekend. Skip noted that Operation Santa had delivered to 31 homes with the help of 14 Members! *There had been a Sale at the BVT before the Pickle Mafia this past weekend, and Rose noted that $114 had been made! *The Coat Drive is up and running! "Please help if you can and spread the word!" prompted Liz. *The District Assembly 2024 will be on April 13th at Canandaigua Academy. * The Club Calendar is up to date. We are moving forward! * Our next Meeting will be January 8th, and it will be an Evening Meeting.

Then came the moment to welcome Our Newest Member, Tim Williams. Tim, who is no stranger to rendering service, had previously been a Member of the Honeoye Rotary Club. After welcoming Tim to our group, he thanked us warmly for being inducted into the Naples NY Rotary Club.

Liz decided to have a little "Holiday Fun", so today, for the Program, she devised a "Christmas Trivia Game"! She had a plethora of questions for us to answer, and we were prompted to "raise our hand" if we knew the answer, or unmute ourselves, and "chime in", if we were on Zoom! The questions ranged from Holiday Themes, such as the "stink, stank stunk" of the Grinch, to 1923 being the year that the Rotary Wheel was adopted! "Tally up your points!" echoed Pres. Liz, as the game concluded. David came in first, Sue and Blanche tied for second, and third place was garnered by the rest of the crew! Thanks to Liz for helping to put us in a lighter mood!!

Liz gave an update on this morning's Board Meeting. The upcoming Election was the main thrust of this morning's lengthy discussion. There are two Director Positions available. Five members have expressed an interest in filling these vacancies. Ballots will be sent out by E-mail on December 21st. The Election will take place on January 8th, at the Evening Meeting. Let Liz know if you can't make it to that Meeting. This decision will comprise the Board for the next three years.

The Ace of Hearts was at $54 today. Ticket #0578 was drawn, and it belonged to Alan. Jo brought him the pack of cards, and he drew the Queen of Spades!

For his Rotary Moment, Steve reflected on the memorable and enjoyable time that we had last week at our Christmas Party! Liz recalled an historical "Rotary" memory for her Rotary Moment.

Here are a few more "tidbits". Sherry noted that they had 40 extra meals (from Foodlink) at the Open Cupboard. Sue remarked on what a nice set-up it was for Operation Santa last Friday, "Santa" and "His Elves", with the help of Budding Readers, delivered 311 books to the Elementary Children, ranging from UPK to Grade 6!! (Naples Rotary has been doing this since 2015!)

Today's Happy Bills reflected much gratitude! Nancy was glad to be driving again! Skip felt that it was an interesting Meeting. Sherry appreciated the efforts of the Operation Santa Team, she was pleased with the events at the BVT, and she has all her Christmas Cards done! Tim is glad to be "part of the group". Jill has Christmas joy in her heart. Sue is excited that her son, Josh is coming home for a visit.

The Meeting came to a close as we recited The Four-Way Test, and Liz wished us all a very Merry Christmas. See you all next year!