Twas two weeks before Christmas,
And at Engine 14,
Partying Rotarians
Added some pizzazz to the scene!
We remembered last year,
And all the fun we had had,
So it was back to this Brewery,
And we were so glad!
With plenty of jocularity, joviality,
And jest,
We knew we'd enjoy
Our "Annual Fest"!
The tables were decorated,
The lights were aglow,
And Kate's and Greg's smiles
Made it so welcoming, you know!
As we each trickled in,
Our gifts we did leave
On a table near the entrance,
Twas "heaping" I believe!
A table further beyond
Was set up there.
We left things for the Open Cupboard,
So it wouldn't be bare.
For appetizers, there was sushi,
Wasabi, and such.
Those Lakeside Caterers
Added a nice touch!
After we'd chatted.
And conversed for a while,
Liz "called us to order",
Along with her lovely smile!
"Welcome, Everyone!" said Liz,
Who was dressed in holiday red.
And introductions were done,
Before we were fed.
Past President John
Had the honors, you see,
He welcomed all our Guests
Joining our "Rotary Family"!
Thirty-One Members
Filled the Brewery tonight!
Nineteen Guests, including DG Julie,
It was a wonderful sight!
We were thankful to The Millers,
Who arrange the party each year.
It's always a great time,
You are splendid "Engineers"!
We thanked the Lakeside Caterers,
They are some of "The Best"!
The Asian Buffet was delicious,
Along with some "zing" and some "zest"!
As a venue, Naples' Engine 14
Is "first rate",
So, we gave our kudos
To Greg and to Kate!
President-Elect Karen "filled in",
While Liz and Clyde had fun.
So, Liz thanked her warmly
For a job well-done!
"Light Up Naples" was "dazzling",
And what do you suppose?
The LUN Committee did well
Thanks to Our Dear Rose!
In our "Service to Others",
We help each year,
With Operation Santa
For those whom we hold dear.
Judy mentioned that this Saturday,
We'll work "as a team",
To get those presents delivered,
And fulfill our neighbors' dream!
Then, alas, it was time
For our "Asian Buffet",
As each table was called,
We made our way.
The servers were pleasant,
Each one, we did greet,
As our plates were filled
With tasty treats!
After dinner, it was time
For the Gift Exchange!
Twas Carrie and Bill
Who had it arranged!
Each of us grabbed
A number from the sack,
The numbers ranged from 1-39
In fact!
As each number was called,
We'd come up, one by one,
And open our gift...
It was loads of fun!!
Now, if you decided
Your gift you should keep,
You'd pay 10 dollars,
Reaching in your pocket deep!
The gifts were amazing...
Wine, sweets, and decorations,
But there was one "gift" in particular
That brought much "trepidation"!!
It was Marty's turn,
And to the table he sped.
Only to open a "hawk"
Who was minus its head!!
Well, you can imagine,
Our eyes on Marty were glued!
And after uncovering his "gift",
The hilarity ensued!!
There was one "leftover" gift
On the table still sitting,
So we "auctioned it off".
With a bit of bidding!
As one could surmise,
Many wanted to keep their gift,
Laurie reported "our intake."
Which gave us quite a lift!
There are so many aspects
Of Naples Rotary we hold dear.
Carrie and Bill will chaperone
RYLA this year!
We received a little kudo
From DG Julie, you know,
She praised us for building wells,
And eradicating Polio!
As our "Gala Evening"
Began to subside,
Warm Holiday Wishes came
From Liz and Clyde.
Then our Evening Meeting
Gradually came to a close,
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas"
Was the song that we chose.
Our voices rang out
In great harmony,
Our joy and our spirits
Were as great as could be!
And in this season,
Thinking of our sisters and brothers,
Let us reflect on the importance
Of being kind to each other!
Here are the Guests that we welcomed this evening:
Sharon, wife of Jack
Mindy, wife of Steve
Tom, husband of Cindy
Tim Williams, soon to join Naples NY Rotary
Beth, wife of Kevin
John, husband of Judy M.
Debbie, friend of Wayne
DG Julie
Jim, husband of DG Julie
Mike, husband of Alexis
Tom, from The Naples Hotel
Destiny, from the Naples Hotel
Heather, Host Mom to Giovanna
Bill, friend of Nancy
Lannie, husband of Jill H.
Mark, mate of David
Giovanna, our Exchange Student
Katie, our Honorary Member
Jerry, our Honorary Member
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