'Twas two weeks before Christmas,

And there, at Hunt Hollow,

The Naples Rotary did gather,

In mirth they did wallow!

 

The table was piled

With coats galore.

We knew a fun evening

Was surely in store!

 

Just to the right

Was a "favorite spot".

Serving beer and wine, was Alex,

From Brew and Brats!

 

After many a member

Chose to have more than a "sip",

To our left, we were greeted

By a smiling Skip!

 

Beyond Skip, stood another table

That was sure to please.

All laden with hors d'oeuvres, 

Like fruits, crackers, and cheese!

 

Our voices were fervent.

So proud, and so strong,

As we sang "God Bless America"

For our patriotic song.

 

Alex was chosen

To lead us in prayer.

She thanked The Good Lord

 For all of us there.

 

Upon her list

Laurie did look.

As she named each guest

Written in her book.

 

"Around The Corner Catering"

Prepared  the food so fine,

And we all sat at benches

This evening to dine!

 

 

We all "sandwiched in",

And we did our best,

As over 30 Rotarians 

Welcomed many guests!

 

Another added feature

That was sure to please,

Was Devon's beautiful music,

As he tapped at the keys!

 

"A Neapolitan Christmas",

Jack's beautiful tune,

Put us all in the spirit,

As his voice filled the room!

 

President Tom gave kudos

To Katie and Sherry,

For making the favors,

So festive and merry!

 

Many thanks went to Skip,

A man so fine.

For planning this party,

We all had a great time!

 

It will be a busy week,

And to keep us on track,

There were a couple of announcements

From Sherry and Jack.

 

After a meal 

That was such a treat,

There was a cookie table,

Now that was sweet!!

 

Beside the benches,

Was a sight to see!

"Mystery Gifts" all piled

As high as could be!

 

We knew when the time came,

It would be a thrill

To have the Gift Exchange

Hosted by Carrie and Bill!

 

But, alas, Dear Friends,

Be that it may,

Carrie had another 

"Fine Helper" today!

 

Billy was busy

This evening, you know,

Who should step up to the plate,

But John, with a bow!!

 

The beautifully-wrapped gifts

Made great disguises,

As we opened them in turn

To find lovely surprises

 

After we'd unwrapped,

And maybe traded some treasures,

We bade "farewell" to each other,

For tonight had been a pleasure!

 

This was our evening 

In a "nutshell",

Naples Rotary has fun,

As I'm sure you can tell!

 

We truly enjoy

Being with each other,

Second only to serving

Our sisters and brothers!

 

P.S. Here were the announcements from Sherry and Jack. This Saturday, December 14th, is going to be a busy day! Jack reported that the Operation Santa Delivery Team(s) will meet at the Elementary Cafeteria at 9:00. Sherry had sign-up sheets for members to help, in various ways, at Light Up Naples.

Here were the guests who joined us at our Christmas Party. They were Siobhan, Devon, Alex, Michelle, Chris, Kathleen, Jim, Sandy, Mindy, Peggy, Nardine, Clayton, Norma, Sharon, Phoebe, and Hjanne.

Many items were brought this evening, to donate to the Naples Open Cupboard. If, perhaps, you forgot to bring your items, Skip said that they can still be dropped off at the Village Offices during the week. Many thanks for your generosity!