Well 2018 is done and a brand spanking new 2019 is here. However, the club really finished the old year with a bang in December.
Before we get to December, the new service project we completed in November was quite a success. We are calling this project "Thanksgiving in a Box" and hope to continue it next year with even more "hands-on participation within the club. This year we provided Thanksgiving dinners for about 70 families in Portola who otherwise would have gone with little. Working with the Plumas County, and in cooperation with Leonard's Market, the club financed Thanksgiving meal vouchers for needy families. We spent a little over $2,000 of funds that you all worked your tail off to earn this last summer to make the holidays brighter for those who needed a lift. We made a real difference.
On December 4th, the club had their monthly breakfast meeting at the clubhouse. Our illustrious PE, Matt Cruse gave a great program on getting the most out of our monthly newsletter. Since the newsletter events are linked to our ClubRunner website account through our App; Matt also covered how to utilize it to stay up to date on member information and club events. It takes some work to put the ECHO together, so we are looking for feedback on what people get out of it, how useful it is, and how we could make it better. Also, editorial help from some relatively tech savvy members would be great!
On December 6th we held our annual Christmas party, brought to us by Team 4 this year. Captain Matt made the arrangements at the Grizzly Grill in Blairsden and it was another wonderful club social event. Dinner was delicious as usual, and as in recent years, the White Elephant gift exchange was lots of fun! Members out did themselves this year with a mixture of worthless, comical and thoughtful gifts.
Travis Schiavone once again received the gift that seems to keep on giving, footie jammies. How he squeezes into these (or keeps receiving them) is a mystery. However, Rochelle unsuccessfully worked hard to steal them and we are not sure why. Wonder what they would look like on Greg?
Rochelle really worked Travis over to no avail.
Dave Shelton was the master of ceremonies and came away with some nice beer and wine!
Matt closed out with a creepy summertime Santa figure. This one is sure to be seen again!
Elizabeth made off with a dandy "White Elephant" tea set...really!
Renee and Chad enjoyed the occasion and came away with this cool mug set.
Our newest Member Irene came with Husband Ronnie and managed to hang on to this awesome fluffy ball decoration thingy!
Our Board had a successful meeting on December 12th, although no information was available at press time. Secretary Toni will be getting minutes out soon so standby.
On December 18th, the club held its annual meeting to elect club officers for the 2010-21 year. The nominating committee composed of Kristen (President), Matt (President Elect) and Toni (as Past President) recommended Sam Wilbanks as President Elect, and Dave Shelton, Dave Nelson, and Steve Clifton as the three incoming "Junior Directors" of the board. With more than one third of the members present (a quorum) the members approved the nominations. More help is needed however, as President Elect Matt is still looking for an assistant secretary, and assistant treasurer. These would be training and assisting Sam and Kristen in 2019-20, and serve a one year term in 2020-21.
After the meeting about 8 members stayed to cook and prepare for the community dinner to be held the next day. Kim, Sam, Nora, Toni, Dave Nelson, Van, Steve, and Irene's husband Ronnie. If I missed anyone my apologies, and a big thank you!! It was peeling and boiling potatoes, making stuffing, yams and green bean casserole. This lasted until about 3:00 when the group then delivered the prepared food to the Father Burns Parrish Hall to be ready for the 19th. A big thank you at all those who stayed and helped that day!
December 19th was our Community Dinner project. Things went very smoothly, and we served a good crowd. Lots of compliments from people and many thanks made this a worthwhile evening. Also, Santa (Kevin LaPlant) and two of his elves (Gloria and Toni) was there and had a great interaction with our local children!
Dave and Nora anchor the food line along with Stacy Estrada, Sally Tantau, Kim and Ronnie Wojek are putting on the finishing touches.
We served a good crowd of community members for our Holiday Dinner as you can see.
Kevin is a fabulous Santa. Here His assistant Toni looks on as he discusses Christmas with a young Portolian.
Some Rotarians never grow up!
December was a great month for our club. Let's all make a new year's resolution to work together and make 2019 an even better year for our club and our community.
Happy New Year!!!