Club Business
President Mary Thomas Gilbert, sporting a Santa hat, opened the meeting. Joseph Williams led us in prayer and the pledge of allegiance to the US flag. Jim Cartner announced that we are collecting money for Christmas Cheer to provide food for those in need. Dick O’Donnell oversaw the process which netted over $300.
Mary Thomas read her own Christmas poem, an adaptation of Clement Clarke Moore’s classic, “‘Twas the Night before Christmas. ”
Twas the week before Christmas and all through the town
Not a person was moving nor even around
Where could they be I thought with concern
To the left, to the right, where should I turn
It’s the season of busy and bustle too
Weren’t people shopping with things to do?
I, myself, had a list quite long
Something indeed must surely be wrong
The carols were playing, with words of good cheer
But my joy was lessened without a friend near
And then it occurred to me, I know where they are
Just down the road, truly not far
At the corner of Main and Front street, it’s true
Gathered together with a great view
Served by Tracy and Joe, Michael and Mark
Laughing together having a lark
Each one so special, it could only be
The Alamance Club of Rotary
My favorite people and too many to name
Who work tirelessly for others without any fame
I ran down the street with hope in my heart
I couldn’t wait to join and be part
Of this group of folks who clearly saw
The merit of service for one and for all
Their love a testament giving weight to the reason
That we come together and celebrate the season
Through fellowship and friendship and all that is dear
They value each other both far and near
And although I’m not Nicholas or Clement by name
My wish for this club is just the same.
May your Christmas be wonderful, merry, and bright and may all in your world be lovely and right.
Charlie Nolette is now an official club member as part of Alamance Country Club’s corporate membership. Carolyn Rhode informed us that long time member Frank Longest will no longer be a part of our club. We treasure the years he spent with us and will miss him. Kellee Hawley let us know that United Way would be giving away a car at four pm. We also learned the sad news that Vicente Hernandez, owner of Prego’s Trattoria, died on Monday night after being accidentally struck by a car while out walking.
Happy Dollars
- Dick O’Donnell spent the last five days with his son and two grandchildren from Walla Walla. They attended a Panthers football game and an Elon basketball game.
- Mary Thomas Gilbert is happy that Wednesday will be only a half day at Burlington Christian Academy. They will be on holiday until January 2, 2020.
- Thomas Phelps said that our long national nightmare is finally over: Navy beat Army.
- Phil Brown was excited that his wife got a very good report from her doctor this week.
- Kellee Hawley paid a dollar to announce the good news that her daughter made the Dean’s list.
- Richard Atkins was happy that NC State was able to squeak by UNCG by sinking a long buzzer beater.
- Freebird McKinney told us that he will represent NC at halftime during the national championship football game as our teacher of the year.
All members should save the date for our Rotary fundraiser the evening of February 11. It will be in lieu of the meeting that day and will be held at Burlington Beer Works. Tickets will be $50 per couple and it will be open to outside members. It will involve a reverse raffle, silent auction and/or other games. Stay tuned for more information.
We will not meet on the 24th and 31st of December. Cliff Parker has the program on January 7.
Click here to see all scheduled program dates and responsibilities.
December Birthdays and Anniversaries
2 | Stuart Sioussat | 10 | Jeffrey & Kimberly Smythe |
4 | Jim Cartner | 27 | Sam & Karen Powell |
6 | Brian Dement | 31 | Sang Ho & Allison Lee |
11 | Ed Woodall | ||
25 | Joseph Williams | ||
26 | Dick O’Donnell | ||
30 | Freebird McKinney |
January Birthdays and Anniversaries
4 | Thomas Phelps | 21 | Matt & Bharna Patel |
14 | Debbie Porch | ||
20 | Carolyn Rhode | ||
23 | Mikie Morrison | ||
29 | Cliff Parker |
Annual Dirty Santa Party
The remainder of our time was spent exchanging and stealing gifts. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, even the ones who had their favorite gift stolen.
Conclusion
No card lottery today. Only 48 cards remain. Our odds will be slightly better next week when we once again try to find the Ace of Spades. Randy led us in a recitation of Rotary’s four-way test before we adjourned. See you next time on January 7. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!