The Reverend Margaret Bell has tended the flock at Plains Baptist Church since 1990, 26 years, but, at this time of year, it is another anniversary that she is mindful of. That is December 12, the 34th anniversary of her father’s death, when she was 26. The date’s closeness to Christmas leads her thoughts to the “happy golden days” of childhood Yules on the family dairy farm in Jerseyville when she would wait for her father to bring in a tree cut down in the wood. It was a six-foot tree secured against marauding cats and dog with stout wire by her father in the living room.

 

Her mother was in charge of watering and she and her brother, decorating. Margaret has a vivid memory of the decorations: the hot, coloured lights; the fragile bulbs; the “angel hair”; and two plastic matching Santas that must have been very old even then. When in full bloom, the tree was a wondrous sight and seemed to her youthful eyes much better than her friend’s Christmas tree.

 

In later years, her mom and dad bought an artificial tree and Margaret admits that she has one too. Her cats don’t want to climb the fake tree (hence no need for wire), though they will swat the bulbs; the Santas, however, they leave alone, and allow Margaret to keep alive her memories of Christmas and of her father.

 

To conclude, Margaret told the Christmas story using words mostly beginning with the letter “c.” She had little difficulty in holding her audience’s attention in describing the “celebration captioned Christmas” with its “charming cherubs,” “channel surfing customers,” and, not least, “child in a crude crib in a cowshed.” There were many more examples, all cleverly crafted. Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

Just days before Christmas, three new members were inducted into Rotary, presenting themselves as a “gift to the world” as the 2015-16 Rotary International theme announced, and ready to set about “serving humanity” as the current year’s theme trumpets. Jennifer Babcock, Gerry Janssen and Dave Rock are also gifts to the Rotary Club of St. Thomas, as President Nancy stated in leading the induction ceremony. They will be aided in translating into action Rotary’s ideal of “service above self” by their fellow Club members and the “friendship of Rotary throughout the world.” Jennifer is pictured at left with sponsor Suzanne Ferguson; Gerry with sponsor Suzanne is in the centre photo; and sponsor Dave Payler and Dave Rock can be seen in the photo on the right. Pins were pinned and hands were shook; we’re glad you’re with us!

 

OH WHAT FUN….President Nancy welcomed guests Kathy Willson, wife of Ed; Donna Rust, wife of Malcolm; Cathy Janssen, wife of Gerry; Nan Rock, wife of Dave; and Bryan Vine, visiting Rotarian from the Burlington North club. Welcome, all!... There will be no meeting on Monday, December 26 (Boxing Day) nor will there be a meeting on Monday, January 2, 2017 (note the change). We will meet next on Monday, January 9 at noon at the Wayside for a Club Assembly (followed by a Club Board meeting). Programs on January 16 and 23 are to be announced, but there will be no meeting on January 30. That’s because on the evening of Friday, January 27, we will be having our annual Tour of Homes Homeowner and Decorator Recognition Night at the Wayside. More details will be forthcoming.

 

Fine Master Suzanne Ferguson thought that having three members inducted into Rotary on the same day was a history-making first in the Club, one that should be recognized with a fine. Only a Fine Master would think of that. President Nancy was winner of the 50/50 draw, the first in a long time, thought Nancy, but perhaps not a history-making long time….A Christmas card was received from the STEGH Foundation.

 

DECK THE HALLS….It is a tradition of the Interact Club to decorate the windows of the Wayside with colourful Christmas designs. Here Club members appear before their handiwork with their Rotary advisor Trudy Kanellis. They do a tremendous job and really help to brighten the season. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY FINS- Donations of $5 to The Rotary Foundation – Annual Programs Fund – credited to the donor in celebration of something good in our lives. This practice was started in this club in 1985 to raise funds for polio eradication at the suggestion of Darwen Lowe, a member of the club.

 

Malcolm Rust (4) – For each of the three members inducted into Rotary today; for Margaret Bell (for being here today and for the story, recounted by Malcolm, of her “lost” car).
Kathy Willson (4) – Three years ago today Ed was in the hospital and today, three years later, he is still going strong; for Margaret’s talk; the Rotaserver is a treat; for Lee Smith and Wayne McKinnon, never forgotten.
Paul Blower (1) – Thanks for the kind words about the Rotaserver, and thanks to Trudy for her great photos that add so much to it.
Bryan Vine (4) – Bryan became a member of the Rotary Club of Burlington North thanks to Miles Ross whom he remembered as an usher at the Capitol Theatre. Bryan told a Salvation Army Kettle story. Once, while minding the kettle, a man gave him a turkey. He was unsure just what to do with it until another man donated $100 (he got the turkey!).
Ron Somerville (4) – He has recently become a new grandfather; a friend has compiled a coffee table book; for a family gathering on Sunday; for the “cluster of clergy” present today (Margaret, Malcolm and Dave P.).
Catherine Janssen (2) – How pleased Gerry was to become a part of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas; for her son who had been a medic in the Canadian Army and how important it is to remember servicemen and women in far-flung parts of the world at this time of year.
Pat Martyn (6) – To welcome three new members to Rotary; to thank Margaret for her talk today; her son’s birthday is December 21; she and George will be married 52 years on Boxing Day; her son-in-law’s birthday is on Boxing Day; her granddaughter’s birthday is on December 29.
Trudy Kanellis (6) – For Margaret’s talk today; for the three members of Rotary (and of the Club); to thank Bryan for being here today; the Wayside passed its health inspection today with flying colours; for the staff Christmas party last night; for the Saturday night Interact Christmas party. Trudy advised sending gift items intended for Canadian armed forces personnel serving overseas to CFB Trenton which will forward them.
Nancy Lovelock (5) – Thanks to Margaret for being here today; for each of the three new Rotary members; for a wonderful, supportive Rotary Club.
Adriana Balderas (2) – Happy to have Marco Jr. home for Christmas; to wish “Merry Christmas” to all.
Jennifer Babcock (2) – She is glad to be part of Rotary; to wish everyone “Merry Christmas.”
Brenda Merrifield (2) – For her wonderful Ferguson neighbours (thanks to Don for plowing their long laneway); thanks to InMedic Pain Management Centre in London (her husband is now pain-free).

 

 

	ASAA	Greeter	Fine Master
Monday, December 26	No meeting (Boxing Day)
Monday, January 2	No Meeting
Monday, January 9	Ron Somerville	Malcolm Rust	Brenda Merrifield

 

Photos: Trudy Kanellis

PEB