There used to be a book called Let Us Have Music for Christmas that was well known to music teachers and students, at least those of a certain age. That book was not in evidence at the Rotary Club of St. Thomas Christmas party Monday night, but its sentiment clearly was as voices of all ages joined in song.
Leading the voices were Pat Baker and Rob Earnshaw, both accomplished musicians who have employed their talents in churches and other venues. Rob was at the keyboard while Pat assisted Rob and called out the song titles and their page numbers in the songbooks, while Rotarians, Interactors and their guests renewed their acquaintance with the time-honoured words and melodies. President Nancy was moved to suggest that it sounded like the beginning of a Rotary choir. The Rotary Music Festival entry deadline is just days away!
HEY, CAN TEDDY BEARS PLAY TOO?
The Christmas music theme was carried over into the second part of the program. Trish Shouldice divided us into teams of six and distributed two quizzes to test our knowledge of Christmas songs. Although a team of Interactors appeared to have racked up the most points, Trish awarded the prize to the team with the least since “Rotary always supports the underdog.” Trudy Kanellis had a quiz for us on the significance of each of the gifts in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (e.g., the “partridge in a pear tree” represents Jesus). Most of the information was new to us, which proves that these old songs can come alive with new meaning.
HAPPY TO BE HERE... There were many guests. To start with Rotary dignitaries, there was District Governor Diane Chantler (and husband, Bill); Past District Governor Al Hardy (and wife, Bernice); and PDG Doug Burnard….Guests of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas included Donna, guest of Malcolm Rust; Tony Stacpoole, guest of Pat Baker; Paul, guest of Nancy Lovelock; Faye, guest of Ken Ferguson; George, guest of Pat Martyn; Kathy, guest of Ed Willson; Nan, guest of Dave Rock; Catherine, guest of Gerry Janssen; Maggie, guest of Bill Horn; Marco Sr. and Andrew, guests of wife and mother, respectively, Adriana Balderas; Cliff, guest of his father, Ron Somerville; and Kelly Reiter and Rob Earnshaw, guests (and friends) of Pat Baker….From the Aylmer Rotary Club, there were Barb Warnock and Mary Morin….From the Railway City Rotary Club, there were (in addition to DG Diane and Bill), Eleanor Robson, Helen and Roger Campbell, (President) Mark Fagan and Wade Coombs….And from the St. Thomas Interact Club (in addition to Andrew), Sabreena, Sam, Sarah, Nathaniel, and Nicholas….My apologies to anyone who may have been left out or whose name was misspelled!
At left, a table filled mostly with Interactors get ready to eat. Folks gather at the bar awaiting something to drink in centre photo, while Roger and Helen Campbell and Bernice Hardy share a merry moment at right.
‘TIS THE SEASON….President Nancy thanked Trudy and Nick and the Wayside for providing a wonderful meal for us this evening….Next week (December 12), Heather Robinson, new CEO of the St. Thomas Public Library, will be guest speaker at the usual time, and on December 19, we will welcome the Rev. Margaret Bell who will deliver the annual Christmas Message. There will be no meeting on December 26 (Boxing Day).
Nathaniel Pepper reminded us of the Interact Club’s Pony Poopin’ Bingo which will take place May 6, 2017. A $5 ticket gives you a chance to win a first prize of $1000, a second prize of $500, or a third prize of $100. Proceeds go to the Children’s Hospital of London….President Mark Fagan invites us to the Railway City Rotary Club’s Christmas Party to be held Wednesday, December 21 at the Roadhouse Bar & Grill on Talbot Street in St. Thomas, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Donations of toiletries are requested. No presents will be given to the children in attendance. Mark asks that you email him, Diane or another member of the Railway City Club to let them know if you are coming….Railway City Rotarian Helen Campbell was winner of the 50/50 draw.
A YEAR-ROUND SEASON OF GIVING….In photo, Club President Nancy Lovelock and Club Foundation President Trudy Kanellis are flanked by DG Diane Chantler and PDG Doug Burnard, District RI Foundation Chair. The Club was presented with 2015-16 award banners, one proclaiming that it was #3 in the District in per capita contributions to the RIF (an average of $292.70 per member) and the other indicating that 100% of Club members contributed to the Foundation.
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.
Ron Somerville (4) – For each of the three visiting Rotary and Interact Clubs here tonight; happy to have his son Cliff returned from Asia. Cliff Somerville (2) – Thanks to his Dad for looking after things while he was away. Bill Horn (1) – For an enjoyable evening. Maggie Horn (1) – Her grandson graduated from high school and was named “Most Valuable Player” of his football team. Malcolm Rust (1) – Their youngest granddaughter, #10, was christened yesterday. Trish Shouldice (1) – For Rob Earnshaw, Kelly Reiter, and Pat Baker. Nathaniel Pepper (1) – To welcome their newest member, Andrew, to the Interact Club. Trudy Kanellis (3) – To welcome everyone tonight; happy to have celebrated Nick’s birthday a few days ago; happy to have a break tonight in a very busy catering season.
Monday, December 12 – Heather Robinson, CEO, St. Thomas Public Library At the Wayside, 12:15 p.m.
