We enjoyed lunch at Brickyard Hollow (Jonathan’s is on winter hours.)

 

For the message of gratitude, Jen recalled some nice words that Larry Carlson shared with us shortly before his untimely passing. “Gratitude involves taking moments to reflect on the positive and negative that have occurred in life and learning from those moments.  As well all know, we lost a friend from the Ogunquit community and Rotary, Larry Carlson. I am forever grateful for having known Larry.  He had recently shared a few quotes when he was called upon for Rotary’s moment of gratitude.  Those quotes live in my office as well as in my home, to review daily, and be reminded of him and what gratitude means:

           ‘Discipline yourself to start each day identifying something to be grateful for. 

The world opens to those who approach it with a grateful heart.” 
 ~Michael Josephson
 

With that, I am grateful for all that 2023 has brought to my life; the up’s and down’s and the challenges in between. Wishing you all hearts filled with joy & gratitude throughout the Holiday Season and the in the upcoming new year.” 

 

Leading the recitation of the 4-Way Test, Tracy inspired us to not only think of the four questions but also to let them guide our actions.

 

Alice looked ahead to opportunities to create hope in 2024.

 

Many members’ happy dollars were devoted to variations of “Happy Holidays.” In addition, Ray was happy to have spent four days with family. Connie told of helping a homeless individual along with some sage advice. Joe was happy to see both Brenda and George. He also reported a favorable report from the cardiologist. Brenda told us that her husband, Dick, is doing well after having visited the emergency room. Tracy was delighted will all of Christmas by the Sea. Condolences to Susan whose aunt passed on at age 97. Erin is ecstatic to have daughter Lexi and her fiancé home for the holidays. Alice is looking forward to good times with scads of family and friends. I expressed pleasure on the occasion of the winter solstice!

 

We sang Happy Birthday to Ed Smith who celebrated his 88th birthday a few days ago.

 

Pete reported $846.10 in CLYNK cash!

“The holiday spirits are all around us;

So be responsible if you drink.

And help other be responsible, too,

Oh yes, and take all those empties down to CLYNK!”

 

The Yankee Swap was fun! (The picture below shows Rick in festive attire distributing the numbers.) Tracy went home with a very special gift; be sure to ask her about it!

 

We postponed the annual meeting approval of incoming officers as the president-elect position has not yet been filled. In positive news, Jen has agreed to serve as membership chair, Eric will be service chair and Hannah will take over meeting RSVP responsibilities.

 

Our next meeting, on January 4, will be upstairs at the Ogunquit fire station.

 

Happy Holidays,