We were delighted that former member Naomme Paris visited with us for lunch today.

 

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Alice spoke on the topic of creating hope in the world. She noted the many reasons to give hugs and the many ways that giving and receiving a hug can be beneficial.  

 

For the message of gratitude, I said, “As do most people, I keep up with current events. I find it is easy to be discouraged by the news, much of it very bad. Yet, I know that there are so many good people doing good things every day. So, I say let us be thankful for all the good people in our lives.”

 

Pete coached us all to answer each of the Four-Way Test questions with a resounding “You Betcha!” (Gordie Lewis would have been quite pleased had he been present.)

 

After a splendid lunch of salad and chicken piccata, Matt squeezed the happy dollars out of us!

 

Alice had a great trip to Prague with her daughter. Russ is happy with his new camera lens. Erin is beside-herself-happy over Lexi’s engagement to a U.S. Navy firefighter. Tracy, I know you were happy, as you usually are, but I failed to take note of the reason. Elizabeth Cutler thanked Rick for his Thursday morning photos. Connie is turning 81 and her granddaughter is turning 18. The youngster suggested they swap ages. Susan is delighted with their new puppy. Richard was quite pleased to be seated with two lovely ladies. Naomme spoke of having missed being with us. (Joe said the feeling is mutual.) Ed Smith reported a first-time sighting of a bobcat on his property. Dr. Joe and Vickie had a nice visit from their 14-year-old granddaughter. Dr. Joe also reported having a pleasant experience on a visit to the dentist! He and Dr. Lokko, who took over Joe’s practice ten years ago, enjoyed catching up. Heath had a great time in Florida and has a shiny new car. Tyler and his family are headed to Quebec City after Thanksgiving. Steve will be in Connecticut cheering on three generations of his family in a road race. Apologies to both Elizabeth Ford and Carole Aaron for not taking good notes about their comments. Rick said he arrived feeling down and was lifted by the spirit of the room today. Matt thanked Erin for her moral support during the emotional challenge of the November 2 meeting following Larry Carlson’s passing.

 

From Pete,

“Bringing families together is the best part of Thanksgiving,

Where folks enjoy good food and drink.

It’s a great chance to catch up on affairs,

And filling up those green bags for CLYNK!”

(the account stands at $715.97)

 

With about $300 on the line, Connie drew the 9 of diamonds and the 6 of clubs. The pot grows.

 

Tyler donated a $25 Brickyard gift card to the Rotary Foundation auction. Heath prevailed with a bid of $50 (alleged by Matt to be the face value of the card.) Thank you to Heath, Tyler and Matt!

 

Alice wished me a happy 80^th birthday and presented a cake for all who celebrated either a birthday or anniversary anytime from July 1 to the present. The cake was delicious! Thanks, Alice.

 

I gave a member talk in which I honored those who are serving or have served our country in the military, including those present in the room – Richard Littlefield, Ed Smith and Pete Woodbury. I spoke of my father’s 1943-to-1945 service in Europe. I talked a bit about my teaching career up to and including at YCCC. I admired the courage of so many who served during the Vietnam war including those both not famous and the likes of John McCain, John Kerry and Robert Mueller. I closed by recommending a book, The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien who served in the U.S. Army infantry in Vietnam.   

 

Alice and Erin reviewed the holiday events on the horizon:

 

Friday, December 1 at noon – Decorating the tree in Perkins Cove

Wednesday, December 6 at 11:30 – Holiday luncheon at Jonathan’s

Wednesday, December 6 at 2:00 – building 400 s’more packets

Friday, December 8 at 4:00 – firepit and s’mores in Perkins Cove

Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 – Holiday parade starting in Perkins Cove

To sign up, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0448A9AF2FA64-46182913-ogunquit#/

 

There will be no club meeting on December 7.

 

Rick spoke about the gift drop-off party for Ogunquit Spirit of Giving at MaineStreet on Sunday, December 3, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The committee can use help. Feel free to drop off a $50 gift card.

 

Our December 21 meeting will feature a $20 Yankee Swap and the annual meeting at which the slate of officers for 2024-25 will be presented.

 

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!