Pledge and Invocation:
President Samantha Maruzzelli brought the meeting to order at 12:15 PM at Purkey’s Pink Apple with Elaine Walker reciting the 4-Way Test and leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Dave Wilson giving the Invocation.
Guests:
Greg Holcombe - guest of Glenn Holcombe
Kaitlynn & Amy Markovitz – guests of Mark Markovitz
Karen Teague and Sally Mengus - guests of Norm Werkheiser
Margie Manchester – guest of Terry Furman
Barbara Davis – guest of Don Davis
Sisile Maruzzelli, Taylor Gardella, Christopher Maruzzelli – guests of Samantha Maruzzelli
Heather MacPherson – superintendent of TASD – guest of Ann Way
Tara Kasperowski plus 11 members of TAHS Chorus
Kaitlynn & Amy Markovitz – guests of Mark Markovitz
Karen Teague and Sally Mengus - guests of Norm Werkheiser
Margie Manchester – guest of Terry Furman
Barbara Davis – guest of Don Davis
Sisile Maruzzelli, Taylor Gardella, Christopher Maruzzelli – guests of Samantha Maruzzelli
Heather MacPherson – superintendent of TASD – guest of Ann Way
Tara Kasperowski plus 11 members of TAHS Chorus
Club News:
John Hovan got to see Christopher Grimaud, Barbara Grimaud’s baby boy, who weighs 10.5 lbs.
Jan 11 is bring a prospective member to our Rotary luncheon day. So think about whom you would like to bring that would make a great Rotarian.
Secretary’s Report – Carol Ziomek
Newsletter went out yesterday and website and Facebook have been updated.
Treasurer’s Report – Sandy Lane
Nothing new to report.
Interact Club – Dave Wilson
The Interact Club raised $400 at their pediatric cancer dance and made $70 on candygrams.
Very Special Guest – “Little Lou”
After happy bucks, professional storyteller and Rotarian Lou Divis ran into the room dressed like a child with pig tails, jumped up on a chair and did an amazing interpretation of “Was the Night Before Christmas”. Lou had previously enacted this tale at the 2017 Tunkhannock Library Christmas Show in early Dec. to thunderous applause. Lou stayed in character throughout her performances until “little Lou” ran out of the room at the end.
"Little Lou"
TAHS Chorus
Eleven members of the Tunkhannock High School Chorus under the direction of Tara Kasperowski, performed a selection of Christmas music for the entertainment of the members, their guests, the restaurant staff and the diners in the restaurant. Although some of the songs were unknown to many, they ended their performance with some traditional carols to which everyone was invited to sing along.
TAHS Chorus
Ugly Sweater Contest
Following the choral performance, everyone wearing a Christmas sweater was assembled for the ugly sweater contest, except for officers Samantha Maruzzelli (President), Carol Ziomek (Secretary) and Sandy Lane (Treasurer), who had almost blinded everyone with their flashing lighted necklaces and multi-color flashing lighted head pieces during the luncheon.
L to R: Samantha, Carol and Sandy
Although there were a lot of competitors, many were eliminated as too traditional or too pretty.
The 3 ugly Christmas sweater finalists were selected by judges Glenn Holcombe and Ron Furman (neither was in Christmas attire). The placement of the finalists was determined by audience applause. First place went to Mike Markovitz for his outstanding jacket decorated back and front by his daughter Kaitlyn. Second place went to Ruth Gorski and third place to Norm Werkheiser (who incidentally was last year’s winner).
L to R: Mike, Ruth and Norm
Back of Mike's Winning Sweater
Final Notes
There will not be a regular meeting on Dec 28 since we will break for the holidays, but there will be a Round Table Fellowship luncheon for anyone who just wants to enjoy a relaxing lunch.
Our next regular Rotary luncheon will be Jan 4, 2018. Our guest speaker will be rebound Exchange Student, Dana Kuffa who will talk about her time in Chile.
President Samantha Maruzzelli adjourned the meeting at 1:30 PM.