SPOKES VOL. LXIV NO. 23                                                                               December 12, 2017
 
 
Special Christmas Party Edition!!
 
We were greeted by a blustery evening outside and warmly greeted by the staff at Hawkshead Inn.  Also greeting our membership was President Renner and his lovely wife Carole.  Our crowd included most of our members and wives who had not left for warmer climes.
 
President Renner opened the meeting with a warm welcome and blessing.
 
Sergeant-at-Arms Tom Ruesink collected 50/50 tickets for the benefit of We Care and would total more than $400 by the time of the drawing.
 
We were treated to an outstanding meal by the Hawkshead staff, directed by the always genial Greg Ruppert.
 
As we finished our meal, a call went out for the “Yooper’s Chorus” to lead us in song.  Given the shyness of the original members of the chorus to step forward, replacement had to be found.  Unfortunately for those members wearing Christmas ties, they were the designated replacements.  Head Yooper Paul Hix quickly whipped his new members into shape and we proceeded so sing renditions of “White Christmas”, “Deck the Halls” and the looonng version of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”  They received thunderous applause when (or maybe because) they were done.
 
Tom Ruesink then took over and we searched the crowd for birthdays and anniversaries.  Bob Stickland was the first to speak up, honoring his lovely wife Delores for what we assume is her 39th birthday.  There were a few other birthdays but the wine caused the names to slur a bit.  We did get to show off our famous “Ludington style” birthday/anniversary song to the amazement of our spouses/significant others.  Tom then determined that we would divide the pot three ways this evening.  Paul Hix had the first lucky number for the $65 prize.  He proceeded to draw Richard Swanson for the $80 prize and Richard drew Jerry Gruber for the $100 prize.  All three gentlemen graciously donated their winnings back to We Care.  In addition, Tom will take donations after the dinner and at our meeting Tuesday for We Care.
 
Santa Clause then began his rounds, assisted by elves Carole and Rhonda, and each twosome and single members attending our festivities received a very nice gift from Santa.  Santa wants to send a big thank you to Elf Rhonda Wendzel for her help in selecting and securing his gifts.
 
The last order of business was a surprise, as Dene Hadden was called to the front of the room.  Dene was selected as Rotarian of the Year last June and our club has traditionally donated $1000 to Rotary International in the name of our ROTY winner, thereby getting them named as a Paul Harris Fellow.  Dene was presented his Paul Harris pin by Recognition Chair Scott Marks and President Renner.  He thanked the membership for his selection and the club for the donation in his name and feels humble to be allowed to serve our community with such a quality group of human beings.
 
President Renner/Santa Clause closed the meeting and wished everyone a Merry Christmas!!
 
Next week’s program: Club Assembly
 
Next week’s Greeters:  Steve Larsen and Jim France
 
Editarian:  Dene Hadden