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Editor: Patti Roscoe
“Holidays Through Our Children’s Eyes” – Club 33’s program this week was a wonderful celebration of a spiritual and family time of the year. Amidst all the parties and gift giving, Rev. Mark Trotter asked us to remember that the original meaning of “holiday” was wishing people of all faiths good tidings during the “holy days” of December. As we approach the winter solstice when the sun stands still and days slowly lengthen, it is a time for rebirth. Rebirth of our hopes and dreams, our commitment to friends and family, and Service Above Self. It is time to remember that life is precious - to be celebrated each day as a gift - and that economies will always ebb and flow.
The Sheraton’s ballroom never looked more festive. Rotarians, families, guests, and hosted seniors were greeted by Santa Roy Lange, elves Craig Blower, Michelle Candland, Lisa Miller and Jean Young. The lively holiday sounds of Colin Weid and his La Jolla Brass filled the ballroom as we entered. President Stan, soon to be a short-timer, was resplendent in holiday scarf. And our wonderful chorus and Club 33 singers … what can we say! You were just so great and surrounded the soloists and audience with your crystalline voices. Our outstanding and effervescent conductor, Steve Hubbard, was perfect in his role, too. Thanks also to his co-chairs Jack Anthony and Suzy Spafford for presenting such a marvelous afternoon of music and memories.
MC Paul Palmer led a program of fun, faith, and love - from celestial carols to silly Rudolph (Jo Dee Jacob delighted the children with her red nose,) to a celebration of Hanukkah, and the singing of a choir of angels. Rotarian children, dressed in their holiday finest, joined the chorus, too. They definitely stole the show. Although the soft shoe number by Jerry Doran, Joyce Gattas, and Pauline Hill came in a close second.
Our sixth annual traditional Twelve Days of Christmas delighted everyone. (I think the Four Calling Birds won the day.) Soloists Peter Duncan, John Powell, and guitarist Paul Hartley III presented a very beautiful Silent Night in its original German version. Natasha Josefowitz explained that the Dreidel game was created when, in ancient history, Jews were prevented from studying Torah and needed a decoy. When they saw their captors coming, the Jews would hide their books, take out their Dreidels, and trick the Syrians into thinking they were just playing a game.
Perhaps the most touching number, was “Let There Be Peace on Earth” presented by Shelley Brockett of the Greatest Generation, Baby Boomer Kimberley Layton, and representing Generation Z, Molleigh Rae Verhoye (Brian’s daughter) and Mackenzie Batliner (Debbie Day’s granddaughter.) Thanks to Brian Verhoye for, once again, lending his many talents as accompanist for our special program.
Behind the scenes, Larry Hoeksema assisted with script writing. Andy Hewitt coordinated “Twelve Days of Christmas” and Suzy Spafford lent her creative talents for the table placards. Paul Nestor, photographer extraordinaire and go-to guy when help is needed, provided festive streamers, a fitting end to a celebration of the holidays. Another vote of thanks to Pacific Events Productions, J and S Sound Systems, and the Sheraton team for being a big part of the day’s success. We’ve listed the Club 33 singers and chorus so that everyone can be recognized for their talents and work.
As 2008 comes to an end, let’s remember that a new year is like a clean slate on which to write our hopes and dreams. Let’s spend less energy next year on things and more on life’s deepest feelings, greatest satisfaction, and best hopes. Have a healthy, safe, and prosperous and most Happy New Year.
Photos by Paul Nestor
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