December 14th Annual Holiday Luncheon Highlights, by Karen Yarger

Twenty-seven members and guests gathered at the Chula Vista South Branch Library on Wednesday, December 14, for our annual Holiday Luncheon.  As tradition, it was a potluck, with members bringing a delicious selection of salads, side dishes, condiments and desserts. The Society provided the baked turkey and ham and beverages (thank you Jo Ann Bonner and Ana Castro!).

 Members were also asked to bring canned goods and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army drive, and the overflowing boxes were a testament to our members’ generosity.

 The party’s theme was “Ugly Sweaters”, and members came in wild, but not necessarily really ugly attire.    The four finalists – Virginia Taylor with a cat motif, Ceasar Castro sporting a Star Wars holiday shirt, Gary Brock in an indescribable black and maroon sweater, and Karen Yarger, who wore a 1950’s mink scarf (the animals sported little Santa hats as they appeared to chase each other around her neck). Gary Brock took the prize, though, coming closest to the theme.

 The party began at 11:30 when outgoing President Virginia Taylor welcomed the attendees and then asked for a moment of silence for two of our members who passed away this past year: Betty Hampton and Wanda Hartson. A  Life Membership was to be awarded, but will be announced at a later date. 

One order of business:  The installation of the Society’s officers, voted in at the November general meeting.  Randy Seaver installed Ceasar Castro as the new President, Virginia Taylor as the new First Vice President/Program Chair, and Karen Yarger as Secretary. Sam Seat, who will be the new Treasurer, and Karen Smith, the Second Vice President/ Membership Chair, were unable to attend and will be sworn in at the next board meeting.  Board members for this past year received certificates of appreciation and a hearty round of applause.

 Gary Brock provided an entertaining slide show of the Society’s various events this past year.  The pictures are also posted on our website.  Door prize and raffle drawings were next – a Santa figure, a pretty angel, and twelve poinsettia plants, which had decorated the tables, went to the winners. The raffle netted a whopping $174 for our Scholarship Fund.

The day’s final activity was the optional gift exchange. Those who wished to participate brought a wrapped gift, with a value of no more than $10. The lovely and practical gifts caused smiles all around.  

President Virginia Taylor ended the party at about two o’clock, but many stayed to chat and help with the clean up.  Another fun party, and it helped get us into the holiday spirit, didn’t it?

Photos were provided courtesy of Patricia Diane Godinez.