Club President Jonna Buck called the meeting to order and welcomed our guests. 
 
Our guest speaker was club member Dr. Jack Beller who provided some great history about "The Night Before Christmas" and Santa Claus! 
 
To read more about the meeting and presentation, click on the gold-color Recap link above.
 
To watch the recorded meeting, click on this link to our YouTube account: December 8, 2020

Happy Dollars

  • Cliff Thomas—$1 for Hal Smith of restaurant fame who donated $100 to the Salvation Army Red Kettle last week!
  • Jonna Buck--$5 for have no big side effects after her first chemo treatment this week in OKC. 

Announcements

  • Keith Busking reported only two Bell ringing Saturdays are left, Dec. 12 (expected to be cold) and Dec. 19. Thanks to those who filled some slots during the meeting. A few remain to be filled. Several slots are open for Dec 19, the last Saturday. The Salvation Army reported almost $400 was collected in our kettle at Sam's the first day on Saturday, Nov 28, which is about half of what was collected last year--but every little bit helps!  
  • Dr. Jack Beller and Taylor Mauldin reminded everyone that several tour times (15 min each) are available for this Sunday's, Dec 13, Holiday Tour of Jack's and Ruth's home. Those who want to attend can sign up with Taylor via email, phone or text her. Those unable to take the tour are encouraged to donate $20 to the club fundraiser. More details are in an email from Taylor. 
  • April Heiple noted that Food and Shelter is hosting a Christmas Day dinner, and volunteers needed. She said it replaces the traditional community dinner hosted by St. Michael's Church which was cancelled due to COVID. The F&S version includes catered meals delivered to the homebound and dinner for the homeless at First Baptist Church. Six volunteers are needed from 7am-10:30am to cook and prep the meals. Volunteers also are needed for meal deliveries, and there are opportunities to pack meals for delivery. Check out foodandshelter.org to see opportunities. Please consider donating gift cards of $10-$15 to area restaurants--like Firehouse Subs owned by club member Jim Costello! You can send money to April or mail her gift cards to give out on Christmas Day to our neighbors in need. 

Our Program

Dr. Jack Beller opened our program with a brief history of St. Nicholas and "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore.
 
He read it from memory, a practice he recreates each Christmas for his grandchildren!
 
Several modifications to the poem language were made through the years.
 
Jack also told us about the evolution from St. Nick to Santa Claus in our holiday traditions. 
 
Thank you Jack for sharing the spirit of Christmas!