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| The Metcalf's Tree |
| Under which the Ornaments were gathering for the Exchange |
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It was a fun and sprinted exchange.
We are sorry to report that the lighting conditions were not favorable for reasonable quality photos of the excitement.
Reluctantly, here are a few to spark your memory of the event.
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Present: Dave & Telly Bray, Joe & Jutta Fitzsimmons, Ron & Doris Frazer, Bob & Sue Gibbs, Gene & Carolyn Kaczka, Joan LaComb & Paul McGrath, Judy Lowell, Bill & Trish Lewis, Dorothy Mein, Bob & Shirley Metcalf, Bob & Susan Meyers, Rus & Heather Nelson, Dick & Joanne Partch, Bill & Cathy Petersen, Buckley Riggs, Marta Szoke. Guests of the Metcalfs: Devon Shipp, wife, Debra, and their almost two year old daughter, Lauren.
President, Gene Kaczka, called the meeting to order at about 7:40 p.m. Doris Frazer corrected Gene’s humor about this being the 54th annual Apres Ski Christmas get-together. She said that it was actually the 39th such gathering; that Ron and she had hosted the very first Apres Ski Club gathering in 1963. The minutes from the November 17 meeting were read. Motion to approve: Sue Gibbs/Joan LaComb. Passed.
Gene gave a financial update: Treasury balance stands at $278.50. The Nelsons passed on $168.50 from their year of Club leadership. Dues for 2002 – 2003 collected to date from 22 members are $110.00. Drawing on his links to the North Pole, Gene warned that Santa may have placed the famous lump of coal ornaments in a few of the nicely wrapped packages as gifts for club members who had not yet paid their dues. Three more couples rushed to pay their dues following this report.
A hearty thanks was expressed to our gracious hosts, Bob and Shirley Metcalf, for warmly welcoming the boisterous crowd into their lovely home this Christmas Season. All that was left of the two hams that Shirley prepared for us were the soup bones.
The question was posed as to whether the group might like to make a Christmas donation to a local group this year as has been done on a prior occasion? Motion: D. Mein/D. Frazer to donate $100 to Hospice. A friendly amendment was then made by B. Petersen/P. McGrath to split this amount with $50 to Hospice and $50 to the Holiday Fund. Both the amendment and the motion were passed. Gene will see that both of these donations are presented to the organizations in a timely manner, in the name of the Potsdam Apres Ski Group.
The President then reviewed the “accepted” RULES for the Ornament Exchange; a source of much friendly debate at every Christmas party. After debating which version of the rules was being used, the “business” meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. so we could get on to the really important business of the evening!!!!
Scribed by,
Carolyn & Gene Kaczka
Footnotes:
The gift exchange was just as spirited and laugh-provoking as ever! As the lovely “ornaments” were unwrapped, as usual several favorites began to emerge. Santa in his sleigh, the skiing moose, Frosty the skater, Santa the extreme skier, the pewter skiing love birds, and the skating pair were among the treasures coveted, gained and lost as members sought their favorites. Doris’ grandmotherly pleas and Dorothy efforts to retain a skater for Janette went for naught as the ornaments whirled round the room. We all breathed a happy sigh of relief, especially Doc Petersen, when the 14th and final round was completed. Rumor has it that after the official swapping was completed; Joan LaComb worked out a friendly exchange with Doris Frazer that will make a grandchild happy.
Shirley & Dick Bean’s “traditional” box of citrus fruit from Florida was won by the lucky Gibbs, Bob and Sue. Though it hadn’t arrived yet, Dick promised to deliver it to the winners when it did. All of us extend our best holiday wishes to our generous snow bird friends, the Bean’s!!!!
Pat and Steve Crist, former Apres Ski members, sent twelve decorated Santa skis, which will brighten a number of our homes.
Many thanks to the Beans and the Crists for remembering your Potsdam ski friends!!!!
What would a Christmas party be without carols? Since the hour was late, we would have but one. Gene asked Ron, who was wearing a bright red sweat shirt with “Five golden rings” emblazoned across his chest, to lead us in the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” What joyous sounds issued from our group of milking maids, swimming swans, turtle doves and leaping lords. Ron boomed out five golden rings with gusto, but the many guises of Bob Gibbs’ partridge in a pear tree were a delight to behold. With the warmth of a wonderful evening shared, we bid one another good night until we meet to ski and sup in January.
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