The POC Service Club outdid themselves on this years’ Senior Christmas Luncheon. Beautiful coastal décor in shades of turquoise, blues, greens and silvers reflected the theme and the ‘message in a bottle’ programs announced the guests and entertainment.

The food choices were delicious and varied including shrimp, crab, flounder, jambalaya, oyster stew, an exotic cheese board, side dishes, homemade desserts and even chicken and dressing for the land lubbers who prefer no seafood. (What’s wrong with them I ask…)

Committee chair Becky Carville and President Marie Hawes and their extended committee of decorators, cooks, dessert chefs, table setters, waiters and waitresses, setup crew and dish washers included service club members, their husbands and families, and helpful folks who just wanted to be a part. The team worked for weeks and hours before to create a special atmosphere and a menu to match.

Christmas carols by the POC Elementary students, grace offered by First Baptist Pastor Donnie Martin, Citizen of the year awards and door prizes were just some of the hidden gems in the day’s festivities.

The Citizen of the Year recipients, Calvin and Sally Ragusin and the POC Coast Guard are fine examples of selfless giving, volunteering above and beyond the call and citizenship in action in and around our community. We congratulate these worthy recipients.

The food was plentiful with takeouts both delivered and carried home, the fellowship was warm and gracious, and this luncheon was an exciting and special holiday treat to remember and be thankful for throughout the holiday and in the coming year. I have heard rumors that the ladies are working on a new and ingenious theme for next year. They like to make it special! Thanks to the committee and all of those who helped with this year’s stellar success!

The New Year will see new activity for the service club. Our spring garage sale is fast approaching, we have some project plans in the works, and we will be participating in community events as well. Our first 2015 meeting will be Thursday December 15th at the community center as the first Thursday falls on New Year’s Day. The POC Women’s Community Service Club invites interested women to join us in the back room at the community center the first and third Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM. All are welcome. Don’t forget to check The Dolphin Talk for details, dates and times. You can keep informed about your community there.

So, until next time, be safe, live simply, love openly, forgive generously and remember what the Michael Josephson, founder of the “Character Counts” project and proponent of strong community involvement said, “Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day. Begin with where you live, work and play.”