Port O’Connor School Children, under the direction of Diane Cooley, entertained appreciative luncheon attendees.
Entering the driveways of the Community Center on Friday, December 6th, a very inclement morning, one saw not just the large marquis sign denoting that this was the place for the Annual Christmas Luncheon, but the exterior ropes around the dolphins’ statues covered with greenery and red bows; and then, in the evening the solar lights lit that area. When our guests started arriving around 10:30 a.m., they were greeted by POC’s very special lady, Ms. Agnes Valigura, who welcomed each and then requested a sign in to our guest book. Other areas of welcome were standing at that interior area including a large ceramic chef, a stunningly created puzzle as formed by a previous member and her husband, a tree decorated with many small ornaments including those lovely angels that Ms. Dorothy Fairchild had created and topping it, a huge bow in Tartan ribbon. And if you chanced to look up, you would see mistletoe on the chandelier! But the unusually designed and crafted creche captured your attention as it was placed upon a large table formed from the hatch cover of an old boat. Club members under the direction and artistic talent of Janet Johnson, our President, made the statues forming the Nativity scene and a very talented husband, Mr. Robbie Hawes, built the creche.
Entering the large interior of the Community Center one found many tables clothed in snowy white cloths and featuring angels, Santas, nutcrackers of all types and even some teddy bears with hurricane vases featuring the Tartan candles. And along the side wall of the hall, was the large Christmas tree that featured angels, many shell ornaments, large and small Christmas balls, and a large conglomeration of varying designed decorations. And situated underneath the tree were teddy bears of all sizes. But the newest and perhaps the most important was the display of ten Christmas stockings near the kitchen area. Each stocking was emblazened with the name and dates of service of each President of the Service Club, starting from the very beginning with Emma Powers and proceeding to the very latest, Janet Johnson. Although the Decorating Committee didn’t have the time this year, they intend to add pictures of each President to the appropriate stocking for the enjoyment of our guests. The placement of each stocking representing the name of a President are for times somewhat remembered but are eras that should be memorialized for the accomplishment in that period of time.
The entertainment began with the arrival of our Elementary School children who came to perform Christmas music and Carols of all types. Under the direction of Jim and Diane Cooley, a Club member, various songs were sung to the delight of the audience. The Cooleys have been working with the kids for several months and it was quite evident that all the performing children enjoyed very much the opportunity to show off their musical talents. A huge thank you in applause was then directed to the musical directors for their time and energy; and the children received one too following their final song, Feliz Navidad.
Before inviting our guests to the serving table that would soon be laden with pans of many foods, Janet Johnson then took over the microphone to award the Citizen of the Year plaques. And two very deserving people became the winners: Club member Biddie Hileman for her many years of service to our Club including running the Garage Sales for an extremely long time and also for the huge numbers of Coconut Cream cakes she has made for many events. The second plaque went to Robbie Hawes, who had become the “go to” guy when something involving our organization needed a male’s input. And he never failed to come through for any project at any time. And then Reverend Donnie L. Martin from the Baptist Church gave the Blessing for the food.
Our 92 guests then proceeded to the serving table where they found trays of chunks of ham, brisket and turkey, mashed potatoes and candied sweet potatoes, corn bread dressing, green beans and corn casseroles, rolls, cranberry sauce, a salad of spinach and a fruit salad set in syrup. Sadly, this year there was not a variety of individualized foods as each dish had been given only one recipe to follow. In the past there had been many types of sweet potatoes/yams, mashed potatoes and vegetables as each Club member made those following her previous inclination which gave guests the opportunities to try a spoon of each pan. But, luckily, there were a large number of many different types of desserts: pecan pies, cakes of many flavors with, of course, Biddie’s Coconut Cream cake, and several large trays of cookies. So no guest had the opportunity to go home hungry.
And, once again, a number of take-out trays were sent to some of our residents who are no longer mobile. This is a service we provide each year, and some of our husbands are there to man the vehicles delivering the food.
Cleanup duties then followed in the kitchen as were the removal of all the table decorations in the hall. Finishing those duties after some individual refreshments consumed by the kitchen crew, and packing up the remaining food to go, each member turned to another and wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And don’t forget our January meeting of Thursday, January 2nd! See you then!!
We welcome the presence of any newcomer or earlier resident of our community who now has the time and energy to commit in some way to become a member of our Service Club. Our meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the back room of the Community Center. Contact Janet Johnson, President, 983-4737 or Shirley Gordon, Membership Chairman and Librarian. We look forward to meeting you and explaining some of our activities and fun!
Diane Cooley
Service Club members prepare “to-go” meals to be delivered to shut-ins before other guests were served.
Service Club members Kay Middleton and Carol Haverfield begin to fill the tables with a delicious holiday meal. -Photos by Bill Tigrett
Puzzle made by Linda Klein (deceased) part of the Christmas decor at the Luncheon. Photo by Sue Kubecka
Photo by Sue Kubecka
