President’s Letter – December, 2004

By Dick Stafford

Happy New Year Skalleagues:

Our annual Christmas Party at the Radisson Bridge Resort in Boca Raton was a festive evening enjoyed by all. The dining room was beautifully decorated for the season and the dinner was excellent as usual. The attendance was down a little this year in part due to our normal meeting date being so close to Christmas. The same situation will occur in December 2005 so we will consider moving the dinner to an earlier date to make it more conducive for everyone's holiday plans.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone who brought gifts for the Boca Raton Rescue Services Disadvantaged Family's program. The toys were distributed to the children just before Christmas.

The silent auction was a success again this year featuring some great prizes. Thanks to all those who donated the auction items and to our members and guests who purchased them helping the club to raise $753.00.

As usual we were entertained with great dance music by Ron Stevens and his musical trio. Needless to say, the dance floor had a lot of activity. Our Holiday party would not have been complete without Ron's surprise guest handing out Christmas cheer!!

On a sad note, the devastation from the tsunami in Sri Lanka is difficult to comprehend even after looking at the video coverage. Fortunately, Bill Pullen has received a brief e-mail from Sister Sunitha saying that all of the Sisters are safe in their convents. Although there was no mention of the children, we assume from the tone of the e-mail that they are safe as well.

Our first meeting of the New Year will be January 18th at the Marriott at City Place in West Palm where we will be the guest of one of our newest members and the hotel's General Manager Tim Digby.

By now you have received the dues invoice from Paul Alterman for 2005. You will notice that the billing this year is for eight dinners only. With so many members bringing guests to the Christmas and Installation of Officers formal dinners, payment for yourself and your guests will be collected for these two functions the night of the dinners. If you have not paid your 2005 dues, make sure you send your checks for the first dues payment to Paul the first of the year.

We hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable holiday season. See you next year.

SKAL