Lynn Franz and Linda Twaddle assisted by Merry Christmas Tree gave this week’s presentation. (Merry is actually Linda’s sister in disguise and the family resemblance is definitely there—she is fun loving and a ham). They stood before Sertoma to invite us to participate in this year’s annual Festival of Trees which again will be held at the Legacy at Craguns November 20th-27th. Linda thanked the many Sertomans who have volunteered to help in various capacities including Lynn, Karla Nelson, Rory Coit, Jeff Birks, Linda Turpin and Laura Beilke. She also thanked the organization for sponsoring a tree. Opportunities for involvement for individual Sertoma members include tree sponsors (notice the tree on the front of the brochure, this is last year’s Sertoma tree superimposed on the painted one that is really on the brochure), underwriters, in kind donations, volunteers, gala reception and auction participants, as well as simply people to spread the good word.

Proceeds benefit Good Samaritan Communities of Brainerd and Pine River and are especially earmarked for their new facility to house patients with Alzheimers. The question of long term care can be personally related to everyone in the Club on one level or another. Entertainment at all the events will showcase community performers. Evie the Elf, the singing Christmas tree, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be back along with Sugar Plum story time and a bonfire (would you like to donate some wood)?.

The Gala kicks off the week with tickets selling for $50 and the chance to bid on the trees as well as join in the Silent Auction. Other events include a holiday brunch on Sunday, November 21st, senior days, tea and tinsel, an arts and crafts sale and much more. Our tree last year was decorated by Lynn, entitled “Hear Ye, Hear Ye” and included the following catalogue description, Sertoma (Service to Mankind). Royal and Majestic! Our true features glimmer and glitz! We as Sertomans wanted to show you the splendor and excitement of the season. Wow! Imagine a child that can “hear” for the first time. Have a blessed holiday season. Consider becoming involved in this wonderful event that is soon to be a tradition among families in the area. If you do not want to purchase and decorate a tree, perhaps your business has a donation for the silent auction or you would like to bid on the trees that are there for your own personal or business use. Go to the Good Samaritan website where the trees will be displayed along with instructions on bidding www.good-sambrainerdpineriver.com.

Thanks John Linn for taking notes.

• And the wacky job contest goes on. Raboin is now working at Bremer Bank with Reed Campbell’s change of job. Charlie Bartels and ALL to dog pound got up and introduced themselves as Reed Campbell-all working at different banks.
• Merry Xmas Tree is back in therapy—hmmm. No wonder, her sister held up the whole program looking for a tree!! Merry did admit she was never dumb enough to let Mike Howard under her branches!
• Edie Hindman is looking forward to being the mother of the bride this weekend. If you get a chance stop by the Nisswa Community Center at 7:30 for the dance. Unfortunately Karla Nelson was not at the meeting today—she had a hilarious prescription she used to get her through her stint as mother of the groom!!
• Only one person in the whole room wanted to go to a nursing home when Linda asked.
• Joe finally knew where the rookie party was and leaked the info. He got a belated fine today.
• Gary Walters introduced himself today as a future golf pro. Another Paul Harvey rest of the story wanted here.