Jose Avelar tossed in a Happy Buck just cause he was happy to be at the meeting!

! The green ticket was held by Dianne Wilson, but alas, she did not find the white marble. Settled for $10.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTICE: We will not be having meetings on December 24 and 31st. Dont forget to attend the Nite at the Races meeting on Monday, January 6 at 5:30 at Dochterman Home

DECEMBER 17, 2013

NEXT MEETING: January 7, 2014 PROGRAM TO BE ANNOUNCED Greeter & Invocation: Mystery Rotarian
~~ COMING UP ~~

CHRISTMAS STOCKING PROJECT

Debbie Roessler reported that the well filled Christmas Stockings have now been delivered to Juvenile Hall for distribution next week. She commended everyone who has worked so much to make the project another huge success. She noted that Barb Bruner has been the key person on the project; and especially thanked Ann Damaschino for coordinating the pot-luck dinner; Gary Irwin for delivering all of the materials; Frank May for purchasing all of the soaps and toiletries; Rich & Peg Render and Jim and Linda Campbell for helping set up and clean up for the pot-luck dinner; Cliff Dochterman for collecting candy; and everyone who helped with the project from beginning to end! In addition, Joan Brazzoni again donated more than a dozen cases of cookies which will be enjoyed by the young people as part of their Christmas celebration. We were pleased that Interact members, Emily Orwig and Ian Shoemaker, joined in the stocking stuffing party. THANKS to all who were helpers last Sunday for the good fun and delicious food. We were also pleased to see the story in the County Supervisor Newsletter about Moraga Rotarys Christmas Stockings.

Dec. 24 No Meeting enjoy Christmas Eve! Dec. 31 No Meeting Happy New Year! Jan. 6 -- Monday 5:30 -- Nite at the Races Committee at Dochtermans home *Jan. 7 -- Program to be Announced **Jan. 14 Visit of Rotary District Governor, Steve Lack Tuesday evening meeting everyone please attend this special meeting! *Regular Tuesday Noon Meeting ** Second Tuesday Evening meeting at 6:00 pm

VISITORS & GUESTS

Jose Avelar Assistant District Governor, Orinda Rotary Marcela Avelar & Jesse Avelar Guests of President Nora

PROGRAM
President Nora conducted a Christmas Trivia contest. Candy canes were given to such knowledgeable persons as Colin, Gary, Al, John, Lad, Marcela, Cliff, Tony and a couple others. Much to our dismay, Nora stumped the whole club on some very obscure historical facts. The Mystery Rotarians were Tony Schoemehl, (guessed by Cliff Dochterman; and Kevin Reneau (guessed by Angelo Costanza.) We were then entertained by Jose and Marcela Avelar who sang and played a selection of Christmas and Holiday songs. The Club joined in several of the old favorites. Truly, we were All Wished a Merry Christmas!

WHAT HAPPENED?
The meeting was opened by Angelo Costanza with a very thoughtful invocation poem. Cliff Dochterman acknowledged that he had a very Happy 88th Birthday last weekend with luncheons with Daughters, dinner with Roesslers, plus a theater performance of The Christmas Carol with Daughter and Son-in-law. Ann Damaschino also celebrated her birthday on the same Fri. December, 13! nd Al & Marilyn Simonsen will be celebrating their 52 th Anniversary on December 20 . They plan on a Hawaiian trip in January! HAPPY BUCKS FLOW! Angelo Costanza displayed a trophy which he again won at the Italian Judges and Attorneys bocce ball tournament. He also wore an attractive first place medal. Way to go Angelo! Lad Lynch offered his big buck to recognize the Womens Soccer team at UCLA winning the NCAA Championship! John Erickson rightfully bragged a bit on his Cal High granddaughter who is a member of the Cheer Leading Team. They won the state championship and will be going to the National competition.

PHILIPPINE TYPHOON DISASTER RELIEF

Rotary Clubs around the world are joining in huge disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. Moraga Rotary first approved two $1000 Shelter boxes. Thousands of Shelter Boxes are already being used by the refugees. The boxes include a huge tent, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, basic tools, a stove and other essential equipment which will serve a group of 10 persons for many months. Donations from club members have been collected to cover the cost of a third box. Don Jenkins of the Lamorinda Rotary club also donated an additional $1000 for the fourth Shelter Box. We can be pleased that 4 Shelter Boxes are helping refugees in the Philippines to live just a little better life.

CALENDAR OF FUTURE EVENTS

Jan, 6 (Monday) Nite at the Races Committee Meet at Dochterman home at 6:00 Jan. 14 Official Visit of District Governor Steve Lack Feb. 5 -- Annual 5 Club Lunch at Rossmoor Mar. 15 A Nite At The Races Fundraiser! May 10 Moraga Community Faire

MORAGA ROTARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-14 President.Nora Avelar President-elect . . ... Debbie Roessler Past President...Frank May Secretary.........Kevin Reneau Treasurer....Lad Lynch Community Service Chair..Barbara Bruner New Generations...Rich Render International Service ChairTony Schoemehl Rotary Foundation...... Lad Lynch Public Relations Gary Irwin Membership...Debbie and Frank Director at Large.John Erickson Director at Large...Cliff Dochterman President, Rotary InternationalRon Burton District Governor, 5160.Steve Lack Assistant District Governor.Jose Avelar
Newsletter Editor for December Cliff Dochterman

THANKS TO ALL WHO JOINED IN THE STOCKING STUFFING EVENT AND POT-LUCK DINNER

THE EDITORS HOLIDAY MESSAGE

Perhaps youd say Im all grown-up, and much too old for toys, Too old to think of Santa Claus - like little girls and boys. And yet, I love the pleasant thrill, the happy sweet surprise, The packages on Christmas morn, those big blue wondrous eyes. Perhaps you think that Christmas dreams are only for the young. The ornaments and Christmas wreaths, the mistletoe thats hung. The waiting for that happy time, the chimes on Christmas eve, The cookies left for Santa Claus by those who still believe. Perhaps you think its just a fad the Christmas time parade, For oft times grown-ups do insist that much too much is made Why trim a tree, why wrap the gifts in packages so bright Why count the days till Santa comes on that gay and wondrous night? Perhaps you think its not worthwhile, and yet somehow Ive found The world takes on a special glow, when Christmas comes around.. And though tis true, I am too old, in size Im much too tall, In heart and mind each year I find Im not grown-up at all. Anon.

THE LAST WORDS

I happened to be walking by a Psychiatrists office the other day and was amazed at the sound of the Christmas Carols being played over the speaker for the patients. Maybe you have heard them.

Schizophrenia Do You Hear What I Hear? Multiple Personality -We Three Kings Disoriented Are. Dementia I Think Ill Be Home for Christmas. Narcissistic Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me.
Manic Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawns and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and trees Paranoid Santa Clause is Coming to Town to Get Me. Borderline Personality -- Thoughts of Roasting On An Open Fire. Personality Disorder -- You Better Watch Out, Im Gonna Cry, Im Gonna Pout, Maybe Ill Tell You Why. Attenton Disorder -- Silent Night, Holy,.. ooh look at the FroggyCan I have a Chocolate,.. Why is France so far away Obsessive Compulsive -- Jingle, Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells..

Rotary International Theme for 2013-14 ENGAGE ROTARY, CHANGE LIVES