President Schroeder called the meeting to order at 12:10 PM.  Dick Meredith served as Chaplain and in addition to the invocation, reminded all of us of the importance in being happy now.  Michael Frueh led the club in a festive rendition of “White Christmas” with Dick Riggs tickling the ivories.  Dan Best gave the Sergeant at Arms report.  Sam Bassitt provided fellowship.  While no fines were levied, he did provide an interesting dissertation on the connection between taxation and beer.

Esther Baldridge thanked everyone who attended the Special Needs Christmas Party.  John Snyder shared with the club an opportunity to participate in an international service project in Guatemala in 2010.

Gary Stanklus stressed the importance in having 100% participation in the Paul Harris Fellowship Program and the value of building the annual fund through $100 from every Rotarian every year.  To help the club accomplish this goal, new sustaining members Tom Biddle, Doug Bodey, Jim Bronder, Don Bruns, Carol Buettner and Debra McCurdy were recognized.  Also recognized was Phil Buell for reaching the Paul Harris recognition level and Paul Yessenow for reaching the Paul Harris +3 recognition level.

Lynn Metzger introduced the Elida High School Vocal Jazz Choir, “8’s the Limit”.  With their beautiful harmonies, they serenaded the club with:

• “The Look of Love”
• “Bewitched”
• “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
• “Winter Beautiful”
• “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
• “What Child is This?
• “Cool Yule”

The Rotary Christmas Party for Special Needs Children is a wonderful event that brings joy into the participating children’s lives. For many years the party has been held at the Tilton Farm, which is a fantasyland in itself. With live buffalo, alligators, and an antique toy circus collection, it is a very interesting environment for the children to enjoy. Crafts are added, clowns, magicians, storytellers and of course, the special guest, Santa Claus, to keep the kids entertained from the moment they walk in the door. Lunch is served, and later snacks and drinks are a part of the event. Rotarians are assigned to host each child and show the Christmas spirit with the child’s gift request presented by Santa Claus.