People were dressed so strangely at last week’s Christmas party you would be excused if you thought we were honoring another holiday – you know, the one that comes in late October. 

But people took the “bling” and “ugly Christmas sweater” clothing suggestions seriously. So seriously, in fact, that by popular acclaim we had to have two costume winners – Vicki Haugen and Barbara Thornton. They each received a prize, but this correspondent wasn’t in on the secret, so I can’t share just how fabulous their prizes were. 

Then we moved on to the Yankee swap. A small explanation is probably in order: You see, we all know each other very well, and we work so hard together all year long, that it probably isn’t surprising that the gifts range toward alcohol and weird. This year, emphasis on the weird. And President Laurie maintains strict rules about “stealing,” which is probably a good thing, or we would be there all night while the same most popular items would be stolen and stolen again. 

This year, the most popular item was definitely a Harley-original hand-turned wood snowman, who came with his own amaryllis bulb. The least popular item – well, if you were there you know. I will only say that Mike Thompson got stuck with it, and that it may be time to amend the rules so that the person who brings a specific item is no longer anonymous. 

But this is a family column. And as proof, we had lots of guests on hand. 

It was great to see wives Joan Taylor, Claudette Curulla, Margi Herbold, Diane Harley. And First Lady Anne made her second appearance in as many weeks. It was also great to enjoy the many appetizers that were brought, and then to move directly to dessert. Who needs a main course anyway? 

There’s no Barn this weekend; no, we’re not sure what President Laurie is going to do with her copious free time. And no meetings for the next two weeks. That said, Conxa Packard announced that all donations to the Jan 1 Penguin Plunge will go to the swim team, so come on out and cheer (and donate) even if you choose not to participate. 

And our first meeting of the year will be on Thursday, Jan. 8. A Christmas elf tells me that our own Bruce Harris will be speaking on Education Boothbay Experimental Learning. The following week we will hear from Pauline Dion of the Sea and Science Center. Our speaker calendar is full well into February, so check it out at www.boothbayharborrotary.org and plan to come on out and learn/share/participate in the fun. You’ll be glad you did.