Our last meeting of the year was full of service (Willows dinner donations, bell ringing for the Salvation Army--over $1900 raised so far, and RI Foundation giving reminder); fellowship (upcoming Happy Hour and Breakfast Buddies), singing (Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer) and a great program by our own Dr. Jack Beller.
Jack shared "The Legend of St. Nicholas," beginning with Nicholas born in 270 AD who became the patron saint of sailors and small children. Jack traced the origins and evolutions of St. Nick and Christmas traditions, including how Donner and Blitzen got their names and how Santa became a jolly old fellow in a red suit with white fur--thanks to illustrators Thomas Nast and Haddon Sundblom. Jack's reading from memory of the original Clement Clarke Moore poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," known to most as "Twas the Night Before Christmas" brought a hush over the room. He also showed us photos of the Beller's amazing Santa Claus Sanctuary--most pieces are cross-stitch by Jack's wife Ruth (who joined us for the meeting)but they have a beautiful cabinet of Santa statuettes. Thank you Jack for sharing this history and family traditions!
After his presentation, Jack was heard to exclaim "ere he drove out of sight, 'Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!'"