November is here and that means the holiday season has begun. On Saturday, November 11, the first and most important event in human history (except for the First Lady’s birthday) will take place at the beautiful Columbian Home. The Turkey Raffle to beat all Turkey Raffles (the turkeys will be real this year – not the fat pigeons we had last year). We will raffle off 20 of the most gorgeous turkeys that Jaindl has ever raised, along with 3 meat trays (lobster and steak – not the mystery meat we had in years past). We have some warm and cozy handmade blankets (crafted by our own Vangie Noll) and a stunning 5 x 8 area rug donated by an anonymous Board Member who is rumored to look like Brad Pitt after a bad accident. We have some truly lovely gifts donated by generous Members (thank you to Carol Berger and Diane Weber-Gallagher), and our usual array of 75 plus prizes that would amaze Santa himself. So, mark your calendars for SATURDAY, November 11 from 2:00-5:00 PM and join us for a really great time, with free beer and soda during the raffle! You may even spot a local celebrity there, like Fred Lipschitz, Wilma Whipstitch, or our very own Steve Selvaggio (ask him how his pipes are doing – he loves that). Remember that all proceeds go directly to local charities supported by the Columbian Home and the Knights of Columbus.
Birthday and anniversary parties, funeral luncheons, weddings receptions and baby showers are all welcomed at the beautiful Columbian Home. Thyme to Dine does a great job on all these events, and the food and atmosphere are second to none. Be sure to give Thyme to Dine appropriate notice about what you’d like and the number of people attending so they can give attention to every detail. I received an invitation to a wedding I did not wish to attend (my cousin Nunzio) and I replied, “Maybe next time.” I was informed by the First Lady that this was not an appropriate response. She was really mad at me, but when I told her that this was his fifth wedding, she understood.
Are your plans made for Thanksgiving? (For our members from Northampton, it will be the 4th Thursday in November this year.) I hope I’m clear about the date because last year there was a mix-up. The Northamptonians confused the date with Easter. God bless them. They showed up for Thanksgiving Dinner at the beautiful Columbian Home in bunny costumes and tried to hide eggs everywhere. Thyme to Dine is preparing a wonderful Thanksgiving Buffet with 2 seatings – one at 11:30 AM-1:00PM and the second from 2:30 – 4:30 PM. Make your reservations early because it’s sure to sell out.
Remember to pay your Columbian Home dues before December 31. If you don’t, we have to send my Uncle Guido to make you an offer you can’t refuse. Just kidding – we can’t afford to pay Uncle Guido this year as we are saving our money for our kitchen renovation project. We’ll be sending you information about the project soon. Membership (dues) renewal letters went out via US Mail in October, so don’t delay in returning your forms and checks.
I hope your November is healthy and safe. As always, I will keep you in my prayers.
All the best,
Joe
Joe Mascari, President