Our holidays are ending, but our fond memories will last, and I hope all our members had a wonderful time with their families and friends. At our home we were lucky to have our children and grandchildren together to share many family stories. One of my favorites is when I took my eldest son out for his first drink at the beautiful Columbian Home. I ordered him a glass of Guinness. He really didn’t like it, but I told him he would have to get accustomed to the taste. So as not to waste a good pint of Guinness, I drank it. Then I thought he might prefer a glass of Yuengling. He didn’t like the taste of that, either, so I drank it. Again, it’s a sin to waste a good glass of beer. I continued to get him a glass of Miller Lite and then Budweiser, both with the same results – I drank those, too. By the time we got to the Irish whiskey, I could hardly push the stroller home. I realize that many of you (except the Hellertonians) saw the ending of that story from the beginning. My point is, members are allowed to bring family and friends to the beautiful Columbian Home, but guests must be 21 years of age to drink alcoholic beverages. No exceptions – it’s the law.
Our musical entertainment schedule for January seems to be a very busy one. On Thursday, January 2, we have the lovely and talented Valerie and her plus one, Fred (who is not as lovely but is talented) to start the New Year off right. On Friday, January 3, we have Rob Ballonoff on the porch to help make your dinner more enjoyable. Our own amazing Johnny K. will be playing on Thursday, January 9 and Gene Cullison returns to the porch on Friday, January 10 to make you forget your troubles, but not your bar tab. On Thursday, January 16, The Relics (they’re really not that old) will bring life to the dance floor. On Friday, January 17,Chris George will be performing on the porch but not in the kitchen, so make reservations and get a good table. The one and only Michael Sherer returns on Thursday, January 23 to make you dance through the night (well, at least until 10:00 PM), and Gene Cullison will be back on Friday, January 24. Finally, everyone’s favorite duo, Kato is back on Thursday, January 30. Chris George closes out the month for us on the porch on Friday, January 31. We promise that all this live music will make your dining experiences delightful, not like that last evening at your in-laws.’ Just sayin’.
On Saturday, January 25, we have DJ Rob Reilly hosting a “Winterfest Dance Party,” so dust off your dancing shoes from the Dick Clark Bandstand days and prepare to have a fabulous time at the beautiful Columbian Home. Make your dinner reservations ASAP.
By the way, when you use the restrooms, please try and be thoughtful. Make sure you leave the restroom the way you found it. I went to the men’s room last week and found some graffiti on the walls that was very hurtful. I cleaned it off immediately. It said that Joe Mascari, Steve Selvaggio, and Joe Brogan were sent to the Columbian Home by God, which was very nice, but underneath that kind message someone wrote, “Why? Was He out of locusts?” I was so mad I went home and told the First Lady to stop writing on the men’s room walls. She asked how I knew it was her and not someone from Northampton? I said, “It had to be you because all the words were spelled correctly.” So, please keep the restrooms clean and be mindful of the next person who needs to use it. It might be you.
Put Saturday, February 15 on your calendar because that is the date of the beautiful Columbian Home’s Valentine Dinner Dance. Did you know that Vlad the Impaler’s Day is that same weekend? Make your reservations early so your sweetheart doesn’t become an impaler (for those of you from Catasauqua, an impaler is someone who stabs you with a sharp object.)
Bingo is back on Monday, January 27! Bring your good luck monkey (not your husband, unless he is your good luck monkey) and enjoy yourself.
Trivia Night will take place on Wednesday, January 8 with Hal asking questions like, “When was the War of 1812?” and “Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?” The questions aren’t that difficult (even members from Alburtis could answer at least some of them), so bring your family and friends and enjoy a great night out at the beautiful Columbian Home. Have dinner and a cocktail and tell Hal that the War of 1812 was last Friday.
There are only 19 leaves left on the Columbian Home Family Tree. If you wanted to wait until after Christmas to purchase one, the time is now. Remember a loved one or a special occasion. Ask a Board Member, bartender, take a leaflet from the wall by the Family Tree, or purchase one via our website www.thecolumbianhome.com.
Have a wonderful and safe start to your New Year. As always, I will keep you in my prayers.
All the best,
Joe Mascari, President