It was that time of year to join in with good friends and raise a glass of cheer.
“Soft shell clams trying to scoot
Hungry Moon Snails in hot pursuit
Santa Claws is comin’, Santa Claws is comin’, Santa Claws is comin’ to Camano.He sees the orcas dying
He cries as sea stars waste
He sees the salmon runs decrease
And he knows how good they taste…”
The songs of the season rang true as the large 2016 class crooned their version of holiday cheer for the traditional Camano SWS (formerly Beach Watcher) new class initiation. Close to 60 members enjoyed this entertainment along with Scott Chase’s “revised” sing-a-long Christmas songs, and Karen Gardener’s unique and meaningful accordion accompaniment on the accordion.
Many
thanks to Pat Foss…party organizer, Milla Freouff…auction lead, and Jaye Leatherman and Margaret Gibbons…decoration specialists for pulling together the bits and pieces so that all could enjoy a variety of appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts, and a fun auction full of surprises. Generous members contributed a nice variety of items, including hand crafted items like jewelry and a handbag; knitting supplies to candles; many food items; antique toys to 3 lighted Christmas trees; wines to growlers; gift certificates to parties for the silent auction and the raffle. There was also a grand prize, an antique sled donated by Margaret Gibbons, filled with other goodies for a lucky winner.
Jay Mouton who did a wonderful job leading the auction and keeping everyone laughing, said, “I was pretty busy, but did get to eat some nice food because my wife Norma loaded up a plate for me … so, I CAN tell you it was tasty.” Other comments included, “Great prizes, lots of laughs, super performance by this year’s class, yummy food, and a good time was had by all!” from Patricia Blankenship. Or, “Fabulous food, wonderful music, great people, and unbridled enthusiasm! So much fun!” from Margaret Gibbons.
The organizers for Camano’s 2016 class Deannie Dunbar and John Mathis reflected, “The participation of the 2016 class was terrific….they were creative, energetic and enthusiastic.What a tremendous asset for our organization!”
Good friends came together to celebrate the season and the new SWS class, while raising funds for projects to come.
“On the 12th day of training, the students brought for us, 12 yummy snacks, 11 things recycled, 10 jellies cruising, 9 BTUs, 8 gigs per thumb drive, 7 Camano beaches, 6 sea-grass swaying, 5 critter reports, four squirting clams, three Power Points, two index cards, and a 3 ring binder.”