What a warm, relaxing, great social event we had to celebrate the Holiday Season at Laurelyn Berger's home! Everyone had such a wonderful time and we are grateful to have a beautiful venue (décor as well as views) to soak in while enjoying each other's company. Thank you so much, Laurelyn, for welcoming us into your home. 

This month's Wednesday meetings have been changed because the first Wednesday is January 1. The monthly Board Meeting will be held on January 8 and the Regular Meeting will be on January 15 . This meeting will be an important one because we will be electing our Nominating Committee who will seek out our next year's leaders. I ask each and every one to be thinking of next year's leaders and activities. To give you an example, it was projected that the mortgage would be paid off in 2021. Well, we are way ahead of schedule so we need suggestions to plan our future (sans mortgage). "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

We are ending another year that was filled with joyous times and sweet memories. Let's toast to yesterday's achievements and tomorrow's bright future in the next year, 2020, as well. Happy New Year!!!

Pagoda Hotel * 1525 Rycroft Street, Honolulu, HI 96814

Happy New Year! Our first meeting of the new year will be on January 15 at the Pagoda Floating Restaurant, 1525 Rycroft St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. The regular business meeting will begin at 10:30 with a buffet lunch to follow. The menu varies from day to day and will include soup, several salads, entrees, and desserts. The cost will be $22 all-inclusive. EVite will be coming soon. You can RSVP through eVite, call Myrtle (808) 227-2400 or email: chingrappa.myrtle2@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

2019 has been a banner year for our Thrift Shop. Who would have thought that closing another day would generate more sales? We have so much to be grateful for. None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for the dedication and energy of members who worked both upstairs and downstairs, putting in countless hours for the kids. The end of the month total for December, 2019 was $23,020.36. We were open for only eleven days! (Urquhart sales were $954.)

Mentioning and thanking everyone for all that they have done would be a gargantuan task - but you know who you are so please give yourself a "pat on the back". However, I have to mention two people who have made my job much easier and better: Nancy Sparacino and Peggy Monell . Nancy accepted the job of treasurer and that is a monumental task in itself. However, she did not stop there, she has a good grasp of what goes on and what is needed - and she does it !!!! Then Peggy is at the Shop almost every day - working and bringing "sunshine" when it is needed.

A huge thank-you also to the students from the FCCLA Club of Farrington High School, who helped us at the Thrift Shop all of November and December. They also took up a collection of donations from the student body and brought those to us before Christmas. Special thanks to Mikayla Dumaslan , who headed the group.

Thanks to all of you for a great 2019; best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.