Holiday Potluck Party

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

ALL MEMBERS WERE INVITED FOR A CELEBRATION of GOOD COMPANY, GOOD FOOD AND MUSIC

• Bring a favorite main dish, salad, or desert to share, including plates and utensils.

• The WHS Board will provide cups, glasses, wine & beverages and appetizers

• We will collected canned and packaged food for the Second Harvest.

THE DECEMBER PROGRAM WAS A DOUBLE TREAT

An exciting evening with two of our own talented members.

THE SHERRY AUSTIN BAND. Sherry entertained us with her own songs accompaning herself on the guitar and backed by her band. Her songs are true Americana with a California slant.
To see her videos and lyrics click here SHERRY'S WEBSITE

TED KIPPING'S SLIDE SHOW. Her performance was accompanied by Ted's slides.
Spectacular and striking images of plants and the natural world were be a feast for our eyes.We were all spell bound.
To see Ted's site click here TED'S WEBSITE

Review of the December 2011 Holiday Party
What’s better than a monthly WHS meeting, which features plant discussions, an informative speaker and plant raffle? It’s our annual Holiday Potluck Party – the best ever!

Our members and guests were first treated to a festive and tastefully decorated hall, courtesy of Roberta Barnes and her hard-working helpers. A delicious array of hors d’oeuvres, main dishes, wine and desserts assured us that no one left hungry. With a book sale thrown in for good measure, we were ready to settle into an evening of visual and audible delight. As our unparalleled Ted Kipping dazzled the audience with a botanical/natural landscape slideshow, the incomporable Sherry Austin and her band got our juices flowing with a great selection of California folk music. Love that steel guitar!

Yet, for all this merriment, the highlight of the evening came, for myself at least, in an unexpected way. As we do every year, and as she does so nobly well, Claudia Stopp rose and delivered a heart-warming Founders Award presentation in the middle of our party. I’ve heard the name Bill Kurtz often enough, as well as read about his numerous past contributions to our wonderful organization. Bill doesn’t attend our meetings much anymore as it has become more difficult for him to get around. Our award’s recipient rose and spoke to us for a few minutes, not about himself but about our Society. I saw and heard a man speak with youthful energy, with passion about Western Hort and what it has to offer. I felt humbled as I met a man who has given so much for others. What a fitting tribute to someone who exemplifies the true spirit of the holiday season.
Thank you, Bill.

~Mark McCabe