Take nothing for granted, be thankful for all

Knowing that the next two weeks of hustling trees is so integral to much of what our Men’s Club can accomplish financially within the parish community, there’s still a joy in the event itself that we gladly ‘suffer’ cold nights, aching muscles, or interruptions to our personal schedules.   Camaraderie and a hundred conversations with buyers/families is just too great to reduce it all to dollars in the door, though we’re grateful once again for the support of everyone, St. Gabriel members or otherwise.

Hopefully there will be another level of curiosity about what we do organizationally as a result, and after the holidays (Jan. 5^th to be exact) we’ll have the opportunity to share some time and fellowship with gentlemen/fathers who want to have their efforts placed into service somehow.  Passing out our bright yellow ‘Friendship & Service’ cards during the sale is part of making potential members aware of the what and where; as Membership VP its my expectation that the ‘Why?’ will be answered that first Friday in January, or perhaps at another time if coming isn’t immediately do-able.  Age is not really a barrier—we’ve welcomed both Ralph Newbanks (71) and Matthew Bohlen (19) recently—and there was been a gratifying mix of new people in 2006. 

Matt is certainly a welcome if exceptional case.  His father Don was a long-time member, and unfortunately died in 2005 the same night as our tree unloading.  Matt first came to our attention while approaching the club about financial assistance for his Eagle Scout project several years ago, and was a powerful force on Charlotte Catholic’s rugby team as a prop.  He represents so much of what’s good in youthful strength and determination, and we’re proud to have him join us.  While he’ll be attending college at Appalachin State beginning in January, the door is always open when he chooses to take advantage of our fellowship and support.  Of course, that’s true for the Clickner brothers, Don Pirko’s son, Thong Nguyen and anyone else, but you know what I mean…

Money aside, ‘SERVICE’ is the principle that Men’s Club revolves around.  It’s my belief that by putting our expertise/shoulder behind essentially any project will be as close to a guarantee for Success as anyone could expect.  Next time your children use the playground, take a look at the fence that surrounds it and know that we’re proud to have helped make that as strong and straight as possible.  When you’re enjoying what Ken Garfield described as a ‘joyfully raucous family atmosphere’ at our Fish Fry, rest assured that we’ll continue to do things that bring our community together.

We believe in the concept of ‘the more the merrier’, and if reading just a little bit of our philosophy here raises your interest, by all means, make the effort to get in touch.  There’s a spot here on the web site to make the connection, somebody’s number is usually in the bulletin, and even if you didn’t get a bright yellow invitation, every first Friday of the month means there are plenty of chances to just show up.

Peace,