10 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER January 2022
Charbonneau Women ’ s Association
By LYNDA HUBER MARSHALL
Celebrating holiday memories at the Dec . 13 luncheon
HUBER MARSHALL
Co-Chairs Lee Harker , Anne Shevlin and their elves had the festive room decorated beautifully . Prosecco was served as you entered to be sure everyone was in the holiday spirit . There was so much excitement and visiting going on it was difficult to start our luncheon and program . Everyone was so happy that we could be together to celebrate this holiday season .
A special “ Thank you ” to Diane Reiter as she shared her Christmas village houses and trees on each table and to Kathy Gustin who generously donated some wine from Stoller Vineyards .
Jody of Western Pacific Caterers provided us with a wonderful brunch buffet .
Our entertainment was presented by the Wilsonville Innovative Dance Studio . Director Molly Kalekilo had her 28-30 dancers ( ages 4-16 ) dressed as snowmen , reindeer , Santa ’ s and in other holiday attire . Each set of dancers were so darling , you could not help but smile . We also had two teens who had performed for us years ago as younger children . Both showed us their tap skills . A donation was made to Wilsonville Community Sharing on their behalf .
You might want to be sure to mark your new calendar for the upcoming meetings held on the second Monday of each month through May . The cost will be $ 30 for members and $ 35 for non-members . You may sign up in the clubhouse coat room . We do hope you can join us .
At 11:30 a . m . Monday Jan . 10 , our
program will be Commissioner Martha Schrader on serving Clackamas County residents . Martha has served continuously as a Clackamas County Commissioner since January 2013 . She previously served as a commissioner from 2003 to 2009 ( and as chair from 2005 to 2007 ). Martha represented Oregon ’ s 20th District as state senator from 2009 to 2011 .
Our February luncheon will be on Valentine ’ s Day . Our featured speaker fits perfectly with this holiday as it will be Elaine Owen from Lady Hill Winery .
I will close with just two of the holiday memories shared at our December luncheon : “ My grandparents lived on the beach in Waimanalo ( Oahu ). Weekends we were often there . At Christmas time , the whole family gathered for a traditional Portuguese pickled pork dinner and grab bag festivities . Grandpa would shop all year long and then wrap everything he bought . It all went into a burlap bag . A family member would be blind folded and another would hold the grab bag . Once the person who was blindfolded captured the bag they got to take off the blind fold and reach into the bag for their prize gift . It was a ton of fun . There were usually 30-40 of us . When the gifts were exhausted my grandmother would play Christmas songs on the piano for a family sing along . It was a fantastic way to spend Christmas .”
“ My most vivid and forever memory especially now after her passing , is my mother ’ s amazing mezzo soprano solo of ‘ Ave Maria ’ at midnight Mass .
The December luncheon was decorated with holiday decor .
COURTESY PHOTOS
All of us crowded into the wooden pews below . Mom in the choir loft as if in the clouds like an angel . Still gives me chills these many years later .”
Best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season .
The Jan . 10 meeting will feature Commissioner Martha Schrader on serving Clackamas County residents .