The Villager Dec. 2013 | Page 24

Page 24 December 2013 The Charbonneau Villager CCC Activities and not a government agency, depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood to perform its humanitarian mission. Charbonneau Event Coordinator Kim Hosford New Year’s Eve Party Michael Allen Harrison at The Old Church On Tuesday, December 17, we will travel to Portland to enjoy an evening of sights and sounds as we listen to Michael Allen Harrison play for us in the historical Old Church, one of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in the Pacific Northwest. Michael's unique, beautiful arrangements of your holiday favorites are sure to get you into the "Spirit of the Season.” His special guests include Michael's life-long friend, the fabulous Julianne Johnson, Michael's brother Brian Harrison on Guitar, Israel Annoh on drums and percussion, sister's Cayla and Ashley Bleoaja (12 and 13 years old), Anna Heinze, Travis and Tanner Johnson . . . and hopefully we'll see 4 1/2-year-old Esther (depending on her nap time and bedtime schedule). For a very special treat, Michael has invited Charbonneau resident Bill Schonely as a special guest performer. We all know Bill as the “Voice of the Trailblazers,” but how many of you knew he could sing, too? Downtown Portland is beautiful during the holiday season and one of the City’s most distinguished landmarks is the Benson Hotel. Built in 1912, this elegant Bill Schonely and Michael Allen Harrison "play" around on a piano. The two will perform together in December. hotel is where we will enjoy a delicious dinner before the concert. A glass of complimentary champagne will be offered upon arrival. Our buffet menu will include: Caesar salad; spinach, pear, blue cheese with balsamic vinaigrette salad; four cheese baked penne; roasted chicken breast with mushrooms and tarragon; garlic mashed potatoes; brown sugar roasted squash with sage; rolls; chefs seasonal dessert selection and fresh coffee, decaf and assorted teas. A no-host cash bar will be available. The deluxe motor coach will pick us up at the Country Club and will seamlessly take us to each destination. No driving or parking headaches for our group! Be sure to purchase your tickets before this event is sold out. Tickets are available in the Country Club office. Transportation, dinner, gratuity and concert are included in the $95 ticket price. This Christmas Season, treat yourself and your loved ones to a very special heart-warming holiday musical experience. Red Cross Blood Mobile Blood…the gift that keeps on giving This is the season of giving and here is a way you can donate a life-saving gift . . . for free. Blood products are routinely transfused to those with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and accident and trauma victims. Volunteer blood donors are the primary source of blood used for transfusions, and the blood must be there before it is needed in order to save lives. We have a bloodmobile scheduled for Charbonneau Country Club on Thursday, December 26 from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Each presenting donor at the drive will receive a limited edition t-shirt. All eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate blood by calling 1-800RED CROSS or visiting www. redcrossblood.org. Our goal is to sign-up 45 donors. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation's blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills and supports military members and families. The American Red Cross, a charity www.charbonneaucountryclub.com This year’s New Year’s Eve Committee has been planning a more casual affair to ring in the New Year. The Committee has received a lot of feedback from the community and came up with some great ideas for an entertaining evening. Many residents asked to celebrate the New Year on East Coast time. With that in mind, the party will start at 6 pm and end at 10 pm. For those who prefer staying on West Coast time, you are invited to move into the card room, after 10 pm, to play various card or board games until midnight. Dress will be “holiday casual” attire so, women, sparkly tops will add some Charbonneau “bling” to the festivities. Our DJ, Rick Hall from RJ Mobile Music, will be spinning classic pop songs from the 60s - 90s. Rick wants to play what you want to hear. His huge selection of music will keep everyone dancing to favorite songs. Tickets are on sale in the CCC office for just $25, which includes pasta bar, DJ and FUN! You are welcome to BYOB (bring your own beverage). Charbonneau Group Trip to Europe Several years ago, a Charbonneau resident suggested I plan a trip overseas for residents. When traveling so far away, it is comforting to go with people we know and enjoy. I have been planning a 2014 celebratory vacation for my husband and myself and have found a large, well-known travel company (Globus) offering several styles of travel with a huge selection of tours. Since I have never been to Europe, I chose a fast-paced panoramic itinerary just to get an overview of all the places I have wanted to visit. This 15-day motor coach trip includes overnights in London, Amsterdam, Venice, Rome and Paris. I am looking forward to experiencing different cultures, sites, food and history. For a Charbonneau group vacation, I believe a European river cruise would be more appealing.