Amity Club: A Perfect Gift of Friendship

Amity Club held the final meeting of 2020 on Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Graham Country Club. The meeting was themed “A Perfect Gift of Friendship” hosted by the program leader Ann Lundy. The co-hostesses were Rita Choat and Janice Gauger.

Consistent with the club’s 2020 annual theme “Front porch Friends,” Lundy began the program by asking the members to guess why a majority of people stopped sitting on their front porch during the past few decades. She divulged the top three reasons: The invention of television, the manufacturing of cars, and the mass production of air conditioning units. Lundy pointed out that Christmas is a time for people to reconnect. After sharing a few of her personal Christmas memories, the welcomed members with a reading of Helen Steiner Rice’s poem titled “The Story of the Christmas Guest.” The poem’s ending reflects the true meaning of friendship, especially during Christmas time. While the main character was pouting about the Lord not visiting his home as his guest, Steiner writes, “Three times my shadow crossed your floor. Three times I came to your lowly door. I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet; I was the woman you gave something to eat; I was the child on the homeless street. Three times I knocked, three times I came in, and each time I found the warmth of a friend. Of all the gifts, love is the best. I was honored to be your Christmas guest.”

Members enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the Graham Country Club Chef comprising a vegetable medley, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Beef Stroganoff, among other delightful treats. After the lunch, members engaged in the traditional ornament exchange representative of the program theme “Memories of Christmas Past.”

President Bobby Wright called the business meeting to order. The Recording Secretary, Marilyn Norris, read the minutes from the previous session. After the minutes were approved and accepted, Lucretia Taylor presented the Treasurer’s report.

All members were present except Judy Averett, JoAn Key, Janice Gauger, Michelle Pham, and Betty O’Dell.

The next meeting will be on Feb. 4 at Hamilton Hospital Cafeteria at 1:30 p.m. to show appreciation to the hospital staff.