Twas a Month Before Christmas
Twas a month before Christmas, and throughout the district,
From Washington to Creekside, Rotarians were scrying about.
Yearly donations filed, processed, and sealed with care,
Knowing full well that it would be used to answer a few prayers.
While in the middle of town there arose such a clatter,
Shoppers peered over the fence to see what was the matter.
Children pressed even closer while grandparents stared from their walkers,
As Rotarians sprang to their feet at the sound of the auger.
The sweat from their brows mixed with the gentle rain from above,
Gave new meaning to our service projects completed with love.
When all of a sudden what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But Salem Academy’s coach Jed and six football players all in good cheer.
Ay how their eyes twinkled, their dimples how merry,
Their cheeks like roses, from the cold winds so dreary.
Jackets zipped high, pants drawn up over their bellies,
Team caps on top, without any worries.
Rich’s sons bravely commanded and cheered on the fun,
Telling each player where the next hole would be dug.
Broad shouldered athletes, so lively and quick,
We knew in a moment we would be done lickity split.
Now with Tom in command, we had nothing to fear,
As he shouted "stand clear, stand clear."
"Now Rich, now Jim, now Bob, now Terry, On Coach, On Boys,
To the bottom of the holes, to the bottom of the Holes".
A wink of Rich’s eye and a twist of his head,
Soon let the team know they had nothing to dread.
Soon let the team know they had nothing to dread.
When the last hole was dug, auger safely packed away,
Volunteers were struggling from their long toil with the clay.
Tom quickly checked that the work was done right,
While Rich beamed with pride at the task done on site.
Then all of a sudden, he sprang to his car, to his boys gave a whistle,
And away they all scrambled, like the down of a thistle:
And away they all scrambled, like the down of a thistle:
But I heard him exclaim, to his lovely wife Silvia, I’m on my way my dear
To coach Jed, the team and workers present without any pay,
To the Rotarians and friends, we truly must say,
A heartfelt Rotarian thank you, for a great service project that day.
And tonight as 1.4 million Rotarians are all snuggled in their beds,
With future service projects continually dancing in their heads.
We find Janet and Governor Williams sitting quietly after a long wintery ride,
Having completed the District Club marathon run, with such grace side by side.
From Paul Harris to Governor Williams, Santa Claus, and each little elf,
We wrap up a great year of “Service Above Self” for each little girl and boy so dear. So let’s raise a glass up high,
As we wish Merry Christmas to all, and to all Good Night.