Example Article for Rotary Club
Senior Dinner and Holiday Light Tour
 | Author:
Patrick Plantenberg, Rotarian
Townsend Tree Board Chair, Townsend Rotary Club |
Patrick Plantenberg
Rotarian
Here is the history of the event from Bob Brastrup, Lions Club member:
“The morning coffee group was gathered at the Commercial Bar one December 2005 morning, and the conversations centered around whether there would be enough ice for the Lions Perch Derby, as well as the weather, and the upcoming Christmas Concerts at the school. During a lull in the conversation, Bill Kearns mentioned that he knew a lady who would have a lonely Christmas because she had lost a spouse and was housebound. Bill and his wife Anita were taking the lady out to dinner that night, after which they were going to tour the Christmas lights in town.
What a wonderful idea!
There were a couple of Lions Club members who took the idea to the club and suggested the club sponsor a Christmas meal and light tour for area senior citizens. The club enthusiastically endorsed the idea and began making plans for 2006.
The cost of the project was a big unknown. Joe and Bev Baze obtained a grant from Walmart, which covered the program costs for the first two years. Since then, the Lions and Rotary Clubs have financed the program.
Obtaining names of people to invite to the event was time-consuming and the club asked the Rotary Club of Townsend if they would like to co-sponsor the event. They were happy to join the program.
This year marks the 20th year of the event!
Each year there are several people who are unable to attend the meal and tour due to illness and other circumstances. Those individuals are provided with a poinsettia.
The holiday meal is served at the Senior Center. Rides to the dinner are provided for those who have limited transportation. Members of various student school organizations help serve the meal. Following the dinner, participants are given a bus tour of the Townsend Christmas lights.
This year’s event will be held on December 8 and 9, with dinner starting at 5 p.m. The number of participants is limited due to the facility size. If you want to participate, please call Teena Larson at 406-980-1044 or Diane Brown at 406-980-0890.
Residents are asked to leave their decorations on until 9 p.m. on December 8 and 9 so those on the tour can enjoy them.
Thanks to Bill and Anita Kearns for the establishment of a wonderful Townsend tradition and to everyone who supports the various Lions and Rotary fund-raising programs. It is the profit from those programs that provides the financing for the various events sponsored by these clubs.
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Image 1 Caption: 2023 Senior Dinner and Light Tour
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