More than 65 Morgantown Area Business Association members and guests gathered in festive garb for their annual Holiday Dinner at Morgantown’s Holiday Inn Nov. 21.
Vice President of Events Linda Lovenstein and Treasurer David Hinkel planned the affair along with all the festivities. The tables were set with white linens with a box of Lorah’s Handmade Chocolates at each place setting. At the front of the room was a long table piled with Christmas bags and gifts of every shape and size, At the back of the room was a banquet table with gleaming servers and dinnerware.
“I shopped for all those gifts and we bagged and wrapped each one,” said Hinkel as people eyed the surprise of the night.
Before dinner people were talking and enjoying cocktails and drinks.
“I have been a member since 1988 and have always been involved from President, to VP, from marketing and now membership. I think I will do that best. I love it. I try to get everyone involved,” said Roseanne Thomas as she introduced new members Jan Creitz and Beth Klapach of Hometown Realty seated at her table.
In usual MABA fashion they reached out to share with the community by requesting a donation for the Animal Rescue League of Berks County as the price of admission.
Varied donations quickly filled the table in another corner of the room including: rabbit food, paper towels, 55 gallon trash bags, detergent, bleach, cat litter, cotton balls, Purina One Cat Food, liquid hand soap, guinea pig food, critter treats and toys, dog shampoo, leashes, and large nylon bones.
The evening opened with a pledge of allegiance to the flag followed with a reading of last month’s minutes and reports. It was announced that the December meeting would include the vote for new board members. Nominees: Linda Lovenstein as president, Luanne “Bunny” R. Graham as secretary, Dave Hinkel as treasurer, Roseanne Thomas as vice president of membership, KC Trost as vice president of marketing, and VP of Events, Kelly Spica.
Lovenstein started the party with “Let’s eat”. Inviting all to the banquet table with food served by Food Captain Sharon Raymond. The menu fare included: Caesar salad, garlic mashed potatoes, Green Beans Almandine with mushrooms, Chicken Florentine, Beef Medallions, Flounder Prima Vera, followed by an array of desserts including cheesecake, strawberry parfaits, German chocolate and other cakes complimented with assorted teas and coffee.
During dinner people remarked about what the organization meant to them.
“I joined the organization to become more of a part of the community. I have met really nice and great people and served as webmaster for a time,” said Scott Graham.
“I have been a member for 10 years. It is good for networking. Everyone knows everyone and the people are great. I like to keep it local it helps the community thrive,” said Spica who is the local branch manager of Susquehanna Bank and up for election.
“This is a great networking organization. Everyone becomes your friend, they are all so friendly it’s like home,” said Bob Gebhart an active 20 year member, the Village Electrician and Twin Valley Fire Co. President.
After dinner President Mark Cummins presided, inviting Susan Shipe, VP of Membership who is retiring to come up and be recognized, many in the community know her as Village Librarian.
“Susan, I would like to thank you for all your work serving the board and our organization. You will be missed,” he said as he presented her with a gift from the MABA, which she graciously accepted.
He also thanked everybody for the Animal Rescue League donations and Lorah’s Handmade Chocolates, as well as Linda and David for putting the entire event together.
In her usual bubbly fashion, Lovenstein stood and looked at the table bearing gifts and smiled. “Everybody will be getting a gift, and Dave will play ‘Vanna’. It is an easy game. You all have numbers and when it is your turn you will pick a gift number or choose to steal a gift that someone has already picked. A gift can only be stolen three times. So let the fun begin. Number 1 what is your pick?”
It was the hit of the evening! The first and largest gift was a plunger, the group laughed. This was followed by many bottles of wine the treasured gifts that were stolen time after time. The crowd engaged in Tom foolery as people jokingly hid their wine so it couldn’t be stolen. Other gifts included: a bag of coal, candy puzzles, mason jar mugs, a bottle opener, toilet bowl brushes, movie night DVD and popcorn, a head lamp, tin of popcorn, and photo ornaments, to name a few.
The crowd had lots of laughs and all got a gift even if it was a bottle opener or bottle of wine, that’s what made it fun.
“I think everyone enjoyed being together, had a great time and everyone said the food was fabulous,” said Lovenstein.
“This organization is great for small to large business, people get to know each other. So happy we could contribute to the animals and help the community. We are so pleased with tonight’s turnout,” said Hinkel.
Cummins summed it up. “I thought tonight was a real big success. The food was delicious, the prizes were fun. What a great organization and people. I have really enjoyed my term as president.”
Correction: The following names were incorrectly spelled previously online and in print. Linda Lovenstein as president, Luanne “Bunny” R. Graham as secretary, Dave Hinkel as treasurer, Roseanne Thomas as vice president of membership, KC Trost as vice president of marketing, and VP of Events, Kelly Spica, as well as Mark Cummins. We regret the errors. If you see an error, please contact editor Lisa Mitchell at editor@tricountyrecord.com.
