SMUG'S 7TH CHRISTMAS PARTY WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

SMUG 2014

SMUG CHRISTMAS PARTY   DECEMBER 20, 2008

TODAY WE HAD OUR 7TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY AT RAZZY'S ROAD HOUSE WITH A RECORD ATTENDANCE. THE MUSIC WAS GRAND AS WE SANG FROM OUR CHRISTMAS PERFORMING BOOK TO THE DELIGHT OF THE STAFF AND PATRONS IN THE RESTAURANT. WE FINISHED UP WITH A WONDERFUL MEAL AT 11:30, AND RAZZY'S GREAT FOOD WAS ENJOYED BY ALL, COMPLIMENTS OF THE "TOONIE BIN" WHICH HAD A BIT LEFT OVER AFTER WE PAID THE 2014 RENT TO THE TEMPLE COMPANY. THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR THAT SMUG HAS TRAVELED TO RAZZY'S FOR A CHRISTMAS HOOPLA AND PROMISES TO BE A FUTURE LOCATION FOR SOME SATURDAY MORNING GATHERINGS. MAURICE, OUR NEW PRESIDENT(elected this morning) HAD SOME CLOSING REMARKS ALONG WITH A WELL DELIVERED POEM ABOUT "HUGS" WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN DIRECTED TO THE "STARTER AND STOPPER" IN THE GROUP, ALONG WITH KIND AND THOUGHTFUL WORDS. CONSEQUENTLY THE "STARTER AND STOPPER" TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY AND WAITED AT THE DOOR FOR GOODBYE HUGS FROM EVERYONE AS THEY LEFT. OUR CHERISHED GROUP HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED IN SIZE SINCE OUR 2007 INCEPTION, BUT SO SORRY A FEW WERE NOT ABLE TO MAKE IT TODAY FOR OUR YEARLY CLOSING BASH. CONGRATULATIONS TO ELIZABETH AND GLORIA FOR THEIR UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS NEXT WEEK, TO WHOM WE APPROPRIATELY SANG. LOOKING FORWARD TO NEW BEGINNINGS IN 2015.

BIG TURN-OUT AT 501 QUEEN..STANDING OVATION

Once again Grace called from 501 Queen Street, a seniors' apartment complex across from Superstore. That would be Grace MacIntosh, who is and has been responsible for entertainment since our beginning performance there in 2009. Grace even had the neighbours out last night for the largest gathering we have ever seen at 501. They welcomed us, sang with us, gave a rousing hand after every song and added a standing ovation as we stood for the final bow, ukuleles waving. Grace made sure that we knew that we would be asked to return next year.

Barry and Mary

ALLISON and JOAN

ELIZABETH and BARRY

GRACE MACINTOSH

SMUG DOES A CHRISTMAS PROGRAM AT GILLIS LODGE

Lynda playing piano with SMUG

SMUG made a third journey to The Dr. John Gillis Memorial Lodge today for a fine performance by 20 SMUGGERS. We were excited to have Lynda Sharpe join us again on the piano, a great thrill for us as we don't often have the opportunity to have such a skilled pianist play along with us. Doug MacKenzie, the Administrator, welcomed us at 10 a.m. and served us all a great lunch following the one hour performance of upbeat Christmas Songs and Carols. The residents were warm and supportive and sang along with us on many songs. One lady told us that we made her Christmas; guess that's some of what makes ours as well!

Doug MacKenzie welcoming SMUG

My neighbour of 40 years, Pat Johnston

2014 SMUG CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE AT ANDREWS OF STRATFORD

Lots of photos taken today as we had the expertise of Sharon Woods-Bryenton both as a singer and photographer.Sharon is the activity director at Andrews of Stratford and an often performer with SMUG, as well as WineSing and The Retrofrets. We all had a wonderful afternoon of Christmas songs with complete audience participation. SMUG were in good form after their supper/dinner on Sunday evening at First Baptist.

5th VISIT TO THE CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY DINNER AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

The Reverend Annette Wells (Daughter of Dennis and Kathleen Wells) as she asks the blessing,  welcomes the guests to the turkey supper as well as thanking SMUG for our participation.

SMUG enjoyed playing for the Annual Community Christmas Turkey Dinner at First Baptist Church last night. It was our 5th appearance at this splendid Christmas Gala and pleasing to those participating as well as the many who put the feast together every year. As the entertainment for the evening we were also treated to the wonderful meal, complete with dessert for almost everyone! Obviously we have been doing something right as so many of both the participants and volunteers are very complimentary towards our very humble group. Over 200 guests were fed as well as 23 SMUGGERS and probably as many First Baptist volunteers. It was a glorious and heart warming evening. First Baptist may have to renovate the stage though, if we were privileged to return another year......we may also have to bring our own chairs.