Darla was good enough to act as photographer as usual at our annual Christmas party for the golf club. I was the emcee this year and introduced the new board and talked a bit about our accomplishments throughout the year. I also introduced all of the Past Presidents in attendance and talked about two of my board members that are stepping down this year and thanked them for their service to the club. I then awarded the Wade Cable award an annual award named after one of the early club members who went above and beyond the call of duty in helping to make the Roseville Golf Club such a great club. The recipient this year (chosen by me) is a guy who has been President twice, Vice-president, and tournament director. He has helped us scope out new venues for away tournaments and is always there to help the club. He has been a member for almost 35 years and he was shocked when his name was called. He was brought to tears by a raucous standing ovation and was overwhelmed. it was fun to surprise him. He received a brass plaque and $200 from the club for his service. I then was able to install the new President, Rick, by placing a Presidential jacket on him and handing over the gavel and briefcase. It was a fun year and we got a lot accomplished in the club, instituting a slow play rule that has sped up play and finally being awarded the Premiere designation for our annual junior golf tournament. It is now a points event which will ensure a full field of the best junior golfers in Northern California.
Rick had me stay up at the front of the room and presented me with a half gavel plaque with my year of Presidency inscribed which I will proudly hang in my office. The board also took up a collection and presented me with a $100 gift certificate to Ruth Cris steakhouse and a $50 gift card to Wide World of Golf and Tennis. It was all very overwhelming.
The party went off without a hitch and much alcohol was consumed over the 4 1/2 hours. New friendships were forged and old friendships renewed and we had a ball.
The board got together at Timbercreek Golf Course on Friday for our annual board of officers golf outing and I shot 41+42=83 on a cold, foggy and wet December day. I was able to invite Boyd and my friend, Mel, and also played with Bob from the board. I went out on Saturday and bought a Northern Face brand ear shield to wear under my golf hat. My ears get so cold when we are golfing that my entire body gets cold and stiff. I felt like if I can keep my ears warm, I'll be warmer.
I tested that theory today in our final event of 2008, the Eclectic final, and it wasn't entirely accurate. My ears stayed warm, but my throat was cold (I started out a bit hoarse from the event the night before) and I'll need to gargle tonight. I shot 41+41=82 with birdies on both the front side and the back. I look forward to the return of the warmer weather as it was about 44 degrees when we teed off and warmed up to about 52 degrees. The sun actually broke out on the back side and teased me with it's warmth before quickly diving behind some low clouds and making it feel even colder. I built a fire when I got home and snuggled under a blanket on the couch while watching Dallas do their annual December fold in the NFL. Tony Romo is a great quarterback, but he can't handle cold weather.
My assistant, Dinda, will have her last day with the company on Wednesday and we will struggle to adjust to life without her. I will share an assistant with Gail in my office and hope to see a turn in the market next year so that I can hire some more help. We are down about 14% in premium this year and up about 5% in policy count. Last year at this time I had 17 employees in Sacramento and five in Modesto. We now have 12 in Sacramento and 4 in Modesto, so in point of fact, we are working on more policies with less staff, ergo everyone is having to work harder. Tough times, but we have jobs and the office will make about $250,000 in profit this year down about $30K from last year.
The pictures above -in order- are 1. me with my VP and the new President of RGC, Rick. 2. Me with Joe, the Wade Cable winner. 3. Me with Rick again. 4. Me with my former President, Neil, who I succeeded in 2008. 5. And me with my real boss.
Jennifer and Samantha will be home for Christmas. She flies in Christmas morning and will stay until the 28th. I hope to be able to sit down with Jennifer and see what direction she is taking in her life and why. I look forward to seeing Samantha. If you want to see new pictures of her, check out her blog on the link. John took her on the Santa run in Old Town Vegas (Fremont Street) and they ended up making the news.
Well, until next time, be well and keep Christ in Christmas and Holy in your holidays. Ciao.
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