By Marilyn Marshall

The Desk and Derrick Club of Long Beach held its annual Christmas dinner and 2005 Board of Directors installation on Wednesday evening, December 15, 2004. It was an enjoyable time for all. The room was festive with Christmas decorations, including lovely floral centerpieces for each table, planned by Birtiemae.

After a warm welcome to all (including her guest, Dale Marshall), 2004 President Marilyn Marshall introduced Carolyn White, who gave an inspirational message and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Lynne Murphy gave the Treasurer’s report. She also presented a Proclamation from the Wells Fargo Bank, together with a generous monetary award, to our club for its educational and community efforts to the City of Long Beach. Lynne had represented the club at a special breakfast, hosted by Wells Fargo, earlier in the month. Some of the other recipients included, "Make a Wish Foundation," "Humanity for Habitat," and the "Tiger Woods Foundation." There will be an article in the Pipeline Press in the near future.

Birtiemae Hook, 2005 President, installed the new Board of Directors, Parliamentarian and Sergeant at Arms. As she announced each one’s name, she presented the recipient with a beautiful bookmark as they accepted their responsibilities for the coming year. Her theme will be: "Enlightenment for Growth."

2005 Board of Directors:

President Birtiemae Hook

Vice President (name unpublished per request)

Secretary Sherry Sykes

Treasurer Lynne Murphy

Directors Timothy Burch and Betty Lyon

Immediate Past President Marilyn Marshall

Parliamentarian Leta Donkle

Sergeant at Arms Nelva Rowell

Sherry Sykes introduced the entertainer for the evening. Eddie Marie, professional singer, provided traditional Christmas songs, as well as other music from her sophisticated electronic karaoke equipment. The audience participated in singing holiday songs, including "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Frosty the Snowman," "Jingle Bells," etc.

Marilyn had planned to present Leta Donkle’s 50-year membership pin, but Leta wasn’t able to attend the dinner, so the pin will be presented at another date. Marilyn also presented Birtiemae with the 2005 President’s gavel and clock. Birtiemae then presented Marilyn with the retiring President’s plaque. Gerry Munoz announced that the 2004 President’s scrapbook would be available at the January dinner meeting.

Door prizes were awarded. December Birthday prizes were presented to Birtiemae Hook and Nancy Jones. Centerpieces and other prizes were won by Lynne, Nelva, Timothy, Nancy, Sherry, and Birtiemae.

Sherry and Marilyn announced the Club’s 2004 Contest entries, which had been selected by the Contest Committee. They were mailed to the ADDC Contest Committee on December 7, 2004.

Marilyn asked that all 2004 Committee Chairmen please stand. In appreciation for all their work, dedication, and support this past year, she presented each with a special gift..

Newly installed 2005 President Birtiemae spoke of everyone making an effort to work for the Club, and encouraged our two new members, Timothy Birch and Elaine Green, to do some recruiting. She also mentioned that all Board meetings will now begin at 4:30 p.m. and the first Board Meeting of 2005 will be on Wednesday, January 12.