Page 22 - February 2022 SARIZONA

Barry M. Goldwater Chapter
celebrates the holidays with
style
David Swanson, BMG Newsletter Editor
December 11, 2021, BMG Christmas Party Mimi’s Café 21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix
The nasty, green COVID-19 Grinch did not
steal our annual Christmas/Holiday party and rumor has it that he was partying with my newsletter scribes and their minions in his cave on Mount Crumpit in Lower Slobbovia (good— they deserve each other).
All 27 of those in attendance had a great time with great company, great food (and great drink)! Chapter President Rick Spargo opened the event and outlined what to expect. He then introduced our Arizona SAR State officers who were present: Bill Baran, Arizona SAR President, David Swanson, Arizona SAR Historian, and David Bonnett, Arizona SAR Color Guard Commander. Next was Karen Culver, Paradise Valley DAR Chapter Genealogist and Celeste Goering, also a member of the Paradise Valley DAR Chapter and violinist who serenaded us with Christmas music.
Special guests also included BMG Charter Compatriot and Past President Earl Atwood and Mike Jones who, at the time of the Chapter organization in November 2002, was the Arizona SAR State President. He also helped form the chapter and signed its Charter.
We were also pleased that Col. & BMG Compatriot Rob Welch decided to celebrate his birthday with us!
Several toasts were given and, after our meal, items were raffled off—including some very nice bottles of wine and a gift basket. Next up was the ugly sweater contest and the winner was Jan Swanson.
Special thanks to Rick Spargo, Mark Seifert, Jerry Mead and BMG photographer Sam Edmonson for all of your efforts in making the party the success it was
Above: L-R Andrew Simmons, Rob Welch and Mark Seifert. Middle: L-R Jerry Mead, Andrew Simmons, David Swanson, Rick Spargo, Penny and David Bonnett. Bottom: Rick Spargo and Jan Swanson.
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