Not a creature was stirring, not even one of the more than 100 PLC members who were entertained by the Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir at the December meeting.

Under the direction of Susan Porter, 11 ringers (10 belles, one beau) performed several Christmas tunes, including “Silver Bells,” “Silent Night,” “Drummer Boy” and “White Christmas,” arranged specifically for handbells. The tones of the solid brass bells, spanning three octaves, were stunningly clear in the rare silence, which was broken by a standing ovation at songs’ end.

Jo Foster was the 50/50 raffle winner, with proceeds benefitting the Linus Project. In the true spirit of Christmas, Gail Vail donated five copies of “Seasonal Hearts,” which includes short stories and artistic renderings by local Lake Oconee artists and authors.  

In addition to the five lucky ladies who won copies of the book, a poinsettia and Christmas cactus also went home with lucky ticket holders. In other business, members learned that as a group, PLC donated more than 200 Shoeboxes for Seniors, which met the quota needed for each eligible senior in Greene and Putnam Counties.

Debbie Hooper recounted the wonderful experience of hearing local author Lou Jones present insights from his books, which have been purchased for the PLC lending library. In between raffle giveaways and glorious handbells, we brunched on a sumptuous buffet artfully prepared by Chef Eric and his staff. Before leaving to continue on holiday activities, the group sang “Deck The Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” accompanied by Nancy King on the piano.