DEAR ABBY: I chaired an event with a local service organization. Hours of planning and decoration were spent. During the program, several members began playfully throwing some items from the center at the guest speakers. At the end of the program, most of the room’s most important pieces were dismantled and placed on the floor.

My committee had a difficult and tedious cleaning job. We felt like the hours we spent on planning and hard work were disrespected by these childish antics. This was an end-of-year program where new officers were called in and a celebration of a wonderful previous year was made, and there was always some jolly shenanigans going on. But I’ve never experienced complete chaos before. Should I say or write something to celebrate a successful year end? — WE WERE SURPRISED IN TEXAS

Mr FLABBERGASTED: Were these cheerful members drunk or simply disorganized? Do you “reluctantly” destroy the middle tracks and throw parts of them at the speakers? Aside from the potential for danger, what a disrespectful behavior to everyone involved! I think what happened should not be ignored. Speak no matter what. You and other committee members certainly have the right to let perpetrators know how this makes you feel. You’re not the only one surprised. Me too.

Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact dear Abby at: www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.