Christmas Open House 2012
By: Mike Sylva
It may not have been snowing at the center, but everyone could sure feel Jack Frost nipping their noses. Still, the halls were decked with boughs of holly as well as silver bells, letting everyone know that it’s Christmas time at the center. That meant it was time to open our doors to all our friends for an afternoon of fun, food, and frivolity.By: Mike Sylva
We started with traditional Christmas songs. Jack Meikle played piano while the crowd sang their hearts out. This was followed by the Highland Pickers and their toe tapping renditions of some holiday favorites. Next came a short intermission that gave us time to serve some cookies and cocoa. After eating their fill till their bellies shook like bowls full of jelly, it was time for Harriet Foucher and her Kristal Bells. The crowd, once again, got into the act as Harriet acted as the symphony conductor for our bell ringers in the crowd.
Maybe it was the scent of the goodies wafting through the air that led our special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus, to take a break from their hectic schedule. Santa made his way through the crowd possibly finalizing his naughty and nice list on a few of our members, but we’re pretty sure everyone will squeak through to nice list. Even Molly Wright! Then, it was back to work as he and the Missus headed back to the North Pole.
Finally, there was one big gift to be opened up before Christmas, as lucky winner, Mary Oehling who went home with their half of the 50/50 Raffle prize to buy either a nice present for someone, or a really nice present for herself! With that it was time to bundle up and go home over the river and through the woods to sit by an open fire.
Special thanks to our talented musicians and volunteers to helped us to spread a little Christmas cheer. We would especially like to thank our sponsors, Don Davis with Aetna, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for sponsoring the event.