President Swope brought the 102nd Annual Children’s Holiday Party (our favorite meeting of the year) to order with a ring of the Rotary bell and Sergio, a Gardner International Magnet School student, offered a reflection. Voices united to sing the National Anthem.
Buddy the Elf kicked things off with the enthusiasm that only a grown man in a ridiculous outfit and a 5-o’clock shadow can convey, ramping up the buzz of energy in the room, awaiting the arrival of the ‘Big Guy’.
The Haslett Choir performed “Caroling, Caroling”, “Carol of the Bells”, “Peace, Peace”, and “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus” before Lisa Smith wooed the assembled Rotarians rocking their best holiday sweaters with a solo “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.
Heidi, Hari, and Mark joined Lisa for “Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer”, “Santa is Coming to Town” and “Here Comes Santa” as St. Nick himself was spotted peaking in windows, finding his way into the LCC Commons. No Chimney, no mantle, not even a tree, yet he found his way to the children’s glee. Rotarian elves helped Santa and Buddy distribute gifts; some were in their first year on the job, but they picked it up quickly.
Closing remarks from the Gardner International School leadership expressed gratitude for the continued support and impact of Lansing Rotary. Voices rose in a chorus of “White Christmas” as the children held their gifts with true delight.
As the final lines of the Grinch say, “Welcome, Christmas, bring your cheer. Cheer to all Whos far and near. Christmas Day is in our grasp, so long as we have hands to clasp”.
Looking for other festive ways to celebrate the season with the ones you love? Conversation among Rotarians suggest a visit to the town of Manistee, the iconic selfie at the BIG RED BALLS in downtown Lansing, and wandering the Christkindl Market in Grand Rapids.
Fun fact – the tree at the Capitol in Lansing AND the official White House Christmas Tree (an 18-foot Concolor Fir) were both grown on Michigan Tree Farms.
We’ll gather at the Irish Pub from 4:30-6pm on Dec. 18th, then meet again on January 9th. Wishing everyone a healthy and happy holiday season!
Email for Michelle Reynaert: mreynaert@michfb.com
Here is a link to see some of the Holiday Party pictures that Barb Whitney was kind enough to make a public folder: