This text was sent to Jennifer Busch Dixner a teacher at Gardner International Magnet School from Renesmee's mom who said:  "thank you all for this opportunity for Renesmee, this is all that she will be getting for Christmas this year so thank you again."

 

As luck would have it, or maybe Santa stepped in.....a package (Melissa & Doug Solid Wood Building Blocks) showed up at the last minute on the porch steps, and since Renesmee is visually impaired this gift was exactly what she had requested. The text from teacher Jennifer said:  "We just got back from the party.  I have an additional gift for Renesmee.  It can be from your family or Santa, you choose".

 

The response: "Thank you so much, I wish I would be there to give you a big hug".

Our special tradition of Lansing Rotary’s 99th annual Christmas Party was opened with President Courtney ringing the bell. After opening comments, Myra Duggan a student guest from Gardner International Magnet School shared her reflections in expressing the students’ thanks for this wonderful day and giving blessings to all. The club then rose to sing the National Anthem backing up the DeWitt High School Choir and our own John Dale Smith, the Keyboard Elf.

 

Next the show was turned over to Ken Beachler, the North Poles own Elf of Music and Entertainment. Elf Beachler made sure the introduction was formalized welcoming the DeWitt High School Choir and Meghan Eldred their Music Director. The choir members entertained us in performing four numbers. White Winter Hymnal, Little St. Nick, Silver Bells, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas brought us out of our carb induced slumbers.

 

As if summoned by the choir’s performance, whispers and murmurs were heard from the children scattered about, a strange man in a red suit looked in from the windows outside and to all those in attendance he appeared to be, well a jolly old fellow with a belly that would shake like a bowl of Jell-O. The children all seemed to recognize this bearded fellow, but the adults in the room were more skeptical and remained mellow. Just as the choir concluded their performance the mysterious figure no longer appeared causing some in the room to fret with worry and fear.

 

The show was beginning to go off the rails, until Elf Beachler broke out a story “Twas the Night Before Christmas” with Elf John Dale adding musical theatrics to assist with the story, Elf Beachler was now in his glory. This ploy seemed to work as the red figure appeared window again, this time carrying a large red sack so full only a magical elf would be able to carry that on his back. But just as before when the story concluded the figure was no longer in sight and again, we were eluded.

 

Doing his best to not allow the day’s events to lose its momentum; Elf Beachler called forth for us to sing to the Heavens. Elves Lisa Smith, Heidi McNaughton and Mark Hooper were up to the challenge and joined Elf Beachler at the front of the room to lead us all back from our gloom. Next thing you know we all were signing with glee, Rudolph, Santa Clause is Coming and Here Comes Santa Clause were all sang only slightly off key. Sadly, the mysterious red figure did not reappear as before, Rotarian’s feared they may have to run for the door. Looks of concern and sighs of distraught were seen in the room and it seemed this week’s meeting was ending in doom. The children however did not lose their hope refusing budge from their seats showing unwavering faith and care that adults in the room did not seem to share.

 

As the those in attendance began to rise to leave, three of the children all brought an end to the reprieve. In the back of the room three students reappeared leading a jolly old elf and a big bag of presents which finally gave us hope the day would end pleasant. Mouths fell open in awe as we all soon realized Santa Clause was here after all and he seemed to be in jolliest mood as he bellowed his call. Because the children refused to budge Santa’s mood was so joyful that he gave up a long-held grudge and with a voice full of glee he even promised, Chris Holman socks under his tree.

As Santa assumed his post in the room, he asked that Rotarians join him up front to end any more gloom. He commanded their help in completing his chore, passing out presents the children seated around the floor. All the children with a smile of anticipation on their face inspired Santa to command that Rotarians need to pick up the pace. With the gift giving complete Santa declared he was done with his mission and left without seeking President Courtney’s permission.

 

As Santa disappeared down the hall, President Courtney tried to regain control of it all. Finally, with the microphone in hand she was able introduce one more man. Introduction complete Zach Dowdy, Assistant Principal from Gardner School rose to his feet and thanked us all for letting them be our guest and one final request, to return again next year would be a great honor.

 

Now with the ringing of the bell as the final act of the day and a signal to us all to be on our way.

 

Merry Christmas!!

 

Tim Adam's email is:  TAdams@manercpa.com