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President Nick opened our meeting, the 100th annual Lansing Rotary Holiday Party, with our special guests the students and faculty from Gardner International Magnet School. President Nick asked Chris Holman to summarize the first holiday party of the club, Chris succinctly stated “It was smaller”. The children dined on chicken, macaroni and cheese and most importantly cookies. There was a something different in the vibe of the room as whispers and murmurs about program speaker Santa Claus. Concerns were shared that with no snow on the ground Santa may not be able to land the sleigh this year. One of the Gardner students gave the reflection and all in attendance sang the National Anthem. With the formalities handled, President Nick introduced our emcee of the day Steve Robinson. Emcee Steve adorned a tuxedo in honor of long time Christmas host Ken Beachler, who always cherished his role as our annual host. Emcee Steve introduced The Greater Lansing Ballet Company, who performed excerpts from the Nutcracker Ballet. My table mate for the day Pat Hanes comment this is a nice addition to the event. The children put it more eloquently with a “Wow, that spin looks hard”, I just grabbed my back and moaned. After their amazing performance, Emcee Steve introduced Travis Williams and Heidi McNaughton to sing some traditional Christmas songs. Travis sang “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Winter Wonderland. Heidi sang “Mary Did You Know”. All of the songs were accompanied by John Dale Smith on the piano. Next up Travis and Heidi were joined by Hari Kern and Mark Hooper to lead all attendees in singing Christmas Carols beginning with “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”, then “Santa is Coming to Town”, which was briefly interrupted by a Jolly Old Elf in a red suit peering through the window, the children immediately recognized the figure and exclaimed “it’s Santa”. The songs seemed to be working, we then all sang “Here Comes Santa Claus” and sure enough Santa entered the room adorned in his Christmas apparel with all the bells and whistles (well really just bells). Santa asked for all Rotarians that were good this year to stand and five stood up, which Santa proclaimed a record number for the Club. At this point the event reached its pinnacle with Santa’s helpers brining forth presents for the children to hand out as the children’s names were called out by Gardner Assistant Principal Zachary Dowdy. Paper was flying off the packages and each child received the gift they had asked for. With that Santa declared Merry Christmas and Principal Dowdy and the students thanked all of the Rotarians for sharing this day with them. President Nick sent us on our way until we meet next at the holiday social gathering on December 21st at Tavern & Tap, 111 E. Michigan Ave. beginning at 4:30 pm. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  If you would like to email Tim, his email is: TAdams@manercpa.com |
