On Dec. 14, 144 friends and family enjoyed a Christmas show produced by the group Tin Pan Alley and hosted by Terry Gardner.
Before the show started, there was a screen in the front giving the name of the show, the people that were in it and several other bits of information. There were all kinds of decorations, plus a fireplace that was on a miniature screen on the stage. During the performance, stockings were pinned up on the fireplace.
Terry Gardner started the show with a few jokes, which were cute and prepared the crowd for a good show.
It started off with a skit with grandma and several kids. They proceeded with the song, “We Need a Little Christmas” with everyone decorating an onstage Christmas tree. They continued with more hits such as “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree,” “Silver Bells,” “Let it Snow” and others. Included along with the songs were a few dance steps and jumping on the stage.
They did a fine rendition of the Christmas song, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”.
They then performed some songs, Florida style. In other words, they did it in Hawaiian shirts, sunglasses, no Santa hat and more. For instance, they performed to the tune of “Winter Wonderland,” Florida-style, and some words were changed. It was adorable and got applause.
Next, there was a special treat for the men, as the women, in black sequin dresses, performed “Santa Baby.” They went through the entire audience and did a very good job.
Two men performed “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” while they were hopping and bopping around the stage. We were treated to several more songs, and each one was better than the next.
There was an adorable segment when they sang “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” and you could see grandma descending the stage and a guy with antlers on his head going after her. It was a cute part of the show and had everyone was in stitches.
The song “I’ll be Home for Christmas” plus “All I Want for Christmas is You” was performed as a dedication to the veterans. At this time, each individual branch was called, and as they called it, the people in the audience who were in that particular branch stood to be recognized. This included he Merchant Marines, Navy, Army, Coast Guard, Air Force and the Marines. It was a very nice moment and a beautiful touch.
There were several more songs performed like “Count Your Blessings,” and the program concluded with “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry little Christmas,” with audience participation.
After the show and during the intermission, people got the chance to talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus and have their picture taken with them.
This marked the end of a real good show, and our thanks go to Terry Gardner plus his helpers, which included Rosie Semian, Tom Carter, Karen and Bill Donlon, Ron and Joyce Bell, and the hosts Mim and Terry Gardner.
While exiting the community center, Santa gave out some candy. Everyone went home happy.
The following morning, approximately 75 people met at the community center for an egg-in-a-bag. This was hosted by Rita and George Gattos with helpers Rachel and Ron Gamache, Sue Parker, Linda Kartes, Maureen Stephans, Jim and Judi Leitzke, Carol and Clayton George, Marty Stephens and Doris Sutfin. im Leitzke said grace before tables were called to fix the ingredients for their omelet. The breakfast was delicious, and we all thank Rita and George, plus the helpers.
Then on Dec. 19, we had our usual get-together for coffee and doughnuts, and got caught up on the news for the next week.
In addition to this, Sandy Lindke presented a gift to Craig Selph.
By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons
