The cool temperatures and wind kept the attendance down for the annual Golf Cart Parade. Still, those who braved the elements decorated their carts with lights, sound, ornaments, dead deer heads, and the occasional teddy bear. Forty-five carts were counted as they left the clubhouse at 6:00 Thursday night.
Returning, cold and windblown, an estimated 200 residents lined up for cocoa and cookies, provided by Hometown America. Thank you HTA. The traditional Heads or Tails game was played, with more than one person asking how a game featuring cow butts became traditional at our Christmas parties. If we ever find out, we’ll let you know.
Following that game was a short skit put on by the Diversions Committee, taking a look at the iconic Charlie Brown’s Christmas special, only fast-forwarded 60 years and taking place in an unnamed Florida Retirement Community. Charlie Brown, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, Lucy, and Violet groused about the busyness of the season until Linus gave his unforgettable recitation of the Nativity from Luke Chapter 2. Richard Wright played our Linus, Bill Rulli was Charlie Brown, Bob Larocque dazzled in his musical Schroeder shirt. The girls were played by Shirley Kabet, Violet: Kathy Miller, Lucy: and stepping in at the last minute to play Sally was the author of the skit, Betsey Ellis. Christine Holmes had to step aside at the last minute due to laryngitis.
The White Elephant gift exchange came next, followed by the Left-Right passing game, which this year had a Tanglewood theme. Finally the dozens of door prizes were given away and the winner of the candy jar guessing game took his prize home.
Diversions wants to sincerely thank all those who donated door prizes, who brought white elephant gifts, who worked in the kitchen, or out at the Santa Station, or directed traffic on the parade route. Special thanks go to Bruce and Melinda Townsend, our Santa and Mrs. Santa, Bill Rulli for leading the parade, and Christine Holmes for planning and running the party with a harsh and raspy voice. NOBODY plans like Christine.
The Diversions Committee is always looking for more members. Snowbirds are welcome as well as full timers. We meet once a month, the first Thursday at 1:00. Come sit in on a meeting, see what we’re all about.
