The HO HO HO holidays are here
TREE LIGHTING
The GRF annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony drew more than 400 people, a record crowd, on Dec. 6 at Veterans Plaza. Santa was there for photos in front of the 20-foot tree that lit up the night sky as darkness fell.
Optum representatives, along with Theater Club elves served coffee and cookies, compliments of Optum at the HCC.
As is tradition, residents came through with toys, donating so many that makeshift collection barrels had to be rolled out, and several truckloads were be hauled off for later distribution to needy Orange County children. children. Even though the night was nippy, people bundled up and brought their grandchildren to sit on Santa’s lap. The highlight of the night was the Korean American Chorale that sang selection of Christmas carols, including the iconic “O Holy Night.”
A new tree has also been installed in front of Optum at the HCC, compliments of Optum and the GRF Recreation Department.
Coming up this week is the Toy Drive Show featuring entertainment by Vinyl Rock Saturday, Dec. 17, in Clubhouse 2. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m. Also, the Menorah will be lit and the story of Hanukkah shared at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Veterans Plaza.
And don’t forget the annual Leisure World holiday lights tour aboard the GRF Minibus from Dec. 19-23. The Minibus service will conduct two tours, at 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., except Dec. 23, when there will only be a 5 p.m. tour (see page 1 for more information).
The new tree at Veterans Plaza was lit for the first time Dec. 6.
The Theater Club elves handed out coffee and cookies to a festive crowd of LWers. For more photos, see pages 14 and 15.Ruth Osborn, photos
Theater Club elves pass out cookies.
LWer Marie Allee is the grandma of Zachery (l), who had a moment with Santa.
