Children's Christmas Party
by Lorine Parks
The one meeting guaranteed to send us out with a smile on our faces: our lunch with the children when Santa comes.
And did Santa ever arrive! He came in dancing to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” ringing his bell and patting his fat belly.
All the boys and girls jingled their bells too, because each had received a red bell on a red cord to hang around their neck, and the girls had bracelets with bells on. We Rotarians swung our car keys and tapped our water glasses, as we have been practicing all month.
Thanks to the Downey Unified School District’s Denise Andrews, who coordinated the buses bringing the children, we filled the Rio Hondo Event Center room with 14 tables, 140 children and Rotarians all singing Jingle Bells and enjoying Christmas cheer.
The students had their own special lunch line, with kinder-sized hamburgers and apple juice, while we went through our more ponderous buffet line. Serving an appetizing kiddie menu worked, because most cleaned their plate while they waited for Kris Kringle. Barbara Lamberth had decorated the tables with white tablecloths and red and green napkins, and sprinkled miniature candy canes in the center.
This reporter sat at the table with Alameda School, with Principal Charlene Shimada who wore a necklace of real Christmas tree light bulbs that twinkled off and on. Second graders Alyssa, Isaac and Ludiver waited patiently while the schools were called up to see Santa alphabetically – reverse alpha, that is. So Alameda came last. But they had plenty of trinkets to amuse them, and bags of cookies and candy.
President Russell Skersick introduced Dr. John Garcia, who began with Unsworth and Williams, and did the honors, announcing each school and the accompanying teachers. Dr John said each child’s name clearly and distinctly. These boys and girls had to know that Santa thinks they are special.
While waiting our table’s turn, I interviewed Andrea Griffin who was also sitting with us. She is what is known as a “categorical resource teacher,” which refers to the fact that she is federally funded per Title I, hired in addition to what the Downey DUSD can provide. She explained that she is what we used to call a remedial teacher, helping children with special needs.
“Oh good,” I said, “each classroom has a remedial teacher.” “No,” said Andrea. She is the only one for Alameda school’s entire population of about 660. There is also an “intervention” teacher, who helps struggling students, to bring them up to grade. Andrea was thankful for the luncheon, because ordinarily she doesn’t pause for lunch during her busy day. With us she could relax and enjoy the meal and join with the children in their visit.
Andrea also said that during the parent-teacher conferences early in the year at school, the teachers try to get an idea of which children are most in need of a little extra cheer at Christmas.
At last Dr. John called for “The Alameda Tigers,” and our tablemates trooped up to see the indefatigable Santa. Past Presidents Will Medina and Larry Garces helped give out the presents, as did Shirley Johnson. What were this year’s gifts? For the girls, a Wonder Woman figure with long black hair, dressed in blue and red with white stars, and her golden Lasso of Truth. The boys got Muscle Action Figures with adjustable pieces of armor. And for each, an Advent Calendar with 24 squares of chocolate, to share with their families when they got home.
As editor and photograph I would like share a few photos that capture the essence of what this event is about and how a few Rotarians really made the day for a few kids.
Yes, on left is a rare picture of me but on the right is the young lady took the photo. I was told by one of the teachers that allowing her to take that photo had. "Made her day." because she had a rough year.
Many of you know Rotarian Paul Mathys, well the young lady to his left was enthrall to have someone give her the undivided attention to help her assemble her new toy.
Last but not least is Santa Claus, Rotarian Wayne Wilcox shared his time and talent to give each student some Christmas joy.
We Rotarians have one more Event on our Calendar, our Club Christmas party, which will be held at the Arc in Downey on Thursday at 6 pm, December 22. After that, as Santa was heard to say ere he strode out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night.”