What a success! More than 500 people came to welcome in the Christmas season on the North Shore. Thanks Lago Vistans, you are tremendous.
The 23rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Event was a delight. It is my annual gift to you—a gift I couldn’t do without my wonderful friends.
The free supper was donated by the great food providers and organizations of the area: True Grits Texas Bar & Grill, Rolling Hills Community Church, Scout Troup 77, Dee Dee’s Tacos & More, Bam’s Roadhouse Grill, Domino’s Pizza, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, North Shore-Lago Vista Rotary Club and The Adequate Snack.
The 20 fresh Christmas Wreaths arrived 10 days early and were kept at 60 degrees. Last year they arrived a day after the event. The $427 collected is a nest egg for the Fort Hood Adopt-A-Unit program that I am currently organizing for Lago Vista. Charter members were: Aletha Wells, Susan Heffley, Connie Conkle, Cathy Roberts, Faye Tessnow, Kim Whitton, Martha Cunningham, Mary Stowe, Terri Smth, Debbie Walker, Pete Massie, Connie Conkle, Jim Speckmann, Cyndie Carter, Valerie McBride, Joyce and Gary Olsen, Robin Adrian, and Ann and Greg Murrow. Care to participate?  Please call 970-4400.
A delightful evening of entertainment showcased pre-schoolers through high school, and one very talented young man, Pat Dixon. Guests were pleased to see the Lago Vista High School band and Viking Choir as they gave us a peak into the fun they are experiencing in the musical world at their tender age. And then, there was the captivating youth choir from Rolling Hills Church singing bout “smelly, scroungy sheep,” followed by a captivating performance by the youngsters from Lago Vista Academy with their quiet antics and hand puppets.
The countdown to turning on the 15-foot Christmas tree at K-Oaks Clubhouse is an exciting part of the evening.  The LVPOA received a well deserved applause. We members are most fortunate in having the POA and such splendid amenities.
I may be the sponsor of the event, but thanks to my dedicated friends the event was fun for all, especially for me. Surprises do occur.
A master of ceremony had to be found at 5 p.m. because Warwick Andrews was in the emergency room and the second MC was a no-show. Denny Grosse handled the mike graciously and effectively.
Handling the music accompaniment for each part of the program was the “always-can-count-on” Stan Miller. Mike McKiernan and granddaughter Kamaryn Schoeffler controlled the stage curtain with aplomb.
Guests were welcomed warmly at the door by Wanda Johnson. Lights were accurately lit in a timely fashion by Robin Adrian. Wadiht Eljuri and Cheryl Sullivan were everywhere and always in the right place at the right time. Risé Johns always contributes a stunning wreath.
Three businesses were so helpful in letting guests know of the event:  Sun Hardware, UPS and The Beanstalk. And let’s not forget the two performers dressed in red: Anna Johndrow and Jim Dougherty.
Best Childrens’ Display went to Bill Selph on Rock Terrace (Santa does come by land, air and sea.)
The WOW Display went to Dorothy House of Point Venture (A forest of trees. Be sure to open your window and listen to the music. You can almost smell pine trees.)
Most Unusual display went to Tina Arnold on Highland Lake Drive at Allegiance (Palm Trees, no less!)
The display with the most lights is Bill Angelo. From a block away, a bouquet of antique roses appears.
Each family wins a $100 bond. Please pick up your application at Coldwell Banker, S.G. Billings Realtors in Jonestown prior to Dec. 3. Congratulations!
Merry Christmas, Lago Vistans! Isn’t it great to be alive in Lago Vista!