December 7, 2004

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays…

It’s time for sleigh bells, lights and candles. The holiday season is upon us and nothing says it more than decorations and Christmas tree lightings.

Willow Glen Elementary (WGE) hosted a book fair for children the night of the tree lighting. Pictured from the left are Willow Glen alum and Castillero seventh grader Ivy Adams, WGE third grader Kasten Adams, book fair chair Karen Strasilla, 4-year-old Mitchell Whitlock who attends United Methodist Preschool and Ana Whitlock whose daughter Nina is in second grade.

Nearly 500 people came out on Thursday, Dec. 2 to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree at Willow Glen Elementary School signaling the start of the holiday season. The dazzling show included a presentation by the Willow Glen Community Youth Band made up of fourth and fifth grade students from Willow Glen, Booksin, Shallenberger and Galarza-Hammer elementary schools.

The tree at Willow Glen Elementary wasn’t the only thing lighting up eyes. There was so much going on at the tree lighting it was hard to know where to look and what to do first. Santa Claus was there as a benefit for the Community Youth Band and young ones were lining up to tell the jolly fat man what they wanted him to bring.

There was a book fair with lots of books, puzzles and other intellectually fun paraphernalia to help raise money for the school. And, of course, there was food, pizza, popcorn and hot chocolate, not to mention a bake sale with only the tastiest of treats.

Happenings around town
Santa’s House is open at 1115 LincolnAve., in the children’s store called Twins (formerly Freckles). Sponsored and decorated by the Willow Glen Kiwanis Club, Santa will be available to see children on Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays through Dec. 18 from noon to 4 p.m.

Children interested in sitting on Santa’s lap will receive candy canes and coloring books. Pictures are $5, or you can take your own, with proceeds going to the children’s shelter. Parents are asked to bring a can or other nonperishable food item including soups, fruits, tuna, vegetables or any kind of protein for Sacred Heart Community Services.

Charlie DeHority, left, and Jack DeHority, right, talk to Santa about gifts. Charlie is in third grade at Willow Glen and Jack attends preschool. Their mother Laura Beth DeHority is School Site Council chair and also a contributor to the Willow Glen Times.

Kiwanians will help out Santa if he’s too busy to make it. His helpers are Pastor Jerry Chapman and Larry Shoemaker.

Carriage rides
The Willow Glen Business and Professional Association will again sponsor 20-minute carriage rides through a predetermined route along Minnesota, Cherry, Meredith, Coolidge, Brace and Lincoln. If you wish a longer ride, you must purchase additional tickets for adjacent or consecutive time periods. Tickets and time slots must be ordered online. Ride dates are Dec. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24.

Each ticket is for an entire carriage, accommodating a maximum of four adults and up to two children. Check in at the Siena Bistro patio in the parking lot behind the restaurant at 1359 Lincoln. Present your online receipt to board the carriage. Riders are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled ride time.

There are no cancellations or refunds. If you can’t be there for your ride, you are encouraged to trade or sell your ticket to another family. Each carriage has hoods and umbrellas.

A number of other activities are scheduled for the holiday season. Store hours are extended on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays up to Christmas, special events during those extended store hours, such as caroling, ornament making and cookie decoration. The Fraternal Order of Eagles plans to hold a canned food drive.

So come and see all the decorations, shop and take a carriage ride. Enjoy an old fashioned Christmas in Willow Glen without the stress and fuss of the mall!