Christmas 2001

"T'was the night before Christmas and all through the room, not a creature was stirring, not even the Tots and Teen youth." On Saturday, December 8th, the PG County Tots and Teens Chapter had a wonderful Christmas celebration at the Holiday Inn in College Park. The theme, "A Celebration of Life: Holy, Happy, Healthy" was reflective of our appreciation of life - in the shadow of the September 11 tragedy and loss of life. Youth performances also centered around this.

In attendance were an abundance of Tots and Teen youth all excited about upcoming presentations, and plenty of Tots and Teen alumni, families, and youth. One DC Chapter family also joined in the festivities. Reservations were initially made for 50 people and our ranks swelled to 80 (creating overcrowded conditions; the room held 75 max). The hotel and the Tots and Teeners rose to the occasion as we sweated and smiled our way through the evening. Congratulations to the group. No tempers flared as the waiters searched for additional chairs, and we squeezed in to maximize table space. The food was delicious and miraculously the hotel managed to keep it coming in spite of our swelling numbers.

After Groups I and II bid us welcome, Shardae Pressley treated us to a holiday poem. Frankie Glover and Jason Harris provided excellent instrumental presentations on the violin and clarinet, respectively. The groups were in rare form as they came forward with their presentations.

Groups I and II mesmerized us with an adaptation of "The Christmas Story". The children were dressed in costumes reminiscent of biblical times as they told the story of the birth of Christ. The children also sand "Silent Night" accompanied on the clarinet by Jason Harris.

Group III performed "The Assignment". This is a skit written by Babette Edward (one of our new Tots ant Teens families). The play centers on the coverage by station WGOD. A breaking news story of the most important birth of all times as reported by Super Wise, Sorta Wise and Other Wise - the three Wise Men.

Group IV and V then gave a magnificent performance. Ronnie Gilmer opened with a rousing introduction on the drums, followed by the group's performance of "Santa Clause Is Coming To Town", and ended with "Jesus Is the Reason For the Season". Go Kirk Go!

Brought back by popular demand were the Sassy, Soulful, Sensational Sisters which were comprised of Rosalyn Wilcots, Babette Edwards and Donna Dyson performing "Stop In The Name Of Love". And no Tots and Teens Christmas party would be complete without the show stopping performance of the Totations. As usual, Ron Gilmer, Frank Joe, Michael Frazier and Paul Furby brought the house down with "Silent Night", as only the Totations can perform.

On cue, Santa made his entrance to complete the night for the youth. George Shorter did a splendid job as our Santa this year and we want to applaud him for stepping in at the last minute to make this a most memorable evening for all.

Of course, the line dancing served as the icing on the cake with Ray Morton leading the calling of the line dancing steps. Our thanks to the Furby family for supplying the Christmas music.

The evening was a tremendous success. We all had a wonderful time in spite of the space limitation, and much to our surprise we received a profit of $625.15. What a wonderful way to have a fundraiser. See you all next year!

By Sandra Glover