The Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club celebrated the holidays at the White Inn. Pictured, left to right are Judy Wilcox, Angie Leone, Karen Ryder, Sally Newell, Sharon Przybyciel, Janet Centner, Sue Drag, Santa, Lucy Hurley, Sue Alonge, Marie Zambotti, Nancy Kohler.

Santa Claus had come to the White Inn. He greeted the Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club ladies in the beautifully decorated lobby alongside the magnificent gold and red saturated Christmas tree in December.

Garland had been draped over the railings on the front veranda.

Prancing, flickering reindeer graced the landscaping in the front of the white columned mansion.

Poinsettias, greenery and festively wrapped presents were used to get guests in the holiday spirit.

Arrangements had been made to entertain the club in the private dining room. Here chairlady Sue Alonge had transformed the room into a winter, festive place. Besides another decorated tree, the tables were adorned with holly, berries, red candles, sprigs of evergreen branches, pine cones and miniature red cardinal birds.

At each setting, a linen “Happy Holidays” place mat and a wooden greeting snuggled in arborvitae branches directed members where to sit. (Alonge had greeted each member when they arrived and asked them to choose a tag. The tag chosen directed them where to sit in the dining room – matching the tag to the table holiday signs).

Each member had brought a toy to be donated to Rural Ministry. Members were allowed to order off the regular, extensive menu. Treasurer Sue Drag arranged to cover the bill for the ladies.

After ordering, the ladies, dressed in holiday finery, were directed back to the lobby to have an official photo taken with Santa. Hostess JoAnn did the honors.

After dinner, talented member Lucy Hurley led the group in a holiday sing-along, playing her keyboard and sharing song sheets and her beautiful voice. Hurley mesmerized her audience in the room and most of the Inn.

Karen Ryder and Sue Drag assisted some of the songs with musical bells and rhythm sticks.

The whole group got into the action, waving their hands like Rudolph’s antlers during a song.

In recognition of their late member, Audrey Parker, the group sang her favorite Christmas song, “Oh Christmas Tree.”