Birth of a Tradition: Sr. Dinner and Light Tour
Author: Bob Brastrup, Townsend Lions Club
Birth of a Tradition: Sr. Dinner and Light Tour
Bob Brastrup, Townsend Lions Club
It all started with a casual conversation during morning coffee at the Commercial. Bill Kearns mentioned that he and Anita were going to take a person out to dinner and tour the Townsend Christmas lights that evening. The person had some mobility problems which would restrict her Christmas celebration.
The idea was presented to the Lions Club. The club quickly started planning to hold a dinner and light tour program for the next year.
It soon became apparent this would be an enormous undertaking requiring many hours of planning – especially gathering names of those who might wish to participate. The Lions asked the Townsend Rotary Club if they would like to co-sponsor the event. They quickly joined the program, now in its 16th year, and the first event was held in 2006.
Each year, for the first two years, Walmart provided a $2,000 grant to get the program started. Since that time, the Lions and Rotary have financed the program. About 40 senior citizens participate in the meal and tour and about 30 poinsettias are delivered each year.
The National Honor Society has also been an active participant in serving meals and providing entertainment such as caroling during the light tour.
I have several fond memories of incidents that have occurred during the years:
Pearle Vestre had invited a friend to go on the tour with her. Her friend had severe vision problems. As we toured the lights, Pearle would describe the lights to her friend. What a caring and amazing experience for all of us.
As we approached a residence displaying numerous lights during one of the tours, a participant remarked, “I certainly wouldn’t want that electric bill!”
Rides are provided to those who lack transportation. So that she could participate in the festivities, help was provided to a lady who seldom got out of the house because she needed to stay home to provide care for her ailing husband. When we arrived to give her a ride, she was all decked out in furs and diamonds for her night on the town! It was such a gratifying feeling to be able to provide her with an evening filled with excitement and pleasure!
The light tour will be from about 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the evenings of December 20 and 21. Please leave your Christmas lights on those two evenings so those on the tour can enjoy them.
Poinsettias are given to people who are unable to participate in the festivities because of illness or other reasons.
Also, when you see Bill Kearns, thank him for the wonderful 16-year holiday tradition for which he and Anita are responsible.
