Santa was in Omena on Christmas Eve and it was a wonderful, multi-generational affair. Over 30 adults and almost 20 children awaited Santa’s arrival on the fire truck. There were five families with three generations at the gathering. Two families, the Wheelers and the DelaFuentes, tied for most attendees this year, with twelve each. They both had seven adults and five children with them. Martha DelaFuente was there with her daughters and sons-in-law and all five of her grandchildren.
Bob and Kori Wheeler not only had three generations there, but three generations who had all sat on Santa’s lap in the fire hall. Kori grew up in downtown Omena and went to see Santa at the fire hall every Christmas Eve. Her mother, Alice Brown Hauske, was part of Club 21 that always organized Santa’s visit. Four of their five grandchildren had the honor this year, but one chose to be a little shy. Santa still gave her a bag of candy.
Steve and Mary Stanton were there with their daughter and son-in-law, Emily and James Kohler, and their three children. They are also three generations who have seen Santa at the Omena fire hall as children. Mary grew up in Omena, and, although she lived out of state for many years, has only missed one year of seeing Santa in Omena. Her children also went every year. Mary’s mother, Anna Hallett, was also part of the Club 21 members who always made sure that Santa had cookies in Omena. It’s why he keeps coming every year.
Marcia McMorrow was there with her son and daughter-inlaw from Traverse City, and their two sons.
Sheila and Jeff Lingaur were the other three generational family there, with their daughter Emily and granddaughter Astrid. They are also the third family who was there to have three generations who had gone to Santa as children. Sheila remembered that the bags that Santa hands out to the kids used to have peanuts in the shell and hard candy. That was the same when her children saw Santa. That was before peanut allergies were understood well, so now the elves make sure there are no nuts in the candy. Astrid was also one of the shy ones this year, so she chose not to actually sit on Santa’s lap, but she enjoyed the cookies and singing carols. Many thanks to Jeff for leading the caroling.
Astrid’s great-great grandmother, Geneva Smith, was the Omena postmistress for many years. Geneva was also a member of Club 21 and always helped with Santa’s visit. The house that Astrid lives in in downtown Omena was built by her ancestor, Rinaldo Putnam, one of the first farmers in Omena. I’m not sure I have enough fingers to count what generation that makes Astrid in that house, but I definitely haven’t had enough coffee yet today to figure it out. More on that in a future column.
Many thanks to Eric and Kristi Hallett who escorted Santa in the fire truck. Eric has driven Santa to town for about 40 years. Thank you also to Diane Joyce for agreeing to chair the event this year. She and 15 Omena elves, including her son Jack, all volunteered to provide cookies, cider, and bags of candy for Santa to hand out to all of the children. A good time was had by all.
Speaking of multi-generational gatherings, Dale and Joan Blount had a wonderful Christmas with their entire family - four generations - in Omena. They got to see their great granddaughter, Belle, who was born in October, for the first time. Their grandson Jeff managed to come all the way from Hawaii, where he is working.
Happy Birthday this week to Jake Buzby, Rob Biederman, Robert Nelson, and Aric Browning. Happy 10th Anniversary to Mason and Shelbie Groot.
Omena Mayor Rosie Disch wishes everyone a healthy, happy, and peaceful New Year.
