St. Nick arrives with fire trucks

Mildred Lykens, 365-0060

lykensme@embarqmail.com

http://lyle-wa.blogspot.com/

Just after the arrival of the sheriff's decorated police car, bringing Santa to the Lyle children, the air was sliced with sirens from two decorated Lyle fire trucks. With lights flashing and sirens screaming, they made their entrance to the delight of the many children gathered to greet Old St. Nick.

Members of the OLESS group had gathered earlier to decorate inside and out to express their Christmas spirit. Once inside, the children lined up to visit Santa privately, whispering their fondest Christmas wishes. Meanwhile, outside, the adults clustered around the barbecue pit, under the lighted pavilion, to roast marshmallows for making S'mores.

Members of the Twin Bridges Museum supplied the cocoa and served candy canes and homemade cookies that both organizations provided. Many parents were able to capture the moment by photographing their little one with dear old St. Nick.

A big Thank You goes out to the Christmas spirited "Elf" who has adorned both "Lyle Welcomes You" signs with bouquets of poinsettias. What a nice addition that brings to not only the traveler, but us as well.

Game Night is starting again, beginning Jan. 6. Games, goodies and gobs of fun will be on the agenda. Meeting will be at the Activity Center on 3rd St. Hours are 7 to 9 p.m. All ages are urged to get out and enjoy fraternizing with your neighbors.

This month's regular Lyle Community Council meeting has been cancelled. As it falls on the day after Christmas it was decided that there was nothing on the agenda that warranted the need for one.

Memaloose Winery is having a New Year's Day "Eagle Outing" Fundraiser at their Highway 14 tasting room. The event will support the Gorge Community Foundation, a charitable giving organization that supports many Gorge charities. Celebrate the return of the eagles to Lyle and join a naturalist for guided walks to the eagle hotspots along the Klickitat. The usual $5 tasting fee will be donated to the foundation. The Tasting Room at the Klickitat bridge will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with walks scheduled for 9:15, 10:30 and 11:45. Taste some of the Gorge's finest wines, visit with neighbors, and enjoy a bit of Nature in our own back yard.

May I take a little more space to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a most prosperous and healthy New Year? And may God bless America by bringing our soldiers back home to be with their families!