Jack Frost was still hanging around from the near-freezing night before as people made their way down La Mesa Boulevard on the morning of December 15. Ladies in their prettiest Christmas sweaters and men dressed in their best were headed to the annual Holiday Open House at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center.
Jack Frost was still hanging around from the near-freezing night before as people made their way down La Mesa Boulevard on the morning of December 15. Ladies in their prettiest Christmas sweaters and men dressed in their best were headed to the annual Holiday Open House at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center.
Recreation Supervisor Kathy Tinsley opened the doors to them, welcoming them to the tables laden with pastries and fruit donated by Good Samaritan Retirement Home of El Cajon. Tinsley made spirits bright with her energy and enthusiasm, announcing that the first group to perform for them would be some children from “Small Friends,” a preschooler class that meet at the La Mesa Community Center.
Heads turned and hearts melted as a long line of toddlers filed into the room. One of their instructors led them all in Christmas songs. When it was time to sing “Jingle Bells,” she them all bells. They sang and rang with glee.
Afterward, Tinsley bent down close to each of them and asked if they had anything they’d like to say. Some of them shyly turned away, but most spoke into the microphone like little pros and said, “Merry Christmas!”
Next up was a group of performers from the Urban Soul Line Dance class that meets on Monday afternoons, led by Ed Griffith.
“I was so impressed by this class that I signed up for it and take my lunch break during the class,” Tinsley said.
“And I’m learning my steps. So if I can do it, you can, too,” she said.
Griffith got up with his group. “The only rule we have in this group is to have fun,” he said.
All of them had red fans in their hand. “In this first song, we will be popping open our fans, which adds a lot to the dance,” Griffith said.
A fun R & B rhythm started up, and the group did a mix of steps like cha-cha. When they flared open their fans, they made a fun popping sound. Applause broke out when they finished.
Tinsel said that when the dancers became more experienced, they received a fan. “I’m not there yet,” she said.
Griffith and his Urban Soul class danced to several more songs, including a dance called “Wonderful,” the “Shuffle Boogie,” and “Tender Moments.”
“See why I chased Griffith down to get him over here to the center with his class?” Tinsel teased.
The next group of performers were musicians and vocalists called “Fun Bunch Singers” which also meets on Mondays at the Center. Art Bernard led the singers and the audience in Christmas carols.
Tinsley then took a moment to thank the volunteers, who help keep the center open.
“I appreciate all of them, but I have to say I have extra special respect for our volunteer Joshua Stewart—over there in the corner, wave at him!—because he is a sailor, protecting our freedoms,” Tinsley said.
Stewart smiled. “I was taught to always respect my elders. They certainly know more than I do,” he said.
Stewart had driven by the center one day and thought he’d check to see if any help was needed. “So now I do a little bit of everything from answer the telephone to making coffee and helping people who come in.
“If we don’t have or know the answer to the help that people are looking for, we will do everything we can to point them in the right direction,” said Stewart, who is currently stationed at the 32nd Street Naval Station.
The next group of performers were musicians and vocalists called “Fun Bunch Singers” which also meets on Mondays at the Center. Art Bernard led the singers and the audience in Christmas carols.
In closing, Tinsley thanked Urban Soul and Fun Bunch Singers again. Griffith had a surprise for Tinsley; he presented her with a pretty blue fan.
“This is our way of thanking you for letting us have our class here,” Griffith said,” giving Tinsley a hug.
“I am so lucky,” Tinsley said, admiring her new fan.
“This is the 26th year I’ve worked here. I always look forward to waking up and coming to work because I love the people, all of you,” she said.
To get a schedule of classes and programs at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Program, go to the center at 8450 La Mesa Boulevard.
