Happiness is in the Air

What a wonderful time of the year! And especially with our gorgeous weather! Santa’s sleigh flies nicely in warm weather. Today the East Naples Civic and Commerce Association (ENC&C) held their wonderful annual Santa Run for the children in Naples Manor, and the Sheriff’s office distributed flyers notifying all the folks in that community they were coming, and the children were ready! Ted Beisler, Ron Cummings and I along with the ENC&C were all there in the beginning, starting this event at least 25 years ago, and most of the originals are still there. Also participating in the event beside the ENC&C was Santa and Mrs. Claus riding in their sleigh, the Fire Department ringing all their bells and whistles, the Sheriff’s Deputies, Parkside Elementary School teachers, and many grownups in their decorated cars and golf carts, cheering the parade on! Law Enforcement even had their “LEAD” car (Law Enforcement Against Drugs) in the parade. Happiness was certainly in the air when the children came out of their own house or rode up on their bikes squealing with delight and laughter! The ENC&C purchased a huge amount of candy to distribute, while the Ladies of Lely Lakes bagged all the candy in advance for Santa and his elves to give to the kids. It was thrilling to see the kids so delighted and happy. Even senior members of the community came out of their houses to watch the delight on the faces of the children. After the hurricane and Covid, this was a lovely break to all. When the parade ended, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and I went to Perkins and the staff and the patrons of the restaurant were thrilled to see them. Plus people came over to our table to take pictures of the “couple” which brightened people’s day. It was amazing to watch the reaction of those around. It brought happiness into their day, and into OUR day as well! The employees and guests were all smiles, which filled our hearts! It takes so little to bring a little happiness into a quiet day. Kindness always feels good. We should all try at least once a day to be kind to our employees, to our family, to our friends, to our neighbors, to our church congregation. Usually it starts with a smile. We can all do that! 

• Deepest sympathies to Sandra S. on the passing of her beloved mother. 

• Now onto the Hungarian American Christmas Dinner which was held at Forest Glen Country Club! It’s a great place with great food! Let me tell you about it. There are quite a few Hungarians in this area, and one you probably know is Commissioner Frank Halas, whom I served with on the County Commission. He was the one who brought me into this Club in the first place. Frank was dedicated to his district in North Naples and served them well! His wife was also a Hungarian and even sang in Hungarian! There was Hungarian music which many people sang along with (I don’t speak Hungarian, so they didn’t have to listen to me try to sing). They had Hungarian food and pastry, lots of music and lots of dancing. I actually met a man at the dinner who knew I had been a commissioner and had followed the commission meetings on TV and said a few nice things. He had read my columns in the Coastal Breeze News and mentioned it. He lives on Marco Island! It was very nice to meet this pleasant fellow with a great smile.

See you next week. Stay safe, well and happy!