Washington Lodges
welcome Santa at
Dec. celebration

by GARY L. GORSHA
Lodge 738 President

ENUMCLAW, Wash. -- Members of Mt. Rainier Lodge 738, Greater Northwest Lodge 11, and Slovenian Women's Union Branch 79 joined together on December 8th to welcome Santa Claus to their annual Christmas Party at the VFW Hall in Auburn. The hall was decked in bright reds and greens thanks to the consistently creative efforts of Kathy and Kurt Vogel with the able assistance of Vi Mylnar and Mary Bratovich. Santa's arrival was greeted with a warm reception, and he distributed many gifts to about eighteen children before continuing his rounds.

Meanwhile the adults listened to many fine Slovenian tunes played by the Puget Sound Button Box Group and Frank Hren, who also played several Christmas carols on accordion. Then the roughly 100 people present settled down for some serious eating of a fine potluck feast of klobase, ham, meatballs, spaghetti, ravioli, potato salads, green salads, rolls, two kinds of strudel, pecan pie, cakes, and cookies, etc. The party continued with more music and dancing, and then several other musicians including Ted Lunka joined in a jam session. A good time was had by all!

The Slovenian language class being taught by Aleks Markovcic will meet again on Sunday, January 5, 2003 at 1:00 PM. The next meeting for Lodge 738 will be at noon on Sunday, February 9, 2003.