It Takes A Village

The first Saturday of December in Pine Lake is one of the many reasons why I love this place so much. As with every first Saturday, a dedicated team of volunteers wakes early and gets the coffee on and grills heating down at the beach house. At 8:30 the doors open and neighbors start straggling then flowing in for yummy pancakes, eggs, veggie and meat bacon, hash browns and fellowship. We love to walk down, usually around 9am, to have breakfast with our friends.

pancake breakfast - 6 dec 2008

The December breakfast is even more fun than usual, as it is “Breakfast with Santa!” One of our neighbors buys some treats, another volunteers to take photos and yet another puts on a Santa suit. The kids just love it! Such a nice way to start the day. Nothing fancy, but fun, pleasant and among friends. Everyone pitches in to help, the kids feel comfortable wandering around, knowing that this is a safe place to be, where everyone cares about them.

with santa - 6 dec 2008

In the evening of that same day, the whole community comes back together for the “Lighting of the Lake”. Another set of volunteers makes magic. First, folks arrive to decorate and set up. Another person has found some musical volunteers to play Christmas music while we have the cookie exchange. The cookie exchange crew collect all the cookies, puts some out for people to snack on, then redistributes the rest to those that brought cookies in.

After the music and catching up, we have a pageant. Another couple of volunteers have come up with a song/skit for the kids to put on (there are about two practices earlier in the week, but attendance at practice isn’t mandatory for participation). The kids have a great time with their parts, and the fun is for all. Last night’s two skits were “It Must Be Santa” and “The Twelve Pine Lake Christmases”. As the finale, everyone heads out to turn on the reindeer lights by the lake.

pageant - 6 dec 2008

I love how we have so many volunteers, people with young kids and those without who work to make the day a special one for everyone. Nothing fancy, nothing pretentious. Just us and our unique neighbors having a wonderful time together. It’s our village, and I am so happy to have finally discovered it.