Gingerbread creations, decorated trees, treasured recipes welcome holidays
From The Farm Whether decorating a towering gingerbread house or a teetering Christmas tree, both projects take a special steady hand.
Wendy Marciniak, of Chesterton, recalled a column I wrote a couple of years ago about first lady Nancy Reagan and her approach to the detail and decorating of the White House Christmas tree. Marciniak wondered if the same attention was also expected for another favorite holiday tradition this same time of year: The official White House gingerbread house.
Reagan not only carefully guided White House chef Hans Reffert each year to craft a whimsical gingerbread cookie creation during her husband Ronald’s two presidential terms, but also wanted, even demanded, their dog Rex be included, captured in miniature as part of the confection landscape. For the record, the tradition of a customized grand gingerbread house created for display at the White House began in 1969, dreamed up by first lady Pat Nixon.
Nancy Reagan once shared a pumpkin and pecan pie recipe she said was a favorite of President Reagan. As for how much actual time Nancy spent in the kitchen, by her own admission, she relied on private chefs and cooks throughout her married life, both before and after the White House years.
Marciniak said she is the publicity chairman for Delta Theta Tau Sorority, Alpha Rho Chapter in Chesterton and she’s help- ing spread the word about a fun, family gingerbread charity event Dec. 2. “Santa’s Gingerbread House Decorating Party” at Hawthorne Park Community Center, 500 Ackerman Dr. in Porter will span the day with three decorating times for options: from 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.
The cost is $30 per child, and accompanying adults are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children will decorate premade provided gingerbread houses, visit with Santa, enjoy a photo booth and explore other craft projects. Children also go home with a goodie bag in addition to their gingerbread house. There also will be a holiday bake sale open to the public. All proceeds benefit the Duneland community. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com or call 219-929-8659.
This month also marks the 30th annual Festival of the Trees Holiday Luncheon, presented by the Women’s Association of Northwest Indiana Symphony. The special anniversary event will start at 10 a.m. Nov. 28 at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, and it will include “a Stroll of the Avenue of Trees,” with ornate and unique trees throughout the lobby area representing a variety of sponsors and themes.
Marti Ross, president of the Women’s Association of Northwest Indiana Symphony, and members Jo Ann Chandler and Mary Stark said some of the organizations with tree representation include Calumet College of St. Joseph, Munster Garden Club, Munster Girl Scouts and Highland’s NWI Parkinson Association. Some of the themes for the more than two dozen trees for this year include “Noah’s Ark,” “Super Hero Moms,” “Snow and Ice,” “Angels,” “Bells” and “Music.”
There will be caroling and shopping at “The Boulevard of Shoppes,” while guests enjoy the traditional Wassail Bowl mulled wine punch. Lunch is at noon with entertainment to follow provided by Munster High School Choir.
The cost is $50 per person, and reservations are due by the end of the day Friday by calling 219-836- 0525, ext. 206. Reservations can be guaranteed by mailing a check by Monday to NISO, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN 46321. Make checks payable to WANISS. This event benefits the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.
A new event hosted this year by the Women’s Association of Northwest Indiana Symphony is their first Children’s Festival of Trees Holiday Breakfast from
8:30 to 10 a.m. Dec. 8, also at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts.
Children have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa and his elves. There also will be an opportunity for children to vote for their favorite Christmas trees from the Festival of Trees. Entertainment will be provided by 4 2
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1 NWI Symphony Youth Orchestra scholarship winners.
Proceeds from the breakfast will go to the Women’s Association of Northwest Indiana Symphony’s Edith Root Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships for area students to attend summer music camps throughout the Midwest. Santa Breakfast tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children. To make reservations, call 219-836-0525, ext. 206. The reservation deadline is Dec. 3.
Philip Potempa has published three cookbooks and is the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. Mail questions to From the Farm, P.O. Box 68, San Pierre, IN 46374.