Thrilling concert

The Dec. 2 concert at Trinity Lutheran Church, Westbrook, was perfect, from start to finish.

Heather Connolly, a beautiful lady, with long, dark hair and a contagious smile, wore a lovely evening gown. It was sleeveless, and the material was lace, with a metallic design, and a lavender belt. She wore a necklace and bracelet of diamonds. Her appearance and her singing I can only call “stunning.”

Beyond her, in the corner beyond the piano, was a huge Christmas tree with many tiny white lights.

She was accompanied by pianist Ellen Cutting, organist at the church, whom we had enjoyed the week before at her organ concert at the Trinity Church. Her piano playing was perfect for Heather’s singing. They are two very accomplished ladies.

The program included Handel’s “Rejoice Greatly,” from The Messiah; Gounod’s “O, Divine Redeemer”; P. Yon’s “Gesu Bambino” (well known, and lovely); and Bach’s “Ave Maria.”

After these numbers, there was an intermission.

We read on our program that “All proceeds from this concert benefit NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services), a non-profit organization dedicated to training dogs (many shelter rescues) as assistance companions for people who are deaf, physically disabled or living with autism.”

Four who train dogs for this group, a young boy, a man and two women, came up the aisle with their dogs, and explained their duties and care for us. That was an interesting addition to the evening’s program.

The second half of the concert included “Exsultate Jubilate” by Mozart, who wrote it when he was 16 years old – – remarkable! There are four movements, the fourth, “Alleluja,” is also very familiar, and there was heavy applause at the end of that number. Next were five songs: Niles’s “I wonder As I Wander,” Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Torme’s “The Christmas Song,” Gamon’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and Adam’s “O Holy Night.”

Connolly and Cutting then received heavy applause.

We thought that was it, but then Santa Clause came down the aisle and sat in an armchair. We all wondered who that Santa might be -. a church member, possibly? He was serenaded by Heather, and as she sang, she occasionally took a rest in Santa’s lap.

That made a happy finale.

Church member Roger Knight, resplendent in a red vest with his tuxedo, had announced the program. After the concert, guests were invited downstairs in the church for refreshments.

Tasty luncheon

The popular charity luncheon Dec. 1 at the Festival of Trees at the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church was very well attended.

Several prominent businessmen and women were hosts at each table. These monetary contributions are called tips for the person in charge of the table. The wait staff included the Rev. Ed DeLong, John Roberts, John Bernier, Mayor Bruce Chuluda, Patty Kenney, Sue Joyce, Bruce Doughty, Police Chief Paul McCarthy, Cleta Stockwell, Bob Blais, Al Juniewicz, Ray Richardson, Brendan Moran, Brendon Rielly, Mike Foley, Nadine Tingley and Doug Raffert.

The Festival of Trees was established in 2001 to honor the memory of Beatrice M. Elwell. They have raised approximately $30,000 since then, all of which has been donated to charities that benefit Westbrook residents and to help finance Westbrook Together Days.

The decorated trees are beautiful, but it will take more than one visit to view them all. Several are on the first floor as one enters the church. There are an elevator and stairs to the second floor, with many trees in the lobby, and many more all around the hall where the luncheon was held. Printed cards beneath each tree identify the sponsoring group. You might have to “bend down” sister,” as I did, to read the signs, but that’s good exercise for us.

The luncheon was delicious. The soup, of black beans, peas, carrots, corn, and noodles, was made by Marion Broaddus, one of the Festival of Trees committee members. There were also egg salad and fish rolls, and a bowl of chips, at each table. Dessert was a plate of homemade cookies.

As I paid for my lunch, I asked if I could sit near the piano, so that I could hear Doc Stockwell playing Christmas songs. She let me sit at Ray Richardson’s table, which was just behind the piano. Stockwell plays by ear (no music) and among his songs were “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “O Christmas Tree.” I used to enjoy his father playing at intermissions at the Portland Players productions on Cottage Road, South Portland. How nice that he has inherited that talent.

Punches for a crowd

Today’s recipes for punch are from the cookbook, “Color Me Cooking,” 1997, by the St. Louis Artists’ Guild. They will make a large quantity for your holiday entertaining.

ART RECEPTION PUNCH

1 (64 ounce) bottle apple cider or 8 cups apple cider, chilled

1 (6 ounce) can lemonade concentrate

1 (28 ounce bottle ginger ale, chilled

Ice

Combine apple juice and lemonade concentrate; stir to combine. Carefully pour in ginger ale. Serve over ice. Makes 24 (4 ounce) servings.

ROSY GLOW PUNCH

3 (1 quart) bottles cranberry juice cocktail, chilled

1 (12 ounces) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

1/2 gallon raspberry sherbet

1 quart ginger ale, chilled

Mint sprigs (optional)

Combine cranberry cocktail and lemonade concentrate; stir well. Chill. When ready to serve, pour into 4-quart punch bowl. Add scoops of sherbet. Slowly add ginger ale. Garnish with mint sprigs if desired. Yield: 50 servings (1/2 cup or 4 ounces each).

Ellen CuttingCutline (charity luncheon 4) – Dressed in a colorful costume, Bob Blais adds holiday cheer to this table at Friday’s charity luncheon.