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COMMITTEE NEWS | THE COLONY NEWS | DECEMBER 2021 | 19 It just wouldn't be Christmas at The Colony if we didn't have a Trim-A-Tree Party for the grandkids complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Elf has been in The Colony for only 14 years, so she did a little research into the history of The Colony Claus families. As it turns out, the Elf 's neighbors, Joe and Millie Garvey (yes, that's Dodger's first baseman Steve Garvey's parents) volunteered their time to be the first Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Don and Sylvia McIndoo followed the Garveys. Sylvia said it was the most fun. The Chorus would sing and Mr. and Mrs. Claus would come dancing down the aisle from the rear of the Auditorium to surprise the audience. But better than that, Santa sat in a big stuffed chair and the kids came to see him at the Trim-A-Tree Party earlier on that same day. Sylvia remembers that Don would be so hot in his Santa suit but so handsome. How convenient that Hal and Jeanne Acord moved next to Don and Sylvia on Corte Emerado in 2003. Hal was about the same size and height as Don, so the Santa suit was passed on to Hal when Don was no longer able to carry out the duties. Jeanne was always at Hal's side as Mrs. Claus. Hal rode the Murrieta fire truck and sleigh around town when the Fire Department collected toys and food for the less fortunate. Of course, Hal also got to ride throughout The Colony streets, and many of his neighbors would be out cheering him and the little parade of police cars. One Murrieta Councilman who also rode on the truck noted to Hal that he really must be Santa since he knew everyone's name. This is where the Elf came in. She started working at the Trim-A-Tree Party with the Acords and has been there with the transition to Glenn and Joanie Sailer, the current Mr. and Mrs. Claus. And I must say, there was a transition from very tall to a shorter version of the same character. The Sailers came with experience and their own costumes. For many years, they had been asked to be Mr. and Mrs. Claus for David and Donna Maclagan's grandchildren. The Maclagans provided the suits, and they did this for a few years for Donna and David. When the Acords retired from their roles, it was an easy transition to have the Sailers as the next Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The Elf has only worked with the Acords and the Sailers, but when the pianist plays Here Comes Santa Claus and the kids start cheering, the Elf still gets goosebumps and maybe a tear or two. The Colony Santa families have provided unrushed kindness to the children and grandchildren of the Colony residents. Each child is given time to talk to Santa and tell him what is on their list, and family pictures are taken. There have been many funny incidents, many screaming babies and many, many smiles. So, if you have grandchildren, be sure to bring them to the Holiday Trim-A-Tree Party hosted by The Colony Social Committee. It takes place this year on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 1 pm to 3 pm. As we come into the holidays, the Elf is proud to thank each and every Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the time, energy and perspiration that go into their roles. OUTREACH TO HISTORY By Rita Nastri, 951-698-8640 The Colony Claus Families Far left: Sylvia and Don McIndoo Center top and bottom: Hal and Jeanne Acord Above: Joanie and Glenn Sailer and the Elf