By Mary O’KEEFE

It was all about Santa Claus at the La Crescenta Woman’s Club on Saturday at the club’s annual Breakfast with Santa. The La Crescenta Woman’s Club – Junior Section sponsored the event that brings in generations of families. There were some there who were old friends with Santa and some who were meeting the “Jolly Old Soul” for the first time.

This was Tyler Keeley’s first Christmas and he was dressed for it in a tiny Santa suit. His uncle John Reichman positioned him next to the Christmas tree, holding him until the last second so grandma April Reichman could snap a quick picture before Tyler started tipping over ever so slowly.

“This is my first grandbaby,” said a proud April. “We think he is awfully cute.”

The Crescenta Valley High School Charismatics performed at the event before enjoying an early morning breakfast. Other entertainment was presented by Thea Komen and her flute quartet and operatic singer Louise Cornillez.

Parents, grandparents, family and friends were all waiting for that magical picture with Santa. The event was fun, but for Mountain Avenue Elementary School sixth grader Zeniada Sanchez, it was about being a Santa helper.

“I help out. When it’s time to pull the [names] for the raffle I will be the runner. Before that I was the stamper,” she said. Zeniada gave everyone a holiday stamp as they entered the breakfast and ran the baskets to the raffle winners.

The event was a fundraiser for the LCWC, which makes donations throughout the community and provides scholarships for local students.

  Mary Okeefe