Gong Club’s ‘Christmas in July’ show was full of laughter and cheer

The Gong Club’s July 25 “Christmas in July” themed show began with happy hour snacks, Christmas songs and a snowball fight with balloons. Stephanie Kleinerman kept spirits bright by playing Christmas songs on stage at the grand piano.

A new format featured commercial breaks highlighting other LW clubs. Bev Bender, LW’s certified Laugh Leader, provided a sampling of laughter techniques. Another commercial break featured the president and vice president of the Lapidary and Jewelry Club, Greg Meyers and Yevette Louie. They set up a display of beautiful glass crafts to which several folks got up to ask questions. Games included Hot Potato and contestants received a pair of tootsie warmers and a traditional rubber ducky. Many guests dressed up for the ugly holiday T-shirt contest. The winner, Erick Weiss from the Pickleball Players Club, received a beautiful glass platter donated from the Lapidary and Jewelry Club.

Ellen Brannigan presented a reading of the poem “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” fully dressed in a “Skinny Summer” Santa suit. Before her stage exit, she was surprised by the audience singing happy 90-something birthday to her. Her bright smiles certainly made everyone’s night. Trumpet master Richie Freedman closed the show with live music. The next show will be held Friday, Aug. 29, in Clubhouse 2 and will feature a Latin beat with live music from Ziggy Romano and Laura Gardner. September’s theme will be a Renaissance festival with live folk style music.

—Lu DeSantis

Erick Weiss

Lin Benitez

Jane Haass