Mood merry at Reed
holiday parties

With the success of the 2000 Reed holiday and children’s holiday parties (December 9 and 10 respectively), the alumni association once again proved that its events are appealing to Reed-related folk of all ages and stations in life.

On the evening of December 9, orchids and cedar boughs graced the tables in the Kaul auditorium. Volunteers and staff dressed the Kaul in festive attire of silver, gold, and green. Some guests arrived a bit early to take advantage of swing dancing lessons offered for various degrees of skill (from none to some). The Portland chapter hosted a traditional holiday buffet, and as guests were polishing off gingerbread cake and plum pudding, the bagpiper began to play and the boar’s head procession ensued. Dancing to the tunes of the Art Abrams Swingtet continued into the late evening, and as guests left the building, each received a beautiful orchid donated by Tony Tanada ’87.

The fun was decidedly less elegant but a great deal more uninhibited at the children’s holiday party on December 10. Kids of all ages enjoyed various combinations of craft-making, including creating beautiful votive candle holders. The highlight of the afternoon was a performance by the Ladybug Theater. Older kids and volunteers helped run all the activities. Gifts were collected to donate to the Bradley-Angle House, a Portland shelter for abused women and their children, in the spirit of holiday sharing. This event brought together kids and grandkids of Reed alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends in the area. Thanks to the conference and events planning office for hosting this wonderful tradition.