The Times

PUTTING THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS into the hearts of children. That's the goal of the Leisure Club, senior citizens group at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, who made this "ring-er' toy and 814 other gifts to give to unfortunate children. Right now, Eric Brown and Winnie Howard, two children in the church's pre-school, are trying out the toy. But this week, youngsters in welfare homes and hospitals will find that for them Santa Claus has turned out to be either a man or a woman—past 60—who took time out from other Leisure Club activities to bring them happiness on this Christmas.

Workers Enjoy 'Picnic' Afloat

A Coral Gables yacht broker whose young friend, a cerebral palsy victim, was helped by Goodwill Industries a year ago, showed his appreciation by providing a luxurious 85-foot yacht on which Goodwill's physically handicapped workers enjoyed a Chistmas boat "picnic" Sunday, Dec. 18. Martin Rittenhouse Jr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse, 4515 San Amaro Dr., played hosts to 70 physically handicapped persons, who boarded the yacht "Huckster" at Jordan-Marsh's dock Sunday at noon for a two-hour cruise. A committee from Goodwill's Womens Auxiliary, headed by Mrs. Kenneth Calender, 6220 SW 123rd Ter., supplied music, a supply of goodies and gifts.

The Search For A Tree She Recalls Christmas In Thailand

By JOHN SHAPIRO There's no place like home for Christmas, says Mrs. Barbara Frink, 19440 Whispering Pines Road, who spent two of her last three winters in Bhuddist countries half-way around the world. Mrs. Frink, who was born in Miami, celebrated Christmas in Laos in 1958 and in Thailand in 1957 with her husband, Robert, who was traveling with an engineering firm for the government. "Of course we celebrated Christmas, especially for our daughter, Dauna, who was only 16 months old that first time, but it was more of an international affair with an oriental flavor than a regular Christmas at home," said Mrs. Frink. Hard To Find In Thailand Christmas decorations were extremely hard to get. The only tree, Mrs. Frink could find was in a store window. "It' was only two feet high and they wanted $15 for it," she related. "We decided to make our own on the wall from tinsel and we decorated it with paper lanterns from Japan." The Frinks did have a real tree for their Christmas in Laos, but it too was well traveled. "The tree was grown in Sweden, shipped to the United States and finally forwarded to us in Laos," said Mrs. Frink. There were nearly 200 Americans in Laos at Christmas time in 1958, but the season still maintained an exotic flavor. The Frinks gathered their tree ornaments from France, Germany and Japan, even their presents had to be imported. Buddist Bowl "That Christmas I received a silver Buddhist ceremonial bowl," laughed Mrs. Frink. The Frinks' maid, who was from Saigon and spoke French, celebrated the holiday with the family. She gave Mrs. Frink some hand-embroidered silk dress material from China. "I was amazed when I found out that the gift had cost her one-half of her monthly wages " said Mrs. Frink. Little Dauna got some Christmas books from France, and even the monopoly set for the family was available only in French. "We tape-recorded that Christmas day together," Mrs. Frink said, "it was really one to remember." Mrs. Frink is a librarian th the Coral Gables Library, where she recently gave an exhibit of colored slides of her trip. She is a member of the Dade County Library Association and the Florida Home Economics Association.

DOLLS CAPTURE A GIRL'S FANCY and Karen Doughty, left, and Lillibeth Pell are no ex-ception. The girls are admiring the dolls, resting in miniature wooden beds, that the Leisure Club at the Coral Gables Congregational Church made to present to children in welfare homes and hospitals. Karen and Lillibeth are attending pre-school at the church.

"... AND A CHILD WAS BORN..."

The world has felt the spirit of that holy night for almost two thousand years. On this day, may the world rejoice... and remember especially the peace, love, and brotherhood that was meant to be from that moment on. THE PROFESSOR EXTENDS: SEASONS GREETINGS University SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION Federal OF CORAL GABLES Miracle Mile at Ponce de Leon

Page 6 THE TIMES Coral Gables, Fla. Thursday, December 22, 1960