By Amanda McBride

BR Garden Club

One of the annual highlights for Bermuda Run Garden Club took place on Thursday, Nov. 16 when members hosted students from Davie County for a holiday luncheon in the ballroom at Bermuda Run Country Club.

For many years the Exceptional Children’s Luncheon has grown to include students from kindergarten through high school representing schools throughout the county.

Thanks to the generosity of the country club for the venue and all of the help from wait and kitchen staff for their willingness to make this luncheon memorable for students and school staff.  Businesses provided the food, including dessert.

Students arrived in a cavalcade of buses accompanied by teachers, some parents, and volunteers.  They were greeted by special guests from the town of Bermuda Run: Mayor Ken Rethmeier, Town Manager Lee Rollins, Council Member Mike Ernst, and Community Officer Jason Robertson.

Other guests included Amber Manzella and Jackalyn White from Davie County Schools.

The festivities began in the club lobby where several classes presented large thank-you posters to the garden club. Other students read poems.

Finally, to work up an appetite, everyone joined in singing some holiday favorites. Garden club president Bonnie Rockaway introduced council member Ernst to give the blessing.

Providing music were teacher Sara Davis and her husband Caleb, who served as DJs.

Students then entered the ballroom, finding tables with centerpieces of pumpkins and fall décor provided by the garden club. Traditional Thanksgiving fare awaited.

Lowe’s Foods Manager, Jessie Dapolito and co-managers, Shawn Beck and Jason Dillard from the Bermuda Run store, served the students and guests from the buffet line. Many garden club members and country club staff assisted in keeping everyone happy and well-fed.

Teachers, bus drivers, other staff, and volunteers all enjoyed a special day away from the school setting, not to mention the food.

But the day belonged to the students.

Later they concluded their visit with some energetic dancing, joined by many of the adults.  In all, it was a fun and rewarding experience for everyone who participated.

Special thanks go to co-chairs Sue Whittaker and Luanne Taylor and the country club staff and volunteers. Everyone looks forward to another successful event next year.