Hokendauqua Park & Playground Association (HPPA) was privileged to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus for its annual holiday visit through the streets and neighborhoods of Hokendauqua Dec. 11. The weather cooperated on that Sunday, with only a little snow, as Santa and his helpers spent the day handing out oranges and bags of candy for all who came out to say hello.

HPPA and Santa would like to thank Hokendauqua Volunteer Fire Department for its most excellent escort service. Additionally, HPPA thanks the volunteers at Hokendauqua fire hall and social club for their hospitality and for the rest stops that were provided.

A special thanks goes to Tim Sommer for the wonderful meals that were cooked to warm up participants on a pretty cold day. The entire day would not have been possible without the help of Mike Frana, Brandon Szoke, Melissa Dise and HPPA volunteers who prepared and handed out more than 1,200 bags of candy and oranges.

An extra special thank you to the entire Matika family for their ongoing participation and support of this annual event.

Additionally, HPPA would like to thank everyone who came out to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus and who provided financial support or helped in any way with HPPA sports and fundraising projects throughout the year.

HPPA wishes everyone a happy holiday season and a great 2017!

***

As a reminder, the Hokendauqua Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold a 2017 beginner’s fly-tying course. The classes are two hours each for a total of 16 hours and will begin 9 a.m. Jan. 7 in the cafeteria of Northampton Area Middle School, 1617 Laubach Ave., Northampton. They will run for eight consecutive Saturday mornings through Feb. 28.

All materials and a 108-page manual are given to each student. A step-by-step video presentation on the tying of each fly is shown before the students start tying. Instructors will then help each student. Loaner tool kits also are available at no additional cost, or you may bring your own.

There is a cost for the classes. Students 18 and under and veterans may attend for no cost.

For other information and cost, contact Dale Ott at 610-262-7598.

***

Does your church, club or organization have news for the Hokendauqua column? Send me an email at skoch@tnonline.com by Jan. 6, 2017, to meet the next column deadline.