December is a Time to Give

This past year, Kettunen Center has been fortunate to have Bob Patterson, from Patterson's Flowers volunteer as a decorations consultant. Bob has worked with the 4-H Foundation and Kettunen Center staff to plan and refine our seasonal decorations with a theme of "natural yet elegant". He has volunteered at Breakfast with Santa since it began 29 years ago. Bob has served as a Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee and as a 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp co-director.

Bob's parents started Patterson's Flowers in 1952 and he has been working full time at the shops since 1979. They have stores in Reed City, Big Rapids and Cadillac. These photos show some of the arrangements Bob has donated to Kettunen Center.

Bob was born and raised in Reed City and has lived in the Osceola/Mecosta county area his entire life. The flower business has many "peaks and valleys" – the holiday seasons are very busy. The months of February, April, May and December are peak months in the floral industry.

Bob's favorite decorating tip? "Don't under estimate the amount of lights it takes to decorate your Christmas tree. Plan on at least 100 lights per foot of your tree height," he says.
Thank you Bob for all your dedication and support of Kettunen Center.

If you are interested in volunteering your talents at Kettunen Center, please contact Andrea Grix. For information about donating to Kettunen Center, visit http://www.mi4hfdtn.org/givetokett.html.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Kettunen Center had its 29th annual Breakfast with Santa Sat., Dec. 11, 2010. It is a one of a kind community-oriented event. We had over 750 people in just a little over 3 hours; 393 of them being children ranging from newborn to 14 years. The children were able eat breakfast, listen to storytelling, make a postcard stamp, do a craft, get their face painted, and most importantly talk with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children also learned – thanks to Ms. Claus – Santa’s favorite cookie. Each child received a gift bag with age-appropriate books and toys.

Breakfast with Santa is not just about the toy, it is about memories. Some families have been coming since the beginning, and some bring new additions – infants only a week or a couple months old – to share in the memories and traditions they create at Kettunen Center. It is a day filled with fun, excitement, joy, and sometimes even a little shyness.

Kettunen Center’s Breakfast with Santa could not be possible if it wasn’t for our many generous donors from local businesses and all of our adult and teen volunteers. Another successful “BWS” in the books! Kettunen Center’s 30th annual Breakfast with Santa is scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 2011. See you then!