Santa tradition revived on Coffee Pot balcony

The holiday tradition begun by Rene and Florine Lajeunesse in 1969 will continue this year, as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus wave at visitors and distribute candy canes from the balcony of the former Lajeunesse residence at 1876 Coffee Pot Blvd. NE in St. Petersburg.

Frail health led them to discontinue the practice in 1987. Rene Lajeunesse died in May 1992; Florine Lajeunesse, in August. At age 87, terminally ill and living in Canada, she paid a final visit to the city she called "my St. Petersburg" last March.

Mrs. Lajeunesse agreed to be interviewed during her trip, and she said then that a friend had taken her by the house.

"I was so tempted to knock on the door," she said, "but they might think someone is crazy."

Rutland Bussey and Bryan Bartlett purchased the home in 2000, and last year they rekindled the Santa tradition.

After the story about Mrs. Lajeunesse appeared in the newspaper, Bussey went to get her and invited her into the home.

"We're a little bit better than we were last year," Bussey said of the holiday decorations. They have added lighting that illuminates one side of the house. "Every year, we'll do something new," he said.

The Clauses began waving at visitors Monday night and will do so through Christmas Eve -- remarkable since they must make so many deliveries that evening.

Don't you love the magic of the season?

The winter holiday break is a flurry of activities for St. Petersburg debutantes, who will be presented on Dec. 28 at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg.

They are Michelle Bailey, Jacqueline Marie Boulay, Laurie Ann Burket, Lauren Elizabeth Collins, Margaret Anson Dann, Catherine Lynn DuPont, Rebecca Ann Gecan, Samantha Irene Hobbs, Kristen Elizabeth Klement, Lauren LaFrance Painter, Kayla O'Neal Phares, Nita Scott Sinden, Rebecca Lynn Tapp and Gretchen Elizabeth Williams.

Volunteerism is a part of their schedule; they staff a gift-wrapping booth at Tyrone Square Mall, the proceeds of which benefit hospice.

On Sunday, they and their friends will be guests of honor at a holiday open house. The hosts are Mary Evelyn Boyer, Lynn and David Cox, Fran and Dr. Dave Davis, Mary Lou and Tom DeVoe, Frances and John Doyle, Mary and Bud Evertz, Kally and Bill Harvard, Wendy and Randy Hunt, Ria and Bill McQueen, Fay and Chris Nielsen, Cary and Jeff Rahall and Cary Bond Thomas.

A brunch for debutantes, their fathers and grandfathers is scheduled the day after Christmas at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

Hosts for that event are Bobbye and Gray Gibbs, Darcy and Jorge Giraud, Pattie and Scott Johnston, Ginger and Chip Jones, Patricia and Robert Miller, Mary Katherine Miner, Janet Raymond, Gail and Fred Razook, Teri and Vincent Shook, Barbara and Bob Ulrich and Betty and Bob Willis.

On Dec. 27, Jane Davis, Cynthia Lake, Anne Griffin, Susan Miller, Pam Hendry and Sandy Sexton will be hosts for a pajama brunch for the debs, which means they must arise and wear their PJs to the party. That evening, they rehearse for the big event on Saturday.

During the long Thanksgiving weekend, Betsy McClure entertained debutantes, their parents and escorts at a cocktail party at the yacht club, and they participated in a road rallye.

On the Town, too, will take a holiday break. I wish you many blessings and best wishes in the few remaining days of 2002, and many happy moments in the new year.

LOOKING AHEAD

Dec. 31

MIDNIGHT MAGIC: Sixth annual New Year's Eve gala benefits Florida Orchestra. 7 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, four-course dinner, entertainment, fireworks viewing. Black tie.; Grand Ballroom, Renaissance Vinoy Resort, 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Tickets: $350, $500. (813)286-1170, ext. 318.

WINTER WONDERLAND: Annual gala, St. Petersburg Chapter of Links. 9 p.m. Ballroom, Hilton St. Petersburg. Invitation only.

-- Mary Jane Park can be reached at (727) 893-8267; fax (727) 893-8675; e-mail park@sptimes.com; P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.

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