A BIG shout-out to Jerry Phillips and the Rittenhouse Singers (including my facebook friends Lois Albrecht, Solveig Hadland and Janet Bewley) for making our weekend so special. Last night my honey and I and a few good friends enjoyed the 35th annual Wassail Dinner Concert at the Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield.
Billed as a magical evening to celebrate the spirit of the season, the evening delighted everyone in the house. While 53 of us enjoyed our festive, five-course holiday meals, the choir of carolers performed in the dining rooms and hallways.
Innkeeper Jerry Phillips said the Old English term "waes haeil" translates to "be thou well" and the tradition of "wassailing" — going from house to house in the evening at Christmas time, singing at the doors of the neighbors and wishing them a good New Year — is at the root of the event he and his wife Mary established more than three decades ago.
They quickly attracted an amazing group of talented vocalists, many of whom we know in their professional roles as attorneys, retail business owners, fundraisers, nurses, marketing professionals, teachers, musicians, and even State Representative. The evening filled us up and did indeed celebrate the spirit of the season.
Whatever your holiday traditions, Wassail friends! Be well and enjoy the holiday season and the New Year! "See you" in 2012.
Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst
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