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LETTERS TO SANTA: Read what local kids want most this season PAGE 10A-11A
Vocalist talks music career, autism BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER
When Jordan Krolak is onstage, microphone in hand, he sings his heart out while being overcome by a feeling of utter joy. His motto: “When I’m having fun, everyone has fun.” “It makes me feel happy and joyful that I'm sharing my talents with my audience,” said the 26-year-old vocalist, who lives in White Bear Lake and sings under his stage name, Jordan Michael. His preferred vocal repertoire consists of classical music, Broadway staples and mid-20th century, big-band era hits from Frank Sinatra and other members of the “Rat Pack.” Music lovers can also listen to Jordan’s rendition of classic Christmas songs from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Mezz in the White Bear Lake Lunds & Byerlys — his third and final holiday show there this month. The grocery store is also where Jordan, who has autism, has worked for about three years as a grocery bagger. He’s become a regular performer at the Mezz, where customers can hear his smooth, baritone voice while dining. He occasionally even sings at the store while not onstage. “Sometimes I like to sing while I work. It makes work fun for me and makes time go by,” he said. Jordan chooses not to be defined by his disability of being on the autism spectrum, which
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Bill Foussard, middle, leads a group of Santa and elf volunteers in a Christmas carol before they head out into the dining hall during a previous Dinner with Santa for community senior citizen at the White Bear Lake Country Inn.
Congregation of Clauses to spread Christmas cheer to seniors BY RANDY PAULSON STAFF WRITER
WHITE BEAR LAKE — A crimson cluster of Santa Clauses will again congregate for an evening of Christmas cheer for community seniors Thursday, Dec. 22, at the White Bear Country Inn. The annual Dinner with Santa is back this year for its 20th iteration at the White Bear Lake hotel, with the evening’s activities set to begin at about 5 p.m. In addition to dinner and the chance to hang out with more than 30 volunteer Claus clones, the senior attendees will enjoy live music, entertainment from Children’s Performing Arts and appearances from the Saint Paul Winter Carnival royal family. The word that White Bear Country Inn owner Bill Foussard used to describe the Santa-filled spectacle was “magical.” “It's just community. It’s everyone working together, partnering together, to just celebrate our seniors: singing a song, just listening, maybe getting them up to dance. Who knows?” Foussard said. The dinner event is a collaborative effort between the hotel and community organizations and business sponsors. “There are just a lot of different people who help us
make this thing,” Foussard said. This is the first year since 2019 the full event has been able to happen since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. During the COVID-19 years, event volunteers visited senior living homes in the area and gave candy to residents there. Some of the Santas at this year’s dinner bash are new to the event, while some are returning as St. Nick. “Santas come in all shapes, sizes and personalities,” Foussard said. The goal for each edition of Dinner with Santa is to make the seniors feel special, have fun and leave the event with joy in their hearts.
TO LEARN MORE: Community members interested in volunteering as a Santa Claus at the Dinner with Santa event set for Thursday, Dec. 22, at the White Bear Country Inn should call Bill Foussard at 651-429-5393.
CONTRIBUTED
Jordan Krolak regularly sings under the name Jordan Michael at the Mezz in White Bear Lake’s Lunds & Byerlys. The 26-year-old will perform classic Christmas songs at the venue on Thursday, Dec. 22. SEE JORDAN MICHAEL, PAGE 15A
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