Santa makes grand return from sidelines

Larry Kline brings his Old Saint Nick back to life after a year off because of a stroke

Kristina Emerson, activity coordinator at Brandon Woods Retirement Community, sits on the lap of Santa, played by Larry Kline, as resident Aloha Rizzo waits for her turn. Kala Garber, 10, watches.

Larry Kline

Aloha Rizzo has a short Christmas list this year.

She’d like a man in her life, preferably one with hair. Rizzo and her fellow Brandon Woods residents got a visit from Santa Claus on Sunday in the person of one of their own, Brandon Woods resident Larry Kline.

Kline has been dressing up as Santa for the past 30 years. A stroke last fall kept him from dressing up and entertaining children last year, but this year he was bound and determined to give it another go.

“I decided I wanted to do this a few months ago,” Kline said. “With the help of the staff here at Brandon Woods, I’m able to.”

Kline moved to Lawrence 10 years ago. In that time, he was Santa for Hy-Vee, Westlake Hardware Store and even New York School, he said Sunday.

When the stroke hit last year, it was tough for him to hang up his suit for a year and not be able to visit with the children.

“I love the kids,” he said. “You’ve got to put love in that to be able to do it.”

And the kids Sunday at Brandon Woods loved him just as much as Kline did them.

“He looks really cool,” said 4-year-old Caleb Royer, of Lawrence. Royer had just got a candy cane from Santa after confessing he wanted a Thomas the Tank Engine set for Christmas.

But the adult residents of Brandon Woods seemed to enjoy seeing Santa as much as the child visitors. One resident saw Santa and a great big grin broke across her face as she approached Kline’s wheelchair.

“It reminds them of when were young,” Kline said, “and of their grandchildren, too.”

As Kline rolled to each Brandon Woods wing, he stopped in a community area where carolers were singing songs for the residents. The group sang “O Little Town of Bethlehem” as Kline mock conducted them in his Santa suit at the back of the room. The religious aspect of the Christmas holiday is important to Kline.

“Let’s not forget why we celebrate Christmas,” he said. “It’s the love we have for Jesus Christ.”