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The True Meaning Of The Season

photo provided Bringing some of the joy of the season to those who serve, this group of teens traveled to the White River Veteran’s Hospital to decorate trees, wreaths and hallways. Seen here are (Back row) left to right: Sophia Parker, Cassi King, Nathan Unger, Kim Eno, Pamela Taylor, Dawn Marzalkoswski. (Front) left to right : River Hoffman, Alyse Beauchemin and Courtney Morin.

photo provided With purple and silver the theme for this season, the lobbies of the VA Hospital began to take shape and to welcome the holiday season.

photo provided Pausing by the trees are teacher Pamela Taylor, Cassi King, Kimberly Eno and Nathan Unger.

photo provided With a smile and enthusiasm, Coutney Morin, River Hoffman, Sophia Parker and Alyce Beauchemin pause after trimming the tree.

Tuesday December 10, 2013

By Cookie Steponaitis

Gathered in the hospital lobby, it looked like a holiday whirlwind had descended. Teens sat on the floor making a plan and spread around them was purple garland, silver ribbons, bows, hand made children’s ornaments and bows of all shapes and sizes. With a grin of pure pleasure, the group dug in and transformed two lobbies of the Veterans Hospital of White River Junction into an expression of the holiday season.
    “It really was pure joy,” remarked eacher Pamela Taylor. “The kids were so happy to be making the building look beautiful for the veterans and to deliver the hand made cards and wishes for those spending the holidays recovering at the White River Facility.” Approached by several patients and their families who were coming in for appointments, the comments about the decorations ranged from “Thank You,” to “this is beautiful”, and “you have no idea how much we appreciate this.”
    While the bustle of activity was quickly over and the group headed back out to the bus for the two hour trek back to school, the feelings and ideas were on the minds of the teens long after the building faded into the rear view window. “It just seemed so good,” remarked the teens. “We were doing something small for them and it is our way of saying thank you for how much we value their sacrifices and the gifts of our freedom.”
    With the decorating phase of the mission complete, another group from VUHS will again be returning to the VA hospital on December 18th to perform a 30 minute Bob Hope Style Christmas show for the veterans. The troop will include Miss Vermont Jeanelle Achee, Miss Vermont’s Outstanding Teen Chloe Johnson, the VUHS Dance Team, and a group of singers, dancers and even a juggler. The message is the same and the mission is clear for anyone who is a part of this annual venture. The true meaning of the season is giving thanks and pause to those who guard us, defend us and guarantee yet another holiday season to be lived in freedom.

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