Kids’ Christmas Party

Last Friday we held our annual kids’ Christmas party.  Many thanks to all the businesses, churches, families and individuals who donated gifts, time and money toward making this happen.  Staff and students shared a sit-down meal followed by a special program of music and story put on by our younger residents. Then, in our gym-turned-living-room, the kids gathered round to hear the Christmas story and waited Santa’s arrival. Once Santa came, he ho-ho-ho’d as he passed out gifts to all out children. Paper flew, the kids donned new coats  and ate festively decorated cookies before gathering up their gifts and returning to their various campuses to enjoy their new toys.

Annual Christmas Caroling

Staff and students loaded onto a bus and traveled all around town for our annual Christmas caroling outing. We visited city hall, the courthouse, the firehouse, local businesses and five different nursing facilies in the area spreading Christmas cheer.

Highlights included:

- wearing seasonally fashionable santa hats

- a ‘special’ performance of  Let it Snow by two of our older boys and their favorite male counselor

- tasty treats from ONB and Buzzi Unicem

- a tour of the firehouse

- eating pizza at Monical’s Pizza

- losing all our voices by the end of the day

Staff / Student Basketball Game

Yesterday our boys’ basketball team took on members of our male staff in our first staff/student matchup of the season. While the boys have been practicing for weeks now with their coach, it appeared they might not have what it takes to match the ‘old guys’. After a rough start, our Ravens managed to take down the staff and show everyone that all that practicing has paid off!

Thanksgiving Banquet

We held our annual Thanksgiving banquet on November 22.  Local supportors of our program including people from the business community, social workers, judges and families all joined our residents and staff for an enjoyable afternoon. Local judge Matt Headley spoke about the history of Thanksgiving, quizzing our young people on their knowledge of the holiday. After a traditional meal replete with turkey, ham and the trimmings local magician, Daniel Lusk, provided entertainment.