Notes From The Road
is a new Holiday Express feature, similar to a blog,
written by Tim McLoone during the bus rides home from our events! We hope
you enjoy reading about how Holiday Express fulfills our mission – no matter what –
from Tim's personal and candid observations.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Eva's Village
This was event #35 of the season (and #662 overall) and when do we stop saying, "this was the best one ever?" We made a significant change this year after Sister Gloria had told us that all of the adults were unable to fit into the dinner because of the increased number of children in the room. So, in typical Holiday Express fashion, we held an earlier "Children and Moms" party at 4:30 and that was a lot of fun.
The adults began filling the room just after six and were treated to a terrific meal by the staff at McLoone's Pier House which definitely put everyone in a good mood. There is really no explaining what transpired after that: all-out participation by the 300+ in the room, so many of whom are in active addiction recovery. Eva's is a remarkable place, truly a "village." They have about 40 resident men trying to overcome their addictions and an equal number of women with children, plus the adjacent residential housing they are developing more and more to provide transitional homes for their clients. They provide a broad array of social services to help these good people successfully work their way into society.
Trumpeter Tony Peruso was on hand again with family and co-workers from AG Edwards/ Wells Fargo, who brought a ton of gifts and volunteers who helped with the food and face painting, etc.
You really have to root for a group like this. Nothing is coming easily for them right now (ever?) but it didn't stop anyone from yelling out "SIX GEESE A LAYING!!!" We could be with them everyday.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Children’s Center
This was one of the physically most demanding of all we've ever done but, given the disabilities displayed right in front of us, it's a little difficult to complain about being tired. We started at the Children's Center a few years back at the suggestion of Board member, Paul Huegel, whose son, Cal, is a student there, and we did a couple of 45 minute mini-shows as different classes were brought in. Last year we found out that we were still not seeing all of the students so we offered to do as many of those "mini-shows" as necessary to see everyone. Well, that turned out to be five opportunities to visit "Candles burnin' low…"
Each group had about 90+ students as well as a very large number of healthcare professionals, social workers, etc., many of whom were one-on-one with the students, the vast majority of whom had severe autism. Once we got them revved up, the party began to look like a track meet with caregivers chasing students around the room and dancing breaking out everywhere.
The last group of older children (teens) included a terrific young man named Irohn who was clearly a leader among his peers and went to great trouble to make sure his "posse" all got to sing into the mic. Then he graced us with a song by himself. His voice was strong and pure, belying his disabilities, as the crowd roared. Suddenly, we weren't so tired after all.
Christmas Eve, 2009
St. John’s Soup Kitchen
Trinity Church Soup Kitchen
Season #17 came to an end in two locations: St John's Soup Kitchen in Newark and Trinity Church Soup Kitchen in Asbury Park. It always saddens us that we have to split the group to service both locations since I think we would all like to be together on the last day.
Last year saw drenching Christmas Eve rains, so much better weather was a welcome respite this time around, as we served just under 700 in Newark. The Rum Runner kitchen staff started their day VERY early to prepare all of the food for folks who view this as their Christmas dinner. And it's always amazing to see the organization that goes into fitting out the tent and keeping the food line replenished, helping our guests get seated and served and then busing the tables. Others were working to clean, organize, and restock the pantry while another group worked the gift bag line. It was all so impressive.
And to think that the same thing was happening down in Asbury at the same time, with another 400 folks served. McLoones in Asbury provided the food there while Jim Celestino led the band. It's amazing that we almost take this for granted now.
It's over now which always feels strange. There is the relief that you don't have to be somewhere tomorrow morning (and then again in the afternoon) but there is also a strange emptiness as well. As I write this, I am listening to a forecast predicting that temperatures will only be in the 20s tomorrow with wind chills well below zero. It has to make you wonder how the many people we have just visited will be able to survive. And, as we find out each year, some of them won't.
Thanks to all for your insanely fabulous efforts.
Tim McLoone