The VA – Winter Program and Spaghetti Dinner!
Every winter when the holidays approach, oftentimes the buzz of excitement can be measured by the lights that spring up across town, the festive melodies that pop up on the radio, and the boost of positivity that carves a determined path into our daily lives. But the joy and anticipation that spreads across the faces of little children during this time of year is its own priceless phenomenon – something that can't be rivaled.
All were delighted to catch a glimpse of this special youthful cheer at VHFLC's Winter Program and Spaghetti Dinner at the Portland VA Hospital Auditorium last week. Here, parents and staff were graced not only with some very unique dance moves, but they also got the chance to hear some holiday classics (with creative renditions a few of us had never heard before!)
The infant class went first - putting on a short and sweet pageant. Given rattles, tambourines and other small instruments, the babies and their teachers danced, clapped and shook to "Deck the Halls" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", giving the audience an ear-full!
Next was the toddler group, who pretended to be chilly snowmen in "I'm a little Snowman" Though some were a little stage-shy, "It's a Small World" got most singing a few strong bars and boogying down to the poppy beat. The 2 1/2 class came after, presenting us with a new plight of the snowman as they 'melted' dramatically to "Once There Was a Snowman". They then sang "The Dreidel Song", turning the focus for a little while to Hanukkah festivities. (Preschool director Abbey provided an informative excerpt from National Geographic Kids on 'holiday traditions around the world' on the back of the program brochure – including the Chinese New Year and Kwanzaa.)
Finally, the Pre-K groups were up to sing. These kids stood up tall and proud and bellowed "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", "Santa's Chimney", "Santa" and - the grand finale - "Jingle Bells" for all to hear. At one point, they even managed to perform an enthusiastic round! The excitement was palpable as they fed off the crowd's feedback; one student went above and beyond to make sure he finished last (and loudest!)
As everyone settled down, a spaghetti feast graciously prepared by Beth and Dave Owen was served up and piled on to plates for families to enjoy. Abbey thanked her staff for helping her put on this lovely event, and a mention was made about the preschool classes helping to create and deliver care packages to some young patients at the PVAMC.
Events like this are especially valuable because they allow VHFLC staff, families and students to come together and enjoy the contributions of one another in a fun and relaxed holiday setting. For those of you who made it out, we hope you enjoyed it! And for those of you who couldn't make it, take a look at these videos to catch a glimpse.
All were delighted to catch a glimpse of this special youthful cheer at VHFLC's Winter Program and Spaghetti Dinner at the Portland VA Hospital Auditorium last week. Here, parents and staff were graced not only with some very unique dance moves, but they also got the chance to hear some holiday classics (with creative renditions a few of us had never heard before!)
The infant class went first - putting on a short and sweet pageant. Given rattles, tambourines and other small instruments, the babies and their teachers danced, clapped and shook to "Deck the Halls" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", giving the audience an ear-full!
Next was the toddler group, who pretended to be chilly snowmen in "I'm a little Snowman" Though some were a little stage-shy, "It's a Small World" got most singing a few strong bars and boogying down to the poppy beat. The 2 1/2 class came after, presenting us with a new plight of the snowman as they 'melted' dramatically to "Once There Was a Snowman". They then sang "The Dreidel Song", turning the focus for a little while to Hanukkah festivities. (Preschool director Abbey provided an informative excerpt from National Geographic Kids on 'holiday traditions around the world' on the back of the program brochure – including the Chinese New Year and Kwanzaa.)
Finally, the Pre-K groups were up to sing. These kids stood up tall and proud and bellowed "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", "Santa's Chimney", "Santa" and - the grand finale - "Jingle Bells" for all to hear. At one point, they even managed to perform an enthusiastic round! The excitement was palpable as they fed off the crowd's feedback; one student went above and beyond to make sure he finished last (and loudest!)
As everyone settled down, a spaghetti feast graciously prepared by Beth and Dave Owen was served up and piled on to plates for families to enjoy. Abbey thanked her staff for helping her put on this lovely event, and a mention was made about the preschool classes helping to create and deliver care packages to some young patients at the PVAMC.
Events like this are especially valuable because they allow VHFLC staff, families and students to come together and enjoy the contributions of one another in a fun and relaxed holiday setting. For those of you who made it out, we hope you enjoyed it! And for those of you who couldn't make it, take a look at these videos to catch a glimpse.
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