January, 2003
Contact: Holly Brooker
(845) 255-1450 xt.1301

For the twentieth year, VFW Post 8645 in New Paltz has thrown a holiday bash for students from Ulster BOCES that is so much fun that even Santa and Mrs. Claus won’t miss it.

VFW member Vickie Rain worked with Special Education teacher Catherine Randel to coordinate the holiday party for 45 special needs students, ages 5 through 13, who attend Ulster BOCES classes in Highland, Lenape, and Duzine Elementary Schools. Little did she know that in her first year of coordinating the event, she would actually have to organize the festivities three separate times due to inclement winter weather.

When all was said and done, it was a grand success, especially when the much anticipated jingling of bells began. The children hushed and turned towards the stairs. As Mr. and Mrs. Claus entered the room, a wave of excitement erupted. Waving and cheering, the students welcomed the new visitors.

Taking their place in front of the holiday tree, the dedicated gift givers generously handed each student a present. Earlier in the fall, the VFW post held a fundraiser pancake breakfast, and the Town of New Paltz contributed money towards the purchase of the presents. Receiving many “thank yous” and several hugs, the Clauses (Ken Rain as Santa and Pat Browne as Mrs. Claus) made quick work of their giving because they had several helpers. These “elves” were from the Special Education program at Highland High School. Some of the students lined up the gifts to give to the Clauses, others announced the classes to come up to get their presents, one took pictures, and all helped to keep the students organized. The teen helpers volunteered to assist with the event as part of a community service project.

Randel was asked by some of the older volunteers if they would be receiving presents at the party as well. She explained that the gift they would receive was not one they could unwrap. “You will get to learn about giving--and receiving because of that giving.”

The all too important lesson was not lost on the students. When asked why they wanted to volunteer for the day, they replied, “to help the kids out.”

“This celebration allows our students to enjoy a day without classification of disability,” describes Barbara Zolnowski, supervisor for Special Education at Ulster BOCES. “The VFW personnel's total acceptance of our children tells the students that they are good and worthwhile and they rise to these expectations. This was so apparent this year when our high school students served as volunteers. One would be hard pressed to identify them as students with special needs. They were gracious and helpful and proud to share their experiences with their peers when they got to the high school.”

At the party, VFW members Bob Murphy, Cliff Micheal, Ron Mironchik, Ed Cahill, Bert Reynolds, Rita Pink, Vicki Rain, Les Rheal, John Carroll, and Doris Giangrasso took turns serving delicious lunches to eager party guests and made fast friends with the students when the ice cream desserts were brought out. Stewart’s Shops generously donated the paper goods, drinks, and ice cream.

“The annual VFW party exemplifies the partnership between school and the community,” describes Zolnowski. “This organization of dedicated and caring persons provides our students with an experience that should be a part of every child's life, a happy celebration with no strings attached. And, while we are grateful for the gifts, the entertainment, and the food that is part of this celebration, we are most grateful for the acceptance of the Ulster BOCES students as children who deserve to have happy memories of their childhood years.”