Giving back and helping others

A tradition continues at Grace Episcopal Church

By EMILY BACCHIOCCHI

Exactly a week before Christmas, on December 18, about 75 guests visited the Grace Episcopal Church in Honesdale, PA for a holiday party and meal. The lavish menu included turkey, gravy, mashed and sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, jello molds and, of course, home-made Christmas cookies. This special gathering, sponsored by the Honesdale Lions Club and the Grace Episcopal Church Women, has been held annually for the last 50 years. The guests are special needs children and young adults.

The Lion’s Club began throwing this party because people donating items of food or clothing usually forgot the kids. The welfare office informed the club that there was a real need for clothing, toys and food for these children.

“It’s nice for the families to get out also. The job of watching any child is a 24/7 duty. With these kids, the only difference is, it lasts a lifetime,” said Dr. Leonard Weiss, a longtime Lions Club member.

The syndromes that the children and young adults have range from Down syndrome to autism.

Visitors come with their parents and siblings to enjoy the food, Christmas caroling, a visit from Santa, Christmas decorations and entertainment by a juggling mime.

This past Sunday, when guests entered the dining room, a group of men from the Honesdale area Lions Club were there to greet them and their families. The Lions said hello personally, recognizing many of the guests as the same people who attend every year. Guests went to the front table for their nametags and then chose a table at which to eat.

Al Schwartz, head chef of the Grace Episcopal Church’s kitchen, began preparing the meal on Thursday.

Women from the Grace Episcopal Church spent all day decorating the dining hall, helping with the food and bringing in dozens of home baked goodies. The women, with the addition of a few men, worked to prepared for the party since the 8:00 a.m. mass ended.

Teens from the High Steppers 4-H Club served the meal, as they have done for the past four years. It was served family-style and there was plenty for everyone to eat their fill. Volunteers from the Lions Club also sat down at the tables and ate.

Dinner began at 5:00 p.m. and Santa arrived at 5:30.

Right before the meal, Lion member Paul Meagher welcomed everyone to the dinner. “You’ve all been so good this year,” he says, “that we have a special visitor for you. Who do you think it is?”

“Santa,” the children yelled excitedly.

Each year, Santa brings a fruit basket, an article of clothing and a toy for each guest. Each gift is individually wrapped and name-tagged. The gifts are sponsored by the Lions Club and are obtained with a hefty discount through Sullum’s, K-Mart and The Sunshine Market. “Without the store discounts, this wouldn’t be possible,” said Meagher.

Matthew Birngham, of Honesdale, has been coming to the event for 20 years. He has Down syndrome.

When asked whether the food and the presents from Santa were good, he answered, “Yup” to both questions. When asked his age, Matt said, “You mean, what grade am I in?” His mother said that Matt is 23.

He came to the event with good friend Matthew Biesle. The friends sat together to watch the mime, who wore a tie-dye shirt and bright purple pants. His face was painted with white circles around his eyes. He blew on a kazoo to communicate and twirled five neon hoops as entertainment. It was clear by the smiles that the audience enjoyed his performance.

When dinner was over, the children lined up to see Santa Claus. Santa has been making an appearance at the event for about 20 years.

The Christmas carol sing-along ended the evening, with volunteer Martha Heinley on the piano. Everyone was invited to sing along to traditional favorites.

The warm welcome, the generous and well-prepared food, the presents, the mime, caroling, beautiful holiday decorations and, of course, the visit from Santa, made the party a success this year, as in years past. The Lions hope to continue the tradition for many years to come.

“This is what Christmas is supposed to be,” said Lion president and Honesdale businessman Rudy Schemitz. “Christmas is not about the running around to get everything done. It’s about people, professionals, taking time out of their schedules to give back and help others.”

For more information about this program call Paul Meagher at 570/253-9566, or Rudy Schemitz at 570/251-8218.