Members of VFW Post 2948 say that watching the happiness of the folks that come from area nursing homes and care centers is all the reward they need for hosting a summer event that provides food, music, and most of all — fellowship.
On a beautiful, breezy Thursday afternoon, staff at care centers along with volunteers and members of the VFW are loading and unloading residents at the VFW Club in the Falls. They came to listen to the Second Wind Harmonica Band which donates performances for events around the region. With the final arrivals, the hall is filled nearly to capacity. Cheerful balloons festoon the tables.
“It’s a joy to watch them enjoy themselves,” said Vietnam veteran Dale Hendrickson. VFW member Jim Nicodemus, Vietnam, agrees. “It’s just a chance to get out,” he says. He adds that it’s important that he serves in this way because he may want someone to do the same for him some day.
As old-fashioned waltzes and polkas fill the air, some folks tap their fingers to the rhythm and many nibble on snacks and ice cream, all provided by volunteers. Servers weave their way between the tables with trays of food and pitchers of pop as guests chat with family members who came to celebrate with their loved ones.
The band pauses to wish guest Alvina Johnson a happy birthday and then sings her a hearty version of “Happy Birthday to You.”
“It’s exciting for them to get out and see people they haven’t seen in years,” says Rebecca Carlson, activities coordinator at Good Samaritan Center. “And it brings out a side of them that we seldom see.”
She notes that the sadness that is sometimes shown seems to fade at outings such as this. “What’s most important is that it makes them feel part of their community.”
