By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
There were no seats remaining in the gym of the Rubenstein Center as the facility and cadets hosted their annual Christmas dinner and program. Superintendent Daniel Dilly welcomed everyone to the event as he took a moment to recognize several individuals who make this program possible.
First mentioned was Rex Vance who works diligently with the cadets to provide community service opportunities. Each year, these young men partake in an average of 5,000 community service hours in various ways. Vance took a moment to recognize Dilly for “all the hard work, we really appreciate it.”
Dilly continued stating, “This is a time to come together and celebrate.” He recognized former employees and several who were in attendance, such as the City of Parsons employees and Mayor Dorothy Judy, Mayor Doug Martin for the town of Davis, County Commissioners Fred Davis and Lowell Moore, Executive Director of the Development Authority Steve Leyh, Senator Randy Smith who Dilly stated, “He is a big supporter of what we do here,” Tom Felton, the Probation Officer for Tucker and Grant County, Fred Meyer of the Veterans Association, Stephanie Bond of the West Virginia Supreme Court, the Ministerial Association, and other vendors and members of the Department of Correction.
The Food Service Staff, consisting of Betty Nester, Pam Wyczalek, Darlene Sisler, Tina Shaffer, and Roseann Eye, were also recognized and an announcement made that the cadets had baked several dozen cookies that were available for purchase. The funds from the sales of these sweet treats were to assist local families in need and World Vision.
Pastor Justin Jones, former employee of the Rubenstein Center, asked the blessing over the food that the cadets and the kitchen staff prepared for the feast. The on duty staff and residents participating in the play were asked to eat first followed by the remaining cadets, their families, and the guests. The delicious, home cooked meal was made up of turkey, ham, stuffing, vegetables, casseroles, rolls, and a variety of dessert options.
At the conclusion of the meal, two cadets dressed as elves did their rendition of a Saturday Night Live ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas that had the crowd smiling and laughing. Three residents performed a rhythmical beat by stomping and clapping while everyone tapped along to the beat. The main comical attraction was the four baby puppets singing and dancing to a variety of tunes as they interacted with each other. The families and guests rolled with laughter as did the cadets. To conclude the program, the cadets all took center stage and asked for everyone to sing along as they performed We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Dilly returned to the microphone and said, “Thank you to the parents for coming out,” as well as everyone in attendance. He thanked the Recreation Department for putting on this event and wished everyone a safe trip home.
