Ornaments to bring cheer to those serving overseas

  MARS HILL, Maine — Military personnel serving overseas will be receiving a unique homemade gift in the form of Christmas ornaments made by local children — a present sure to cheer up those far from home for the holidays.
“This was the first annual Family Ornament Day, hosted by the Mars Hill Rec Department in conjunction with Wintergreen Arts Center of Presque Isle,” said Jamie Guerrette, volunteer coordinator of the program.
Dozens of children and family members gathered recently, spending the better part of a day designing and putting together their one-of-a-kind creations, made of items like popsicle sticks and buttons.
“Over 70 kids attended and made over 70 ornaments that day, with 75 ornaments and cards destined for the 488th Military Police unit in Afghanistan,” said Guerrette.
Guerrette said a local agency regularly sends packages to those serving overseas and has agreed to include the ornaments in a future shipment.
“We have teamed up with the Northern Lighthouse in Mars Hill. They send packages two times per month. If someone wants to add something to the packages, they can. You can contact Tiffany Faulkner at 227-7195 for more information,” explained Guerrette.
Guerrette said it was a great opportunity to show community support for loved ones serving far from home.
“It was great. One of my favorite quotes from one of the parents was, ‘I thought Ornament Day was a great idea, so I attended with my 4-month-old son,’” said Guerrette, noting, “This was the first time that the town has done anything to support our troops.”
“Seeing so many kids making snowflakes to send to the 488th Military Police Company was amazing, to say the least,” she said.
Guerrette said hearing one parent explain that this is for “a Daddy who can’t come home for Christmas” was emotional and still brings tears to her eyes.
“That Daddy is my husband and has to miss our son’s first Christmas. My husband was shocked when I told him that Mars Hill came together to make him and his unit cards and ornaments for Christmas. He said that he can’t wait to see them and wants to thank all the kids who made this happen. It makes me very proud to be from Mars Hill,” said Olivia Belanger, wife of Justin Belanger.
Justin Belanger is a graduate of Ashland High School who is currently serving in the National Guard.
Guerrette said the children also made ornaments that will be used locally.
“The kids also made ornaments for the community tree lighting, which took place Nov. 30. This was also a first for Mars Hill, with Santa present, carolers singing and more,” said Guerrette, adding Santa made his arrival by limousine. “Fireman Fred led carols, joined by local queens.”
Children had an opportunity to ride in the limo with Santa all the way to the Mars Hill/Blaine Rec Center. Once there, participants got to watch “The Polar Express.”
“While waiting for the movie, members of the All-Stars Gymnastics team performed. Families also enjoyed cocoa and cookies at the Rec,” Guerrette said.
Wendy Gilman-Zubrick, Wintergreen’s director, was on hand to help with the ornaments and said as the mother with a child serving in the military, she knows how much reminders of home mean to those serving elsewhere in the country and the world.
“I’m very grateful to have been included in the Family Ornament Day event. It’s a great cause and Jamie has done such a wonderful job with the after-school program. It’s a great benefit to the program,” said Gilman-Zubrick. “And as the mother of a son serving our country, I know how appreciated a gift from home is. These ornaments will bring joy to those who receive them.”