On December 20th 2007 Santa arrived at Mount Saint John!! Thank you to everyone who made our young men smile this holiday!
The selflessness of our donors from Church and Synogue Communites, as well as individuals who donated gifts and money, ensured that Christmas was filled with gifts that teenage boys truly enjoy! Santa, his bag of goodies and his Elves arrived on December 20th and made an appearance in each house. He enjoyed singing and cookies and even treated some of the boys to some creative dance moves!
An original song written and performed by one of our many talented students! Santa Dances!!!
The young men were also able to choose gifts to take home to their brothers and sisters who may otherwise not have had a Christmas morning. Our donors generosity to MSJ gave our residents self-confidence as well; a gift that can not be bought. Any young man who remained with us for Christmas Day was treated to gifts, followed by everyone receiving another item on Three Kings Day. We are grateful that donations of sports equipment helped us replenish our Therapeutic Recreation Program. Play Stations and guitars will be enjoyed by all! We would like to extend a huge thank you to Mr. Paul Politz and the Waterbury Home Depot store who generously donated beautiful new fully lit Christmas Trees and ornaments to each of our houses! During this magical time of the year we are honored and blessed to have so many communities think of us.
Volunteers from Mercy High School, Xavier High School and Memorial Middle School play Santa's Elves as they wrap gifts!
Thank you to Chuck Carlson who each year tirelessly assists in the mass undertaking of the gathering of the gifts and Vicki McKenney who led the coordination with Parishes across the Diocese and beyond! They each loaded gifts into their sleighs for weeks! Volunteers from Mercy High School, Xavier High School, and Memorial Middle School, generously gave the Gift of Time to act as Elves and wrap Santa's gifts one snowy Saturday morning! Thank you to Santa who never forgets to land his sleigh atop Old Main Hall, Elf Eleanor LaPlace, Elf Kathy White, and all the Elf Managers who make sure that Christmas sparkles for our boys!
Our own talented Mr. Sheehan strolled the tables as the MSJ Community enjoyed singing the Twelve Days of Christmas!
A special thanks to the "Five Golden Rings" table for their awesome enthusiasm!
On December 21st, 2007 the Mount Saint John community came together to celebrate the joy of the Christmas Season as families joined us in eating a delicious dinner chosen by our young men while some even performed musical selections while we ate. Special presentations on Chanukah and Kwaanza as well as Christmas were presented, and a very special original song performed and written by one of our many talented students received thunderous applause! Thank you to Chef Richard Gee and his staff who always make sure that we eat very well!
Students and Staff enjoying the festivities with a thumbs up for dinner while sharing this Blessed day with loved ones!
Santa with Executive Director Doug DeCerbo, Joy Pendola, Director of Clincial Services and Vicki McKenney, Executive Assistant
Doug DeCerbo with our Master of Ceremonies.
Mr. Stavola and Director of Residential Services, Mr. Sheehan, tell the story of Chanuka followed by Mr. Bryant, Theraputic Recreational Supervisor, teaching us about the meaning of Kwaanza.
Elf Laplace helping Santa! Mr. Sheehan, Ms. Pendola and Mr. McCusker hanging at the North Pole!
The Staff and Students of Mount Saint John wish you Peace throughout the New Year........