Here it is June, and I just now realized I never posted this. I probably didn't at the time I wrote it up, waiting on pictures. They are on my facebook page, so won't transfer them. So sorry readers but at least you will know the stress of doing this project! It's not for the faint-hearted!!! Each year we have had some problem. But yes, we're doing it again!
Held at the same time as the one in Arlington, Novelty held their ceremony Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Novelty Christian Church.
We were very happy with the number of veterans who came to the service, as well as "civilians". The weather was great--near 50 degrees, and sunny!
The week started with difficulty--and lots of stress! Location chair Joyce Simpson was notified that the wreaths would be placed on the truck Monday, could expect them Thursday, and given the name of the driver. A text from him the next day said there was a problem in loading, so expect the shipment later. (At this point, this writer was beginning to be concerned!) Thursday morning the driver texted Joyce to say the wreaths were NOT on his truck! Joyce emailed several including the WAA liason, and Marsha (fundraising chair) tried calling, then emailing, and finally sent a message via facebook on the WAA page as well as her own. At 5:00 a.m. Friday, Joyce received a text that the wreaths would be there on time. (what does that mean--when the ceremony is the next day?)
But, sure enough---Marsha received a reply from her note on WAA facebook page, asking for contact information. About 15 minutes later received a noticed that the wreaths should be in Novelty between 1-2:00 that afternoon. Joyce had the same confirmation several minutes later. What happened? We guess the wreaths were loaded on a different truck/truckline than originally planned.
Judith. Joyce, and Marsha made plans to eat and be in town when the truck arrived. They were joined by Carolyn: in the midst of the meal, the truck pulled up in front of the center. We either finished quickly, or took "to go" boxes and went to the center. 33 boxes were unloaded and brought into the center. (Last week we were notified we could not use the Legion Hall to store the wreaths, so tarps had been placed on the carpeting to keep the needles off the flooring.) We then unloaded each box to count the wreaths--297 were shipped to us--then put them back in the boxes. 90 were for the Novelty cemetery, 52 for Bee Ridge, 52 in a stack for Larry Clark to take to St. Joseph. We thank Kent Franke for helping get the boxes unloaded!
Saturday, the ceremony went off without a hitch! (THANK GOODNESS) Wreaths were taken to the Novelty cemetery prior to the ceremony. (and thanks to John Love and children for helping with THAT).
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