Evergreen Memories 2009
By Jaimie Corriveau
Special Events Coordinator, Trenton MFRC
This year the Trenton Military Family Resource Centre moved their location of Evergreen Memories into the National Air Force Museum of Canada which created a magnificent backdrop and window display of fourteen beautifully decorated trees. The tree sponsors took the theme of “Soaring Above and Beyond” to a wonderful level creating delightful displays which were enjoyed by many visitors with some of them getting to take home the decorations at the end of the event. We were able to make donations of $570 each to the Trent Port Historical Society and to the “Soldier On” program.
The opening ceremony on December 6th was magical. We received kind words from local dignitaries and Colonel & Mrs. Williams lit our new larger “Peace Tree” in support of all serving members, past, present and future. Thank you to Sharon Lannin for the coordination of the decorating of this tree. The lighting was followed by a mediation song beautifully performed by Jessica Searle and Ashley Davie. World War II veteran, Rex Glover lit the snowflake display in honor of all those who have lost their lives in Afghanistan. Also in attendance were Korean War veterans Bud Schriver and Bob Taylor. Following the lighting Brittney Jordon Wade performed a truly memorable duet with Marco Stacey of “The Prayer”. The remaining trees were lit by event sponsors, as dancers from the MFRC Ballroom classes danced elegantly around the trees. Thanks to instructor Mary McEwan for her coordination of this. In closing the event received a inspirational blessing from LCom Steve Merriman.
This year’s event was elevated to a new level with the help of quality local entertainment. Riverside Music, Maggie & Peter George, were outstanding in their support of providing excellent sound for all our entertainers. I’d like to make special mention of Heidi Hayward for composing and performing “Evergreen Memories”, now to become our signature song for the event.
December 18th we hosted a “Friends & Neighbours” night to say a special thank you to all those who support us through repatriation ceremonies. Holiday Inn Trenton generously provided refreshments and a great door prize of “Brunch for Two” which was won by Bill Thomson. Thanks again to Brittney Jordon Wade for serenading us with her undeniable talent, as well as Marco for an encore performance of “The Prayer”. Sincere thanks to Diedrey Francois who generously donated her time and talent to perform a number of inspirational songs including her dedication song for the children of our fallen soldiers called “The Message”.
None of this would have been possible without a fabulous organizing committee consisting of Ena Newman, Laura Rickards, Karla Benoit and Jane Murphy. Numerous volunteers were also generous with their time and talents. Tremendous thanks to Mr. Chris Colton and the staff and volunteers of the museum who were exceptional in their support of this event. Thanks to the MFRC Daycare staff and children for their festive holiday mural. We were excited this year to add some wagon rides which were generously sponsored by Trenton Scottish Irish Festival and Foodland Colborne. We also hosted a Seniors’ Tea sponsored by Quinte Access and Smylie’s Independent Grocer.
