GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
This time of year we consider the seasons of our lives and the happiness of past holidays, family togetherness and traditions. Some of those traditions we hold dear will take place again as usual…and some can’t…due to changes in our family composition but despite the loss of our precious loved ones, we still have very much to be thankful for.
I love: Christmas and the beautiful story about a miraculous conception that resulted in the birth of Jesus, the most influential figure this world has ever known; hearing typical hymns sung at church, or on a radio en route to deliver and collect hugs and kisses from folks we love and watching Christmas movies on the T.V. because movies with only the tree lights on while sipping a cup of eggnog or hot cocoa is a must! Though the movie themes are much the same, people coming full circle to remember, embrace and celebrate days of old – baking cookies, fresh ham and hot mashed potatoes with butter and gravy…yum, yum…somehow renews the spirit! Low carbs? Not so much! Somehow they take a back seat to the festive goodies this time of year and unfortunately rather than taking priority, they often times fall into the “New Year Resolutions” basket. My singing? Still horrible and memorable only for the wrong reasons, but…I still make an attempt to bellow out the familiar tunes that make us smile. All the while I thank God I can see the Christmas lights, hear the music and feel, taste and touch the blessings around me.
Over the holidays when we hear news about those less fortunate and what they don’t have also consider what they do have…loving, kind, fellow Americans and ‘brothers and sisters’ who devote their time to help by serving their plates, volunteering at shelters, praying for them and comforting them as best they can. Simply put…good people doing good things.
Also think about the generosity and good will exemplified by the Marine Corps League Outer Banks Detachment #1264 and all they put into their annual project “Toys for Tots Program” during the months of November and December. The goal of the program according to their website and Marine Corps friends I know is “to collect new, unwrapped toys each year, and to distribute them as Christmas gifts to needy children in Dare County”. Note: their meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 1900 to 2000 at the Kerns Pitt Center in Southern Shores – the next being Tuesday, December 13, 2016. If you’re interested in joining as a regular or associate member, please contact them at phone: (252) 305-4768; by email: info@obxmarines.org or by mail: Marine Corps League Outer Banks Detachment, Post Office Box 2332, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina 27949-2332. They are awesome veterans who are dedicated, devoted and diligent when it comes to meeting and exceeding their goals to help others. If you would like to feel the joy of helping them help children, please get in touch with them ASAP. In advance, thank you!
Our local Outer Banks V.F.W. Post 10950 (which meets on the first Monday of each month) will hold this months’ meeting on Monday, December 5, 2016 at 7 PM at the Colington Fire Department located 18 School House Rd., Colington (Kill Devil Hills). Also, there’s a convenient elevator onsite and parking is ample. If you are eligible for membership; already are a member; wish to transfer your membership or if you have questions in general about membership, please contact Quartermaster Jim Norrell at (252) 489-9421 and if you’d like to just visit their group of incredible men and women, please make it a point to attend. These folks are go-getters…I know it for a fact! They’ll wholeheartedly welcome you into their fold and you’ll quickly witness why their Post is growing in leaps and bounds! They’re committed to help local Dare County veterans and go out of their way to do just that.
Also, please note: our local American Legion Post 26 will meet again on Wednesday, December 14 at 6 PM at the Post located: 302 W. Lake Drive, Kill Devil Hills (rather than 12 Noon) and they will continue the 6 PM schedule for the next six months) and their monthly meetings are on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Post 26 members are loyal to their Post and to fellow veterans. They welcome you and would greatly appreciate your participation. Please consider joining them in their crusade to help local veterans.
In the last few weeks I (as well as other Dare County Veterans Advisory Council members) have received calls from veterans who are just learning about the veteran resources and support that is available in Dare County/Outer Banks. Our Veteran Service Officer Rhonda Creef contact phone: (252) 475-5604 is eager to help you in any way she can and I suggest you consider calling her to make an appointment to see what might be available to you. Also you’re welcome to contact me on my cell (252) 202-2058 or by email: editor@giglineheroes.com – please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have a question or know of a veteran in need of help.
Until next time, be happy, be safe and be proud. As a veteran you have sacrificed to save us all…from no telling what. We thank you…we love you…and we owe you all…big time. God bless you all and your families! Take care and please seek fellow vets around you…you all need each other and we sure as heck need all of you! Stay tuned!