Auxilians Enjoy Event in Their Honor
On Wednesday, April 22, the Village welcomed nearly 80 members from its three Auxiliaries to its historic Albany Avenue campus for the annual Tea for Three. The event recognizes the outstanding work that these volunteers do to benefit the Village. For more than 50 years, Auxiliaries have run Second Chance Shops, which resell new and gently used clothing and household goods, with all profits going to the Village. Last year, the Auxiliaries, located in Glastonbury, Simsbury, and Suffield, raised nearly $170,000 to support Village programs that help families and children in the Hartford region.
Auxilians enjoy learning about Village Programs
The event was enjoyed by all. Suffield Auxiliary Co-President and Village Board Member Sue Ann Nealon spoke for many when she said, "It was a beautiful event and one that I think we all truly enjoyed and will remember as a lovely day."
Tea for Three offered Auxilians a light lunch and the opportunity to learn more about the Village. Dr. Galo Rodriguez, MPH, Village President and CEO, spoke about the importance of the work the Auxillians do for the Village. He also took the opportunity to recognize Joan Armour, who has been an active volunteer with the Simsbury Auxiliary for over 50 years. She will be retiring so that she and her husband can move to California. Dr. Rodriguez expressed the agencies gratitude to Ms. Armour and all Auxilians. For more information on the Auxiliaries or to locate a Second Chance Shop, click here.
Also speaking was Yvette Young, senior director of the Village's Eagle House, which provides residential behavioral health treatment for children aged 12 and under who are transitioning from psychiatric hospitalization. Ms. Young spoke to the group about the critical work that she and her colleagues at the Eagle House do. While the program is just one of many run by the Village, Ms. Young's words spoke for the entire organization.
Ms. Young read a poem, below, which she wrote for the occasion. Many found it particularly moving.
"Who will gather the broken pieces?"
A precious porcelain vase sits upon the mantel above the fireplace.
Onlookers are marveled by its beauty and offer their praise.
They are delicate with every touch; cautious not to break.
Tender care is provided to maintain its angelic grace.
But one day without warning,
This precious vase is carelessly handled and falls to the floor.
Shattered in many pieces, it lays upon the ground.
Everyone is wondering, "Who will gather the broken pieces?"
The caretaker is silent and paralyzed with fear.
No movement and no hope for its repair.
Out of nowhere a stranger appears and begins to gather the pieces from everywhere.
In time the pieces are arranged in a manner to capture the authenticity of the vase,
But the flaws in the broken places are evident.
The caretaker walks away, refusing to accept the less than perfect vase.
Now homeless, the vase requires a resting place.
For days onlookers came and went,
but no one to appreciate the restored beauty of the vase.
Then suddenly a collector arrives, and enthusiastically embraces the vase,
praising its beauty and uniqueness.
When asked why, the collector simply stated, "Because of the broken places."
© 2009 Yvette Young |
