December 2012
PAUSE s n o i t o l u o e R s ’ r a e Y New
Not Your Traditional Christmas Trees
and or l a u Cas ks f o o l y Dress ears! Y New
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What is your ultimate Christmas gift?
Gifts Under $20!
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Special Education Day
World AIDS Day 8
Winter Play Performance -7 pm
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Basketball KPARK vs. Porter 4:30, 6:00 & 7:30 pm
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Hanukkah 15 11
M Football Banquet 5-10 pm
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Orchestra Winter Concert -7:15 pm
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Choir Winter Concert -7 pm
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Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
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Human Rights Day
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National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
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WINTER BREAK!!
(Early Release)
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Winter Solstice 28
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Kwanzaa Begins 29
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C o m i n g Th i s D e c e m b e r . . . Movies
The Hobbit This prequel to The Lord of the Rings follows Bilbo Baggins on the hazardous journey with Gandalf the Grey. Together they go on a dangerous adventure t h r o u g h the Lonely Mountains, where they must battle all types of enemies, from
Monsters Inc.
giant spiders to elves, including a creature named Gollum who lost the magic ring to Bilbo in a riddling contest.
Deadly Little Lessons By: Laurie Faria Stolarz
Made in 2001, Monsters Inc. is c oming back to theatres in 3D this December. Also, releasing in 2013, there will be a Monsters Inc. Prequel, “Monsters University”.
Books
Camelia Hammond’s trying junior year of high school is finally over...but her troubles aren’t. After she discovers a painful truth about her family, she escapes to a summer arts program in Rhode Island. At the arts school, she gets caught up in the case of Sasha Beckerman, a local girl who is missing, and finds some interesting facts.. Buy it and see what happens!
As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.
Page by: Orianne Elliott
Scent of Magic Maria V. Snyder
Guilt Trip Andy Brewster is about to go on the road trip of a lifetime, accompanied by his overbearing mother Joyce. After deciding to start his adventure with a
quick visit at Mom’s, Andy is guilted into bringing her along for the ride. Across 3,000 miles, he is constantly aggravated by her antics, but over time he comes to realize that their lives have more in common than he originally thought. His mother’s advice might end up being exactly what he needs.
Shows
1st OFWGKTA th @House of Blues 4 Peter Pan 11th @Sarofim Hall Marina & thThe Diamonds 17 @Warehouse The Nutcracker @Brown Theatre
Live
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Test
Do’s and Don’t’s When Taking a
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s ’ o D Study for the test weeks in advance. * Collect all old notes, test and work sheets that you will be tested on! your teacher what material will be on * Ask the test.
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Form study groups with your friends!
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When reading your study guide, read out loud, it helps you to remember!
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Get at least eight hours of sleep!
Eat a well balanced breakfast!
Don’t’s
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Cram before the test!
Don’t throw away any old class work that will be on the test!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions in class!
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Study with friends that will not be a distraction. Don’t read in your head, read out loud!
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Don’t pull an all nighter!
Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast!
Page by: Rachael Chandler
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Everyone loves the taste and smell of popcorn, and now everytime you put on your chapstick you get the same experience without the calories! $5
If you know someone that loves the Doctor they will enjoy having their very own sonic screwdriver! $12.00 available at www.thinkgeek.com
Melting Clock
Not only is it an interesting illusion, but the clock really works! $9.99 available at www.thinkgeek.com
Find out your friend’s favorite band and get them their latest CD.
CD’s
Most everybody loves chocolate, and it’s a guarantee that you will find a box of chocolates at most stores around the holidays.
Musical Keyboard Necktie
Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver Flashlight
Popcorn f lavored lip balm
Chocolate
Gift Ideas under $20
This touch sensitive keyboard necktie plays notes as you touch its keys. $14.99 available at www.theparagon.com
With these you will have an excuse for every cut and scratch written on the bandage $7.00 available at www.urbanoutfitters.com
This unique putty stretches to reach magnets as if it were alive. $12.94 available at www.amazon.com
Gift cards Cash Chalk Talk Mug
Plug in your MP3 and comfortably listen to your music. The Equalizer on the front even lights up! $19.99 available at www.boston.com
Books
This Bacon Lover Lollipop Gift Set has maple, honey and barbecue flavored savory-sweet lollipops! $11.95 available at www.candy.com
Head Massager
One pound gummy bear Bacon Lollipops Boombox Pillow What Happened Bandages Magnetic Putty Page by: Eva Cornell
Gummy bears are great; giant gummy bears are better. $5.94 www.candyfavorites.com
Gift cards are more portable and more personalized than money.
If you don’t have much time to pull together a gift, money is always an option.
Have fun writing a message, or just drawing a picture on this coffee mug. $8.99 available at www.boston.com
If your friend is into reading find an interesting book to gift them.
Who wouldn’t want a hand held head massager? $6.00 available at www.urbanoutfitters.com
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Page by: Rachael Chandler
Eff ro his n look bur s gun cool a dy car nd ca dig sua an! l in
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Not Your Traditional Christmas Tree! Modern Glamour A petite white fir tree, heavily flocked at the tree lot, makes a big statement in a small room. Flocked trees may be a retro thought but look thoroughly modern when paired with
a crisp white-on-white color scheme. Bursts of peacock blue and sea-foam green pop against the clean backdrop, and the sculptural, weathered urn makes for a perfect base.
Metallic Sparkle Christmas tree with a limited color scheme of silver, gold, and bronze.
Colorful and Coastal Shades of aqua, turquoise, and white create a crisp, festive holiday vibe. Glass pinecone ornaments 9 pause
reflect the area’s indigenous conifers and bring a traditional holiday motif to the tree.
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Sit on a workout bench (or a stable chair) with your hands placed on the edge, fingers pointing forward. Rest your calves and ankles on top of a firm ball. Straighten your arms to lift your hips off the bench. Bend your arms to lower your body, then straighten them to the starting position. Repeat 15
Work outs t o she holid ad the a y poun Here are some aw ds! esome w break th or a t are sim k ple and outs that you c fast, you an do d uri can even do them ng the at home.
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Lie on the floor with arms beside you and calves on the ball. (A) Lift your backside up without arching your back (keep your abdominals tight for support). (B) With hips still raised, bend your knees and roll the ball toward you with your feet until they’re flat on top of the ball. Slowly return to the
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Page by: Margarita Blanco
6 Assume the top of a push-up position but rest your forearms on the ball. Keep your abs strong and your neck in line with your spine. Hold the pose for 45 seconds. (A) Lie on the ball with your middle back resting on top, arms straight, and palms on your upper thighs. (B) Curl your upper body forward, one vertebra at a time, keeping your hands on your thighs. Lower to the starting position. Repeat 15 times.
Hold the ball out in front of you with your feet hipdistance apart. (A) With arms straight, bring the ball down to your thighs. (B) Bend your elbows and curl the ball up to eye level. (C) Press the ball up at a 45-degree angle until your arms are fully extended. Return to the starting position. Repeat 15 times. (A) Hold the ball above your head with your arms straight and feet hip-distance apart. (B) Keep your back flat and abs tight as you bend your knees and twist your torso to lower the ball toward your left foot. Return to the center with the ball overhead, then twist to the right side. Repeat 15 times.
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New Years Resolutions
What are your New Year resolutions?
“To make all A’s and also make the baseball team.” Patrick Sheehy9 & Mason Harris9
“I don’t have one” “To get longer hair”
Taylor Innmon10
“I don’t have one yet but I will soon.”
“To become Tumblr famous <3” Savannah Vaughn10
Travis Thompson12
Morgan Zaborowski9
“Lose weight, graduate, get into college, and get a good job” “To buy a cat and get money.”
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Mahayla Kissman11
Justin Murphree12
Wha
t is s a your m t s i r ultimate Ch
Mackenzie Reams10
“Baby white tiger, because they’re epic.”
Lauren Brooks10
“Band merch and
concert tickets.” Page by: Orianne Elliott
ig ft?
Austin Porterfield12
“My ultimate Christmas gift would be a love
sack.”
Taylor Delaney9
“A unicorn because they’re the bomb.com.” 12 pause
What to Wear On Dressy A bold dress will make all eyes be on you!
You can never go wrong with sparkly heals!
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New Years Eve! Sparkly top is festive for New Years!
Statement cocktail ring!
Page by: Rachael Chandler
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What to Wear On y s s e r D A fitted blazer will dress you up and keep you warm!
Pair your dressy blazer with nice dark washed jeans, for a laid back look!
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New Years Eve! l a u s a C
Wear a causal flannel to keep you warm!
Cool and laid back shoes are best for a casual night! Page by: Rachael Chandler
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. Y . I . D t n e m a n r s O t c e j o Pr
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Cut about a 16 inch piece of green cord that will fit through the button holes.
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Thread one brown button on to the cord and slide it down to the center of the cord.
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Thread two more brown buttons on the top of each other so that they sat flush on top of each other.
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You will need
• three or so brown buttons • 15 green buttons • a star shaped bead • a cord/thread/ string
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Once you have stacked your buttons and your ornament resembles a tree, tie the two cords together in to a knot.
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Button Christmas Tree Ornaments
Paint both ends of the cord with a little bit of nail polish and let it dry. The nail polish prevented the cord from fraying. It also stiffens the cord which allows it to push through the button hole more easily.
Take the cord and thread it through a second hole on the button, diagonal from the hole first used. That gives the thread a big u shape, with both red ends sticking up.
Then thread on your biggest green button. Stack them on top of each other with the largest ones on the bottom, gradually decreasing in size until you get to the smallest button on top.
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The knot is pretty much hidden in the bottom of the star. Slide the star on, tie another knot about three inches above the knot and trim the cord.
Glitter Ornaments
You will need
• Clear glass ornaments (Joanne’s and Michael’s carry them during the Christmas season, or you can get them online at Hobby Lobby). • Glitter • Floor cleaner. (Sounds weird, yes, but this is the amazing secret ingredient.)
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First, make sure you start with a clean ornament. (use rubbing alcohol to clean them) So pour a little bit of the floor cleaner into the ornament, and swirl it around. I do not shake it, because then it gets kind of bubbly. Next pour the excess back into the bottle.
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Now pour in your glitter and swirl it around the same way as you did with the floor cleaner. Let it dry for a little while before putting the cap back on…
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Take the little wire out of the cap, and put the cap on first (put a little glue around the inside of the cap for security)Then stick the wire back in…this will keep it from scratching off the glitter on the way in.
! p i T Page by: Eva Mae Cornell
Add a few scrapbook stickers and some rhinestones to make your ornament look fabulous!
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Treats for the Holidays Peanut Butter Cookie Cups •1/2 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts. •1 package (16 ounces) individually portioned refrigerated white chip macadamia nut cookie dough. •24 miniature peanut butter cups. Sprinkle macadamia nuts into 24 greased miniature muffin cups, 1 teaspoon in each. Cut each portion of cookie dough in half; place each half in a muffin cup. •Bake at 325° for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately place a peanut butter cup in each cookie; press down gently. Cool completely before removing from pans to wire racks. Yield: 2 dozen.
Lemon Bars •1 cup all-purpose flour •1/2 cup butter, softened •1/4 cup confectioners' sugar Filling: •2 eggs •1 cup sugar •2 tablespoons all-purpose flour •1/2 teaspoon baking powder •2 tablespoons lemon juice •1 teaspoon grated lemon peel •Additional confectioners' sugar •In a bowl, combine the flour, butter and confectioners' sugar. Pat into an ungreased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.
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For filling, in a small bowl, beat eggs. Add the sugar, flour, baking powder, lemon juice and peel; beat until frothy. Pour over the crust. Bake 25 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Cut into bars. Yield: 9 servings.
Gluten Free! Pumpkin Pie •1 15-ounce can pumpkin •1 cup milk •3/4 cup sugar •1/4 cup corn starch •1/4 tsp salt •1 tsp vanilla •2 tsp pumpkin pie spice •1 9-inch glutenfree pie crust
Preparation
1.Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. 2.Add all ingredients together and mix at medium speed for 4-5 minutes. 3.Pour mix into a 9-inch gluten-free crust and bake for 15 minutes. 4.Lower oven temp to 350 degrees F. Bake another 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool. 5.Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Lightly grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan 1- 2/3 cup Brown Rice Flour Mix. ¾ teaspoons Xanthan Gum. ½ and line with parchment paper. teaspoons Baking Powder. 1 teaspoon Baking Soda. 3. Mix flour mix, xanthan gum, baking ¾ teaspoons Salt. ½ teaspoons Nutmeg. ½ cups Canola Oil. 1- 1/3 cup Sugar. 2 whole Eggs. 1 cup Pumpkin, Canned. 1/3 cups powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg with a wire whisk in a large bowl. Set Water. ¾ teaspoons Vanilla. 1 cup Chocolate Chips. aside. 4.In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together oil and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, pumpkin, water and vanilla. Beat until combined. 5.Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and beat until combined. Mix in chocolate chips. 6.Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 55 – 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack. 7. For the best taste and texture, wrap well in plastic wrap and leave on the counter overnight before serving.
Page by: Erin Niesporek
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e m o H g Stayin
This Christmas?
Zoo Lights For this special n i g h t - t i m e spectacular, the Houston Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland, filled with brilliant displays of colorful lights and festive holiday music. Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the Zoo and take in all the aweinspiring sights, including thousands
of twinkling lights adorning the magnificent live oak trees, whimsical colorful projections over 15 feet tall, and life-size animated animal sculptures. Admission is $8 for members, $10 for non-members, and you can save $1 if you purchase them online.
Hours: During Zoo Lights, the Zoo will close at 5pm, with the last ticket sold at 4pm. The Zoo will reopen for Zoo Lights at 6pm, with the last ticket sold at 9pm, and the event ending at 10pm
New This Year:
Stare in amazement at "Holly Berry," the 1958 Cadillac that's more than just your average vehicle. "Holly Berry" features vibrant lights that dance in time to joyful music. Plus, sing along to your favorite carols, and decorate delicious holiday cookies. They will also be showing the Polar Express in 4-D.
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Moody Gardens
Festival of Lights
Food Drive Fridays ! Bring a non-perishable food item on Friday nights and get a 2-for-1 admission. Proceeds go to the Galveston County Food Bank.
Starting November 10th at 6 pm, and going on through January 5th, Moody Gardens is holding itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Festival of Lights. This holiday tradition is a treat for the whole family. Admission is only $6.95. You can enjoy more than
one million lights within 100 soundenhanced animated light displays and nightly live entertainment. You can also ice-skate in the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only outdoor ice rink and enjoy hot chocolate as you walk.
NEW THIS YEAR is snow tubing which is open Saturdays November 10th to December 15th and daily December 22nd to January 5th, noon to 10pm. Admission is $12.
Page by: Erin Niesporek
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Giving To Give
By: Erin Niesporek
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here are you going?” the light voice called out. I turned around, my long wavy hair spinning with my sudden movement. “I’m just going to Amber’s, Mom.” I said, looking at my mom, who was currently typing on her work laptop while simultaneously talking into her earpiece. “Okay, have fun, Claire.” “I will.” I wrapped a wooly scarf around my neck several times, scooped up a filled-grocery bag, and headed out the door, into the freezing MinnesotaDecember air. I shut the door behind me, wanting to slam it, but decided against it. It would get my mother’s attention, 23 pause
like I wanted, but it would also irritate her. And I did not want that. I couldn’t have her suddenly focus her attention on me, not right now, at least. Though it would be nice if she paid more attention to my life sometimes, like keep up with whom I’m friends with. Amber? I had just made that up on the spot. My name is Claire Mason and yes, my mother is that famous businesswoman you’re always hearing about on the news: Saundra Mason, CEO of Competent Computers Industries, and wife to multimillionaire Thomas Mason. Yes, I live in that neighborhood,
the gated one with large pristine white manors with a fully-equipped dock on the lake. I’m the girl everyone wishes they were - everyone except me. At least that’s how it was for many years. I was always sent off to my room, to the backyard, or to the city, whenever my parents were busy, and always with a nanny I didn’t know. I never saw my parents and they never saw me. They didn’t see me off on my first day of school, they didn’t see me in my homecoming dress, and they didn’t see me on my first date. I thought my life was awful… until one visit to the city when
the chauffeur got lost on the way to the zoo. We ended up in the wrong side of town. We passed homeless men and women, children younger than me, cold, alone, and starving with no place to go. I was thirteen years old when my eyes were opened. At first, I felt miserable. Here I was, with my nanny, chauffer, manor on the lake, and the freedom to spend my summer days however I pleased, yet I was complaining about my life, just because I didn’t get any one-on-one time with my parents. How selfish was that? These people were alone and no one was helping them. That’s when I had my moment. I had found a purpose. That day I had gone home and thought a lot about what I could do to help the homeless. I knew there was a homeless shelter somewhere in the city, so I looked it up online and found the address. The next day I had my chauffeur help me load a few boxes filled with canned goods into the car, then he took me to the homeless shelter. He carried the boxes up to the door while I held it open, then I followed after. A man and Page by: Erin Niesporek
woman saw us first and I could tell they were in charge because of their better hygiene and clothes. The woman came up to me and asked, “May I help you?” I nodded, a little intimidated by all the forlorn and hungry faces looking over at me. “Um, yes, I came to donate some food.” The man came up and helped my chauffeur with the boxes, they both set them down and the woman opened them. When she saw that all three boxes were filled to the top with cans of food, she gasped and tears filled her eyes. “Oh, my, this is so kind.” The woman turned to me, smiling gratefully. “Thank you so much.” I smiled shyly, unfamiliar with this sudden attention. “Oh, it was nothing.” I mumbled. The woman shook her head. “Oh, no, dear, this is everything. You’ve provided enough food for all these people to eat for a week or longer. They’ll eat better than they have in a long time.” I nodded then swept my gaze over the large group. “Is this where they live?” “We have two large rooms upstairs, one male, the other female, but when it’s filled up – which is most days – these people sleep here.” I furrowed my brow, noticing the small children, cuddling with their parents for warmth, their clothes worn
and tattered. I looked to the woman. “I have to go now, but I’ll be back tomorrow if I can.” The woman took my hands in hers. “Bless you, child, bless your heart.” I nodded with a smile then led my chauffeur out the door. When I was seated in the passenger seat, and my chauffeur had started the car, he spoke to me – one of the few times. He said, “Miss Claire, why do you have a sudden interest in helping people. Was it because of my mistake in driving down here the other day?” I smiled at him in the rear view mirror. “No, Mr. Johnson, it wasn’t a mistake. I think I was meant to see this side of town. All these people have so little while I have so much. I want to give away the things I don’t need.” “Then why not tell your parents? You could do so much more if they knew. They could help you.” I shrugged, uncomfortable under Johnson’s gaze in the mirror. “I just feel like they would disapprove. They always want everything to be perfect – no dirt, no puddles, no dust. I’m afraid they’ll stop me from coming if they saw the people I was around.” Johnson nodded. “I see. So what is it you want to bring tomorrow? 24 pause
My parents are hardly home.” Johnson nodded. “Very well.” He began driving while I contemplated all the things I could give away. That had been 4 years ago. I was seventeen now, and my parents still didn’t know anything about my ‘extra-curricular’ activities. After all those years, I had donated almost of third of my belongings to that shelter, along with two others in neighboring towns, along with hundreds of items from my generous neighbors. I had done over 200 hours of yard work a year for people in other neighborhoods – everyone in mine paid professionals to do their lawns- and I would give all my earnings to the shelter. It wasn’t like I needed the money. Johnson had pointed out many times that my neighbors seemed okay with me going to the ‘wrong’ side of town and spending time with homeless people, so maybe my parents would be. I always dismissed this, saying that it was different with my parents, because I was their child. Johnson would nod and keep driving. Today was no different. I got into the backseat of the car, the 25 pause
other two seats were occupied with bags filled with toys I had asked Johnson to buy earlier that day, and he began driving. We got to the shelter after fifteen minutes and the women I had met on the first day, whose name I had learned was Elsa, greeted us, and helped carry in the bags. “How is my favorite benefactor, today?” Elsa asked. I smiled. “I’m doing well. I’ve taken a knitting class and started making socks and scarves. They should be done in a few days.” “Just before Christmas.” Elsa pointed out, smiling. We hurried inside, rubbing our hands together for warmth. The main room was crowded more than normal. “Some people come here when they can’t afford their electricity bill.” Elsa told me as we stored the toys away in a back closet. “We try to keep the fire going, but one small fire place can only warm so many people.” We came back into the main room and Johnson and Elsa’s husband came back in from the kitchen. I looked around at all the new faces. No matter how much food I donated, no matter how many wool scarves I knit, there will still be more people struggling through the night, freezing, and not in just this
town, but in all the others. What could I do? Johnson came up to me. “Thanks to you, they have enough food to give everyone here an adequate Christmas meal.” I nodded. “Okay. I’m just going to play with the kids for half an hour, then we can leave.” Johnson nodded. “Sounds good to me. I have some things to take care of a few streets away. I’ll be back when you’re done.” I nodded and headed upstairs where all the kids were playing some board games I had given as a gift last year. When they saw me, they all cheered my name and ask that I play with them. It was the best part of my day. When it was time to leave, I went downstairs to find Elsa. She was in the kitchen, preparing food. She smiled at me when I came in. “Is it time for you to go now, Claire?” I nodded. “I just wanted to make sure you knew that I’m not going to be here this week or next week. My parents and I are going to spend time with family.” Elsa nodded. “That’s understandable. I hope you have a good Christmas.” Johnson came into the kitchen then. “Ready?” he asked. I nodded, waving to Elsa as I headed towards the door. “Claire.” She said, stopping me. I turned back to her. She smiled at me. “I just want you to know that the greatest gift
while I was surrounded by wealthy people, bountiful food, and luxurious gifts, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the shelter. My parents and extended family didn’t seem to notice my being distant, or so I thought. Christmas morning, after we had eaten a large brunch and exchanged gifts, my parents sat down on the couch in front of me, and my father said, “Claire, we know our jobs have kept us busy recently, but we want you to know that we work so hard so you can be happy.” He looked to my mother, who continued for him. “And lately, we’ve noticed that maybe it hasn’t… made you happy. And we want to make it up to you.” “My father then said, “Which is why we have a surprise for you.” My parents and I got into the back of the car while Johnson drove. We headed toward the city and I began to think my parents were going to take me to buy a car of my own. At one point, my dad covered my eyes with a blind-fold. I felt the car stop and my dad helped me out of the car. “Okay, are you ready?” “Mm-hmm.” I said, knowing they wouldn’t have blind-folded me for a car. My father untied the blindfold, then slowly took it away from my eyes. In the seconds it took for them to readjust, I wondered what I was looking at. It was a new building, fivePage by: Erin Niesporek
floors, with a grassy backyard. I looked to the large sign in the front yard and read it. “Amber Mason Shelter for the Under-privileged.” I gasped, then turned to my parents who were both grinning. “How long have you known?” “About six months.” My dad said. “We noticed that you’d come home exhausted. We knew you weren’t involved in sports, so we investigated.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” My mom laughed. “We knew that you hadn’t told us for a reason, so we respected your privacy. One of my employees spent a day at the shelter to see what you do there. When he told me all that you did, and that you still stressed about wanting a better place for everyone to stay, we knew what to do.” She gestured to the new shelter. “There’s a playground in the back, five showers in each bathroom for both male and females on each floor, and a game- room in the basement. The top two floors are the female sleeping rooms, and the two under that are for the males. The people in the shelter you normally go to will start moving in tonight.”
I was speechless. “And to ensure a lasting effect of your philanthropy, we’ve created a fund that will annually choose a shelter somewhere in the U.S. and renovate it. It’s called The Amber Mason Fund.” I started tearing up. “Mom, Dad. I don’t know what to say… Thank you!” I hugged them both and they laughed. “It was about time we showed you that we care.” My dad said. I smiled. “It may not have felt like it sometimes, but I’ve always known you cared. I’m sorry I kept this a secret from you.” “That’s okay dear.” my mother said. “We know we might have seemed high-maintenance at times, but we love that you’ve spent so much time helping others.” “And,” My father said, “We’ll be coming along to help you as often as we can, if you want.” “Of course I do.” I smiled at each of my parents. Johnson came up to us at that moment. “Johnson, could you take a picture of us?” I asked, pulling my new camera out of my bag. “Of course.” he said. I smiled. “I want to always remember this moment.” 26 pause