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Our family is eager for the July 9th arrival of our Fresh Air child, Kiana. It's hard to believe this will be her seventh summer with us because we clearly remember when she was a seven-year-old getting off that bus for her first experience in Vermont. None of us knew what to expect. But Kiana blended into our family and settled into life in the Green Mountains with an ease and openness that we really appreciate in her. Each year she returns with enthusiasm and a love for her Randolph community where she has made many friends of all ages. The Flaherty children (Emma-13, Zack-10, and Jameson-8) have made a list that hangs on the fridge titled "Stuff We Should Do With Kiana." At the top of the list are activities like picking strawberries, seeing a movie at the drive-in, swimming in Mrs. Hutchinson's pond and camping. Each July they love to set up a lemonade and cookie stand in the front yard and I imagine this summer will be no exception. Last year they turned our living room into a restaurant and invited neighbors in for a three-course dinner. They made shopping lists, decorated menus and proudly prepared and served several different entrees. The Gage family arrived in semi-formal attire and played the part of sophisticated diners while their toddler Aidan added his own wonderful charm. The Tewksbury clan had good fun at the Thrift Shop and showed up in wacky mismatched outfits with crazy hats and their infectious ability to kick any gathering up a notch. The evening was complete with candlelight, music and dancing. I still chuckle to think of the whole crowd dancing around our living room to "Love Train." It was one of those sweet moments that become an indelible memory for all of us. We have many of those memories with Kiana. It is a privilege to have Kiana as part of our family and she has enriched us on many levels. She teaches us hand-jive and wild dance moves and shares bits of her Bronx culture. We share with her opportunities to see the stars, run barefoot in the grass and swim in the river. The friendships that are growing from this Fresh Air experience are a gift to all of us. We can't wait until she gets off that bus again! For more information about hosting a Fresh Air child, call Laura Davidson or Nora Skolnick at 728-6456. The Flaherty Family Randolph |
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