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Trudy Woodzell named this year's Bath County Christmas Mother
 | | 2007 Christmas Mother Trudy Woodzell poses with her family: son Ryan (front), son Zachary (standing) and husband Russell. |
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HOT SPRINGS - Trudy Woodzell has been named Bath County Christmas Mother for 2007. As such, she will preside over the two-month-long program that for 16 years has brightened the holidays for several hundred individuals and families throughout the county.
Woodzell is a veteran to the program, working every year in some capacity since 2000. She began as a volunteer in the clothes closet and has served the past two years as fuel manager.
"It has been a privilege for me to serve the Christmas Mother program under the direction of mothers before me," Woodzell says. "Along with these women and tons of community volunteers, this program runs like a well-oiled machine. I will do my best to make this a year to 'be devoted to one another in brotherly love, honoring one another above yourself.' Romans 12:10."
Trudy Barnes Woodzell is the first of three children born to Jeff and Barb Barnes, and was raised in Greencastle, Pa. She frequently visited family and friends in Hot Springs after marrying Russell Woodzell in 1988. She made Virginia her home in 1999 when she and Russell returned to Hot Springs to run Jack's Trash Service at Russell's father's retirement. The couple has two children - Zachary, 14, a freshman at Bath County High School; and Ryan, 11, a sixth-grader at Valley Elementary School.
Woodzell currently serves on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and the WCHG Auxiliary Board. She actively participates and serves with the Toys for Tots program and the Missoula Children's Theatre, and was a youth soccer coach from 1999-2005. She remained a homemaker until June 2005 when she became office manager at Lifeline Ministries in Mitchelltown. She is active in her church and is involved with the Women of God group and helps to organize special events such as Hallelujah Night and Children's Day School. She has also completed tax training courses and currently works with H&R Block in Covington during tax season.
Those involved in the program are looking forward to Woodzell's leadership. "Having been last year's Christmas Mother and working with Trudy in the last few years, I could not be happier to have her as our 2007 choice. She is so organized and so caring - the best combination for this job," said Marion Kober, Bath's 2006 Christmas Mother.
Kelly Rosenberg, Bath County 2004 Christmas Mother, notes that the Christmas Mother program "is one of the most meaningful and ambitious community service projects in our area and it is an awesome responsibility to oversee its success. I was thrilled to learn Trudy would be the 2007 Christmas Mother! Trudy has meticulous organizational skills, a huge heart and a vibrant personality - all of which will serve her well in this role. She'll do a terrific job as Christmas Mother."
The Christmas Mother program provides a great service to the community. People have become familiar with the program and all involved, from recipients to volunteers, have benefited. Perhaps the best way to get involved in the holiday spirit is to adopt and shop for a family or an individual. Those wishing to adopt a family or individual should contact Woodzell as soon as possible. If you don't have a penchant for shopping, a monetary gift will suffice. All donations are appreciated, large or small.
Monetary contributions are tax-deductible and should be mailed to P.O. Box 292, Hot Springs, Va. 24445.
Many volunteers will be working with the Christmas Mother to ensure the success of this huge undertaking. This hard-working, experienced and enthusiastic group is the backbone of the program. Marion Kober will manage the Christmas Mother Shop with assistance from Helen Smith; Lou Ann Vincent will handle all things computer; Ann Snead serves as treasurer; Ellen Collins leads the shopping crew; Jane Lyle will gather and put together the food boxes; Debbie Kincaid serves as fuel manager; Lumina Shifflett will work as student liaison; Selena Lacks will assist with public relations; and Hella Armstrong will make sure the troops are well-fed.
You may contact the Christmas Mother by mail at P.O. Box 292, Hot Springs, Va. 24445, or by phone before Nov. 27 at (540) 839-4819.
The Christmas Mother Shop will be open in the Parish Hall of St. Luke's Episcopal Church from Tuesday, Nov. 27 until Distribution Day on Wednesday, Dec. 12. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop's telephone number is (540) 839-LOVE (5683), with telephone service being donated by TDS Telecom.
Those seeking assistance from the program need to fill out an application and complete an interview. Applications and interviews will be taken on the following dates:
• Monday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 12-6 p.m., and Monday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hot Springs
• Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 1-5 p.m. at Woodland Union Church in Millboro.
Applicants should bring their Medicaid or Cardinal cards when they apply. Those not currently being served by Bath County's Department of Social Services should also bring a pay stub or tax return. Those applying for fuel assistance (if funds are available) should bring their fuel account information. Woodzell stresses that all information concerning candidates remains confidential.
Woodzell notes she has been delighted with the response Bath County citizens have given to the program. "It is wonderful to be able to live among people who care and give to others. To fulfill the goals of the Christmas Mother program, tremendous support will be needed from individuals, churches, civic organizations and businesses in the county. To give goods and materials is very essential, but financial support is absolutely necessary. Any support given to the program will be greatly appreciated."
Past Bath County Christmas Mothers include: Marion Kober, 2006; Sarah Redington, 2005; Kelly Rosenberg, 2004; Susan Bailey, 2003; Holly Wisehart, 2002; Ann Batley, 2001; Kathie Schwend, 2000; Mary Hodges, 1999; Virginia Nowlin, 1998; Jane Lyle, 1997; Cris Stinespring, 1996; Betty Sue Eye, 1995; Linda Westenburger, 1994; Pat Lucas, 1993 and 1992.
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