Winter holiday events bring cheer to campus

Nate Kimball Staff Writer

As the holiday season approaches, Vassar has been hosting a series of events to celebrate winter.

On Dec. 3, the Arlington Holiday festival was in full swing with residents of Poughkeepsie and Vassar students mixing on Raymond Avenue. Hosted by the Arlington Special Events Committee, the Vassar Student Association, and the Arlington Business Improvement Districts, many Vassar student organizations attended.

The Outing Club provided s’mores to the public, and the Barefoot Monkeys performed an interpretation of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” after which the Arlington Christmas tree was lit and decorated with ornaments made by members of Hunger Action.

Master of Ceremonies for the event and member of the Arlington Special Events Committee Andrea Listenberger ’09 said, “There was a great mix between Vassar students and the greater Arlington community.”

On Dec. 6, the All-Campus Dining Center hosted its annual Holiday Dinner buffet. Food Service Director Anthony Criscone anticipated “lots of fun to be had” with live music performed by on campus bands in the addition to a DJ. A variety of holiday foods were offered, including prime rib, a holiday vegetable log, eggnog, and various holiday desserts made for the occasion. Turnout for the event was high.

The Christian Fellowship is hosting a Christmas Party in the Rose Parlor on Friday Dec. 9. There will be baked goods to choose from and caroling in front of Main with advent candles. President of the Christian Fellowship Gen Lidoff ’06 also encourages students to carol in Poughkeepsie on Tuesday at the Hillcrest House in Hyde Park.

The Jewish Students Union (JSU) will be having a menorah-making party with Latkes at the Bayit on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

In previous years, the JSU has held candle lighting ceremonies to celebrate Hannukah. However, there will not be any ceremonies this year because Hannuakah falls over Vassar’s winter break. President of JSU Laura Robbins ’06 said that she regretted that they would not have candle lighting ceremonies to celebrate on campus.

In terms of ongoing events, the Adopt-a-Family program is asking Vassar students to help underprivileged families celebrate the holidays by donating gifts and toys.

Hunger and Homelessness Community Action Coordinato Rebecca Weinberg ’06 said that Vassar will be providing for about 50 different families this year through such channels as Battered Women's Services, Dutchess Outreach, Family Services, Good Council and the Grace Smith House. Individual families can also contact the Field Work office for help. The deadline for donating gifts is Dec. 16.