Nursing Home Vets Christmas Wed.

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By Frank Lewis

[email protected]

The 25th Annual Nursing Home Veterans Christmas program is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 at the James Dickey Post 23, American Legion, 705 Court Street in Portsmouth, beginning at 12:00 noon.

This will be the first such program without its founder, Jim Saddler, who passed away recently.

“I sure hoped Jim would make it, but it didn’t happen,” Jane Saddler, Jim Saddler’s wife said.

Nursing home veterans will begin arriving at around 11 a.m., a ceremony is held at 12 noon, and then the veterans will have home cooked meal. Jane said they hoped to serve 125-130 nursing home veterans. Each will receive many gifts.

Jim and his family have personally collected Christmas lists and made certain the Nursing Home Veterans got everything they wanted and a little more. Jim’s family wants to ensure that his legacy lives on and that his Nursing Home Veterans continue to be honored and cared for.

“We’re hoping to carry on the tradition as long as we possibly can,” Jane said. “As long as everybody’s health holds up and our minds are still okay.”

Rich Saddler, Jim’s son, thanked those who assist with the massive event – the Portsmouth Fire Department, Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, American Legion James Dickey Post 23, Shawnee Boat Club and others. After the meal they anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus. Music is playing and a little dancing is going on with some of the Vets and those Rich Saddler refers to as “Dad’s Elves”.

Jim Saddler’s Nursing Home Veterans Christmas Program is also on Facebook. It is an auction site with artwork from various local and international acclaimed family members. You can visit the page and join at https://www.facebook.com/groups/763936250418549/

Donations can also be made to: Nursing Home Veterans Program, P.O. Box 1844, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.

Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.

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PDT File Photo Nursing home veterans enjoy the annual Christmas party in 2014 at Post 23 of the American Legion in Portsmouth
http://portsmouth-dailytimes.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2015/12/web1_VeteransParty1.jpgPDT File Photo Nursing home veterans enjoy the annual Christmas party in 2014 at Post 23 of the American Legion in Portsmouth

By Frank Lewis

[email protected]

Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.

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