This real Christmas story has generous-spirited angels, wise men delivering gifts, shepherds guiding the way and carpenters like St. Joseph, the earthly father of the Christ child.
Students in the Construction Technology program at the Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) learned the nearby campus of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind was creating a sensory garden and outdoor classroom for people of all ages with special needs.
In the center of this garden, which is being designed to celebrate plants like mint for tasting teas, velvety-leaved plants to touch, beautifully colored flowers for those with sight, the sound of wind chimes and fragrance like honeysuckle and evergreens, was to be a focal point: a garden gazebo.
Working hours this fall to create a holiday surprise, the industrious, skilled, charitable students transformed their classroom into Santa’s workshop. Their garden gazebo gift was transported last week on a rollback truck from Earl’s Body Shop in Cullman and shepherded by driver Chris Henderson.
Alabama Master Gardeners added to the holiday spirit. The transportation fee was covered by a Morgan County Master Gardener, and a specially designed Christmas “sensory wreath” with the aroma of fresh eucalyptus and the tinkling sound of jingle bells was created as a gift from Cullman County Master Gardener Ellen Hall.
Three wise young men from CATA: Nick Lee, project leader from the Building Science program, plus Siler Philyaw and Noah Laney of the Lineman program, met the truck to make certain their gazebo gift was carefully delivered and centered in the planned area. The sturdy construction and treated lumber promise as much as 30 years in this lovely setting.
It is easy to imagine Alabama heroine Helen Keller, herself deaf and blind, and her renowned teacher, Miss Annie Sullivan, taking a break from their studies and sipping a cool glass of fragrant tea in a gazebo exactly like this CATA gift, now at AIDB North.
Recently at the Christkindlmarkt in Cullman, Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette beamed a bright smile like the star atop a Christmas tree when I commended the CATA staff and students for their generous holiday gift.
Dr. Shametra Miller, interim executive director of AIDB North, said this about the garden gazebo: “We at AIDB North would like to thank Dr. Susan Patrick, principal at CATA; instructor Mike Burkett; and the students at CATA for their meaningful contribution to our campus. During this season of giving, we are thankful to you and your team for a true example of gift-giving, sharing both your time and your talent.”
This magical story of goodwill to all harkens back to the first Christmas and the kindness which is shared throughout the world from the miracle in the stable.
