Shannon recognized for contributions to Vergas Saturday
News | Published on December 3, 2024 at 3:45pm EST | Author: frazeevergas
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Vergas Community Club President Sherri Hanson gave an emotional speech about her friend Patrick Shannon, who was honored for his many artistic contributions to Vergas at the conclusion of the Small Town Christmas event Saturday, Nov. 30.
By Robert Williams
Editor
Metal artist and potter Patrick Shannon has been the recipient of plenty of online praise and sympathies since the announcement that his courageous battle with cancer had entered the state of Hospice care.
Friends waited in line to get a chance to speak to Vergas Small Town Christmas honoree Patrick Shannon, who made a surprise visit near the conclusion of Saturday’s activities. Shannon was honored for his many artistic contributions to Vergas, along with serving on countless committees over the years.
However, at the end of the Vergas Community Club’s Small Town Christmas celebration Shannon and his partner Helena Johnson were able to attend in person where they were received by friends and carolers as organizers made Shannon the centerpiece of the tree lighting ceremony in downtown Vergas Saturday, Nov. 30.
Shannon has contributed to the Vergas community in countless ways and Community Club President Sherri Hanson spoke to honor Shannon and all of these efforts, especially in regards to the arts.
“Christmas time is really a time when you have to come together as family and as friends and I like to think of us coming together as a community,” Hanson said. “Pat, I don’t know how to even begin with the number of committees you and I have been on together. If you see the big hairyman, you know that’s a Pat Shannon.”
Hanson relayed a story she heard from a Vergas resident who recalled when Pat Shannon first began displaying his art around town.
“They said it was when they noticed Vergas started looking unique; Vergas starting looking nice; and Vergas really upped its game,” Hanson said. “All of us have talents…Pat obviously has a talent, but when you take that talent to another level and share it with other people…”
Hanson took a moment to gather herself and related the countless times she had come to Shannon with a need for one of the many Vergas events.
“And they were just there,” she said. “There was never a question; he was just there.”
Speaking on behalf of the community, Hanson thanked Shannon for his many efforts.
“We’re very grateful and we want to honor you tonight and say thank you; we want to say we are better because of you and your art,” Hanson said.
Carmen Ehnert led a round of Christmas carols with the group of singers holding candles and saluting Patrick Shannon prior to the lighting of the Christmas tree to conclude the short, outdoor ceremony.