ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Over 350 parents and children attended the Andrews Youth Center's annual Neewollah Ball last Saturday night -- a night filled with both fun and fright. And, for those not young or hip enough not to be "in the know," the Youth Center's famed Neewollah Ball is simply from the word, Halloween, only spelled backwards.
Thanks to the event's sponsors, including the Andrews Federal Credit Union, 316th FSS Marketing Department, the AAFES Base Exchange, the Airman and Family Readiness Center and BGCA Family Plus, families participated in an evening filled with carnival games, face painting, a costume contest, food and the highlight of the event: the dreaded Haunted House provided by the Revolution Keystone Youth Club.
Over 45 dedicated volunteers from the Chief Master Sergeant Donald L. Harlow Airman Leadership School and the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron helped ensure the ball's success by offering support such as assisting with the setup, games, concession stand, photo corner, judges for the costume contest, characters in the haunted house, and cleanup.
"The folks from the 316th CES were so helpful," said Matrice Adger, Andrews Youth Center teen director. "They supplied the tent for the Haunted House and built the walls and acted as characters of the haunted house. We are also so appreciative that the technical and administrative support for the Neewollah Ball was provided by Lt. Col. [Micheal E]. Saunders, [316 CES commander], Master Sgt. [Stanley] Bullock and Tech. Sgt. [Donald ] Long of the 316th CES/CEXE and the entire 316th FSS Squadron. I cannot begin to express the appreciation and gratitude for the support offered by the volunteers for this event; without them this event could not have been a huge success like it was."
"I think the highlight of the Neewollah Ball was the Haunted House which included the characters of Dracula, Grudge, IT, Michael Myers, Freddy Kruger, Jason, Scream, an autopsy room with a Mad Scientist, and ended with the Texas Chainsaw Massacre," said Ms. Adger. "I got a lot of feedback and many comments after exiting the haunted house like, 'that was so scary, but really cool' and 'it's going to be difficult to top this one next year!'"
Ms. Adger said the success of the event was also due to the Keystone Club youth planning the event. "I would like to acknowledge the membership staff of the Youth Center especially for their many hours along with the Keystone Club of planning and setting up for this event. With their support the vision of this event became a reality," said Ms. Adger.