INSIDE THIS ISSUE - VOL. 23 NO. 12 - Homewood at Frederick
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
A Publication for the Independent Living Residents of Homewood at Frederick
VOL. 23 NO. 12 DECEMBER 2022
INSIDE THIS ISSUE …
Community Outreach Projects … Noteables Holding Two Concerts …
The Story Behind Jerry Hammond’s Cards … Wreaths Across America
Wrap-Up … Holiday Decorating Contest ... Christmas Day Covered
Dish Luncheon Planned ... Dining Update … And Much More …
1
THE MAINSTREAM …
Notes from Executive Director Karen Main
2022 is wrapping up and there are wonderful people to be with and events to celebrate!
Over the last two-and-a-half years so much of our “life” was closed, put on hold, re-
opened and then back to being closed again. Celebrations were rescheduled, then
sometimes cancelled. What a roller coaster ride we all went through!
The last half of 2022 has given each of us opportunities to gather, go about our life and
well, get back to a little more “normal.” The social worker in me relates this to
experiencing acceptance, the last stage of loss, after going through this past season. I am
ready to send some cards, sing songs, light the candles and embrace spending time with
others. May we be blessed with Joy and Thanksgiving throughout the end of the year and
allow it to carry us into the next!
Our Volante Point of Sale system (POS) is up and running in our dining rooms and kitchen
at Crumland Farms. There are plans to have this at The Lodge in the near future. We
appreciate your patience as we implement this new system. There are still a few functions
we are getting accustomed to and soon will be ready roll out the resident ordering option
called Volante Eats!
It has been a pleasure for me to work alongside our dining team over the last few months.
There are other co-workers who have given their time during their workday or “after
hours” to support our dining services as well. I want to say “Thanks!” to each of them for
their teamwork along with the Food Service team. We are still hiring co-workers to join
our team in order to enhance times and service. Currently, Crumland Farms is open
Monday through Friday and Sunday for a combination of dine-in and carry-out meal
service, along with The Lodge Bistro being open Tuesday through Saturday from 11a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. Please see your weekly menu for schedule and services. Dining hours are
subject to change.
Here are a few capital projects completed this past year, and others marked “*” are in
progress:
New Ford Escape (AWD) sport utility vehicle Cooling Tower / Heat Exchanger
Fire Alarm Panel / Sprinkler Repairs Kitchen Equipment
Pool Heaters and Pumps Cottage Roof Replacement
Landscape Projects Sidewalk Repair and Fill-In
Automatic Door openers* Independent Living Dining Chairs*
May your Season be blessed with Peace and Joy!
Merry Christmas!
Karen
2
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
As I am beginning to contemplate my article for December, I’ve been listening to folks
who awakened very early this morning (November 8) to view the lunar eclipse tell me
about their experience. One person set her alarm for 4 a.m., only to awaken an hour earlier.
At least she wasn’t an hour late. She bundled herself up and carried her coffee out to her
balcony with plenty of time to spare before the moon began its impressive show, passing
into the earth’s shadow. Another person remarked that the eclipse takes time, and she was
glad for the portion of it she witnessed. It was a cold morning and not everyone was
prepared to be outside in the dark and frigid temperatures for very long.
The talk of waiting in darkness for the unfolding of a celestial phenomenon makes me
think about Advent, the period of preparation for the celebration of Christmas.
The story of Jesus’ birth is shrouded in
darkness. Every year we read the account of
a young couple seeking shelter after the sun
had set and other travelers had turned in for
the night. We envision Mary’s baby entering
the world in the wee hours of the morning in
a stable or cave where it was dank, dusty, and
dark. This baby will be called Emmanuel,
which means “God with us.” Christians
believe God arrives under the cover of darkness to join us where we are, as we are, but
will not leave us as we were. This baby will be called the Light of the World. Jesus will
call us to let our light shine for the good of all.
There is also the story of travelers from the East near the time of Jesus’ birth who noticed a
celestial phenomenon and set out in search of what it might signify. While the magi lacked
the extraordinary knowledge of modern astronomers, they recognized the need to pay
attention to the natural world and especially the lights they observed in the sky.
May we remain ever attentive in our waiting, watching, and preparing during this holy
season. May we continue to remember the many people around the world who dwell under
the darkness of oppression, war, famine and natural disaster. May we work together to
share the gifts of light, hope, peace, love and joy in our community and beyond.
--Chaplain Suzanne Morris
This year, as Christmas Day falls on Sunday, we will feature a pre-recorded service
including Scripture, Christmas stories, and songs led by resident musicians and readers
along with Chaplain Suzanne. The pre-recorded service will be broadcast on Channel 970
at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please note there will not be a live chapel service on Christmas
Day.
3
Another Free Card Give-Away has come and gone …
We hope everyone enjoyed the event and found many items they could use. Thank you to
all who attended and all who worked behind the scenes to make it such a success.
Coordinators for 2023 are Deb Ehart from Crumland Farms and Karin Belsheim from
Willow Ponds. We are looking forward to next year’s event and will be accepting donations
all year long.
Donations can be put in Deb Ehart’s mailbox (Cottage 19 at Crumland Farms) or left at the
Crumland front desk. Or you can leave them in Karin Belsheim’s cubby (#310) at The Lodge
or The Lodge front desk.
If you have any questions, contact:
Deb Ehart at 301-835-7904 or djehart50@gmail.com
Karin Belsheim at 240-409-5082 or Kmlbelsheim@gmail.com
UPDATE FROM THE RELIGIOUS LIFE COMMITTEE
The next meeting of the Religious Life Committee will be December 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the
Multi-Purpose Room. Anyone interested in Religious Life activities is invited to attend.
At the October meeting the committee voted to donate the second and third quarterly tithes
for hurricane relief through the United Church of Christ Disaster Relief Ministries. The
tithes totaled $1,715. In addition, individual contributions for hurricane relief of $1,550
were sent to The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
Throughout November we participated in a food drive to benefit the Frederick Food Bank.
Residents and co-workers were very generous this year. The total of food and monetary
donations is not available yet. We will publish the official numbers in the January edition
of The Chatter. Keep watching!
________________________________________________________________________
For those who are dealing with illness or grieving the loss
of loved ones, the holidays can be particularly challenging.
Our annual Blue Christmas Service offers an opportunity
to acknowledge our true feelings as the holidays approach
and remember loved ones we miss especially at this time of
year. This year’s Blue Christmas Service will take place on
Tuesday, December 13 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel as we
seek peace in a setting of quiet music and candlelight.
Willow Road Residents Association (WRRA) President Bill Weller was away at press time on an extended
trip out of the country. His column will return next month.
4
STAYING AT
HOMEWOOD FOR
CHRISTMAS?
There will be a COVERED DISH
LUNCHEON at Crumland Farms
Christmas Day, December 25. All
Homewood at Frederick Independent
Living Residents, who will be at
Homewood for Christmas are welcome
to attend. Location to be determined
later. Simply prepare a dish and join your neighbors for lunch. Closer to the date of the
luncheon, look for a sign-up sheet on the table in the hallway outside the coatroom at
Crumland Farms. Here is the schedule for the event:
11:30 a.m. – Gather and set out covered dishes
11:45 a.m. – Christmas Blessing and Lunch
1 p.m. – Carols and program to be determined
1:30 p.m. – Home for the holiday
Shirley Erdmanis is chairing the event. Any questions, please call her at 301-378-2822.
YOU CAN STILL CONTRIBUTE …
It is not too late to participate in the Willow Road Residents Association (WRRA)
Employee Appreciation Gift to our staff for 2022.
Just leave your envelope with cash or check in the black boxes marked “Residents
Association” in the lobby of Crumland Farms or on the back side of the Do Drop In.
You can also mail it to the Willow Road Residents Association, Inc., 7407 Willow Rd.,
Frederick, MD 21702. Please make sure your name and address are on the envelope with
any cash donation. Checks should be made payable to Willow Road Residents Association
with “Appreciation Gift” noted in the memo line.
Remember this is your only opportunity to show appreciation to
the dedicated, caring staff who enhance our quality of life here at
Homewood at Frederick.
We want to thank everyone who has already been so generous
and contributed.
--Shirley Erdmanis and Phil Young, Co-Chairs,
WRRA Appreciation Fund Committee
5
Homewood Holiday Gift Giving Guide
CROSSROADS FREEDOM CENTER
Donations are being accepted to support CrossRoads
Freedom Center. The CrossRoads Freedom Center, located
in Ijamsville, offers a Christ-centered recovery program for
men struggling with addiction and life choices that have left
them broken, hurt and without hope. They offer a recovery
program that goes beyond just maintaining sobriety.
CrossRoads offers a Christian discipleship program that
includes biblical study, recovery principles, employment
support, financial guidance and renewal of both mind and
body.
Individuals recovering from their habits and addictions
receive consistent support and accountability in the recovery process and return to
productive functioning in everyday life. At CrossRoads, they are always committed to
preparing individuals with life skills including financial management, job skills training,
and employment opportunities.
Your donations for CrossRoads will be accepted at the front desk at Crumland
Farms and The Lodge until December 20. Checks should be made payable to
CrossRoads.
HEARTLY HOUSE
We also have the opportunity to support the clients
of Heartly House this holiday season by purchasing
gift cards.
Heartly House has been providing comprehensive
services, free of charge, to survivors of domestic
violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking and child abuse since
1979. It is the only organization of its kind in in Frederick County, Maryland.
Suggested gift card locations include local grocery, gas and pharmacies such as Walmart,
Giant, Safeway, Food Lion, Target, Weis, Sheetz, Shell, Giant Eagle, CVS, Walgreens, TJ
Maxx, Marshalls, Wawa, Exxon, etc.
Gift cards for the Heartly House can be any denomination and can be left at the front
desk at either Crumland Farms or The Lodge until December 12.
Please contact Julie Norris, Sarah Clary, Suzanne Morris or Liz Kannenberg with any
questions.
6
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT ON THE BOLLING TRAIL
Friday, December 2, 5 to 7 p.m.
Come out and enjoy a wonderful kick-off to the holiday season.
The Fitness Department has put together a light and decorated
trail for your enjoyment all season!
There will be Christmas music, bonfires, s’mores and more.
Rain Date is Monday, December 5, same time.
TRIED ONE OF OUR SITTERCISE CLASSES?
Sittercise is a series of gentle chair exercises which concentrate on improving strength,
balance, coordination, and flexibility. It is an ideal way for seniors dealing with chronic
health issues to improve their quality of life through a mild exercise program.
Fitness Director Gretchen Smith offers Sittercise classes Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15
a.m. at The Lodge Fitness Center and Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. at
Crumland Farms. The pictures below were taken at a recent class where participants were
using large balls to activate and strengthen many of the muscles used for daily tasks. The
classes are never the same and utilize a variety of exercise equipment including large and
small balls, weights, sliding discs and blocks.
For more information, contact Gretchen at 301-644-4256. Fitness calendars with monthly
classes and events are available at the gyms.
--Nancy Hamstead
(Photos by Nancy Hamstead)
7
NOTEABLES CHRISTMAS CONCERTS SLATED
(File photo)
Gail Slezak, founder and director of the Noteables Chorus, announces their annual
Christmas concerts will be held Friday, December 9 in The Lodge Event Center and
Saturday, December 10 in the Multi-Purpose Room at Crumland Farms. Both concerts
begin at 3 p.m.
This will actually be the ninth annual Christmas concert, much to Gail’s surprise as she
looked back through the years. Long-time residents may recall that the very first Noteables
music was presented at the Crumland Farms Christmas Buffet as diners ate in the Multi-
Purpose Room and Tuscarora Dining Room. Then in 2015, the program was moved to a
regular concert setting in the Multi-Purpose Room and continued that way thereafter, with
one exception—in 2020 when COVID prevented a live audience. That year, small group
quartets and duets recorded holiday songs which were aired over Channel 970.
This year the Noteables are preparing a variety of sacred and secular selections. A special
feature will be an appearance by Robert Baker, renowned operatic tenor and son of
resident Emmajane Baker. He comes this year after having to cancel last year due to a
COVID outbreak among his music colleagues at George Washington University where he
heads the choral music department.
We will also have an audience “sing-along” again this year, so come prepared to listen and
sing some of the songs of the season. This is sure to be a festive way to begin the holiday
season!
FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY…
❖ No live greens are permitted inside the buildings. This includes live wreaths, live
Christmas trees AND live greens in an arrangement. They dry out quickly and could
easily become a fire hazard.
❖ No open flame candles are permitted inside the buildings. Please use flameless LED
candles in your holiday decorating for the candle effect.
8
A WORK OF ART AND A LABOR OF LOVE
If you were on Jerry and LaRue Hammond’s Christmas card list back in the 1960s, you
could be assured that every year you would receive a truly original, limited-edition card—
one that was both designed and printed by Jerry!
Jerry, who began his career in education as an Industrial Arts teacher in the secondary
schools in Washington County, Maryland discovered he had a particular interest in the
graphic arts field when he took printing and related courses in college. Not long after
college and his time in the Army, he decided to try making his own Christmas cards. Now,
this entailed not only coming up with the theme and design, but also composing the text.
All of this had to be decided before he could even begin to envision the ink colors he
would use on the finished product and what special effects he wanted to incorporate.
Back in the first year, Jerry had to carve the graphics and text into a linoleum block
printing plate by hand—an intricate, labor-intensive process. Jerry says the calligraphy
class he had taken came in very handy to create the special effects he wanted on the
lettering! A year later, after one time using linoleum block printing, he switched to silk
screen printing. He was fortunate to have secured permission to use the school’s printing
equipment, while he supplied his own ink and paper stock.
Jerry had to create his own envelope one year as well, because
his card was not standard greeting-card size (photo at left). It
required an envelope that would accommodate a card 14 inches
long and only a couple of inches high! Before he started
producing that one, he had to get it reviewed by the Postal
Service to be assured that they would accept it into their
system. It certainly wouldn’t be mailable today with the
USPS’s rigid aspect ratio specifications in place!
Jerry got his ideas from looking at other cards, then adapting the theme to produce an
original design. The theme was whatever inspired him that particular year. He recalls 1963
was a particularly challenging year because Christmas fell just a month after President
Kennedy’s assassination. The mood of the
country was somber, and Jerry scrapped
his original design just before starting
production to come up with an alternate
design at the last minute that would be
reflective of the tragedy but still convey a
feeling of hope for the Christmas season
(photo at right). That card is striking in its
simplicity but conveys a powerful message through the design. It was this card that caught
the attention of a Hallmark executive who commended him on designing such an
outstanding piece that spoke to the times. (cont’d on p. 10)
9
A WORK OF ART, Cont’d
But making these cards was not as simple as just applying ink to paper. Jerry also
experimented with adding embellishments like flocking and diamond dust which are
applied while the ink is still wet. Jerry chuckles when he remembers their older son Jeff
was around four years of age when he was given the
job of transporting each freshly printed card from the
press to the area where the embellishments were added.
He had to carry it there without bending the card or
smearing the ink … AND get it there before the ink
dried. A heady responsibility for a young lad, but this
gives you an idea of how much time and labor was
involved in this card-making process!
When asked which of the cards was his favorite, Jerry
paused a moment then said that it was probably the
blue card shown in the photo at the left. He says it was
the most difficult one to produce because of the
intricate cut on the angles and the gatefold design that
required working with close tolerances so that the
printing aligned on both sides of the opening and the
design was centered.
When Jerry began his card-making endeavors the run size was 30 or 40, but it increased to
over 100 as people clamored to be added to the Hammonds’ card list.
But all good things have to come to an end. Following production of Jerry’s first card in
1956, he took a hiatus during his military service days, then started up again in 1960 and
continued through 1969. By then, Jerry’s family responsibilities had increased, and he had
stopped teaching and gone into school administration. Family had to come first, he says,
and in all fairness to them, he felt it was time to bid adieu to the card-making activities that
were taking so much of his time.
Jerry had put together a scrapbook with samples of all the
cards he produced over the years, but son Jeff thought the
family should have a more detailed account of his father’s
work. Jeff asked his father how he had come up with the
idea for each of the cards. Taking this information, then
writing a brief history on each card and interspersing it with
family photos and other pictures, Jeff designed and
published a one-of-a-kind book which he recently presented
to his father (photo at right). What a priceless record of
Hammond family history for generations to come!
--Barbara Kirk
10MAINTENANCE ON HIS MIND
You may see our new Maintenance Director Rick
Burdette scurrying around anywhere on campus.
Although his office is in The Lodge, he oversees the
whole campus and with the new addition to The Lodge,
soon there will be more to it. He has found the residents
and staff at Homewood to be welcoming and supportive.
Rick has been employed in maintenance and
environmental service at health care communities and
commercial venues such as Hilton Hotels for 17 years.
Since coming on board at Homewood August 1, he is
still in that learning curve phase that we all have with
any new position. With a staff of 12—the secretary, two
outside workers, three workers at The Lodge and Patio
Homes and the rest at Crumland Farms and the cottages—there is a lot to organize and
oversee.
His goal is to have you enjoy your home here and to have as stress-free an experience as
possible. When you need any routine maintenance, he suggests you go to the APP and
look under MAINTENANCE REQUESTS and put in a work order. That is the quickest
way for the work order to reach him. For those without access to the APP, you can also
call the secretary, Amy Estes 301-624-5282 or Rick 301-644-5624 or contact the front
desk. There are also maintenance work order request paper forms available near the front
desks at both Crumland Farms and The Lodge which you can complete and turn in to the
receptionist. Of course, for more urgent maintenance issues like a water leak or
malfunctioning appliance, a phone call to the front desk (or security after hours) is the way
to go.
Rick is a Maryland native. He is married and has three sons, one daughter, two grandsons
and a granddaughter. His hobby is playing poker. We welcome Rick to Homewood and
look forward to a warm relationship.
--Jacque Janss
A WORD ABOUT SNOW REMOVAL
If your vehicle is parked outside and you want to
have someone remove snow from it, sign up this
month at the Crumland Farms or Lodge front desk.
They will need your vehicle description, lot location
where you park and your license plate number. Fee
for this service is $17.80 per snow which will be
billed to your account.
11READERS
THEATER
PLAYED TO A
PACKED HOUSE!
Scenes from the Readers Theater performance held on
November 4. Clockwise from upper right: Dick Stevenson
and Jean Thompson in “The Hearing Test.” Dick
Stevenson, Tom Willich and Jean Thompson in “Old
Duffers.” Sue Chapin, Jim Spiller and Jacque Janss in
“Emu and Earl.” Maxine French as the iconic caustic
“Maxine” character. Bruce Wilson as “The Hypnotist.”
Most scripts were originals, written by cast members.
(Photos by Nancy Hamstead)
12NEW FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR NOW ON BOARD
Brian Wissman, Homewood’s new Food Service Director, arrived on
the day we were celebrating Homewood’s 90th Anniversary and having
a crab feast. In the weeks since then, he has met staff and residents and
started planning new ways to enhance our dining program.
Brian has been in the food service business since his first job as a
teenager. Most recently he was the general manager of a P.F. Chang’s
restaurant near Baltimore. Brian and his wife are proud parents of two young daughters.
One of the reasons he was attracted to the position at Homewood is to have a more regular
schedule than is possible in the world of restaurant management.
Looking ahead, Brian wants to get all the meal venues on our campus open on regular
schedule, continue to recruit, hire and train staff members, and work with the food
committees to make mealtime at Homewood the best it can be. While there will be a
common menu in both Crumland Farms and the Lodge, he looks forward to introducing
new menu items that are unique to each site – and to having more celebrations!
--Leslie Hobbs
Prophetic Voices Video and Discussion Series
Prophetic Voices is a video and discussion series about modern day prophets—religious
and spiritual leaders who spoke to many issues of their time and ours. All Homewood
residents are invited to the sessions sponsored by the Retired Clergy of Homewood each
month through March on the third Monday from 10-11:30 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room
at Crumland Farms. Each 90-minute session will feature a film, followed by a time of
reflection. Suzanne Adele Schmidt will help as our discussion guide.
December 19: “Revolution of the Heart: The Dorothy Day Story.” Dorothy Day,
founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, was a grandmother, prophet, journalist,
pacifist and much more. The FBI once considered her a threat to America’s national
security. Despite often being critical of leadership in her own Catholic Church, the Vatican
is now considering her for sainthood. Gene Brake and Lynn Brantley will be conveners
for our discussion and will share some personal commentary.
Mark your calendars also for these additional Prophetic Voices sessions:
January 16 and February 20: “Bonhoeffer” - profiling Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the young
German theologian who joined the plots to kill Adolf Hitler. (This 90-minute video will be
viewed in two sessions.) Bill Holmes and Jerry Fuss, conveners.
March 20: “Backs Against the Wall: The Howard Thurman Story” about the man
who became spiritual mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the entire Civil Rights
Movement. Rob Peters, convener.
Contact Jerry Fuss at gfuss827@comcast.net or call 301-378-2134 if you have questions.
13OUR PICKLEBALL COURTS ARE READY!
Fitness Director Gretchen Smith
and her husband Brian completed
the lining of the pickleball courts
over by the East Cottages, and
they’re now ready for our
players!
If you’re interested in playing,
come out to the court on Fridays
from 2 to 3 p.m. If you need
equipment, we have it, too.
Contact Gretchen Smith at 301-
644-4256 for more information.
(Photo by Gretchen Smith)
THANK YOU, HOMEWOODIANS!
Our clothing and shoe drive went wonderfully, and we had six vehicles filled from The
Lodge and Crumland Farms! We started about 7:45 a.m. and by 9:30 everything had been
delivered to Select Seconds, and we were on our way back home. Thanks to all!
--Coralinn Kuehl
VOLUNTEER TIMESHEETS DUE THIS MONTH
Volunteer Timesheets for 2022 are due the end of December. You may drop them off at
the Front Desk at Crumland Farms or The Lodge. Please take the time to update your
timesheets to ensure that they are an accurate reflection of all the time you volunteered this
past year at Homewood. Everything you did in support of any committees including set-
up, preparation, clean-up, attendance, rehearsal time, etc. is considered volunteer time and
should be included in your volunteer hours.
If you do not know the exact dates and times, you can estimate either
weekly or monthly and give me a total for the year. Tracking these
hours allows us to record the number of hours—and value—our
volunteers provide. In 2021 we provided over 15,000 volunteer hours.
And with things opening up and facing our new normal, we should see
opportunities and hours continue to grow in the coming year.
Thank you so much for your time and talents. We appreciate all you do and look forward
to providing more volunteer opportunities for both resident and community volunteers in
the future.
--Liz Kannenberg, Volunteer Director
14HERE’S HOW TO HELP THE DIETARY
STAFF SERVE YOU BETTER
Virginia Woolf once said, “One cannot think well, love well,
sleep well if one has not dined well.” With that in mind, the
Crumland Farms Food Committee and dining staff are working
hard for you to have a pleasant dining experience.
While the staff continues to show kindness with their service and the kitchen staff prepares
a variety of tasty foods for us, the Food Committee asks that you also play a part in your
dining experience by doing the following:
1. Report anything that is not satisfactory to your server promptly so it can be
corrected. If you have used take-out service, also contact the dining room
promptly and they will correct any error.
2. Call orders in during the proper hours (before 10 a.m. for lunch during the
week and on Sunday, and before 3 p.m. for dinner). If you are ordering for more
than one meal, please call at a time when the dining room is not busy.
3. Just call once. Leave your order (or questions) on voice mail if no live staff
member answers the call. Calling multiple times ties up the lines. Please give the
wait staff time to respond to you. If you leave a message during the morning
hours regarding dinner, your call will be answered after lunchtime questions
have been answered.
4. You can ask for dessert and soup selections any time after 9 a.m. the day they
are being served. In addition, soups and ice cream flavors will now be posted on
the APP after 9 a.m.
5. Your weekly choices can always be ordered in advance.
6. Ask for changes to ingredients you might want in your salad.
7. Individual pieces of fruit, such as orange or banana, are always available for
dessert.
8. Our wonderful dietary staff has their lunch break between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
every day. Please respect that time and leave your order on the answering
machine.
9. Spread out the spending of your monthly funds. A good rule of thumb: by the
15th of the month, you should have used up about half of the money in your food
account. It is very difficult on the staff when you order multiple meals on the
last day to use up the balance.
(cont’d on p. 16)
15DIETARY, Cont’d
10. Please be at the dining room for pick-up at your scheduled time. If you order
for 5:15, don’t come at 5 or 5:30. When you are dining in, be on time. Seatings
are scheduled to accommodate a certain number at one time.
11. Most of all, be patient with our staff as they work through the new ordering
system. This system will benefit all of us.
If you have questions, contact Tammy Click, Assistant Director of Food Service at
Crumland Farms at ticlick@hmwd.org or call 301-644-5636. You can also reach Maxine
French, Crumland Farms Food Committee Chair at malfrench@verizon.net or by phone at
301-644-5855.
REMEMBER: THE PHONE NUMBER TO ORDER MEALS IS 301-624-5265.
--Maxine French
SWIM CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Our Annual “When Turkeys Swim” competition is in the books for this year and a number
of Homewoodians took home handsome “turkey trophies” for their mantels! Here are the
first-place winners in each category:
Longest Swim Under Water:
Men – Dave Chapin
Women – Pat Atkins
Water Walking:
Men – Steve Sines
Women – Kim Sines
Breaststroke:
Men – Fred Broadrup
Women – Pat Atkins
Sidestroke:
Men – Fred Broadrup
Women – Pat Atkins
Freestyle:
Men – Fred Broadrup
Women – Pat Mayernik
Event participants are shown in the photo. Front row: Fitness Director Gretchen Smith, Sue Chapin and Fitness
Assistant Courtney Jackson. Back row: Pat Atkins, Pat Mayernik, Dave Chapin, Fred Broadrup, Steve Sines, Kim
Sines. Missing from photo was Margaret Perry. (Photo courtesy of Fitness Staff)
16WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA 2022 WRAPS UP
Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday December 17, 2022. Live balsam wreaths
will be placed on veterans’ graves at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick. A special
ceremony will begin at noon at the World War II Memorial, featuring commemorative
wreaths being placed for each branch of our Armed Services and POW/MIA veterans.
Following the ceremony volunteers will be dispersed to their assigned sections to place
wreaths. Each time a wreath is placed the volunteer is instructed to say the name of the
veteran out loud and reverently thank them for their service.
In preparation for wreath placement throughout the large cemetery, volunteers helped to
plant American flags on the graves of veterans on Saturday November 5. Howard Smith,
who coordinated Homewood’s participation, reported that “under a cloudy but warm day,
volunteers from Homewood at Frederick placed flags on veterans’ graves in two sections
of Mt Olivet Cemetery. Over 300 flags were placed, preparing the sections for Wreaths
Across America Day in December.” Thanks to Howard and all who participated!
Photo at left: Participating in the flag placement were Donna Augustino (Phil and Barbara Young's daughter), Phil
Young, Barbara Young, Beverly Kinsey, Bob Kinsey, Judi Adams, Neil Adams, Skip Stewart, Hazel Stewart, Carol
Smith, Howard Smith and Walter Binnix. Photo at right: Bob and Beverly Kinsey place a flag on one of the veterans’
graves. (Photos by Nancy Hamstead)
Many Homewood residents have generously sponsored wreaths during the years that we
have partnered with Mt. Olivet Cemetery. See comments from some of them below.
Walt Gundaker says: “Why contribute to Wreaths Across America? My
brother was killed in Vietnam in 1966 and seeing the wreaths on all the graves
at Arlington is a heart-wrenching sight. Other family members and friends also
served with honor, and this is just one way to pay tribute to all deceased
veterans.”
(cont’d on p. 18)
17WAA WRAP-UP, Cont’d
Diane Holter tells us: “I have supported Wreaths Across America for 10
years. I first heard about WAA when I watched a program on Good Morning
America that featured this organization. The dedication, love and commitment
WAA makes to try and make sure each and every veteran has a wreath placed
on their grave at Christmas time made me think of my dad, a World War II
veteran, who was a paratrooper on D-Day. Knowing the commitment these men
and women have made to our country and to the American people, I felt they
deserved to be honored.
Looking at photos of Arlington after WAA volunteers have laid wreaths—and
standing back and looking after Homewood volunteers have laid wreaths in Mt.
Olivet—makes me proud to be a part of this tradition that this organization has
made possible. Saying the words ‘Thank you for your service’ and placing a
wreath on a grave each Christmas is very moving for me.”
Jim Spiller shares that “As a combat veteran myself, I know the cost of military
service well. The cost is more than the veteran himself: it extends also to his/her
family, education, and life goals. For families of those who made the ultimate
sacrifice, the cost never ends. I’m blessed each year to purchase several wreaths
to honor veterans with whom I served and many more whom I will never know.
Seeing the number of graves with wreaths in civilian cemeteries is educational
in itself. It tells others of the huge numbers of our citizens who have served
through the ages, and that we honor them all.”
Anyone is welcome to participate on December 17. Please sign up on the APP, indicating
if you will be riding the bus or driving yourself. Detailed instructions will be sent to all
those who sign up on the APP. A change from previous years: cemetery officials have
set aside two sections in a separate area away from the ceremony that will be
exclusively for Homewood residents. For those residents who did not get an
opportunity to place a wreath on a veteran’s grave in previous years, we hope this
arrangement will provide a better experience. The Homewood bus will be available to
take residents to the ceremony, then to the special areas. Parking is available in that area
for those wishing to drive themselves.
Our 2022 Homewood goal for Wreaths Across America was to sponsor 1,200 wreaths.
Our total at press time was 1,150. That means that $5,750 will be returned to Homewood
to enhance life for our Healthcare and Assisted Living residents. Thanks to all who
sponsored wreaths!
--Libby Fuss
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: We will celebrate Christmas Eve on Saturday,
December 24 with a service at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel which will be broadcast on
Channel 970. The choir will provide special music.
18IT’S HOLIDAY DECORATING TIME AGAIN!
Let’s “Deck the Halls” for the holiday season
and turn our campus into a “Winter
Wonderland!”
Each year we hold a decorating contest for all
Independent Living residences. Prizes are
given for the best-decorated doorway on each
floor of The Lodge and Crumland Farms
apartments. Patio Homes and Cottage residents
can decorate the front door or the exterior of
their home.
Everyone is welcome to participate. Judging
will take place the week of December 18.
Winners will be contacted, and results posted
on Channel 970 and on the bulletin boards by
December 23.
If you have any questions, contact Sarah Clary at 301-644-4294.
ALOHA PRESENTS …
Holiday Music by Deb and Nick IntVeldt
Kick off the holiday season with ALOHA (Active Ladies of Homewood Association) and
Deb (vocals) and Nick IntVeldt (pianist) as they offer holiday songs and a community
sing-along on Friday, December 2 in the Multi-Purpose Room at Crumland Farm.
Homewood Ladies: Please join us for a social gathering at 1:30 p.m. Please sign up on the
APP so we have enough desserts and beverages for everyone.
All Homewood residents: Please join us for the musical program, beginning at 2 p.m. No
sign up is needed. Questions?? Contact Jenny Shull, 240-421-6087.
HANUKKAH OBSERVANCE TO BE HELD
Our Jewish friends celebrate the gift of light and God’s faithfulness
during the festival of Hanukkah. This year, Alice Haber and her
friend Rabbi David Shneyer will lead our Hanukkah program on
Friday, December 16 at 3 p.m. in The Lodge Event Center A.
Everyone is welcome to join us as we remember the story of
Hanukkah and sing traditional songs.
19HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT HOMEWOOD
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1
Holiday Vendor Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Multi-Purpose Room at Crumland Farms
Pick up some unique holiday gifts from a variety of vendors.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8
Holiday Parties with Carriage Rides, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Lodge and Crumland Farms
Holiday fare and horse-drawn carriage rides around the campus!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14
Frederick Flute Choir in Concert, 7 p.m.
Multi-Purpose Room at Crumland Farms
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
New Year’s Dance Party, 6 p.m.
Event Center at The Lodge
Watch the bulletin boards and Channel 970 for more information.
THE CHATTER NEWSLETTER STAFF
Editor: Barbara Kirk (Phone: 301-682-2204, Email: bjkirk107@aol.com, Mail: CF Apt. 443)
Staff Writers: Leslie Hobbs, Shirley Erdmanis, Jacque Janss, Nancy Hamstead
Proofreaders: Fanny Johnsson, Michele Bissonette
WRRA Representative: Barbara Kirk
Photographers on Call: Shirley Erdmanis, Nancy Hamstead, Barbara Kirk
Advisor/Production Manager: Julie Norris
th
DEADLINE to submit copy: 15 of the month for the following month’s issue. Copy can be emailed to the Editor,
given to the receptionists to be sent through in-house mail to CF #443 or placed in the box in the CF coatroom
near the reception desk.
Newsletter Committee Meeting: the second Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
in the 3rd floor library at Crumland Farms.
20You can also read
