SOUTHMAYD FALL CRAFTS FAIR
Our fall open house, crafts and apple baked goods sale was a huge success on Saturday, October 24 in spite of the rainy weather with more than $900 in donations were received from the raffles and sales. These funds will go to the Enhancing Life Project to maintain and enhance the lives of our residents.
To warm up, many visitors enjoyed eating a delicious lunch of hot soup, sandwiches and a choice of either apple crisp or pumpkin pie. Four carolers dressed in costumes from the Victorian era sung favorite show tunes and later, local guitarist and singer, Willie Nininger performed some beautiful songs. Friends and family and visitors enjoyed perusing the resident-made traditional fall and winter holiday decorations as well as the Christmas tree ornaments usually featured at our annual crafts fair.
This year,” explained Recreation Director, Fran Schinkel, “our residents branched off into a new line of silk painted gifts, including ties and handkerchiefs!”
We had hoped to showcase both the residents’ indoor art activities and the improvements made this past year to the exterior grounds of the property and the results of the many hours of gardening work donated by volunteers. Instead, due to the rainy weather, a slideshow of the garden’s ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures was shown as guests were unable to meander through the wooded back yard on the newly re-paved asphalt pathway.
“If it’s been awhile since you’ve visited Southmayd Home, you will be amazed at the change,” said Executive Director, Marda Gutierrez. “Where previously an arborvitae had grown taller than the 3rd floor window and a huge mugho pine tree completely blocked the sun from the building, Southmayd residents now enjoy a sunny front sitting area,” explained Gutierrez. “The residents love the fresh, new look but we couldn’t have done it without the help of our many, many volunteers and local business owners. We can’t thank them enough!” she exclaimed.
The winner of the hand-crafted Halloween witch was our own resident, Bernice, shown here with Recreation Director Fran Schinkel.
