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Resident of the Month: Anna Mae Smith

Anna Mae was born on May 21, 1936 to Samuel Graeff and Edna (Kauffman) Graeff. She is the youngest of 3 children. She had an older sister, Betty who was married to Vincent Riegel and an older brother, Earl Graeff who is married to Mildred (Smith), who was a sister to Anna Mae’s husband, Arthur. Anna Mae and Arthur were married on April 2, 1955 and were married almost 66 years. Arthur passed away on February 17, 2021. (Arthur passed away on Ash Wednesday and their 66th Wedding Anniversary would have fallen on Good Friday). Anna Mae has 2 children. Her son, Kevin Smith is married to Susan (Newell) Smith and they live in Idaho Falls, ID. Her daughter, Sherry (Smith) is married to Jeff Ricketts and they live in Bernville, next to Anna Mae’s former home. Anna Mae has 5 grandchildren: Kevin Jr, Zachary, Alexandra, Samantha, and Douglas. Anna Mae worked for the Tulpehocken School District for 25 years. She first worked as a cook in the kitchen at Penn-Bernville Elementary School and later as a custodian at Tulpehocken High School. Anna Mae and Arthur had a 55-acre farm where they raised beef cattle, chickens, ducks and even turkeys. Years later they downsized to a significantly smaller farmette. Anna Mae did a lot of gardening, so she was also very accomplished at canning fruits and vegetables. In later years, Anna Mae expanded to using a dehydrator, so there were always bags of dried fruit in the freezer!
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TRICK OR TREAT!

Our beloved Cottage community embraced the spirit of Halloween with a delightful Trick-or-Treat event that brought joy and laughter to all!  On October 19th, our staff members’ children and family members donned their spookiest, silliest, and most creative costumes, transforming our cottage into a whimsical wonderland of treats and smiles. The event kicked off at 2 PM, with excited little ghouls and goblins eagerly making their way to the cottage. The decorations were a sight to behold! The atmosphere was truly festive, with the sweet scent of autumn in the air. Residents lined the hallways, eager to greet the little trick-or-treaters. From witches and superheroes to fluffy animals and classic movie characters, the creativity of the costumes was astounding! Laughter filled the air as residents exchanged jokes and stories with the children while handing out an array of delicious candies and treats. A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated staff who help organize the event and ensured everything ran smoothly. Special thanks to the residents who participated, making this event a memorable one for everyone involved. It was heartwarming to see the joy on both the children’s and residents’ faces—a reminder of the bonds we share in our community. We look forward to more events that bring us together and celebrate the joy of the season. Until next time, keep those spirits high and your costumes ready!

Farmers Market

Trip to the Fairgrounds Farmer’s Market

Last month, a lively group of residents set off for a delightful outing to the local Fairgrounds farmer’s market. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as they explored the vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce, homemade goods, and delicious premade meals. With baskets in hand, our residents wandered through the market, chatting with local vendors and sampling delicious treats. Many enjoyed the opportunity to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, while others were thrilled to discover unique handcrafted items, from candy to artwork. The outing not only provided a chance to support local businesses but also fostered connections among neighbors. Laughter and conversation filled the air as everyone shared recommendations and swapped stories about their favorite finds. As the afternoon came to a close, the group returned to the cottage with not just bags full of goodies but also a renewed sense of community spirit. It was a wonderful reminder of the joy that local events can bring, and plans are already in the works for the next community outing!

birdsnest

Bird’s Nest

Recently, at our cottage's front porch, we were greeted by an unexpected sight—a finely crafted bird's nest, meticulously constructed with twigs, moss, and bits of fluff, hidden between the flowers and leaves in a hanging basket.  As we continue to cherish these small encounters with nature, let us strive to create spaces where wildlife can thrive alongside us. May we always find joy and inspiration in the simple wonders that surround us each day.