The Villages - December 2021 - 2

CHECKING IN
BY RICA KEENUM
A Month to Make Merry Memories
December puts giving into focus as shoppers flood stores in search
of the perfect trinkets and gadgets for loved ones. With gifts wrapped
in shiny foil paper and tied neatly with Christmas bows, we share our
holiday spirit. In this edition, we chat with Villagers who give their time
and talents to make the season warmer and brighter for those in need.
The holidays seem to highlight the comforts of home - the
golden flicker of candles, the soft glow of Christmas bulbs and the
sound of laughter as family and friends come to call. This no doubt
makes the gift of a brand-new home even sweeter for Habitat for
Humanity recipients.
As proud sponsors of the program, The Villages Home Decorating
Club (HDC) has partnered with the organization for nearly a decade,
donating club dues as well as their time and efforts. The skilled
decorators among them also play a major role in transforming
the blank slate of each build into cozy, well-furnished and
functional spaces.
Vice president Barbara Dubois recalls with emotion the first year
the club joined forces with Habitat - it was 2013, and 64-year-old
Curtis Lee Walters, a Vietnam veteran, was the home's recipient. " I was
involved as a worker bee, " Dubois said. " It was the best experience I'd
ever had. "
Now known as Holly House, the HDC renamed their outreach
program in memory of former president Holly Baumgartner. Read
about the hardworking members of this initiative, and how they
use their decorating savvy to make homes for local families. " We just
love seeing the joy we can bring to these families, " said club president
Dianne Carter.
It's the season for Advent calendars, visits from Santa and cookiebaking
fun with kids. Thanks to modern technology, there are also
some new activities we can turn into traditions with family, especially
when the grandchildren come to town. In our Techy Traditions story,
we share techie activities, such as tracking Santa with interactive maps
and more. You'll find new ideas and tools for making the most of your
celebrations.
Plus, we chat with Ellen Faulkner about the Amazing Jewish
Women (AJW), a group she founded in The Villages around 2017.
" We started meeting just kind of casually, and we went out to dinner, "
Faulkner said. " Others wanted to join and there seemed to be enough
of an interest in sharing the culture - like-mindedness. " Now nearly
400 members strong, the club continues to meet and grow.
These are just a few of the stories in this edition. May this month
bring you merry new memories!
2
DECEMBER 2021
The Villages - December 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - December 2021
