Christmas Time At The Armed Forces Retirement Home

Beautiful decorations, serene sentiments, and content residents are very much the part during the holiday season, at The Armed Forces Retirement Home, one of America's oldest veteran's retirement homes.  I have known this wonderful campus since 1998.   My introduction to AFRH, developed when I was asked to collaborate an Intergenerational Partnership with Middle School Students of Washington, D.C. and a nearby retirement center...and that is when I discovered this gracious place.  Presently, as I am helping to facilitate a "Reading Buddy" partnership with the residents of The Armed Forces Retirement Home and The International Charter School that resides on the campus of AFRH, I realize that some very worthwhile and ideal initiatives will always have a place for a dedicated volunteer.

Book Signing at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland a U.S. Army Installation

During the days and early evenings of October 20 through October 22, I spent time with our U.S. Armed Forces men and women in uniform, their families, military retirees, and the civilian employees of Fort George G. Meade, U.S. Army Installation.  I was invited to Fort Meade to host a book signing, and to read the books that I have authored to the children and their families living in the Fort Meade community and to those individuals that were visiting.  Book signing at Fort Meade is always an interesting experience for me, because of the many interesting visitors that pass through this U.S. Army Installation.  I am always grateful when these travelers purchase my books, and in turn introduce the books into the communities where they reside.

Stopping By One Of My Favorite Places

"Chinquapin's," located in the heart of historic downtown Hayesville, NC, which got its start as a pharmacy in the 1940's, is mostly known for its original soda fountain that is still in operation.

Hand mixed cherry cokes, chocolate malts, and vanilla sodas are just a few of the delectable treats that one can enjoy while browsing through the many gift items that are beautifully displayed.

Fall Fun Fest At The Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington, D.C.

Carnival games, a pumpkin patch, bake sales, food trucks, and children story readings all added up to give families and friends of The Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, D.C. a day of great activities on Sunday, October 2nd.  The annual Fall Fun Fest at AFRH, Washington, D.C. was enjoyed by many and myself included.

A Pennsylvania Weekend and Book Signing at Carlisle Barracks

On September 22, my husband and myself began our long weekend and headed up the road to Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.  Thursday was a beautiful day with just a hint of Fall in the air. The sun was shining and it was a crystal clear day.  Driving was easy peasy, because it was smooth sailing all of the way.  Our two-and-a-half-hour trip was scenic and uneventful...just what we both had hoped for. 

Presenting "Courage From The Heart" to Residents of The Armed Forces Retirement Home

On Thursday afternoon, September 8, I was fortunate to be in good company with the residents of The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH).  Some months ago, Christine Baldwin, Librarian of AFRH reached out to me and invited me to share my most recent book, Courage From The Heart (Our StoreLink).  I didn't hesitate in accepting this opportunity to spend time with America's Finest, because it is one of my favorite things to do.  The Armed Forces Home is one of America's oldest veterans' retirement homes The Soldier's home was established in 1851 as an "asylum for old and disabled veterans."  Four of the original buildings still stand and are listed as national historic landmarks.

Courage From The Heart - Recognized For Excellence

Courage From The Heart, my fifth book was recently honored by The Mom's Choice Awards.  MCA evaluates products and services created for children, families, and educators.  The program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services.  Mom's Choice Awards is based in the United States and has reviewed thousands of items from more than 55 countries.  MCA evaluators are especially interested in honoring books that help families grow emotionally, physically and spiritually; are morally sound and promote good will; and are inspirational and uplifting.

"TAPS," Tragedy Assistance Program For Survivors, 22nd Annual National Military Survivor Seminar: A Weekend With America's Finest....Being Their Finest!

This was my second year to attend and present at TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar held during the Memorial Day Weekend in our nation's capital.  Each year for the past 22 years, TAPS families have come together for a time of connection, reflection, and inspiration.  It is a safe place-a place to share stories, personal thoughts, and memories that are only found among those who know this journey.

St. Rose of Lima Women's Club

St. Rose of Lima Women's Club, Newtown, Connecticut, orchestrates its meetings and gala events at Holy Innocents Hall on the grounds of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church.  Holy Innocents Hall is a beautiful structure, much like the members themselves of St. Rose of Lima Women's Club.

Celebrations To Guide Us On Our Way

Springtime seems to bring along many celebrations that guide us on our ways to new beginnings.  Saturday, April 30, 2016 was no exception!  I celebrated The Sacrament of Confirmation at Saint Rita Church, Alexandria, Virginia, with His Excellency Timothy Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, Celebrating Priests, Father Daniel Gee, Father Vincent Bork, Father John Melmer, The Confirmation Candidates, and their friends and families.

An Intended Meeting

Norma Gene Rambow introduced herself to me on February 9, 2016, during a presentation that I was giving at The Armed Forces Retirement Home, in Washington, D.C.  Norma is a resident of AFRH and she hails from Battlecreek, Michigan.  Norma asked if I would sign the copies of my books that she had chosen for her granddaughter who is an elementary school teacher.  As I began to dedicate my books to Norma's granddaughter, Norma quietly shared that I would dedicate "To Glenna."  I looked up at Norma Gene Rambow and paused.  She then shared with me that her granddaughter was named for her very own great grandmother, "Glenna," Norma's beloved mother.  From that moment, Norma and myself began to discuss education, writing, and a sundry of additional topics.

Reading Buddies

On April 13, 2016, I joined residents of The Armed Forces Home, in Washington, D.C. and the students of Creative Minds International Public Charter School, for an hour of lively discussion and reading their favorite books.  The bright and open space at the school where we sat at round tables to learn from one another was a delight. This relatively new "Reading Buddies Program" is a natural for the students of this International Charter School and their friends that live just footsteps from the school itself.

All For The Love Of Children And Reading

Being an Area Chairperson of four Alexandria City Schools for Reading Is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, gives me the opportunity to visit schools and observe children and their school community at their very best.  And, along the way I have met remarkable people.  Mildred Rivera is one of those individuals that certainly has her heart dedicated to children and she is a true advocate for literacy.  

Looking Ahead

More often than not, the months of January and February have been times of reflecting and regrouping for me.  I am grateful to view this time frame as such, because it provides a sense of personal growth and hopefully a clearer vision of what lies ahead.  

A Vietnamese Community Celebration

Music, laughter, delicious cuisine, and colorful costumes were everywhere at the 2016 Viet Nam New Year Festival held at Jeb Stuart High School, Falls Church, Virginia.  This colorful and festive event took place on February 6 & 7, 2016, from 8:00am-5:00pm and throughout the celebration during both days, the momentum was constant and the good will among those attending never faltered.