Pizza, Music and Veterans Makes Friends Thankful at Happy Hour

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Happy Hour

Friends volunteer Eric Hagerson shares some insights with a table of residents at the monthly Happy Hour on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

The cold, rainy weather Tuesday, Nov. 26 didn’t stop eight volunteers from joining 50 Soldiers Home residents for a Thanksgiving version of the monthly Happy Hour. The incomparable Ray Anderson played 20th Century hits on the piano while Friends dished out pizza, cold drinks and desserts, and assisted many residents getting to and from the event. This Thanksgiving, we friends put Soldiers Home residents high on the list of things we are grateful for. Thankfully, we’ll be back at the Home Dec. 3 for Saloon Night With Friends!

Friends, Casey Trees Partner to Plant 50 Saplings At Home

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Trees

A dozen Friends of the Soldiers Home volunteers joined many more with Casey Trees and helped plant 50 saplings at the Armed Forces Retirement Home campus on Nov. 16.

It was pleasantly warm for a November day, and AFRH Washington Director David Watkins was on hand to talk about the history of the 250-acre campus.

Afterward, volunteers said they loved the experience of visiting with Home residents, who will enjoy the new greenery for many years to come.

We at the Friends are grateful to Casey Trees for this generous action and are so happy to have had another opportunity to work together.

To see many more photos of the day, go to http://bit.ly/1apKR0T All photos, including the one posted on this page, are courtesy of Casey Trees.

Friends of the Soldiers Home Hits High Notes With Jingo, Saloon Night

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Jingo, Volunteering

Friends volunteer Destiny Eley reaches across the table to help Mr. Clifton get a chip on the correct square — hopefully for a big win.

Chillier November weather at the Soldiers Home campus hasn’t stopped Friends volunteers, as 23 people headed up to the beautiful new Scott Building for Jingo Night on Nov. 14 and Saloon Night With Friends Nov. 5.

At Jingo Night, there was a zoo theme that residents and nine volunteers enjoyed. As volunteer George Smith put it, “My first Zoo Jingo and I had a blast!” Jingo is always a special night for Friends of the Soldiers Home, as it was the first event the Friends adopted after the group was created in November 2011. The activity on Nov. 14 marked the 22nd Jingo Night by the organization.

Back on Nov. 5, talented jazz singer Cecily Miles was one of 14 who volunteered time at Saloon Night With Friends. This was the sixth Saloon Night since Friends began it last year, and it has quickly grown to become one of the most popular offerings, both for volunteers and residents. The Defenders Inn at the Scott was packed with residents as Friends handed out food, served drinks and sat at table and visited with our veteran friends. Zach Hartman, the monthly host of this event, topped it off with kind words thanking our veteran friends. As residents and volunteers were packing it in after a great night, the fun still wasn’t over, as resident Patrick “Goldy” Goldsworthy whipped out his harmonica and played some impromptu tunes.

We can’t wait for our next event, Happy Hour, on the evening of Nov. 26. If you want to be part of the fun, drop a line to Mary Bucci at volunteerfriendsofsoldiers (at) gamil (dot) com

Friends volunteer Denver Lincoln shows how kids get into the act at Jingo Night, as he assists multiple residents in playing the game — and has as much fun as they do. (Maybe even more.)

Friends Get In for Half-Price at Nov. 21 Lincoln Lecture

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Book signings, Lectures, President Lincoln's Cottage

Friends of the Soldiers Home supporters are welcome to attend a reception and lecture at President Lincoln’s Cottage for half price.

Chris DeRose, author of “Congressman Lincoln: The Making of America’s Greatest President,” will speak Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m.; the lecture is followed by a book signing. The 6 p.m. reception, held in the Visitor Education Center, includes complimentary drinks and appetizers with admission. The reception is $5, and the lecture is $5, for Friends supporters. Contact Sahand Miraminy at SMiraminy (at) savingplaces (dot) org or 202-829-0436 x31232 and mention “Friends of Soldiers Home” to get the discount.

Friends Joines Casey Trees in Nov. 16 Planting Effort at Home

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Community events, Trees

Help plant 50 trees at the Soldiers Home! On Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9am to noon, Friends of the Soldiers Home will assist Casey Trees in keeping the historic campus beautiful! We will plant several ornamental trees of Korean origin along a special section of newly renovated trail to honor veterans of the Korean War. We will also plant native shade trees around the new Scott Building. A light breakfast and celebratory lunch are included. Friends of the Soldiers Home has committed to rounding up at least 10 volunteers for this event. Help us out by signing up under “Friends of the Old Soldiers Home” at http://bit.ly/1aD36BE Thanks!