DECEMBER 2018

Stone Crest

Stone Crest Assisted Living * 255 N. Main St. * Freeland, MI * 989-695-5035

Waiting for the Sun

In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice, on December 21, brings the longest night of the year. Due to the tilt of Earth on its axis, the north pole faces away from the sun. While the interminable darkness stretches

on, in many cultures this is a time to celebrate the light, and has been for centuries. In fact, the celebration of Our Leadership Team winter solstice predates the Christmas holiday.

Administrator Perhaps the most famous destination for viewing the sun during the winter solstice is at Stonehenge in England. This famous arrangement of massive stones Andrea Conquest was erected in prehistoric times and is perfectly aligned with sunset on the winter solstice. Scientists have

Resident Care Managers concluded that this was a site of ancient ritual. Less famous is the massive burial mound and passageway at Newgrange in Ireland, dated to be older than the Amy Conner Pyramids. At sunrise on the winter solstice, the sun

shines perfectly down the passageway to illuminate Jessica Murphy the innermost chamber. This is yet another instance

where prehistoric peoples heralded the return of the

Life Enrichment Director light after the longest period of darkness.

Halfway across the world in Iran, Persians also Dee Malmstrom celebrate the return of the light. On Shab-e Yalda, people gather to light fires to protect each other from Dietary Director the evil of the night. They feast and read poetry as they await the sunrise. The return of the sun is equated with Jackie Lintz the banishment of evil, the arrival of goodness, and the triumph of Mithra, the Sun God, over dark forces.

Maintenance Director Japan, too, celebrates the return of the sun. Toji-sai marks the start of a new year, and it is when farmers traditionally welcome the sun as the source of their Troy Haven bountiful crops. As in Iran, bonfires are lit during the night to encourage the sun’s return. It is then common to take baths scented with the yuzu citrus fruit, which is believed to foster good health and fortune. On the solstice, don’t despair during the long night; instead, think of all those around the world who, perhaps like you, await the return of the sun.

December 2018

Home for the Holidays Who Do You Know?

The sweet and spicy smell of gingerbread is a clear indicator that the holiday season is in You think you don’t know Jack? Well, maybe full swing. By the time Gingerbread House Day so, but do you know Rebecca Jack? arrives on December 12, you may have already ….let’s see. indulged in eating this seasonal treat. Rebecca started working at Stone Crest in May of 2016, so she is approaching her 4 year Gingerbread, made with anniversary here. Rebecca has three children, ginger root, is believed to two boys and a girl. Andrew is 23 and Alex is have originated in East Asia, 20, and sweet Madalyn is 14 years old. where ginger was originally Rebecca loves animals and has two dogs, one cultivated. It is believed that bird, and 1 gecko. Her favorite color is purple ginger and gingerbread were and her favorite candy?....Twizzlers! introduced to Europe after the Crusades of the The best way to get on Rebecca’s good side is 11th century. Gingerbread was adopted most to make her a delicious meal featuring either heartily in Germany, where monks perfected spaghetti or enchiladas….wonder what would their heart-shaped lebkuchen cookies. These happen if you had both? cookies were first made as unleavened honey So there is a little bit of trivia about our cakes, made in the same fashion as communion Rebecca….and now you DO know Jack!! wafers. With the introduction of ginger, German bakers transformed lebkuchen into their beloved gingerbread. In 1487, Emperor Friedrich III presented the 4,000 children of the city of Nuremberg with gingerbread cookies shaped to his likeness. Christmas Trivia Fun

The shape of gingerbread was not limited to 1. In the song “Frosty the Snowman,” what hearts, faces, and people; miniature houses made of the cookie were also common. This is why made Frosty come to life? a gingerbread house figured so prominently in the A. An old silk hat B. A cane C. Galoshes tale Hansel and Gretel, first published by German folklorists and brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm 2. Who played George Bailey in the in the 19th century. What better way for a witch Christmas classic “It’s A Wonderful to lure two children into her home than to build a Life”? home out of Germany’s favorite cookie? Through this tale, the Brothers Grimm spread the popularity A. Bing Crosby B. Dean Martin of making gingerbread houses beyond Germany. C. Jimmy Stewart

It may be surprising that one of the most enduring 3. What Christmas beverage is also known holiday traditions was popularized by the tale of a witch attempting to eat two children by luring as “milk punch”? them into her gingerbread house. But the religious A. Buttermilk B. Eggnog C. Half & Half significance of gingerbread has deeper roots than Hansel and Gretel. Perhaps it stems from 4. In “The Christmas Carol” what was Mr. the development of gingerbread by German monks. Scrooge’s first name? Or the use of gingerbread in religious ceremonies. A. Barnabus B.Ebenezer C. Mortimer Whatever the reason, warm, spicy gingerbread has become synonymous with the Christmas season. ***Answers on page 4***

December 2018

You’ve Got Mail!

The US Mail has become a bit of a rare creature any more, with everyone carrying a “smart” phone, texting, emailing, and checking out social media. However, a group of students at Freeland High School are interested in forming a good old “Pen Pal” club with the idea of improving their written communication skills and also learning more about their community and the world through their elders. We are hoping to see this begin in early January so anyone interested in joining the Pen Pal

November Happenings at Stone Crest club should talk to Dee in Activities.

The month of November was a pretty busy time here at Stone Crest. On November 12th we celebrated our resident veterans; Melvin Werschky, Jim Hahn, and Findley Monteath for Veteran’s Day. Our partners at Heartland Hospice- Bay office were in attendance with Certificates of Gratitude for their service, along with an American flag collar pin. A small ceremony of recognition was held, a prayer was said, and some patriotic music was played. Attendees then enjoyed some refreshments provided by Heartland Hospice…..a very nice occasion!

Making the Cut

December 2018

Jingle All The Way! Celebrating Thanksgiving at Stone Crest There will be several opportunities throughout December to enjoy Christmas carols sung by cheerful merry-makers. Several of the local churches and even the Freeland High School This Thanksgiving was a lovely blend of tradition Choir will be serenading our residents and staff. and good times. The day was started off with the The schedule (at this time) is: th original Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our December 8 : Freeland United Methodist Church @ 2:00pm residents enjoyed the holiday sites of floats, December 12th: Freeland Assembly Of God @ marching bands, and huge balloon characters 5:45pm floating throught the streets of New York City. December 14th: Freeland High School Choir @ Jackie and Kim served a delicious, traditional turkey 10:30am feast to one and all, with all the trimmings and lots December 16th Faith Baptist Church @ 3(ish)pm of scrumptious desserts to finish us all off.. Such fun! Also sharing their Holiday Cheer will be St. Agnes Catholic Church Faith Formation Youths on December 10th at 6:30 with a Christmas greeting for all our residents. The SLS students of Freeland Middle School will be joining us on December 5th from 3-4pm to share an activity with our residents and spend a little one-on-one time ….can’t wait!

Trivia Answers:

1. A 2. C 3. B 4. B