Craft event helps fund Good Shepherd projects

FOSTORIA --- October has become Janet Fadely's time to shine outside the walls of Good Shepherd Home. For the second consecutive year, the nursing home resident who delights others at the facility by making cards for birthdays, Christmas and other occasions will be one of the vendors at the Good Shepherd Home Auxiliary's Craft Bazaar. Cindy Swartz, ways and means chairman of the auxiliary and the home's volunteer coordinator, said about 35 vendors are expected to be selling various items at the bazaar, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 12 at Stacy's Place, 625 Plaza Drive in Fostoria. Admission is free and open to the public. Fadely, 77, enjoyed selling her cards for the first time at last year's event, which is a major fundraiser for the auxiliary, Swartz said. "She's all excited," Swartz said. "She came to me and said, 'Cindy, I want some wall space this year.' I was like, 'OK.' She wants two or three tables." The bazaar originated in 1961, shortly after the auxiliary was formed to provide assistance to the home and its residents. The first project the auxiliary tackled was establishing a beauty shop to provide hair care for both men and women. The auxiliary continues to contribute to the beauty shop's operation. Each year, the auxiliary takes on different projects. "It benefits all of our residents," Swartz, a retired longtime activities director at Good Shepherd Home said. "This year, we donate $100 a month for entertainment for the residents and then another $100 a month for Christian music for the chapel," she added. "Many years ago, the auxiliary, through the bazaar funds, purchased our two bird aviaries. So, the auxiliary helps pay so much a month toward upkeep for those." Projects to taken on through this year's income have yet to be determined, Swartz said. Vendor fees go to the auxiliary, as do the bids from a silent auction of items donated by the vendors. "We usually make a couple of thousand just on the silent auction," Swartz said. "And then, our bake sale -- all of our baked goods are donated, so that's all profit." The bazaar formerly took place at Good Shepherd Home, which enabled easy for access for many of the residents, but it has moved to Stacy's Place in recent years due to concerns over COVID-19. Many residents will still be able to attend, with bus transportation being provided. Swartz said she hopes the event can bring in funds equal or more than last year's. "In the past, when it was (at Good Shepherd Home), we would make, like, $8,000," she said. "Last year, I think we made about $6,000 and we were very happy with that, considering it was out at Stacy's. So, I think $6,000, $7,000 would be a good goal for this year." This year's vendors will be offering a variety of gifts, baskets, candles and other homemade items, Swartz said. "We still had more people calling and wanting to set up booths, but there's only so much room in Stacy's," Swartz said. "If we knew the day was going to be nice, we could send them outside. But you never know in October what the weather's going to be like." A lunch stand will provide a meal of ham loaf, cheesy potatoes, green beans and a roll for $7. Chicken and ham loaf sandwiches will also be available, along with soup and homemade pies, cakes, cinnamon rolls and pecan rolls. Swartz said advance orders of the cinnamon and pecan rolls are being taken by calling Good Shepherd Home at 419-937-1801. The Fostoria Woman's Club will be selling apple dumplings, candy and nuts during the bazaar, while High Voltage Coffee of Willard will have a truck in the parking lot.