Festival of Wreaths offers Christmas decor to help others

Dec 2, 2023

They were decorated with seashells, festive ornaments, Starbucks gift cards, Puerto Rican symbols and even lottery tickets.

The wreaths offered for auction at the Festival of Wreaths held at Autumn Glen Nov. 30 offered a wide variety of motifs. But they had an important common bond: Proceeds from their sale benefited the Dartmouth Friends of the Elderly.

Visitors could enjoy a beverage and snack while circulating through the room and viewing the wreaths on display. Those attending could bid on their favorites through a silent auction process. Bids were made in increments of $5 until the end of the evening, when the highest bids received the wreath.

Autumn Glen has hosted similar events in the past, sales director Ann LaMere said, but they have been put on hold since the pandemic.

“It’s so exciting to be able to be back,’’ she said. “It’s important for us to give back to the community.’’

Jenny Greene created a wreath that sported blue, silver and white, the colors of her company, ComForCare Home Care. She enjoys “the fun and expression of it. You can express yourself through design.’’

Alexis Stringham attended to “support a good cause and have fun at a Christmas party.’’

Autumn Glen resident Danielle Francis said she “loves wreaths’’ and has created her own through the years.

“I like to see what others do’’ for designs.

Some of her favorite self-made wreaths featured a canine theme. “I love dogs,’’ she said.

Autumn Glen resident Peggy Wilkinson enjoyed the  opportunity to “be with people and to bid.’’

She had two favorites — and the ideal places for them. “I want one for my doorway and one for the front of my [mobility] cart.’’

Correction: An earlier version of this article referred to Jenny Greene’s company as Comfort Care. The name of the company is ComForCare Home Care.