Greenspring Residents Build "Uncle Sams" for Local Firefighter Fundraising Effort

February 25, 2013

Last August, Sergeant Rick Machado first sought assistance from Greenspring residents Bill Campbell and Wes Euler for their help with fundraising efforts.   Machado, who is a volunteer firefighter with Station 22 of the Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department, was looking for ways to raise money to help the station fund various small projects.  The two residents stepped in to help by using their woodworking expertise in Greenspring's woodshop.  Now, Station 22 is selling handmade "Uncle Sam" yard ornaments made by Campbell and Euler, hoping to raise $2500.Machado provided Campbell and Euler a template and supplies for the yard ornaments, and they spent the last several months churning out 50 "Uncle Sams" in the woodshop right on campus at Greenspring. 
"The craftsmanship provided by Bill and Wes on the 'Uncle Sams,' or 'Sams' as we call them, is truly professional," said Machado.  "The many hours they spent laying out a process, cutting, assembling and painting each 'Sam' are clearly visible in each finely crafted piece of American patriotism."
The resident-run woodshop at Greenspring, formally named the Russell Bieber Woodshop after its founding resident, became active very shortly after the community opened in 1998.  In 2000, the woodshop was relocated to one of the newer buildings on campus where it remains today.  Major routine services of the woodshop include the repair and refinishing of furniture, which are completed by the woodshop club's resident volunteers, as well as the crafting of various items such as children's toys for the annual holiday bazaar.
Machado hopes the "Sams" will be the source for the station's best merchandise-oriented fundraising effort ever.  Station 22 plans to sell some of the "Sams" on eBay, as well as at several local events in April.  Funds raised from the sale of the "Sams" will go toward a variety of needs at Station 22 including the purchase of new computers and fire safety materials for kids.  Additionally, the funds will help in purchasing supplies provided at events like the October Open House, December Breakfast with Santa, and fire safety displays at the Springfield Farmer's Market and Springfield Days.  Also, monies raised will go toward the purchase of supplies needed to restock the station's Canteen unit, which provides refreshments to firefighters on the scene of major fires and other incidents.
Machado wanted to be sure to properly thank Campbell and Euler for their tremendous efforts in making the "Sams"; he visited the community on Monday, February 25 to show his appreciation and presented the two with personalized awards of appreciation.
"I remember when I stopped by Greenspring to pick up the ornaments, Bill and Wes had 'Sams' everywhere around their apartments; they probably have dreams of 'Sams' in their sleep," said Machado.
Station 22 and Greenspring have a long history of supporting each other.  Most recently in October 2012, Greenspring presented a donation of $10,000 to Station 22 as a way to extend appreciation for the station's consistent and timely service.  Station 22 is just over 1.5 miles from Greenspring and regularly provides wide-ranging emergency services and support to the community.
About Greenspring: Greenspring is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia.  The community is home to nearly 2000 residents, many of which reside in over 1400 independent living apartment-style homes.  At Greenspring, over 200 resident-run and resident-driven programs promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average.  Life at Greenspring offers a true sense of community and is an exciting alternative to the typical retirement community.  Additional information about Greenspring can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.
 

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