New logo
In This Issue
History of Fruitcake
Construction Kick-Off
Christmas at Hearthstone
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
3rd Prairie Home Begun
Local Cars for Local Kids
Featured Article

The History of Fruitcake

Fruitcakes are holiday and wedding cakes with a heavy concentration of fruit.  The name "fruitcake" can be traced back only as far as the Middle Ages. It is formed from a combination of the Latin fructus, and French frui or frug.

 

Fruitcake 

 

The oldest reference that can be found regarding a fruitcake dates back to Roman times. The recipe included pomegranate seeds. Pine nuts, and raisins that were mixed into barley mash. Honey, spices, and preserved fruits were added during the Middle Ages. Crusaders and hunters were reported to have carried this type of cake to sustain themselves over long periods of time away from home.

 

Between 1837 and 1901, fruitcake was extremely popular.  A Victorian "Tea" would not have been complete without the addition of the fruitcake to the sweet and savory spread.  Queen Victoria is said to have waited a year to eat a fruitcake she received for her birthday because she felt it showed restraint, moderation and good taste. 

 

It was the custom in England for unmarried wedding guests to put a slice of the cake, traditionally a dark fruitcake, under their pillow at night so they will dream of the person they will marry.

Join Our Mailing List
HC logo only
Donate Now

 
Quick Links








 Top News Stories @
Hearthstone Communities
Dear Friends:

  

As Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we at Hearthstone Communities wish you and your family the joy and peace of this holy season.  We are working hard to transform our senior living community and child care center into festive places of hospitality where we celebrate this joyous season by remembering the birth of the Christ child.

 

Christmas blessings,

 

 

Terry Egan, President & CEO

 

 

Construction Kick-Off Event
Board Members, Donors, Friends and Staff of Hearthstone Communities gathered on Monday, November 28, 2011, to celebrate the Kick-Off of construction of the Mary & Carl Mueller Rehabilitation Center at Hearthstone Communities.

Speakers included Mayor Brian Sager, Terry Egan, CEO of Hearthstone Communiities and Janet Smith.  Smith and her husband Stephen welcomed members of her family including her mother, Mary Mueller, for whom the new unit is named along with her father Carl Mueller.
Christmas at Hearthstone
A full schedule of events is on the docket at Hearthstone Communities that includes the following:
 
The Village at Hearthstone Communities
   Christmas Party, December 12,
            12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
    Senior Services/City of Woodstock/Hearthstone Christmas Lunch          
             December 22, 11:30 a.m.
 
The Manor at Hearthstone Communities
     Christmas Party, December 12, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
     Angel Memory Tree Celebration, December 13, 2:30 p.m.
Happy Birthday JesusNativity scene

You are invited to a Birthday Party for Jesus!

  • When: Friday, December 16, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Hearthstone Early Learning Center
  • Who: Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends

Treats   Music   Games   Crafts   Christmas Video

Popcorn   Face Painting   Balloons

          Special Entertainment 

 

      - JoAnne Fries, Director, Hearthstone Early Learning Center
3rd Prairie Home Under Duplex
Construction
The footings and pad have been poured for the 3rd Prairie Home duplex on the Hearthstone Communities campus.  Commitments have been received from the future residents of these units who hope to move into their new homes in the early Spring of 2012.  One additional duplex remains to be constructed on the site at Christian Way and Route 47.  For more information on these and other living options at Hearthstone Communities, contact Beth Burg at 815-321-4078 or burge@hearthstonewoodstock.org.

 

Car Donation 

Put the Love Back in Your Holiday Giving

Often paired with this time of year are hopes to surprise our loved ones with special gifts that mean a lot to them...but that is not always so easy. Check out this gift idea that is sure to please everyone. More

 

Sincerely,

 

Dick Hattan

Director of Development