Clara Jane "CJ" Youngblood – CJ is one of the veteran residents at the Vineyard, having come here in 1983. CJ takes on the responsibility every year of keeping track of the kindling to start the fires here at the Vineyard. She always makes sure there is enough kindling and newspaper for the staff to start the fires that keep everyone warm. She also keeps track of the water for the animals, the basement trash and many other things. CJ loves to help in the candy kitchen as well as with apple butter, wine and crafts, and loves to give tours of the facility. She is known for a special frog joke which, if you hear, will confound you.

 

Leslie Gocke – Leslie was one of the first residents to come to the Vineyard and has Always been strong willed and almost "free-spirited." Leslie, although small in stature, showed everyone that strength comes from within. Not just in her ability to lift heavy objects like wood, boxes and even cases of wine, but in her strong spirit as well. Alzheimer's overcame Leslie spirit in late April 2008. With her Catholic Christian belief she is now happy with her friends in Heaven. When one gets to know our residents you are surprised by there deep personal spirituality However, she is also probably concerned about her friends she left behind. She also knows how many Vineyard Home supporters there have been and prays for them.

 

Linda Combs _ Linda also joins the ranks of the veteran residents having begun her Residency in 1987. Linda, like CJ, loves to help in the candy kitchen and with apple  butter and crafts. She takes the responsibility of keeping the cows and sheep fed and is always keeping the dust off of something. She loves to show new people around and share what she knows of the daily routine with anyone who needs help. Linda is a wiz at assembling jigsaw puzzles and can take on anyone (including Bob) and win. She also has an incredible knack for finding anything that is missing. If you ever lose something just ask Linda for help.

 

James Michael "Jimbo" Hannah – Jimmy came to The Vineyard Home around the age of 18 in 1984, and was with us here at the Vineyard for several years before moving back home to be with his parents. In the past few years, however, Jimmy has rejoined us full-time at The Vineyard and fills the shoes as the only permanent male resident on the premises. Jimmy likes to handle the heavy lifting, jar opening and other strenuous jobs to take some of the load off of the staff and female residents. Jimmy helps to bring in cartload after cartload of wood to keep the fire going and is often drafted by our volunteers to help in the Winery or outdoors. Jimmy loves to help out the guys and when he’s not, you will likely find him sweeping. When Jimmy is around there is no such thing as a dirty floor.

 

Peter “Pete” Pliska - Peter is the son of Bob and Ruth and has been a part of the Vineyard even during construction.  While living two years at the Vineyard, Peter developed severe depression forcing him to return to his parents home where he is on medical leave but is a frequent visitor and very much a part of the Vineyard family, despite his medical leave.  Since that time Peter has showed the true spirit of a great warrior.  He has fought through the pain of depression and illness for the better part of a decade.  Last year Peter was hospitalized. He has had additional bouts of pneumonia and now needs oxygen over 60% of the time.  He has battled sickness after sickness ranging from fractured back to damaged hip. Added to the is Alzheimer's that has been shown to impact every Down individual at some point in life. Peter is in his fifth year with that disease but still loves to make lists and loves to shop even when in a wheelchair.

 

Suzanne Liebno - Suzanne has become a valuable resident on a more permanent basis.  Suzanne is a very independent person and has a good knowledge of how to get the job done.  She is very versatile and helps with anything from working in the kitchen, to helping with candy and apple butter and even helps with gathering wood and bringing it in from outside.  She loves to read and is often times found with her nose in a book or magazine in her spare time.

 

Michael “Mike” Viands - Mike has been coming to The Vineyard for going on twenty four years. He has received a medical retirement from the Charles Town school system. Mike now is able to spend more time at the Vineyard.  Mike is very social and makes a welcome addition to the Vineyard ..  Mike helps to take on some of the more masculine jobs around the Vineyard such as sanding gift boxes and benches, helping the gang with wood  or lending a hand around the house.  He really enjoys helping out the guys (our weekly volunteers) on their projects.  He helps in the Winery, with the apple butter, and on almost any other project that our volunteers are working on.  Mike increased time at The Vineyard provides for an easier transition if he ever needs to have another home.

 

Becky Lett - Becky is a recent graduate of the West Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind.  She became a part-time resident after graduating and often comes to the Vineyard for a few days at a time.  Becky lends a hand with the female residents around the Vineyard and keeps a watchful eye on the clock.  Becky loves to keep track of the time and always makes sure that the staff and residents know when it’s break time or lunch time.  She loves music and likes to spend her free time listening and singing to music.

 

 

William "Bill" Wade -  came to The Vineyard Home from Northern Virginia. It seems that the public moneys to house folks like Bill were cut or costs had increased and one of the homes had to close. Bill has become a great help with Bruce, one of our loyal volunteers. Bill is able to keep Bruce busy from weed wacking to plumbing repairs.   Bill also feeds and waters the chickens. He must be doing a good job because the four chickens we have left seem to keep the home in eggs.