Holding an auction in a retirement community is no easy feat under COVID-19 restrictions, but rather than being limited by the situation, Garden Spot Village (GSV) chose to safely expand the annual Birdhouse Auction that supports the community's benevolent fund through the sale of one-of-a-kind items handcrafted by GSV residents.

This year, the auction will be structured using two separate platforms - the traditional indoor silent auction and an online auction. According to Allison Cuthie, associate director of development with GSV, about 50 items will be offered on each platform. The silent auction will be held in the Village Square Indoor Park, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland. The indoor auction opened Jan. 29, and it will end on Friday, Feb. 26, at 5 p.m. Those wishing to visit this auction will need to undergo a COVID-19 screening at the front door. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The online auction can be accessed at http://www.gardenspotvillage.org. Items went up for bids on Feb. 1, and the auction will end on Feb. 26 at 5 p.m.

Cuthie noted that the seasonal event gives all those involved a glimpse of the warmer months. "During the winter, there's a blah feeling, and this is something to help us look forward to spring and birds and flowers," she pointed out, adding that the items in the auction, known for being bright and whimsical, offer special variety this year. "With people staying inside (due to) COVID, it really brought out a lot of creativity," she shared, recalling that the event that started with the wood shop now involves quilters, crafters, cross stitchers, and the art guild.

According to Cuthie, this year's creations will not only be plentiful, but they will also exhibit originality. Birdhouses will range from traditional log cabins to those made of unusual materials, such as wine corks, along with those that are designed to be functional for certain types of birds. One creation resembles a miniature guitar, and another displays the round shape of a castle turret. Many are painted in bright colors, and some are covered in decoupage. Bird-themed items include decorative shutters, quilted items adorned with bright red cardinals, and a cork purse and matching wallet in earth tones with a splash of rust. "I have a beautiful wooden tray with a chickadee hand painted by Barb Baxter," said Cuthie.

In the more than a dozen years it has been held, the effort has raised more than $40,000 to benefit the benevolent fund, which supports GSV residents who have exhausted their financial resources.

Cuthie noted that high bidders in the silent auction will be notified by phone. Online high bidders will be notified electronically. "We are offering shipping or pickup of items," she noted.