Music Event Will Help Fund Adoption

According to Matthew Waltman, adopting children was a "staple" with his family of origin. "My sister is adopted from China," he said. "(We were part of) a community with other families adopting internationally, and there were play groups and get-togethers specifically to celebrate adoption and make (the adoptees) feel special for what made them different," Matthew shared.

With that background, it was only natural for Matthew and his wife, Nicole, to opt for adoption with their own family. "I knew that was something I wanted to do for sure," said Matthew. With Nicole and their 4-year-old daughter on board, the Waltmans decided to pursue private adoption, and they are currently working through that process.

Adoption is not an inexpensive endeavor. Unlike with biological children, there is no insurance that covers part of the cost. To offset the expenses, Matthew and Nicole have organized a night of music featuring food and help from family members. The event will be open to the public.

Music at The Homestead will be held at 3700 Holly Drive, Gordonville, on Sunday, Aug. 10, from 5 to 9 p.m. There is an admission charge to enjoy the live music of three acts. Food trucks will be present selling a variety of items. Yard games will be set up for attendees to enjoy, and beverages will be available by donation. A silent auction will be held as well.

"Music is something that I love," shared Nicole, who has lined up bands of different genres to play at the event. "I have a lot of family members and friends who are musicians."

The Peach Bottom Boys is a bluegrass group made up of Nicole's cousins. Ryan and Alyssa Mayersky will play country music at the event. "(Alyssa is) my sister, and my brother-in-law (is Ryan)," said Nicole. "He is an up-and-coming country musician." Members of the third band are related to Matthew. "30 East is Matthew's cousin's band," explained Nicole. "They all do gigs on the side."

Food at the event will be offered for purchase by Nano Burger, The Eggroll Lady, and Joe on the Go Coffee Co. For dessert, Penny's Ice Cream will be onsite. "Penny's is a favorite at The Homestead," shared Nicole.

The silent auction will feature a variety of donated items. "We will have a large gift basket from the Speckled Hen," shared Matthew. Other items that will be up for bids will include artwork, pottery, and a professional photography session. Nicole shared that a spa package from Darla's Hair Care and Spa and a consult and adjustment by a local chiropractor will be auctioned off, as will a massage.

More information about the event may be found at https://tinyurl.com/bp64cv3w. Organizers request that those planning to attend register ahead.

The Waltmans hope to raise $10,000 from the event. They noted that The Homestead is a family-owned business and that family members will be playing the music and family and friends will donate items for the auction. "It's family, and it's personal," explained Nicole. "But I want the community to come out and support us and enjoy an evening of music and for it to be an enjoyable time for everybody."