Warm Kitchens, Sweeter Communities: Volunteering, Apple Turnovers, and the Heart of Giving Back
A Season for Community and Comfort
There’s something about fall that always brings me back to the kitchen—and back to the heart of my community. Maybe it’s the crisp air or the way the leaves seem to glow, but every year, as the season changes, I find myself craving not just the taste of apples and cinnamon, but the togetherness that comes from sharing something homemade with others.
This year, I’m rolling up my sleeves for the First Class Petty Officers Association’s fall fundraiser. Volunteering in the military community isn’t just something I do—it’s a part of who I am. It’s how I connect, how I give back, and how I honor the spirit of service that’s woven through my family and my life.
Apple Turnovers and a Grandma’s Love
If you know me, you know that food is never just food in my world—it’s a story, a memory, a way to carry love from one season to the next. Apple turnovers, in particular, are a recipe wrapped up in nostalgia for me.
When I was a kid, my Grandma Anna could turn a kitchen into magic. Every fall, our school—Three Sisters SDA—held its legendary apple-picking event, she’d come home with cases and cases of apples. I always knew what that meant: a week of apple cooking, canning, and baking. The house would be filled with the scent of simmering apple butter, bubbling apple sauce, fresh apple pies, and—my absolute favorite—warm apple turnovers straight from the oven. We’d can jars of pie filling and apple butter to last through the winter, and there was always something sweet cooling on the counter.
Those were the days when the kitchen was the heart of her home, and every bite was a memory in the making.
The kitchen would be busy, bright, and full of laughter. My grandma’s hands moved quickly—peeling, slicing, mixing, and folding—while I tried to keep up, sneaking tastes of warm apple filling when she wasn’t looking. The windows would fog up from the warmth, and outside, the air would be crisp and cool, the perfect contrast to the cozy chaos inside.
Those little turnovers were more than just dessert—they were comfort, tradition, and love, all folded up in flaky pastry. And now, years later, making them for others is my way of passing on that feeling.
Lessons from the Apple-Picking Days
Some of my fondest childhood memories are from those apple-picking events. The excitement would start the moment that big truck rolled in, loaded with giant crates of apples—at least three or four different kinds, all the way from Hood River, Oregon. My family always helped on the back end: tossing up empty boxes, filling them with apples, then passing them down the human conveyor belt into the gym, where they’d be sold or given to people who had pre-paid. My favorite part was filling up the boxes with all the different types of apples, feeling the energy and teamwork of everyone coming together for a cause.
The gym would buzz with activity—kids darting between stacks of boxes, parents chatting as they sorted apples, teachers organizing the orders. There was a rhythm to it all, a sense of purpose that was bigger than any one person. By the end of the day, my arms would ache from lifting and carrying, but my heart would be so full. I didn’t realize it then, but these moments were teaching me about the power of community—the way people can come together, work hard, and make something beautiful happen.
Looking back, I realize those events were about so much more than apples. They were about raising funds for our little private school—so we could get new equipment or keep the doors open another year. They were about students, teachers, families, and neighbors all pitching in for something bigger than ourselves. Even as a kid, I felt proud and connected—not just to my classmates and teachers, but to the whole community.
The Heart of Volunteering
Growing up, volunteering was just part of life. Sometimes, if I’m honest, we were “voluntold”—but even then, I learned what an incredible impact it could have. It didn’t matter if the group was religious or secular, military or civilian. Volunteering makes a difference—whether you’re running a club, organizing a class, or just helping clean up a highway.
As a kid, I heard over and over that “it takes a village.” But then I grew up, got busy, and after COVID, I realized how lonely it can feel when you don’t have a village anymore. That’s when I made it my goal to rebuild the village—and help create villages for everyone, not just families with children. The saying may be about raising a child, but I believe everyone deserves a village to belong to, no matter their age, family situation, or background.
As a childless family in our mid-30s, my husband and I have sometimes felt overlooked or less-than in certain circles. But that shouldn’t matter. Everyone deserves a space to belong—a place where they can give back, be seen, and find connection. For me, volunteering (and inviting others in) is how I build that space, one small act at a time.
Finding My Village Again
After moving so many times as a military spouse, I know how hard it can be to start over. Each new city means new streets to learn, new grocery stores to navigate, and—hardest of all—a new community to find. There have been times when I felt like an outsider, watching other families with their built-in support systems and wondering if I’d ever find my people again.
But every time I’ve shown up—whether it’s for a local clean-up, a crochet circle, or a military family event—I’ve found little sparks of connection. Sometimes it’s just a smile or a shared laugh over a dropped ball of yarn. Other times, it’s a deep conversation with someone who understands what it’s like to miss home, to crave belonging, to want to give back.
The truth is, rebuilding a village isn’t always easy. It takes vulnerability, persistence, and a willingness to try—even when you feel awkward, shy, or unsure. But every relationship, every act of service, every apple turnover shared is a step toward community.
The First Class Petty Officers Association: Serving and Supporting
This year, I’m especially proud to support the First Class Petty Officers Association (FCPOA) through fundraisers and volenteering. The FCPOA is a group made up of sailors like my husband—people who are dedicated not only to their own careers, but to uplifting others. Every year, they raise funds for causes that matter: supporting families, providing events for the community, and strengthening the bonds that hold our military community together.
Even if I don’t always know the specific cause for the year, I know the heart behind it. The FCPOA cares deeply about giving back, about showing up for each other, and about making sure no one gets left behind. It’s a spirit I see in my husband and in so many others who wear the uniform. It’s a spirit I try to carry into my own work, whether I’m crocheting comfort dolls, baking apple turnovers, or just lending a hand where it’s needed.
Bringing a Little Sweetness to Fall
So, for this year, I’m excited to share my grandma’s apple turnover tradition with you. These turnovers are simple, sweet, and packed with the kind of flavor that only comes from real apples and a lot of heart. And because I can never resist a twist, I’m including a caramel option too—because why not make things a little extra cozy?
Grandma Anna’s Apple Turnovers (with Caramel Option!)
Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
2 medium apples (1 Granny Smith and 1 Honeycrisp)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp flour or cornstarch
1 egg (for egg wash)
For caramel version: 3–4 soft caramels, chopped, or 2 tbsp caramel sauce
Powdered sugar + splash of milk (for glaze, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Peel, core, and dice apples. Sauté in butter with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice for 5–7 minutes, until soft. Stir in flour/cornstarch and cook another 1–2 minutes. Let cool.
For caramel turnovers: Add chopped caramels or drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before sealing.
Cut puff pastry into 4 squares. Spoon filling onto each, fold into triangles, and seal edges with a fork.
Brush with egg wash, cut a slit for steam, and bake 18–22 minutes until golden.
Drizzle with glaze if you like, and enjoy warm!
Dessert Suggestion:
For a little extra indulgence, serve your fresh warm apple turnover with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm pastry and cold, creamy ice cream is pure fall magic!
Rebuilding the Village—One Act at a Time
If you’re reading this and feeling a little disconnected, I want you to know you’re not alone. Rebuilding your “village” can start with the smallest steps. Maybe it’s volunteering at a local event, joining a clean-up day, or just saying yes to a new opportunity. If you can’t find the right group, create one—host a craft night, start a book club, or invite someone for coffee. Show up as you are, and don’t worry if it feels awkward at first. What matters is that you’re reaching out, making space, and letting others know they belong.
I’ve found that sharing my story—through this blog, on social media, or in person—helps others feel seen and inspired to reach out too. You never know who needs to hear that they’re welcome, just as they are.
Practical Ways to Build Your Own Village:
Start small: Volunteer at a local event or offer your skills to a community group.
Look for connection, not perfection: Showing up is what matters.
Create your own group: Host a craft night, book club, or coffee chat.
Say yes to invitations, even if it’s outside your comfort zone.
Share your story: You might inspire someone else to reach out!
Legacy, Belonging, and the Power of Sharing
For me, the legacy of those apple-picking days, my grandma’s kitchen, and all the volunteering I’ve done isn’t just about what I give—it’s about the connections I make and the sense of belonging I help create. Whether you have kids or not, whether you’re new to a place or have lived there forever, you can be part of building a village. We all deserve a place to belong, and sometimes all it takes is a warm treat, a shared story, or a helping hand.
I hope that through Wondering.Waves, my little corner of the internet, I can inspire others to find their people, create their own traditions, and pass on the warmth that’s been given to me. We may not always get to choose our circumstances, but we can always choose to show up for one another.
Join the Fun—Share Your Story!
Whether you’re coming to Oktoberfest, baking along at home, or just reminiscing about your own family recipes, I’d love to hear from you!
Have you ever volunteered for a fundraiser? Do you have a favorite fall treat or apple memory? Or maybe you’re trying your hand at these turnovers—if so, I hope they bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me.
If you make these turnovers or find joy in a fundraiser, please share your photos and stories on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok and tag me @Wondering.Waves! Let’s spread a little sweetness, a little love, and a whole lot of community spirit—one apple turnover at a time.