Harry Barnes, bonafide popcorn aficionado, delights residents' senses at GreenFields of Geneva

There's little in the way of olfactory delights like the smell of popcorn. This enticing aroma is common in the hallways of GreenFields of Geneva, the home of Harry Barnes, a bonafide popcorn aficionado. Harry has grown popcorn for too many years to count, and he and his wife Donna will often create delectable snacks from the food that they've cultivated from seed to popped kernel.

Harry has been an avid gardener for most of his life, with popcorn a staple for many years. Growing the corn is just the first step in the process, according to Harry. Unlike traditional sweet corn he explained, popcorn isn't harvested when the kernels are soft; instead it needs to dry and harden. Harry takes dried out husks and hangs the cobs in mesh bags until he's certain that the corn is ready. He then shucks the kernels, usually working alongside Donna at their kitchen table. "Once we have the seeds removed, we'll store them until we want to make popcorn," he said.

At one time, Harry had as many as 48 pounds of popcorn kernels on hand. Because of an off-growing season this year, he expects to harvest considerably less. "It will still last my wife and me a long time," he said "We don't eat that much but my wife sure loves it." They typically prepare their treat in an oiled-skillet on top of their stove.

The Barnes moved to GreenFields in 2012, and Harry was delighted to be able to continue gardening in his private parcel on the campus of GreenFields. During a recent event to showcase the many diverse hobbies of GreenFields residents, Harry brought a large bowl of his popcorn to share. "That's how everybody knows that I make and grow popcorn," he said.

"It's always fun to learn about the interesting hobbies that the residents here have. They've been involved with so many fascinating activities, careers and experiences," said Judi Donovan, executive director of GreenFields.

GreenFields is an exceptional LifeCare community offering an ideal location, a wonderful retirement lifestyle. GreenFields offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing, with the most comprehensive plan available for long-term care if ever needed. For additional information, visit www.GreenFieldsOfGeneva.org.