Reading Mike Klingaman's article, "Memorial stadium resurrected at local retirement community" (Oct. 6), brought both a smile and tear to me. It highlighted the work performed at the Oak Crest Retirement Village by residents Claire Romano and John Swope, which involved building a replica scale model of Baltimore's Memorial Stadium.
Last Christmas, this model of our beloved stadium was already part of the Oak Crest model train garden. The train garden is the work of residents at this senior living village.
On New Year's Day, I took my dad, who was 92 years old, wheelchair-bound and an Oak Crest resident, for our annual trip to the train garden.
Upon seeing the model stadium, he got the biggest smile. Dad grew up a block from the stadium. He spent time pointing out the authenticity of the model. We chatted about the Orioles, Colts and cold Natty Bohs.
Unfortunately, it was one of the last outings for the two of us as Dad passed a short two weeks later. I will never forget the smile and conversation the resurrected Memorial Stadium made possible.
Thank you!
Bill Alcarese, Baltimore