Ice cream and seasonal songs at UP Home

A new soft serve ice cream machine was installed this week in the Garrett Center compliments of the Colleen Havel Memorial. A ceremonial first dish of the frozen creamy dessert was given to Leroy Havel for his approval. It passed the taste test and the machine is now fully operational.

Betty Flynn and Pat Bagley hosted a Kerr Hall luncheon Tuesday in the Moore Family Dining Room. Pat Bagley offered a prayer of thanks prior to the delicious meal. Tables were set with a Christmas theme and everyone enjoyed a merry time.

Three employees were recognized last week for their dedication to the UPH workplace. While they all exemplify qualities of professionalism, positive attitude and passion, the award was broken down so that Lisa Dohlman received the certificate for professionalism; Briley Brown was recognized for the passion she exudes every day in her duties and Austin Donkersloot for his positive attitude. Congratulations to a wonderful staff.

It was very coincidental that Santa arrived at the Garrett Center Wednesday morning just as Andrew Zuehlke sang Here Comes Santa Claus to an audience of kids and adults. The excitement was intense as kids asked many questions of the jolly guy. The No. 1 question being, what do reindeer like to eat? They prefer Reese's Pieces. Santa reported on the naughty and nice list noting that everyone has been good except for Reid Orris. He then handed out gifts to each child along with high fives. Santa promised to return next week for the Christmas party in the Health Center if Reid can be good in the meantime.

The Christmas Story: Jesus is the Same - Yesterday, Today and Forever was presented to the community on Wednesday afternoon. The Christmas spirit touched each person from the opening prayer by Pageant Director, Andrew Zuehlke to the final shepherd's bow by the manger. An intergenerational cast of residents and children portrayed the original Christmas story with a modern twist revealing that wise men are still among us today sharing their gifts. Special music was presented with a chorus directed by Sara Bartlett, a violin selection by Lucy Landon and a vocal solo from Bob Crane. Dorothy Koehler graced the audience with piano music before and after the program.

Classics Et Cetera for Dec. 13, 2018, included Entr'acte from 'Journey through the Fairytale World” by Franz von Suppé; Transcription for 2 flutes & piano by Franz Doppler of 'Remembering Adelina Patti” from 'The Sleepwalker” by Vincenzo Bellini; 'O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam, sung by the Three Irish Tenors; 'Ding, Dong Merrily on High” sung by Julie Andrews; 3 Selections from 'Messiah” by George Frideric Handel; 3 German Dances, K. 605, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) concentrated pretty much on composing operas after moving to England in 1712, and the English public was getting a bit weary of them by the 1730s. Early in 1741, however, Handel received an invitation to visit Dublin at about the same time that Charles Jennens, a worldly cleric, sent him his Biblical text of a new oratorio: 'Messiah.” Handel decided to compose music for Jennens' text and to introduce it to Dublin, which took place on April 13, 1742. Handel changed the music somewhat for succeeding concerts, and as a result there is no definitive version of 'Messiah” today, allowing one to take one's pick without Handel taking offense.