United Presbyterian Home

Guests of Jane Vetter over the Christmas holiday were Mr. and Mrs. Mark Vetter of Columbus Junction, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Vetter of Washington, and Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Vetter and children, Isaac and Cole of Washington. On Christmas Day, Brian Vetter of Meridian, Idaho, called, and Scott Vetter and Daven of Ollie came to visit. Jane reports that it was just wonderful to spend time with all of the families.

Many residents enjoyed the company of family and friends with holiday gatherings spread out all week long. Many attended the Christmas buffet of traditional foods as well as seafood specials in the Main Dining Room prepared by the dietary staff.

Betty Beenblossom celebrated Christmas over the weekend with her family at the home of Marty and Teresa Beenblossom. Betty and her granddaughters held an overnight slumber party at Betty?s home on Saturday evening before gathering at Marty?s house on Sunday for dinner and a gift exchange. Family members present included Mike and Megan Beenblossom and children Michael, Cameron and Elena of Chicago, Ill.; Matt and Karlyn Beenblossom with Tia and Taryn of Ankeny; Marty and Teresa, Brynn and Luke Beenblossom of Washington; Justin and Michelle Glosser and children Colten, Kaitlyn and Cloe of Packwood; and Megan Beenblossom, J.J. and Niyah of Kansas City.

Connie Bauer entertained family with dinner at her home on Christmas Day. Her children present included Todd Bauer and Wende Allender and children Emma, Terrance and Baby Bauer of Muscatine, Bill, Michelle, Andrew and Rachel Langton of Cedar Rapids, Jim and Marsha Wagenknecht with Devin and Addison of Washington; and Katrina Christofferson with sons Zach and Eric of Crawfordsville. On Friday, Connie attended another family holiday with Todd?s family, Jacob, Camarie, Katie and Jade in Ainsworth.

Pat Jenkins enjoyed time spent with her children at a Christmas evening supper in her home. Present were Randy Jenkins and Brenda with Randi and Josh of Ainsworth, Rick Jenkins and Nancy of Ainsworth, and Rhonda and Dale Hesseltine of Crawfordsville.

Carol Flickinger traveled to St. Louis, Mo., last week to attend the funeral of her brother, Robert Meeker.

John Sproule celebrated his 80th birthday with an open house at JP?s 209 on Saturday afternoon hosted by his family. John enjoyed his afternoon visiting with guests from near and far.

Esther Bordwell celebrated her 90th birthday with a family dinner on Saturday noon catered by Café Dodici. Esther?s five children were all present to wish her a happy birthday and surprise her with a massive bouquet of 90 roses. As a gift to their mother, all five children read something from Esther?s collection of past written works. Those attending the celebration included Rick and Ginny Bordwell of Washington; Bob and Millie Youngquist of Washington; Linda Boardwell of Cedar Rapids; John and Martha Bordwell of Coon Rapids, Minn.; and Bill and Donna Bordwell of Geneseo, Ill., along with many of Esther?s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Esther?s family will host an open house in her honor on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Main Dining Room of the United Presbyterian Home. Everyone is welcome.

Dorothy Koehler celebrated her birthday in the Town Center on Monday morning. Dorothy shared cupcakes with her friends and neighbors.

Olivia Griffith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Griffith of Hudson, entertained the residents of the Health Center Monday afternoon with a variety of piano and vocal music, including various Christmas selections as well as others. Olivia is a senior at Hudson High School and intends to pursue music at college next year. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ted Griffith of Washington and the niece of Pat Dusenbery.

A welcome mat in front of the Murray and Pat Coon?s residence displays the message Home is Where the Cookies Are. How true!