United Presbyterian Home

A yearly Celebration of Life Service was held on Friday, March 13, to remember the residents of the United Presbyterian Home who passed away in 2014. Families of the loved ones, friends and staff members gathered for a time of sharing. The Rev. Kitch Shatzer and members of the UP Home staff shared inspirations of love, faith and remembrance aided by the comforting music of Martha Chalupa on the piano and Gwen Ying on the viola. Washington County Hospice Bereavement coordinator, Jina Walton presented a reading of compassion. Loved ones being remembered included Winifred Porter, Bernice Logan, John Duvall, Betty Stewart, the Rev. Louis Wollenberg, Helen Gildersleeve, Kenneth Bauer, Louise Holmes, Betty Allbaugh-Sarton, Stewart Bell, Dora Erlenbush, Bette Turnipseed, Clara Potratz, Bessie Robins, Charmaian Magruder, Marcella Greiner, Athena (Tina) Drain, Velma Cortum, Lewis (Jack) Dempsey, Robert Huber, Corinne Duvall, James Clegg, Lawrence Zuehlke, Beulah Walton, Gerald Hoyle, Richard Swailes, Robert Logan, Margaret Skinner and Joan Hoyle.

Bill Dusenbery celebrated his birthday with family and friends in the Town Center on St. Patrick?s Day. Bill?s family arrived to celebrate the occasion and bring delicious sticky buns to share.

Martha Chalupa and Gwen Ying presented a violin, flute and piano concert in the Health Center on Tuesday, March 17. In keeping with the calendar, they offered a couple of Irish songs including "Oh, Danny Boy" and "My Wild Irish Rose." Residents were happy to sing along to some of the selections.

Corned beef and cabbage, shepherd?s pie and fish and chips were offered on the St. Patrick?s Day lunch buffet Tuesday. Many residents dressed in their Irish green and enjoyed the food and fellowship.

The pint-sized leprechauns who live in the basement and attend the Up with Kids Day Care visited the Health Center on Tuesday looking for their pots of gold. The little people made paper plate faces to resemble a leprechaun.

A birthday party was held in the Health Center on Wednesday afternoon to honor those with a March birthday including Elsie Burkholder and Maxine Carris. Children from day care were given a microphone and they provided the entertainment. After singing "Happy Birthday" they went on to sing some of their favorite songs including "Away in a Manger," no matter the season. They also sang and animated lyrics to "Wheels on the Bus."

The Three G Book Club, which translates to three generations of the Ada Kleese family, met in Coralville on Friday for lunch and then to the home of Jenny Adams for their book club discussion and family bonding. The group consists of Ada Kleese, her three daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters. (They may need to change their name to the Four G Book Club.) They meet every couple of months during nice weather to discuss a recent book they have read. It is hard for all family members to attend due to distance and obligations but those attending included Susan Hough of Urbandale, Judy Leavitt of Coralville, Jane Krumwiede of Davenport, Elly Krumwiede of Seattle, Wash., and hostess, Jenny Adams of Coralville.

Gwen Ying treated everyone on her birthday by leaving nectarines in the Town Center Thursday morning. The healthy treat was very welcomed.

St. James School third-graders visited the United Presbyterian Home Thursday morning to read with residents and drop off lap blankets. Several of the students are familiar to residents as they have grandparents living on campus. Lilly Harris is a member of the class and is the granddaughter of Pat Minneman. Luke Beenblossom visits his grandmother, Betty Beenblossom, on a regular basis as does Wanda Jones? granddaughter, Issy Jones.