United Presbyterian Home

Fitness director Amy Kleese reports that she saw positive results in the recent senior fitness tests that took place at the United Presbyterian Home. Residents participate in a series of exercises on a yearly basis to test their upper and lower body strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. The results are then compared to past tests as a form of measurement. The Men?s Fitness League seems to be paying off as the flexibility of many men has improved. More residents are also lifting heavier weights and building muscle for better strength, balance and endurance. Amy is pleased with how well the residents performed and thanks those who participated in the testing as well as classes and programs throughout the year.

Women from the United Presbyterian Circle 4 held a Hymn Sing in the Health Center on Tuesday afternoon. Julia Gamon, Jane Cuddeback and Janice Twinam led the audience in song. Afterward everyone enjoyed caramel corn made from popcorn grown on the Jim and Jane Cuddeback farm and donated to the United Presbyterian Home.

The Washington High School football coach and four senior players addressed residents prior to Wednesday?s Campus Council meeting. First-year Head Coach Garrison Carter introduced himself and four of the senior team members: Daryn Sebelius, Jacob Hennigan, Joe Smith and Tommy Peterson. Coach Carter spoke of the football team and its upcoming season which is not only about football but also about the bonding between teammates. The boys anonymously wrote answers to prepared questions prior to their visit. Coach Carter read the questions and answers during the meeting to which the players were to identify the author signifying how well they know their teammates. Residents are eager to follow their progress.

Construction is now complete on a new pavilion located at the east end of the Cottrell Walking Path. The open structure with a shingled roof sits on a concrete slab and was built with memorial money from several families. It is hoped to be the site for many resident barbecues, family reunions and neighborhood gatherings. Residents may reserve the pavilion by calling the nain office.

The Classics Et Cetera program for Sept. 4, included the overture to Phèdre by Jules Massenet; ?Serenade? by Riccardo Drigo; ?The Dying Poet? by Louis Moreau Gottschalk; ?The Shark? by Astor Piazzolla; ?Bella Figlia Bell?amore? from ?Rigoletto? by Giuseppe Verdi, arranged for brass quartet; 1st Movement of Symphony No. 97 by Joseph Haydn; ?The Spinning Song? by David Popper; and ?The Cat,? a march by Gian Battista Mantegazzi.

David Popper (1843-1913) was a virtuoso concert cellist, probably the best of his time. Born in Prague and an alumnus of the Prague Conservatory, he soon attracted attention of concert goers on his first tour. He later toured throughout Europe with his pianist wife. He also became a teacher and a member of the famed Budapest String Quartet. All the while, Popper composed music, principally for cello, and chiefly short pieces that demanded virtuosity, many of which are on the repertoire of today?s concert cellists.