United Presbyterian Home

Mildred Houseal has become somewhat of a local celebrity since her 1936 picture appeared in the recent addition of Our Iowa magazine. Mildred and her friend, Maurita Darnell Stout, are pictured modeling their 4-H uniforms after demonstrating how to can chickens at the Iowa State Fair. The girls earned first place and a trip to Chicago. Many residents remember Maurita Stout as a former resident of the United Presbyterian Home.

WACO Middle School students volunteered at the United Presbyterian Home on Friday as part of their Friday Enrichment Program. They aided residents with computer work, read to residents, played cards with others and passed out homemade valentine hearts. They were very busy and everyone appreciates their time and efforts.

Ruth Zehr celebrated her birthday with family over the weekend. Ruth?s son, Fred Zehr and daughter Deanna Heisdorffer, took Ruth to the Amanas for a family dinner and celebration. Great-granddaughter Halle provided dancing entertainment while the grown-ups ate lunch.

Ezra Jones? daughter, Marilyn Crandall, organized a birthday party for her father on Saturday afternoon. Many of Easy?s coffee-drinking friends stopped in to wish him a happy birthday and share a few stories over cake and coffee.

Julia Gamon celebrated her birthday in the Town Center Monday morning. Julia?s daughter, Lucy Gamon, brought donuts to share with everyone and a beautiful mini, red rose bush for her mother.

A record number of Kerr Hall residents met in the Main Dining Room Tuesday for their monthly luncheon. Marjorie Noble and Carla Carter prepared the event with a valentine theme. Dorothy Koehler provided appropriate sweetheart piano music prior to lunch and Herb Yoder gave the blessing. Many stayed for an afternoon of fellowship.

Valentines of many styles and materials adorn the doorways of many residents. Some appear as though they are carefully constructed artwork straight from the loving hands of grandchildren while others are of a more professional nature. All are special!

The Valentine Dance was held on Wednesday and a large crowd of residents, dressed in shades of red, gathered to enjoy the music of Ned Francis and his one-man band. Everyone from able-bodied dancers to toe tappers moved to the beat of the music. Sweet treats of red cream puffs, chocolate covered cherries and other goodies were available for Valentines to enjoy compliments of the kitchen staff.

Jim Bennett has packed up the model train for another year. Everyone thanks him for the countless hours and dedication that he gave to this project, the smiles that he put on the faces of the children who visited, and the fond memories which he brought forward for the older visitors. His love for his neighbors and passion for his hobby are evident. Thanks, Jim.

Classics Et Cetera for Feb. 12, included the overture to ?The Bohemian Girl? by Michael William Balfe; ?Jordan? by William Billings; ?A Lincoln Portrait? by Aaron Copland, narrated by William Warfield; ?Weeping, Sad and Lonely? or ?When This Cruel War Is Over? performed by The New Hutchinson Family Singers; Romance No. 2 by Ludwig van Beethoven; ?La Vilanella,? performed by Sergio Franchi, tenor.

Considered by many to be America?s first popular music performers, The Hutchinson Family Singers were founded in 1840. They used a four-part harmony repertoire they had heard from European groups of the day. In tours of the United States they became the most popular singing group in the country. Their material included songs promoting abolitionism, workers? rights, temperance, and women?s rights. The New Hutchinson Family Singers, a touring group founded in 1983, features an authentic 19th century sound and repertoire.