United Presbyterian Home News

Cathy Kleese entertained her grandchildren during the holiday school break with a picture scavenger hunt on the grounds of the UPH campus. Kids drew from a hat to determine which of 2 teams they would compete with. Armed with cellphones the kids took off to hunt down objects on Grandma Cathy's list including a dog statue, oversized Christmas decorations, a barn quilt and various other structures. Each item had to be verified with grandma before credit was given. The first team to arrive back at grandma's cottage with photos of the most items won. The winners were able to take first pick from a box of gift cards with all participants receiving a gift card in the end. How else would a grandma award prizes. Some of the grandkids were quite resourceful and competitive.

Jana Nieman returned from an extended visit with her daughter, Lynelle Neiman, in the Mission Hills area of San Diego. They enjoyed cooking and gardening, visiting the beaches and just spending time together. A highlight was a day trip to The Getty Center in Los Angeles. The Getty Center architecture is very impressive with modern design, beautiful gardens, open spaces and spectacular views of Los Angeles. In addition to they toured the 17th and 18th century art collections. Before going to San Diego, Jana and six of her siblings spent three days in Salisbury, North Carolina, celebrating the 80th birthday of their sister, Linda Thurston. They all stayed together in an air BNB in a rural setting, toured the Rowan County Museum and other areas of town, as well as Linda‘s place of residence, Trinity Oaks Retirement Center. They met all of her friends and had a really great party at the retirement center!

Residents enjoyed the violin performances of Embrace and Seline Yudelmo along with their mother Benice Yudelmo in the Health Center. All three are violin students of Gwen Ying. They play beautiful music and we appreciate that they share their talents with us.

Health Center residents were joined by kids from Up with Day Care as they enjoyed a New Year's Eve party Tuesday afternoon. They sang Karaoke, battled with foam noodles, and enjoyed snacks and soft drinks. Residents pulled confetti poppers, creating their own countdown to the New Year while children danced amid the confetti. Several children shared their resolutions for the new year. Layla Hesser vows to be nicer to her sister and listen to her mother while Lauren Drahota promises to keep her room clean. Two very commendable resolutions.

Lois Buchholz enjoyed a New Year's Eve visit from her daughter Heidi Kaufman of Mission, Texas along with granddaughter Kaley. Kaley was hoping for snow while visiting grandparents in Iowa.

Mildred Houseal is pleased to welcome her first great, great-grandson to the family. Colter Lee Curtis was born December 30, 2019. Colter is the son of Cody Curtis, grandson of Dawn Curtis and great-grandson of Connie Meyer of Wayland, Iowa.

Those celebrating birthdays this week with treats in the Town Centre include Dorothy Koehler, Esther Bordwell, Lorene Gilchrist and Lidvil Hart. The treats continue long after the holidays.

Classics Et Cetera for January 9, 2020 included the overture to 'Der Rosenkavalier” by Richard Strauss; 'The Toreador Song” from 'Carmen” by Georges Bizet; Nos. 1 & 2 from 'Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No. 1” by Ottorino Respighi; 3rd Movement of Bassoon Concerto in F Major by Franz Danzi; 'Catch a Falling Star” sung by Perry Como; Nos. VIII to XVI from 'The Enchanted Island Suite” by Arthur S. Sullivan; 'Neighbors,” a march by Franz von Blon.

Although his name is Italian, Franz Danzi (1763-1826) was German-born and raised in Mannheim, where his father was principal cellist in the court orchestra. Franz also became a virtuoso cellist and took his father's chair at his death, after the court and its orchestra had moved to Munich. Franz knew and greatly admired Mozart (1756-1791) and was a mentor for Carl Marie von Weber (1786-1826). He also knew Beethoven (1770-1827), but his thoughts about the great composer and his music were mixed. Danzi was not a first rate composer, but he composed copiously in most genres with some success at the time.