United Presbyterian Home News

Dale and Louise Richards celebrated their wedding anniversary sharing treats in the Town Center Friday morning. A large crowd gathered to congratulate them on 69 years of marriage and wish them many more happy years together.

Kathy Knutson and Dorothy White traveled to the East Coast recently where they each joined family members. Kathy went to see her daughter Tanya Stahmer who moved to Winchester, Va., when her husband took a job transfer. Kathy explored the area now home to her daughter and enjoyed the time spent with grandchildren, Quinn, age 12, and Parker, 10. She visited Old Downtown Winchester and Harpers Ferry National Park to learn the history of the area. Dorothy traveled with Kathy where she met up with her daughter, Brenda Carter to attend the Skidmore College graduation of her grandson in Saratoga Springs, New York. This is Dorothy's last grandchild to graduate from college and she has attended each graduation.

Dave Stoufer of the American Legion gave a very touching tribute to veterans during the Memorial Day program held Friday in the Moore Family Dining Room. Dave shared stories and comments focusing on the sacrifice of so many soldiers over the years who have given their lives for our freedom. Those in attendance sang patriotic songs accompanied by Rachel Nicola on the piano. Allen Fuhr read the names of all the UP Home veterans including those who died this past year. Mike Orris played the iconic taps while the audience quietly considered the incredible sacrifice of so many men and women. Chaplain Gene Carpenter led everyone in prayer, giving God thanks for providing such brave men and women to serve and protect. Jody Tanner provided a beautiful, patriotic cake which was served following the ceremony.

It was by a personal handwritten invitation from World War II Veteran, Mike Orris, that Gov. Kim Reynolds agreed to speak at the Memorial Day celebration in Washington, Iowa, on Monday. The Governor was ushered in to the ceremony by Washington's Mayor Jaron Rosien and Iowa Rep. Jarad Klein behind the American Legion Color Guard. Mike Orris finagled a hug from the Governor when he presented her with a plaque commemorating her trip to the small town of Washington, Iowa. It was the only light moment of the reverent service. Speaking to all in attendance the Governor offered her thanks and gratitude to veterans everywhere with a message that we should never forget the service of these men and women. The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute, folding of the American flag and a beautifully somber rendition of taps played by John Harris on Trumpet.

The cottagers filled the Campus Center for the Memorial Day potluck on Monday. The food was ample and delicious. The committee of Randy and Jane Fehr, Richard and Charlotte Magdefrau, Betty Beenblossom and Margaret Stangohr decorated with a patriotic theme. Randy shared a wonderful old prayer that had been used in his family for generations. Carol Ray filled in for Larry Bartlett who was traveling. May birthdays included Jean Leeper, Jane Fehr, Ann Thomas, Dick Anderson., and Charlotte Magdrefrau. Anniversaries were Norm and Ann Thomas, 29 years and Randy and Jane Fehr, 55 years. Jim Lloyd brought his daughter, Lisa Krotz, from Iowa City as his guest. A few silly jokes were shared. The grand finale was to sing all the service anthems while various veterans stood to be honored, followed by an enthusiastic version of It's A Grand Old Flag. Everyone left in a positive mood; it was not raining.

Harvey Holden celebrated 102 years with a party in the Garrett Center hosted by his daughters, Barb Leeper, Laura Davison and Pat DeSotel. Friends and family filled the room including Harvey's 1-year-old great-granddaughter, Celia Davison. It is amazing to think of the generations between the two of them with the history Harvey holds and a future filled with new ideas for Celia. We wish Harvey continued good health and many happy times to come.

Jane Fehr celebrated her birthday Wednesday morning when she brought treats for all friends and neighbors who gather in the Town Center.

Nine members of the book club met to discuss two books in the #1 Ladies Detective Series, set in Botswana. Mary Atwood shared some interesting details about the author, Alexander McCall Smith. Julia Gamon led the discussion of The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine and The House of Unexpected Sisters. June's book is In This Grave Hour by Jacqueline Winspear. It is one of the Maisie Dobbs series.

Classics Et Cetera for May 30, 2019, included the overture to 'The Return of Tobias” by Franz Joseph Haydn; Allegretto in the style of Nicola Porpora by Fritz Kreisler; Variations on 'America” by Charles Ives; Grand March from 'Aida” by Giuseppe Verdi; 'The Naughty Lady from Shady Lane” sung by the Ames Brothers; Finale of Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor) by Ludwig van Beethoven; 'The Man of the Hour,” march by Henry Fillmore.

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), one of the greatest violinists of all time, also composed pieces of his own that quickly became part of a concert violinist's repertoire. He thought it best not to fill his concert programs with numbers under his own name, so he composed a total of 16 works that he put in his program under the names of relatively obscure 17th or 18th century composers. No one caught on until 1935 when a music critic couldn't find one of these pieces in the Library of Congress. He cabled Kreisler asking for the truth, and Kreisler admitted the ruse. Some critics were upset at being fooled, but forgiveness soon came from both the critics and the public for the beloved violinist.