United Presbyterian Home News

Resident and talented keyboard artist, David Draheim played his own mix of music in various locations last week spreading holiday cheer. David performed in the Health Center Thursday morning with Christmas classics followed by his performance for the resident Christmas party in the afternoon which had people dancing and tapping their toes to the tunes. Dressed in his tuxedo, David performed classical music in the Moore Family Dining Room on Friday and again throughout the weekend with more dinner and Christmas music.

Residents attending the Christmas party dressed in festive attire to enjoy David's music and nibble on delicious cookies baked by Michelle Glatch and decorated by her daughter, Claire.

Day Care children were poised in the Garrett Center Tuesday morning singing Christmas songs as they awaited the arrival of Santa Clause and his helper, Reid Orris. The young faces turned to fright as they caught a glimpse of the big guy in a red suit but quickly changed to smiles and happy faces as they realized that he was a cool dude bearing gifts. Each child opened a present and quizzed Santa about the reindeer and his travels before he was off again. Before leaving Santa made them promise to be good girls and boys and reminded them that his elves are always watching.

Christmas carols can be heard all over as groups are bringing their talents to the UPH Campus to share seasonal music with residents. A large flash mob of students from Lincoln School known as the Sunrise Singers and directed by Julie Hill dropped by on Tuesday for some quick caroling. They did an encore performance when their bus would not start for the return trip back to school. Washington County Hospice Director, Katrina Althenhofen and her merry team of Carolers walked the halls this week gracing everyone with their rendition of Christmas carols. Carolers from the Sharon Bethel Mennonite Church brought plenty of Christmas cheer as they wondered the hallways with their lovely voices bringing back the art of Christmas caroling. Residents and staff are grateful for the music and visits.

The Cottager's December gathering was a festive, hearty occasion. The most festive element was Dick Anderson who was decked out in a remarkable holiday sports coat accessorized with an unusually stylish Santa hat and red shoes. Another bright spot was Brad Goff in his red tartan plaid slacks - they were the 'Beaux of the Ball.” The food was exceptionally hearty as befits the season. Birthday wishes were sung to Linda Boston, Nancy Albert, Dick Magdefrau and Mike McGuire. Mike and Vicki McGuire were honored for their 46th wedding anniversary. On a somber note, President Larry Bartlett read the names of cottagers who have passed on during 2019. The evening was hosted by Sue Kretzschmar and Carol Ray, chairs, Jean Frazer, Joyce Huff and Nancy Albert.

The Twelve Days of Merry Fitness Challenge began this week in an effort to keep residents health conscience during this season of sweet treats. Each day participants are to abide by the one heath goal put forth for that day. Goals range from drink more water, eat a healthy vegetable and exercise. The challenge ends just in time to relax and take time for one's self on Christmas Day.

Marion Turnipseed and Dick Magdefrau each celebrated their near Christmas birthdays with treats in the Town Centre this week.

Classics Et Cetera for December 19, 2019 included the 'Miniature Overture,” 'March” and 'Waltz of the Flowers” from 'The Nutcracker” by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky; 5th Movement of 'The Christmas Concerto” by Arcangelo Corelli; 'The Twelve Days of Christmas”; 'The Trumpet Shall Sound” & 'Hallelujah” from 'Messiah” by George Frideric Handel.

According to one source, 'The Twelve Days of Christmas” is an English carol for which the lyrics were published in 1780 without music to be recited as a chant. It is said to have been written during Queen Elizabeth I's reign by Catholic Christians who were sometimes in hiding to escape persecution. The twelve gifts were written to help Catholic children remember their articles of faith without drawing the attention of the authorities. The partridge in a pear tree, for instance, is said to have symbolized Christ on the Cross, the two turtle doves represented Christ's human and divine nature, and so on through all twelve gifts.