United Presbyterian Home residents eager for socialization

Courtesy of Carol Greiner

Kerr Hall residents of the United Presbyterian Home in Washington spread out in the Moore Family Dining Room for a fall meal of glazed pork, meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, baked apples and pecan pie. Mary Schlatter served as host for the event. The group was eager for socialization and a fair bit of laughter.

Spiritual Life Director Andrew Zuehlke hosted a one-man Veterans Day service which residents viewed through video message. Andrew opened with a prayer that we be mindful of this day and never forget those men and women who served our country and us. He then led us in song of patriotic hymns to commemorate the day. Andrew broke from the music to give us a little military history lesson and also recite a poem honoring all of the men and women who answered a service call, they are deserving of our respect and pride.

Children in day care honored our veteran residents when they handcrafted messages to be delivered stating, 'Not all super heroes wear capes. Thank you for your service.” The messages included their small handprint signifying that even the smallest of our members remembered to say thanks.

The family of Kerm Jenkins honored his memory by preparing a meal at The Lighthouse Center on Veterans Day and the anniversary of Kerm's death. When Pat Jenkins' family learned that she had volunteered to prepare and serve a meal at the local outreach center the family jumped in to help. A lesson they say they learned from their superhero of a mother and grandmother.

Granddaughters and great-granddaughters helping included Tiffany Brenneman and her daughters, Mya and Lara; Tara Jenkins and Randi Brase. Pat's grandson Jason Jenkins stopped by late in the afternoon and was given the job of carrying the heavy, hot pans to the car and into the facility. Tara Jenkins reports that 'it was a great day of family laughter, reminiscing and of course, serving to a community that so desperately needs the love and support of those to get back on their feet. It was a good day of reminding one another that kindness is in fact healing.”

Former UPH resident Mary Wagamon was featured in the recent addition of the Mid Prairie Alumni and Friends Association newsletter. The article written by Virginia Carlson remembers her teacher, mentor, friend and mother as an advocate for the students she cared so much about. Mary divided her professional time between Home Economics and Media Specialist during the 27 years she spent at Mid-Prairie School District. She went beyond her teaching duties to help students with personal matters, see to it that they graduated, write curriculum based on student's needs, helped them fill out applications and wrote many letters of recommendation. The article is a tribute to a dedicated woman who was passionate about her profession and students.