United Presbyterian Home: Wellness Center holds food drive

Former United Presbyterian Home CEO's Dick Colby and Mike Moore joined current CEO Erin Drahota for a photo opportunity in front of Stewart Hall showcasing the new lighted sign at the campus main entrance. Individually, the three of them have been photographed at that location on occasion within the past thirty years since the original sign has been in place. It was a wonderful trip down memory lane for the three of them.

The Wellness Center held a food drive during the month of November to which residents and staff made donations of non-perishable items. On delivery day, November 25, 2020 a group of willing residents delivered the overgrown collection to the local HACAP. Betty Beenblossom, Pat Jenkins, Jean Frazer, Carol Thornton, Sarah Robison, Cathy Kleese, Dorothy White and Kathy Knutson each helped with the loading and delivery process.

Many compliments were sent to the dietary staff for the wonderful Thanksgiving meal during trying but grateful times. The traditional turkey and ham dinner with all of the customary side dishes plus dessert was delivered to residents that they might eat in social distance, not the traditional family gatherings as in the past. Residents stepped up to show their gratitude for a delicious meal and good health at a time that is depressing and sorrowful for many this year.

A committee of residents and board members worked their decorating magic and transformed the parlor and lobbies to look holiday festive. The tree and decorations in the parlor keep to the 1940s house style. Thanks to decorating elves Sandy Dunlap, JoAnn Torpey, Jane Cuddeback, Barb Hinchcliffe and Dorothy White for their creative style and hours of work.

Residents gathered outside the Moore Family Dining Room late Tuesday afternoon for a tree lighting ceremony. Many others watched from their windows or opted for a birds-eye view from the warmth of the skywalk. They sipped hot cocoa and sang Christmas carols while they awaited the first official light display of the season. Not all lights lit-up at the same time which is the way it goes with temperamental string lights, yet another Christmas tradition. Claudine Erwin had the best answer for that when she said, 'Those darn squirrels must have gotten into them.” Many thanks to the generous residents and their families who donated to the light display this year.