Washington Evening Journal
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UP Home celebrates 75th anniversary
Kalen McCain
Sep. 14, 2022 10:21 am, Updated: Sep. 14, 2022 10:36 am
WASHINGTON — United Presbyterian Home hosted an Alive After 5 event Tuesday night, marking the retirement community’s 75th year in business.
CEO Erin Drahota said it was a big day.
“It’s a representation of what UP Home is, and that is the family and the community that’s on our campus,” she said. “You have board members, residents, staff members, community members, and you know, that’s who we serve. It’s a way for all of us to get together and celebrate.”
Asked about the secret to the community’s 75 successful years, Drahota said it was the people.
“I think the secret is in the staff, and having a staff that cares about our residents,” she said. “We have a passion for and care about making the best possible home for our residents, and that’s been consistent for the past 75 years.”
UP Home Chair JoAnn Torpey said she was proud of the mile mark.
“I am just happy to be associated with such a fine facility, that really is caring about seniors,” she said. “We try to stay on the cutting edge because people have a lot of choices, so we hope that they choose us … if it wasn’t for the staff, it wouldn’t be the wonderful place that it is.”
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
Photographer Lyle Moen captures the ribbon cutting event at UP Home celebrating the retirement community's 75th anniversary. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
United Presbyterian Home CEO Erin Drahota gave a brief speech at the company's 75-year-anniversary. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Residents and community members gathered at the UP Home's Alive After 5 on Tuesday (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Visitors lineup for food served by UP Home's dining staff at the retirement community's event Tuesday night. (Photo courtesy of Lyle Moen)
Lawn Chairs and foldup tables scattered across the UP Home's public area for a performance by Aces and Eights. (Photo courtesy of Lyle Moen)