Celebrities Bring Holiday Cheer to DVVH
On December 9, Governor Josh Shapiro joined Brig. Gen. John Pippy and Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Dr. Debra Bogen for a visit to the Delaware Valley Veterans’ Home where they spoke with residents and thanked staff for their service. They also met with three WWII veterans, ages 99, 100 and 101.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians hosted a luncheon for the residents of DVVH on Dec. 7 featuring special guest, Tim Witherspoon, two-time heavy weight world champion boxer. Witherspoon shared stories and highlights of his boxing career and posed for pictures with residents. The luncheon was filled with comradery, food, fun, and appreciation.
The residents at DVVH have been busy celebrating throughout the month of December. Events included the annual Christmas dinner with a visit from Santa and an ugly sweater contest, along with a Hannukah celebration. Each resident received a wrapped gift from various volunteer organizations throughout the community. This annual tradition at is about spreading joy and love to all that call DVVH home.
Holiday Fun at SEVC
A few ladies from The Villas at Linfield (a 55-plus community) in Royersford, PA visited the Southeastern Veterans’ Center (SEVC) for a wreath-making Ladies Club event. The wreaths looked professionally done and they had fun making them!
Christmas carols filled the main hall thanks to The Knights of Columbus and the Boy Scouts.
The residents and staff at SEVC displayed their holiday spirit and creativity by decorating their own gingerbread house and participated in a few games of Bingo!
The SEVC will closeout 2024 with a New Year’s casino day -- “cha-ching”!
Philadelphia Eagles Pep Bank Performs at SEVC
The Philadelphia Eagles Pep Band performed for the residents at the Southeastern Veterans’ Center (SEVC). It just so happens that the saxophone player, Bobby Mansure, is the son of resident Bob Mansure. (located in center of pic)
Yes, they performed the famous “Fly, Eagles Fly” chant!
GMVC Gets Visit From Santa, Mrs. Claus and More
The residents at Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center (GMVC) were all on Santa’s “nice list” this year….so the elves (staff) and residents have been busy!
There was a ride on the Santa’s Express Train, a few trips to see local Christmas lights, holiday luncheons, a Secret Santa Day with a DJ which included photo ops with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and elves, holiday movies and pizza, and coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Students from Scranton University visited with the residents and decorated their doors. Local schools, community bands and other performers entertained the residents with Christmas carols and Christmas shows. Residents sported their Ugly Christmas sweaters.
Christmas day consisted of distributing gifts to the residents, Christmas day mass and then a musical performance with special treats.
The home will close out 2024 with a New Year’s Eve party featuring a band, special treats, party hats and noise makers!
Community Spreads Holiday Spirit at HVH
The residents at Hollidaysburg Veterans’ Home (HVH) have been adorned with the views and sounds of the Christmas holiday by taking part in many activities. Both residents and staff participated in a Christmas play called the “The Grinch”.
A holiday tour by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, art students from Penn Cambria High School showed off their painting skills on the windows in Arnold Hall, and various church and school choirs, personal performers, and a group of Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts visited with the residents to sing Christmas carols and distribute Christmas cards.
Not only were there sugar plums dancing in their heads, but there were also dancers from Charlene’s School of Dance performing in Eisenhower Hall. Altoona Symphony Orchestra ensemble also provided a performance. Residents and their families gathered for a Christmas family social.
PSSH Has Busy December, Holiday Season
The Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home (PSSH) has had its share of snow (and then some) in December, almost like being in a snow globe! It certainly set the stage for some holiday spirit.
The residents have enjoyed their trips around town to view the Christmas lights and displays, in addition to visiting live reindeer at Apthorp Reindeer Farm.
The PSSH staff, residents and community took part in the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 14, laying 1,364 wreaths at graves throughout the home’s cemetery.
Students from Waterford Elementary brought holiday cheer, entertaining the residents with Christmas carols.
On Dec. 20, Burton Funeral Home hosted a stocking party. Mrs. Pennsylvania visited PSSH on Dec. 22.