We love our volunteers!

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and while we have many wonderful volunteers to thank, this month we’re highlighting a special group of volunteers who makes life a little brighter for Presbyterian Manor residents by hosting a birthday party every month.

“I’m not sure how long we’ve been doing it, as long as I can remember. Rosie Welch has been the one in charge. She makes sure the Presbyterian Manor residents get their birthday party,” said Janie Barcus, community volunteer. “I’m president of the Disciple Women group at the Christian Church, and there’s about 15 of us who are active in doing things for the community. Barb Mosher makes sure the cakes are made every month. They’re always homemade.”

The Disciple Women group puts a lot of thought and attention into the party each month, even providing angel food cake, which is most friendly for diabetics.

“Rosie plays some songs that are related to that month’s theme and tells stories that help residents reminisce about times gone by. It’s a good nostalgia.”

All residents are invited to the parties, though residents with birthdays during the month are treated to a special carnation arrangement.

“We’d been ordering the flowers from A-Blossom for Every Occasion, and we kept waiting for our bill. It never came! We finally spoke with the owner, and realized they were donating the flower arrangements in appreciation of us donating our time for the seniors.”

Janie and the Disciple Women group, who are often accompanied by their minister Laurie Lewis, get just as much out of the parties as the residents do.

“We have such a good feeling when we go home from the parties. It fulfills us, makes us lighter, and we feel good about things. They are so appreciative; they say thank you so often. We make them feel good, but we get a good feeling too.”

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