LUTHERSBURG GIRL SCOUT TROOP

Beth Alexander, Speech Therapist at Christ The King, invited the Luthersburg Girl Scout Troop # 20578 to spend time at our facility on February 4^th.  They brought Valentines for our residents and distributed them room to room as a service project but also learned about career opportunities in the health care field.  Beth gave them a tour of the facility as she reviewed job descriptions, availability, and education requirements for each department.  The girls had an opportunity to ask questions and proved to be inquisitive and attentive in all areas. These young ladies exemplified the qualities Girl Scouting strives to achieve and we welcome their future visits to Christ The King. 

LOCAL ARTIST AGNES KEIBLER

We have a very special resident at Christ The King Manor.  Agnes Keibler is an accomplished artist who has been painting in oils most of her life.  Pictured is Agnes with one of her recent paintings displayed in our therapy department. Also shown are several pictures Agnes has hanging in her room.  We are very proud to have her at CKM.

“When I was eight years old my mother gave me a pencil and paper. I used crayons before that because I wasn’t allowed to have a pencil.” Agnes stated,  “That is when I started to draw things.” And she has been drawing and painting ever since.   As a girl Agnes had two teachers that encouraged her talent.  “I did all of the art work at school for holidays.  I once did a background for a school puppet show.” Her passion for her art shows as she recalls these memories. Her eyes light up and her beautiful smile expresses her love and pride for her work.  Agnes is self-taught and has never taken formal classes. 

Agnes has lived in Punxsutawney for the past 46 years where much of her work was done.  In the 1980’s she and her husband traveled to Florida as “snowbirds” where she also painted and gave classes.  “I can’t remember all of the paintings I’ve done.  All of this painting and in the meantime I raised five boys! My paintings are all over the United States.”  She has sold many of her works but each of her boys has at least five paintings in their home.  She has done portraits of her grandchildren and has also has done paintings to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Agnes has offered to do a painting demonstration at CKM in the spring for the residents and anyone else who would like to attend. 

REYNOLDSVILLE PRE-K COUNTS

The residents were fascinated with the performance from the students at Reynoldsville Pre-K Counts.  "Miss Christina" did a fabulous job in preparing the kids for their visit with a performance of musical and animated fun.  They also made a hand-stamped poster for their parents and proved to be well taught in following rules and instructions.  It was a fun morning for our residents as well as the children.  

RIDGWAY HIGH SCHOOL TRAVELING BAND!

Shawn Hofmann, band director and Theresa Palmer, choir director, brought members of the Ridgway High School band to CKM today perform a mini concert for our residents.  This was one of may stops for  Brock Cook, Anthony Antonuccio, Dylan Smith, Jenna Ross, and Akila Shrefler, all members of the band.
Thank you for coming! 

ST. MARY'S CHURCH VISITS

Members of St. Mary's church in Reynoldsville came to CKM today bringing gifts for each of our residents.  Louie Caltagarone was dressed like Santa and played the accordion.  Our residents loved it and were excited to get their gifts. 

CHRISTMAS BAKING WITH WCED

Baking is a favorite activity with our residents and Christmastime we really become Betty Crockers!  An annual event at CKM is making Holiday Fruitcake.  This year we had WCED in with us to to a live broadcast that will be aired on Friday, December 14 at 9:05 am.  Staff as well as residents were interviewed and the main theme was "family" and how everyone at CKM is part of an extended family from residents, family members, to staff and volunteers.  In addition to fruitcake we make decorated sugar cookies and other fine treats. They will be served at our annual Christmas Party on Wednesday and it is a thrill for our residents to see us serve the "fruits" of their own labor!

CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR OUR NATION'S SOLDIERS

Robin Bish, assistant director of nursing, came up with the idea to make Christmas cards for our wounded soldiers.  The residents thought it was a great idea and got together yesterday to color almost seventy cards.  After they are signed they will be sent to the American Red Cross to distribute to our heros at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  Last year the Red Cross collected cards from  tens of thousands of Americans to distribute to our wounded veterans. The residents at Christ The King are proud to be part of that group of Americans and will make this activity an annual tradition at CKM.