Aberdeen Heights
FEBRUARY 2020
The Aberdeen Heights Choir, directed by and made up of residents from across the campus, perform their Christmas show for residents of The Glen.
Longtime love of music keeps choir director singing The sounds of Christmas filled The Glen during a December performance by the Aberdeen Heights Choir. The lineup included a number of classic choral pieces, including “’Twas the Night before Christmas,” “Candlelight Carol” and an arrangement of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
‘Santa’s elf’ makes visit to Aberdeen Heights Santa’s Visit to Aberdeen Heights wouldn’t be complete without help from a trusty elf who’s always eager to spread Christmas cheer. “Michelle Santel has always been the elf,” said Lily Landy, administrator at The Glen. “She goes from table to table, from child to child, dressed up in her outfit. She sits on Santa’s lap, just like the kids do. It’s so much fun.”
Elizabeth, who will soon turn 93, said she began volunteering with the choir when she moved to Aberdeen Heights in 2011. She’s been managing
Santa’s Visit has been an annual tradition at The Glen for the past eight years. Last year residents and their families browsed a craft booth and enjoyed a robust breakfast that included pancakes, doughnuts and hot chocolate for the kids. Invitations were sent to families ahead of time, and staff members were encouraged to bring their
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Director Elizabeth Beattie scaled down the 36-member choir to 30 voices in order to accommodate the performance space. Throughout the year, choir members attend regular hour-long rehearsals to perfect their sound for two major annual performances, including the Christmas Choir. “Four people who are now in The Glen still come over to rehearse and sing in the choir,” Elizabeth said. “That’s some real effort. They walk with walkers, and one is there because her husband is in assisted living.”
Aberdeen Heights | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Residents unwrap fun at Christmas Gala The Aberdeen Heights Christmas Gala featured a number of performances to celebrate the holiday season. The Gateway Harmonica Club performed, as well as
two classical guitarists and a harpist. The event was a fun and entertaining way to celebrate Christmas and the new year at Aberdeen Heights.◆
Classical guitarists were another highlight.
Residents and guests enjoy a harpist’s beautiful music.
The Gateway Harmonica Club performs for attendees at the Christmas Gala.
Traditional Christmas Carolers performed at the Christmas Gala.
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ABERDEEN HEIGHTS A PMMA COMMUNITY
314-909-6010 ◆ Fax: 913-599-3810 505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122-5536 AberdeenSeniorLiving.com
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | February 2020
Community Matters
is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Heights by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizaton.
To submit or suggest articles: llandy@PMMA.org Rick Cumberland, executive director Lily Landy, health care administrator David Evans, life enrichment director
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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children. “The families have a good time,” Landy said. “They love it, and the room is packed. I think Michelle has as much fun as the kids.” When Michelle isn’t playing elf, she serves as admissions coordinator for The Glen. The event on Dec. 7 featured new entertainment: a caricature artist who drew funny portraits of kids and families. “That was really neat,” Landy said. Santa’s Visit drew more than 100 participants, who filled the assisted living dining room and spilled over into rooms across the hall. ◆
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ABERDEEN HEIGHTS A PMMA COMMUNITY
505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
OUR Mission:
To provide quality senior services guided by Chri stian values.
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the Christmas performance since 2012. “It’s my passion. I’m called to do it,” said Elizabeth, who was a music major. “How lucky can you be to still use your education at age 93?” Moreover, she gets to work alongside her husband, Ted, who also sings in the choir. The couple recently celebrated their 70th anniversary.
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“The poor guy doesn’t have a choice,” Elizabeth said.
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Music has been a part of Elizabeth’s life from a young age. She said she’s happy to be involved with the choir and feels blessed that Aberdeen Heights provides opportunities to enjoy her love of music. “God drew me to music, if you want the truth,” Elizabeth said. “I’ve sung in choirs my whole life. I worked my way through school, and couldn’t afford music lessons — but the director said if I’d be the music librarian, he’d give me voice lessons.” ◆
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | February 2020
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