More Stories
From the Blog
Geriatric Health and Wellness Brings Personalized Health Care to Still Hopes
Still Hopes Assisted Living West Columbia, SC. residents may remember a time or two in their youth when their doctor made a house call. Often the doctor was a beloved member of the community who they all knew well, and might even think of as a family friend. Fast forward to 2021… when the old way of doing things has become the innovative new way within the Still Hopes community. The term today is called concierge medicine. It started to reappear in primarily metropolitan areas in the last 10 to 15 years. A concierge practice typically caters to business executives who want to pay an extra retainer for the convenience of having a physician who provides enhanced, personalized care. It’s easy to schedule an appointment, with little to no wait, and sometimes in their own homes. And these physicians will really take the time to get to the root of their patients’ medical problems, thoroughly examining them and explaining a treatment plan that can be easily understood and followed. And here is why Still Hopes residents can feel special. Geriatric Health And Wellness at Still Hopes is one of the only concierge medical practices anywhere in the U.S. that caters exclusively to retirement community members. The practice started in 2019, when discussions between Victor Hirth, M.D., and Still Hopes Executive Director and CEO, Danny Sanford, led to focus groups with Still Hopes community members to see if there was a need. The response was overwhelming. So in the fall of that same year, Hirth hung his shingle right on campus and hired Still Hopes nurse alums, Natalie Hinkle and Nicole Newton, to assist. “They both have experience with older adult care, and since this was a completely new program, it was extremely helpful to have someone who was familiar with the system and the community,” said Hirth. “They have been a great fit.” Hirth grew up on the West Coast. As a young adult, he served as a nurse aide in a retirement community in Seattle, establishing his love of caring for older adults. So it was no surprise that he would pursue a career in geriatric medicine. “When I entered medical school, I already knew it was my path. I knew I enjoyed older adults, and I enjoyed long term care. That just pulled for me,” said Hirth. After his fellowship training, Hirth was recruited by the University of South Carolina, working his way up from clinical instructor to full professor and Chief of Geriatrics. He helped to develop a senior primary care program, a geriatric fellowship training program, an inpatient geriatric unit, and the geriatric psychiatry training program. He focused his research on Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and other age-related diseases. He served as Editor-in-Chief for a geriatric textbook, on the board of directors for the American Geriatric Society, and even started a program to attract other physicians to this small field of medicine. But when he saw that health care was becoming more corporatized, he decided it was time to reexamine how he, himself, wanted to deliver care. Hirth had served on the Board of Directors at Still Hopes for a number of years. He said that he could see Still Hopes was a very well run organization, and that the community was focused on resident wellness. “Geriatrics is the care of the oldest most medically complex people, in order to maximize their independence, health and wellbeing, and to minimize hospitalizations,” said Hirth. “It can’t be done in fast order, so it became clear to me that being in a big organization was not optimal for me.” Hirth and his team are available Monday through Friday, and provide coverage, by telephone, on weekends, holidays and evenings. If one of his Still Hopes patients takes a tumble one evening and ends up in the emergency room, he can advise them on their pain management and watch over their healing. Or if a resident can’t tell if they’ve developed a cold or Covid, he will suit up in his medical personal protective gear and pay them a house call. “It really is soothing to the residents, both physically and emotionally, to have someone with his expertise become a partner in their health,” said Tacey Gohean, Still Hopes Director of Community Services. Gohean says the business model is simple. Residents can pay $230 per month or $2,600 a year. Since they are a 100-percent Medicare practice, they are required to file Medicare. The retainer is separate from Medicare, and covers accessibility to Hirth and his team, continuous communication to patients and their families, and peace of mind. “Almost all of my children live out-of-state, and they are delighted that I have this program here, so that they don’t have to worry about me getting an appointment when needed. I have a short wait, and of course, transportation is not an issue,” said Joyce Steele, a Still Hopes independent living resident. Hirth is just as appreciative of his patients and their families. “It’s been hugely rewarding. They send emails with questions and information about the latest research, medicine or supplements. I like getting these because I often learn something as well.” While some physicians may balk at this, Hirth welcomes the opportunity for growth. He says he has always been a big proponent of continuing education. In fact, he might be considered a lifelong student himself. If he is not spending his free time with family, he is restoring cars... and does all of his own maintenance, from starters to alternators to connecting rod bearings. He also started his own research enterprise. For the past 10 years, he has partnered with the USC College of Engineering and Computing, Department of Civil Engineering to develop a system of fall detection using small seismic sensors, placed inconspicuously on the floor of an apartment or dwelling. The project has two National Institutes of Health-funded grants and one in review supporting it. Still Hopes residents have also participated in the study and more work will be conducted at Still Hopes in 2021. “It’s novel. Most of the fall detection systems are almost exclusively watch or pendant based. But if you are not wearing either and you take a fall, you may not be able to make it to the phone,” said Hirth. “Ours is completely ambient - the environment knows what you are doing. You don’t have to interact with the system but the system still recognizes a fall.” Hirth also spends a few times a month with his staff, training for everything on falls and delirium to UTIs. He also trains Prisma Health residents in internal medicine and fellows in Palliative Care and Hospice as well as Geriatrics. You might see one of these visiting doctors with Dr. Hirth's team on campus during the year. Hirth treats about 60 to 70 patients in Greenway Supportive Living's skilled nursing neighborhoods, and over 100 independent living residents, with more coming on board with the opening of the new HopeWell independent living apartment building. “Being here at Still Hopes Retirement Community in Columbia, SC has been highly rewarding. I think everyone has come to realize what we are doing here,” he said. “It’s not what might be considered innovative. It’s probably just more old school, right? It’s how medicine used to be.” And to his patients, it’s how it always ought to be. For more information about the Geriatric Health and Wellness concierge practice, email Tacey Gohean, Director of Community Services, at tgohean@stillhopes.org.
First Annual Taste of Still Hopes Feeds More Than Just Our Guests
Close your eyes for just a moment. Imagine you hear the sound of tropical music, smell lobster simmering in butter sauce, and hear the murmuring and laughter of almost 200 people. Where are you? Bora Bora? St.Tropez? Well if you were one of Still Hopes’ 170 guests last Wednesday evening, then you were right here on our beautiful Main Street for the First Annual Taste of Still Hopes Assisted Living West Columbia, SC. The evening kicked off at 6:00 p.m. with guests entering Main Street and immediately being greeted by a table full of champagne. Taking a leisurely stroll further down Main Street, our friends then encountered a Caribbean station (surrounded by palm trees of course) with choices like lobster, tiger slaw, and pulled pork sliders. Further on, Main Street was filled to the brim with different Culinary stations hosting options such as shrimp and grits, chicken cordon bleu, sushi made fresh in-house, and a tower of desserts to suit all preferences. All these wonderful choices went to showcase the diversity and talent within the Still Hopes Culinary Team. “The event was a collaboration of ideas from the Still Hopes Culinary management team and featured the diverse cultural backgrounds of our Culinary staff. The food represented menu items from the Caribbean, Asia, Europe and the United States. The idea was to have a great time for our residents and their guests but to also help a great cause, the Harvest Hope Food Bank.” says Andy Marchant, the Director of Culinary Services at Still Hopes. Harvest Hope was present on Main Street during Taste of Still Hopes assisted living, and raised over $200 and over 260 pounds of food. “The Taste of Still Hopes was an excellent event! I found myself surrounded by people full of life. Generous, fun loving seniors who enjoyed a wonderful evening with their Still Hopes neighbors and did not forget to give back to the bigger community called the Midlands. The donations collected in food and funds were the equivalent of 1350 meals. Harvest Hope wants to thank the staff and residents for allowing us to be your charity for the first Taste of Still Hopes.” says Debbie Summers, Donor Relations Manager for Harvest Hope. Still Hopes would like to thank our friends at Harvest Hope for being part of this wonderful event, which we look forward to hosting for many more years to come! To see photos from Taste of Still Hopes, please click through the Taste of Still Hopes 2016 Photo Gallery below. *A special thank you to Janice Sanford photography for taking and providing all the photos in our gallery. Thank you, Janice for covering the night so beautifully!
A Festive Way To Wrap Up October
Guten Abend! Good evening! Much heard at the Oktoberfest this year at Still Hopes Retirement Community West Columbia, SC. A delicious buffet of German cuisine, music by the Happy Musicians (a local German music band), and much dancing packed our evening. Laughter and merriment filled the air, as we listened and danced to those great waltzes, polkas, and marches. More than 30 attendees danced their way around the room in a train to the Pennsylvania Polka! The line dance class of 13 residents and staff performed their annual rendition of the famed Chicken Dance for the enjoyment of the audience of over 125 residents and friends. Sherry French, Director of Activities Home is an integral aspect to life. At Still Hopes, our private apartments and spacious cottages are customized to your lifestyle and personality. What results is peace, relaxation, and absolute enjoyment. With open floor plans and lush outdoor areas, our apartments are central to our senior adult activities and events. Beautiful cottages with two-car garages and colorful landscaping line our community’s cozy neighborhood streets. Our Continuing Care Retirement Community CCRC West Columbia, SC allows you to have an optimal health plan right at home. Let us take care of the chores, landscaping, and home maintenance, and flourish in the resort-style senior living free of stress and worry. Still Hopes isn’t like home—it is home, but better.
Experience A Taste of Still Hopes
Who doesn’t love food? How about the chance to try food from all across the country, all while never having to leave the area? That is exactly what some folks (almost 200 to be exact) got to experience right here at Still Hopes Retirement Community in West Columbia, SC on September 7th at our Second Annual Taste of Still Hopes event. Still Hopes’ talented culinary team provided dishes from all across the United States, from Low Country fare to dishes hailing from the Pacific Northwest. There were pulled pork sliders with creamy horseradish and crispy onion straws, smoked salmon tartines with crispy capers, mini gourmet pizzas as a nod to Manhattan, and Southwest beef lettuce wraps to pull in some Baja California flavor, just to name a few. We will let the pictures below do most of the talking, but please rest assured that folks left with very full bellies. Add that in with some live music and you have the recipe for a very fun night. “One resident leaving Taste of Still Hopes said to me ‘The night could not have been any better!’ For me, Taste of Still Hopes is an opportunity for us to show case the exceptional and incomparable culinary staff that Still Hopes is blessed to have. Taste of Still Hopes is a celebration of the cuisine of our diverse country and an opportunity to share with others all that our amazing community has to offer” says Stewart Rawson, Still Hopes’ Director of Marketing. Not to mention the guests were not the only ones who had a blast at this special event. “I will say that our Culinary Staff looks forward to this event every year. The Culinary Kitchen Staff that are normally behind the scenes enjoy interacting with the residents and their guests to show off their talents. The synergy between the staff, residents and guests is truly amazing to watch! I believe the ones serving had as much fun as the ones being served. What a special night for everyone.” comments Andy Marchant, Still Hopes’ Director of Culinary Services. What a blessed night! We truly hope you will enjoy getting a peek into this event, and perhaps even plan on putting it on your calendar next year! For the full photo gallery, please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StillHopes/
An Experience To Eclipse All Others
It was heralded as one of the “Top Stargazing Events of 2017”. Total darkness would come to certain areas across the country on August 21, 2017, including Columbia, SC. Folks in this area were excited, and Still Hopes residents were no exception. Longtime Still Hopes skilled nursing West Columbia, SC resident Brooksie Mays staked out her spot on the Guignard Mansion porch over an hour before the total eclipse was supposed to happen, which was scheduled to occur between 2:41 – 2:43 p.m. “I didn’t dream that I would live long enough to see such a thing and I just made it! I may be going out any minute but now I’ve seen this! Isn’t that wonderful?” Brooksie laughs. When asked what she was expecting to see, Brooksie replied “I’m expecting to see just what has been shown to us over and over again – the moon slowly crossing the sun. It’s going to be very exciting.” After the eclipse reached its totality, which was reported to be 100%, Brooksie was still in awe of what she just witnessed. “It was the most wonderful thing I ever saw. The most wonderful.” Brooksie even recalled watching something similar in Columbia during the year 1936, but she says it wasn’t quite the same. “When I was a child of about 6, we had something like this and I can’t remember many details but I remember we didn’t have glasses, so my father took a bottle and broke it and took a candle and smoked the glass so we children could look at it. But I don’t think that was a total eclipse.” So did the eclipse today, on August 21, 2017, surpass Brooksie’s childhood memories? “Yes and more.” Brooksie says. “I just can’t get over it. It was just wonderful.”
Exercising A Right To Live Well
It’s been said that you should take care of your body because it’s the only place you have to live in. That means (hopefully) making diet and exercise a priority in your overall lifestyle. One Still Hopes couple, Hal and Amaryllis Duvall, have made exercise a priority in their life at Still Hopes and it has yielded life changing results. The Duvalls have lived at Still Hopes Retirement Home in West Columbia, SC for almost four years after moving from Cheraw, South Carolina. Hal ran a hardware store that had been in the family for over 100 years and Amaryllis taught elementary school for 42 years. The Duvalls say fitness was a part of their life in Cheraw, but it wasn’t until they moved to Still Hopes Retirement in West Columbia, SC that fitness really became a focal point. Hal and Amaryllis each met with Denise Heimlich, Still Hopes Director of Wellness, who laid out a fitness plan for Hal and a fitness plan for Amaryllis. While Amaryllis enjoyed the group classes, and still goes a few times a week, Hal felt like his individual fitness concerns needed more one-on-one attention. “He started doing the personal training sessions and he could see so much improvement. He is very conscientious about going twice a week.” explains Amaryllis. To make all of that work even sweeter, after almost two years of personal training sessions, Hal was able to dance with Amaryllis at Still Hopes’ Annual Luau, which was something Amaryllis thought would not happen again. “We have always loved to dance. Unfortunately, the last time there was a dance, Hal had gotten to the point where he just thought he couldn’t dance any more. But recently at the Luau, Hal wore me out on the dance floor!” laughs Amaryllis. For memorable reasons like this, Hal and Amaryllis can’t thank the Still Hopes Wellness Staff enough. “Thank you because it’s certainly made a difference in both of our lives. The Wellness team is just so professional and nice.” says Amaryllis. “They have become good friends to us now.” smiles Hal. Denise loves hearing success stories like this and says this story can become yours too. “Many do not realize that fitness can be improved at any age. In fact, the number of years a person has lived on this earth is one of the minor considerations of fitness training. The important aspects of fitness training include a person’s current abilities and setting goals. Exercise does not need to be strenuous. Consistent, moderately paced exercise can result in a huge increase to your quality of life. Hearing how Hal danced gave great pleasure to the Wellness Staff – that is what life is all about!” says Denise. For more information about Still Hopes’ Wellness Program, please call (803) 223-6180.
An Evening At the Mansion
I’ve got sunshine, the month of May, and a wonderful community supporting Still Hopes Retirement Community West Columbia, SC . On May 10, close to 100 residents, future residents, Board members, and faithful supporters of Still Hopes joined us for our annual Evening At the Mansion fundraiser. Proceeds from Evening At the Mansion benefit the Resident’s Assistance Fund, which supports residents who have outlived their financial resources through no fault of their own. Everyone came out dressed to the nines for a wonderful evening of exceptional food and fellowship, with the night kicking off with food and drink on the historic Guignard Mansion front porch. The evening then progressed to our Keenan Event Center, which was decorated in Still Hopes greenery including blue hydrangeas, magnolia, and smilax to set the scene for a gourmet dinner. Only through the support of our Guignard Society and faithful donors was Still Hopes able to shatter records on this evening and raise a record amount for Resident’s Assistance! Thank you so much to all who attended and supported this blessed event. We truly appreciate the love and continued support of Still Hopes and our mission. - Meredith Walker, Still Hopes' Director of Development As the only Episcopal-sponsored, non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community in the greater Columbia area, Still Hopes is there for you during every step of your retirement. Located two minutes from downtown Columbia, our life plan community is comprised of beautiful apartments and free-standing cottages nestled on 44 wooded acres creating a relaxing environment for engaged and independent senior living. Take the extra step in your retirement planning and discover the added peace of mind of our many levels of healthcare. If you ever were to need extra services, our compassionate and knowledgeable nursing staff offer individualized care on campus. Still Hopes is a mission-based organization focused on providing the greater Columbia area a hub for health and daily assistance with programs like Solutions for Living at Home, open amenities like our Wellness Center, and rehabilitative services available designed for speedy recoveries.
Dancing The Night Away
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Even though you could ask 100 people that question and get 100 different answers, we have one big way we like to celebrate here at Still Hopes Retirement Home West Columbia, SC and that is with our annual Valentine’s Day Dance. On Thursday evening, February 9th, Still Hopes continued our cherished tradition by having one big dance party. The Dick Goodwin Band provided the music which allowed our residents to dance the night away. All that dancing was accompanied by some seriously tasty desserts provided by the Daughters of the Holy Cross of Trinity Cathedral. So whatever your tradition may be, we hope you feel the love as much as we do with our friends here at Still Hopes. God bless! Experience an active retirement lifestyle on your own accord. As a Continuing Care Retirement Community, and the area’s first Life Plan Community in West Columbia, SC, Still Hopes offers an engaged and enjoyable senior adult community for the greater Columbia area. Our campus is continually adding new activities and offerings at the request of our wonderful residents. Learn how to play a new instrument at our retirement community. Paint your next masterpiece. Spend weekends with friends and family. Engage in a spiritual Bible study. Savor the variety at four unique dining venues on campus. Build strength and social ties in our Wellness Center. Plan your days exactly how you like them. Live the active retirement you want in an independent, maintenance-free environment without worrying about the tedious responsibilities.
Croquet on the Way!
Exciting times are ahead for the Still Hopes community as we break ground on a new feature that promises to enhance our vibrant living experience: a croquet court. This addition, made possible through the generous gift of Still Hopes resident Susan F. Boyd, signifies more than just an expansion of amenities—it's a testament to our commitment to enriching our residents’ lives with thoughtful, engaging outdoor activities. A New Chapter of Engagement and Enjoyment Introducing the croquet court is not just about adding another activity to our already vibrant portfolio. It’s about creating opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, and the joy of competition—all integral parts of a fulfilling life. Croquet, with its blend of strategy, skill, and social interaction, fits perfectly within the fabric of what makes Still Hopes a unique place to live. Thoughtfully Designed for All The new court is designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. Here are some key features: Artificial Turf: Chosen for its low maintenance and durability, the artificial turf ensures the court remains in prime condition year-round, without the daily upkeep real turf would require. The design includes features like an area of taller "grass" around the entire court to slow overplayed balls, ensuring the game is enjoyable and accessible for players of all skill levels. Accessibility: The inclusion of assistive device-friendly spaces means the sport can be enjoyed by everyone, reflecting our commitment to activities that can be enjoyed across varying levels of mobility. In other words, it’s a game that’s also friendly to those using canes and walkers. Comfort and Convenience: Understanding the importance of comfort and social interaction, the pavilion will offer seating and ample space for observers to relax, perhaps with a cup of tea or a crockpot of chili on cooler days. Additionally, two unisex restrooms ensure convenience for all. A Gift That Keeps on Giving This project, spearheaded by the generosity of Susan F. Boyd, highlights the spirit of giving and community that runs deep in Still Hopes. Her vision for a space that offers both physical activity and social engagement reflects her understanding of the needs and desires of her fellow residents. Looking Forward As we embark on this exciting addition to our community, we look forward to the many ways it will enhance the lives of our residents. From leisurely afternoons on the court to the lively competitions that are sure to arise, the croquet court represents a new chapter of community life at Still Hopes. In the spirit of anticipation and community, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Susan for her generous gift. Her contribution goes beyond the physical court—it invests in the health, happiness, and connection of all who call Still Hopes home. As we look forward to the completion of the croquet court, we are reminded of the beauty of community, the joy of active living, and the promise of many memorable moments to come. Croquet on the way, indeed!
Christmas At Still Hopes: A Step Back in Time
There is enough research to indicate when you lose one of your senses, your others are heightened. And even more recent studies reveal that there is more brain activity associated with the olfactory stimuli than with visual stimuli. That would also prove true for Judge James Sanders Guignard, who remembers Christmas at Still Hopes Retirement Community Columbia SC from when he was just a small child. While Judge Guignard is now nearly blind, his memory is as sharp as anyone’s. He grew up just a couple miles away from the Guignard estate, where he would travel as a boy to see his father’s aunts, most of whom lived together in the Guignard mansion, or what he unassumingly referred to as the “family house.” Now, more than 100 years after it was built, Judge Guignard is a resident at Still Hopes (as is his sister, Emilie). As he walks through the house today, he remembers the scent of evergreens on the mantle, the candles in the windows, the beeswax of the floor polish and the lemon oil on the wood furniture, and imagines the bustle in the kitchen. He said those scents frame his memories, and take him back to holiday celebrations at the house, many years ago. We had the pleasure to hear about his holiday memories, and wanted to share them with you in his words: "I do remember coming to the house for Sunday dinners and big family feast days. And I remember Christmas. There was always a Christmas tree in the big hall in front of the large staircase. The big table in the dining room would be set for all of the adults, and a little side table for the small children. The children’s table would be set with the same china and glassware, except we didn’t have wine glasses. There were starched linen napkins. One of the men in the family would say grace and carve the turkey… and a turkey leg or two would be carved for the children’s table. There would be every manner of food - green beans, rice and gravy, stuffing, peach chutney, watermelon pickles, chow chow, hot buttered yeast rolls, and plenty of Still Hopes scuppernong wine for the adults, and milk for the children. And dessert would be a trifle custard or some sort of cake or pumpkin pie. It was always the kind of feast you would see in a Norman Rockwell painting. The food was incredibly good. They kept a garden in the back where they grew all sorts of vegetables. They had a cow that grazed out of the pasture. They ate wild onions and wild garlic and the milk tasted and smelled like it as well. There were always candles. The house was generally chilly in the winter but fairly cool in the summer because of the thick brick walls. There was a fire in every room. They started the fire in the dining room early so no one had to sit too close to the fire and get too hot. And there was a fire in the front music parlor, one in the front library, a fire in the back sitting parlor, and a fire in the dining room fireplace. And the little children would run and play in the main hall. Just inside the front double doors was an enormous brass grate, which I remember as being about four feet by six feet, and under it was a big furnace that spit out hot air which heated the lower part of the house a little bit, and the upper part of the house a lot more. All of the upper bedrooms had transoms over the doors so the heat could go in there, but the bedrooms also had fireplaces. The adults, of course, would have their time at the table. And there would be presents under the tree for the little children. I remember getting a wind-up toy car that would scoot across the hardwood floor. It was just a grand time for the children and for the adults. There was a lot of conversation and hub bub… all around the table would be family, cousins, aunts and uncles and occasional guests. It was a festive occasion. I remember the warmth of the season, the smells, the turkey cooking in the main kitchen, the fire logs, the candles, the green decoration in the windows… just a whole layer of different wonderful smells." Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard was the last remaining sibling, and after much discussion with the family, she decided to donate the home and it’s land to the Episcopal church to serve older adults in Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce, and Lexington. Now as a resident, Judge Guignard says he knows that Still Hopes embodies what his great aunt had hoped it would be. “Here I am, and all of the staff must have some sort of special quality about them that is a requirement for being hired. They are giving and caring people,” he said. “I can’t tell you what it means to me to be here to be with other people in similar circumstances. Not everyone here is blind, but everyone here is understanding that the caregivers are just incredible people. The staff and what they are doing to make this place is what Dr. Jane Bruce envisioned.” You can learn more about the Still Hopes history and Dr. Jane Bruce Guignard here. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our Still Hopes family to yours!
Christmas at Still Hopes: Memories, Traditions and Recipes
This holiday season, we have the privilege of sharing some heartwarming and funny memories and some delicious recipes from three of our Still Hopes Assisted Living West Columbia, SC residents. Laurely Nance The stockings were hung by the chimney with care Citrus fruit was a real treat in Cincinnati in December back in the late 30s. My Christmas stocking always held a tangerine, a walnut or two, an almond, and hard candy. We had to eat our tangerine before we could go downstairs to see the tree and our presents. I tried that with our three children. It backfired! They still laugh whenever I mention tangerines and agree that was a tradition best forgotten. Counting down the days When my husband was stationed in Germany in 1962 and ‘63, I discovered Christmas Advent calendars. There was a tiny window to open every day for 24 days showing candy, cookies, wreaths and bells, but on the 25th, the window revealed the baby Jesus, the Christ Child. I sent many as gifts to young parents. Our children looked forward to that calendar every year. “Santa” brings the tree German tradition in Cincinnati was that Santa brought the tree at Christmas. My parents would hide the bought tree in our enclosed garage. Of course, my bicycle was also in that garage. I would tell my mom that I wanted to go bike riding. She would snap “it’s too cold,” or “your big sister will get it out for you,” or “I need you to ....” On Christmas Eve after I was asleep, Daddy would set up the tree and decorate it. He fell one year, barely catching himself on the mantle. I never heard a thing! It was always so miraculous to me how Santa remembered to always trim our tree with the same well loved ornaments every single year without fail. Santa’s been here Our younger daughter remembers the bell pull hung next to the Christmas tree. There were big sleigh bells spaced on it from top to bottom. When those sleigh bells pealed their merry sound on Christmas morning, I would call out “Look, Santa’s been here.” All three children would tumble out of their beds and come traipsing in to the tree together. That daughter thought it was extra special because they all came together. No one sneaked in ahead of the others to peak and check it out. Favorite Christmas presents My husband, Luke, got a Red Flyer stake body wagon one year. He hauled everything in it. I’m surprised he didn’t want to sleep with it! That was his most prized possession. I was not surprised when he bought a Red Flyer stake body wagon for our first grandson. We have lots of cute pictures of our grandchildren in that new little red wagon. I had a Madame Alexander doll, McGuffey Ana, that I dearly loved and played with a lot. One Christmas there was a beautiful doll under the tree. She had blond hair piled up in curls on her head. She was a vision in a floor length black velvet cape lined with peach satin. Her ball gown was peach satin with a peach lace overlay. I was in love! I grabbed her and was scampering up the stairs to my room when my mother asked where I was going. “I want to introduce her to McGuffey Ana,” I replied. “Honey,” my mother said, “that is McGuffey Ana. I just fixed her hair and made her a new outfit for you.” That burst my bubble. For a moment I thought I had two dolls! By the way, she still has her original trunk, drawers full of clothes, her original straw hat plus shoes and socks. Her hair, though, is getting as thin as mine but we both are happy here at Still Hopes and still looking good! Laurely’s Sweet Potato Casserole INGREDIENTS: 4 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes 1 cup sugar 2 eggs beaten ⅓ stick butter, melted 1-½ cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla Mix all ingredients, pour into 2 1/2 qt baking dish TOPPING: 1 cup brown sugar, packed down 1 cup chopped pecans ⅓ stick butter, melted Stir together and crumble on top of potatoes. Bake 350 degrees 30 to 35 minutes. Laurely’s Christmas Coffee Cake (also now baked by her daughters every year!) INGREDIENTS: 1-½ cup Bisquick 1 egg ⅓ cup sugar dash of cinnamon ½ Tbsp. oil ½ cup milk 1+ cup of the following combined: fruit cake mixed fruits (including cherries cut in half), chopped pecans, chocolate chips and raisins. Stir all ingredients together. Mound into a low round baking dish, well greased. Sprinkle top lightly with cinnamon and sugar, or decorate with Christmas colored sugars in a wreath or tree pattern or pecan halves around the edge. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes til done. Test with a toothpick. Don’t overbake! Mary Ross and Sally Wiseman (sisters) Sally has clout with Santa Mary: When Sally was about six- or seven-years-old she wrote a letter to Santa, asking him to “bring my little sister and me a doll, and please bring my brother a wagon.” And he did! We felt like Sally had an “in” with Santa, and that she could get us whatever we wanted for Christmas! Christmas on the farm Mary: Our aunt had a farm out in the country where the whole family on our mother’s side would gather for Christmas. 20 to 30 people would be staying there! No matter where you were at Christmas you came home so you can be with your loved ones. There was wonderful food - our grandmother’s chess pie and my mother’s ambrosia salad too. Sally: My cousin, my sister, and I would all pile into a big four-poster feather bed on Christmas Eve. Our family was close and we have always had such wonderful memories there. Butterball the pony Mary: Everyone always asks for a pony but never gets one. One year, we got a pony for Christmas! His name was Butterball. After that, we found out ponies can be very stubborn! Passing along the tradition Mary: Years after the cousins all had kids and the families got too big to stay at the farm, Sally would carry on the tradition of gathering our family at her house. And sometimes we would invite a few extras! All the children would come no matter where they lived. Sally: I had four boys and now one of those sons has carried on the tradition with his wife. It’s been passed through four generations! Merry Christmas to our entire Still Hopes family!
A Christmas Message
Christmas Time is Here!! Here at Still Hopes Retirement Community West Columbia, SC we are a faith-based community, so we pray our way through the seasons. During this time each year, amidst the excitement and wonder of this Holy season, we are often beset with stress, and concerned with the tragedies that just don’t seem to stop for Christmas, no matter how much we want them to! I try to keep in mind that Christ did not come into a perfect world. The world that He entered was an occupied and oppressed land, and the people longed for God—sound familiar? What came to us that first Christmas wasn’t peace and good will, but God’s love for us. Emmanuel (God with us) is the promise of Christmas. God is with us through it all-the good, and the bad times. The promise of the Christmas season is that no matter what we experience in our lives, joy, hurt, or whatever else we feel, God is with us. It’s God that allows us to feel that Peace that the world cannot give, that Peace that is beyond human understanding. That is the Peace of the Christmas season. We are loved perfectly by God! That is what allows those of faith to say Merry Christmas to all! May the Blessings of the Holidays be yours! Rev. Rich Crozier