Residence on Greenbelt seniors’ calendars full during busy December

LANHAM, Md. - Dec. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- Whether remembering Pearl Harbor or enjoying a number of holiday-themed musical performances, seniors at The Residence on Greenbelt will have a full schedule during the month of December.

     In commemoration of the 73^rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, veteran Steve Bissell gave a presentation on the December 7, 1941 surprise attack that led to the United States’ entering World War II.

    Bissell is a veteran who served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea.He provided historical accounts of the attack and his use of several model ships such as the USS Arizona, USS Missouri and a Japanese airplane were of great interest to the seniors.

    “Steve is a veteran, and one of his hobbies is building model ships and planes,” said Residence on Greenbelt Activities Director Dianne Bissell, who is Steve’s wife. “He gives military programs several times per year and speaks on World War II and Civil War history primarily.

    “Our residents really enjoyed the presentation and it had special significance to those who served in the military. It’s important that we remember and honor our veterans who sacrificed so much.”

    The senior community also got into the holiday spirit as residents made their own ornaments to decorate one of the Christmas trees on display at Residence on Greenbelt.

    “Our residents made ornaments, decorations and numerous wreaths that adorn their doors,” Dianne Bissell said. “This was an enjoyable project.”

    On December 8, a sing-along luncheon highlighted a holiday party for the residents and kicked off the season of entertainment.

·         A musical is set for December 13 featuring the violin students of Allie Snyder

·         The Reid Temple CDM group will perform December 14

·         The NASA Music and Drama Club will entertain on December 15

·         The Mount Calvary Baptist Church Group will sing on December 15

·         Christmas Tea will be served on December 17

·         The local Girl Scouts of America will sing on December 19

·         Two musical groups will perform on December 20, the Youth Christmas Singers and Petals on the Potomac

·         The Capital Christian Youth Singers will appear on December 23

    “We’ve been so fortunate that a number of church groups sing and deliver small gifts to residents on an annual basis,” Dianne Bissell said. “NASA has a choir and drama group that performs at assisted living and skilled nursing communities in the area and put on a wonderful performance. They have been coming to us for the past four years. They are very popular, so we’ve been fortunate to get on their schedule.”

    Santa and Ms. Claus even made a special stop at The Residence on Greenbelt to help serve lunch and deliver Christmas packages.

    “This is a special time of the year, and our residents truly cherish these activities,” Dianne Bissell said.