Asbury relives homecoming and Doo Wop
Recording artists the Donnybrooks. Bobby Shawn, Frank Trebel, Ken Paige and John Alterio are the group’s original members.
Asbury Heights retirement community plans its upcoming festivities. Helping with the event are Audrey Burgoon, chief of staff; Ken Paige, vocalist with the Donnybrooks; and Ann Pillich, resident of Asbury Heights for three years.
A ge is not as important as many believe. It’s frequently said we’re as young as we feel – or admit to. Friends often tell me that with fewer responsibilities, retirement is absolutely wonderful. Downsizing and letting go of house and landscape chores opened up time for relaxation, enjoyment and participating in activities thought about for so long.
Assisted living and personal care communities can make all this possible. Senior homes are not those hideaway accommodations we dreaded hearing about not too many years ago. By eliminating countless homeowner tasks, adult care residences now offer attractive apartments, multiple dining selections, social rooms for family gatherings, daily programs to attract all interests, transportation to malls and medical appointments and sporting and cultural events, to mention a few. Independence with 24-hour security is a blessing for both the residents and families.
As a continuation of May’s Older Adults Month, Asbury Heights in Mt. Lebanon will celebrate Asbury Week June 10-14. Residents will relive fond memories as they enjoy Varsity Days, a tribute to their high school years.
The festivities will begin with Homecoming Day as men and women wear Steelers shirts and the staff and residents team up for a little football, complete with cheerleading squad, pompoms and Steely McBeam, the Pittsburgh Steelers mascot.
The homecoming king and queen will be announced and Canonsburg’s vocal quartet, the “Donnybrooks” will travel down memory lane with their hits “Coming Home from School,” “Graduation Day,” “Mandolins of Love,” “Break the Glass,” “Every Time We Kiss” and other musical favorites.
A challenging game of Jeopardy, Drama Day and Science Center are also planned during the week. Artwork created by talented residents and staff members will be displayed prior to a silent auction set for midweek, with proceeds benefiting Asbury’s benevolent care.
Anticipation of Prom Day will raise the excitement level on Thursday as the ladies ready for their special day with new hairdos and painted nails. Blackjack, roulette, prize wheel and prize baskets will provide a fun afternoon as the men and women eagerly await an evening of hors oeuvres, singing and dancing, prom photos and crowning of the homecoming king and queen.
Graduation Day will end the week as Asbury Villa retirees don their caps and gowns and receive awards. Residents will be delighted as they are presented with certificates for Best Smile, Best Athlete, Most Huggable, Most Unique and Cutest Couple.
“Asbury Week is a chance for our residents and staff to better connect,” said Audrey Burgoon, Asbury’s chief of staff. “Whether high school graduation occurred in the ’20s or many decades later, we can all relate to the experiences of a football game, prom and graduation. Our Varsity Days theme is ideal to establish a connection among the generations as they share stories and memories.”
Everything is coming up roses! is planned at Asbury Heights in Mt. Lebanon on June 7 and 27. Starting at 11:30 a.m. enjoy lunch while learning about its facilities and programs. To RSVP, call Marina Casciato at 412-571-5138.
Asbury Heights
Asbury Heights was founded in 1908, opening a home for 18 in Dravosburg, then relocating to Mt. Lebanon in 1926. Additions and expansions have opened opportunities to improve the lives of older adults by providing independent living and compassionate care to more than 450 residents.
Donnybrooks
Re-igniting a spark from the ’50s, the Donnybrooks continue to boast performing with original members Bobby Shawn, Frank Trebel, Ken Paige and John Alterio, recording artists who have sung together since elementary school in Canonsburg. In 2001, the Donnybrooks were enshrined by the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in Sharon, Pa. And, the Pittsburgh Music Hall of Fame features the Canonsburg singers in its Doo Wop History. For more information, call 412-628-1686.