In an annual holiday tradition, Phoebe Berks hosted their 2024 Grand Illumination Event on Friday, December 6. Serving as a celebration for the winter holidays, the event began with residents and employees decorating the campus with glowing winter decorations. By the end of the day, Phoebe Berks looked as picturesque as a Christmas card!
Before the lighting, an impressive musical program was held in the event room. In a grand showcase of resident talent, the program featured the Phoebe Berks Piano Quartet, The Phoebe Tappers, and the Phoebe Berks Choraleers.
The Piano Quartet took the stage first, dawning two grand pianos and playing a delightful mix of Christmas classics, including “Joy to the World,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “A Special Night.”
The Phoebe Tappers followed, a tap-dancing group led by Director and Phoebe Berks resident Philomena Huesgen. Huesgen’s extensive dancing background, which includes teaching dance since 1982 and opening the Pennsylvania Performing Arts Academy in 1996, positioned her as the perfect choreographer for the group.
The tap performance featured seated and standing performances to accommodate dancers with limited mobility. Tapping along to hits such as “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” those in attendance were won over by the group’s overwhelming talent and rhythmic prowess.
Finally, the Phoebe Berks Choraleers took the stage, a staggering group of 25 residents of various vocal ranges. Directed by Theresa Eaman and accompanied by Sandy Leidich and Anita Wood, the group performed a five-song setlist that closed out the program.
Phoebe would like to thank all of those who performed and helped decorate that day. For the full list of performers, see below.
To learn more about Phoebe Berks, please visit phoebe.org/berks.
Choraleers
Sopranos : Gloria Behrenhausen, Anna Breininger, Julia Fatzinger, Gloria Isman, Joanna Kuhn, Shirley Long, Sue Masenheimer, Alberta Miller, Marcia Miller, Bonnie Rissmiller, Susan Sandefer, Barbara Shattuck, Gloria Tatro, and Fran Whitehall
Altos : Ann Bickhart, Kaye Fox, Pat Herbst, Marilyn Layser, Joyce Moffett, June Stapletom, Marianna Wolfe, Tenor/Bass, Kent Huntzinger, Marvin Leid, Dick Miller, Al Schmeck
Phoebe Tappers
Seated : Carol Tarreto, Linda Rentschler, Theresa Eaman
Staff : Dani Kranes, Miranda George, Pam Willeman
Elite : Sylvia Snyder, June Becker, Dick Miller, Renee Long, Beverly Blatt, Philomena Huesgen
Phoebe Piano Quartet
Bob Masenheimer, Theresa Eaman, Sandy Leidich, Anita Wood
Written by Dominic Trabosci
