Activity Update
May 2023 Newsletter Article: Activity Department
Mother’s Day began as a daughter’s tribute to her mother’s life of service for others. Anna Jarvis’ mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, taught Sunday School at her local Methodist Church and established Mothers Friendships Clubs to teach sanitation about clean water and food to young mothers in Appalachia. These clubs served during the Civil War years by assisting soldiers with the sanitary methods credited with saving many lives. Mrs. Jarvis’ home area became the new state of West Virginia during the Civil War because of their Pro-Union loyalties, but she always insisted that blue or gray did not matter when there were men to be cared for. After the war, Mrs. Jarvis promoted peace and goodwill among neighbors on both sides of the bitter conflict. She was a peacemaker. Mrs. Jarvis served her family and her community with tireless love her entire life. *
The women who reside at Montrose Health Center also have stories of caring for their families and communities with their own talents and hard work. We appreciate the roles they have played in building up others over the years as they raised their families and worked in their towns and farms and homes. It’s a joy to honor these strong, caring women.
Celebrating the value of motherhood, Montrose Health Center will host a “Mom, You’re a Gem!” Party on Friday, May 12th at 2:15 PM. The gathering will include a Jewelry Giveaway for our ladies to enjoy, followed by food and drinks and companionship. Families are invited to join us.
*Works consulted: West Virginia: Mothers' Day Observance (Local Legacies: Celebrating Community Roots - Library of Congress) from the Library of Congress’ website