by Gary Moore, Public Information Officer, California Veterans Home – Redding

Four years ago, CalVet opened the Veterans Home of California in Redding. Since that day, the management and staff have served the men and women veterans who live at the home and their families with the greatest of care, honor and appreciation.

Redding Veterans Home residents Dorothy Picotte and Georgene Benton.

Residents and staff celebrated with great food and entertainment on Founder’s Day, Oct. 25. The dining hall was decorated with beautiful fall colors and featured an ongoing slide show with pictures going back to day one. Residents were also treated to the piano music of Pat Karch, who played during the entire dining experience. Karch is the most requested piano player and musician in the Redding community.

From the dining hall to the front lobby, the Founder’s Day celebration continued with a live band under the direction of George Fredson – a resident of the home who still plays in several bands. The Old Kennet String Band gets its name from the small town out at Whiskeytown Lake that used to thrive but is now under water. The celebration continued with a cheesecake and sweets extravaganza.

Leading up to the event, photographs were taken of all residents in their respective neighborhoods. Every resident received a framed 8-by-10 photo as a memento of the celebration.

The celebration was also attended by CalVet Homes CFO Pouneh Simpson, Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko and retired California Senator Maurice Johannessen.

View more photos on the Veterans Home of California – Redding Facebook page.

The Old Kennet String Band entertains residents during Founder’s Day celebration..