Eleanor Clark, in residence at Epworth Manor, Tyrone was honored on the occasion of her 90th birthday, August 5 and 6 in a celebration that included a piano recital by Dr. Jan Bogdan Drath of Corpus Christi, Texas.
The gala event, planned by her children, included a luncheon and concert held at Epworth Manor Saturday afternoon. The happy affair was held in the brightly decorated family room for 45 guests. This was followed on Sunday by an open house at the Church of the Good Shepherd where delicious goodies were prepared and set out by the ladies of the Church. The congregation of the Tipton Methodist Church and the Church of the Good Shepherd were in attendance as well as family and friends from California, Louisiana, North Carolina, Texas, Colorado, New York and Pennsylvania.
Dr. Drath, visiting here on the occasion of Eleanor L. Berkstresser Clark\\\\\\\’s birthday, was introduced by Mrs. Clark\\\\\\\’s son, John A. Berkstresser of New York City, who in the past completed a degree in piano performance under Dr. Drath\\\\\\\’s tutelage.
In introducing Dr. Drath who was born in Poland and educated as a pianist, John Berkstresser noted that Dr. Drath is a gifted individual who had won numerous prizes during his formative years, including the Chopin competition in Warsaw. He has played in cities throughout the world, including radio and television engagements and immigrated to the United States after World War II.
Dr. Drath received the first Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from North Texas State University and completed several decades of teaching at the Texas A & M University Kingsville campus. He has published several editions of music and is well-known as Musicologist, specializing in the works of the Polish piano composer, Fryderyk Chopin.
On Saturday, Dr. Drath graciously honored Eleanor on the special occasion of her 90th birthday by presenting the concert that included 14 selections. After a rousing applause by guests, he presented two more Chopin selections.
John Berkstresser also noted that his Mother\\\\\\\’s love for piano is legendary among audiences in several churches in the Blair County area.
\\\\\\\”She has performed as a church pianist for 47 years with the Tipton Methodist Church, retiring several times, and still plays on part-time basis with local churches when called upon,\\\\\\\” said John.
Her surviving children organized the formal open house reception on Sunday as a culmination of a weekend of birthday celebrations.
Children in attendance honoring their Mother were: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Berkstresser of Kansas City; Mr. and Mrs. John Berkstresser of New York; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Berkstresser of Altoona and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Brown of Baltimore, Maryland. The families, including Dr. Drath, spent the next few days visiting in Tyrone.
Eleanor Clark was also honored by the staff at Epworth Manor for her volunteer work where she is active in the family lives of residents. She frequently plays the piano at several churches for morning and evening services. Her many activities belie her 90 years.
