Residents Bring Holiday Cheer to Chipola Apartments
By Shelia Mader
The halls of the Chipola Apartments, located inside the historic Chipola Hotel, are filled once again with color, sparkle, and the spirit of the season. Once a bustling downtown hotel known for its Sunday dinners served with real China and linen napkins, the building now serves as home to many elderly residents, some with little or no family nearby. But thanks to a few caring neighbors, it’s a place that still shines with life and love.
Resident Melody Traver, who has called Chipola Apartments home for nearly six years, says decorating for the holidays has become a joyful tradition.
“We usually do it for different holidays,” Traver said. “The Potter House Church came and helped us decorate, and Sandra Uhrig, she lives here too, pitched in as well.”
When asked if she had a favorite season to decorate for, Melody smiled. “Probably Christmas,” she said. “That’s such a special time.”
Another longtime resident, Sandra Uhrig, who has lived at Chipola Apartments for eight years, said the effort began as a way to lift everyone’s spirits.
“Our property manager wanted us to have a nice vibe, to help get our morale up,” Uhrig said. “A lot of people here enjoy decorating, and it brings everyone together.”
With help from Pamela Eldridge and the Potter House, The House of Prayer, the group transformed the lobby into a welcoming space filled with warmth and holiday cheer.
“We didn’t really have an idea or any decorations to start with,” Uhrig said. “Pamela helped us come up with a plan and provided everything we needed. She’s even planning to help again for Christmas.”
What began as a simple effort to brighten the space has turned into something much more, a reminder that community and kindness can make any place feel like home.
