The United Presbyterian Home celebrated two momentous occasions Tuesday afternoon.

A ribbon cutting was held for the new bus on the senior residential campus named the Holden Express, after former Washington Mayor Harvey Holden, who also turned 104 years old Tuesday. The bus was made possible by contributions from Mary Meeker, Carolyn Dixon, and Sheila and Gordan Horras, with a combined donation from Holden’s daughters Lorie Davison, Lorene Sundquist, Pat DeSotel, and Barb Leeper to name the bus after their father, who were all in attendance for the ribbon cutting. UP Home Chief Executive Officer Erin Drahota commented on how the campus has weathered the pandemic and what she looks forward to in the future, “I’m excited for the new bus and the trips our UP Home family will take that make their life journeys better and happier. My thanks to everyone for your gifts to help get the wheels turning on the Holden Express.”

Current Washington Mayor Jaron Rosien commented that he was honored to be invited to help celebrate this occasion, “I am fortunate to have a great job serving as Mayor of Washington in no small part because of the great job done for the city by Mayor Holden. On behalf of the City of Washington it is my pleasure to say happy birthday and my honor to say thank you for your legacy of service to our community. Congratulations and happy birthday Mayor Holden.”

The Holden Express has already been turning its wheels as it took a group of residents to Washington City Hall to tour the offices, council chambers, and police and fire departments last week. Following the ribbon cutting Holden and his daughters were treated to a bus ride to their family farm.