The Harp Ladies

 ========= Old Image Removed =========Array
(
    [_wp_attached_file] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2006/12/harp.jpg
        )

    [_wp_attachment_metadata] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:5:{s:5:"width";i:275;s:6:"height";i:183;s:4:"file";s:16:"2006/12/harp.jpg";s:5:"sizes";a:3:{s:9:"thumbnail";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:16:"harp-140x140.jpg";s:5:"width";i:140;s:6:"height";i:140;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:9:"wbhm-icon";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:14:"harp-80x80.jpg";s:5:"width";i:80;s:6:"height";i:80;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}s:14:"post-thumbnail";a:4:{s:4:"file";s:16:"harp-125x125.jpg";s:5:"width";i:125;s:6:"height";i:125;s:9:"mime-type";s:10:"image/jpeg";}}s:10:"image_meta";a:12:{s:8:"aperture";s:1:"0";s:6:"credit";s:0:"";s:6:"camera";s:0:"";s:7:"caption";s:0:"";s:17:"created_timestamp";s:1:"0";s:9:"copyright";s:0:"";s:12:"focal_length";s:1:"0";s:3:"iso";s:1:"0";s:13:"shutter_speed";s:1:"0";s:5:"title";s:0:"";s:11:"orientation";s:1:"0";s:8:"keywords";a:0:{}}}
        )

    [_imagify_data] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:2:{s:5:"stats";a:3:{s:13:"original_size";i:0;s:14:"optimized_size";i:0;s:7:"percent";i:0;}s:5:"sizes";a:1:{s:4:"full";a:2:{s:7:"success";b:0;s:5:"error";s:77:"WELL DONE. This image is already compressed, no further compression required.";}}}
        )

    [_imagify_status] => Array
        (
            [0] => already_optimized
        )

    [_imagify_optimization_level] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

)
1672217029 
1166572800
 

The holidays can be difficult for even the strongest person if they find themselves alone. Now, imagine what it’s like for some of the most vulnerable.

The Ruth and Naomi Senior Outreach is concerned with the plight of “elder orphans”; older adults who find themselves alone in nursing homes, hospice facilities or the community at large. Chaplains and co-founders Lynn Bledsoe and Mary Porter visit these orphans, but these are no ordinary calls. The women bring with them not only conversation and companionship but also compositions, or music if you will. Harp music.

WBHM’s Rosemary Pennington recently spent an afternoon with Porter, Bledsoe and a band of volunteers at Sunbridge Care and Rehab in Gardendale. There they performed Christmas carols for the residents in the lobby and then the chaplains personally visited two men, one of whom was dying. Rosemary brought back this audiopostcard.

 

Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85

Jeffrey R. Holland led the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a key governing body. He was next in line to become the church's president.

Winter storm brings heavy snow and ice to busy holiday travel weekend

A powerful winter storm is impacting parts of the U.S. with major snowfall, ice, and below zero wind chills. The conditions are disrupting holiday travel and could last through next week.

Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79

Bob Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group which advocates for policy change to support people with disabilities.

‘It’s behind you!’ How Britain goes wild for pantomimes during the holidays

Pantomimes are plays based on a well-known story — often a fairy tale — which are given a bawdy twist. The audience is expected to join in throughout, shouting as loudly as they can.

Kennedy Center vows to sue musician who canceled performance over Trump name change

The Kennedy Center is planning legal action after jazz musician Chuck Redd canceled an annual holiday concert. Redd pulled out after President Trump's name appeared on the building.

Our top global photo stories from 2025: Fearless women, solo polar bear, healing soups

These stunning photos include a polar bear in a Chinese zoo, a teen in Zambia facing an uncertain future, Mongolian kids watching TV in a tent, a chef prepping a bowl of good-for-you soup.

More News Coverage