On June 30th, the members of Cabrini of Westchester’s Cultural Awareness Committee organized a Multi-Cultural Celebration to honor the many different ethnic backgrounds of the staff members employed by the nursing home. The festivities began with a parade of flags and traditional wardrobe and ended with a display and tasting of dishes from various countries. Many thanks to the members of the Cultural Awareness Committee and all participants for making the day such a fun, festive and educational experience as we learned about cultural diversity!
Welcome Back, Families!
been an exciting week at Cabrini of Westchester as we welcome back visitors! Family members are now able to visit their loved ones up on the residential nursing floors with social distancing in place and mask wearing.
Due to visiting restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has been more than a year since this has taken place. It is wonderful to see some new and familiar faces in the halls of the nursing home once again!
Vaccinated and Relieved!
Monday, January 11, 2021 was a very exciting day at Cabrini of because residents and staff received the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine! A team from CVS Pharmacy was on site to administer both doses of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, the first of which was distributed on December 21, 2020. In total, 217 residents and 177 staff members opted to be inoculated. Another site visit is planned for February 1, 2021.
“We are fortunate that the Covid-19 vaccine has demonstrated-safety and is highly effective,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gold, Cabrini of Westchester’s Medical Director. “Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way that we can protect ourselves, and most especially the residents, in order to address the global pandemic.”
With the second dose, the vaccine is said to be more than 90% effective against the on-going threat of the COVID-19 virus. This is a great relief to the residents, staff and most especially the family members, who haven’t seen their loved ones in person in quite a long time. “A renewed sense of hope accompanies the availability of the vaccine for the residents and our hard-working staff,” said Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO. “Reuniting residents and their families with in-person visits is our greatest hope for this year.” ~ submitted by Susan Herceg, Cabrini of Westchester
A Dual Celebration
Not only was Tuesday, December 8th the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it was also a very special day for Cabrini of Westchester’s Chaplain, Fr. Thomas Vadakemuriyil, CMI. Father Thomas renewed his religious vows during the 11:00 Mass in Cabrini of Westchester’s Chapel, witnessed by several staff members, as well as, all the residents who were watching the televised Mass from their rooms. Each year, the Carmelites of Immaculate Mary renew their religious vows on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, since the first eleven members of the congregation professed their vows on December 8, 1955.
Father Thomas expressed his appreciation to all those who attended and shared that since he was not living in a congregation with fellow priests to celebrate this occasion, he was very pleased to be celebrating with his Cabrini Family.
Before the conclusion of Mass, Vice President of Operations and Administrator, Bonnie Burke, offered congratulations to Father Thomas saying, “Here at Cabrini, we are the recipients of the gift of your faithfulness to God and the Church. Thank you for your service, thank you for weaving the thread of the scripture of Holy Mass and guiding us into the truth, encouraging us to keep a focus on Jesus. Your pastoral care is an authentic expression of this gift. On behalf of our staff and all the residents, we wish you happiness and deep commitment.”
Residents and Staff Join in Feast Day Observances
Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the Feast Day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini on Friday, November 13th and included both staff and residents in the celebration. A Mass, with live music, took place in the St. Cabrini Nursing Home Chapel that was beautifully decorated with vases of purple and white flowers. Sr. Romualda Molon, MSC also included a striking figurine of Mother Cabrini that was hand painted in 1939 and a gorgeous violet plant that she lovingly tends to in the home’s convent among the décor for the altar.
Later in the day, Sheri Gottlieb and her dedicated Therapeutic Recreation Staff distributed ice cream cones to the residents as a special treat in honor of the Feast.
The staff was included in the celebration with the distribution of $10.00 gift certificates to Magnolia’s Café for each employee.
What a special day to honor such a truly extraordinary wom an: our patroness, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini!
Welcome back, friends and family!
After 7 long months, Cabrini of Westchester is able to reunite family members with their loved ones in person! In order to keep the residents safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, very strict guidelines from the New York State Department of Health have been in place since March. Visiting began on Monday, October 26th and it was a joy to witness the smiles and happy tears that were shared.
Each visit is by appointment only and takes place in Cabrini of Westchester’s lobby. All visitors must provide a negative COVID test and wear a mask at all times. Even though a six foot social distance is in place between family and residents, the feeling of love is obvious and almost tangible during each visit.
“The hardest part is not being able to give my mom a hug,” said Fran Pellegrini, daughter of resident, Louise Carbone. “But, I’m so happy to see her in person. She looks wonderful!”
After many months of uncertainty, it is so heart-warming to see happy memories being made once again!
A Special Time for Moms
It would certainly be an understatement to say that this year has been rough. So many of our [Cabrini Immigrant Services] Moms had to learn how to do on-line learning so their children could attend school. Now, the children are on hybrid schedules so our Moms are making sure the children are at the bus stop on time, get on their computers for on-line learning, etc. etc.
One Mom said, “It is nice to have a place to just breathe.” Kimberly Lara, a social work intern from Mercy College, leads the group. They talk about what is happening with their children, the concerns about COVID, school, etc.
This week, when they met, they painted a picture. Kimberly asked them to think about something that was important to them or something that gives them joy. Many spoke about the importance of family, having a home and also the beautiful views of the Fall foliage that we have in Dobbs Ferry, New York.
There was a lot of laughter while they were painting. In addition, they enjoyed some arroz con leche and fried plantains, made by one of our Moms. We are so happy to be able to offer them a place to come where they can relax, even if it is for a short time.
Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC Honored with Trustee of the Year Award
Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC, long time board member of Cabrini of Westchester, was honored with the Trustee of the Year award from LeadingAge New York, part of a national association of 5,500 not-for-profit organizations. This prestigious award is given in recognition of trustees who have served with distinction and made significant contributions to the betterment of services for the aged and infirmed. Sr. Catherine would have been presented with the award earlier this year, but due to the social distance restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was presented to her on October 20, 2020 after a special Mass in Cabrini of Westchester’s chapel.
Sr. Catherine’s extensive career includes teaching and serving as principal in several schools, administering a retreat center and serving as a Trustee at Columbus-Cuneo-Cabrini Hospitals in Chicago. She has also held the position of Provincial of the Missionary Sisters and remains on the Boards of Cabrini of Westchester and Mother Cabrini High School in New Orleans.
Sr. Catherine has always demonstrated a deep commitment to Cabrini of Westchester’s residents, clients and staff and has provided guidance as a trustee in many areas including her expertise in by-laws of the corporation, the effects of canon and civil law, and most importantly, the essence of the mission of the organization.
“It is my privilege to present this award to Sr. Catherine on behalf of LeadingAge, the Board of Trustees, the residents and employees to thank her for all she has done for Cabrini of Westchester,” said Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester. “Sister is an inspiration to us all and I am grateful for her steady and committed presence.”
Upon receipt of the award, Sr. Catherine shared the following: “Coming to Cabrini of Westchester for meetings and to see the residents is high spot in my life. You have been as supportive to me as I have been to you. Thank you very much for this award.”
Happy Birthday, Mother Cabrini!
Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the 170th birthday of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini with several festive activities for both residents and staff. A special Mass, with live music, took place in the St. Cabrini Nursing Home Chapel and was televised throughout the nursing home for the residents to participate from their rooms.
A rolling ice cream cart delivered a tasty treat for residents and staff to satisfy sweet cravings! As an added touch, gift cards were raffled off to staff on each shift from a donation previously given in honor of employees.
A display in the lobby provided everyone the opportunity to give Mother Cabrini a gift on her birthday, either a monetary one or a donation of non-perishable food, which will be delivered to the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry of which many of Cabrini Immigrant Services’ clients benefit. A box of food was collected and $200.00 in donations were received that will benefit many families in our community. Thank you to all that participated and contributed to this happy day!
Magical Moments!
Magical Moments are taking place at Cabrini of Westchester! Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the month of July, family members are able to make an appointment to see their loved ones through the window up close and personal, while speaking via iPads from either side of the door.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the regulations put into place by the New York State Department of Health, visitors have not been allowed to enter St. Cabrini Nursing Home since March. Although regular updates have been given to all families since the pandemic began, and many have had the opportunity to FaceTime with the residents, these Magical Moments have been so special because the residents are able to see and communicate with their loved ones in person – something they haven’t been able to do for nearly four months!
The residents and families have been grateful to all the staff who make these reunions possible. We look forward to the day when these families move on from virtual hugs to actual hugs! That day can’t come soon enough!