DATE POSTED: November 30, 2007

My home

Dominican Village is where I reside 

But it’s more than a residence to me…it’s my home.

A place where I can be myself 

Where my mind quiets 

And friends share joys & sorrows.

Dominican Village is my home

And to me, the word home means contentment.

Anne Sugden 2007

DATE POSTED: November 26, 2007

Angela Valenza

Hello, my name is Angela.  I came here over 10 years ago after losing my husband.  At the time, my family lived far away.  My nephew, who was like a son to me, never pushed me to come to Dominican Village – I made that decision all on my own.  The people here were all very nice and really took me out of my shyness.  This move changed me considerably.

I believe that it is important to always remain positive.  It is a choice we make every day – our attitudes and our faith in God can all impact how people perceive us.  Sometimes, if I get discouraged, I look around this world and realize how very fortunate I am.

I enjoy my time here – participating in most of the programs and several of the group activities.  I try to attend every meeting that I can because, even at 99 years old, I am still always learning something new.  As a matter of fact, I just recently learned a new card game which is very interesting.  I volunteer as a Bingo coordinator - Bingo is just a wonderful social night!  I am also a member of the Women & Wisdom group, which meets once a month.  I’ve enjoyed painting, which I never did before I came to Dominican Village . I always did a lot of walking near my home in Rockaway, so I participate in the exercise classes here to stay active.  I love to sing and dance at events in the Helen Butler Hall.

I’ve been here for 10 years and have enjoyed every bit of it.  I hope to never leave!

DATE POSTED: 11/21/2007

Thanksgiving

When the harvesting is over

And there’s autumn in the air

We know it’s Thanksgiving time

A time for sharing and for prayer.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate

            with family and friends

As we gather at tables laden with food

            without ends.  

We thank God for each other and His

            bounty so great.

We pray for more love in the world

            and not so much hate. 

Our treasured traditions, the colors of fall,

The feeling of love and warmth

            will touch one and all.  

There are so many reasons to be grateful for.

With God’s love, family and friends

I do not ask for more.  

            Anne Sugden 2007

DATE POSTED: 11/1/07

Halloween

Hi, my name is Therese and I’ve happily been a resident of Dominican Village for over three years.  

Thursday and Friday last week were busy days here with almost everyone getting his or her flu shots in one of our activity rooms.  Bingo had to be moved, so some residents went to Tanner Park for coffee, cake and bingo. Others stayed here, but the card games went on as usual.  

On Saturday, we had Open House, so visitors came in for a look around. First, they talked with staff and residents, and then they toured the grounds looking at all the facilities and some of the different types of apartments. They finally ended up with coffee and cookies and questions in our private dining room. At 3:30, we had our communion service, run by staff members in the downstairs activity room.  Upstairs, on Saturdays and Sundays, we have four different movies in matinee and evening sessions. 

Sunday was a big day for the children of the staff. They came trick-or-treating between 1-3 and then they had a special party in one of our activity rooms.  Some of the children from Kindertown, next door to Dominican Village, also came over. They were all dressed up and had a great deal of fun. They came as pirates and ninjas, all kinds of puppies, and princesses with paper wands.   One girl came all in red and another came with big hair and a hairpiece that matched her dress.  It was great!  I gave each of them a Babe Ruth candy bar with a quarter attached. 

Wednesday was the big day in the Helen Butler Hall - our Halloween room was decorated in orange and white, with black spiders, ghost napkins, and autumn leaves. The music was wonderful - all the old songs and dances, and the leader wore a black and gold coat with feathered hat. He had just celebrated his 50th birthday! All the dressed-up contestants formed a circle and danced. The winners were Judge Judy, the Wicked Witch, and the Princess with her dragon. Our next big affair is the Holiday Shopping Spree on Saturday in Helen Butler Hall with over 50 vendors. Two of my friends are coming, so it should be interesting!