News & Press Releases 2022
Dominican Village Would Like To
Acknowledge and Thank All Those Who
Sponsored and Supported Our
2022 FALL FRENZY AUCTION
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The winner of
Dominican Village's
RAISE
THE ROOF
RAFFLE
FOR
SEPTEMBER
30TH
is… Elizabeth Meehan
from St. James, NY
Remaining drawing will be held on:
November 30th
September 28, 2022
AMITYVILLE NATIVE DR. NANCY LEFTENANT-COLON TURNS 102
Nancy was born September 29, 1920, and will be one hundred and two years old.
Nancy graduated from Amityville High School in 1939 and worked a year to earn the $100 registration fee for the Lincoln School for Nurses in the Bronx. She was accepted and graduated in three years. Following her nursing training in January 1945, she volunteered for military service and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant into the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Later that year, one of her brothers, Samuel Gordon Leftenant, a Tuskegee Airman was killed in action over Austria. He was one of the pilots from the famed 99th Fighter Group which was commanded then by Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
Nancy served as a flight nurse between 1953-1955 in Tachikawa, Japan where she supervised the evacuation of patients from Okinawa, Taiwan, and Korea. She was qualified on multiple aircraft such as the C-46, C-47, C-54, and C-124 Globemaster. The Korean segment of her flights was sometimes piloted by General Claire Chennault’s Flying Tigers. During the siege of Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam in 1954, Nancy was one of the flight nurses assigned to evacuate the wounded soldiers of the French Expeditionary Force. The nurses evacuated over 100 patients while being within earshot of the shooting. Nancy’s next assignment was at Wiesbaden General Hospital in Germany where she was charge nurse form 1958-1960.
After twenty years of dedicated service in the Air Force, Nancy retired in 1965 with the rank of Major in the Air Force at McGuire AFB, New Jersey. She returned home to Amityville, New York and continued as a public service nurse at the Lincoln School of Nursing until retiring for a second time. In 1978, the Amityville School District commemorated the thirtieth anniversary of Nancy’s appointment as a nurse in the Army Nurse Corps. A reception was held, and a proclamation declared the month of April as “Nancy Leftenant Colon” month. The district was also directed to hold classroom discussions on the historical significance of the accomplishments of this “Native Daughter.”
Nancy continues her commitment and dedication in perpetuating the legacy of African Americans who participated as aircrews, ground crews, and operational support training in the Army Air Corps during WWII. She became a key member of the national organization, Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (TAI) in 1974 and served as Executive Secretary for eight years. She was elected to serve as TAI’s national president from 1989 -1991. Along with several hundred original Tuskegee Airmen, Nancy was a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded by President George W. Bush in March 2007. Today, she resides at Dominican Village an Independent & Assisted Living Community, located in Amityville, NY.
May God continue to grant this incredible American patriot and global servant to humankind more years of good health, happiness, and joy as she blesses all who cross her path!
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August 18th, 2022
BASKET ITEMS NEEDED FOR UPCOMING FALL FRENZY AUCTION
Plans are well underway for our annual Fall Frenzy Auction (formerly known as the Chinese Auction Extravaganza). The event is scheduled for November 3rd & 4th, 2022!
We are looking for donations of new and unused items, gift cards, mystery gifts or monetary donations which can be used to purchase basket items. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Please drop off or mail your donations to Dominican Village 565 Albany Avenue, Amityville NY Attn: Development Department.
August 13th, 2022
On Saturday, August 13, 2022, Rose Lombardo; resident of Dominican Village celebrated her 100th year birthday!!! Rose was born to Vincent and Frances Petralia in Newark, NJ and moved to East New York, Brooklyn where she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School.
Rose met and married Anthony Lombardo in 1948 and lovingly raised four sons. Once her children were grown Rose worked in the banking industry for a few years but remained a constant presence in her family life.
Rose has been a resident of Dominican Village for 6 years and is the proud mom of four sons, nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Happy Birthday Rose!
July 27, 2022
INTERN MAKING A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAY
She never knew that her grandmothers’ senior living facility would help her learn about possible healthcare careers.
But when Elise Lemanski, a 21-year-old student from Bellmore, New York, started looking for a summer internship, she immediately thought of Dominican Village, where her maternal & paternal grandmothers lived.
“I secured this internship by reaching out to long time staff who remembered me as a middle school student and now I am preparing for my senior year in college. They directed me to the appropriate departments where I was paired with Administration personnel,” she said.
Elise shadowed Administration and learned more than she ever thought she would.
Elise expressed “I absolutely enjoyed every moment of my Business/Operational areas and the Human/Wellness department experience. This opportunity opened my eyes to a side of healthcare I was not interested in and lacked knowledge in;” “I have learned and made a difference every single day which is something I value tremendously.”
On an average day, she can be seen doing any number of these things: sitting in on Board meetings with Department Heads, shadowing the CEO and Director of Operations, as well as gaining knowledge in Case Management and the Community Relations department.
Elise says there is a strong emphasis placed on interning — and paired together with classroom comprehension, students can get a full picture of their ideal profession.
“I believe it is good to intern because you get an opportunity to experience your field of studies in a real-world setting,” she said. “You allow yourself the opportunity to learn beyond the walls of the classroom and get major insight on what it takes to be an Administrator in Health Care. Interning is an experience everyone should take advantage of if they can do so.”
June 30, 2022
AND THE WINNER IS…
On June 30th John McNicholas, Dominican Village resident, Amityville, NY was selected as our second $1,000 recipient of Dominican Village’s Raise the Roof Raffle campaign. Congratulations!!
Don’t miss out on your chance to win $1,000 with the two remaining drawings. Raffles will be drawn on September 30th and November 30th. Please call (631) 842-6618 to purchase your raffle booklets.
June 29, 2022
Congratulations Eileen O’Connell!!
June 23, 2022
1st Day of Summer Networking Event
On Tuesday, June 21st, Dominican Village welcomed the first day of summer by hosting a networking event with local businesses, civic associations, and health care groups. Representatives exchanged business cards and information in ways to help improve and further each other’s causes. Those who attended enjoyed the great company with good food and cheer!
June 19, 2022
Happy Father’s Day
On Sunday, June 19th, Dominican Village celebrates Father’s Day with entertainment and BBQ. The fathers of Dominican Village were surrounded by loved one’s and were made to feel special by the staff. The day was filled with good company, good food and cheer!
June 16, 2022
American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) NY Chapter
Presents Dominican Village with the 2022 HERO AWARD
On June 14, 2022, Dominican Village received the HERO AWARD at the 52nd Annual Conference hosted by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) NY-Chapter.
The Hero Award recognizes Administrators and their staff that have exhibited exemplary leadership abilities, implemented best practices and innovative strategies to enhance the quality of life of their residents during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The award was presented to Eric Kalt, President/CEO who proudly accepted the award on behalf of Dominican Village. Eric Kalt stated, “ I am accepting this award on behalf of the 140 Dominican Village facility healthcare hero’s, we are proud and committed to meeting the needs of our Assisted & Independent Living residents.”
JUNETEENTH FREEDOM DAY
A Day to Celebrate Freedom for all!!!
According to History.com, Juneteenth (short for “June nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
The event took place a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, on January 1, 1863, and more that two months after Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, Virginia, on April 9, 1865. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday. It commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement.
May 19th 2022
Dominican Village received a grant from the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville, NY.
Dominican Village was awarded $23,000; funds will assist in variety of opportunities to further the mission of Dominican Village.
May 12th 2022
DOMINICAN VILLAGE’S RESIDENTS TRAVEL TO FRANCE VIRTUALLY!
May 11th 2022
Dominican Village Hosts Baby Shower!!!
We thank the residents, family members, staff, and the North Amityville Kiwanis Club for hosting its annual baby shower to support the Life Center of Long Island, located in Massapequa, NY. A special thank you to Dominican Village’s Knitting Club for all the wonderful blankets, booties, and beanies! In lieu of a Mother’s Day gift resident Kathleen Slattery (top right) requested baby items for the Life Center. We appreciate her generosity.
May 8th 2022
May 5th 2022
Dominican Village celebrated in great fashion. Oscar Mancia from our Food Service Department and his Mariachi Band in full gala suits and richly adorned sombrero’s were enjoyed by residents and staff.
May 2022
April 29th – 30th, 2022
Dominican Village in the Community
Town of Babylon Cares Coalition gathered at Helen Butler Hall on April 29th and April 30th to further their mission of awareness, knowledge, and education in prevention practices. The goal of Babylon Cares is to educate and connect our youth to an array of resources and programs available to assist them in mental health concerns and the pressures of drug use.
Former NBA star and Mental Health Advocate for New Horizon Counseling Center Michael Sweetney shared his inspiring journey of overcoming mental health obstacles and finding the strength to seek help when needed.
April 30, 2022
The $1,000 Winner of
Its not too late to purchase raffle tickets for the upcoming drawings - Please Call (631) 842-6618
April 28, 2022
Dominican Village thanks our Volunteers!
National Volunteer month is a great time to ask ourselves, what can we do to serve in our community. Volunteering is great way to strengthen your communities, but it also can be a unique way to improve your own happiness and those who are recipients of your service. Call Dominican Village today for volunteer opportunities (631) 842-6167.
Subject: 4-29-22 Alert Notification from: Dominican Village, Inc.
Good Morning. This is Albert Belcher, Security & Safety Director for Dominican Village with a safety message:
How to block spam texts on your iPhone - CLICK HERE
Subject: 4-29-22 Alert Notification from: Dominican Village, Inc.
Good Morning. This is Albert Belcher, Security & Safety Director for Dominican Village with a safety message:
As you know, scammers remain to be a threat to all of us, but our Seniors are the perfect targets.
Seniors typically have more money, they are less likely to report a fraud, and memory loss are traits scammers love to exploit. Scammers can take any situation and use it to benefit themselves. COVID 19, Social Security, the IRS, and Medicare have been and will continue to be exploited by scammers to steal your information and money. It is, for this reason, we suggest that you do at least a quarterly review of your bank statements or any bank accounts you may monitor for a family member to make sure there is no suspicious activity.
Thank you and continue to remain safe.
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April 19, 2022
n April 19th, Karen Saffari, from the NYS Division of Veterans Services, educated residents and their families regarding Veteran benefits they may be entitled to. Residents must be at least 65+ years, have a financial need, less than $138,000 in assets and income, and must have served during a period of wartime. Karen looks forward to returning to Dominican Village and educating future residents.
April 17, 2022
April 15, 2022
April 6, 2022
On April 6th, Taryn Kutujian, from the Alzheimer’s Association presented a staff training on effective communication strategies. This presentation provided information and resources to help dementia caretakers decode verbal and physical behaviors residents living with dementia. Over 50 employees attended this training. On April 14th, Taryn also presented a lecture on “Healthy Living for your Brain and Body” to residents. This program helped residents identify the reasons for taking care of yourself as you age and information on how to age well physically, nutritionally, cognitively, and socially. Our Case Manager, Emily Troyd LMSW, is also working with the Alzheimer’s Association to begin a monthly Caregiver support group. The first support group will be held on Thursday, May 26th at 6:00PM.
April 1, 2022
Dominican Village thanks NYS Senator John Brooks, Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer & Councilmen & Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino for providing the many COVID-19 self test kits for our residents.
March 30, 2022
A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER
On Thursday, March 30th, it was a chilly evening for our first BINGO night, but inside Helen Butler Hall, the thought of winning some cash warmed everyone up (or it may have been the wine)! The doors opened at 6pm but, like all good bingo regulars, people were waiting at the door, ready to grab a seat and snacks while they were waiting to dab their books. Every table was full, to capacity. There were raffles, auction baskets, and just good cheer. All that before the BINGO had even started! Due to the overwhelming response, another Bingo Night is sure to be coming soon. Thank you to all who participated!
Dominican Village would like to acknowledge and thank all those who sponsored and supported our BINGO Event!
A Special Thanks to our Headline Sponsor:
Our Concession Booth Sponsors:
Dr. Coyne
John Spellman & Family
Our Family and Business Sponsors
Breit Family
Jacquelyn Ford
John Henry
Albert Belcher
John Haight
Emily Monem
Suzann Osterbery
Margaret Palumbo
March 29, 2022
March 17, 2022
March 16, 2022
NYSHFA-NYSCAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Congratulations to Janet Pianese and Amy her therapy dog for being selected as Volunteer of the Year by New York State Health Facilities Association & New York State Center of Assisted Living.
Since 2011, Janet & Amy, have dedicated themselves on a weekly basis at Dominican Village.
Our senior residents light up with excitement when Janet and her therapy dog Amy come to visit.
Pet therapy contributes to better physical, mental, and emotional health for all people, but specifically aides with seniors who are at an increased risk for social isolation and loneliness.
Dominican Village appreciates their commitment and dedication to serving our seniors.
March 16, 2022
District 8 Senator Brooks Honors Black History Month Community Nominee Albert Belcher
Albert Belcher Security & Safety Director at Dominican Village was selected by New York State Senator John Brooks as the 2022 District 8 Black History Month Community Nominee.
Albert Belcher Sr, a native of NYC has given his full commitment to the city and state he calls home. He has been in positions of service for his entire adult life and was an active member of his community where he engaged in outreach including: his school, church, and St. Albans Veteran’s Hospital.
As an NYPD Officer he was assigned to many departments including Latent Print Unit, CPOP- Community Police Officer Program, Highway Patrol, Special Operations Division Internal Affairs, Assistant to the Chief of Patrol, Assistant to the 1st. Deputy Police Commissioner and Assistant to the Police Commissioner. Additionally, while in the department, Albert was very active in the Guardians Association becoming one of the youngest Chairman of the Board of The Guardians Association. He was instrumental in diversifying Highway Patrol Units across the boroughs to be more inclusive of persons of color. Additionally, Albert worked closely with the head of the Guardians Association for equitable representation of members of the department. He currently serves as an Executive Board Member of the Central Long Island Branch of the NAACP for over ten years.
After retiring from NYPD Albert joined Dominican Village as Director of Security where he has been for 16 years. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Albert played a major role in keeping all residents, employees, and visitors at Dominican Village safe. He is also a certified Covid Compliance Officer. He took the initiative to be trained in this program and applied much of what he learned and applied it to his work environment. Safety policies and protocols were developed, and systems were implemented to further safeguard the wellbeing of the entire Dominican Village community.
Today, Albert continues to be committed to safety. He is a long-time member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) and a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). He is an asset to his family and community. All who know him can be assured that he is dedicated to service and the enrichment of the lives of others. He is a beacon of strength to all who truly have the pleasure of knowing him personally and professionally.
Dominican Village congratulates Mr. Belcher on receiving this prestigious award!!!!
March 16, 2022
NYSCAL NOBLE CAREGIVER ASSISTED LIVING AWARD 2022
Diana Schinnerer has been an Activity Assistant at Dominican Village for 5 years where she strives to improve the quality of life for our residents daily.
During the pandemic, Diana worked hard to keep our residents engaged and active through chair exercise, hallway BINGO, afternoon music sessions, snack cart visits and fitness classes aired through our community channel to keep our residents active.
Diana is an immensely creative individual who puts all her efforts into daily programming. One of her most successful and well attended bi-monthly program is “Armchair Travel”. She creates an environment where our residents are culturally immersed in locations around the world without leaving the comforts of Dominican Village. She even makes personalized boarding passes for every resident in attendance!
We congratulate Diana in receiving the New York State Center of Assisted Living Noble Caregiver award.
March 1, 2022
March 1, 2022
JOIN DOMINICAN VILLAGE
Thursday, March 31, 2022, Doors Open 5:30 p.m.
Bingo starts at 7:00 p.m. SHARP
Helen Butler Hall 565 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY
$2,000.00 IN CASH PRIZES!!!!
February 15, 2022
February 14, 2022
February 10, 2022
Dominican Village Receives Direct Support Program
(DSP)Grant from the Town of Babylon
Dominican Village receives $39,600.00 Direct Support Program (DSP) Grant from the Town of Babylon. The program is funded through federal money by the Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds of the American Rescue Plan. The funds will assist Dominican Village in all types of marketing efforts and social media upgrades.
January 14, 2022
2021 Dominican Village’s “Living It” Award
The “Living it” award recognizes employees who work at an exceptional level. Suzann strives to continually improve the quality of life for our residents by consistently putting them first. She has an intuitive ability to recognize our residents’ capabilities and potentials; with compassionate care, she tailors’ activities accordingly.
“All of us want to be heard and treated with respect and empathy, I share this award with all of our employees who go above and beyond each day”, said Suzann.
January 1st, 2022
