Mt. Alverno hosts annual holiday party
WARWICK A return engagement by entertainer Bob Leive was expected, but Santa’s visit was a complete surprise to residents at Mt. Alverno on Thursday, Dec. 15. Residents toasted each other with punch during a festive holiday party featuring a table filled with hors d’oeuvres. Leive, vocalist, piano player and trumpet maestro of the Wooster Street Trolley Jazz Band from Ringwood, N.J., provided the live music. Santa’s surprise appearance brought more than a few smiles as he made his way around the dining room greeting each resident. The adult residence and assisted living center, at 20 Grand Ave. in Warwick, attempts to offer adult residents a maximum level of independence and privacy in a safe and comfortable setting. Mt. Alverno is a member of the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging and its Assisted Living Program was one of the first to be licensed by New York State’s Department of Health. “We are grateful to our dedicated staff and to all the people in our community who participated in our holiday season events,” said administrator Kathie Deak. “Residents at Mt. Alverno have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of entertaining programs throughout the year, and life doesn’t stop when you come here.” Deak explained that the center has an activities program, a library, computer center, beauty shop, chapel, and garden area. She added that for many of the residents, some of whom are married couples, their quality of life actually improves. The attitude of the staff plays no small part in making sure that the residents are comfortable and at home. “They love their jobs,” she said, “and they love our residents.” According to Deak, the staff members have introduced innovative ideas and activities, such as a daily afternoon high tea and a Friday happy hour. Community involvement has become a tradition, and visits by organizations like the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, and various clubs and school groups are frequent. An adjacent daycare center provides an opportunity for intergenerational programs. For additional information, visit www.StAnthonyCommunityHosp.org.