Holiday Celebrations At Queens Boulevard Extended Care
BY LINDA NEWBY D
ecember at Queens Boulevard Extended Care Facility was an exciting month for Dresidents, staff and families.

Greater New York Academy students sang choral selections.

Many special programs were supported by the generous participation of community volunteer groups and organizations. The greater New York Academy performed a choral program. Director D. Stephens and Pastor G. Sekesan led a group of musically talented young adults. A band and dance program from I.S.5. was led by Dance Teacher Jeannie Emmerman and a group of enthusiastic dancers who offered a variety of dances. The I.S. 5 band, under the direction of Marc Greico, played a variety of musical selections. Many residents hummed and sang along to the familiar tunes. Several members of the Kiwanis Club assisted the Recreation Department in an afternoon of singing and casino games with residents. Kiwanis Club members packed 280 holiday bags which included a stuffed animal and a wallet for each person to give to residents.

Residents also enjoyed a visit from the Queens County District Attorney’s Office Advisory Team and Explorer Volunteers who called bingo and enjoyed a music program in addition to bringing holiday bags filled with cookies, socks, tissues, scarves and sweaters. The gifts were donated by Kevin J. Park, vice president of Athlete’s Foot in Jamaica. Residents also received a donation of a variety of lap covers crocheted by the Selfhelp Big Six Towers NORC Knitting group. Under the direction of Coordinator Patricia Hunter, several young people from the St. Mary’s Children’s choir presented a musical afternoon for all.

Intermediate School 5 students danced for residents.

Chanukah parties, Kwanzaa parties and Christmas parties were enjoyed by all, special religious services were conducted by Rabbi Peremulter. Two special masses by St. Sebastians’ Church were celebrated. The facility was decorated beautifully and presented a cheerful reminder of the season.

The calendar was filled with a variety of activities to keep everyone’s spirits up throughout the holiday season. These included holiday tree decorating, a birthday party, a resident social, arts and crafts, cooking delights, which was a big success as residents enjoyed a brunch of eggs and bacon, Men’s Club and Ladies’ Club, a visit from Santa and his elves, and lots of music and entertainment. The year ended with a New Year’s party celebration to welcome in 2006.

Band Director Marc Greico and band students entertained at Queens Boulevard Extended Care Facility.

Queens Boulevard staff filled many boxes of toys and food items which were donated to needy families. Many thanks to Allyson Fairbanks from the Nursing Department who organized the special event.

Queens Boulevard Extended Care Facility located at 61-11 Queens Blvd. in Woodside, is a state-of-the-art, long-term care, short-term rehab center and an adult day care center. The facility welcomes anyone interested in visiting or volunteering.

For more information, call Linda Newby, therapeutic recreation director, at 718-2050287.

The Queens County District Attorney’s Office, with Explorer Volunteers, enjoyed meeting residents. The Kiwanis Club participated in programs and brought gifts to all residents. Members of the Selfhelp Big Six Towers NORC Knitting Group presented lap covers to Linda Newby, director of therapeutic recreation, and Ricky Cosenza, director of admissions. Allyson Fairbanks collected an array of toys and food for needy families from staff personnel. Photos Linda Newby