Newsletter Home > Summer 2006 Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 |
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THE
SPIRIT OF PSGDC
Thank You from Marianne Nicolosi The picture on this page is what PSGDC is all about: providing programming for older persons to keep them active in their community. Our services for those who are physically frail and/or memory impaired reach out to people who might otherwise be sitting at home watching television. Jordan’s article on this page describes the trips, barbecues, art projects, and presentations that help to keep minds active and bodies moving. And let’s not forget the social interactions and companionship provided by Adult Day Services that are essential to a person’s health and well-being. While the laughter rang down the hall from the program room this spring, it was a tough time to be sitting in the Executive Director’s chair. Finances were tight (and continue to be), and the worries about how to keep our services going were piling up. But so many of you came through when we asked, that by the time our members boarded the Spirit of New York, our spirits were picking up. Articles in The Daily News and Park Slope Courier brought attention to the budget crisis in transportation for seniors with gas prices at new heights. This is an area where we are actively pursuing long term solutions by meeting with city and state officials, attending public meetings on the topic, and working in coalition with other transportation providers. This newsletter also describes our latest caregiver programs, including those at Leeza’s Place at Park Slope Geriatric Day Center. I want to thank everyone whose contribution has helped keep these programs going and growing. I am especially grateful for all the special help from State Senator Marty Golden, Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Assemblyman Jim Brennan, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, Emilie and Michael Corey, and our Board members who are always there for us. As of July 1, we’ve sailed into our new fiscal year with spirits high and plans to keep the laughter ringing down the hall. Thank you! Executive Director P.S. We are in a desperate search for a secure place to park our vans at night because our current lot will be closed for a renovation project. If you know a safe lot, please give me a call!
Marianne Nicolosi, Executive Director P.S.
We are in a desperate search for a secure place to park our vans
at night because our current lot will be closed for a renovation
project. If you know a safe lot, please give me a call! |
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Adult Day Services
 As
the summer temperature climbs, the excitement level has also risen
in our two ADS programs. In June our physically frail program went
on their annual cruise on the Spirit of New York. They had a lovely
day filled with food, music, dancing, and an up-close encounter with
the Statue of Liberty. Other special events for our 14th Street program
included trips to BAM’s Senior Cinema Program, State Senator Carl
Andrews’ Senior Day picnic at Brower Park, our annual Mother’s Day
Brunch and Memorial Day barbecue. In May the Alzheimer’s and Dementia
program was thrilled to host Gary Glazner of the Alzheimer’s Poetry
project for a “Poetry in Motion” workshop. His presentation really
engaged our seniors, and they showed off their talents performing
poems they had known and loved for years. We are eagerly anticipating
two art projects that will brighten up our 14th Street location. The
first is a mural to be painted on a wall of our program room, overseen
by volunteers from Park Slope Presbyterian Church. The second project
is a portable mural in collaboration with students from the Berkeley
Carroll School’s Creative Arts Program, which will hang in the hallway
and welcome visitors to our program. In the coming year we will be
working with our physically frail clients to create and implement
health promotion programs to address their health concerns and promote
wellness. We are also looking to expand our Spanish language programming
at both locations. Additionally, we are always on the lookout for
members of the PSGDC community who have talents or ideas to share.
Overall we look forward with great enthusiasm towards the year to
come, and thank all our clients, families, and friends for their constant
support. —By Jordan Farmer Director of Adult Day Services |
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Thank
you!