Hello everyone, welcome to your February newsletter and happy LEAP year. It is very exciting to have an extra day even if its only once every four years. If you are one of the lucky people who were born on February 29th let me know. he first 2 people who contact me will get a prize.
I was hoping we would escape the cold weather this winter after the weekend it was in the 60’s and even hit 70 in some places but unfortunately it’s New England and we have to endure some cold and wind. Just think as you read this newsletter, we are getting closer to Spring every day.
As you know we had our share of sickness in January and as I write you, we are coming out to the well side now. This is a difficult time of year as many people experience various bugs and viruses and invariably will bring them into facilities as staff or visitors. Our staff must be commended for their excellent infection control practices in managing the spread of anything we are confronted with and I thank them very much. They have done a difficult job exceptionally well.
February gives us great opportunity to celebrate our Love’s in our lives. So, let me be the first to wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day. We have lots happening in our facility as you will see in the Activity Calendar and I hope you will take full advantage of our events.
Just another reminder we are celebrating our 40th anniversary at this location which opened in 1980. John Clarke started in 1953 on Shepard Ave in Newport led by Mr. and Mrs. Harold Brown and was home to 24 independent residents. As those residents aged and required more care there was the decision to expand capacity and include nursing care as well. This property at 600 Valley Rd was purchased and constructed and opened in 1980. We have much to be thankful for and proud of over these 40 years. The past staff and current staff have developed a high-quality Nursing and Retirement Center that is very highly regarded on Aquidneck Island and in the Baptist community in Rhode Island.
The Board of Directors and the leadership of this center want to continue to provide this high-quality care and have decided to initiate a Capital Campaign to raise 2 million dollars over the next 2 years to
renovate our campus. We hope you will join us as we begin this effort.
I would like to recognize our January Whatever it takes Award winner. Ms. Carollyne Killackey one of our Nurses has been selected by her peers for her caring, for her compassion and for her helping approach to her responsibilities every day. Thank you, Carollyne.
I hope to see you around our campus enjoy the month.
Best Wishes, Hugh