From the Executive Director's Desk at East Meadow

First let me thank all of our dedicated staff for once again showing how much you care during the blizzard. Many of you stayed overnight or came in early for your shift. We are very lucky to have you. I am glad our winter season is quickly coming to an end and am looking forward to seeing the beautiful daffodils and tulips springing up. It makes me so happy to know the beauty of spring is right around the corner.

On St. Patrick's Day I'm looking forward to sharing a scrumptious Irish meal with all of you. I can still remember from last year the mouthwatering corn beef & cabbage, potatoes, Irish soda bread, etc. Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!

Lara

A Note From the Recreation Director at Massapequa

Let me tell you that there has never been a better time to "spring ahead" then after the long journey of winter that we have all been through this year. Now more than ever we are ready to gas up the bus and take off on Long Island excursions and adventures, here, there and just about anywhere! Back at the ranch we are putting our hands and heads together to come up with some new groups while we research facts, biographies and tidbits of interest that peak the curiosity while engaging mind, body and spirit. This month I am choreographing a dance routine and with the help of our new intern from C.W. Post, Sara Sherdon, we call any interested dancers to join us on Saturdays for rehearsals. The Bristals will be together in the big city for a day out that has always been the talk of the town. We are Broadway bound to lunch on Restaurant Row in the theater district then headed to the theater to see the hit musical, Billy Elliot. St. Patrick's Day is a day long celebration of everything Irish. I will be wearing my buttons that tell it like it is, "Irish for the Day" and "I speak fluent blarney." Listen, some of my best friends are Irish and I am not planning on missing anything as I hope you won't. We are going to a Kosher Deli before Passover then Kathy will get everybody together to prepare and enjoy a special Passover delicacy. As spring unfolds, so does the good life.

Chag Sameach,
Maria

The Bristal's Employee of the Year - Leticia

Congratulations to our employee of the year, Leticia. Leticia is the receptionist at Lynbrook and always has a winning smile for the residents and visitors. She has won an all inclusive one week trip to either Jamaica or Mexico and an extra week of vacation time. Have you decided which Leticia??? How excited does she look when she heard the good news? VERY!!

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Special Event Memory Scrapbook


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Westbury's Resident of the Month - Libby Izzo

Liberato Izzo was one of 12 children born to parents who lived just outside of Naples, Italy. His father worked in Germany where the pay scale was somewhat better. His mother was a wonderful woman who took good care of her children. Her days were filled by the many chores a large family incurs and also by maintaining the family's large vegetable garden. Young Libby found that hard work was a surefire way to get ahead and some of his friends convinced him to go to the United States to seek his fortune. Libby was a polisher, by trade and the best in the business. He could make anything shine like a mirror. His efforts were well noticed and he found himself being sought after by the likes of the Vanderbilt's, the Rothschild's and later on by Donald Trump himself! He polished the railings inside and outside of their homes till they sparkled. He put a gloss on their tabletops, he polished just about anything that would take a shine.

Marion, his soon to be wife, was a single woman working as a machine operator, sewing designer Italian coats in New York City. She had responded to an appeal by the local hospital asking for volunteers to help care for young orphans. She loved children and almost every night, after a long day's work, she spent the rest of the evening caring for the babies. Marion's devotion to these children drew the attention of her supervisors who knew of a widower with a little child. That man was Libby, who with the help of his sister, was raising his three year old son, Anthony. The two were introduced and began keeping company. Within a short time they were married. Marion devoted all her energy to raising Anthony and making a home for her husband. They lived in Queens and bought a house there in about five years. Libby was a real homebody, who didn't need much more than the love and companionship of his family. He liked to watch television and always enjoyed his favorite shows. It is interesting to note that only one of Libby's siblings followed him to the United States.

Libby is a simple, big hearted, man as is evidenced in the care and concern he gives to his fellow residents in the Reflection Unit. When someone is unhappy, it greatly saddens him and he will try to do whatever he can to make them happy again. It is very touching. Rachel Gaglione, the Reflections Director, said "Libby is an absolute gentleman. He has a smile for everyone and is always helping the residents and staff in the unit. He loves to sing and never complains - ever!" When Libby and Marion were looking for a nice place to live, a niece of theirs suggested the Bristal. Today, Libby is still the same kind man who talks to everyone and thoroughly enjoys the friendship of all the residents. The Izzo's look forward to the frequent visits from their son Anthony, his wife, their 11 year old twin daughters and 8 year old son.

North Woodmere's Employee of the Month - Glory Otor

Glory was born in Nigeria, Africa and came to the United States in 1999 on her own. After arriving in the United States Glory lived with one of her older brothers and now has her own apartment in Rosedale. Glory is the youngest on nine children-she has five older brothers and three older sisters. Glory completed all her schooling in Africa. including college after which she came to America. She was taking courses in child day care and also worked as a babysitter. When she came to America she worked as a cashier for the Rainbow Shop then joined the Bristal staff in 2006. In her spare time Glory enjoys shopping, listening to music, watching television and movies, cooking and going out with her friends. Glory says she likes everything about the Bristal, the residents and the staff. Congratulations on being the Bristal's employee of the month. Keep up the good work!