Last week the Valley Vista Adult Home and Assisted Living facility in Highland held a ‘Rejuvenation Celebration’ to honor and thank employees who have helped care for their residents during the pandemic.

Director Theresa Daley said, “There is no greater value in the world than that of human life. Our residents have followed guidelines for the past few years...and have waited out the [pandemic] storm and have maintained a positive way of life. We thank them for their resilience, their patience and their wisdom. They were isolated from socialization but front and center in our care. It has been an honor and a privilege to care for them.”

Daley said during the pandemic, “the team here at Valley Vista has pulled together over the past several years tighter and stronger than ever before. The team works very hard to ensure the healthy aspects of our residents lives are maintained and assist in the areas that require additional care.”

Daley said there are some employees, “we call our shining stars, who go above and beyond. This team would not exist without their fierce leadership and also the direction of one man, our owner and operator, Mr. Jerry Yang. His tireless work ethic, his kindness and genuine goodness is why we do what we do.”

State Senator Michelle Hinchey [D-46] said she knows how difficult life has been during the past three years, especially for places like Valley Vista.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the staff for everything that you have done and you continue to do for the residents,” she said. “I love you all and I know its been a really challenging and isolating time but I am really hopeful with events like this that we can all now start to be together again and to celebrate the goodness that we have in our community. This really is a shining example of community and standing up for each other and looking out for each other...and we are nothing without our sense of community.”

Sen Hinchey handed out Certificates of Recognition to a number of employees on behalf of the State of New York; starting with Medication Technician Klorinda Papuli. Director Daley said Klorinda, “moves mountains for the facility. She is tireless and goal driven.”

Maintenance Director Bill Fulgoni was also honored. Daley noted that Bill, “is always employee of the month and sees the needs of the residents before they even know themselves. He works above and beyond, is company loyal, fearless and gives so much of his time to make Valley Vista a better place.”

Personal Care Aide Advira Williams , who was unable to attend, has served 30 years as an employee of the facility.

“Advira knows everything about this facility and still continues to follow every guideline and duty and is invaluable to the residents,” Daley said.

Housekeeper Christina Wimberly was also honored. Daley said, “Christina works very hard and relentlessly to make sure that everything shines here and the feedback from the residents is spectacular.”

Sen Hinchey let the staff and residents know, “that we are here to be as helpful and supportive as we can. To the staff, thank you for what you do and to the residents, we all love you and please let us know what we can do in the future to make sure that everything you have is taken care of and whatever we can do from the state.”

In a subsequent interview, Hinchey said she has gone to other nursing homes in her district to honor the work they are doing.

“I think it’s so important to do that because what communities have gone through collectively the past three years has been very difficult, but our health care and nursing home workers, staff and employees taking care of people have been exponentially hit right on the front lines of keeping themselves and their families safe but also keeping other peoples’ loved ones safe,” she said. “That really is God’s work and it’s been really special for me to honor and recognize them because I think a lot of times that work goes under the radar. We all have to take a moment to reflect on other peoples’ experiences over this time.”

Judy Riley, Deputy Director of the Ulster County Office of the Aging, told the residents that, “Everyone deserves to be celebrated after the last couple of years.”

Riley said her office provides a variety of services to seniors: personal care and home delivered meals as well as free Medicare counseling, free legal services for preparing a will and designating power of attorney and health care proxies, providing AARP Tax aides to assist in tax preparation, holding ‘Lunch and Learn’ presentations on such topics as Medication Reconciliation.

Riley took a moment to thank the staff at Valley Vista.

“You do amazing work and I know there is a shortage of aides. You really do wonders for people and their families,” she said.

Carrie Zazz and her partner Larry Bassan presented music from the 1950s, 1960s along with country, pop and classic rock.

Director Daley said the summertime was a good time to recognize the residents, “to reward them with a BBQ and thank them for following the state pandemic guidelines and we also wanted to honor our employees. It’s a terrific team and we’ve pulled together tighter and closer where every day you want to come to work and that’s what makes the magic of Valley Vista.”