Greetings from Emmanuel Convalescent Hospital - Millbrae

         The Administrative Staff (raising the bar)

                      Front lobby “Aloha”

                        Luau celebration

                       Hula dance by a CNA

       Residents going to the San Mateo county Fair                

Staff, Residents and Visitors vote for the King and Queen of Hearts in February. We crowned male and female staff members and residents.

It was perhaps one of the most awaited moments in the history of Pleasant Care - Santa Cruz. After all, not everybody gets to reach 100 years old.

And so when Raymond Grova, otherwise known as “Grandpa,” celebrated his 100th birthday on September 30, 2002, it was truly no ordinary day. A small program was prepared by the Activity Department. There was music, food and a lot of laughter.

His only son Angelo with wife Beverly and grandchildren Michael, 34, and Arianna, 16, came to share the happy occasion.

Grandpa Grova was born in Racalmuto, Sicily. He arrived in New York City with his father in 1912.

“I love him very much and I am proud of him because he has led a fantastic life,” said the younger Grova. Grandpa’s wife Margarita died at the age of 99.

An accomplished musician, Grandpa played clarinet, saxophone and accordion in Italy and the United States. He was also a music teacher and became a member of the distinguished Federation of the Greater Musicians of New York.

In 1942, Grova assisted the American Army in Sicily as interpreter for the American Intelligence Corps and received commendation from the US military for his valuable assistance. He later on got married and raised his son Angelo by working as a jeweler in New York City. In 1997, Grandpa said goodbye to New York and moved to Santa Cruz to live near his son.

President George W. Bush and First Lady sent birthday greetings to Grova: “You are leading a remarkable life that is great in years and great in accomplishments. We join your family and friends in wishing you a wonderful celebration. May you be surrounded by the warmth of happy memories and secure in the knowledge that you continue to make this world a better place for all who love you.”

Speaker Pro Tem Fred Keeley, of the California State Assembly sent a certificate of recognition to Grova in honor of his 100th birthday. Former Santa Cruz Mayor Christopher Krohn issued a proclamation declaring September 30, 2002 as “Raymond Grova Day.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 70,000 Americans living today who are over 100 years old. And the number is expected to grow dramatically during the next century.

It’s been a busy year for the Activity Department. What with all the outings - summer concerts at the Boardwalk, trip to Monterey Aquarium, participation in the annual Day On The Beach sponsored by Shared Adventures, a tour of the Redwood Park, and a visit to the Country Fair - that we had to organize for everyone to enjoy.

Summer Visit. Residents Kurtis Lemke, Gary Shirk, Mario D’Olivio and Sarkis Tarver with Activity Director Dan Ranillo take a summer stroll at the Redwoods Park.

Of course, not to mention the summer barbecues and parties where we discovered each others’ passion for dancing. And there was the beauty contest too which saw the female residents parading in their best dresses and sent the aides rooting for their favorite candidates.

Dancing the Hula. Residents and staff take hula lessons while Dietary Staffers Imelda, Leticia and Jaime wait for their cue.

“We were very happy to get a lot of residents to participate in this year’s events and we hope to organize more activities that will cater to their different needs and interests in the coming months,” said Ranillo.

Exciting Fair. Residents Kristen Price, Leona Runberg, Stacey Kenworthy, Mary Ellen Velasquez, Mary Beckwith, Henry Roblero, Tod Simmons, Anna Flodin, Carlos Vontagen, Alice Craft with staff at the Country Fair.

Organizing outings or barbecues were no easy tasks but the assistance of the hardworking staff of the Dietary Department led by supervisor Paz Monroe made a lot of things bearable.

Summer is perhaps the most awaited season as Santa Cruz County is filled with events and interesting places to see that will cater to people of different interests, considering the relatively young population in the facility.

Thirty-four-year-old Scott Shults said the memory of this summer when he went scuba diving and outrigger canoeing during the Day On The Beach event will last a lifetime. “It was simply cool,” he said.

Likewise, Sharon Lemilliere and boyfriend Jeff Moore, are the couple who will never miss the annual beach outing. “I love playing bingo but this is one event I always make sure I attend. I don’t go out there into the waters. I just want to sit and enjoy the sun, the cool wind and of course, the food,” Lemilliere said.

Harriett Priddle began writing poetry in 1992. Aside from her contribution to The ECHo, some of her works of poetry are published in The Amherst Society’s American Poetry Annual Emily Dickinson chap book as a Distinguished Poet for 1998. Harriett was a resident at ECH-Alameda. She attended the Activity Department’s art classes and enjoyed painting with watercolors.

IMAGINATION
Every individual has a place in the world
HAWTHORN

Search for your place is another way of saying:
Life is a search for meaning, happiness,
And wealth that gives understanding
Open your heart and seek your place!
Any place is in the hands of God!
Life, religion, and friends, teachers all are
STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! Signs
Many readers will say:
It is too late for me! For me
As long as there is breath there is Life!
The One I Loved shared his meaning. A place
Came in my eighties and experienced in
The nineties!

MODERATION

Moderation, an achievement must be earned
In each area of concern.
When tempered with wisdom
Gives peace and understanding
Occasionally at the sacrifice of joy
But enables its owner to fulfill his or her
Divine obligation and leave a foot-print
In the sands of time.

SORROW OF A BIRD

An unfeathered woodpecker fell
In my garden, ablaze with flowers
Woodpecker, mother, stopped pecking!
Flew near bye, not unaware of
My presence.
Watching tiny brown ants make
A deep brown velvet cover
Before flying away, leaving
Me with deep respect.