The Westview News

Press Release
Valentine's Day at Westview
Date
February 14, 2020

     A special Valentine's Celebration at Westview! In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, something decidedly sweet was organized for the patients and residents at Westview Health Care facility. Not only did their Therapeutic Recreation Department host a swingin’ Valentine’s Day Party, but through cherishable charity they made sure that every patient and resident received a party favor—rather—favors, plural. Therapeutic Recreation Director Louise Taylor and Assistant Director Vicki Ericson ensure that every party is well planned with a healthy dose of fun sprinkled all over. This year’s event on February 14th was no different. The added bonus of goodie bags for every patient made this particular celebration contagiously charming.

     A gift sales company known as Thirty-One Gifts specializes in merchandise such as jewelry, home décor, backpacks, duffel and tote bags in a wide range of sizes, and in this case, the contents of such satchels. Bethany Miller is a local representative of Thirty-One and often holds fundraisers for Westview’s Residential Recreation Activity Fund. On this occasion Bethany aligned with Bev Cholewa & Jessica Cote (both Thirty-One Gifts colleagues) to organize a facility-wide collection of gift bags containing hand lotions, lip balms, and facial tissues. Cards accompanied each package, and Bethany’s children filled each one out with handwritten messages.

     Westview and Louise Taylor were so delighted with this proposal that they decided to join the festivities by adding in candy and a pair of Foozys socks for each patient and resident. Each of the socks were knit with an amorous saying in their pattern, such as “You’re My Jam!” amidst a field of strawberries or “You’re Beary Special” with a large bear woven into the fabric. Every pair given was hand selected to reflect each resident and patient’s individual interests. The socks were purchased by Westview at cost by coordinating with Mischele Smith of Jeweled Innovations, LLC. This group was also at Westview the week prior at another fundraising gift sales event to benefit the Recreation Department. Clearly, there is a love for seniors shared between all of these organizations.

     The whole party was set to the soundtrack of classic crooner tunes, sung beautifully by Jim Porcello. He won the room over early by pulling out some of everyone’s favorite love ballads and catchy choruses by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole to name a few. The audience of residents was captivated, and even sent some requests to the stage—of which, Jim performed as many as he could. His rendition of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” was so lively (and relevant) that the enjoyment spilled out to the adjacent Nursing Station where some of Westview’s staff began to dance and laugh. Another highlight shone through during Jim’s performance of “New York, New York” which had everyone animated. Louise Taylor and Vicki Ericson were compelled to show off their best Rockettes impression, and a few of the patients in wheelchairs even proved that they can Can-Can.

     The love was abundant at Westview on February 14th, and because of a few resourceful and generous individuals the gifts were abundant too. At any age there is an undeniable enjoyment about simply opening up the packaging of a gift. The residents and patients of Westview Health Care Center seemed whimsically amused as they rummaged through the cellophane bag set inside the canvas mini tote; holding out each discovered element to admire for a moment. Seeing all of this play out so beautifully, and knowing all of the compassion behind it’s planning, Louise Taylor felt especially grateful, remarking: “Thank you Bethany, your children, your colleagues Bev and Jessica from Thirty-One Gifts, Mischele of Jeweled Innovations, LLC, and to Westview Health Care Center for this partnership and the opportunity to spread a little of to those entrusted to our care.”

Westview Health Care Center is a 103-bed inpatient skilled nursing facility, which includes a distinct and self-contained 28-bed sub acute short term rehabilitation unit and outpatient physical, occupational and speech therapies including: Sports Medicine, Adolescent/Pediatric, Adult, and Aquatic Outpatient Centers, all dedicated to providing outstanding quality health care services. The Dayville, Connecticut facility is consistently ranked among the top nursing facilities in the nation, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as well as U.S. News and World Report, for the past 12 consecutive years.