What a great afternoon spent with Deana Martin (Dean Martin’s daughter). The Residents were in the Social Hall early awaiting her arrival for they remembered her from her yearly visits.  She truly loves the Residents.  She came all in white and said, “The Little Sisters are in white and I want to look like them.” For an hour she sang with a wonderful accompaniment.  She asked for favorites and would sing to their request.  Many of the Residents would sing along with her for her father was a favorite of many.  One of the Sisters had even admitted she had invited Dean Martin to her Senior Prom and got a beautiful form letter which she saved until her Mom asked, “Can I throw away that letter?”  Little did she know she would one day meet his daughter. One of the Residents played the piano for her – she had taught music.  It was such a special afternoon.  We all felt that, in spite of her busy day, she wanted to be with us.  She was in no hurry to leave and insisted on posing for photos with everyone. Before she left, she wanted a picture with all of the Little Sisters and her husband who was just as gracious.

HOLYOKE COLLEGE VISIT TO ST. JOSEPH RESIDENCE

 The Newman Club from Holyoke College spent the weekend at the Home.  Ten young women arrived and appeared very ready for anything, some had been here before.A meal (pizza) was shared with the Sisters and then they went off to the Divine Mercy Devotions held at the Home every Friday. The girls were involved in many activities; they cooked breakfast for the Residents, had a “spay day” and did all their nails, played Bingo, watched the movie, Frozen, participated during the Sunday liturgy by singing, reading and taking part in the offertory procession. The farewell involved a lot of hugs and promises to come back and a hope to go to Queens.  They left with a box lunch and promise to do their homework when they arrived back at the school.  They were a greet group of college students, totally interested in the Residents and quickly bonding with them.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

The 24^th Annual Golf Tournament was held on September 15, 2014 with 102 players and several more for dinner. Thanks to prayers we had a beautiful day.  The players arrived with much enthusiasm ready to win $10,000.00 for a “hole-in-one”.  Registration moved quickly and many chances were purchased for prizes. The line for lunch moved quickly and all enjoyed eating outside with the sun shining brightly. Some of the Sisters went around and offered cold drinks and snacks.  All seemed to be having a good time, in spite of the fact that we saw one ball fall in the water. Chances were taken at the beginning of dinner on over 50 items and 25 gift certificates.  The Silent Auction was very popular especially because 4 large TV’s and 2 golf bags were bid on.  The big competition was between two people for a beautiful rug, both parties wanting it badly. The night ended with so many leaving with something they had won.  Next year promises to be very special for it will be the 25^th year that this tournament has been held.  The night ended with Mother and Vinnie Bergamini (a member of our golf tournament committee) thanking all who came, who donated, who helped.  The MC for the evening was Ed Palomba also a member of our golf tournament committee.

TRIP TO OUR LADY OF MERCY SHRINE

 Sponsored by Dames and Knights of Malta
Day of Healing September 14^th, 8:00 to 5:30 pm.

 What a joy when Mark Sullivan came and asked Mother if we would like to part of the pilgrimage to the Mercy Shrine.  It was an answer to our prayers, for several had mentioned how they would like to visit the Shrine.  The prediction was rain but as we pulled out the sun was shining. The day arrived with two buses at 8 am to pick us up and the bus even had a wheelchair lift.  One of our Little Sisters who is in a wheelchair and another who is blind were delighted.  They were escorted all day by the Knights.  So much respect was given to the infirm Sisters as well as the Residents.  They were even taken to the gift shop which their escorts paid for their small purchases. When we arrived everyone went to their outdoor pavilion for Mass.  Some were taken on the Golf carts, some were pushed in their wheelchairs.  Many hands were present to help all who needed it. Mass was celebrated by Father Dunn who is the Chaplain to our Home in the Bronx; he was assisted by six Priests.  Singing was provided by a nice group and all participated in songs we knew.  Father was very open and told everyone that he has M.S.  We also had a chance for reconciliation and anointing of the sick. After Mass we all quickly hurried to a large tent set up and there we received our box lunches which contained many different kinds of sandwiches, large cookies and drinks for all.  The rain continued  but we were saved by the large tents.