Beacon – Three volunteers who share their time and effort with the residents of Elant at Fishkill Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center were honored recently, two by the New York State Health Facilities Association (NYSHFA), and the third by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Dutchess County (RSVP).

Claudia Bennet, whose mother is a resident at Elant at Fishkill, was granted a district Adult Volunteer award, while Carmine Civitello, who has volunteered with Elant at Fishkill for 18 years, was named the district Senior Adult award winner. Both awards were given by NYSHFA. In addition, Rita Bowman was honored with a Giraffe Award by RSVP. “Giraffe” awards are given out each year to individual volunteers who have “stuck their necks out” for the agency they serve.

“By these dedicated volunteers giving so much of themselves, the residents realize they remain an important part of our community,” said George Michaels, vice president and executive director of Elant at Fishkill. “The award winning volunteers are great role models who give back to those who sacrificed for future generations.”

Ms. Bennet regularly does arts & crafts with the Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, and also helps out in the Ice Cream Café and during meal times.

“She will reminisce with each resident while they are enjoying their dessert, providing a relaxing environment for socialization,” wrote one Elant at Fishkill staffer who nominated her. “The staff can always count on her to help out with additional activities, including special events, community outings, or anytime an extra set of hands is needed.”

Civitello offers his support to most Fishkill activities, including fitness, transport, music programs, and recreation. He even dressed as Santa last year during the campus’ Pet Photos with Santa fundraiser.

“Being 81 hasn’t stopped his enthusiasm and drive to make a difference in the lives of our residents,” wrote an Elant at Fishkill staffer who nominated Civitello. “We are truly blessed to have Carmine as a volunteer; we really wouldn’t know what to do without him.”

Rita Bowman, who retired from IBM, has put in nearly 70 hours a week for more than a year and a half. Although she is willing to contribute to any effort throughout the campus, her preference is to work with those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia.

“It takes compassion, understanding and patience to work with the elderly, but it takes an extra special individual to care for someone with Dementia,” said an Elant at Fishkill staffer who nominated Ms. Bowman.

The three winners were honored at Elant at Fishkill’s annual Volunteer Recognition event, which included a cocktail reception served by Elant’s very own “celebrity” wait staff. Some of the characters who showed up, tray in hand, were Paula Deen (Activities Leader Jean Modica), Shania Twain (Activities Assistant Karen Catalano), Liza Minnelli (Activities Leader Marisa Malandrakis), “Sisters” Vera Ellen & Rosemary Clooney from the movie White Christmas (Activities Director Pat Usifer and Activities Leader Pam Dalbo), Gene Kelly (Activities Assistant Rosemarie Perillo), Johnny Cash (Assistant Activities Director Rick Greenop), and Phyllis Diller (Activities Leader Lynne O’Keefe).

Several of the celebrities/employees performed songs for the volunteers, including a special tribute ditty written by Mr. Greenop. To close the ceremonies, the nomination letters were read aloud and the volunteers were presented with certificates and a heart shaped key chain.                              

“What can I say, but thank God I can help people,” Carmine said at the awards ceremony. Rita was quick to point out that when she saw her name in the RSVP program, she thought that someone else had the same name as she did.

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Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, has been a part of the Hudson Valley healthcare landscape for the past 25 years. Its seven campuses, located across five counties, serve an estimated 3,500 people daily and provide sub-acute care and rehabilitation services, nursing home care, assisted living, adult day care, retirement community living, home health care, and a managed long-term care plan. Elant’s mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care and lifestyle options to persons of diverse generations, cultures, means, and needs.

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