Fulfilled Twilight Wishes

Anna V., 93, East Providence, RI

February 22, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary Farrell

Anna Veyera, a resident of Waterview Villa Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in East Providence, RI, had her wish to have a Frank Sinatra/Engelbert Humperdinck impersonator perform for her 93^rd birthday party granted, thanks to our Connecticut chapter. Veyera has been a resident of Waterview Villa for several years and is known throughout the facility as a truly generous and loving person. Her nominator wrote: “Anna is the first to reach out to hold anyone’s hand who is struggling and shares her lovely smile with all.” She has a CD player in her room and enjoys the music of both Frank Sinatra and Engelbert Humperdinck the most. Veyera worked as a dental assistant for over 20 years and served as President of the Rhode Island Dental Assistant Society for one year and as Treasurer for two years. After retiring, she sold Avon for ten years. Married for over 65 years, she has one daughter, a granddaughter and three great grandchildren. Veyera was also an award-winning bowler for 63 years!

Mary T., New Haven, CT

February 22, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary Farrell

Mary Thibodeau, a resident of New Haven, Connecticut, recently had her wish for a new bed and bedding granted, thanks to our Connecticut chapter. Thibodeau had moved into low income senior housing with very little furniture of her own. She was thrilled to receive her new bed!

2022

Beacon Brook Health Center, Hartford, CT

January 17, 2023/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary Farrell

Ten residents of Beacon Brook Health Center in Naugatuck, Connecticut, were gifted tablets, thanks our Connecticut chapter Communicative technologies such as tablets allow seniors with dementia the ability to listen to music and to communicate with their families which is beneficial on many levels, especially during COVID and times of isolation. Many of these residents are Veterans who have served in wartime and these items will benefit them and improve their quality of life. Chapter Director Andrea Hoisl presented the residents with the new tablets and cases during a wish granting ceremony in late December during a post-Christmas celebration with snacks and lots of laughter for the residents.

Wadsworth Glen, Middletown, CT

November 28, 2022/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary Farrell

Two residents of Wadsworth Glen in Middleton, Connecticut, had their wish to go to lunch and see a performance of “Christmas in Connecticut” granted, thanks to the Central Connecticut chapter of national nonprofit Twilight Wish Foundation. The residents and their aides were picked up from their nursing home in style in a stretch black limo from Liberty Limousine and taken to lunch at the Gelston House in East Haddam. After lunch, they walked across the street to the Goodspeed Opera House where they enjoyed a performance of the classic “Christmas in Connecticut.” These residents are being thanked for being so helpful at their facility with visitations and community activities.

Donna G., 67, Hartford, CT

November 15, 2022/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary Farrell

Donna Gaston, 67, a resident of Hartford, Connecticut had her wish to have a day out at the hairdresser and have lunch with her friend granted, thanks to our Central Connecticut chapter. Gaston, a resident of a nursing facility, lives on a limited income so could not afford this treat on her own.

Sr. Charles Mane, Windham, CT

November 15, 2022/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary Farrell

Sister Charles Mane, a resident of St. Joseph Living Center in Windham, Connecticut had her wish for a cell phone with enlarged keys and texting ability granted, thanks to our Central Connecticut chapter. Sr. Charles Mane has been a Baltic Sister most of her life; she taught music and played the organ at several parishes. Having this phone will enable her to communicate more easily with her family and friends.

Bertha K., 104, Farmington, CT

June 2, 2022/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary Farrell

Bertha Komor, a resident of Village Gate of Farmington, had her wish to pet a penguin granted, thanks to our Central Connecticut chapter. Komor, who will turn 105 in December, has been a resident of Village Gate at Farmington for several years. Her husband passed away after 72 years of marriage together. When Komor was younger and more mobile, she helped with activities and other residents in the facility. Komor is well known throughout Village Gate for being caring and kind to everyone she meets. When asked why she wants to pet a penguin, she replied “because they are adorable and my favorite animal!” Thank you to Mystic Aquarium for helping to grant this very special wish!

St. Joseph Living Center, Windham, CT

May 26, 2022/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary Farrell

The senior residents of St. Joseph Living Center enjoyed a spring fashion show courtesy of our Central Connecticut chapter. A dozen of the residents there walked the runway showing off new spring fashions including sweaters, dresses, scarves, hats, and sunglasses. Because this event coincides with National Skilled Nursing Care Week, several staff members also participated in the fashion show. A special guest escorted the models down the runway. Following the fashion show, all the residents were treated to a party with refreshments and goodie bags for all. In addition, there was a raffle for staff members to have the chance to win a “thank you” basket to thank them for their hard work and dedication to the seniors there.

Sisters of Charity, Baltic, CT

May 26, 2022/in Fulfilled Wishes/by Mary Farrell

The senior residents of the Sisters of Charity enjoyed a “Spring Fling Celebration,” thanks to our Central Connecticut chapter. These retired sisters have dedicated their lives to serving others as nurses and teachers and have all lived a life of poverty. The sisters enjoyed a nostalgic singalong led by one of the nuns there. Following the singalong, the sisters did a service project, putting together 100 “surprise packages” for the Saint Vincent De Paul Place soup kitchen in Norwich. Refreshments were shared by all followed by a flower making craft project to beautify the sisters’ living space. In addition, they each received a gift bag with a prayer box, an olive wood pocket cross, a lap blanket, and candy. Finally, there was a photo booth where the sisters were able to take a “selfie with Pope Francis!” The photos were printed out and given to the sisters in a special Pope Francis frame.

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