Health & Fitness
Christian Health Care Center Recognizes National Library Week All Year Round
As we recognize National Library Week, April 14 to 20, at Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, there are a number of ongoing activities that promote reading and education all year round.
As we recognize National Library Week, April 14 to 20, at Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff, there are a number of ongoing activities that promote reading and education all year round. One example is “Bertha’s Book Club,” a monthly activity for residents at Heritage Manor Nursing Home. Bertha Stronach, a Heritage Manor resident, started the club in 2011. Several employees, as well as residents, are Book Club members.
In addition, Irene Browne and Cecilia Duggan, residents at Evergreen Court
supportive-senior housing, and Jim Dwyer, a resident of Hillcrest Residence,
regularly volunteer to read to the kindergarten class at Sicomac School in
Wyckoff, helping to promote literacy and multi-generational interaction. The
seniors enjoy the experience as much as the children and their teacher, Jayne
Mazie.
“I find reading to the kindergarteners absolutely rewarding,” said Mrs. Dugan.
“The kids are not to be believed. They say the cutest, funniest things. I adore
them all. They are so responsive, and I’m happy to be included in this
community outreach.”
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Mrs. Browne echoed her sentiments. “I love to read, and always look forward to
the times we see the youngsters each month. For me, it is a two-sided coin. I
so enjoy what I’m doing, and hopefully I bring the same sense to them,
listening.”
Mr. Dwyer also volunteers regularly to read to children at the Child Day Care
Center, located in the lower level of CHCC’s The Longview Assisted Living
Residence, creating an intergenerational connection.
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In addition, Wyckoff resident Diane Ulrich has been volunteering to deliver
large-print books from the Wyckoff Library to Heritage Manor Nursing Home
residents for more than 20 years. Last year, the Wyckoff Library joined CHCC in
honoring her for 20 years of dedicated service.
The Longview Assisted Living Residence has its own resident librarian, Frank
Pellechia. He received his undergraduate degree in literature at St. Peter’s
College in Jersey City and earned a masters degree in library science from the
Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and worked in the Paterson Free Library, Kennedy
High School Library in Paterson, the North Bergen Library, and the Musuem of
the City of New York in its theater section. He worked as a librarian for 31
years. He is very interested in the fine arts and music and reads poetry every
day.
“Embracing and participating in community activities are an integral part of
Christian Health Care Center’s mission,” said Julie K. Lee, Senior Vice
President of Community Development and Marketing Services. “Our
intergenerational and literacy programs not only encourage reading, but also
volunteerism, socialization and camaraderie.”
Christian Health Care Center provides a broad continuum of high-quality, compassionate care, offering superior mental-health, elder-care, residential living and rehabilitation services. As a non-profit organization, we deliver care to our
community based upon the Christian principles on which we were founded more
than a century ago.
