2022 Highlights

Summer Internship

Parker was honored to have three gifted high school seniors from Blind Brook High School, participate in our 2022 summer internship program. Our hands-on internship programs, gives interns meaningful work with measurable goals that are evaluated by an experienced supervisor. One of our gifted interns, Shira Mallah, who now attends Emory University as a chemistry major, raved about her experience.

“At Parker, I worked with Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands, the dementia caregiver support program. I helped create presentations about the effects of being a dementia caregiver, and I worked to find locations for our caregiver wellness program. I learned a lot about patient care and communication during my time with Parker, and I am so grateful for this experience! ” Parker wishes all three of our interns the best of luck. We take great pride in our work to provide our current and future interns with the much needed hands on experience required to become confident and compassionate health care providers.

Parker’s Drive-In Gala

On Tuesday, June 7, 2022, Parker held its second Drive-In Gala at our facility. The back parking lot was converted into an outdoor ballroom. Supporters and champions for Parker joined together for a night of celebration. The event was hosted by radio journalist, Marla Diamond and featured big-screen videos and a 2002 Indianapolis 500 Indy Car. There were musical perfomrances by L A Blacksmith and Jazz Plus, and delicious food was served by Parker’s food service team. Gala-goers also enjoyed a churros and bubble tea from the Bubbles ‘N Bowls food truck.

Peter Seideman Golf Classic

On Monday, August 1, 2022, Parker returned to the Glen Oaks Club for our Golf Classic, honoring Nicor Construction’s President, Mark G. Nicholis. This year’s outing was a historic one, as it was the inaugural event after the official renaming of the event to the honor our past Board Chairman, Peter Seideman.

National Fall Prevention Week

Fall Prevention Awareness Week (September 20th-24th) is a national campaign that increases awareness around avoiding falls and injury. Throughout the week, Parker’s Therapeutic Recreation Department provided activities that help develop the necessary skills to strengthen coordination and balance, which are key to preventing falls and injuries. One activity featured a fun competitive game of “Scratch,” which bolsters balance and coordination.

NYPD Police Department Performs at Parker

On Friday, October 21, 2022, Police Officer Johan Gil and 21 members of the NYPD Marching Band, visited the Parker Jewish Institute, to perform for our patients/residents. Outside, on our first-floor patio, members of the Parker community gathered to watch the marching band perform patriotic anthems, mixed in with old-time favorites such as The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and more current pop tunes such as Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk.” The performance was live-streamed on our Parker T.V. channel, so patients/residents could enjoy the concert, in the comfort of their rooms.

HorseAbility

On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Parker’s Therapeutic Recreation Department and HorseAbility officially relaunched its successful horse therapeutic visitation sessions for our patients/residents. Brother and sister, Aiden and Pearl, are U.K. Shetland ponies who have been specially trained for hospital and nursing home facilities. These two lovable siblings, have a compassionate, patient, and kind disposition, which is extremely soothing and comforting to our patients/residents. Aiden and Pearl brought joy to our patients/residents twice a month, from May 2022 until August 2022.

Cherry Blossoms Dance Recital

On Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the lower patio, Parker’s 7th Floor Cherry Blossoms had their first annual Cherry Blossoms Dance Recital. The Cherry Blossoms consist of seven talented residents whose ages range from 34 years old to 96 years old! Three of the Cherry Blossoms have Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic disease that effects the central nervous system. At the beginning of the recital, dance member, Martha, spoke about the disease and her optimism for an eventual cure. The recital raised funds for National MS Society.

Leading Age NY Gallery Exhibition

Two of Parker’s talented residents, Theresa Ardezzone and Kenneth Amos, were winners of the Leading Age New York 2022 Art Competition and Exhibition. Mrs. Ardezzone and Mr. Amos’s work was displayed at the Leading Age’s Annual Conference Expo in Saratoga Springs, New York, at their Directors of Nursing and Social Work Conference.

Classic Car Show at Parker

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, patients, residents, staff and families, were treated to a Classic Car Show, at Parker’s facility. In partnership with Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, Parker, displayed a 1950’s Chevrolet Sedan and Camaro, as well as a 1960’s Corvette. These historic cars remind us of our cultural history and the roads we have traveled. We are proud to have been able to bring these cars to our Parker family.