Perspectives on a Silver Anniversary
The following are thoughts expressed by Brother
John in a recent newsletter column.
Photos throughout this website section are of residents celebrating
a variety of occasions.
For some of us, it sometimes seems not all
that long ago that Price Memorial had its origins and opened
its doors 25 years ago. From other perspectives, it seems a very
long time indeed.
As you may imagine, it was a momentous decision
and challenge for a small band of Franciscan Missionary Brothers
to undertake the building of a brand-new, state-of-the-art nursing
home. Planning for the facility -- from idea to drawing board
to construction -- literally encompassed years before the first
resident could be welcomed.
Many people have known the Brothers, their
work and their facilities for years or decades. Others are, for
the first time, coming to know Price Memorial and the services
offered here. Each week, we greet the families of prospective
residents, and introduce them to the facility with its growing
history of compassionate service to those in need of special
care.
Though they can be important milestones, anniversaries
come and go. This year is the Silver Anniversary for Price Memorial.
The Golden Anniversary of St. Joseph's Hill was marked in 1977.
Not long ago in 2002, the Franciscan Missionary Brothers observed
75 years with their Diamond Anniversary.
Such timely markers do occur and fade but
underlying their passage is an enduring foundation rooted more
historically in the Brothers' history, which goes back more than
800 years and the days of St. Francis. Today, our dedication
continues as we strive to provide special, compassionate care
to those in need. And, to help bring peace of mind to their family
members and friends with the knowledge that they constantly receive
appropriate care.
How one views an important anniversary has
a lot to do with perspective. This year marks the Silver Anniversary
for Price Memorial. The Brothers, staff members, residents, responsible
parties, members of the Societies who support our work, and people
in the community at large -- all will all see it differently.
I think most of us can generally agree, however,
that it's a special time -- a time for the happiness and celebration
that usually accompanies birthdays. And, the Brothers thank the
many people who will help to commemorate this 25th anniversary
at Price Memorial.
Prayerfully yours,
Brother John Spila, OSF
Administrator, Price Memorial
The Opening of Price Memorial
Dedicated on September 27, 1981 by Archbishop
John L. May, Price Memorial was opened and described as "a
warm and friendly home where specialized care is combined with
compassion and understanding. A home where peaceful surroundings
brighten each day. And, a home where the emphasis is on living."
In his remarks prepared for the dedication
and his blessing, Archbishop May commended the Brothers for their
devoted efforts that had led to the opening of the facility.
Related material of the time provided similar acknowledgments.
"Devoted to preserving the dignity of
life for the elderly, the Brothers have worked through the years
to create a place where each resident can remain as independent
as possible. They have earned a distinguished reputation for
service to their community and, today, the Brothers continue
in their devotion to providing warm, personal care to the elderly.
"Through this devotion, both residents
and their families can find peace of mind in knowing that high-quality
care has become a tradition."
17,000,000 Hours and Counting
As testament to the Brothers' dedication to
caring for people, Price Memorial has provided the equivalent
of more than 17 million hours of attention and service to residents
since it was opened in 1981. Residents are provided with specialized,
compassionate care on a continuous basis -- any time they need
it -- around the clock, seven days a week.
This individualized care and attention are
designed to meet the special needs of each man and woman who
lives at Price Memorial. In keeping with the Brothers' philosophy,
it is intended to help each person live life to his or her fullest
potential. And, these efforts by the Brothers and their staff
members continue 24 hours a day.
"When you think about it, more than 17
million hours of vigilance and caring forms a tremendously strong
foundation for a nursing home like Price Memorial," said
Brother Bernardo Trosa, director general of the Franciscan Missionary
Brothers.
"Even though we're celebrating the home's
25th anniversary, it's still a relatively young facility in the
scheme of things," he said. "And, that's good. It means
that Price Memorial -- in addition to its track record and wealth
of experience -- it still retains its vitality and an underlying
and eager quest to provide compassionate nursing home service
to its residents."
"Birthdays are always fun," noted
Sandy Kombrink, associate administrator. "Each month, we
celebrate residents' birthdays -- which means we have 12 birthday
parties every year. During 2006, we'll have yet another one.
This time to mark the 25th anniversary of the facility itself.
"We hope that this milestone event will
provide a happy time for our residents and all of those associated
with Price and the Brothers," she added. "And, it's
gratifying to note that -- by the end of this anniversary year
-- that 17-million+ figure will have exceeded 18,000,000 hours
of responsiveness to our residents' needs.
"Happy birthday, Price Memorial!"
The Anniversary Celebrations
Festivities are no stranger to Price Memorial.
In addition to the monthly resident birthday parties mentioned
above, there are a wide range of special activities planned throughout
the year for the enjoyment of residents and their guests.
For example, there's a Mother's Day tea held
each May. "Older Americans Month" is also celebrated
that month. There's a Father's Day party each year, too. A Fourth
of July picnic and other special events lead up to a Christmas
party each December.
During 2006, these regularly scheduled activities
will be accented where appropriate with references to the Price
Memorial 25th anniversary. And, the facility's birthday celebrations
extend further.
Each year, members of the Brothers' two supporting
societies gather to enjoy the companionship and common purpose
of their society membership. Members of the Society of Joseph,
founded in 1952 -- and members of the Society of Josephines,
founded earlier in 1936 -- each come together in support of the
Brothers' work.
The ladies group has an annual luncheon, and
the men's group an annual dinner. This year, to help celebrate
the Silver Anniversary of Price Memorial, these two events will
be highlighted with birthday themes to commemorate the home's
25th anniversary.
The centerpiece of this year's milestone event
will be a rededication of the facility -- following its original
dedication and blessing a quarter of a century ago by Archbishop
May. Scheduled for September, the rededication is expected to
be both a happy and solemn occasion -- celebrating the facility's
birthday and reaffirming the Brothers' dedication to their mission
of caring for people with special needs.
"We're pleased to invite everyone to
help us celebrate," said Brother John. "We welcome
the family members and friends of our residents, members of the
Society of Joseph and the Society of Josephine, our staff members
and their families, as well as other people in the community
who are interested in Price Memorial.
"We greet many visitors to the nursing
home each year for a variety of reasons," Brother John continued.
"This year, we're particularly pleased to welcome people
to the many special events associated with its Silver Anniversary.
"On behalf of the Franciscan Missionary
Brothers, I express our hope that 2006 will be a good year for
you and your family," he added. "We also hope that
you will remember us in your prayers -- and that you will have
the opportunity to join us in celebrating this important time
at Price Memorial."
