Wartburg Historic Groundbreaking for Rehabilitation & Adult Day Services Center May 9, 2012

May 17, 2012 - PRLog -- (Mount Vernon, NY) Even the overcast skies could not dampen the spirits of the all who attended the exciting Groundbreaking of a state-of-the art Rehabilitation & Adult Day Services Center on The Wartburg’s beautiful 34-acre campus. The facility will include 50 bed in-patient rooms for short-term rehabilitation, and an expanded adult day services center.

A wonderful story developed that morning, and was best told through the many praises and kudos that came from a cavalcade of dignitaries, including state, county and local elected officials…community and industry leaders…clergy, executive medical directors and teams…members of the Board of Directors…present and past key administrators and staff:

David Gentner, President and CEO of The Wartburg Home and Foundation: “Today we celebrate the continuation of The Wartburg’s mission to build for the future, as we break ground for our new and magnificent Rehabilitation and Adult Day Services Center. Our guiding principals have been family, faith and compassionate care from our founding as an orphanage in 1866 to our transition to a senior care continuum. With this new state-of-the-art facility, we will be able to increase our expert rehabilitative services, helping more people return to their homes safely after an injury or illness. The spacious new Adult Day Center will provide our seniors with day-to-day medical therapies and social programs so caregivers can work outside the home knowing that their loved ones are receiving health services, socialization and supervision. “

Rob Astorino, Westchester County Executive: “Empowering seniors to live independently and with dignity is a priority for Westchester families. The positive environment and nurturing care provided by The Wartburg is vital to supporting that mission. We are extremely fortunate to have organizations like The Wartburg in Westchester.”

Kevin Plunkett, Deputy County Executive: “Today signifies the nurturing of life for years to come. Thank you, Wartburg, for all that you do!”

Ernest Davis, Mayor of Mount Vernon: “What a great institution The Wartburg is! The spiritual, intelligent and energetic leadership of its glorious past continues today, enhancing the lives of many, keeping that date with destiny, all within the City of Mount Vernon – the City that Believes!”

Frank Polcari, MD, Executive Medical Director of The Wartburg: “The practice of medicine and where and how services are provided is rapidly evolving and care is moving out of the hospitals and into alternative settings. This cutting-edge facility will readily adapt to the needs of a changing environment and will consolidate and expand the role of The Wartburg as a premier provider of services in the Metropolitan area. Our medical staff is proud and privileged to be part of this evolution!”

Mae R. Carpenter, Commissioner of the Department of Senior Programs & Services in Westchester County: “Our mission is to help older individuals and their families remain an intact supportive family where needs are met, dignity is maintained and encouragement to be all one can be is encouraged. We thank The Wartburg for helping make this a reality, and for their compassion, caring and belief that we can all join together and make a difference in the quality of life for older persons and their families.”

Bishop Robert Alan Rimbo, speaking on behalf of the Metropolitan New York Synod and the entire Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: “In a time when loving care and help for all people is at the premium, the Wartburg is increasing its service through this Rehabilitation and Adult Day Center. God bless the work of our hands as we serve those in need.”

Randall L. Fairhurst, Chairman of The Board of the Warburg Foundation: “This is what we do. This is our mission. This is why we exist.”

Paula Ress, Administrator of The Wartburg’s Skilled Nursing Facility & Adult Day Program: “We are about people taking care of people and we have the best people for the job. This new, state-of-the art facility brings hope to all the seniors, and their families, in our surrounding communities because the services are all geared to getting the customer back home to the community.”

Reverend Amandus J. Derr, Board Chairman of The Wartburg Adult Care Community stated, “With this new building we at The Wartburg are building on our commitment to excellence in caring. We are determined to provide not only the best care, but to meet the changing needs of seniors with staff, facilities and programs designed to set the standard for the next generation’s care. That’s The Wartburg way. And the best is yet to come!”

A special treat of the day was The Wartburg Choir singing How Great Thou Art and God Bless America. Led by Choir Director Sun Youn Chang and Assistant Director Reissa Ress, the group is composed of Wartburg residents who rehearse and beautifully perform at many Wartburg events on campus. Ed Myers, Member of The Wartburg Board, served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies, and concluded the day by reminding us that “God cares for us so we can care for each other.”

About The Wartburg

The Wartburg Adult Care Community is a not-for-profit Lutheran ministry, serving people of all faiths with a full range of residential options and health-related services for older area adults and their families. The Wartburg offers skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, assisted and independent living, adult day services, home care, pastoral care and monthly caregiver support groups. The Wartburg is a member organization of the National Center for Creative Aging. For more information about The Wartburg Adult Care Community or to support its mission, please call (914) 699-0800, email info@thewartburg.org or visit www.thewartburg.org .

Photo caption (left to right)
Rev. Eric Olsen, Wartburg Board; David J. Gentner, President & CEO, Wartburg; Randall Fairhurst, Chair & Treasurer, Wartburg Foundation Board; Dr. Nick Cicchetti, Vice Chair, Wartburg Foundation Board; Karl Westerville, Wartburg Board; Rev. Sarah Payne Brown, Secretary, Wartburg Foundation Board; Rev. Robert Boehler, Wartburg Foundation Board; Mae Carpenter, Commissioner of Senior Programs, Wartburg Board; Rev. Mandy Derr, Chair, Wartburg Board