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A Celebration of ‘Bettering Lives’

Annual Staff Appreciation Event Recognizes Retirees, Service Milestones & Exemplary Work

Judy Kydon, Executive Director of Saint Dominic’s Home, opened Staff Appreciation Day on May 25 with a heartfelt thank-you and praise to all of the agency’s 800 employees and the 100-plus who were in attendance to receive in-person recognition and accolades for their hard work and dedication to helping those less fortunate.

The grand ballroom at the Hilton Pearl River was abuzz with Saint Dominic’s Home staff from every department and service in the Bronx and Orange and Rockland Counties. Enthusiastic applause and even standing ovations were the order of the day for those retiring from Saint Dominic’s Home; celebrating five years to 40 years of service, and to those receiving special awards for their superior job performance nominated by their peers. 

Human Resources Director Heather Waitman and Beverly Warwick, Assistant Director of Human Resources, planned and hosted the annual event which drew more than 300 staff members for a delicious lunch and program.

This year’s retirees included Elizabeth Brasaitis, Joan Carrozza, Virginia Choice, Devora Jones and Agnes Williams. Sr. Joseph Mary Mahoney, President of Friends of Saint Dominic’s, was recognized for her 40 years of service and received a standing ovation and thunderous applause. Roberta Bentley celebrated 35 years; Robert Conant, Nerlyn Gonzalez, Ellen Rice and Joseph Trzasko each were honored for 30 years; 25-year celebrants were Virginia Brestolli and Maria Capretta, and those marking 20 years of service include Frank Jones Jr., Brunilda Robles and Diko Taktajian. Staff celebrating 5, 10 and 15 years of service is listed in the attached pdf document.

Employees receiving colleague-nominated awards for their exceptional work and dedication include the following. “Going the Extra Mile” Awards: Serah Bellot, Service Coordinator/SW II, DD, and Sue Bryant, Employment Specialist from the HR Department; “A Caring Heart” Award: Gracie Easterling, Resident Counselor of Murphy Residence, DD. “Star Performer” Award: Carol McLeod, Payroll Assistant, Fiscal Department; “Team Performance” Awards: Staff of the Cox Residence, DD, and Staff of McHale House, DD; “Making a Difference” Awards: Dr. Michael Bray, Coordinator of Mental Health, FFC; Geneva Green, Resident Counselor, DD, and Damon Sumter, Maintenance Skills Worker, Plant Operations; and Ethel Rosally, Principal and Director of TORCH, picked up two awards: “Lead by Example” Award and “Innovative Thinker” Award. See more details in the Employees Recognition Awards story.