1203 Kemble St. Utica, New York 13501
Ph: 315.733.8210 / Fax: 315.733.8210
[email protected]
www.theabrahamhouse.org
February 2015
February 2015
Abraham House cordially invites you to the:

Mission Statement
6th ANNUAL
MARCH MEATBALL MADNESS
Abraham House
provides our guests
with a secure loving
home without
charge while
providing physical,
emotional and
spiritual support to
the terminally ill.
(A taste competition to determine who makes the best Meatballs in the Mohawk Valley)
More Restaurants Competing this year!
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Hotel Utica 102 Lafayette St. Utica
Noon – 3 p.m.
New trophy categories
this year: No restrictions
on meatball creativity:
Fried, sauced, glazed beef,
chicken, veggie, etc
Meatball Eating Contest
Celebrity Judge’s Panel
..ANYTHING GOES!
Inside this issue:
Children’s Judge’s Panel
What people are saying
Free Taste Testing
2
Meet Spicy the Meatball
Faces of Abraham House
3
Easy Money Big Band
4
We are using both the lobby & mezzanine for more space
Tickets: Adults $10.00
Wish List
4
Supporters of Abraham
House
5
Gala and Festival of
Wreaths
6
Donors
7
65 & over $5.00
Kids 6-12 $5.00
Military ID-Free
5 & Under Free
Tickets available at Abraham House & at the Door
Executive Director:
PattyShenberger
Board of Directors: Aricca Arcuri, Maria Alberico-Brindisi, Judy Galimo, Vin Gilroy,
Roger Moore, MD., Ron Paradis, Joyce Rossi, Carol Szatko, Al Shaw, Don Shipman, Vicki Vomer
PAGE 2
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FE B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5
What People Are Saying About Abraham House
"Although the stay was brief, the care and concern conveyed to our mother and entire
family was compassionate and the home-like setting comforting".
"We could not have hoped for better care. It felt like they were treating a family
member".
"Care, compassion and love were abundant and constant. Visitors and family were
aware of the Abraham House but witnessed first-hand how wonderful it was. This
difficult and stressful time was made easier for my husband and our family. No
improvement could be possible."
"Thank you for taking such good care of my sister".
"They took my mom right away-thank you. She was only there 1 day. Beautiful, warm, comfortable
environment-so lucky to have in our community. Great People (angels)“Great House."
Celebrating 17 Years! By Patty Shenberger, Executive Director
We want to thank all of those who gave of their time, love, skills and/or gifts of money or service over these past
17 years. Because of your support our guests were able to be surrounded by love and treated with such dignity
while at Abraham House.
Inside Story Headline
In 2014, we cared for 44 guests which is 17 more than our previous highest number of guests cared for by
This
story can
fit 100-150
words. how long
ternally,
youismight
upon it is avendors.
Abraham
House.
No matter
someone
withcomment
us we believe
more peaceful experience for the
new
procedures
or
improvements
to
individual
as
well
as
for
their
families.
The subject matter that appears in
the business. Sales figures or earnnewsletters is virtually endless. You
ings will show how your business is
can include stories that focus on
growing.
current technologies or innovations
in your field.
Some newsletters include a column
that is updated
every
issue, of
for Abraham
inThe
Faces
House
You may also want to note business
stance, an advice column, a book
or economic trends, or make predicreview, a letter from the president,
tions for your customers or clients.
or an editorial. You can also profile
Leslie Diven age 85
new employees or top customers or
If the newsletter is distributed in-
Les was a guest at Abraham House from
September 2, 2014 - September 11, 2014
Les was a well-respected Sports Journalist for over 40 years with the Observer-Dispatch until his
Microsoft Publisher includes thounear the image.
retirement in 1993. He held a tremendous
knowledge for local sports and history.
He, along with his wife,
sands of clip art images from which
Pat, werepictures
energetic
volunteers
Utica
Boilermaker
Road
Race.
Selecting
or graphics
is anfor the
you can choose and import into your
This story can fit 75-125 words.
important part of adding content to
newsletter. There are also several
Words
cannot express the care and compassion
my Dad received while he was a guest for nine days.
your
newsletter.
tools you can use to draw shapes
My
family and I will be forever grateful toand
all symbols.
the "angels" at the Abraham House. Thank you from the bottom
Think about your article and ask
of
our
hearts.
All
his
needs
were
attended
to without our family asking for assistance. We were allowed to
yourself if the picture supports or
Once you have chosen an image,
help in any
possible.
feel the staff and volunteers truly loved Les as we did.
enhances
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place it close to the article. Be sure
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selecting
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The Diven
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that appear to be out of context.
FE B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5
1 2 0 3 K E MB LE S T . U T I C A , NE W Y O R K 1 3 5 0 1
PAGE 3
The Faces of Abraham House
"Our experience at the Abraham House for my wonderful 94 year old Dad, Albert Savicki"
Albert died at Abraham House on December 9, 2013.
He surprised us when he was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer, that he wanted to go
to the Abraham House. We were in the process of bringing him home with Hospice, and
when they got to The Pines, they told us he was too ill to take home. God was with us, in
that there was a bed available at the Abraham House. We got there at 11:30, and were
greeted by open arms, wanting to know if they could get us anything--we felt as if we
were in a friend's home. It was all decorated for Christmas. They got him settled in his
room, and what they said will stay in my heart always..."he opened his eyes and smiled." In
his bedroom, we were able to play classical music, something he loved, hold his hand and
talk to him. He peacefully passed away at 2:55. Losing him was devastating, but I cannot
imagine being in a hospital environment. More members of our family came, and we were told to stay as long as we
wanted. The last 4 hours of my Dad's life gave him dignity in the most loving, caring place-it was as if he was in our
home. Their compassion to him and us cannot be measured. We will be forever grateful.
Albert made wonderful choices in his 94 years of life. He led a life filled with exercise-ran his last Boilermaker at age
92 young. He enjoyed hard work and was canning and gardening the summer before his cancer diagnosis and death.
Family was the center of his life and the constant smile on his face warmed our lives. His last smile was after they
put him in his bedroom at the Abraham House...our family will always be appreciative to the Abraham House for
fulfilling his final choice, to be there--a warm home away from home.
--by Joyce Savicki Bojdak
Marsha Brayman-age 69
Marsha was a guest of Abraham House from February 25, 2014 -March 24, 2014.
Abraham House staff and volunteers let Marsha be herself. They were all so wonderful and showed such
compassion to Marsha. Marsha never wanted people to help her. At Abraham House they encouraged her to do
what she could for herself. They really respected her wishes. Abraham House is a place that allows as many family
members to be present. We always had family members there and we always felt welcomed. Her daughter was able
to use the kitchen to make a whole meal for her mother just as if she was home. We are so grateful to Abraham
House because we wanted her to be cared for in a place that seemed like her own home.
We are also so grateful that Abraham House allowed us to say our goodbyes in our own
time. All of our family members were so pleased with Abraham House.
Cathy Hanretty, who is Marsha's sister, was an Abraham House volunteer until 2010 when
she left due to family and work commitments. Cathy now works as an Abraham House
surrogate caregiver. Cathy says, "I thank my sister for bringing me back to Abraham
House. I love every minute I am here at Abraham House. I look forward to coming to
work. I often said when I retired from nursing that I would love to work at Abraham
House and here I am working at Abraham House. I'm so happy to be back. Marsha would
give her shirt off her back to help someone. Even as sick as she was, she would still cook
meals for people in her apartment building. She quit work to care for her children, so she
was a stay-at-home mother. She loved her grandchildren and loved doing things for them.
Her granddaughter Heather says all the time that she was the most wonderful grandmother anyone could have.
--by Cathy Hanretty
PAGE 4
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An Afternoon of Big Band Music featuring:
Steve Falvo’s Easy Money Big Band
to Benefit Abraham House
FE B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5
Abraham House:
"The Next Best Thing
to Home"
“Every house where
love abides and
friendship is a guest,
is surely home, and
home sweet home for
there the heart can
rest”
Sunday, May 3, 2015
3:00-6:00 p.m.
Daniele’s Banquet Specialists
8360 Seneca Turnpike
By Henry Van Dyke
Tickets $20.00
Cash Bar/Free Finger Foods
Call for Reservations at 733-8210 or tickets available at the door.
Volunteer Spotlight:
Board Spotlight
WISH LIST
We welcome new Board Member:
Carol Szatko
Applesauce
Welcome To Our New
Volunteers:
Baby Wipes
Surrogate Caregivers:
Bottled Water
Kate Zielinski
(small bottles)
Buddies:
Clorox
Cheri Citro
Clorox Wipes
Joanne DeStefano
Crackers
Abraham House is having a bottle drive
Melissa Hanno
Fruit Packs
EVERYDAY.
Josette Lucenti
Drop off bottles and tell them you want
proceeds to go to Abraham House
Jeanette Penge
Laundry Detergent (High
Efficiency)
Susan Zumpano
Postage Stamps
917 Oriskany St. W. Utica, NY
Fundraising Volunteers:
Pudding Packs
315-733-4191
Clorinda Mondi
Carol recently retired from Mohawk Valley
Psychiatric Center and has experience serving
on various Boards. Carol will be an asset to
Abraham House's Board.
Stash’s Hit N Run
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
Utica City Blue Bags
(large)
Gift Cards:
Staff Spotlight:
.
Keep in touch and receive Abraham
House updates through Facebook
Welcome to our new
staff of Surrogate
Caregivers:
Cathy Hanretty
Johanna Lee
Grocery Stores
Office Supplies
Hardware Stores
FE B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5
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PAGE 5
Congressman Richard Hanna toured Abraham House
on November 10. We appreciate Congressman Hanna's support
of Abraham House
Pictured Back Row L to R: Volunteer, Marguerite Kershaw, Volunteer Nunzio Melchiorre, Board Member, Ron Paradis, Volunteer, Barb
Galvin, Board Member & Volunteer, Roger Moore, MD., Board Member, Carol Szatko, Congressman Richard Hanna, Office Manager, Missy
Biamonte, Volunteer, Josette Lucenti, Volunteer, Cheryl Bowen & Volunteer, Jamie Weiler. Pictured Sitting Front Row L to R: Volunteer,
John Carroll, Board Member, Judy Galimo, Executive Director, Patty Shenberger, and Volunteer, Joan Labella.
Thank you to Louis T. Brindisi for hosting a book signing fundraiser at Barnes
& Noble.
Thank you to Maria Alberico Brindisi and Louis T. Brindisi for designating
Abraham House as
their charity of choice instead of wedding gifts. That was very generous!
Thanks to JDesigns for our
new Hummingbird logo.
Thank you to Marci Yager for
making our home feel so warm by
decorating our entire house for
Christmas. Marci has been
decorating Abraham House for the
holidays for five years now.
We can accept donations
through Paypal on our
website at:
www.theabrahamhouse.org
Grants:
Thank you to:
Good News Foundation,-$5,000, The Hartford Insurance-$2,000
Wal-Mart-$500
Go on
Smile.amazon.com
when you shop at Amazon online, 5% of the proceeds will go to
Abraham House.
PAGE 6
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Thank you to all who made
our 7th Annual Gala such a
success!
Our Gala was held at Valley View
Golf & Country Club on November
14 with 196 people in attendance
and raised over $33,000 to help
support the mission of Abraham
House.
FE B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5
Thank you to our fabulous
Gala Committee:
Judy Galimo-Chairwomen
Maria Alberico-Brinidisi,
Julian Galimo, Dena Gorea,
Kelli Inserra, Allene LaBella,
Lenora Murad Danielle Padula,
Cindy Reed, Cindy Roefaro,
Rosemary Talarico
Our Sponsors:
Adirondack Bank
Adjusters International/Basloe Levin Cuccaro
Bank of Utica
John Brown, Coldwell Banker Faith Properties
Capraro Technologies
Carbone Auto Group
Caruso Mclean
Castilla Family
DDS Motor Sports
Delmonico’s Steakhouse
ECR International, Inc.
Estate Planning Law Center, David Zumpano
Michael Fanelli, DDS
First Niagara Bank
First Source Federal Credit Union
Fountainhead Group
Steven and Kristyn Greco
Richard and Kimberly Hanna Fund
Herb Philipsons
Inserra’s Flooring Outlet
Albert Mazloom
McDonald’s
Mohawk Valley Endoscopy Center
Nunn & McGrath Funeral Directors
Parkway Drugs
Paradigm Counsulting, Inc.
Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig
Spaghetti Kettle
Dr. and Mrs. Fred Talarico
Kevin Todd
UFCW
Village Florals
Vincent’s Heating and Fuel Service
ALSO:
Maria Alberico-Brindisi, Frank Basile, CPA,
Bella’s Planning Event, Birnie Bus, Café Canole,
Paul Buckley, Jennifer Dogherty,
Eannace Funeral Home, Gilroy,Kernan & Gilroy,
Dena Gorea, Melissa Howell-Patorlowski, The Click
Photography, JDesigns, LB Security, Allene LaBella,
Dale Lockwood, Matt Funeral Service, Dr. Ted Max,
Msg, Denti Foundation, Nirvana,
Dr. and Mrs. Paul Ohlbaum, Dominick Pavia,
Playin Again, PJ Green, Tino Poccia & Coriale
Flowers, Gerald Popeo, Cindy Reed, Rosa’s Italian
Bakery, Bruno Spataro & Bruno’s Biscottis’
Thank you to all who
made our Festival of
Wreaths such a success!
There were approximately 100
wreaths submitted by local businesses and individuals that the
public voted on as their favorites in
four categories. Pictured below are
the winners:
Most Original:"Spring in the Air" by
Renee Basile of the Black Cat Bar &
Grill
Best of Theme: "Syracuse University #1
" by Sue Marie Simpson
Best of Show: "Stormy Hill Camp" by
Bonnie McLean
Children’s Choice: "Whimsical Christmas" by Deanna Santino
Thank you to the 2014 Festival of
Wreaths Sponsors:
Daniele's Banquet Specialists
Kirby’s Restaurant, Carmella's Cafe,
United Auto Sales, Phaeton Motors, New
Hartford Eye Associates, Butch's Signs &
Graphics and The Grapevine Restaurant.
FE B R U A R Y 2 0 1 5
We want to express our
heartfelt appreciation to the
following individuals and
businesses who gave
monetary donations to
Abraham House of $250 or
more from September 10,
2014 through January 12,
2015. Donations less than
$250.00 and in-kind
donations can be found on
our website at
www.theabrahamhouse.org.
This will help us be more cost
effective with printing costs
so we can be a good steward
of your donations. Thank
You!
DIAMOND LEVEL DONORS
$2500 and Up
Congressman and Mrs. Richard
Hanna
Philip Langlois & Family
M&T Bank
UFCW Local One
EMERALD LEVEL DONORS
$1500-2499.00
Anne Dunn
Utica Lodge #47
PEARL LEVEL DONORS
$1000-$1499.00
Adirondack Bank
Gerard Capraro
First Niagara Bank
Newman Community
Mr. and Mrs. John Wade
St. Margaret's Corporation
GOLD LEVEL DONORS
$500-$749.00
Athari & Associates
Bank of Utica
Mary Casab
Coldwell Banker Faith Properties.
First Presbyterian Thread of Life
Thrift Store
The Fountainhead Group
McDonald's
Mohawk Valley Endoscopy
David Pierce and Janet Brown
Presbytery of Utica
Charles and Marianne Pronto
SEFA for Greater Utica
Kathleen Sinnott
1 2 0 3 K E MB LE S T . U T I C A , NE W Y O R K 1 3 5 0 1
St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Blessed
Sacrament
St. Moura Ladies Society
United Health Foundation
Joseph Visalli
SILVER LEVEL DONORS
$250-$499.00
Louis Aiello
Alee's Restaurant
Basloe, Levin and Cuccaro
Bella's Event Planning
Black River Systems Company
BP Fabrico of America Fund
Denise Brannick
Eleanor Campbell
Caruso, McLean & Co.
Castilla Family
Diane Charlsen
Cortese Family
DDS Motor Sports
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse
Dental Arts Office
Richard Drake
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gigliotti
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Greco
Edween Ham
Herb Philipsons
Inserra's Flooring Outlet
Andrew Kulawy
Christopher Lambert & Associates
Lincoln Jenny Memorials
John Lusky
Marand Builders
Matt's Funeral Service, Inc.
Dr. and Mrs. Theodore Max
Albert Mazloom
Mohawk Valley Imaging
Mohawk Valley Retina
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mondi
Dr. and Mrs. Roger Moore
New Hartford Eye Associates
Nickbern Enterprises
Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Nole
Nunn & McGrath Funeral
Directors
Richard O'Neill
Onsite Imaging, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Paradis
Paradigm Consulting, Inc.
Dominic Pavia
Anthony Picente
Douglas Prosser and Cathy Rzeszot
Fran and Ruth Pugliese
M. Rafizadeh
Eugene Romano
Rome Memorial Hospital
Joe Saba
Scala and Roefaro Funeral Home
Al and Joan Shaw
Annette Simpson
Spaghetti Kettle
Mr. and Mrs. John Syrotynski
PAGE 7
Cindy Thomas
Kevin Todd
United Way
Utica State Office Bldg.
Village Florals
Vincents Heating and Fuel
Tina Wiernusz
Thank you to all the fabulous volunteers
who make Abraham House work so well.
We need more fabulous volunteers!
Wanted: Buddies:
Do you want to be a buddy for our guests?
Buddies befriend our guests and help around
the house.
Buddies do not do personal care.
Wanted: Caregivers
Are you willing to do personal care and have 2
or 4 hours to spare a month, every 2 months or
even every 3 months. One-to-one training
provided.
Call 733-8210
Email us at:[email protected] to
receive updates and information from Abraham
House.
Abraham House is signed up with
GiveAlike program. When you go on
line for obituaries, you can make a
memorial donation to Abraham House.
Abraham House
1203 Kemble Street
Utica, NY 13501
Non-profit Org.
U.S Postage Paid
Utica, NY
Permit No. 30
Just like hummingbirds, with the magical whisper of their wings, there is something in our soul that
wants to hover at beautiful moments in our lives, making them freeze in time. There is something in us that
wants to fly backwards and savor once more the beautiful past. The hummingbird is the messenger of these
beautiful moments. We at Abraham House embrace the hummingbird for never losing faith and reminding us
of those moments we all want to savor.
Hope is the thing
with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune
without the words,
And never stops at all.”
Emily Dickinson
Printed by PJ Green, Inc. : February 2015