Community News

     Glasses were raised and the chocolate fountain flowed Valentine's Day in the cozy dining room at Morningstar Residential Care Center.

     Sharon Kirk, director of activities at Morningstar, toasted the residents and family members who came together to celebrate and share the love of this special day.
     "Today being Valentines Day, I would like to toast our couples here today along with everyone else. Here's to love, health and happiness."
     Kirk pointed out that Morningstar, a 120-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, boasts no less than four married couples, both short-term and long-term, which includes Eleanor "Lee" and Charles "Buck" Lloyd, David and Norma Kiernan, Laverne "Jerry" and Doris Stevens, and David and Jean LaClair.
     The Lloyds are celebrating their 18th Valentine's Day together. Lee said she came to Morningstar a little over two months ago.
     "I needed rehabilitation after I had orthopedic surgery for a total knee replacement," said Lee.
     Her husband joined her Dec. 6 after he was told he needed some physical therapy. As a result, they were able to spend the Christmas holiday together.
     "He was my favorite Christmas present," Lee said, smiling at her husband.
     The Lloyds, who hail from the 1,000 Islands region, said they actually met over the telephone during a sales call. Both were so intrigued by each other's voice that they continued to talk months before they actually met.
     Lee said they were showed numerous pamphlets and brochures from facilities all around New York state for her rehab. She said they chose Morningstar because the attractive and intimate atmosphere appealed to them while at the same time providing the health care they both needed.
     "It is very meaningful that we can be together," Buck said, lovingly rubbing his wife's hand. "It is so comfortable and homey here, and the atmosphere and the staff here make it easier for us to be separated from our normal lodging."
      The only thing missing, they said, is their dog.
     "But there is a nice American Eskimo dog who comes to Morningstar," Lee said. "So, I look forward to those visits."
     Morningstar is family owned and operated and Joseph Murabito is the owner/operator and administrator. He said its mission is to provide people in the community with good health care, customer service and support to overcome or adapt to their physical and cognitive limitations so as to achieve their individual best quality of life.
     "We are progressive with the technology necessary to run an efficient facility and we are progressive with our services," Murabito said. "But at the same time, we are trying to keep the atmosphere intimate, warm and friendly with a family type of feel to it."
     The LaClairs, who came to Morningstar two months ago as permanent residents, have been married 54 years. Confined to wheelchairs, the couple said their family took care of them as long as possible so they could stay in their home.
     "But there came a point when we all knew we needed a little more help," Jean admitted. She said her daughter suggested Morningstar, assuring her parents they would love the atmosphere and the attention they would receive.
     "And she was right," Jean said. "They are all so good to us here."
     According the the LaClairs, the best thing is being able to be together while still enjoying all the comforts of home as well as their favorite activities.
     "I like to just lay back and relax while Jean is always on the go, playing bingo, bowling or whatever activity is going on here," David said. "We both do what we want to do and we're still together 95 percent of the time."
     The LaClairs chose to enjoy their 54th Valentine's Day together at the facility's party, Jean bedecked with a whimsical Valentine's Day headband while David sported suspenders adorned with hearts, both gifts from their children.
     The Lloyds said their lives have remained busy since moving to Morningstar.
     Their family, which consists of eight great-grandchildren with another on the way, visits them often, and takes them out for lunch and shopping. Morningstar is planning a bowling outing at the Lighthouse Lanes in February and both LaClairs plan to go.
     "Because we are both in wheelchairs, we find Morningstar has allowed our lives to become even more full," David pointed out.
     Jean agreed.
     "He always said he would never go into a nursing home unless I went with him," she said. "We started our lives in the community and now we can continue our lives together and still be able to be part of the community."