Here in northern New Jersey we are experiencing the groundhog’s prediction of “6 more weeks of winter.” Outside everything is drab, brown and damp with patches of lingering snow. But inside St. Joseph’s Home things couldn’t be more different. The winter blues are being chased away with bursts of color, music, great food and lots of fun.
Everyone came out in brilliant reds and black to ring in Chinese New Year 2018 – the Year of The Dog. Our dear friends Lily and Duffy Shue, have made this an annual event, treating our Residents to a wonderful party. Lily provides all of the Asian vegetables and noodles, and has taught our kitchen staff how to cook authentic Chinese dishes, with one exception, with the help of friends, she makes hundreds of her delicious dumplings at home. This year Mother Provincial Marie Monica was here to celebrate along with the Little Sisters from Flemington. Some of our Auxiliary members were on hand to volunteer serving the Residents and later on, dancing with them to the music of DJ Johnny Diaz. We are so grateful to Lily and Duffy as well as to all of those who pitched in to give our Residents a real treat and chase the winter blues away!
And Speaking of Colors……
Laissez Les Bon Temp Rouler! Let The Good Times Roll!
Mardi Gras arrived in Totowa with the traditional vibrant colors of bright purples, greens and gold. What could be more enjoyable than jazz music and a grand Mardi Gras parade? Happy and Fran Meltzer were chosen King and Queen and experienced their very first Mardi Gras in style. Staff members joined in on the fun, dressing in costumes and entertaining the Residents. This year Valentine’s Day was also celebrated, so red and pink hearts were seen too. In that spirit, the lovely Yolanda was dressed as a living Valentine, dancing to the beat of New Orleans jazz. The Residents were resplendent in Mardi Gras colors as they enjoyed traditional Louisiana cuisine. With these two events and preparing two very different styles of food, the kitchen staff really outdid themselves and should be commended for a job well done! Laissez Les Bon Temp Rouler! Let The Good Times Roll!
Now we await the glorious greens of St. Patrick’s Day!
The 2018 Celebrations Begin: Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras