May 6 was a memorable day at Noble Horizons! In the midst of celebrating National Nurses Day, we were awarded our 7th consecutive CMS 5-star rating, earning particularly high scores for the time our Registered Nurses dedicate to each resident on a daily basis.
The perfect score makes Noble Horizons one of only a select few in Eastern New York, Western Massachusetts, or Western Connecticut to be awarded 5-stars, and one of even fewer who has managed to retain the designation for over the past year.
Administrator Bill Pond stressed the significance of the Noble team's achievement amidst the greatest health crisis we have ever faced. "There are over 200 nursing homes in Connecticut," he pointed out, "and nearly as many Assisted Living programs. There are dozens of Life Care aggregate communities throughout the state. All of these aforementioned healthcare settings were victims to the Coronavirus and many suffered terrible consequences.
"Noble Horizons had zero cases of COVID in its nursing home and zero cases of COVID in its Assisted Living program. There were only two other nursing homes in Connecticut that did not get the virus. I am humbled by the achievements of the Noble team."
North Korea's Latest Threat
Reports of North Korea's accelerating warnings to the United States have appeared in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal in recent weeks. On May 1 it warned the United States of “a very grave situation” if it maintains its “hostile policy” toward Pyongyang and Kim Jong Un has vowed to continue building an arsenal that has the potential to hit anywhere in the U.S.
Learn more about this enigmatic country on May 10 at 7 pm, with Jonathan Corrado, Director of Policy at The Korea Society. He will explain the changing nature of North Korea, how its citizens navigate life amidst the world's lowest-ranked economy, extreme isolation, and a repressive central government that is escalating its production of nuclear missiles and weapons of mass destruction. Registration and Zoom link.
Can You Name The Country's Most Trusted Profession?
The Gallup Poll reported that for the 19th consecutive year, Americans rated nurses the most trusted professionals in the country. Americans cited their honesty and high ethical standards, expressing respect and gratitude for the sacrifices they have made to save countless lives during the pandemic.
In honor of Noble nurses, Bill Pond delivered the following tribute:
"Today is symbolic of what separates us from any other health care setting: our nurses. Noble Horizons is blessed to have the greatest Nurses on earth. We have gone through the toughest of times and have done so very successfully because of your selfless, courageous efforts against COVID-19, your expertise, judgment, empathy and especially your insightful and timely decisions. In crisis or calm, you put your residents first. You are in a class of your own."
The Merry Month of May
Against the backdrop of a typically fickle New England spring, we have embraced the new season. Despite the rain, we forged ahead with our first spring barbeque, relishing the freshly grilled hot dogs and delicious chocolate ice cream bars. Days later we celebrated International Dance Day with an impromptu dance party throughout Noble and we donned colorful sombreros and savored frosty margaritas to commemorate Cinco de Mayo. Of course, we are feting mothers today and to all mothers reading this newsletter, we wish you a very Happy Mother's Day!
James Mars: The Movie Premiere
On April 1, Noble Horizons hosted Salisbury School teacher Rhonan Mokriski and his students who shared the remarkable story of James Mars, an enslaved Norfolk resident owned by the town's minister and later sold away from his parents. They successfully petitioned Governor Lamont to proclaim an official James Mars Day which he did on May 1 with the following decree, “James Mars overcame a lifetime of adversity with humility and selflessness to become one of the state’s public abolitionists.”
Their work has become part of the Witness Stones Project, which seeks to restore the history and to honor the humanity and contributions of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities." Noble Horizons is honored to host the premiere of the documentary chronicling the story of James Mars and other CT slaves whose stories, long hidden from history, will be shared in this screening on May 26 at 7 pm. Please register here.
We're Opening with Michael Brown!
There are many reasons to look forward to summer, and you can add to your list the opportunity to enjoy an evening of song and music with the incomparable Michael Brown! Please mark your calendar for July 11 when Michael will perform an exhilarating sunset performance on the beautiful Noble grounds adjacent to the fountain and ponds. We can't think of a better way to welcome you back! Please stay tuned for more details.
Stay Healthy with Noble’s Free Weekly Programs and Save New Dates
Noble Horizons weekly balance class, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 am
Therapeutic Movement Classes, Suzanne Mazzarelli, Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am
Chair Yoga, Eleanor Miller of Yoga at Space, Fridays, 11 am-noon
The Premiere of James Mars:The Movie, May 27, 7 pm
Connecticut's Wily Coyote: June 12, 11 am
Michael Brown Performs an Outdoor Concert, July 11, 7 pm
