The crowd of well-wishers, which included Councilwoman Mary Ann Krause and City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz, toured the facility - decorated with paintings by Santa Paula Society of the Arts’ Cynthia Davis, Chris Lemon and Pam Shelley - and courtyard of the club, now ready to serve clients three days a week.Standouts in the effort to create the Club include Pastor Lupita Alonso and her congregation, Hospice Director Elaine Hunt, grant writer Kerry Roberts and Catherine Lee, who “took us through the very difficult time of licensing,” noted Smith. “If Cathy was here she would say the Club is giving something back by making people’s lives more meaningful.”“It’s been a long time coming,” noted Supervisor Long. “History will remember how we treat our children and elderly. You can tell that here,” nurturing the elderly is a top priority. “It’s been such a labor of love... thank you for providing activities in a safe, supportive and cheerful environment.”“For our church this is not just a program but a ministry,” and a fine example of El Buen Pastor Methodist Church’s commitment to community, said Pastor Alonso. “Many programs have been born at this church... we know that lives will be touched by this program.”The City Council provided a Community Development Block Grant to help with the reconstruction, noted Mayor Rick Cook, and “You can look around the room and see who was involved. Hospice helped my family and we have been a long time awaiting this program.”El Buen Pastor Methodist Church is located at 1029 E. Santa Paula Street.For more information about the Club, its programs and fee schedules, call 525-5808.
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Carl Barringer (center) cuts the ceremonial ribbon opening the Santa Clara Valley’s Adult Day program. Pictured above are board members from the Santa Clara Valley Hospice, Catherine Lee, Executive Director, River Valley Club, County Supervisor Kathy Long, Mayor Rick Cook, Councilmember Mary Ann Krause, and Pastor Lupita Alonso, El Buen United Methodist Church. Photo by Don Johnson |
“The River Valley Club” Adult Day program
September 01, 2006
Strong show of support at Wednesday grand opening
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesThe opening of the River Valley Club (RVC) was celebrated Wednesday with a strong show of support for its mission to provide stimulating and enjoyable programs in an environment of safety and caring for special need seniors and dependent adults.The Club will also benefit families and caregivers with respite, noted Hospice/Home Support Group of Santa Clara Valley Vice President Paul Smith.The River Valley Club - the only one of its kind in the area - will serve residents of the Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, Bardsdale and Saticoy communities.“Little did I expect and believe that Cathy Barringer,” the Hospice President who spearheaded the program, “would not be here...” as she is recovering from a serious illness.Carl Barringer said his wife is well on the road to recovery, and his remarks reflected greatly what Cathy would have said if she had been able to attend: “This is a cumulation of a lot of people’s work... thank you.”“Through Cathy’s devotion, inspiration and leadership,” as well as talent for picking hardworking board directors, Cathy deserves much credit, noted Smith.“I’m very, very excited to see such a great turnout,” said RVC Executive Director Catherine Lee, who welcomed visitors to the facility located at El Buen Pastor Church on East Santa Paula Street. “We have a new ramp,” remodeled restrooms, a private medication and quiet room.“Games are available, and each morning we start the program with current events” before moving on to puzzles, a nice lunch and afternoon activities. “It’s a wonderful, comfortable place” that benefits both clients and their caregivers.
