GOSHEN, N.Y. (August 18, 2015) — Glen Arden waiter and New Hampton resident Vincenzo Delle Donne was recently honored as one of LeadingAge New York’s Employee of Distinction.
The award recognized Delle Donne for his extraordinary dedication to residents of Glen Arden, Elant’s Continuing Care Retirement Community.
Delle Donne is one of two awardees representing the Hudson Valley region. Honorees must be direct or indirect service staff, not a part of upper management.
“It has been great working with all of you,” Delle Donne said as he accepted certificates, proclamations and a small check from Patrick Cucinelli, LeadingAge New York’s vice president for financial policy. “I hope to continue to be doing this same work for quite a few years to come.”
Founded in 1961, LeadingAge New York, formerly the New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA), represents not-for-profit, mission-driven and public continuing care providers, including nursing homes, senior housing, adult care facilities, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living and community service providers.
Delle Donne, a professional waiter who trained in large European hotels and catering facilities before coming to the United States, worked locally at a high end area restaurant before joining Glen Arden.
As part of the nomination form, Maureen Torelli, the vice president and executive director of Glen Arden wrote: “From the start, he was a ‘hit,’ with the residents–his refined way of handling utensils, glasses and plates, his discreet way of serving and busing the table. Vincenzo remembers residents’ likes and dislikes, even months later when a resident who has required a nursing home stay has a chance to return to the dining room.”
Letters of support for Delle Donne’s award also came from Glen Arden’s Culinary Committee and the Rotary Club of Goshen.
“We are so fortunate to have Vincenzo in our dining room,” said Committee Chair Jody Tournoux, in her letter. “Vincenzo is a master with food. He can make the simplest items look so delicious and appetizing you can’t help eating them.”
Former president Buzz Zingaro called his service similar to what’s provided on a cruise.
“Vincenzo quickly learns individual members’ wants and needs,” Zingaro’s letter said. “Vincenzo is discreet as he buses tables during a meeting and is extremely professional in all of his interactions.”
ABOUT ELANT
Glen Arden is part of Elant, a comprehensive health care system that serves the needs of more than 3,500 individuals throughout the Hudson Valley region. The organization includes six campuses and employs more than 1,200 dedicated individuals. Elant provides a full continuum of care, including Sub-Acute Care and Rehabilitation Services, Skilled Nursing Care, Assisted Living, Adult Day Care, Retirement Community Living, Home Health Care and a Managed Long Term Care Plan. To learn more, call 800-501-3936.
Maureen Torelli, left, vice president and executive director of Glen Arden; Doug Fazzino, Goshen Rotary president ; Vincenzo Delle Donne; Patrick Cucinelli, LeadingAge New York’s vice president for financial policy; Robert Barber, Glen Arden director of dining services; and Jody Tournoux, Chair Glen Arden Culinary Committee, celebrate Delle Donne’s recognition during a recent party to honor him.