Italian Night: Fine dining at Hy-Lond home

(Garden Grove, CA) Residents at Hy-Lond Home were recently treated to an evening of fine Italian dining. The setting-black linens, centerpieces, candles and the soothing melodies of harpist Toni Destro. And they enjoyed it all without ever having to leave the comforts of home.

On Aug. 27, Executive Director Mike Dodge and his staff transformed Hy-Lond Home's large classroom into the Ristorante Hy-Lond Home.

Eight staff members donned waiter's garb to serve dinner to 18 residents and 13 family members. Dietary Manager Sostenes Serna served as Master Chef, creating a feast of chicken Alfredo, lasagna, mixed vegetables and Italian bread.

The idea for "Italian Night" grew out of Hy-Lond Home's Positive Action Thoughts (PAT) Club, which focuses on community service and internal morale and serves as a vehicle for developing relationships and improving customer service. Another goal of the PAT Club is to enhance quality of life for residents.

Victor Partch, a resident of Hy-Lond Home since 1996, had a good time at Italian Night. "Everybody treated me like I was at a fancy restaurant," said Mr. Partch. "Everyone was happy and in good spirits."

According to Mr. Dodge, "It was definitely a success. We're still getting comments. We'll definitely do it again."