Katharine Fallon Named Long Island Employee of Distinction, NY

S. Setauket, NY…November 11, 2021… Katharine Fallon, Life Enrichment Program Manager at Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community in South Setauket, was recently recognized for the high quality of her work by the New York Chapter of LeadingAge New York. Fallon was awarded its prestigious Employee of Distinction Award for Long Island. LeadingAge is the professional organization of the senior service industry. An awards ceremony was held at Jefferson’s Ferry in Fallon’s honor Wednesday, October 27.

The Employee of Distinction Award recognizes the extraordinary dedication of staff members who are not upper management. Honorees are selected based on how their actions have positively affected the quality of life of residents, or has significantly improved a service or program and demonstrated a strong commitment to their workplace. This most recent award was based in large part of the contributions the employee made in the daily lives of residents during Covid.

“Kathy Fallon has been an exemplary employee from her first day on the job, and the work that she’s done over the last 18 months has not only been phenomenal—it’s been indispensable to the wellbeing of our residents,” explained Jefferson’s Ferry President and CEO Bob Caulfield.

“Most importantly,” Caulfield continued, “Kathy has been instrumental in maintaining two of the most important aspects of life at Jefferson’s Ferry-- resident engagement and socialization. In large part because of Kathy’s efforts, we maintained and even added programs that kept residents physically fit, connected, and eagerly looking forward to what each day had to offer in spite of Covid-related restrictions. She got people outside, moving, and involved and socializing with neighbors and staff in spite of and in accordance with the required health and safety measures.”

“Kathy's creativity and can-do spirit was a lifeline for the residents' well-being during a time when socialization was minimal,” added Vice President of Resident Life Linda Kolakowski. “Kathy put together outstanding programming that was provided via our in-house television channel. The programming was well- rounded, diverse, relevant, and current while focusing on mind, body, spirit, cultural and education.”

Fallon’s community activities are many and diverse. She serves on the Executive Board as Recording Secretary for the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, and launched its Young Professionals group. She is also chair of the organization’s networking and nonprofit committees. She also serves as vice president of the Patchogue-Medford Youth & Community Services board. Fallon’s many service awards include Member of the Year 2019, Brookhaven Chambers of Commerce Coalition; Woman of the Year 2019, The Long Island Advance; and Top 50 Women in Business, 2020, Long Island Business News.

About Jefferson’s Ferry www.jeffersonsferry.org

Jefferson’s Ferry is a nonprofit Life Plan community for active adults aged 62 and above, with Independent Living cottages and apartments, assisted living apartments, and a quality health care center all on one site. A multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation project, “The Journey Toward Renewal,” is currently under construction. Part of a larger strategic initiative launched in 2018 to create a life-enriching environment for all new and current residents at every stage of their life, Journey Toward Renewal will add 60 one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments, expand the Healthy Living Center, Fitness Center, and its state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Therapy Center. Expanded dining options are also planned. A new Memory Care building will provide a high quality of life and care for people diagnosed and living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Common areas in Assisted Living and the Health Care Center will be renovated.

Jefferson’s Ferry offers exceptional living and amenities, including indoor pool, computer center, library, recreational areas, gardens, and gazebos. A mix of cultural excursions, civic activities, and a community of residents who help shape Jefferson’s Ferry’s future ensures a spirited and engaged lifestyle.

The Vincent Bove Health Center at Jefferson’s Ferry enjoys a 5-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and was named a “Best Of” nursing home by U.S. News & World Report. Jefferson’s Ferry earned the industrywide Community Choice Award for resident satisfaction and engagement and Pinnacle Quality Insight’s Customer Experience Award for 2019, 2020 and 2021. FitchRatings has assigned Jefferson’s Ferry a BBB bond rating. Jefferson’s Ferry has consistently been voted Best Retirement Community and Best Assisted Living on Long Island by The Long Island Press and has been recognized for Excellence by the Hauppauge Industrial Association’s Business Achievement Awards program.

For more information visit www.jeffersonsferry.org