Senior LifeStyle with Eileen O’Brien

By Eileen O’Brien

NEWS FLASH:  Rockland Psychiatric Center (Opened: January, 1931) and Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center  (Opened: August, 1970) are alive, well and continuing in their long established tradition of treating adults and children suffering from mental illness. Yes, I have heard the tales of these two life changing facilities being closed, but I’m here to tell you that the staff continues to treat, support and provide continued guidance to the patients under their care in both their inpatient and outpatient facilities. Now in the interest of full disclosure, after 37 years of working in a number of Office of Mental Health Facilities, I had the good fortune of being employed for my last seven years, prior to retirement, at the Rockland Psychiatric Center (RPC). Since my first day of employment by NYS in 1972, I have had an “in the trenches” view of a number of OMH Psychiatric Centers from Brooklyn to Staten Island to Ossining to Orangeburg.  Yet despite the historical ups and downs RPC and RCPC had been through, I found a positive energy and an exhilarating potential upon my arrival in 2000. In my initial exploration of the campus, I discovered the RPC Employee Memorial Garden, dedicated “In Loving Memory of Our Dedicated Staff” (November, 1998). During my days at RPC, I made many friends and lost way too many colleagues who had become like family. Think about it, during your employment years and certain periods of time, especially in a hospital setting, you often spend more time with the patients and the folks you work with than your own family!

So it was with this thought in mind and tissues at the ready, that I once again attended on September 17, 2026 a program of remembrance for the 18 most recently deceased  staff members  being memorialized joining the 111 previously departed team members at this sacred corner of the campus. Family, friends, colleagues, and patients, standing over 150 strong, stood together remembering Wilbur, Tammy, Aisha, Cathy Mat Angela, Kaner, Junia, Debbie, Henry, Cate, Halestine, Keith, Verbatine, George Margaret, Clara, Jose with poetry, personal memories, funny stories and song. As each plaque was unveiled, there was a favorite quote or thought mentioned by family and friends that was important to the particular individual being remembered. Visiting and focusing on the unique plaques at this vibrant memorial reminded the visitor of the talents and contributions that NYS employees have made both locally and on this 25th Anniversary of the tragic 911 Attacks on our nation which was simply stated on a Memorial Garden plaque… “In Memory – State and Public Employees For Their Heroic Efforts and Sacrifice On September 11th, 2001” (Dedicated June 4th 2002). For each person attending this loving tribute, there were also those past names on plaques of folks whose efforts represented voices of reason under pressure, reliability, kindness, teamwork.  For me personally, it was Benny, Al, Henry, Mary, John, Cleveland, Linda, Teri, Sharon, Hermine, Albert, Patricia, Ariel, Nauman… Across all disciplines and departments, contributing to patient healing. For all the departed RPC and RCPC Employees, may the work you’ve done and life you led speak for you…and to those of us who follow in your footsteps.

In the August Rockland County Times “Senior Lifestyle” first anniversary column, I shared that I would in our second year together, scout out and recognize folks, young and old who, in their own quiet efforts, help others. So drum roll, please!

This month, the young folks are taking center stage! Now we all know about the initiative of “Taking Your Children To Work Day” that has grown popular over the last several years. Well,  at the recent Clarkstown Senior Picnic in August, the seniors who attended this event were expertly served a delicious lunch by Anthony and Ella, whose Dad, I am told, is Matt Veronesi, Clarkstown Parks and Recreation Director. Talk about giving the kids on the job training and the opportunity to meet and greet senior members of the Clarkstown community who love to eat! Welcoming and helpful are the two words that come to mind to describe these two youngsters. Job well done!

Now on to Orangetown… Can you remember the last time you saw a lemonade stand selling liquid refreshments and cookies too? Driving through Blauvelt recently on a very hot summer Sunday, I decided to check out this mirage. Would the proceeds of this endeavor be used for a family trip, a day at the mall, a mani/pedi, or maybe expensive sneakers? No silly, the money earned from this day would go towards programs at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital! The energy, kindness and dedication I witnessed took my breath away.  So it was time to ask “The Moms” –  Lindsey and Kate, who were supervising this wonderful learning experience, if I could ask the kids to give me their first names so I could print their names in the newspaper, hopefully for their grandparents to read! So a well deserved shout out goes to: Ady, Savannah, Ava,  Emma, and James for a job well done! As the old saying goes: Sometimes the smallest things take up the biggest room in your heart!

Now on to October… The month of political debates, early voting, fall festivals, Orangetown Museum Brunch (10/4), National First Responder Appreciation Day (10/28) and Halloween!  All  aboard… Get ready for the ride!