A Gift of Appreciation

February 16, 2018

On February 7, 2018 McCullough Hall Nursing Center (MHNC) celebrated the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the newly expanded Solarium and renovation of showers. Superior General, Sister Pearl Ceasar, addressed the MHNC Board members, donors, administration / staff, residents, Sisters and family and friends present and shared the history of the expansion and thanked those responsible for bringing this eleven month project to fruition. Gratitude was expressed to our Sisters and residents of MHNC for their patience and tolerance during this very inconvenient and loud process. The residents and the care staff had literally to go many “extra miles” since the route to enter and exit from MHNC was extended during the construction of these projects.

This project is considered more than an expansion of brick and mortar. It is an appreciation to the residents for their years of service to the People of God. The Sisters of Divine Providence living in MHNC have served 2,430 years. If the years of service of all residents were included, the number would exceed 3,000 years! Indeed a reason to celebrate and accommodate.

The MHNC Solarium is now more than twice its previous size, has a mini-kitchen and a private parlor where the MHNC residents can comfortably and privately visit with their family and friends. The showers have been fully updated. A large porte-cochére, visible from 24^th Street, is ambulance accessible and allows for coverage from the elements when leaving or returning to MHNC.

The Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP) also invested in solar panels. This addition to the building project attests to the CDP’s commitment to protect and help the environment and Mother Earth by relying on the sun rather than fossil fuel. Sister Pearl and the Sisters of Divine Providence are very grateful to their donors who have already contributed to this renovation and expansion. The opportunity to contribute is still available. Those interested may contact Mary Anne Votion, Director of Mission Support: 210-587-1121 / mvotion@cdptexas.org or contribute online.

Director of Mission Support, Mary Anne Votion and Superior General, Sister Pearl Ceasar await the countdown to cut the ribbon at the northend entrance into the MHNC Solarium. Those close by are (L-R) Associate Yolande Farris, General Councilor Sister Anita Brenek) MCDP Superior Sister Esther Guerrero and Sisters Annalee Prather and Theresa Gossen,

Director of Mission Support, Mary Anne Votion and Superior General, Sister Pearl Ceasar cut the ribbon. Those close by are (L-R) Associate Yolande Farris, General Councilor Sister Anita Brenek) MCDP Superior Sister Esther Guerrero and Sisters Annalee Prather and Theresa Gossen,

Director of Mission Support, Mary Anne Votion and Superior General, Sister Pearl Ceasar have cut the ribbon and are ready to start the festivities along with (L-R) Associate Yolande Farris, General Councilor Sister Anita Brenek) MCDP Superior Sister Esther Guerrero and Sisters Annalee Prather and Theresa Gossen,

Members of Convent Coordinating Team (standing L-R) Sisters Ramona Bezner, Madeleine Zimmerer, and Mrs. Trichia Stoddard Ramirez and guests go through the southend entrance into the Solarium with (front, L-R) Sister Frances Lorene Lange and MHNC Administrator Jessica Stemmerding.

Sister Thadine Hyzak leads the opening prayer for the MHNC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; assisted by General Councilor, Sister Mary Bordelon.

Former Superior General, Sister Ann Petrus, who initiated this project, blesses the expanded and renovated McCullough Hall Solarium.

Brand new parlor that provides privacy for personal visits. Picture courtesy of RVK Architects

Even, low maintenance flooring and new furniture enhance the dining room of the Solarium. Picture courtesy of RVK Architects

Expanded mini-kitchen facilitates serving of meals and snacks for MHNC residents. Picture courtesy of RVK Architects

Expanded mini kitchen with wide entry. Picture courtesy of RVK Architects

Renovated showers. Picture courtesy of RVK Architects

Renovated and reconfigured full bath. Picture courtesy of RVK Architects

New tile and fixtures add beauty to the expanded, private showers. Picture courtesy of RVK Architects