Breakfast at Belmont

Hearts pounding, the Sisters became more and more anxious as the seconds passed before the gates opened. The bell rang, the gates flew open and the Sisters burst through in a race to their residents.

Breakfast at Belmont was the talk of our home on Thursday June 2nd . Residents gathered together in the front lobby at 7:00am to go to see the famous Belmont Racetrack located a convenient five minutes away. After loading the Residents onto the bus, we were surprised to hear that the battery was dead. However, our trusty maintenance men quickly gave it a jumpstart and we were soon on the road.

After arriving at Belmont, we walked down by the racetrack to see if we could glimpse a horse or two. It was not a racing day but many horses were out practicing for their chance to win. Residents waved as a jockey raced by on a beautiful stallion. To the delight of many, he waved back and smiled.

It was a bit of a blustery day so we decided that it was a good time to head inside and get some breakfast. The Little Sisters brought Dunkin Doughnuts. Residents had their choice of bagels, muffins and of course many flavors of frosting covered doughnuts. Following breakfast, we were taken to a sitting area where a man gave us a presentation on the training and equipment of the horses and the jockeys that ride them. Many items were passed around including horse teeth enclosed in a glass case! After the presentation many Residents wanted to try on the jockey equipment. Pictures were taken amidst the laughter from onlookers as the sisters posed with Residents and volunteers.

The Queen of Peace Residents gather together for a group photo in front of the starting gates at Belmont Race Track, as the morning came to a close.

The last portion of our Belmont outing included a trolley trip around the grounds. We held on tight as the trolley rolled over the dusty roads, passing by the many barns where the horses are stabled. We were even able to see one horse being washed off with a hose, a great treat on such a hot day! When we returned from the ride, the Sisters saw that nearby there was a starting gate which serves to hold the horses in before the race begins. The Residents lined up inside individual compartments preparing to race out. “3…2…1” yelled the attendant “and they’re off!” In imitation of the horses, the Residents ran out as fast as they could. Laughter filled the air as the residents encouraged one another in their running efforts. Next, all of the Sisters present were called to line up in the starting gate. Bets were made on who would be the fastest. As the gates opened they raced out with Sister Regina in the lead and Sister Rose holding up the rear. The Residents smiled when they saw their Little Sisters running toward them, meeting them with hugs and laughter. All in all it was a beautiful morning which will surely be etched in the memories of all who were present. ~Written by Jamie Charest, Volunteer, June 5th 2011