The Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Hills celebrated its grand reopening on Friday with a ceremony attended by elected officials, rabbis from around Queens and guests. The $16 million project took two years to complete and was funded through government loans and with the help of Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, the parent group of Margaret Tietz. “We wanted a more modernized facility,” said Mike Fassler, president and CEO of BAFHS. “The rehab center wasn’t built for today, but now it is.” As part of the renovations, the nursing center redid every room from top to bottom, which, according to Executive Director Joseph Seminaro, was quite challenging. “It was very difficult to make the improvements with residents still in the building,” Seminaro said.The common areas and dining facilities were upgraded, each room got brand new furniture and window treatments and the rehabilitation facility was completely redone. Jonathan Chung, an occupational therapist, said the changes will do so much for the quality of life at the center. “It makes the center more appealing, easier for families to visit in a more comfortable environment,” Chung said. “It makes the patients feel at home while their not at home.” The center — originally opened in 1971 to care for Holocaust survivors — is a 200-bed skilled nursing facility that provides sub-acute and long-term care. The professional staff includes board certified physicians, physical therapists, registered nurses, registered dietitians, psychologists, recreation therapists and even a doctor of holistic and Chinese medicine. During a ceremony, the elected officials in attendance were given the opportunity to speak, and every one of them had kind words about the center. “Margaret Tietz is such an important institution in the community,” said Assemblyman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows). “They are a valuable resource and a very good friend of the community.” Assemblywoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing), whose grandfather spent time at the facility, said the support he and the family received was top-notch. “The compassion was just overwhelming and touching,” Meng said. Though the center caters mostly to the Jewish community, it is open to patients of any background. Councilman Peter Koo (R-Flushing) said that the Chinese community is “really lucky to have Margaret Tietz.” Also in attendance were Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchik, Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), Assemblymen David Weprin (D-Little Neck) and Michael Simanowitz (D-Flushing) and state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone). Stavisky said that legislators are “tough people” and that when they send loved ones, especially parents, to a facility like Tietz, it must be because of the quality of care. And Grodenchik, who was representing Borough President Helen Marshall, echoed the sentiments of the others, saying that Margaret Tietz is the “gold standard for care in Queens County.” Read Article from the Queens Courier website Read Printed Article in the Queen Chronicle: Margaret Tietz Dedicates Its Refurbished Facility