Casa di Riposo «Giovan Battista Bianchi» Celebrates 80 Years and Future Plans
The council chamber was packed yesterday afternoon in Toscolano Maderno to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Casa di riposo «Giovan Battista Bianchi». President Giorgio Bombardieri reflected on the most significant moments, stating that “remembering all benefactors, big and small, would be an arduous task.” He also thanked the staff (“grown in number and improved in quality”) and the sisters of the Misericordia order from Verona.
Facilities and future projects
The retirement home has 75 beds: 31 for non-self-sufficient residents, 16 partially so, and 28 for self-sufficient residents, which are intended to be transformed. The staff currently includes 33 employees, plus three nuns (nurses). For the future, an internal reconversion is planned, along with an increase in volume, currently 11,500 cubic meters (the south and central dining and living areas will be expanded). The estimated cost is 3.3 billion euros, of which 1.5 billion euros is already financed with internal resources.
Recently, Palazzo Franceschini, located in front of the former Vetturi paper mill, was sold. A farmhouse in Gaino, with a significant piece of farmland, was also put on the market: the first auction was unsuccessful, and now negotiations are proceeding privately.
Interventions and recognitions
Mayor Paolo Elena recalled “the thousands of fellow citizens assisted with dedication, altruism, and generosity.” Gianantonio Citroni from Salò extended greetings on behalf of the president of UPIA, Renato Fabbri, who was in Milan with regional assessor Giancarlo Abelli coordinating the reorganization of retirement homes (from charitable entities to private foundations or public companies).
“We are available to review your plans,” Abelli’s absence was guaranteed via fax. Geriatrician Orazio Zanetti, chief at Fatebenefratelli and former consultant for the «Bianchi», spoke about the future prospects of a society that continues to age. Numerous telegrams of congratulations were sent, including one from Bishop Giulio Sanguineti.
Among those present were Aldo Marchi, president of the paper mill, and Franco Sanesi, general director. At the end of the ceremony, a foot procession from Palazzo Benamati to the building of the… grandparents, where a wreath was laid in front of the marble plaques honoring the great benefactors.
Ceremony and honors for employees
The chaplain, Don Mario Vesconi, read a prayer, and the band “Giuseppe Verdi” performed the silence. This was followed by awards to employees with at least ten years of service.
