Carriage Inn team members Demetris Alexander and Tony Conde were welcomed with an unexpected pop of confetti to a celebration honoring their 20 years of service to the Katy senior living community, Friday, May 10. The two longtime employees were recognized for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to Carriage Inn residents and presented with awards to mark the special milestone. The event was a surprise to all, except Carriage Inn directors.
Executive Director, Tony Rivas, expressed thanks and appreciation for the employees’ contributions to the Carriage Inn team over the past 20 years. “Let us not only honor their hard work and commitment, but also express our deepest gratitude for the love and kindness they have shown us. We wish you all the best in the years to come.”
Demetris Alexander, who started at the community as a part-time cook while working for another company, now works as the Sous Chef for the Carriage Inn dining services team. She is well-known for the way she warmly welcomes prospective and current residents to the dining room, and is affectionately referred to as “Mama D.” She credits her own mother for her cooking experience and inspiration and incorporates family recipes into her cuisine daily.
Resident, Carolyn Kitzman shared gratitude for Alexander’s many years. “Mama D., I am thankful for the 20 years I’ve known you and the way you took care of my mama and now, me.”
Tony Conde has worked as a driver at Carriage Inn for the entirety of his career, providing consistent, exemplary door-to-door service with the community’s once-upon-a-time-white limousine, town car, and shuttle bus. His level of familiarity with town landmarks, medical offices, and shopping centers within a 15-mile radius of Carriage Inn is unmatched. Conde provides transportation to countless resident outings, with the annual bluebonnet trip always a resident favorite. Staff comment on the way Conde treats residents with the same respect and dignity he shows his own mother, who is 101 years old.
Conde thanked the team for the celebration. “It’s been my pleasure to serve the residents of Carriage Inn,” he said.
Members of the community enjoyed a reception with light refreshments, a congratulatory cake, and live entertainment with Larry and Kay to honor the team members.
Resident Jeannine Kinney was happy to attend. “Both Demetris and Tony do their jobs very well. We are lucky to have them.”
Carriage Inn Katy offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options for older adults to live life to the fullest in a manner that best suits their interests and desires. The community is located at 1400 Katy-Flewellen Road, Katy, TX. For more information about senior living options and life at Carriage Inn Katy, visit us at www.cardinalbay.org or contact Tony Rivas at 281-392-2800 or trivas@cardinalbay.org. Locally owned, Carriage Inn is a Cardinal Bay community managed by The Long Hill Company, a subsidiary of United Methodist Homes, a non-profit senior living provider organization with a 150-year history of caring.
Photo 1: Amanda Garrison (Director of Dining), Demetris Alexander (Carriage Inn Sous Chef), Tony Rivas (Carriage Inn Executive Director), and Tony Conde (Carriage Inn driver).
Photo 3: Residents and staff at Carriage Inn gather to recognize team members, Tony Conde and Demetris Alexander (front and center, left to right) for 20 years of service to the Katy senior living community.
Photo 4: Executive Director, Tony Rivas shares words of thanks for the team members (bottom right)