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RateKaaterskill Care lights annual Christmas tree
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| Local dignitaries and the families of residents at Kaaterskill Care Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center attended the 17th annual Christmas tree lighting service on Thursday afternoon. From left: Vice President of Geriatric Services Todd Zbytniewski, State Senator James Seward, resident Birdie Goff, Activties Director Susan Meyers, and state Assemblyman Peter Lopez. Colin DeVries/Hudson-Catskill Newspapers |
By Colin DeVries
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
The 17th annual tree lighting ceremony at Kaaterskill Care Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation brought friends, family and local dignitaries together to share in the holiday spirit.
“As we prepare ourselves for the holidays, whether it be making cookies, shopping for gifts or getting the house ready for a loved one to return home, we do it with the joy of knowing we will be with family and friends,” said Todd Zbytniewski, vice president of geriatric services at Kaaterskill Care, during the ceremony. “It is that same spirit that brings us together today.”
The year’s event featured a tree decorated with 97 wood-carved mittens, each with the name of a nursing center resident.
Resident Birdie Goff, 88, was selected to throw the switch on the tree, joining 17 others who have had the honor of lighting the Christmas tree on the center’s outdoor patio.
Legislators State Senator James Seward, R-Oneonta, and state Assemblyman Peter Lopez, R-Schoharie, were also on hand to greet the intimate crowd of 20 to 25, most of which were friends and family of the nursing center’s residents.
“This is an enormous and wondrous occasion,” said Harold Vadne, minister of pastoral services, reflecting on the meaning of the holiday season and the importance of remembering lost loved ones during this special time of year. “This season is also about remembrance… and all about giving and receiving things of the spirit rather than amassing stuff.”
The tree lighting event also served as a fundraiser for Kaaterskill Care’s activities fund. Letters were sent to friends and families requesting $5 donations for each light on the tree, which shimmer to remember or honor loved ones. According to Regina Dobler, director of nursing, there are about 1,000 lights on this year’s tree.
Funds raised from the event will go toward expanding activity programs and providing surplus cash to needy residents toward hair cuts, clothing, going out to dinner on the bus and other things.
According to Susan Meyers, activities coordinator, funds were initially raised to support the massage therapy program but the drive has become so successful that funds could be allocated to other programs.
The holiday scene on the patio was designed and built by Susan Ormerod. It was her second year installing the faux outdoor fireplace, wood-carved silhouettes depicting a family warming by the fire, green and lush pine decorations and the bright and beautiful tree.
Other events planned for the holidays at Kaaterskill Care include a visit from Santa Claus, a holiday party and spontaneous, welcome visits from area carolers.
To reach reporter Colin DeVries please call 518-943-2100 ext. 3325 or e-mail cdevries@thedailymail.net.
“As we prepare ourselves for the holidays, whether it be making cookies, shopping for gifts or getting the house ready for a loved one to return home, we do it with the joy of knowing we will be with family and friends,” said Todd Zbytniewski, vice president of geriatric services at Kaaterskill Care, during the ceremony. “It is that same spirit that brings us together today.”
The year’s event featured a tree decorated with 97 wood-carved mittens, each with the name of a nursing center resident.
Resident Birdie Goff, 88, was selected to throw the switch on the tree, joining 17 others who have had the honor of lighting the Christmas tree on the center’s outdoor patio.
Legislators State Senator James Seward, R-Oneonta, and state Assemblyman Peter Lopez, R-Schoharie, were also on hand to greet the intimate crowd of 20 to 25, most of which were friends and family of the nursing center’s residents.
“This is an enormous and wondrous occasion,” said Harold Vadne, minister of pastoral services, reflecting on the meaning of the holiday season and the importance of remembering lost loved ones during this special time of year. “This season is also about remembrance… and all about giving and receiving things of the spirit rather than amassing stuff.”
The tree lighting event also served as a fundraiser for Kaaterskill Care’s activities fund. Letters were sent to friends and families requesting $5 donations for each light on the tree, which shimmer to remember or honor loved ones. According to Regina Dobler, director of nursing, there are about 1,000 lights on this year’s tree.
Funds raised from the event will go toward expanding activity programs and providing surplus cash to needy residents toward hair cuts, clothing, going out to dinner on the bus and other things.
According to Susan Meyers, activities coordinator, funds were initially raised to support the massage therapy program but the drive has become so successful that funds could be allocated to other programs.
The holiday scene on the patio was designed and built by Susan Ormerod. It was her second year installing the faux outdoor fireplace, wood-carved silhouettes depicting a family warming by the fire, green and lush pine decorations and the bright and beautiful tree.
Other events planned for the holidays at Kaaterskill Care include a visit from Santa Claus, a holiday party and spontaneous, welcome visits from area carolers.
To reach reporter Colin DeVries please call 518-943-2100 ext. 3325 or e-mail cdevries@thedailymail.net.
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