Seward Ushers In The Holidays At Kaaterskill Care

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.

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