Senator Hinchey’s Office Delivers Over 4,000 Valentines to Area Nursing Homes as Part of Second Annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive

February 14, 2022

ALBANY, NY – State Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-46) and members of her Constituent Services Team visited area nursing homes and long-term care facilities in Albany, Greene, Montgomery, and Ulster counties to deliver Valentine’s Day cards created by students and community members in the 46th Senate District as part of the Senator’s second annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive.

More than 4,000 valentines have been delivered to 15 nursing facilities just in time for Valentine’s Day thanks to contributions from 14 participating school districts and hundreds of community members. Senator Hinchey’s delivery stops included The Pines at Catskill Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Catskill, Ten Broeck Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Lake Katrine, and Greene Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Catskill.

Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “We are in a moment that calls for all of us to look out for each other and to spread love whenever and wherever possible. It’s a joy to be able to do that for our senior neighbors this Valentine’s Day through my office’s annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive. The response to this initiative has been phenomenal, and it’s thanks to the compassion of local students, teachers, and community members who choose to dedicate their time and creativity to this special effort year after year. One small act of kindness can go a long way, and the goal of our card drive has always been to make sure that our seniors living in nursing facilities know that they are a loved and valued part of our community. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of the students and teachers in SD-46 who contributed — we can’t wait to continue the tradition next year!”

Melissa Schultzel Jamieson, Principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School, said, “JFK was honored to participate! We talk a lot about community here and I can’t think of a better way to learn about the importance of community than spreading love to local seniors. For years our 4th grade students would sing carols at Ten Broeck Commons Nursing Home every holiday season, but we haven’t been able to do so since the start of the pandemic. Creating valentines is such a lovely way to spread cheer and show our appreciation for our seniors while still keeping everyone safe!”

Maggie Van Valkenburgh, student at Highland High School and Secretary of the Interact Club, said, “This was a great opportunity for high schoolers to encourage younger children to participate in community service and volunteering. Not only did we all have fun, but we also sent a multitude of cards to seniors in our area who deserve nothing but love this Valentine’s Day! Highland’s Interact Club feels so honored to be part of something so special and meaningful and we can’t wait to continue this tradition in the future.”

Jamie Mitchell, Director of Admissions & Marketing at Greene Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, said, “It is truly inspiring and uplifting that one of our community leaders, Senator Hinchey, has taken the initiative to visit our nursing home, meet our hardworking staff and pay homage to our residents who need that human connection from the community. Greene Meadows would like to give Senator Hinchey a heartfelt thank you for remembering those caring for and living in the nursing home setting at Greene Meadows through her Valentine’s for Seniors initiative.”

Schools participating in Senator Hinchey’s second annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive include:

ALBANY COUNTY