Denise Smith and members of her family made the holidays special for residents of St. Luke Health Services. In a special act to remember and honor Denise’s son Ron, who passed away from illness two years ago, the family visited all 200 residents and gave each a Christmas present of a new blanket, and gifts of food platters for all staff.

David Smeltzer, President and CEO of Heritage Ministries, announced on Dec. 8^th that Homestead Stables, the new $3 million Equestrian Center on the campus of The Homestead in Gerry, NY, is officially open.

A new program coming to Irondequoit will soon help families overcome challenges they may face as their loved ones advance in age. St. Ann’s Community is opening an Adult Day Program in the Durand Senior Apartments that are now under construction on Culver Road near Seabreeze. The program will be open both to residents of the apartments and to the greater community.

Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation recently hosted a two-day workshop of the U.S. Air Force Pararescue Medical Operations Advisory Board (MOAB). Participants included Air Force Pararescue Jumpers and flight surgeons.

Rebecca Brogan, a first-year student in Clarkson University’s Occupational Therapy graduate program, has become a fixture at United Helpers' Maplewood Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Canton. The 24-year-old is engaged in a unique scenario where she is provided room and board at Maplewood in return for 20 to 30 hours per month of structured volunteer time.

The Jewish Home of Rochester celebrated the fifth night of Hanukkah on Dec. 6^th by hosting students from the Hillel Community School. This was the third year for the special luncheon, bringing together 21 residents and 21 students for a meal and quality time together.

Valley Health Services welcomes Tracy Reesh, Assistant Nursing Care Coordinator, to its professional staff.