THE GRAND REHABILITATION AND NURSING AT PAWLING DONATES HATS, GLOVES & SOUPS AT PAWLING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION

In celebration of the holiday spirit, staff from The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursingat Pawling Rehabilitation & Nursing served over 450 piping hot bowls of classic chicken noodle soup and bacon cheeseburger soup while donating winter hats and gloves to all attendees during Pawling Chamber of Commerce’s Annual December Tree Lighting festivities held on Friday, December 2, 2016.

The full day and evening of activities for local residents culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus and a ceremony for the illumination of the tree was held at the apron of the Pawling Chamber of Commerce Building and Welcome Center. The tree lighting is one of the highlights of the Pawling Chamber’s calendar year and kicks off the month-long celebration known as Decemberfest.

“As the weather gets a bit colder, we want to ensure that all Pawling residents feel a bit warmer – both inside and out – especially as they patiently wait with joyful expectations for the lighting of the Pawling Tree and the arrival of Santa Claus,” remarked Dan Muskin, Regional Administrator of The Grand Healthcare System, operators of The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Pawling Rehabilitation & Nursing. “Decemberfest is a time when all of Pawling comes together to celebrate the holidays and the community as a whole. It’s the same community philosophy that we employ on a daily basis at our facilities and it creates an environment that is beyond that of a traditional nursing home and rehabilitation center.”

Many other activities took place throughout the day and early evening. Santa Claus distributed gifts to children, and Chamber Members donated and served cookies, hot dogs and hot chocolate. Approximately 50 students from Trinity Pawling School’s Trinitones and Pawling Central School also serenaded guests with a medley of carols before the tree lighting ceremony.

“Pawling’s Decemberfest and Tree Lighting event brings families and friends together to kick-off the holiday season. The warmth and friendliness of this special community are on full display at the Tree Lighting. We invite everyone to shop local during this holiday season and throughout the year, and we’re very thankful of our merchants’ support,” said Peter Cris, President of the Pawling Chamber of Commerce.

The Tree Lighting event is made possible with the help of volunteers from the December Tree Lighting Committee, Pawling schools and local businesses. Throughout the month, businesses hold sales, offer special events and unique demonstrations within the Village. The Tree Lighting ceremony, which began 20 years ago, is supported by the Chamber and individual donations from the community.

Also in attendance at the tree lighting were numerous local officials including: Pawling Mayor Robert Liffland, Pawling Town Supervisor David P. Kelly, New York State Senator Terrence Murphy, Dutchess County Legislator John Thomes, Duchess County Clerk Bradford Kendall and Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian “Butch” Anderson.

The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at Pawling is a 122-bed rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility located in Pawling, New York.The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing brings the warmth and comforts of home to our fully-appointed facility for all our short and long term guests. Backed by Five-Star Quality Rating through Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Pawling is recognized as a preferred destination within the region for high quality healthcare and advanced clinical care. Among the additional services and programs provided are: Amputee therapy and training program, bariatric rehabilitation, cardiac therapy, complex medical care program, hip repair and joint replacement recovery program, IV antibiotic therapy, medical nutrition therapy, medical shuttle service and transportation vans. For more information call: (845) 855-5700 or visit WWW.THEGRANDHEALTHCARE.COM/PAWLING ; for more information about The Grand Healthcare System, visit WWW.THEGRANDHEALTHCARE.COM

The Pawling Chamber of Commerce was first organized nearly 90 years ago. Today, the Chamber stands strong and its success stems from its active membership of over 165 merchants and organizations, and through the help and dedication of countless volunteers. Its goal is to support local businesses and promoting the local Pawling community. The Chamber also enjoys strong partnerships with the Town and Village of Pawling. If you are interested in joining or volunteering at the Chamber of Commerce, please call (845) 855-0500.