TREE LIGHTING FRIDAY AT THE GRAND

The holiday season will be off to a “Grand” start on Friday night as The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing hosts a community-wide tree lighting that will be open to the public.

The festivities will kick off at 7 p.m. with 98-year-old Marie Shillace, the oldest resident at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Rome, flipping the switch to bring this year’s holiday tree to life at the 160-bed facility’s decorated courtyard. In addition to enjoying Christmas carols and holiday music performed by the Rome Free Academy’s Fermata Nowhere acappella choir, there will be plenty of treats on hand for attendees.

The event will also feature two special guests: Miss Central New York’s Princess Hannah Kusmierczak and Miss Central New York’s Outstanding Arlena Occhipinti. This will be the second visit to The Grand’s holiday tree lighting for Occhipinti, who attended last year as Miss Copper City’s Outstanding Teen. Having grown up just minutes from The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Rome, Occhipinti said she is looking forward to visiting with guests at the facility, her way of giving back to members of the local community.

“There is nothing we enjoy more than sharing the holiday season with friends and family,” said Bruce Gendron-Regional vice-president, The Grand Healthcare System. “The Rome community has welcomed us warmly over the years and we are excited to have the opportunity to return the favor by hosting this wonderful holiday event to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”