The Highland Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Middletown, N.Y., opened its doors on the evening of Nov. 20 for a heartfelt Thanksgiving celebration that brought together residents, families, volunteers, community leaders, and local organizers. Made possible through generous community donations—from baked goods to drinks and other treats—the event filled the center with music, reunion, and the unmistakable warmth of the holiday season.
The celebration was part of a growing grassroots effort led by local residents, including organizer Josephine Moon Bloomfield, whose online call for donations inspired dozens to contribute snacks, pastries, granola bars, juice, diet soda, and even a cake to serve nearly 80 residents. Volunteers from Margi Party Designs and other community groups joined to “bring some shine into the residents’ lives.”
We’re all about the love and compassion
Highland Administrator Alec Shneider explained the purpose behind hosting the event: “This event is designed to reach out to local community, to families that live in local communities, and invite them to the home and show what we’re all about. We’re all about our residents—the care, the love, compassion and all this stuff. We just want you to come and share the meal with us.”
Director of Nursing Layla Frasier said events like this help staff and residents connect in meaningful ways: “This is an opportunity for them to connect with us on a personal level… to let them know that they’re seen by us—beyond being a resident, beyond needing care, but as a person. That’s the most important thing.”
She added that during the holidays, many residents need extra emotional support, and the staff is committed to lifting their spirits: “We would do it a million times over… it’s something that’s personal for me.”
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Our seniors are the backbone of this community
Representing City Hall and Mayor Joseph DeStefano, Maria Bruni, the city’s economic and community development director, shared warm greetings: “It’s important to support our local seniors. They are the backbone of this community. Events like this—unity together. We’re proud of the unity and the success.”
Bruni also encouraged residents to check the city’s website and Facebook page for upcoming senior events, food drives, and holiday programs.
Co-organizer Marlene Espinosa of Margi Party Designs said she participates because giving back is part of her values: “To be connected with people, to return something… you always have to send something back.” Recovering from an accident, she described organizing the event as giving her “extra strength.”
Volunteer leader Alyssa Paraglia, a district manager for Ann Taylor and LOFT at Woodbury Common, said helping others comes naturally: “I love people… wherever I can help out.”
Her involvement is also personal—her father stayed at Highland for more than two years. “The nurses were great. The physical therapists were great.”
Ten volunteers joined her for the evening. Paraglia shared her holiday message: “I wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving… celebrate the blessings that they do have.”
Linda and Jayce from the Middletown Cares Coalition also volunteered. “Helping my community,” Johnson said, praising the upbeat atmosphere: “Everybody’s enjoying themselves. It smells good. The music’s good.”
Jayce added: “It’s important… they get to have an event.”
Residents and families celebrate together
Residents shared their joy throughout the night. Brenda, who recently moved into Highland, said she loved the music: “This is probably what I grew up on… I like this event very much.”
Longtime resident James Thomas, at Highland for nine years, said: “It’s good… This is the biggest event—this and Christmas.”
Families, too, expressed appreciation. Laurie, visiting her mother and stepfather, called the celebration “very lovely:” “The atmosphere is family. The nurses are family… I’m glad they’re here and they’re together.”
Sharell, visiting her friend’s mother, said the event gives residents joy and belonging: “It’s awesome what they do… They get everybody out, and they’re having a good old time. It gives them a way to get out and have fun for the holidays.”
She proudly pointed out her friend’s mom, Miss Mobley, calling her “like a mom.”
No challenges—It comes from the heart
Asked whether planning the event was difficult, Administrator Shneider replied: “No… this comes out of our hearts. Everything you see is the product of our care and wanting to get people together.”
Nurse Sissy, nearing her one-year anniversary at Highland, echoed that sentiment: “The event was beautiful… very family oriented, very welcoming, very warm.”
As residents enjoyed food, music, and the company of loved ones, one message stood out clearly: in Middletown, the community still shows up—with food, with music, and most importantly, with love.
Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Highland Rehabilitation & Nursing Center.
