Press Release Oct. 2, 2007

  Courtyard to be Dedicated at Elant at Newburgh

Newburgh, N.Y. – A courtyard created in memory of longtime Elant, Inc. board member George W. (Bob) Kohl will be dedicated at a ceremony taking place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. October 17 at the Elant at Newburgh nursing home campus on 172 Meadow Hill Road.

The courtyard project was initiated, in large part, by a generous donation in Kohl’s memory from Susan Najork of Newburgh. The Kohl family and many others who are committed to the beautification of this campus, have donated their time, talent and treasures to this project. New Windsor architect Joseph J. Minuta, president of Minuta Architecture, designed the courtyard to be compatible with the vision for renovating and renewing Elant at Newburgh.

The courtyard, which will be known as the "Kohl Corner Courtyard," will feature lush plantings, wooden arbors, fountains and benches. It will be fully accessible to the disabled. The courtyard will expand the living space and outdoor experience for residents – adding significantly to their quality of life and interaction with nature. It will provide a site where family and friends can visit with residents as well.

"For decades, Bob impacted the vitality and well-being of our community through his timeless leadership and vision," said Donna G. McAleer, president and CEO of Elant, Inc. "It is an honor to pay tribute to him with the creation of this beautiful courtyard that will bear his name."

The Kohl courtyard project is part of the Renewing Elant at Newburgh campaign, an ongoing community effort to revitalize the not-for-profit Elant at Newburgh nursing home through a series of renovations and capital improvements. For months, community volunteers have been enthusiastically raising funds and awareness about the initiative, an effort that has resulted in renovations to common areas, the front lobby resident rooms and the purchase of electric beds.

"We are encouraging the community to get involved in this exciting campaign any way they can," said Donna Cornell, chair of the Renewing Elant at Newburgh Committee. "Consider volunteering, making in-kind contributions, or even a direct donation. We need the community to help lend a hand and raise awareness about this exciting project, and we’d especially like the community to help us pay tribute to Bob Kohl."

For reservations to the Kohl courtyard dedication, or for more information about the Renewing Elant at Newburgh campaign, please call the Elant Foundation at (845) 291-3836.

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Elant, Inc. was founded in 1985 as a community-based not-for-profit organization. Through innovative programming and a steadfast commitment to its mission, Elant serves more than 3,000 people on any given day through its network of facilities, home care agencies and community services. Elant emphasizes personalized service and compassionate respect for the whole person.