Press Release Oct. 31, 2007

  Kohl Courtyard Dedicated at Elant at Newburgh

(Newburgh, N.Y.) – More than 150 people gathered recently at Elant at Newburgh to dedicate a stunning outdoor garden and courtyard created in memory of longtime Elant, Inc. board member George W. (Bob) Kohl.

The ceremony and reception drew guests from around the Hudson Valley region and was attended by residents and staff members from the nursing home.

The courtyard project was initiated, in large part, by a generous donation in Kohl’s memory from Susan Najork, along with a donation from the Kohl family. Numerous individuals and community organizations, contributed significantly to the project; especially noteworthy were the in-kind donations from Bricklayers Local 5 Union members who donated their time to assist with construction, and area businesses that donated goods and services.

Others supported the project financially by availing themselves of naming opportunities at the site. 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, known as the “Kohl Corner Courtyard,” features lush plantings, wooden arbors, bird feeders, fountains and benches. It is fully accessible to the disabled and significantly expands the living space and outdoor experience for residents – adding significantly to their quality of life and interaction with nature. “The courtyard is a perfect tribute to my father whose love of gardening was unparalleled,” said Steven Kohl, George’s son.

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 more information about naming opportunities and multi-year pledge options to support the Renewing Elant at Newburgh campaign, please call the Elant Foundation at (845) 291-3836.

***

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.