As spring arrived (albeit slowly) in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, over 250 attendees from Adult Care Facilities/Assisted Living Residences, sponsors and exhibitors gathered at our 28th Annual Conference and Trade Show at the Sagamore Hotel in Bolton Landing, New York. Rave reviews were made possible through the efforts of our active and committed Conference and Education Committee members, and we thank them! They are: Jim Connelly, Tonawanda Manor and Eden Properties; Shimon Lefkowitz, Palm Beach Home for Adults; Maryellen McKeon, The Bristal Assisted Living; and Beverly Paparo, Gurwin Jewish- Fay J. Lindner Residence. We also thank all Board members for their personal financial support and assistance with soliciting for exhibitors and sponsors.

Twenty-six educational sessions, held over the three days, covered an array of topics in the areas of legislation, regulatory compliance, ACF operations, dementia care, communications, marketing, employment law, quality assurance, and technology. Representatives from NYS agencies made presentations, including Bob Dougherty, Judi Mooney, Marybeth Fader and Katharine Logan from the Department of Health, and Vera Prosper from the Executive Division of the NYS Office for the Aging.

Our keynote speaker Dr. Bob Arnot, an award-winning television correspondent, sportsman and medical doctor active in international humanitarian issues, captivated the audience with his tales of world travel. Dr. Bob told the group that his mother lives in an assisted living community in Maine and that this special connection made his presentation at our conference personally fulfilling. He encouraged attendees to spread the assisted living message by reaching out to their local media. He also talked about a website that he is developing—scheduled to be launched this coming fall--to assist the public in making informed decisions about their health care.

The evenings during the conference were filled with activity as well. The Sunday night’s Welcome Party and Barbeque Dinner provided a great setting over-looking Lake George for folks to reconnect with their friends and colleagues, and enjoy the music of a country guitarist. A “Casino” décor and scrumptious feast opened the trade show on Monday evening.

Following a tour of the exhibitors who provided the latest information about their products and services, everyone enjoyed a fun night at the gaming tables. The big winners at the tables were:

• Top winner Paul Vitale of Park Terrace at Radisson won a $500 gift certificate to Lowe’s;
• Marsha Sottung of Adirondack Manor Homes for Adults came in second and won a $250 gift certificate to JC Penney’s;
• Third place winner Brenda West of Tonawanda Manor won a $125 gift certificate to Home Depot;
• Fifth place winner Jim McPeak of McPeak’s Home for Adults won a $50 gift certificate to Best Buy.

The trade show concluded on Tuesday morning with the drawing of $1,000 in cash to winner Alice Liu of Valley View Assisted Living Program. Mrs. Liu generously donated her winnings to the Association’s Political Action Committee.

Music by a classical guitarist provided a relaxing atmosphere during the cocktail reception that kicked off Tuesday evening’s festivities. During the banquet dinner, our guest speaker Mark Kissinger addressed the audience about his new role as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Health’s newly formed Office of Long Term Care.

Association Board Member Shimon Lefkowitz produced and presented a special video tribute to Benay Phillips who passed away shortly after last year’s conference.

Download the Benay Phillips Tribute Video here. (87 MB)

If you need to download Apple's QuickTime player, click here.

In her honor, the Board organized a committee to create the Annual Benay Phillips Memorial Award, for which members may apply on behalf of their employees for a $1,000 grant for training/education in subjects related to care of the elderly. At the Banquet, the first Benay Phillips award was given to William Klein, Recreation Director at the Lake Shore Adult Home in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York. Congratulations William! It will be challenging to top this event next year, but the Committee and staff are committed to do so! We are reviewing the evaluation forms that participants submitted to continuously improve your conference experience.

Thank you to all of you that participated in our Conference and we look forward to seeing you next year. To keep up-to-date with the latest information and events within our industry, please visit us often.