Goshen, N.Y. – June 16, 2010 - Seven married couples who call Elant at Goshen home celebrated their wedding vows Sunday duringan outdoor ceremony in the Garden of Arden.

The ceremony, attended by family and friends of the couples, was arranged by the Elant at Goshen Renewing Committee and was officiated by Father John Bonnici and Father Charlie Szivos, both of St Columba Church in Chester. Most of the couples involved have been married for decades. In fact, Bernard & Libby Mital, who both reside in the Elant at Goshen Nursing Home, have shared each other’s lives for 59 years.

“It was such a lovely ceremony,” Mrs. Mital said. “We had a wonderful day.”

The celebration of love, which included residents of both the Adult Home and Nursing Home, included an official blessing, a formal vow renewal, and a cake-cutting. In addition, each couple, while framed by a heart-shaped arch, was formally photographed, and later given a framed copy of the print, courtesy of Michael Wilson of JMR Promotions, Inc.

It was such a sweet moment for me to see them together like that, holding hands,” said Sheila Rakowsky, whose parents, Joseph and Sadye Koenigsberg, participated in the ceremony. “These people have lived so many years together, and it was such an elegant way to honor that commitment. Even my husband got a bit emotional during the ceremony.”

The Koenigsbergs recently celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary. Mr. Koenigsberg, who also recently celebrated his 100^th birthday, is a Nursing Home resident, while Mrs. Koenigsberg is a resident of the Adult Home.

Girl Scout Troop 392, with trooper leader Sandy Nagler in the lead, decorated the pavilion with silver bells and white ribbon in preparation of the event. In addition, they also created centerpieces for the tables and favors for the guests, and acted as servers to the residents later in the afternoon.

“We couldn’t have been happier with how the event turned out,” said Julie Whitney, co-chair of the Elant at Goshen Renewing Committee. “We just thought it was important to recognize commitment, and the bonds that still flourish between couples, regardless of where they call home.”

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Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, has been a part of the Hudson Valley healthcare landscape for the past 25 years. Its seven campuses, located across five counties, serve an estimated 3,500 people daily and provide sub-acute care and rehabilitation services, nursing home care, assisted living, adult day care, retirement community living, home health care, and a managed long-term care plan. Elant’s mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care and lifestyle options to persons of diverse generations, cultures, means, and needs.

Mital: Bernard & Libby Mital, both residents of the Elant at Goshen Nursing Home, have been married for 59 years.