MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., Aug. 13, 2025 — The beat of live music and the smell of fried food filled the air today on Murray Hill as the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation (CNR) held an outdoor carnival for its more than 250 residents and their loved ones.
The event featured classic carnival midway games, along with a petting zoo, face painting, a pie eating contest, and more. Funding for the event came entirely from community support with the CNR raising nearly $3,000 through a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses, families, and staff.
This marks the CNR’s first carnival in five years since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the County’s nursing facility to pause the annual festivities. CNR officials were eager to bring back the fun and say they hope to continue the tradition again moving forward.
“It’s exciting to bring something so beloved back to the CNR community,” said CNR Director of Leisure Time Activities Peter Donlon. “We'd like to thank everyone who came together to make it happen – from local businesses that helped us raise the funds, to our volunteers and planning committee who worked tirelessly in the community, to our team here at the CNR. We couldn’t have the carnival without them. Events like this remind us just how great and woven together Livingston County is and we're thankful to be a part of this wonderful tapestry.”
Henry Klugh attended the carnival with his wife Sally, a CNR resident since March. He was glad to see the facility going above and beyond to give the residents something special to enjoy this summer.
“I think it really brightens people up just to be outdoors taking part in the activities,” he said. “It’s important to get out and interact. I think this is a great facility.”
Ron Latraverse was observing the festivities as he enjoyed a fried sugar waffle during the carnival. He has been a CNR resident for the last three years. An Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War, Latraverse said he was among the first troops deployed to the country shortly after enlisting. He enjoys going to town and meeting fellow veterans for coffee, but understands others at the nursing facility aren’t able to travel as easily. He appreciates events like these that bring the fun to Murray Hill.
“It’s good to get out and socialize with the other residents in a different setting,” he explained. “This place is very good, the whole staff. I’m still pretty independent, but they check on me every morning and that’s nice. I think the facility is run really well, lots of good people here.”
Kathy Crye retired from the CNR as director of nursing in 2023 after a 30-year career with the County. Her enthusiasm for nursing recently brought her back on a part time basis to the CNR. Having worked there since the facility was built, Crye has attended every one of the carnivals. She said the effect on residents is always remarkable.
“It definitely lifts their moods and spirits. Everybody sleeps better at night after having this kind of activity,” she said with a smile. “It’s also great for staff morale. It really brings everybody together.”
The CNR offers 24-hour skilled nursing services ranging from short-term, post-acute rehabilitative care to traditional long-term care. Residents receive care in a manner that addresses the needs of the individual. The 266-bed facility, which received four stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, promotes a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with activities that involve friends, family, volunteers, and pets to create a homelike environment for residents.
One of the most comprehensive nursing homes in the area, the CNR offers various treatment methods and modern healthcare options, including audiology, consulting podiatry, dentistry, speech therapy, ophthalmology, occupational therapy, pharmacological services, hair care, and more.
Learn more about the programs, outpatient services, career and volunteer opportunities, and support services by visiting the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation’s website or calling 585-243-7200.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.