By Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

OXFORD - In honor of Veteran’s Day, Commerce Chenango and the New York State Veterans Home at Oxford hosted a business after hours for community members, residents, families, and staff members.

The New York State Veterans Home at Oxford (NYSVHO), is a state long term care and rehabilitation facility, under the auspices of the New York State Department of Health. Founded in 1897, the home has a tremendous legacy and history here. There are 100 other veterans homes the state created over time, there are 175 other State Veterans Homes in the country but the Oxford veterans home was the first one in New York State.

The veterans home has grown to 210 residents, 350 employees, and 37 volunteers. Thanks to State policy, NYSVHO residents consist of Veterans, Spouses of Veterans and Gold Star Parents.

Speaking about Veterans Day Commerce Chenango President and CEO Sal Testani said, “It is an incredibly important day in our history. Truthfully, to have a facility like this here in our community that honors and treats those veterans with dignity every day of their lives, is truly an honor and a privilege.”

Testani continued, “I’ve had family members who have been cared for here. It truly is a special place. And so why are they engaged in the chamber? In addition to being a wonderful place that cares for our veterans, it is a tremendous place to work.”

The home has contributed to the local economy significantly over the decades and is a current member Commerce Chenango, helping community efforts to improve the area.

According to home Administrator Kurt Apthorpe, the facility operates on a $26 million state budget.

“The state covers about 90% of the state employee benefits, so that’s another $10 million input they give to us as well. If you think about it, that is $36 million that goes into the local economy, real dollars that we use and spend,” he said.

The New York State Veterans Home at Oxford placed #8 on Newsweek’s America’s Best Nursing Homes List for 2026. This is the home’s 7th year consecutive year on the list, representing a 55 spot climb since 2021.

Newsweek partners with global data research firm, Statista, to assess and rank the top nursing homes in each state based on four pillars: performance data, peer recommendations, accreditations and resident satisfaction. This year’s list recognizes the nation’s top 1,200 nursing homes out of 14,752 analyzed.

This facility is special, said Sophie Liberatore, former President and current Member of the Board of Visitors. When asked what this place means to her, she said, “Let me try to put it into words. My brother-in-law was here, he passed away here. I started out as a volunteer, and I keep telling people how beautiful it is, how clean it is, and how happy the residents are. I just fell in love with the residents because I love to talk to them.”

She added, “My sister was here for rehab when she had knee replacement, and she didn’t want to go home.”

Liberatore called for more volunteers- people who will come in and help with the commissary gift shop, library and coffee station. These volunteer efforts raise funds for the residents to increase their quality of life through events and entertainment.

Volunteers can also help residents directly by reading to or playing games with them. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please contact Jennifer Scheuer at (607) 843-3177 or

jennifer.tylerscheuer@nysvets.org.