NORWICH – Since 1896 Chenango Valley Home has provided a place of residence, comfort, and care to older adults. Now the organization will celebrate that 130 year history with a community Cruise-in event this Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its campus on Canasawacta Street. The event marks the historic milestone and the organization's first ever public open house.

As the adult home currently transitions into an assisted living facility, it has undergone needed renovations thanks to countless donors and in-kind support from the community. Changes that Executive Director Jennifer Randall says will “allow individuals to age in place in a home-like setting” and receive a higher level of support without immediately moving to nursing home care.

Saturday's Cruise-in invites the public to tour the newly renovated portions of the historic 1896 building, including updated common areas, and the new Gardner Porch; a gift from Ray and Linda Gregory named in honor of their friend and longtime supporter of CVH, Robert Gardner. “They wanted their donation to go towards the front porch,” said Randall, “and so collaboratively we have named the porch Gardner's Landing.” Although the dedication ceremony is invitation-only, the porch will be open for viewing during Saturday's event. Escorted tours of the renovated spaces will run throughout the day.

The Cruise-in will feature classic cars from local owners. Car owners wishing to participate in the Cruise-in, may arrive at any time during the event, no registration is required.

“There will be prizes for the first 25 cars, complimentary gifts and everything,” said CVH board member John Antonowicz. “The residents are going to choose the resident's choice car for the day,” Randall added.

Residents will be voting for their favorite car of the day, and the winner will receive a $130 Mirabito gas gift card.

To assist with limited on-site parking CVH has arranged for its shuttle to run continuously between the municipal parking lot and the home.

Food will be available from The Little Outpost food truck, and NBT Bank will provide free ice cream from its ice cream truck.

A basket raffle and 50/50 drawing will raise funds directly for the home's ongoing renovation project. So far, through generous support from local foundations and community members the home has raised close to $3 million, according to Randall, who expressed sincere appreciation for everyone's efforts as they undergo this pivotal transition. “Even if they haven't been able to donate money, we've had a lot of in-kind stewardship and advocacy for the home,” she said.

Chenango Valley Home, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been home to generations of local seniors since its founding as a residence for women in the late 19th century. Over time the campus expanded with an addition to the home in 1956, and with an apartment building in the 1980s; welcoming its first male resident, as part of a married couple, sometime in the early 1990's. Today, the organization is preparing for a new chapter, pursuing a transition to assisted living licensure through the New York State Department of Health.

Saturday's Cruise-in will give the community a chance to see the home's progress, learn about where it’s going, and celebrate a legacy of care that has lasted more than a century.

For more information on Chenango Valley Home visit www.chenangovalleyhome.org