I always look forward to this time of the year. . . the festive light displays, the Christmas music, family gatherings and— of course— chocolate-covered pretzels and other holiday goodies!

This season also provides a time of reflection on the past year and a time for looking ahead. We reflect on the birth of our Savior and are grateful for God’s gift to us.

This season can also be a time of struggle or loss for some of us. The colder temperatures and darker evenings tend to keep us indoors. Now, the daylight hours are beginning to stretch out and the longer days are welcomed!

Tel Hai Retirement Community has experienced transitions this year. Joseph J. Swartz retired in October as President & CEO of Tel Hai. Joe is well-respected and served for 15 years in his role as leader.

In November, I was welcomed into the Tel Hai family and look forward to getting to know many new friends.

During 2016, we completed the Woods Edge cottage expansion project on Bay Tree Court. We also successfully completed The Hillside Amenities at Tel Hai, which include Grandview Commons, a tennis court, bocce court, amphitheatre, event lawn and gardens.

Construction also began on StoneCroft’s Brownstone, which will add 45 apartments slated to open in 2017, along with design work and permitting for Maple Knoll Townhomes. This too will bring more transitions as we start a new year.

We are thankful for God’s continued blessing of the mission of Tel Hai.

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2017!

Dave Shenk

President & CEO

Tel Hai Retirement Community