To kick off the holiday season, the Ithaca Garden Club has once again transformed Cayuga Medical Center (CMC) with their festive holiday decorations for patients, visitors and employees.
Twenty dedicated members of the club volunteered their time and talents to design and install beautiful wreaths, greenery and other seasonal décor, spreading warmth and joy both inside and outside the hospital.
Thanks to generous donations from Moore Tree Farm, private donations to the Cayuga Medical Center Foundation, and the Ithaca Garden Club members, the club added new decorations that enhance the holiday spirit while embracing universal themes of love, gratitude, and togetherness.
“We are deeply grateful for the Ithaca Garden Club’s continued generosity and dedication to making our spaces more welcoming and uplifting, especially during the holiday season,” said Dr. Martin Stallone, President and CEO of Cayuga Health. “The decorations are beautiful to experience.”
This year’s holiday décor was thoughtfully designed and curated by Karen Governanti, a dedicated club member whose creativity brought the seasonal vision to life. Each element of the display carries a special message. The tree represents love, gratitude, and happiness. Magnolia flowers represent beauty, sweetness, endurance, and the strength of everlasting connections. White lights universally symbolize pure positive energy, bringing hope to all. Bells call communities together and represent peace and freedom.
“The beauty and joy created by this team will be felt by all the patients, staff, volunteers and visitors entering the hospital for the holiday season from now through the middle of January,” said Governanti. “I am so proud of our club’s commitment towards enriching and improving the quality of life for all those living, working, and visiting our community.”
Founded in 1922, the Ithaca Garden Club is one of the oldest and largest garden clubs in New York State. Its mission to “stimulate interest in gardening, floral arranging, landscaping, and enhancing our community’s appreciation for the natural beauty of Ithaca” is reflected in every detail of their work at the hospital. A steadfast supporter of Cayuga Health, the club has contributed many projects over the years, including the creation of the CMC Gardens, seasonal bulb plantings across the campus, and their cherished annual holiday decorations.
what our patients are saying
“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”
“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “
“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”
“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”
