Benchmark Celebrates Openings of New Communities
Two new Benchmark communities recently opened their doors with special grand opening ceremonies.
Sturges Ridge of Fairfield and Whisper Woods of Smithtown hosted events attended by associates, residents, home office staff, officials and members of the local community.
Since opening the doors, Whisper Woods secured nearly 60 residents in as many days! Led by Executive Director Desiree Krajnyak-Baker and an amazing team of associates, Whisper Woods marks the first Benchmark community in New York.
“We’re so grateful and proud of the connections you’ve made in Smithtown and the lives you’re transforming every day,” says Chairman and CEO Tom Grape.
Desiree welcomed attendees at the recent ceremony, recognizing the commitment of associates.
“Every day as I walk through the building and visit with residents, I see this team demonstrate our Benchmark values,” she says. “While our associates learn our values after joining, we actually hire individuals who are Called to Care. We believe each one brings with them their unique treasures and full hearts – and I am so lucky to have this wonderful team.”
In Fairfield, Sturges Ridge Executive Director Terry Hornikel echoed the importance of living the Benchmark values.
“Sturges Ridge is the face of what’s ahead,” she says. “It is a new approach for serving seniors – a lifestyle community with concierge services.”
The community includes an art gallery, lecture series and theater. It also happens to be in the hometown of Benchmark’s chairman and CEO. Its opening takes the Benchmark community count up to 58!
“The Sturges Ridge founders (first residents) are eager to move in,” Tom says. “I know their experiences will be everything they imagined because of this team’s passion and focus on ‘connecting to what matters.’”
Sturges Ridge of Fairfield
