A tradition lives on Candlewood Valley Health residents enjoy a 'skate' at Canterbury School

The late Mike Onorato, for many years the facilities manager at Canterbury School in New Milford, was an advocate for the prep school opening the doors to its ice rink, Draddy Arena, for community programs.

Among those efforts, he helped to coordinate a morning of ice skating for residents of Candlewood Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center in New Milford.

Mr. Onorato died two and a half years ago yet the annual activity continues, thanks to the joint effort of staff at the school and the health care center.

This year, seven residents participated March 2 in the late-morning skate. While some residents are generally able to walk, others are transported in wheelchairs.

When it comes to going "skating," residents must ride in a wheelchair. Thus, Candlewood's staff skates around the ice while wheeling residents. Afterward, the visitors are treated, courtesy of Mr. Onorato's wife, Debbie, director of retail services at Canterbury School, to a cup of tasty, hot cocoa.