A friendship of many years was celebrated in a special blessing ceremony at New York Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, 26-13 21st St., Astoria, on September 20. Jennie Pinto and Doug Bowin have been close friends for many years, and the friendship continued even after Pinto moved into the facility. The Reverend Vernon Schultheis of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Woodside bestowed a blessing on the couple as they exchanged rings symbolic of their special friendship and commitment to each other. In a ceremony in the recreation room, surrounded by staff, friends and fellow residents, with a view of the Manhattan skyline from every window, the couple shared what their relationship of 16 years means to them. Pinto was escorted down the aisle by her physician, Dr. Ramsey Fakhuri, and attended by her maid of honor, her nurse's aide, Yolanda Monteau. A reception with food, flowers, cake and music followed.