Wall Street Journal reporter, Angus Loten, recently reached out to Brookdale to interview the new CIO Chris Bayham. Chris discussed opportunities to use artificial intelligence, data analytics and voice assistant devices at Brookdale. He was quoted in the article saying that beyond guiding the company's IT systems, he will be focusing on innovations that will "enrich the lives of the residents and patients." NOTE: Access to this article requires a subscription to WSJ.

Last year, we heard about Officer Oliver who hands out flowers, hugs and kindness. KMBC came back out again this year to share another story about Officer Oliver's visit to Brookdale College Square residents. 

There comes a time in most seniors' lives when medical conditions, loneliness or an inability to care for oneself force families to make a decision about where a senior should be living. Often a decision needs to be made between staying at home with the assistance of a visiting aide or other caregiver or moving to an assisted living facility. Each decision is an intensely personal one, and families must consider many factors when trying to make the right decision.

Brookdale Westlake Village in Cleveland helps complete study of MemoryWell, showing residents' life stories can be impactful for the people with dementia in long-term care and their families. 

Victor Zappettini, celebrated his 103rd birthday at Brookdale Redwood City in California. City officials presented the Marine Corp veteran with a recognition for his service and longevity. Zappettini was born in Fresno, Calif. in 1916.

Miriam Kann, of Brookdale Riverwalk, a beloved honor flight veteran and pilot instructor recently celebrated her 102nd birthday with a party at the community. Miriam, a World War II veteran, taught scores of military pilots how to fly their instruments alone in low- or zero-visibility conditions. The Bakersfield Californian shared a beautiful gallery of the veteran's milestone birthday. Click the link to see photos of Miriam and her party. 

Bob Sausville, of Brookdale Fillmore Pond, celebrated his birthday on Sunday and has accomplished much in his time on this earth, including flying all over it many a time, but Vermont is the only place he calls home. Click to read the story the Bennington Banner shared about Bob. 

A group from the Distinguished Young Women of Mississippi visited Brookdale Meridian on Wednesday morning. The young ladies sang songs, played instruments and performed for residents at the community.  "We can learn a lot from our elders," said Breanna Smoak, one of the young women. "Our elders have so much wisdom and they have a lot of personality and you could just learn so much from just listening and talking to them."

Brookdale's Kim Estes Elliott was recently inducted into McKnight's Senior Living's Women of Distinction Hall of Fame. Elliott is Brookdale's senior vice president of clinical services and has worked in senior living since beginning her career as a nurse. 

Sarah Belmont was recently recognized as a rising star among "Woman of Distinction" by McKnight's Senior Living. She entered the senior living industry in 2008 as the senior director of asset management at Horizon Bay Retirement Living in Tampa, FL. Belmont serves as Brookdale's senior vice president of financial planning and analysis. 

Ralph recently made the news when he asked for 100 cards for his 100th birthday. Part of that birthday wish included going skydiving. Unfortunately, Ralph wasn't able to make the jump as planned because of some physical challenges but he is not giving up on his dream. He has already started lifting weights and is continuing to work toward his dream. He even inspired the reporter to take his own leap. Click to see Ralph's story on WYFF.

Cypress Village, a Brookdale community in Jacksonville, Florida, donated 15 GORE particulate hoods and steak dinners for each first responder at their neighborhood fire department. Click to see their story that was shared in the Ponte Vedra Recorder.

104-year-old Brookdale Pocatello resident Naomi Wilde celebrated her birthday, while also crossing an item off her bucket list when she hopped on the back of an elephant named Daphne during the El Korah Shrine Circus hosted at the Pocatello fairgrounds. Click to read the story about Naomi and her "wild ride."  

Ralph Davis turns 100 on June 18 and plans to go skydiving to celebrate. He's also asked for 100 birthday cards.

The Fort Myers News-Press printed an article penned by Brookdale College Parkway resident, Dory Rooker. The article encourages people to "Look Beyond" what they see now when looking at seniors and acknowledge the rich history and life lived by each individual. It pays special tribute to those that served our country.