Two residents at Brookdale Senior Living in Richland have found an unexpected connection, defying the odds and creating a bond over their shared pasts. Recently, Judy met Steven Eisenberg, a 74-year-old Air Force veteran and fellow Brookdale resident. Although they had seen each other around for over a year, it was their shared experiences that brought them closer. "But we just had so much in common. We both have a lot of pain, and we enjoy going out and eating," Judy said. "When I met Steve, we started really talking. I fell in love with him."
Read moreHelen Oleniczak spent many decades as a nurse, and now, at 106 years old, she's kicking back at Brookdale Niagara, playing bingo and watching sports. "Oh I feel very happy!" Helen says. "I can't get over it: that everyone thinks of an old lady [for her birthday]."
Read moreHigh school students from Boulder’s Watershed School took inspiration from the lives of seniors to create oil paintings for their Painting and Perception class. Chris Carithers, the art teacher at the experiential private school, partnered with Boulder’s Brookdale Meridian senior living community for the class project. The 14 students in the class worked with a senior or senior couple at Brookdale, interviewing them in November to learn about their most meaningful memories, favorite decades and experiences that brought them the most joy.
Read moreOne local senior living community hosts one of the best shows in town. Brookdale Jackson Oaks hosted a special variety show this afternoon that was free and open to the public. Residents took to the stage to showcase their talents. One resident even dressed up as Minnie Pearl to tell jokes.
Read moreIn celebration of National Hobby Month, KAUZ highlighted David Whitehead, who recently picked up a hobby in woodworking. He said it offers a sense of purpose, as well as satisfaction. ”These are 3-D puzzles really, you really have to take your time, [and] I have lots of time to kill here,” Whitehead said.
Read moreAlong with a sense of community and meaningful friendships, some Brookdale Senior Living residents also find romantic connections. Kathy Manzi, a widow for 23 years, has found unexpected companionship with fellow widower and Veteran Larry Powell. Together, they have enriched each other's lives by exploring shared passions like dancing and travel.
Read moreA 91-year-old Holocaust survivor living at Brookdale University Park is recounting her story. She begs younger generations on International Holocaust Remembrance Day not to forget the horrors of that time.
Read moreThe River City Children's Choirs are busy learning songs about friendship and love. It's all for a special Valentine's Day performance for the residents of Brookdale Rose Valley Scappoose.
Read moreResidents and staff at Brookdale Echelon Lake welcomed local law enforcement for a morning of conversation and camaraderie at its Coffee with a Cop event. Officers mingled with residents, eating donuts and drinking coffee. “It’s a way to give thanks and thank our police officers who support Voorhees Township,” said Annika Raroha, sales manager of Brookdale Echelon Lake. “It was a nice visit. Several officers and detectives attended and chatted with the residents and staff.”
Read moreSurrounded by family and fellow residents of Brookdale Jackson Oaks, Claribel Herndon celebrated her 105th birthday. When asked what the secret to longevity of life is, Herndon preached the power of knowledge. "God has been good to me to let me live this long, and I've tried to encourage the young people to learn all they can and go to school," she said.
Read moreA tragedy led to an unexpected blessing for one Brookdale resident. Evelyn Rogers moved into Brookdale Altamonte Springs after her home was damaged in a fire in 2023. At the time, she believed the move would be temporary until her home repairs were complete. However, within weeks, the Florida native realized she wanted to stay, stating “This is where I needed to be.”
Read moreIf you stop by Brookdale Newberg, you may run into Elton and Betty Denner, who have been married for 82 years. And they might share some of their advice for a lifetime of love. "[It's] simple," says the couple's daughter. "Patience, don’t win an argument, do things together, with each other and the Lord."
Read moreSherry Starnes, Executive Director of Brookdale Greeneville, spoke to a local women's club about the assisted-living community and explained the many positive aspects of residing in such a long-term care environment.
Read moreRichard and Rhea Butler are celebrating 74 years of marriage. They were childhood sweethearts and starting dating in high school. Foster kids have been an integral part of their lives. Rhea always wanted to be a mother, but, due to fertility issues, she was never able to get pregnant. That didn’t stop the Butlers from taking in and caring for several foster children. They began serving as foster parents in 1972 and have fostered at least 18 children, even officially adopting one of their foster kids.
Read moreKids from a local church in Waco, Texas, spend their Saturday hanging out with residents at Brookdale Lakeshore. "[Their] day becomes monotonous sometimes,” said Heather Gillaspie, Brookdale Lakeshore's Executive Director. “Having these little bright spots just means everything to them.”
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