Navy Veteran’s Passion to Serve
After 20 years in the Navy, Courtney Santos’ heart for service led her to a new career, working with seniors. The veteran is now the Resident Engagement Manager at Brookdale Mandarin in Jacksonville, Florida. Courtney says she was “made to serve,” and working with residents is something she loves.
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Brookdale responds to California wildfires
Brookdale is closely monitoring ongoing wildfires in California. We have detailed plans that include arranging transportation for residents, providing temporary accommodations, and providing food and supplies.
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Tennessee native celebrates her 105th birthday at Brookdale Jackson Oaks
Claribel Herndon turned 105 years old at Brookdale Jackson Oaks. The community threw her a special birthday celebration. “We’re very excited to honor her. She is quite the lady and has lived many years and seen many things, many things,” said Amber Storey-Knight, resident programs director at Jackson Oaks.
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Tennessee woman celebrates 105th birthday
Clairbel Herndon turned 105 on January 7, 2025. She is a part of just 0.03% of people 100 years or older. She celebrated her birthday with her friends and family at Brookdale Jackson Oaks. Jackson's Mayor, Scott Conger, stopped by to wish her a happy birthday.
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100-year-old Brookdale Canton resident served in U.S. Army and Navy during World War II
Sam Jaquez celebrated his 100th birthday at Brookdale Canton. He served in the military for a good chunk of his life, in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. But Sam's friend say he never talks about his military service. "He is a proud man."
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Brookdale Palma Sola veteran celebrates 104th birthday
Residents at Brookdale Palma Sola helped celebrate one of their oldest - Jules Hagen, who just turned 104 years old. Jules served in the Air Force as a command engineer for aircraft and later as a tax attorney. These days, Jules takes it easy, feeding squirrels and building puzzles.
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WWII Veteran celebrates 104th birthday with laughter and wisdom
Jules Hagen looks back on his 104 years of life with a sense of humor. But his life was also full of two things: determination and hard work. In fact, that's the advice that Jules wants to give to the younger generations. "I've been brought up that the way to live is to work. You gotta work."
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WWII veteran Jules Hagen celebrates 104th birthday
At 104 years old, Jules Hagen says he feels pretty good. “I’ve had a good life," he says. "Very unusual. I’ve been trained funny.” He served in the Air Force during World War II, but on the ground, as a Command Engineer. “Do what they tell you in the service,” Jules says. “Don’t argue with them.”
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Brookdale Texarkana resident turns 100 on New Year's Day
Happy birthday to Doris Walters - one of Brookdale Texarkana's oldest residents, and one of the first birthdays of the new year! Doris spent her 100th birthday among friends and families at her community.
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What Brookdale Sparks residents are setting for their New Year’s Resolutions
Four residents of Brookdale Sparks spoke with KOLO about the New Year’s resolutions they are setting and the reasons why. When asked what advice they would give to people setting their New Year’s resolutions, a major theme was to be reasonable and pick realistic goals you can work towards achieving.
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WWII Veteran celebrates his 100th Christmas at Brookdale North Naples
Leroy Williams has seen more Christmases than most. 2024 was his 100th! He's worn many hats: fighting in WWII, a teacher, and a superintendent. But Leroy says his secret to long life comes from his first job: "Milking cows and pitching hay. It was a hard job."
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Students work with dementia patients at Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg as part of a new program
A program launched by high school students this year hopes to foster connections with dementia patients. These volunteers head to local senior communities for crafts, walks, and singing. “A lot of times, people just need someone to sit with them and listen,” said Johnny Bindea of Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg. “They may be missing their children and grandchildren, and they may feel disoriented and agitated. Even an hour spent with them counts for so much.”
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Brookdale Pointe West residents and other seniors enjoy a visit from Santa
This year was Sarasota's first "Holly Jolly Trolley Christmas Parade" - where residents at local senior living communities came together to sing carols, dance and reminisce, filling the air with laughter and warmth. One volunteer at the event, Terra Roark said that by volunteering, "you’ve given me the greatest Christmas present ever. I had so much fun, and there were moments that made me cry happy tears.”
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Best friends reunite at Brookdale Charleston Gardens
When Amanda and Lola grew up in Charleston, the pair were best friends. They went to the old Charleston High School and graduated in 1955. They went to church together, sang in choir, and were even in the same Girl Scouts group. After that, the two drifted apart. They each got married and had their own families. Last year, Amanda moved into Brooksdale Charleston Gardens. She didn’t know anybody there until a familiar face moved in next door.
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Brookdale Troy residents get in the Christmas spirit with a visit from Santa
Every month, Brookdale Troy hosts a special family gathering for its residents. For December, that included a visit from Santa himself. “For the holidays, it’s really important, that we have an event that families can plan around to come and spend some time with their loved ones,” Gil Heckel said, sales manager at Brookdale Troy. “We want to build a relationship with the family members so they can have fun together with their loved ones, and it is something that the seniors look forward to every month.”
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