The Women of Poetry at Brookdale Grandon Farms took a quick break from their poems to share a Wake Up Call for WGAL.

When Shirley McMinn and Mary Wearsler reunited at Brookdale Alliance, they hadn't seen each other in 80 years. In the 1940s, they were majorettes at high school together. "We grew up in the same area, in the north end," Shirley recalls. "It was reassuring to know someone." Although hearing problems may make conversations difficult, the two women sit together for meals and at other activities, noting that Shirley is good at "brain" games, and Mary is the resident artist.

Seniors at Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg are wrapping up their own Olympics. 10 games over five days, bookended with opening and closing ceremonies. The community's executive director, Joel Abercrombie, says camaraderie is the key to events like these. “The whole idea is friendships first, program second...this was a perfect example of that from the way that it was organized and the way that it was pulled off. It was an opportunity for residents to create lasting friendships."

A much-loved resident of Brookdale Saginaw - Helen Rysse - is celebrating her 103rd birthday. Folks at the community say Helen is known both for her sense of humor - and her wisdom. She shared some of that wisdom with WJRT: "Eat well, sleep well and practice religion."

Helen Rysse credits swiss cheese to her 103 years of age. "My father was a master Swiss cheese maker from Bavaria," she recalls. "I was born in a cheese factory." Now, Helen lives at Brookdale Saginaw, which celebrated her birthday with balloons, flowers, and cake. And Helen's words of advice for living a long life? "Be the best you can."

During World War II, Henry Arrowood served in the Army with the 76th Infantry Division. 80 years later, he's the only living member of the World War II Last Man Club of Gaston County, in North Carolina. Henry was recognized with a botte of whiskey on August 11th - known as "The Spirit of 45 Day". It commemorates the end of World War II.

Michael Miller’s passion for flowers continues to bloom at Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg in Williamsburg, VA. Michael has loved flowers his whole life and started working for a florist at just 14 years old while still in school. He now wows fellow residents at Brookdale with beautiful and elaborate flower arrangements for the dining room. To show their appreciation, residents gave Michael over 50 thank-you cards and then awarded him “resident of the month.”

Glen and Marilyn Tranbarger's love story spans 75 years. They met in high school, and Glen popped the question soon after graduation. Their love for one another grew to a family of four soon after. Now, Glen and Marilyn are both 95 years old, but their love is as strong as ever.

Ethel Wright is Brookdale Woodward Estates' newest centenarian. She turned 100 this weekend, complete with a birthday party. And even at 100 years old, Ethel isn't slowing down. "I take life as it comes. I love people. And I love doing things," Ethel says. "I never hope to leave here."

Of all the things residents at Brookdale Hearthstone Moses Lake expected to find in the halls of the assisted living facility, a horse wasn't one of them. Luna, a miniature horse, visited them, wandering through the facility, charming residents. “It makes me wish I had a farm," says Charlotte Cramer, a resident. The horse's owner says miniature horses like Luna can provide therapy, just by being around people.

At Brookdale Valencia live some of the bravest women of their generation. A new documentary called Route 66 Women highlights how women overcame gender discrimination and segregation. They joined the Navy during World War II as part of the Women Accepted For Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. The documentary was screened at Brookdale Valencia senior living center. Through the film, the women are sharing their stories and history for generations to come.

“Where are we going next?” Linda Austin, who calls Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, home, is leading her fellow residents on an unique worldwide tour as part of her travel club. Through her High-Level Life club, Linda has helped residents experience more than a dozen countries virtually. Linda hopes her fellow seniors enjoy the view from their high level of life.

At Brookdale Cleveland, Bobbie and Betty Sue are continuing a decades-long friendship. They met 35-years-ago, and learned they have the same birthday! And when Betty Sue moved to Brookdale Cleveland, Bobbie wasn't far behind. "They took me up and there was Betty, the real Betty, and she'd come about two weeks before I did." Now, whatever they're doing - playing bingo, synging hymns, or catching up - they're doing it together.

Tropical Storm Debby has made landfall in portions of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It may impact our communities in the area. Our communities are prepared.

It's only been a few months since Shirley McMinn and Mary Wearsler rekindled their friendship, but some call the pair inseparable. Shirley and Mary grew up in the same part of Alliance, went to the same church, danced, and twirled batons as majorettes in the Alliance High School marching band. Now in their nineties, the two were reunited when Shirley moved into Brookdale Alliance senior living community this spring and discovered Mary lived there, too.