It isn’t uncommon to run into a heroic and decorated war veteran or two when walking the halls of MorseLife’s Levin Palace, the five-star luxury living independent residence in West Palm Beach.  Allen Stern, a ninety-eight-year-old veteran from the greatest generation, is one of several who live on campus, enjoying the freedom, fun, and more life MorseLife offers. Leading up to Veteran’s Day, Allen took some time to share a small but very important part of his history with us.

“Many members of America’s Greatest Generation are well into their 90s now, and their impact on our world today has been monumental,” said MorseLife President and CEO Keith A. Myers. “Their stories are filled with bravery, sacrifice, and grit, qualities we want to instill in younger generations because lessons from the past inform our future.”

Allen was part of Company B, 142nd Infantry, 36th Texas Division, and he fought in Africa, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria for two years during World War II.  He sustained five injuries during his service and earned a Purple Heart for his bravery on the battlefield. Allen is also the recipient of two Silver Stars, awarded for singular acts of heroism in battle, and a Bronze Star.

“I received my first Silver Star when Nazi troops overtook 40 soldiers from my division, and I managed to fire 2,000 rounds of ammunition, killing 85 German soldiers,” Allen said.  “The second Silver Star was awarded because I shot a grenade out of a German colonel’s hand and then captured 28 German soldiers. The colonel’s entire battalion surrendered.”

Allen has been married for 68 years and has three daughters and five grandchildren. He worked as an engineer for Pickering for over 35 years. He was also the former program director of ammunition research and development for the United States Army, earning a technical achievement award for his work.

Today, Allen is a delightful and witty resident here at MorseLife’s Levin Place, enjoying life to the fullest. We thank you, Allen, for your tremendous service to our country.

As part of MorseLife’s commitment to bringing more life to residents, a schedule of stimulating activities, events, and guest lectures is always on the horizon to keep residents inspired, engaged, and living life to the fullest.

Always dedicated to leading-edge care and innovative programming, MorseLife strives to bring its residents the most up-to-date healthcare and health education. To support this commitment, Dr. David Watson, the founder of Alzheimer’s Research Center, was recently invited to speak to residents about prevention and treatments for the disease. Watson is a leading expert in the field and has participated in over four hundred clinical trials for treating or preventing Alzheimer’s disease over the past twenty-six years.

And sometimes, it’s MorseLife’s spectacular residents who take center stage.

Herbert Gardner, a resident at Levin Palace MorseLife’s independent living residence, recently held a lecture and wine tasting where he shared his unique life experience of building his boat and then sailing abroad. Herb spent ten years sailing across the wild blue yonder from the English Channel and the Mediterranean to Monte Carlo and Capri. He shared his inspiring and adventurous stories while residents enjoyed wine tastings from the regions he visited.

Gardner is also the founder and conductor of The Baroque Ensemble of the Palm Beaches, which presents free monthly concerts for residents from January through April in Norma Friedman Hall.

At MorseLife, residents are not just living longer; they are living younger.

Playfully referred to as “younging,” it’s the philosophy behind MorseLife’s all-inclusive Independent Living lifestyle at the Stephen A. Levin Palace. The term refers to how residents, who are ages 65-plus, are once again free to enjoy life as they did earlier in their lives. Now, they are liberated from the responsibilities of home ownership, building careers, and starting families. Here, residents feel like every day they are living in, well, a palace – where royal treatment reigns.

MorseLife never shies away from providing the utmost in premier services and amenities, with an emphasis on the “six Fs,” food, fun, friends, family, freedom, and future.

1. Food: A good meal can soothe the soul. Under the leadership of renowned Chef Matt Hammett, MorseLife’s Levin Palace offers gourmet breakfast, lunch, dinner, and casual dining options in Kosher dining room, non-Kosher dining room, and deli café settings. Independent Living residents can pick and choose healthy meals that suit their tastes throughout the day or share a delightful meal among friends.

2. Fun: Whether it’s a morning Tai Chi class or a nightly Masquerade Ball, Levin Palace residents are invited and urged to enjoy a calendar packed with fun and fascinating social, cultural, and educational programs. If residents are in the mood for a good movie, newly released films are screened nightly in MorseLife’s private theater.

3. Friends: There’s always a reason to socialize with a robust activities schedule that includes crossword puzzling, educational lectures, beading, Resin art, bingo, and so much more. With a poker room, art studio, library, on-site fitness center, state-of-the-art dog park, and chic cocktail lounge that are buzzing with daily social activity, it’s hard to feel lonely at Levin Palace.

4. Family: Children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren are encouraged to routinely stop by for leisurely visits. Extended families enjoy time spent at the pool, listening in on an educational lecture, painting with residents, or simply enjoying some quiet time as a family in a spacious residential apartment.

5. Freedom: Levin Palace offers a selection of luxurious one- and two-bedroom floor plans that allow residents to live independently in a space that fits their needs. Apartments offer spacious bedrooms and living rooms, high ceilings, contemporary kitchens, large windows, and private balconies. Housekeeping services, concierge valet parking, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security.

6. Future: MorseLife prides itself on its lifelong learning offerings. Friedman Hall Auditorium and Palace Theater are hubs for residents who enjoy expanding their knowledge and exercising their minds. To stay fit and healthy, MorseLife offers a wide selection of fitness classes and the latest European Technology equipment. To soothe and rejuvenate tired muscles, residents can relax in the Whirlpool or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment. With an onsite medical clinic run by a Harvard-trained physician and a full continuum of care available right on campus, Independent Living residents can rest assured that the high-quality care they may need in the future is readily available.

“MorseLife’s Levin Palace is the most luxurious Independent Living in the country,” MorseLife President & CEO Keith Myers said. “The residents who live here have worked exceptionally hard all their lives to live in the best part of the country and enjoy the best chapter of life. They deserve to be treated like royalty, and we are more than happy to accommodate them. MorseLife really does mean more life.”

It was the early 1950s when a young Sid Elman strolled into the Concourse Plaza Hotel in New York City with hopes of snagging autographs from some of his favorite baseball players. It was Old-Timers’ Day at nearby Yankee Stadium, and Sid walked over to an older gentleman he felt must be famous.

“It turns out the man was Cy Young,” Elman said, referring to the legendary pitcher who holds the Major League Baseball record for most career wins with 511 – 94 more than anyone else in history. “We talked for 20 minutes. It was the highlight of my life.”

Elman, a resident of Tradition at MorseLife, the health system’s premier assisted living residence, has many stories like this that he recently shared during an afternoon visit to his spacious apartment.

Autographed portraits of some of the greatest athletes of all time hang on his walls.  In his bedroom, there’s a signed photo of Mohammed Ali throwing his famous right-hand punch, a signed portrait of Michael Jordan, and a limited-edition scorecard signed by Tiger Woods.

“This is one of my favorites,” Elman said at least a handful of times as he enthusiastically shared his treasured memorabilia collection.

Now 84 years old, Elman lived a fascinating and fulfilling life before moving into the five-star, all-inclusive Tradition assisted living residence. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany in the late-1950s and worked for 47 years in advertising at The New York Times.

Elman chose Tradition because of its Kosher food services.  He also added that “The aides here are absolutely fantastic.”

Elman’s well-appointed living room is decorated with some of his largest mementos, including a team-signed Miami Dolphins jersey from the undefeated 1972 season, a limited-edition team-signed photo of the 1980 U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team, and a portrait signed by every member of the championship-winning 1973 New York Knicks.

Another of Elman’s favorites is a limited-edition painting of Yankees’ legend Don Larsen.

Along the tour, Elman proudly shared a signed Joe Montana San Francisco 49ers helmet, a signed portrait of every Major League Baseball player to hit 500 home runs, and a portrait signed by legendary tennis player Rod Laver.

Residents from The Palace and The Tradition at MorseLife Health System now have even more reason to love where they live with the opening of the stunning 1,500-square-foot Dorothy and Martin Bandier Dog Park. The park’s official opening was celebrated in classic MorseLife style, with a sophisticated ice cream social for residents and special treats for their canine companions.

At MorseLife, we are always seeking new opportunities for our residents to enjoy life and live every day to its fullest. Pets bring residents great joy and companionship and leisurely strolls in the dog park will offer added opportunities for outdoor fitness and socialization with other dog owners. The park is a wonderful addition to MorseLife’s luxury living campus and the many five-star services and activities already provided here.

The Bandier Dog Park is a secured area of pure fun for the pet residents at The Palace independent living residence and The Tradition assisted living residence to explore and relax. The park offers fun equipment tailored for exercising and entertainment with benches for the humans, water foundation and shaded areas. The serene new setting will also be used for pet therapy, a new life enhancement for residents who already enjoy music therapy, virtual reality, art therapy and more.

We are incredibly thankful to Dorothy and Martin Bandier working with MorseLife to bring this project to life for senior residents. The significant generosity of all our donors ensures that seniors on MorseLife’s campus and throughout Palm Beach County receive the highest quality care and support as they age.

To learn more about MorseLife visit www.morselife.org or call 561.815.1276

Residents find more fun at MorseLife! New Putting Green in Place for National Senior Health and Fitness Day

Residents are now enjoying a new putting green located at the MorseLife’s independent Living, the Levin Palace.

While National Senior Health and Fitness Day is celebrated every year on the last Wednesday of May, residents can be seen every day of the year enjoying all the leisure activities offered on campus.

According to data from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in the country. The game is fun and social with rules that make it easy for beginners to learn while experienced players vie to win fast-paced games. All levels of players can be found on our pickleball courts.

Residents enjoy swimming and luxuriating in our heated indoor and outdoor pools all year around. If it’s raining or just plain too hot to be outside, our state-of-the-art fitness center offers great classes and the latest workout equipment.

No matter what physical activity you enjoy, at MorseLife, you can relax in the inviting spa and wellness center.

Of course, health and fitness also are enjoyed by getting together with others and participating in the many activities and classes offered throughout the month, such as painting, beading, and discussions of current events.

At our new putting green and throughout the campus, residents get in the swing of enjoying life at MorseLife.

MorseLife Resident and World War II Ghost Army Veteran to Soon be Honored with a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor

MorseLife resident Manny Frockt is one of nine surviving members of two top-secret World War II military units called the “Ghost Army.” Thanks to the recent passage of congressional legislation, Manny will finally be awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for his service 75 years ago.

In World War II, Manny served in the 3133 Signal Service Company Special, which handled sonic deception for the Ghost Army, a classified “tactical deception unit.” Manny enlisted at 21 and was sent to New York to train for a “top secret” troop of about 1200 men whom the “bigger army” used when they needed to pull out of an area. They would send the “ghost army” in who would use inflatable tanks, sound effects, and imagination to fool the Germans on the battlefields of Europe, making the enemy think the “bigger army” was still there.

Manny himself was in the “sound effects” troop as he explained, “They would open the back of these big tractors and play recorded sounds of men’s voices, yelling, gunfire, grenades, engines until the Nazis either backed off or until the “bigger army” had enough time to move their troops elsewhere. It was easier for the ghost army, which consisted of 1200 men or so, to move without being noticed than the average 15,000-man troop.”

The Ghost Army started in Normandy and lasted for three years until Paris was liberated. The units did a total of 19 missions. Unfortunately, Manny was medically discharged due to severe frostbite in his feet.

Members of the Ghost Army saved thousands of lives and helped win the war, but their efforts and contributions were classified for over 40 years. Congratulations, Manny, on this long-awaited recognition. We are so proud to know you, and it is a pleasure to have you as part of our MorseLife community!

Levin Palace Resident, Selma Klein, Finds Joy through Painting and Sculpture

The famous 20^th-century artist Pablo Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Current findings in art therapy and music therapy would agree with this observation, as would the many MorseLife residents and staff who have experienced it for themselves.  Our residents have access to a range of leading-edge creative programs, from dancing and sculpting to playing musical instruments. We have witnessed firsthand how creative engagement enhances the quality of life and overall well-being.

We sat down with Selma Klein, a Levin Place independent living resident who radiates positivity and enthusiasm for life, to discuss her stunning artwork and what it means to her.  Selma, a newlywed woman who met her husband, Norman Berlant, at the Levin Palace and married late last year, has enjoyed painting and sculpting for more than 25 years.

“I was a vocalist in show business, and I decided to take up watercolor, oil painting, and sculpture as a way to take a break from work,” said Klein.  “I love the human figure and enjoy being creative through sculpting. It’s engrossing, and that’s exciting.”

Selma was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and resided in North Miami Beach for 45 years with her late husband.

“We were a great-looking couple, but he passed away soon after I moved to MorseLife, and I needed to find new ways to love life and stay positive.  MorseLife is a good place to do that with so many opportunities to stay active and social,” she noted.

Selma has participated in the many art classes offered at MorseLife. When COVID hit, she turned to the in-house programming provided on the television to continue to stay active and engaged.

“Even when I was at work alone painting in my kitchen during the pandemic, I felt transported to another place and time. Creativity does that to you. It’s important to wake up each day and choose to be happy, and painting and sculpting help me to do that,” added Klein.