Originally distributed via PR Newswire on Sept 29, 2025.

MorseLife, a nationally recognized, award-winning leader in senior care, is proud to announce that it is a recipient of the Gold Seal Award by the Governor’s Panel on Excellence in Long-Term Care. MorseLife has held this distinguished designation since 2008 and is among the less than 1% of senior care organizations in Florida to achieve this status.

The Gold Seal Award for Excellence in Long-Term Care is the highest honor for nursing centers in Florida, recognizing organizations that demonstrate exceptional high standards and display excellence in the quality of care to its residents and patients. As a recipient of the award, MorseLife underwent a rigorous on-site review by representatives of the Governor’s Panel on Excellence in Long-Term Care and received high scores on state inspections, financial soundness and stability, positive resident outcomes, workforce stability, and leadership and community involvement.

Keith Myers, Chief Executive Officer of MorseLife, said, “Receiving the Gold Seal Award for the underscores our unwavering commitment to the well-being, health, and dignity of the residents and patients we serve. Earning this recognition demands an ongoing commitment to excellence and delivering innovative, high-quality services to our community every day. We take immense pride in maintaining this high standard year after year and are grateful to our staff, residents, patients, and families whose trust and collaboration make it possible.”

This Gold Seal Award reaffirms MorseLife’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service and setting the standard for excellence in senior care and healthcare more broadly. For more information about MorseLife’s services and its award-winning care, please visit www.morselife.org.

This press release was originally distributed by PR Newswire. View the original release here

Days after Valentine’s Day, MorseLife resident Esther Feldberg signed copies of her debut memoir, “Sunshine and Moonstruck: My True Story of Love, Joy and Sadness,” for fellow residents and friends.

Published in September 2024, the book chronicles her first marriage to her college sweetheart who she met while attending University of Illinois. “The first minute I met him, we fell in love. He was very handsome and the love of my life,” she said. Her husband of 18 years was a lieutenant and communications officer in the Navy and sadly passed away of an illness at the age of 41, leaving her to raise their three children on her own.

Feldberg also goes back deeper in her family’s history to share her maternal and paternal grandfathers’ stories of moving from Europe to the United States, recounting the trials and tribulations Jewish immigrants faced.

“Sunshine and Moonstruck” is available for purchase on Amazon. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the book are donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

With too many stories to tell in its 110 pages, Feldberg is currently hard at work on her next memoir about her second chance at love with Sumner “Sonny” Feldberg. The future couple rode the school bus together when she was in seventh grade, and she thought he was cute. They later reconnected as adults and eventually married.

The pair moved to MorseLife in July 2019, and he passed away in July 2022 at the age of 98. Fashionistas and “Maxxinistas” will really enjoy Felberg’s second book. Sonny was the founder of such stores as BJ’s Wholesale Club, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and Homesense and she’ll share the backstories of their creation.

About to celebrate her 99^th birthday in April, Feldberg is still going strong and enjoys spending time at Palm Beach Country Club, where she’s been a member since 1990.

On February 4, independent and assisted living residents of MorseLife Health System celebrated National Hemp Day, participating in interactive hemp displays and enjoying hemp-infused foods like mini hemp nut butter “uncrustables,” hemp seed oil vinaigrette salads and hemp milk.

Since 2019, MorseLife has led the way in senior care innovation by offering cannabinoid-based therapies when they became Florida’s first senior living provider to introduce medical marijuana and CBD treatments. These therapies have significantly helped residents manage chronic pain, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances.

Led by Melanie Bone, M.D., FACOG, Director of Cannabinoid-Based Therapies at MorseLife Health System, the medical team is at the forefront of this groundbreaking approach. Dr. Bone consults with patients to determine the proper dosage, tolerance level and best method for administering the treatment. This varies patient-to-patient and is reevaluated and adjusted as necessary.

Prior to beginning cannabinoid-based therapy, the education component is essential so patients, their families and doctors can assess the pros and cons to make an informed decision. That’s why events such as National Hemp Day are important to showcase options and benefits. Residents can explore their curiosities and overcome the stigmas and fears associated with using medical cannabis.

Dr. Bone has been a Certified Cannabis Physician in Florida since 2016 and joined the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) faculty as a clinical affiliate assistant professor in 2021, where she teaches medical students about cannabis.

“Cannabis doesn’t provide a cure. It doesn’t make a diagnosis go away after taking the medication for a period of time. Cannabis provides a treatment to alleviate and reduce symptoms of conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain and anxiety,” Dr. Bone said. “Cannabis offers a fantastic alternative to addictive opioids and antidepressants, all while increasing our residents’ quality of life.”

MorseLife’s cannabinoid therapies are just one example of how the health system is redefining senior care, helping residents live with comfort, dignity and improved quality of life.

Many people are hesitant to share their age, but members of MorseLife’s “100 Club” wear it like a badge of honor – and rightfully so! Our senior living community proudly includes 19 remarkable men and women who have surpassed the 100-year milestone. Members of the “100 Club” range in age from 100 to 105.

To put this into perspective, several Palm Beach County cities including Boca Raton and Jupiter, as well as the University of Miami in Coral Gables, aren’t even turning 100 until this year!

Not many people have the privilege of making it to the triple digits, but the select few who do have so many compelling stories and memories to share—and we’re all ears! Among the centenarians are movie star and Broadway actress Gloria Friedman, 105, and decorated WWII veteran Franklin Simon, 100. We recently hosted a party to honor these special seniors and created a memory wall exhibit to share their stories, photos and achievements.

Live entertainment was provided by pianist Richard Page, who played a nostalgic collection of iconic jazz and pop standards from the mid-20th century. Family members celebrated alongside these extraordinary centenarians, expressing their pride and admiration.

We were honored to host Racheli Baratz-Rix, Head of the Department for Combating Antisemitism and Enhancing Resilience at the World Zionist Organization (WZO), for a special visit to the MorseLife campus and partnership with the Holocaust Learning Experience. A former IDF Major with 15 years of distinguished service, Racheli has exemplified leadership, resilience, and dedication throughout her career, both in the military and in her current role at the WZO.

During her visit, Racheli shared her wealth of experience and engaged with our residents in a meaningful discussion about Israel’s heritage, Jewish identity, and cultural unity. Her powerful stories not only highlighted the significance of Jewish resilience but also emphasized the importance of fostering community connections.

Racheli’s visit was a memorable and impactful event, and we are grateful for the opportunity to hear from such an inspiring leader. Her insights left a lasting impression on all who attended, reminding us of the strength and unity within the Jewish community.

This Veterans Day, we had the privilege of hosting a special event at MorseLife Health System, paying tribute to one of our most beloved residents, Franklin Simon. At 100 years old, Franklin’s remarkable journey continues to inspire all who meet him. His recent trip to Normandy, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, was a poignant reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made by those who served in World War II.

Franklin’s visit to Normandy this past summer was a personal journey fille with poignant memories which he thoughtfully shared with our residents and staff. As a young soldier, he was part of the historic D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944—a day that marked the beginning of the end for Nazi tyranny in Europe. On his return to Normandy this year, Franklin was able to meet with fellow veterans, film director Steven Spielberg, and even President Joe Biden, all of whom shared in the profound honor of recognizing the sacrifices made by those who fought during the war.

Franklin’s path to becoming a war hero began long before D-Day. Raised in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood during the Great Depression, he faced early hardships after the death of his father. Franklin took on jobs from a young age to help support his family. In the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 17 years old, eager to do his part for his country.

Serving under the legendary General George S. Patton, Franklin was involved in some of the most pivotal moments of the war. He played a role in the liberation of France and was instrumental in the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, one of the most notorious death camps in Nazi-occupied Europe. Franklin was also part of the campaign that helped free Czechoslovakia from Nazi occupation.

For his bravery and service, Franklin received numerous awards, including three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, a Silver Star, and the prestigious French Legion of Honour. In addition, the Czech Republic honored him with a commemorative medal for his role in the liberation of their country.

After the war, Franklin made the most of the opportunities afforded to him through the G.I. Bill, earning a college degree and later an MBA from Harvard Business School. He went on to have a successful career in real estate development, founding The Simon Companies in 1966. His career took him across several northeastern U.S. states before he eventually moved to South Florida, where he continues to remain active and independent at MorseLife’s Levin Palace.

At MorseLife, we are incredibly proud of Franklin and all our resident veterans. Their service not only shaped the course of history but also paved the way for the freedoms we cherish today.

Franklin Simon’s remarkable life serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the stories of those who fought for our freedom. It is through remembering their service that we ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

MorseLife Tradition resident Marjorie Beall celebrates her 104^th birthday on August 10, 2024, along with a remarkable lifetime during which she experienced dozens of historical milestones and the dramatic metamorphosis of Palm Beach County into a major metropolis.

“It was the land of sunshine and oranges,” she recalls with a wistful remembrance of the carefree days she spent swimming in the ocean and growing up amid the unspoiled beauty and splendor of wealthy Palm Beach Island, where her parents worked as caretakers for one of the mansions there in the 1930s.

Still joyful and fiercely independent today, Marjorie credits her longevity to years of swimming, lots of fruits and vegetables, hot tea and a voracious enjoyment of reading murder mysteries.  Her good health translated into the good fortune of being able to live independently in her own home until age 103 with the help of her caregiver, Magda.

And while she’s dismayed by the frustrations of old age, she loves her new life at MorseLife, where Magda was also welcomed.  She still reads, participates in the many activities there and enjoys delicious meals in the dining room with other residents.

“Everyone is so kind and helpful,” she said.  “They put flowers in my window in the morning.  It’s very uplifting.”

For her only child, Jim, the peace of mind knowing his mother is well cared for by compassionate people in beautiful surroundings is priceless.

“We are so pleased she’s at MorseLife,” he said.

Marjorie’s British father, who was wounded and gassed as a World War I prisoner of war, had made his way together with her mother to Australia and then New Zealand (where Marjorie was born) in search of a warmer climate and better health over 102 years ago.  While in England visiting family, they overheard someone talking about the “wonders of Florida” and a land “more fertile than the Nile” in Palm Beach County.  Together with two-year-old Marjorie and her older brother in tow, they took a boat from England to Havana, Cuba, and then boarded Henry Flagler’s ferry to Key West.

They purchased property near Belle Glade based on just photographs, only to discover it was nothing but swampland when they finally arrived.  Thankfully they found work and began the difficult road to recovering their loss.

Marjorie, who graduated Palm Beach High School in 1938 and worked at a Worth Avenue real estate office, was soon married to a U.S. Air Force electronics officer who was hired to set up an Air Force base in Boca Raton near the Bath & Tennis Club, which was used at the time to house military employees.

After World War II, Marjorie and her husband built a home on a lake in southwest Palm Beach, where she remained after he passed away until a year ago when she moved to MorseLife.

“I’ve been very thankful for all of my life,” she said.

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.