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’s Homebound Mitzvah Program made sure that homebound Jewish seniors living in Palm Beach County didn’t go without a holiday meal during Rosh Hashanah this year. The program has long been a vital source of comfort and support for elderly and frail seniors who are unable to leave their homes, providing them with warm meals and a sense of connection during important times like Passover and the High Holidays.

Community volunteers and staff came together at MorseLife to package and deliver the holiday meals, which featured traditional items like wine, soup, challah, apples with honey, and homemade honey cake – all symbols of sweetness and hope for the New Year.

Donations can be made by visiting morselifefoundation.org.

As Rosh Hashanah draws near, MorseLife is seeking volunteers to help deliver meals to Jewish seniors throughout Palm Beach County. The Mitzvah Meal Program, a longstanding MorseLife tradition, ensures that homebound seniors receive a lovingly prepared holiday meal delivered right to their door on September 30th.

The meal, which includes wine, challah, soup, honey, apples, and honey cake, not only nourishes the body but also serves as a symbol of community and connection for seniors. Those wishing to receive a meal must register by calling 561.282.5388 by September 16th.

According to Paola Pouponneau-Nisbett, Senior Vice President of MorseLife Home and Community-Based Programs, “This program serves as a vital link to the community for homebound seniors, offering them warmth, comfort and a sense of belonging during the High Holidays.”

One of MorseLife’s most dedicated volunteers, Kenny Tillman, has been delivering these meals for over 20 years. At 90 years old, Kenny continues to brighten the lives of seniors through his volunteer work. He even adds a personal touch to his deliveries by including flowers alongside the meal. His commitment to volunteering has become a family affair, with his children and grandchildren joining him in his efforts. Now, as a resident of The Palace at MorseLife, Kenny continues to serve others through MorseLife’s Homebound Mitzvah Program.

MorseLife relies on the support of volunteers to help deliver approximately 3,000 meals during the High Holidays and Passover, and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of people from across the community, including MorseLife residents, staff and volunteers.

To join this effort and deliver meals on September 30th, volunteers must register by calling 561.687.5791 by September 16th. Meal pick-up will be available between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at two locations:

• MorseLife Health System: 4920 Loring Drive, West Palm Beach
• Temple Torat Emet: 8600 Jog Road, Boynton Beach

For more information, visit morselifevolunteers.org/mitzvah-meals/.

MorseLife Memory Care is raising the bar as the first senior community in the U.S. to implement the Happiness Programme, a first-of-its-kind technology created by Social-Ability, that sparks laughter and happiness through interactive light displays, for everyone living with cognitive challenges.

Residents at MorseLife Memory Care can now experience a variety of activities like popping bubbles, playing games, painting, playing the piano and enjoy virtual scenic views from around the world without leaving the comfort of their residence. The 360-degree projector creates engaging environments displayed on surfaces including sheets, ceilings, tables and screens, that help improve physical mobility and cognitive function. “Our residents are actively participating and moving in new, purposeful ways,” shared Savannah Blevins, Memory Care Director.

The program has also helped reduce falls by keeping residents engaged and less likely to wander. Surveys show that participants experience improvements in social, physical, and cognitive well-being, along with reduced stress.

“MorseLife Memory Care leads with innovative programs that significantly impact the lives of seniors with memory disorders,” said Keith Myers, President and CEO.

Residents also enjoy music and art therapy, lectures, fitness classes, and more, all in a luxury setting with restaurant-style dining and private rooms.

Learn more at MorseLife Memory Care.

At MorseLife, we dedicate every day to seniors, but did you know America celebrates an official National Senior Citizens Day every year on August 21?

Established by an official U.S. presidential proclamation in 1988, National Senior Citizens Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate how much older people have achieved for their families, our communities, and our nation. Reserving a special day in their honor helps us remember to set aside time to give them our thanks and special attention.

To best demonstrate our gratitude, MorseLife believes in ensuring that our communities are worthy places to grow older – places where older people can participate to the fullest and find the encouragement, acceptance, assistance, and services they need to continue leading lives of independence and dignity.

Social connections are vital for keeping seniors young and vibrant because, without meaningful interactions, older adults are at higher risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, mental health challenges, and premature death.

In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General even issued an Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community to help people build more connected lives and a more connected society.  Furthermore, this year’s Older Americans Month theme was #PoweredByConnection, which highlighted the profound impact of meaningful relationships on the health of older adults.

At MorseLife, we consistently emphasize and encourage more life through connections – new friendships, shared social activities, community volunteerism, and spirituality.

So, this year, on August 21^st, National Senior Citizens Day, take simple steps to connect with others and banish loneliness.

• Answer a friend or elder loved one’s call
• Share a meal together
• Listen without distractions
• Perform acts of service to help older adults overcome obstacles
• Connect older adults with local services to help them engage socially and with the community

Consul General of Israel Visits MorseLife in Celebration of State of Israel Day

Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Consul General of Israel to Florida, recently visited MorseLife to discuss Holocaust education initiatives, including MorseLife NEXT GENERATIONS Holocaust Living Learning Experience and MorseLife’s Workforce Initiative.

MorseLife residents also spent the special day celebrating State of Israel Day, which included live performances and a special Israeli-inspired lunch and dinner menu. Residents dined on delicious harissa-spiced salmon, chicken shawarma, falafel, vegetable soup, and more.

International and Israeli music, both old and new, filled the Levin Palace Independent Living during live performances by a pop-opera singer with a five-octave range, Michael Peer, and his five-piece band. At Tradition Assisted Living, a hip Shalom Trio performed jazz, folk, and traditional Israeli music. In addition, the dynamic duo Noam Agami and Orel brought Israeli music to residents in MorseLife’s long-term and short-term care. Lastly, Resnick residents enjoyed the international Israeli singer, Julietta Daniel.

Other special guests who participated in the day-long celebration and conversation included: Palm Beach County School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Broward County School Board Member Nora Rupert, Senator Rene Garcia, Florida Director Republican Jewish Coalition Matt Bogdanoff, President and CEO of CareerSource Palm Beach Julia Dattolo and Director of Business Services CareerSource Palm Beach Judy Dunn.

MorseLife NEXT GENERATIONS Holocaust Living Learning Experience offers multi-dimensional educational resources to teach the lessons of the Holocaust, providing programming, speakers, and education using NEXT GENERATIONS signature educational model that features Holocaust Survivors and their descendants sharing their impactful, first-hand accounts of their experiences. MorseLife’s Workforce initiative provides training courses and career opportunities for western palm beach county residents in clinical and hospitality tracks. These courses include Certified Nursing Assistants, Home Health Aides, Medical Technicians, Chef, Cooks, Servers, and Porters.

Through NOW for Holocaust Survivors, MorseLife provides home care, nutritious meals through Meals-On-Wheels, care management, dental care, medications, essential home repairs, and other crucial services to low-income Survivors and their immediate families.

MORSELIFE RESIDENT AND GHOST ARMY VETERAN MANNY FROCKT HONORED WITH CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

Army Veteran Manny Frockt, 98, was recently honored at a special ceremony at Tradition Assisted Living at MorseLife, to mark the recent award of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Ghost Army. These secret WWII units used creative deception to fool and distract the enemy on the battlefields of Europe.

Frockt was presented with a copy of the bill passed by Congress and signed by the President earlier this year, awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to The Ghost Army, along with a letter from President Biden. (The U.S. Mint will strike the actual gold medal at a later date). Rick Beyer, President of the Ghost Army Legacy Project, shared remarks about the history of the Ghost Army and the campaign to secure the Congressional Gold Medal for its members.

Frockt served in the 3132 Signal Service Company, Special. The sonic deception arm of the Ghost Army was tasked with the unique mission to impersonate other Allied units to deceive and disrupt German military actions. Their tactical deception included the use of inflatable tanks, sound trucks, and fake radio transmissions. Unfortunately, the story of this unit was kept secret after the war and only became declassified in 1996.
The Congressional Gold Medal award is a long-overdue recognition of the dangerous and heroic exploits of the Ghost Army, which is credited with saving thousands of lives during the war.

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.