Brookdale Wishes by Brookdale Senior Living

BROOKDALE

WISHES

EDITION

OPTIMUM LIFE A BROOKDALE速 PUBLICATION

VOL. 4, ISSUE 1

brookdale.com

FROM THE EDITOR

Understanding our residents’ desires, dreams and wishes remains at the heart of what we do every day. Through Brookdale’s partnership with Wish of a Lifetime®, the Brookdale Wishes program offers another purposeful opportunity to enhance our residents’ overall Brookdale experience. With the partnership of Brookdale, Wish of a Lifetime has granted more than 600 lifelong wishes for Brookdale residents. These life-enriching wishes are designed to reconnect loved ones, renew and celebrate passions, fulfill lifelong dreams, and commemorate service. With the granting of each wish, our seniors have an opportunity to fulfill their dreams as a result of the mutual commitment of both organizations.

To submit a wish for a deserving senior, please call your local Brookdale community or visit http://www.seniorwish.org

Have you ever considered the impact of a wish that comes true? I don’t think I ever realized the power of a wish until 2011, when Brookdale formed a partnership with Wish of a Lifetime. Wish of a Lifetime was founded by Jeremy Bloom, a former NFL player and Olympic skier, as a way of honoring his grandmother and promoting a culture shift in the way Americans view seniors and aging. Since the partnership began, more than 600 wishes have been granted for Brookdale residents. The impact of a wish coming true can prove to be an experience of a lifetime for more than just the recipient. The influence can be profound for family members, friends and the community as well. Rarely a day goes by that we don’t receive an email or a Facebook post from one of our associates describing how proud they are to work for a company that supports an endeavor that gives back to our residents and their families in very meaningful ways. And the stories are told in newspapers, magazines, television features, blogs…even in photos in Times Square! All the places life can go, when you really think about it. This edition of Optimum Life magazine is all about the stories behind these wishes, particularly the amazing residents who live life with passion and purpose and are an inspiration to us all. Whether it’s skydiving, reconnecting with a long lost friend or being honored for one’s military service, the wishes of Brookdale residents’ inspire us to think about how to make a difference in people’s lives. And as we fulfill our mission of enriching their lives, we find that they enrich ours as well! Brookdale is proud to be the founding sponsor for Wish of a Lifetime as our missions align and our actions deliver. That key element is at the heart of the cultural shift and what changing the perception of aging is all about. We also “wish” to extend a special “thank you” to those Brookdale and Wish of a Lifetime associates who facilitate resident wishes by fulfilling the fine details that make these experiences so special. And now, what’s your Wish of a Lifetime? To submit a wish for a deserving senior, please call your local Brookdale community or visit http://www.seniorwish.org.

Sara Terry sterry@brookdale.com

brookdale.com

CONTENTS 1

The Pack is Back

Her Big Day

The Keys to Happiness

Lighting Up the Runway

Trip of Heartfelt Duty

13 “Centennial Sisters” Reunite 15

All in the Family

Rockette for a Day

Trip of Honor

Optimum Life is a publication of Brookdale , Inc. Optimum Life is available free of charge to the residents, associates and friends of Brookdale communities. Subjects in feature articles are actual residents or associates of Brookdale communities across the country, or Brookdale home offices in Chicago, Milwaukee and Nashville. Inquiries about content or suggestions for future articles should be directed to a Resident Programs associate at any Brookdale community. ®

Wish of a Lifetime is a registered service mark of Jeremy Bloom’s Wish of a Lifetime. ® Reg. U.S. Pat. and TM Office. 302KR-MAG01-0114-LB ®

The Pack is Back Al’s father used to own a body shop, so Al grew up around cars. They used to chase down cars that had just been in accidents, buy them for cheap, and then fix them up for sale. Al has a story for every car he has ever driven, but his ‘38 Packard convertible that his father found for him was his pride and joy. Depressed after having lost out

Al also happens to be one of the more

on a bid for a 1937 Buick Roadmaster at an auction, Al’s dad kept his eyes open for a special car. He was able to find a 1938 Packard that was an absolute wreck. Al bought it with $215 of his own money and fixed it up to be a beauty. As Al said, “This car had great pick-up...Blondes, brunettes, redheads...they all loved it.” Regrettably, Al had his brother sell the car while he was overseas during WWII. He sold the car for $1,100—nowadays they sell for upwards of $70,000!

May 12, 2013, Al turned 93 years old and

While Al is considered a classic car guy,

likable people you could ever come across. He is extremely positive, has a great sense of humor, and every story he tells could be turned into a book. Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale were happy to make Al’s wish come true with the help of a couple of local volunteers. On finally got his ride. John, a member of the local Chicagoland Packard Club and owner of a 1939 Packard Super Eight convertible took Al for a scenic ride on the lake with his three children (Ruth, Linda and Stewart). John’s wife Jackie was also kind enough to make a cake and cookies for Al. John and Al finished the day swapping stories and rode back to Brookdale Plaza Niles (formerly The Park at Golf Mill) where they met the rest of Al’s family and friends for a birthday celebration.

he would be better described as just a classic. He served in the Army Air Corps in England for four years during WWII as a crew chief, working mainly on B-24’s.

A special thanks to John and Jackie for their contributions and to Rich Grosse of RFG Concepts for donating this photography session.

Albert Lee, is a resident of Brookdale Plaza Niles (formerly The Park at Golf Mill) in Illinois. Al’s wish was to go for a ride in a Packard convertible— just like the one he owned over 70 years ago.

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Big Day

HER

Dot was able to witness her star granddaughter appear in her beautiful wedding along with family and friends. Dot said, “It was just really, really wonderful.”

When Dorothy “Dot” Lohn, of Brookdale

on March 15, 2013, at the beautiful and

Plaza Clear Lake (formerly The Terrace at

renowned Hotel Galvez in Galveston, Texas.

Clear Lake) in Texas, met her first grandchild

Due to vision and health issues, Dot couldn’t

as she came into the world 32 years ago,

drive herself to the wedding and didn’t want

she fell in love and has felt that way ever

to bother her loving family to drive her on

since. Renee has been a great source of

such a big day. Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale sent Dot in style in a sedan to the wedding and provided her with a stay at this “Queen of the Gulf” Hotel and Spa after the wedding. Dot was able to witness her star granddaughter appear in her beautiful wedding along with family and friends. Dot said, “It was just really, really wonderful.” Jeremy’s family is musical and the best man sang a love song for the couple, it was just beautiful. I hope this program will continue because it was one of the highlights of my life.” Best wishes to Renee and Jeremy for the future, may they have a marriage like Dot’s own that lasted 65 wonderful years!

pride for Dot for all of her years, becoming a regional manager of seven banks in Texas and buying her own home. Dot worked hard as an RN for more than 40 years. She worked all over the country because her husband was in the Air Force and he worked for a company that required them to move often. When not moving or working, Dot volunteered for her church, St. Mary’s, providing meals to bereaved people, the families of sick people and funeral receptions. Dot’s sense of pride in her granddaughter was enhanced even more when she received the exciting news that Renee was getting married to her husband, Jeremy,

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THE

KEYS TO HAPPINESS Dorothy Brubaker, a resident of Brookdale Carriage Club Providence (formerly Carriage Club Charlotte) in North Carolina, is a lovely woman whom has a strong passion for playing the piano. Dorothy has been playing the piano for as long as she can remember and has a real gift of music. She can always be found playing the piano for others and enjoys performing for an audience. She even volunteers to play the piano for all three levels of care at her community. Dorothy is very dedicated to her family and is a loving mother to four children. Even while raising a family, she still found time to practice on her Steinway Grand Piano, which always had a special place in her life. When Dorothy moved to the Carriage Club she was not able to bring her beloved Steinway with her; however, she made sure to find a good home for it with a nice family. The family was so grateful that they eventually returned continued on next page

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the favor and gave Dorothy an electrical piano that was more suitable to community living, which Dorothy now plays every day. Dorothy has always admired the pianists who played at Nordstrom. She would always stop and listen to the beautiful music they were playing. Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale were thrilled to arrange for Dorothy to have a piano performance at Nordstrom. On November 13, 2013, Dorothy’s Wish came true when she played Nordstrom’s grand piano in front of an audience of friends and family. Dorothy’s daughter Nancy, members of her community, and even the occasional shopper gathered to watch Dorothy play a selection of about 20 pieces. Dorothy thought the performance couldn’t have gone better and was so happy to have gotten the opportunity to do something so special!

Special thanks to Nordstrom for making this wish possible and to Mike Harding with Genesis Group Photography for his amazing work.

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Lighting Up the Runway Margaret Amendola is a sweet woman

her own to the music she grew up listening

who has always loved being the center of

to. She is the mother of four children who

attention. Margaret’s wish was to have a

all used the same words to describe her,

runway show to stir up old memories of

“caring and sweet.”

her days modeling hats in New York City.

Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale were

Margaret’s fondest memories are when

happy to roll out the red carpet at Brookdale

she lived in New York City with her sister

Carriage Club Providence (formerly Carriage

Rose. Rose made and designed hats and

Club Charlotte) in North Carolina on May 24,

Margaret was one of her models. She would

2013. Margaret had her own runway show

model the hats for buyers from all of the

and modeled hats at her community with the

big department stores. Margaret is always

help of volunteers from the Art Institute of

reminiscing about her modeling career. She

Charlotte. The group of students from the Art

lights up every time she talks about her

Institute set up and executed the entire event.

hat modeling days. Margaret said, “I would

They did Margaret’s makeup, photography/

love to put on a hat and parade around

design, baking pastries, and more. Margaret

the room again.”

was joined by her daughter Karen, son Peter,

Even at age 95, Margaret has remained active. She still goes to church every week.

and other friends and family for what was quite an incredible experience.

When she isn’t watching her favorite show, “Dancing with the Stars,” she is dancing on

A very special thanks to the Art Institute of Charlotte: Shandria, Devon, Mollie, Chelsea, Paul, Latia, and Carolyn…Thank you for all of the hard work and creativity that you put into this Wish! Thanks as well to Macy’s for donating the hats for this Wish!

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Trip of

Heartfelt Duty

Ted Somes, is a resident of Lake Port Square in Florida. Ted’s wish was to travel to the small island of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands to honor his cousin who was killed in battle during WWII.

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Ted Somes is a generous and patriotic man and his Wish of a Lifetime was to travel to the small island of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands to honor his cousin who was killed in battle during WWII. Ted was just a young boy when his 16 year old cousin, Arthur, lied about his age to enlist in the Marines. After training, his cousin was quickly deployed overseas and stationed on the island of Tarawa. He was killed shortly after arriving in the bloody massacre of the Battle of Tarawa that took place November 20-23, 1943— he was just 18. Everyone thought his remains had been shipped home, as they had held a funeral in his hometown and a burial ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. Forty years later, however, three complete skeletons were found in a buried amphibian tractor on the island. Found with them were the boots, watch, helmet liner, and dog tags of one of the soldiers. The etching on the liner read, “Somes, Pfc.” Once the remains were discovered the Department of Defense was informed that Marines were still left on the battleground. They insisted that all American soldiers had been returned to the United States, and a body had already come home with Somes’ name attached. Because no one claimed these remains, they were buried in an unmarked grave on the island, close to the Coastwatchers Memorial. Now, every year on ANZAC day (a holiday

similar to Memorial day for Australian and New Zealand veterans), Private Somes’ name is mentioned in the prayer that is dedicated to the fallen soldiers. Since Ted has made this discovery about his cousin’s body, he has had the desire to give his cousin a proper burial by paying his respects and playing “Taps” at his grave on his cornet. He says it was a “trip of heartfelt duty.” Ted’s dedication to honoring his cousin is in part because he is a veteran himself, having served in the Coast Guard. Once he was out of the service, he worked building submarines, and later as an aircraft engineer. He primarily designed jet engines. He was involved with Habitat for Humanity, and generously donated a house to the cause. He is still very involved with veteran’s groups, and is a member of the Honor Guard where he plays “Taps” for memorial services. Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale were happy to send Ted to Tarawa for ANZAC Day on April 25, 2013. Due to the intense travel and limited flights in and out of Tarawa, he was gone from April 18–May 1. He attended the dawn services of ANZAC Day, visited the historical WWII sites, and of course, spent time at the unmarked grave of his cousin. He was also able to do a few archaeological digs with History Flight, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing home the remains of all our fallen soldiers. It was a trip he will never forget.

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“Centennial Sisters” Reunite for First Time in 10 Years

Brookdale was honored to partner with Wish of a Lifetime to reunite the sisters, who came together on April 10, 2014. The reunion was filled with plenty of tears and smiles and was covered by People magazine, among

It is a distinction living to be 100 years old.

others. The following day was a celebration

Just ask Rose Shloss. At 101, she and her three

with extended family, including 5-month-old

“Centennial Sisters” (Ruth, 104 and Rubye, 110)

Leela, Rose’s first great-grandchild. Wish of

had a wish to see each other again, but living in

a Lifetime’s founder, Jeremy Bloom, was also

different locations made that difficult.

there to share in this momentous occasion.

Having been separated for more than 10 years,

The sisters are reportedly still glowing from

an employee at Waterside Retirement Estates,

their trip.

Rose’s Brookdale® community in Sarasota, Florida, connected the sisters with Wish of a Lifetime® to initiate a reunion. The sisters’ wish came

“I couldn’t have dreamed I would be with

true when Rose traveled from her home to

both of my sisters again,” said Rose.

Rubye’s community in Bristol, Rhode Island.

“Given our ages, and the fact that we live so far

Ruth, who is 104, made the trip from her home

apart, this is truly a wish of a lifetime. I am excited

in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

beyond words to share this time with them.”

“I couldn’t have dreamed I would be with both of my sisters again,” said Rose. “Given our ages, and the fact that we live so far apart, this is truly a wish of a lifetime. I am excited beyond words to share this time with them.” “The odds of reaching 110 are about one in 7 million,” said Dr. Karl Pillemer, a Cornell University gerontologist. “If you add the fact

From left, Rubye, Ruth and Rose

that the three sisters are all currently more than 100 years old, the odds are so incredibly small that it would even be difficult to calculate them.” “Family ties are so very important, especially when families are separated by great distance,” said Janet Shloss, Rose’s daughter. “Despite all of our technological means of communicating, nothing can replace the fundamental need to be hugged and held by a loved one. How truly remarkable that these three sisters were given the chance to one last time know the joy of being together.”

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Fred Hefner, a resident of Brookdale Plaza

march in his battle against cancer. In that

Olympia Fields (formerly The Park at Olympia

moment it became clear to him that it was

Fields) in Illinois has always been a family

important to gather his remaining children

man. Fred has nine sons, three daughters,

and family for a visit. It had been 41 years

35 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren,

since he has seen them all together, and

and one great-great grandson. His wish was to reconnect with his children.

Family All in the

Fred served in the Army from 1948-1952 as a supply clerk. He married his wife while stationed in Kansas in 1950, and they then started their large family. Fred always worked very hard to provide for his family, sometimes

to have them all in one place again meant the world to Fred. On August 3, 2013, the Hefner family gathered as a whole for the first time since 1972. They spent a beautiful summer day at the Crete Park, just a short drive from Fredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community, reconnecting with one another.

working two jobs. Fred had 12 children, but one of his sons recently passed away last

Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale reunited Fred and his three generations of family members.

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Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale made Pauline’s wish a reality by sending her to New York City where she was able to dance with the Radio City Rockettes.

ROCKETTE for a DAY Pauline Clark, a resident at Freedom Inn Countryside in Clearwater, Florida has been dancing since she was seven years old, when her brother insisted that he would not allow his baby sister to be a “wallflower.” She began taking lessons, and it grew in to a great passion for her. Pauline’s wish of a lifetime was to be able to dance with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes in New York. Pauline has been actively involved in dance ever since she was introduced to it. After many years of learning different techniques, she was able to teach at the Arthur Murray School of dance in Tallahassee, Florida. She taught numerous classes such as the Jitter Bug and the Waltz. Pauline still loves to show off her dance moves at the community. Pauline is a very caring person. She took care of close family members during their passing, and makes sure to warm everyone’s day by bringing laughter to the conversation. She is on the Resident Council and is also a Welcome Ambassador for her community. Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale made Pauline’s wish a reality by sending her to New York City where she was able to dance with the Radio City Rockettes during a Rockette Experience on December 8, 2012. The day began with the Christmas Spectacular show performed by the Rockettes. After the show she then went to an hour long workshop where she was able to learn a couple of moves from the Rockettes! There was also a photo opportunity and time for people to ask a couple of questions to the Rockettes. This was definitely a day she will never forget!

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HONOR Bill and Peg Harper are an incredible couple who currently reside at the Edina Park Plaza in Minnesota. Bill and Peg have been married for 70 years, and can still be found holding hands every day. Bill and Peg’s wish was to be able to travel back to Normandy, France—where Bill stormed Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944— with their great grandson Liam and other family members. This gave Bill a chance to reconnect with the people he lost on this day, and to demonstrate to his great grandson the significance of what being a true hero really means. When Bill was deployed for training at a top-secret Army Ranger School in England nearly two years prior to the infamous D-Day, Peg was frightened for the outcome. For almost two years during his training, she was unable to speak to him. The Ranger school restricted all communications going in and out, and the location was unknown. Bill landed on Omaha Beach with the 29th Division 116th Infantry at approximately 4:30 a.m. on June 6, 1944 aboard a landing craft. The ferocity of the waves jostled Bill’s landing craft causing nearly all of the men in his infantry unit—including their medic—to

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drown before reaching the beach. On Bill’s journey from the landing craft to shore, he saved a Naval Officer from drowning, and was later presented with a Bronze Star for his valiant behavior. Peg, waiting anxiously at home, found out weeks later that Bill had survived D-Day. Bill’s infantry was supposed to land at “Dog Red” on Omaha Beach, but the waves caused them to drift about 50 yards away from this point. Within moments of landing, the enemy had identified the Military Officers by the colors of their uniform and shot and killed several soldiers in Bill’s unit. Bill can still remember trying to save the life of his Sergeant who suffered a fatal wound to the leg. This was a memorable experience since this particular Sergeant had just saved Bill’s life. Although Bill had joined the 111th Artillery Battalion, he went into battle with the 29th Division 116th Infantry for D-Day due to the fact he was a Liaison Officer between the infantry and the artillery. The men of the 116th Infantry referred to Bill as their “good luck” charm because they were always able to prevail when he was there. He was not reunited with the love of his life until May 8, 1945—

VE Day. Bill received several Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts for his valiant service in both the Second World War and the Korean War. Today, Bill and Peg remain active volunteers. They spend a majority of their time volunteering with their church. They have set up fundraisers at the church and Bill taught Pre-school for several years. They love being able to give back to those in their community. Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale made Bill and Peg’s wish a reality by sending them to Normandy, France on May 4, 2013. The couple met their granddaughter, her husband, and their great grandchildren Liam, Aisleen, and Riley in Paris before they embarked on a journey through the footsteps of the 29th Division on May 7, 2013. Bill and his family toured Omaha Beach, the D-day Museum, St. Lo (the city his battalion took over), and the American cemetery. Bill was made an honorary citizen of St. Lo and was also able to partake in the lowering of the flag ceremony at the American cemetery. At the American Flag Ceremony, there were lines of people wanting to shake his hand, thanking him for his service. Bill was able to portray to everyone the victories and hardships he overcame while fighting for his country. This was a day that Bill had dedicated to the Sergeant that saved his life but had perished with the other brave men on the shores of Normandy. Bill, Peg, and their family will never forget this experience!

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Wish of a Lifetime®

Wish of a Lifetime was founded in living Honor of Donna Wheeler, Jeremy Bloom’s Grandmother.

Wish of a Lifetime’s mission is to foster respect and appreciation for seniors by granting life-enriching Wishes. Their purpose is to create a shift in the way society views and values aging. They envision a world in which society embraces aging and the inherent wisdom that accompanies it, where seniors are celebrated for their accomplishments and sacrifices, and where intergenerational connections are part of our daily life. Growing older doesn’t mean you have to stop dreaming and living a life of purpose. Most elderly men and women have something in their life that they have always wanted to do or see, but for many different reasons they have been unable to live out these dreams. Wish of a Lifetime creates opportunities for these dreams to come true. Seniors who have had a Wish fulfilled report that they are happier, healthier, and more involved in the world. Changing the life of an individual can have an impact on the broader community as well. So Wish of a Lifetime shares the stories of Wish recipients’ lives and the obstacles they have overcome in order to inspire younger generations.

To submit a wish for a deserving senior, please call your local Brookdale community or visit http://www.seniorwish.org

brookdale.com

Brookdale is proud to be the founding sponsor of Wish of a Lifetime.

ALL THE PLACES LIFE CAN GO is a trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc., Nashville, TN, USA. ® Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office. 302KR-MAG01-0114