Seniors from the Gurwin Jewish-Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community celebrated what would have been the 90th birthday of Elvis Presley with a “Viva Las Vegas” themed celebration and concert on January 8, featuring acclaimed Long Island-based Elvis impersonator Lamar Peters in the headlining role.
“This is a great day that our residents will be talking about for weeks,” said Joel Gali, Administrator for Gurwin Jewish Assisted Living. “Seeing them up and dancing with smiles on their faces is priceless.”
To complete the “Viva Las Vegas” theme, Gurwin residents played casino-style games at green felt-topped gaming tables, staffed by Gurwin team members dressed as dealers. They also dined on Elvis-inspired snacks, including peanut butter and banana sandwiches, ice cream floats. Gurwin also offered special photo station for pictures with Elvis plus his classes sunglasses and scarves to complete the experience.
Residents remembered the days of Elvis at the peak of his popularity.
“I liked his music a lot,” said Hedda Pessin, a resident at Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences. “When my husband and I used to drive in the car we would hear him on the radio. Usually I didn’t like rock and roll, but I liked Elvis.”
“He was very young, very sexy, and very alive,” said Judy Gottesman, a Gurwin resident.
“I remember him on the Ed Sullivan Show,” giggled Millie Frankel, another Gurwin resident who attended the concert. “And it was the first time I saw someone on television who wiggled and did his thing.”
About Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences
Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community, located in Commack, Long Island, is part of the Gurwin Healthcare System, a renowned healthcare provider offering a full continuum of healthcare and senior living services for the frail and elderly, and younger adults with complex medical needs. In addition to its assisted living community, the System provides skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, advanced care, ventilator and respiratory care, on-site dialysis, memory care, and palliative and hospice care, as well as adult day care programs and home care. The campus is also home to Fountaingate Gardens, a newly opened 129-apartment Life Plan Community for seniors ages 62 and older. For more information, visit www.gurwin.org.