Press Releases
Tradition of the Palm Beaches Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with Candle Lighting, Dance, and "Human Menorah"
West Palm Beach, FL (December 7, 2007) – Last night, staff and residents of the Tradition of the Palm Beaches celebrated both the third night of Chanukah and the third anniversary of the independent/assisted living residence with music, dance, a champagne toast – even a “human menorah.”
Linda McClamma, senior vice president of housing, also announced that the MorseLife board has approved the construction of a new independent living residence, to be connected to the Tradition, with groundbreaking scheduled for January, 2009. This expansion, which was deemed necessary in light of the waiting list for the existing residence and the increasing population of Jewish seniors, is proposed as a nine-story, 180 unit residence which will offer extensive wellness programs, multiple choices of restaurants, and other amenities and services.
The anniversary party began with the lighting of the menorah in celebration of the third night of Chanukah. Rabbi Melvin Keiffer, one of the Tradition’s first residents who presided at its first Chanukah celebration in 2004, was selected to light the menorah last evening.
Staff and residents were also treated to a performance by the Ramat Gan Dance Theater, a group of 25 young dancers from Israel whose purpose is to bring the art of Israeli folk dancing to a worldwide audience. Led by Artistic Director Elan Millo, the dance group travels throughout Israel, Europe and parts of the United States, and is now based for ten days with host families in Cooper City on this trip to Florida.
Ramat Gan Dance Theater performers Omer Abrahamer (left) and Shira Biniaminy (right) pose with Rabbi Melvin Keiffer, the first resident of the Tradition of the Palm Beaches. The Ramat Gan Dancers entertained at the celebration of the Tradition’s third anniversary. Rabbi Keiffer lit the Menorah for the third night of Chanukah.
“Our goal is to celebrate and pass along our culture – our tradition of folk dancing – to a wide audience,” Millo noted. “This is a return performance for the residents of the Tradition and it is wonderful to see their enthusiastic response to our dancing.” Millo noted that every member of the group has a deep respect for older adults, so “it’s particularly special for us to make the trip to the entertain the residents at the Tradition.”
Between the performances, Linda McClamma made note of the special relationships forged between residents at the Tradition. “People come to the Tradition leaving behind friends and neighbors from their former communities, but here, everyone quickly connects, becoming more than just friends, but like family,” she said. She noted that residents experience much joy with each other, but also provide support to each other in times of challenge. “I look around the auditorium and see so many beautiful faces and relationships,” she said.
As another special treat, Linda presented the Chanukah story of the oil that burned brightly for not one, but eight days as an analogy to the work of the staff of the Tradition. “Our valued team is the oil that burns brightly not just for one or seven days, but 365 days per year,” she said. “They are marvelous people!”
Then, eight staff leaders walked on the stage one by one with cardboard cut-outs of the branches of the candelabrum in front of them to form one life-size “Human Menorah” much to the delight of the residents in the audience.
The staff of the Tradition of the Palm Beaches took to the stage to form a “Human Menorah” much to the delight of residents at the celebration of the Tradition’s third anniversary.
At the end of the event, Linda presented a giant cake on the stage and had staff serve champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and cake to celebrate the third anniversary.
The Tradition of the Palm Beaches, located on the 37-acre Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Seniors Campus of MorseLife, offers 144 independent and assisted living residences with amenities and features designed to enhance the senior lifestyle. The newest entity of MorseLife, the Tradition will join its parent company in its 25-year history of meeting the health care and residential needs of the senior population in Palm Beach County.
MorseLife is a nationally-recognized provider of health care and residential services for seniors and their families in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs include long term care, short term rehabilitation, independent and assisted living, home care, and an institute for geriatric research and education. Founded in 1983, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity and compassion -- honoring senior living -- now and forever. For more information, visit www.morselife.org.