COMMACK, NY — Gurwin Jewish ~ Fay J. Lindner Residences celebrated 25 years of serving Long Island seniors with a week of events marking National Assisted Living Week.
The Sept. 13-18 celebration featured an Old Hollywood theme, including a resident-led "Breakfast at Tiffany's" fashion show. Residents made red-carpet entrances while escorted by Gurwin staff members.
The fashion show was followed by a tribute to five longtime employees who Gurwin officials said have helped shape the assisted living community since its opening in 2001.
Those honored were Johanna Reid, a medication aide from Copiague; Nick Barrett, lead housekeeper from Elmont; AnnMarie Carroll, a medication aide from Sayville; Yasmine St. Michel, resident care coordinator from Uniondale; and Samuel Rodriguez, a housekeeper from Hauppauge.
"Our 25th anniversary is really about celebrating the people who have made Gurwin Assisted Living what it is today," said Stuart Almer, president and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. "Our residents and families have placed their trust in us for a quarter-century, and that trust has been honored every day by an extraordinary team of professionals. To have staff members who have been part of this community since the very beginning speaks volumes about their commitment to our residents and to Gurwin's mission."
The anniversary celebration coincided with National Assisted Living Week, an annual observance recognizing assisted living residents, their families and staff.
Residents and employees took part in themed activities and entertainment throughout the week.
Gurwin Healthcare System operates a 36-acre campus in Commack that includes Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community and Fountaingate Gardens independent living community.
The system also operates Island Nursing and Rehab Center in Holtsville.
The assisted living community opened in 2001 and provides services aimed at helping seniors maintain independence while receiving personalized support.
"Gurwin has become so much more than a place where I live—it's my home," resident Judy Cohen said. "Over the years, I've made wonderful friends, shared so many special moments and gotten to know staff members who truly care about us."
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