Seniors from the Gurwin Jewish-Fay J. Lindner Residences assisted living community in Commack 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, Vice President and Administrator for Gurwin’s assisted living community. “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 and ice cream floats, and sipped on sparkly “pink Cadillacs,” the event’s signature drink. 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 Gurwin assisted living resident. “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 Gurwin resident Judy Gottesman.
“I remember him on the Ed Sullivan Show,” gushed 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.”
