Silvergate Suites Memory Care celebrates first anniversary

FALLBROOK – Silvergate Retirement Residence, a locally owned, top-rated retirement and assisted living community in Fallbrook celebrated the first anniversary of its newly built Silvergate Suites Memory Care building on Sept. 19.

The celebration was open to members of the Fallbrook community and featured a memorable program complemented by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, including shrimp cocktail, beef sliders, hot German potato salad, and a special fruit-filled chocolate cake for dessert.

The program began with Dorothy Pratt, R.N., administrator of Silvergate Retirement, welcoming family members and community visitors to the celebration and flagpole dedication ceremony. She introduced Lizette Orozco, director for the Suites’ activity programs, who thanked her staff, community and family volunteers with recognition and flowers.

“The volunteers are the heart of the program, some who have been with me since we opened one year ago,” stated Orozco, a Silvergate employee for the past seven years. “I found my true calling because I love these residents and the people I get to work with. It’s wonderful to see them happy and smiling.”

Orozco also invited visitors to walk around the center’s great room, outdoor raised flower garden, and walking path which was lined with residents’ artwork from the last year. The artwork on display included: wreaths, painted rocks for the garden, decorated hats, picture frames, birdhouses, decoupage, model boats, and watercolor paintings.

The most popular pieces, however, were tie-dye t-shirts made by every resident. Orozco noted that these shirts are a favorite among residents and staff explaining that the tie-dye projects are a hit with residents in the memory care program because they recall their own memories from the 1960s era.

Pratt also introduced Matthew Petree, owner/representative and lead project manager in the construction of the Suites building, to read a dedication plaque to the many veterans living at Silvergate.

“The Suites was designed and built one year ago for those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias as a result of many requests from the community to have a quality memory care unit to meet the needs of Fallbrook and its adjacent cities,” stated Petree.

Guests were then led outside by veteran Robert Benoit to the new flagpole for the official flag raising ceremony. Elizabeth Hospice provided volunteer vocalist Samuel Nehemiah, founder of Champs Heart, to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” as the flag was raised. After which, Nehemiah invited the audience to join him in singing “God Bless America.”

The event concluded with residents and guests enjoying a cake decorated with a large American flag as well as a view of the sunset.

For more information, visit http://www.SilvergateRR.com or call (760) 728-8880.