Press Releases
MorseLife 27th Annual Meeting Highlights Year of Exhilaration and Accomplishments
West Palm Beach, FL (April 1, 2010) - In opening remarks at the 27th Annual Meeting of MorseLife, President/CEO Keith A. Myers described the 2009 year as "exhilarating," and recognized a "passionate and dedicated board for their time, talent and tzedakah" in representing all entities of the nonprofit senior care organization.
Ed Levine, Chairman, Morse Geriatric Center; Phyllis Krock, Chairman, Friends of MorseLife, Terri Sriberg, Chairman, MorseLife, Inc.; Beatrice W. Bloch, Chairman, The Tradition of the Palm Beaches; Arthur Loring, Chairman, MorseLife Foundation, Inc.; and Stanley M. Katz, Chairman, Kramer Senior Services Agency
Myers noted that "while things can change in an instant, today we are pleased to know that MorseLife is financially solid, given the long history of philanthropic support of the community and the sound and professional management decisions of the executive team of MorseLife." He said the organization is able to "continue to meet the needs of the community with no cuts in service, and to expand services to meet the growing demands of an exploding population of seniors."
In her remarks, MorseLife’s outgoing Chairman Beatrice W. Bloch expressed her appreciation to all officers, board members and supporters of the organization, and in particular, Keith Myers, President/CEO; Terri C. Sriberg, incoming Chairman for MorseLife and Chairman for Morse Geriatric Center; Stanley M. Katz, Chairman for Kramer Senior Services Agency; Arthur Loring, Chairman for MorseLife Foundation; and Marjorie Agran, Chairman for Friends of MorseLife.
"Over 27 years ago, at the founding of our organization, I saw an opportunity to help to make a difference to the lives of older adults of our community through my involvement," Ms. Bloch noted. "These last two years as Chairman of MorseLife have been most exciting, challenging and fulfilling and I have been so lucky to have been involved with all of you in creating a vision for MorseLife’s future."
Ms. Bloch then introduced Mary Alice Pappas, Senior Vice President of MorseLife Foundation and Steve Levin, Chairman of MorseLife’s Capital Campaign who encouraged all board members to join in support of the effort that will transform the MorseLife campus. In following up, Keith Myers also spoke about the "coming of the Silver Tsunami - a 200% increase in seniors within Palm Beach County," and outlined the three phases of the Capital Campaign project:
- Building a new, 120-bed short-term rehabilitation facility;
- Refurbishing and remodeling the newer wing of Morse Geriatric Center, built in 1989; and
- Reconfiguring space in the original wing of Morse Geriatric Center, built in 1983, to create an 81-unit assisted living residence for people with memory impairment.
Prior to closing the Annual Meeting, the chairmen of each entity introduced new board leadership. Representing the parent company, MorseLife, Inc., Beatrice Bloch announced Terri C. Sriberg, as new MorseLife Chairman, and Phyllis Krock, David Markin, Robert Meister and Larry Schlager as new board members. Ms. Bloch also paid tribute to Erwin Blonder and Herbert Platzner, who will now serve as Directors Emeritus, and Lionel Greenbaum, for their long-term involvement and service to MorseLife.
Terri C. Sriberg, in her role as Chairman for Morse Geriatric Center, announced Edwin Levine as her successor, and announced new board members, Carol Cohen, Ann Cope, Jane Gazes, Lee Goldstein, Sandra Hammonds, Sherry L. Lautenbach, Beverly Myers and Sandra Rosen. Stanley M. Katz, Chairman of Kramer Senior Services Agency, announced Harriet Levine and Carolyn Wolfe as new board members; Arthur Loring, Chairman for MorseLife Foundation, announced Edwin Levine as a new board member; and Marjorie Agran, Chairman of Friends of MorseLife, announced Phyllis Krock as her successor, as well as other new officers, Jamie Feig, Lorraine Malasky, Jan Willinger, Judith Schlager, Bruce Gendelman, Lori Gendelman, Paul Kozloff, Roberta Kozloff, Andrea Stark, and new directors, Sandy Bornstein, Carolyn Brodsky, Carol Cohen, Gita Costa, Ellen Eisenberg, Helene Kaplan, Karen List, Susan Ross, Amy Schlager and Jane Zises.
At the end of the meeting, Beatrice Bloch officially introduced Terri C. Sriberg as her successor. Ms. Bloch recalled urging Mrs. Sriberg to become involved over ten years ago when they partnered in the golf game. "You have traveled my path and we together have been a part of helping MorseLife become what it is today," she said. "I know I am leaving the Chairman’s position in the best hands possible, and I hope your journey will leave you a good feeling of accomplishment."
Mrs. Sriberg noted the joy that she has had in working with Ms. Bloch. "I understand why your involvement meant so much to you, as it does to me," she said. "We are all so appreciative of your time, passion - your intense loyalty and your commitment. I have very big shoes to fill by following in your footsteps and I thank you for guiding me."
In addressing the entire board, Mrs. Sriberg also noted her appreciation for their work in helping MorseLife become a world-class organization. "I look forward to working with all of you on the transformation of this campus," she said. "At MorseLife, the treasured seniors we help deserve no less than the best and with the support of this community, they will get just that."
The Annual Meeting of MorseLife is held each year to celebrate a past year of accomplishments and install new officers and boards of directors for its various entities.