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Clients and staff members at the North Ward Center's Casa Israel Adult Medical Day Care Center celebrated its ninth anniversary Friday, Sept. 24 with festive music, dancing, games and food.
"I'm having a lot of fun," said client James Leone. "There isn't much more you can ask for than what we have today -- good food and good people."
A group of about 150 gathered in the main hall at Casa Israel to enjoy the day's festivities. Entertainer Julian Hernandez serenaded the crowd with his enchanting guitar rhythms, which coaxed several clients onto the dance floor. Other clients played dominoes or cards. Everyone was treated to a full breakfast, lunch and a slice of anniversary cake.
Casa Israel is an adult medical day care center that provides high quality medical and social services for up to 120 eligible adults in the Greater Newark area. Clients receive transportation to and from Casa Israel as well as to medical appointments. Casa Israel provides health monitoring by a professional staff, meals and a safe environment where clients can participate in recreational activities together.
Casa Israel was founded in 2001 by The North Ward Center on the belief that seniors should be able to receive medical and social services in an atmosphere that allows for their dignity and self-respect to remain intact.
"Casa Israel has provided our community with a valuable service for the last nine years," said Stephen N. Adubato, the founder of The North Ward Center. "It's part of our commitment to this community."
Bruce London, Casa Israel's Administrator, said the center has had nine successful years because of the dedication and genuine compassion staff members show every day. The sense of community the center offers and the positive attitude of its clients, makes that job easier, according to London.
Arna Marques has been a client since March. She looks forward to coming to Casa Israel every day.
"Everyone is so nice and friendly," Marques said. "I like that they take care of everything for you, like taking you to the doctor and scheduling all of your appointments."
Marques was particularly happy to attend the ninth anniversary celebration, as it is the first time she's experienced this annual tradition.
"I was happy to see the place so nice and decorated and to see everybody in the mood to celebrate," Marques said. "It lifts your spirits to see everyone so enthusiastic and full of pride."
Client Francisca Bonilla was named the queen of the celebration and worked the room, posing for photos with other members of Casa Israel.
"I am very happy to be chosen as queen," Bonilla said. "I like to come to Casa Israel and am proud to represent the population on the center's ninth anniversary."
Guests of honor at the celebration included Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr. and Councilman Luis A. Quintana, both of whom praised Casa Israel for its dedication to improving the quality of life for Newark's senior citizens.
Adrianne Davis, the co-founder of The North Ward Center, said Casa Israel continues to grow in prominence every year, as it provides a vital service to Newark's most vulnerable population, day in and day out.
"Without Casa Israel, many of these people would be home alone or in nursing homes," Davis said. "Casa Israel gives them a place to come where they can be cared for while they have fun, make new friends and interact with other adults."
Casa Israel is already planning next year's 10th anniversary party, according to London. It will be a grand celebration, as the center will celebrate a full decade of service.
