Bristal Resident Celebrates 100th B-Day with Virtual Europe Visit

For her 100th Birthday celebration, Magda Vassilev a resident of The Bristal at Lake Grove wanted to go back to Europe, enjoy good music, good wine, and her friends. While the realities of COVID would not allow Magda to jet off for a visit to her birthplace, The Bristal at Lake Grove made her birthday wish come true arranging a virtual visit back home for her.

“Although we couldn’t jump on a plane to go to Europe, we went their virtually,” said Lindsay Navetta, Director of Recreation at The Bristal at Lake Grove. “In the morning we took a virtual tour of Italy, Magda’s favorite place and then virtually visited Slovenia the country she was born and raised. We were even able to visit her little city of Novo Mesto.”

The celebration also included some in-person special moments. Madga’s favorite entertainer Vance Brescia performed for her and all her friends at The Bristal and the day ended with a fine wine tasting. The Bristal at Lake Grove’s Executive Chef Amanda Arnold made homemade cupcakes in the shape of 100. Recreation Assistant Brittany made her an “Aged to Perfection” shirt and wine glass which all tied into the theme of Europe and fine wine.

Magda’s cousin Laurie and her friend Zsa Zsa picked her up in style, renting limo to bring Magda to Manhattan to visit all her favorite spots including Central Park, the church she used to attend, and Hotel Pierre which is where she worked for many years.