As illusionist Lyn Dillies encouraged an audience member to sprinkle “magic dust” on an ordinary balloon, a crowd of seniors at Brookdale Dartmouth Village chanted “peace.” In an instant, the balloon gave way to a live white dove, much to the amazement of the crowd. 

Dillies’ show followed a Las Vegas-themed event which also included blackjack and table games to celebrate National Assisted Living Week on September 13.

“National Assisted Living Week is to honor and bring more awareness to assisted living: Residents, families, employees, and volunteers,” said Claudia Parascandolo, the programs director at Brookdale.

The halls of Brookdale transformed into Las Vegas on September 13. Residents played blackjack, roulette, poker, and hard roulette, before watching a show from illusionist Lyn Dillies of Westport.

Dillies wowed the crowd with her tricks, including classics like the magic rings, one that paid tribute to the magic of the ocean, and a peculiar trick of her own involving pickle juice.

“We like to keep things exciting,” Parascandolo said.

Dillies frequently interacted with Joe Correia, a resident who was sitting in the front row, during her show.

When it was suggested that he was the second star of the show, he laughed and said, “I’m a prop!”

Correia, a resident of Dartmouth for the past 53 years, said the show was “outstanding,” and loved the finale.

“I treasure the opportunities to bring my show to places like this, and bring some magic and joy to people,” Dillies said.

On September 14, the Residence at Cedar Dell wrapped up its celebrations with a performance by musician Gary Duquette, with made-to-order ice cream sundaes.

“Feel free to dance and sing along!” Jennifer Gelinas, the engagement director said as she welcomed residents and guests to the event.

Toosie Margolies said the event was a highlight for her.

“I’ve lived here for three years, and I actually enjoy living here because I have the freedom to do a lot of things,” Margolies said.

She still drives her own car, and has a close friend who also lives at Cedar Dell.

The crowd at Cedar Dell danced and sang along to the performance, which included classic songs like “You Are My Sunshine,” while they waited for made-to-order sundaes from Matt Millman and John Mados.

Millman is an alum of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth who began volunteering at Cedar Dell before working full time there. Mados is a current Portuguese student at UMass Dartmouth who volunteers there.

National Assisted Living Week was established in 1995 by the National Center for Assisted Living.