On February 26, 2017, there was an air of excitement and pride on the faces of the super seniors who helped each other place green wreaths on their heads, green ribbons on their wrists and blue ties on their white shirts, in preparation for their annual Tu B’Shvat concert.
The 28 members of the Terraces of Baycrest Musical Theatre Group performed a musical cantata celebrating the festival of Tu B’Shvat (the 15th day of the Hebrew month Shvat), the roots of which are in a passage of the Tanach (Hebrew Scriptures):
“When you come to the land of Israel you shall immediately plant trees.” This passage was sung and danced in movement with plants, symbolizing saplings. It was an inspirational, educational and very entertaining musical program. Many young adults and great-grandchildren joined this event.
Yankle Gladstone founded the Musical Theatre in 2010. The average age of the group members is 90 and all participants are very committed. The music and performances are therapeutic and have positively impacted members’ quality of life. “I am very proud of, and love every member of the group, and often celebrate our achievements with them and applaud their hard work in bringing phenomenal programs to their fellow residents.”