REVERE — An ocean wheelchair rolled down Revere Beach and into the splashing waves on a scorching summer day. It was a long-awaited moment for some assisted living residents, who take this annual outing as a moment to relax and stroll down memory lane.
“We used to come every Fourth of July,” said Grace Federico, 91, of her past trips with family to Revere Beach, where she would make sandcastles with her kids. “They always had celebrations.”
Fourteen residents from Cohen Florence Levine Estates, aged 75 to 100, took the trip, soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves, just like they once did. The residents fondly remember going to Revere and surrounding beaches and for the past four years, they have had the opportunity to come back through an organized annual trip through the assisted living home.
The event hosts games, music, singing, and food for residents to enjoy while lounging at the beach. Ocean wheelchairs, provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, were available for residents who have limited mobility but want to go in the water.
“It’s just a way for them to make new memories and re-create older memories, which is really important. They have such fond memories of being at that beach or other beaches,” said Debbie Weisberg, director of public relations for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, a nonprofit that runs various nursing homes and assisted living facilities, including Cohen Florence Levine in Chelsea.
For Carmella Tracia, 99, this trip was filled with nostalgia. Tracia grew up in East Boston and used to stroll down Revere Beach with friends.
Now, Tracia and other residents relive those memories, sharing stories about past trips while sitting on the sand and dipping their feet into the water.
Marguerite “Peggy” Ferreira, 75, said she was “absolutely” going swimming. Her favorite thing about the beach day was being able to have fun with her friends.
“We’re all in the same boat. Basically it’s like a whole new family,” she said.
Charley Kanter, 100, said that while he doesn’t particularly love the beach, even after spending many decades of his life in Florida, he attends the outing every year to support the staff who organize it.
“This is such a good part of my life. I don’t have to struggle anymore,” Kanter said. “People are all around me and they take such good care of us. I just always feel so lucky.”
Residents of the community reflected on past trips made possible by Jimmy Honohan, recreational program director, and his wife, Shellie Honohan, activities director.
Jimmy Honohan, 70, said he could have retired years ago but hasn’t because he “doesn’t consider this a job.” Honohan has worked at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare since 2007 and has made it his goal to organize meaningful and special trips for residents.
“At the end of that, you feel like you’re actually making a difference,” he said. “They have a reason to get up and enjoy everyday.”
Diane Weinstein, 82, said Honohan and Chelsea Jewish Lifecare organize so many events for the residents, including the beach trip, which makes their lives exciting.
“We never sit still; we end up going everywhere,” said Weinstein. “Let me tell you, age is only a number.”
Katarina Schmeiszer can be reached at katarina.schmeiszer@globe.com. Follow her on X at @katschmeiszer.