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![The Palace Gardens takes time to honor 'Gorgeous Grandmas'](https://communitynewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/GG-orlidia-scalera-f-min.jpg)
The Palace Gardens, an assisted living and memory care community in Homestead, celebrated National Gorgeous Grandma Day with a Chico’s fashion show and residents modeling the season’s latest fashion trends.
“It was a perfect opportunity to bring attention to the grandmas and las abuelas who, with their kindness and love, are the glue that holds the family together,” said Jennifer Almodovar, CTRS, the memory care activities director. “Our fashion show and event put the spotlight on them while celebrating their inner and ageless beauty.”
While the ladies walked the runway in front of their neighbors and families, their stories and outfits were shared by fashion commentator, Michelle Fernandez from Chico’s.
For one model, Orlidia Scalera, 86, the fashion show evoked many memories. She and her husband owned a New York City boutique on the fashionable Madison Avenue. According to her daughters, it wasn’t unusual for them to speak Italian to the late fashion mogul Gianni Versace when he visited his New York location.
Another model Betty Lisko, 90, is known as the fashionista at The Palace Gardens.
“She dresses to impress every morning and loves to dress according to the theme of the community’s parties. Her creative side is expressed in her outfits, hairstyles and jewelry,” said Alexandra Urdaneta, assisted living activities director.
Marie Lanzaloto, 83, who loves fashion, also was a model. She is known for having the best sense of style, and for her, fashion is all about knowing your body type and how to match patterns and colors.
During the fashion show, guests enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres and music was provided by Band Suo. Chico’s and Kana’s Jewelry had pop-up stores in the community’s theater.
To learn more about The Palace Gardens and its innovative care for assisted living and memory support, call 305-247-0446.
The community is CARF-accredited and received a “Silver” award from the National Association of Home Builders for “Best Assisted Living Community” in 2016 and 2018. The Palace Gardens is located just off Campbell Drive, across from Homestead Baptist Hospital.