Laurel Brook Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary of its Korean Community Wing
More Than 80 Guests Joined Residents and Staff in Recognizing Distinctive Program and Cultural Setting 
More than 80 guests joined residents and staff of Laurel Brook Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, a Marquis Health Services member, at the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Mount Laurel skilled nursing facility’s distinctive Korean Community wing. Festivities included congratulatory remarks by distinguished guests, including Camden County Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo and Mount Laurel Mayor Kurt Folcher, among others; musical entertainment by world-renowned performers; and award presentations to staff and volunteers.
“We are honored to celebrate this momentous occasion with the community leaders, local medical professionals, staff, volunteers, residents and family members who have been an integral part of making our Korean Community wing a truly special place,” said Marquis Health Services’ Norman Rokeach, chief executive officer. “A special thank you to Pastor Sung for his leadership and compassion every day during the last ten years. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Laurel Brook is recognized far beyond Mount Laurel for its high-quality skilled nursing care in a Korean cultural setting. Recently renovated, the 60-bed Korean Community wing creates a culturally authentic environment for the care and comfort of Korean seniors. With the support of caregivers and medical professionals who share their values and speak their language, residents enjoy familiar traditional décor, ethnic cuisine prepared in-house, and special cultural programming and recreational activities.
At the 10th Anniversary celebration, attendees delighted in musical performances by Soprano Sungji Kim and Rami Seo’s Project World Music Ensemble. Ms. Kim, who has performed at opera houses and concert halls around the world, sang traditional Korean and opera songs. Ms. Seo, a master of the traditional Korean string gayageum, created unique harmonies with her signature blend of traditional Korean and contemporary music. “Both performances were absolutely beautiful and received standing ovations,” said Pastor John Sung, director of Laurel Brook’s Korean Community offering.
The dinner buffet featured five different cultural stations, including authentic Korean cuisine prepared by Laurel Brook’s Korean Community chef. Guests were treated to a cooking demonstration involving traditional Korean ribs, vegetable wraps and noodles. The expansive buffet also included an ice sculpture adorned with a colorful shrimp cocktail, a sushi bar and an array of desserts.
Marquis Surprises Volunteers and Staff for Long-standing Service
During the celebration, Marquis Health Services presented awards to two staff members – Misook Lee and Soon Lee – and two volunteers – Suck T. Kim and Pong K. Chun – all of whom have been with Laurel Brook since the opening of the Korean Community wing. “This was the perfect time to surprise these valued contributors with our heartfelt thank you for their great work and long-standing service to our Korean seniors,” remarked Pastor Sung.
Located at 3718 Church Road, Laurel Brook provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab, memory care, long-term and respite care in addition to its popular Korean Community wing. Under Marquis, the facility has earned a deficiency-free survey from the New Jersey Department of Health, and secured certification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
“Laurel Brook’s Korean Community wing provides top-level skilled nursing care while bringing the comforts of home to our Korean-speaking patients,” added Rokeach. “It is a clear illustration of the emphasis that Marquis places on quality of life for both subacute and long-term care residents.”
Marquis Health Services, the healthcare affiliate of Tryko Partners, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing subacute rehabilitation and skilled nursing care, operating nearly 3,000 beds at 23 Mid-Atlantic and New England properties.
###
PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) Marquis Health Services’ Norman Rokeach; Mount Laurel Mayor Kurt Folcher; Marquis’ Pastor John Sung and Michael Smith; Camden County Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo; opera singer Sungji Kim; Judy Yoo of Wishing Well Adult Daycare Center; and George J. Choe of the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation at the Laurel Brook Community wing 10th Anniversary.
