Viera, Fla., May 14, 2009 - Hollywood's golden age came alive in the heart of Viera during Watersong's grand opening celebration as the sights and sounds of the 30, 40s, and 50s greeted around 550 guests. The all-inclusive, luxury retirement community opened with resounding success on May 12.

The celebration transported guests back to the glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood with elaborate props including cutouts of Tinseltown's finest, red carpets, spotlights and even paparazzi. Len Turner and The American Express brought their Big Band sound to the Sargasso dining room, while Michael Matone's seven piece Big Band entertained guests in the air conditioned tent. Prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony, the Viera High School Jazz Band performed.

"I want to congratulate Watersong on a tremendous community that will keep seniors intellectually, socially, and physically active and I can hope we can replicate something like this across the state," said Secretary Douglas Beach, Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs.

To download a jpeg of the ribbon cutting, please visit http://www.water-song.com/images/watersongGrandOpening01.jpg

Pictured from left to right: Aniello Salierno, VP of Operations, Senior Living Communities; Donald Thompson, President and CEO, Senior Living Communities; Jeffrey Miller, Executive VP of Operations & General Counsel, HealthCare REIT; Richard J. Margolis, Rabbi, Temple Beth Sholom; Shelly Lockhart, Watersong Executive Director; Representative Ritch Workman, Florida House of Representatives - District 30; Senator Thad Altman, Florida Senate District - 24; and E. Douglas Beach, Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs.

The community will employ well over 100 people when all positions are filled and has already helped stimulate the local economy by adding 60 million to the tax base during construction.

"Watersong is located in a very dynamic and fast-growing community, with Broadway productions, great shopping, and close beaches, plus the financial planning here is just tops. It's very unusual to be able to get a 90% return in retirement living." said new members Jim and Ruth Bentley. The couple added, "Being able to live long and live well was definitely a factor in choosing Watersong. We haven't been as active as we should but we will be able to here!"

Several features of Watersong separate the retirement community from others in the area. These include the ability of both independent and assisted living residents to bring pets, onsite therapy provided by Genesis Rehab services, and the opportunity to participate in a holistic wellness program designed to keep residents living independently for longer. Plus, the community has its own home health care company, Live Long WellCare.