As we move into the lazy, hazy days of summer, we’re hoping you’ll be looking forward to relaxing time spent with family and friends. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the taste of a fresh summer tomato, or just hanging out at a backyard barbecue, summer is time to slow down and savor the moment. Often this time of year brings up fond memories of summers past – beach trips with the family, eating al fresco and roasting marshmallows over the grill, jumping into the cool lake or river on a hot day… we wish you all the feelings of joy and delight these memories evoke. 

People may not realize all the tasks involved in the role of Community Liaison at Jewish Family Services. Roberta has been in that role for over 6 years and juggles many responsibilities without missing a beat. In addition to overseeing the JFS Food pantry, she collaborates regularly with other agencies, schools and organizations on various events and programs and is responsible for the volunteer program, which often overlaps with the Senior Engagement department. We rely on our volunteers to assist with programs as well as to provide social connections with our senior adults through the Friendly Visitor program. We sat down with Roberta to get the scoop:

How long have you lived in Charlotte and what was your path to arrive here?

I have lived in Charlotte for 28 years. Although I have family in the Boston area, I’ve got a solid network of friends here and consider Charlotte home.

What drew you to JFS and what is your favorite thing about your job?

I first became involved in JFS as a volunteer myself, helping at a senior program. I love interacting with our clients and volunteers. We have amazing, interesting volunteers who are always willing to go the extra mile

What do you enjoy in your spare time?

Yoga, cooking, reading, traveling

If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Fried Chicken!

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

That I am a former nurse!

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally/internationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. The understanding and excitement of Juneteenth is growing at a phenomenal rate. Cities and states all across the U.S. and beyond are taking the opportunity to come together in appreciation, reconciliation, and commemoration. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month, marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. 



Locally, the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas has been celebrated in Charlotte in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood for over 25 years. Festivities are planned over several days. This year, events included speakers, heritage performances, music and fellowship. On the last day of the event, a large street festival included storytelling, African dancers, food, a health fair, and a “freedom march for peace and unity”. To learn more about our local Juneteenth celebrations: www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com 

There are so many reasons to celebrate in June and July! Here are just a few highlights from the calendar:

June 1^st

National Go Barefoot Day AND National Nail Polish Day so go get a pedicure and show off those toes!

June 6^th

National Gardening Exercise Day – get outside and get your hands in the dirt! It’s good for your body and will boost your mood.

June 12 – 13^th

Shavuot – this Jewish holiday commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. It’s traditional to eat a dairy meal, so enjoy some cheesecake or an ice cream sundae!

June 16^th

Father’s Day AND National Fudge Day – Dads deserve one day a year to get some recognition so why not celebrate with a batch of fudge?

June 19^th

Juneteenth – see the article in this issue to learn more about this celebration of the end of slavery in the US

July 4^th

Independence Day – celebrate the USA with a barbecue, flags or fireworks

July 15^th

Give Something Away Day - Most of us have the benefit of having more than we need; this day offers us an opportunity to share some of our bounties. 

July 25^th

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day – do we really only need one day for this?! Enjoy!

The upcoming virtual program will be held on September 19th at 3pm with local occupational therapist (OT) Mattie Ablitz of Threshold Therapeutic. Mattie will be walking us through the process of assessing your home’s accessibility and safety readiness if you’re planning to age in place. This program will be useful to any senior adult and/or caring family member to have information about home safety before a crisis occurs.

1. Why do bananas wear sunscreen?
2. How do you prevent a summer cold?
3. What do frogs like to drink on a hot summer day?

Answers at the end of the email

Icebox cake was originally created in the 1920s, and it has stood the test of time. It's such a magical-looking dessert that’s almost too easy to pull off! When it’s too hot to cook, this is the perfect recipe.

Ingredients:

16 oz. Heavy whipping cream

2 Tbsp. Confectioners’ sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

40 thin Chocolate wafers

Chocolate curls, optional

Directions: 

Step 1: Make the sweetened whipped cream

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla, and beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 2: Assemble the cake

Spread heaping teaspoons of the whipped cream on the cookies. Make six stacks of cookies. Turn the stacks on their edge, and place on a serving platter, forming a 14-inch-long cake.

Step 3: Frost and decorate

Frost the top and sides of the cookies with the remaining whipped cream. If desired, garnish with chocolate curls. Refrigerate the icebox cake before serving, four to six hours.

“Holocaust Survivor Day” was started by the Krakow JCC in 2020 to honor the strength and resilience of survivors. “International Holocaust Remembrance Day” and “Yom HaShoah” are both essential to honoring the memory of all the lives lost and forever scarred by the Holocaust. “Holocaust Survivor Day” is about celebrating those who survived and everything they continue to teach us. June 4th is the date designated as a day to celebrate survivors. Organizations and communities around the world plan various events and activities to recognize local survivors. Here in Charlotte, we were fortunate this year to have generous support from donors Gary and Cherie Aviv, as well as Seed the Dream Foundation and the Sephardic Foundation to underwrite our planned event. Holocaust survivors from all around the area, along with their family members, friends and caregivers, as well as JFS staff and volunteers, attended a private luncheon at Dressler’s Metropolitan. A total of 41 people attended the event, which featured a solo violinist, 3-course plated luncheon and a photographer on hand to capture all the moments. A special additional guest was Kellee Rosenberg, the JF&CS Atlanta Regional National Homecare Program Coordinator. She enjoyed the opportunity to connect with many survivors served by that program. Survivors were sent home with a hand crafted frame, created by an aspiring teen artist, and later sent prints of the photos taken of them with their loved ones. The theme of the luncheon was “celebrating strength, celebrating resilience” and our local survivors enjoyed the celebration and felt the love and support from everyone there.

1. Because they peel!
2. Catch it in winter
3. Croak-a-cola

Keep your mind sharp! See how many words you can find:

Click here for the Summer Word Search