NORMA JEAN & EDWARD MEER APARTMENTS

Discover Jewish Senior Life!

Contact Jackie Rosender

248-444-2430 jrosender@jslmi.org

by Jo Strausz Rosen

I periodically read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein to my grandchildren, as I read it to their parents, and even to myself as a girl in 1964. When reading to my grandchildren, complicated feelings arise in my heart. I hear Barbra Streisand sing...

“Mem’ries light the corners of my mind

Misty water-colored memories of the way we were

Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind

Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were.”

I think of the speed at which I arrived at the age of 70 and I think of the older adults at Jewish Senior Life and elsewhere, and I contemplate the illusion of the passage of time.

EXTRA! EXTRA!

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JEWISH NEWS

Hechtman's New "Dine Your Way" Program Caters to Seniors' Active Lifestyles

Residents of Jewish Senior Life’s Hechtman Apartments celebrated the grand opening of their newly renovated dining room by dressing in formal attire. They dined on delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by Executive Chef Monica Reaume and danced to music from a big band orchestra.

FRIENDS

I am writing this from my home office since the frigid weather robbed my car of the will to move (AAA is on the way). Although my cats are delighted to have me here, it’s too quiet and I’m missing Beyond Burger day at Marvin’s bistro. I’m also missing the fun of helping shoppers at the boutiques, visiting with volunteers and residents, and hanging out with our fabulous JSL Foundation team in what we call the “West Wing.”

A little while ago I had a conversation with my mother-in-law about senior living. She’s a spry 90 and said “there’s nothing wrong with me. I don’t need to go there.” I told her that the reason wasn’t because of what she couldn’t do, but because of what she would be able to do in a community setting. On days like this, she wouldn’t have to sit at home alone. She wouldn’t spend the winters isolated and blue. She’d be surrounded by people and have lots to do.

Even if you’re not ready to move in (and, today, I nearly am!), our two JSL campuses are a great place to beat the winter blues. Come visit with residents, help out with an activity, shop the boutiques, have lunch at Marvin’s bistro or Krohlik’s café, enjoy the bustle and busyness and sense of community. It’s absolutely worth putting on your warm and woolies, starting the cold car (if you should happen to have a car that wants to start), and braving the winter roads to come into the warmth of family and community at JSL.

Please call me at 248-592-5062 or email brobinson@jslmi.org to chat about volunteering. Or check out the opportunities listed on our website.

Bessie Spector ^z”l Oldest Jewish Americans Celebration

I’m so excited to announce that we are getting ready for the Bessie Spector ^z”l Oldest Jewish Americans Celebration. One of the highlights of the Detroit Jewish Community calendar, this event honors community members who will be 95 or older by December 31, 2024. It will take place on Friday, June 21, at 10:30am at Adat Shalom Synagogue. We are currently searching for honorees. If you know someone who is 95 or older, please register them using the online form or call me at

248-592-5062.

National Compliment Day

January 24th is national compliment day, but if you shop at our boutiques, you’ll get compliments every day! Stylish, affordable, and all the proceeds support JSL! Where else can you look good and do good at the same time? Pop in for shopping and stay for lunch! Click here for boutique, bistro and café hours.

Stay warm and I hope to see you soon!

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Your FRIEND,

Beth Robinson

Director

FRIENDS of Jewish Senior Life

FRIDAY FUNNY

EDWARD I. & FREDA FLEISCHMAN RESIDENCE

Come see the JSL Difference!

Contact Janet Antin

248-967-4240 jantin@jslmi.org

GRANDFRIENDS

In July of 2023, in an effort to interact with Meer residents, The Shul in West Bloomfield developed the Grandfriends program that fosters intergenerational connections between young children and older adults. Shul volunteers plan activities and bring supplies needed for various programs. Shul volunteers bring the children to visit Meer residents, who play together in pairs and share all the activities. Typically, the programs have Jewish holiday themes and other cultural events are celebrated.

During the month of January, the group will be visiting Meer Apartments three Sundays in a row. Plans will include art projects, challah baking, song singing and game playing to create meaningful bonds between the children and their Grandfriends.

Marcia Mittelman, Meer Administrator, loves this group and reports how much the residents appreciate the visits. "The smiles on their faces say it all. It's such a rewarding experience."

From "The Nosher":

The Sweet Jewish History of Hot Chocolate

Sip on this.

Jews played a significant role in introducing chocolate as a beverage to Europe and various parts of the Americas. Cold weather, warm drink cheers!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Roasted Eggplant

Israeli-inspired Roasted Eggplant with Silan Techina is a little sweet, a little savory and all sorts of tasty!

AT HOME WORKOUT

SLIDE Into Exercising

Join Curtis Adams, host of national senior exercise television series A New Way 2 Move, for this exciting beginner and senior exercise program. The "Power Slide" exercise program increases energy, strength, endurance, mobility, and balance.

JANUARY FUN FACT

The "Golden Girls" was supposed to have a different theme song. That’s right: Instead of Andrew Gold’s iconic “Thank You for Being a Friend,” the show’s producers wanted to use Bette Midler’s song “Friends,” according to Jim Colucci, author of the book Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai. But the rights to the Divine Miss M’s song were too expensive, and the rest is sitcom history.