LILLIAN & SAMUEL HECHTMAN II APARTMENTS

Discover Jewish Senior Life!

Contact Jackie Rosender

248-444-2430 jrosender@jslmi.org

WINDOWS

by Jo Strausz Rosen

I enjoy looking out of my windows at home. Birdwatching is a great hobby. In my yard the bird feeder is a popular hangout, visited by so many colorful birds, and in particular families of cardinals. And when the sun sets, I watch young deer try to lick and empty the birdfeeder. There’s a whole world of magic to view from my side of the window. I especially enjoy the sunshine rising in the east that colors the morning sky as I ready myself in anticipation of the day. Spring is here and the season is reflected in the buds on the changing trees. It’s a feeling of relaxation in my little place on earth that brings me comfort.

A DAY OFF FOR CAREGIVERS

Enjoy a day of massage, yoga, food, music and more while trained professionals engage with your loved one living with dementia at the Brown Center.

Sunday, April 7, 2024

10:30AM - 3:00PM

Soul Café

West Bloomfield

Space is limited

FRIENDS

I have a confession to make. I wrote this late.

(Sorry Nicole)

I was going to spend an entire day in my office taking care of calls, emails, administrative tasks, and writing my newsletter item, but that’s not how it worked out.

Last night we got a large and long-awaited shipment of (really spiffy) slacks for the boutiques. So, I spent some time in the boutique working with our wonderful volunteers to unpack them, hang them up and price them (thank you Candace Simons and Lorrie Trompeter!). One of our residents wandered in and we got into a lively conversation about, among other things, her upcoming hundredth birthday!

Then I went to the front office to laminate some signs advertising our final winter sale (50% off!) and then back to the boutique to hang them and get the silly picture you see here (me, Candace, and Hechtman resident Laurie Green modelling some of our remaining winter sweaters, hats, and sunglasses). 

Then, since it’s Thursday, which everyone here knows is my favorite day of the week because they have Beyond Burgers at Marvin’s bistro, I got lunch and went back to my desk to work. I wanted to give some love to the Bessie Spector Oldest Jewish Americans Celebration because it’s coming up on June 21 and there’s lots to do to get ready to welcome our 95 and ups (if you know one, please register them as an honoree using our online form or call / email me to sign up to volunteer brobinson@jslmi.org /

248-592-5062).

Next was a trip up to Meer, partly because volunteer Nancy Handelman called and said she had something for me (delicious home-baked hamantaschen it turns out – thank you Nancy!!!), and partly because all those pants needed to get up there. Also, thanks to volunteer Kelli Rosensweig, we’re testing out extended hours in the Meer boutique (1-4:30 on Thursdays). And when I get in there, I run into so many people (staff, volunteers, and residents) that I want to visit with!

On my way back, our terrific new program staff member, Louis Eisenberg, stopped me to hand me a slice of cheesecake.

Anyway, my point in sharing my day with you, is that I love it here and I love the people and although, around Purim time (okay, pretty much all the time) it’s not a great place to watch your weight, I would love for you to be one of the wonderful people I get to work and visit with on fun days like this.

There are a million and one things to do at JSL. Call me and let’s talk about what you might want to do or fill out our online volunteer form and I’ll call you.

Your FRIEND,

Beth Robinson

Director

FRIENDS of Jewish Senior Life

WEEKLY RECIPE

The Best Hamantaschen Recipe

Perfect for Purim -- and anytime -- this tried-and-true recipe does not disappoint!

THE MORE YOU KNOW MARCH FUN FACT

Ketchup was once sold as medicine. The condiment was prescribed and sold to people suffering with indigestion back in 1834.

FRIDAY FUNNY

MARGOT & WARREN COVILLE

ASSISTED LIVING &

MEMORY CARE

Come see the JSL Difference!

Contact Janet Antin

248-967-4240 jantin@jslmi.org

PARTY - JSL

PURIM STYLE!

JSL celebrates Purim, the festival of masks and fancy dress. A contemporary Israeli scholar, Rabbi Eliezer Melamed explains, in his book Pninei Halachah, that dressing up in costumes breaks down barriers between people, creating camaraderie and friendship. This is the power of clowning, which can turn enemies into friends.

EIGHT OVER EIGHTY

Everything old is new again. In 1994, Meer resident and current 8/80 honoree, Nancy Kalef nominated her husband, Manny’s, father, Neil Kalef, to be in the first annual induction ceremony for the 8 over 80, Senior Adult Jewish Hall of Fame, held on May 22, 1994.

The day led off with a private brunch for the eight winners and seven family members per person at The Harriet and Ben Teitel Federation Apartments in Oak Park. The eight honorees were Dr. Harry August, Clara Collens, Hortense Falk, Rose L. Greenberg, Neil Kalef, Arthur Lipsitt, Ruth Redstone, and Dorothy Storchan. From 1:00 pm – 3:00pm the entire community was then invited to listen to the honorees speak about their lives and receive their awards.



We have celebrated eight community greats every year since. Several of the past honoree’s spouses were also given the special honor. And in some circumstances, honorees gave birth to future honorees like Jim August 2023, son of Dr. Harry August, and Nancy Kalef, the wife of Manny Kalef, Neil’s son. Manny brought these souvenirs to our “Getting to Know You Luncheon” last week and we are thrilled he saved them.

JSL’s largest fundraiser benefitting the Quality of Life Fund on each JSL campus continues to be important and generously supported by our greater community. Want to learn more about Jewish Senior Life’s 8/80 Fundraising Celebration or attend this year’s event?

UP-TO-DATE DISCUSSIONS IN OAK PARK

Current Events with Alan at Prentis Apartments is a dynamic weekly news class that delves into the latest current, local and global news. Alan Resnick's signature blend of insight and charisma offers participants a comprehensive overview of significant developments in politics, technology, culture, and beyond. Current Events keeps residents informed and engaged and provides a platform for thoughtful discussions on the issues shaping our world today.

WINE WEDNESDAY

The first Wine Wednesday in the Hechtman Fireside Lounge was a huge success. Dozens of residents mingled as Dining Services Manager Heather Kurgin tended bar, and Resident Service Coordinator Jackie Rosender led games of “Would You Rather...?” The group enjoyed wine, soft drinks and snacks while endlessly fraternizing. Could this be the new Cheers? We think so!

WORKOUT OF

THE WEEK

Senior fitness is crucial to prevent common issues as we age, like falls, muscle weakness, mobility problems, hip and knee pain, and poor posture. This older adult home workout includes sarcopenia exercises which help prevent the type of muscle wasting that has a dramatic effect on healthy aging.