Boneh Olam Fiesta, Chinese Visitors, Mitzvah Project and More

Dear friends,

Every year we have a festive celebration to thank the donors to our Boneh Olam program. Boneh Olam, “Builders of the World,” is an annual giving program that helps the Jewish Home Family to do many things throughout the course of each year. The gifts of these generous individuals and families help to enhance the lives of our residents and enable us to add new programs and services and so much more. This event always has a different, and festive, theme and this year’s was “Fiesta!” From the mariachi band to the delicious food and drink, everyone had a wonderful evening and enjoyed the beautiful patio and Community Room at Jewish Home Assisted Living. Thank you again to all of our generous donors and supporters! You do make a difference in the lives of our residents and community every day.

The Boneh Olam event was only one highlight in a great week at the Jewish Home Family. Both the Jewish Home at Rockleigh and Jewish Home Assisted Living were delighted to host a group of nurses from Taiwan. Their program is 10 days long, through Englewood Hospital, and they are learning about healthcare services in the United States. We had a great visit and talked about care in Taiwan versus the United States. We were told that it is not uncommon for an individual who has had a stroke to spend as much as six months in the hospital—or longer! If the family can’t manage them at home, there is nowhere for them to go so they become like wards of the hospital. Just imagine how our system of care, not to mention rehabilitation, was an eye opener for them! They loved touring both facilities and even had a chance to try out some Rock Steady Boxing during their visit to Jewish Home Assisted Living!

At the Jewish Home at Rockleigh we began the week with an afternoon of music with James Resnick. He called the show “Pops Goes the Afternoon” and played a remarkable concert of both pop and classical improvisations that everyone enjoyed. On Monday we took an outing of residents to “Ice Cream on the Grand” in Englewood where everyone loved choosing their favorite flavors! Tuesday was Poet’s Day and we listened to one of our very gifted residents read her poetry. We followed that with the monthly birthday party and lively music. Wednesday began with a favorite, “Steady Boxing,” and was followed by another Community Choice afternoon. This week’s choices were Bingo and the operetta “Naughty Marietta.” New residents were feted at a welcome tea on Thursday and on Friday we had both Dancercise and Art of the Masters. We’re also looking forward to Saturday evening when we will have a screening of “The Wizard of Oz” in commemoration of its initial release on August 25, 1939.

Jewish Home Assisted Living residents loved doing a Mitzvah project this week, filling backpacks for the Boys and Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic. We packed bags on Sunday and Monday and had a chance to meet some of the boys and girls on Tuesday and hand out the backpacks. Hard to tell who smiled more—the students or the residents! On Wednesday, there was a lunch outing to Baci Italian Grill in Westwood and Memory Lane residents enjoyed the monthly birthday party with Carlos. On Wednesday evening, the summer concert series featured Suzanne Keghilian in a Liza Minnelli tribute. Friday’s highlight was Professor Ian Drake who focused his talk this week on New Jersey politics.

In the Gallen Day Center we had a number of wonderful programs. Monday began with “Bodies in Motion” exercise and the afternoon was divided between some manicures and pampering for the ladies and our Men’s group. Tuesday was filled with dancing and, of course, our specialized Parkinson’s program and Wednesday we had a lively Women’s group session. On Wednesday afternoon we had a visit from a new volunteer who is providing reflexology for our participants. They loved it! Thursday found the Gallen participants outside enjoying the beautiful day with games and discussion and we wrapped up the week on Friday with drum circle and spiritual reflections.

This was a blog week for me and here is the link: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/gratitude-matters/ As always, your feedback is welcome!

All the best,

Carol Silver Elliott
President/CEO
The Jewish Home Family

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