BEHIND THE SCENES AT JSL

What a whirlwind of activity we experienced at JSL on Wednesday, April 10, as creative videographer Scott Wasserman, interviewer extraordinaire, Ned Specktor, our public relations dynamo, CKC Agency’s Carolyn Krieger, and I crisscrossed the West Bloomfield campus to capture a Day in the Life at JSL. I looked at the steps app on my phone and saw I had clocked 10,625 steps. It was the most enjoyable workout I’ve had in a long time. The day was filled capturing the essence and excitement that makes JSL such a loving, full-of-life, closeknit community. Our day began in the Hechtman Library at 8:15 a.m. where it was “lights, camera, action” as we interviewed Detroiter Jerry Cook, one of this year’s distinguished Eight Over 80 Honorees. At 11:00 a.m., we cooked Pesto Pasta with Elizabeth, JSL Dietician, in the Eli A. Scherr Coffee Café, then headed to Meer at noon where Bob, our wonderful Meer Bus Driver also affectionately known as “No Bake Bob,” held one of his popular dessert-making classes in the Art Room and prepared a no bake Coconut Cream concoction with the help of residents that was simply sensational.

After dessert, we needed to walk off some calories and headed back to Hechtman for a well-attended Stretch and Relax Powerback Class at 12:30 p.m., and back again to Meer where David Heiger was holding his always informative Current Events program for a full house in the Fortgang Union. We then dashed back to Hechtman’s Fireside Lounge for HAPPY Hour at 1:30 p.m. with residents and staff who enjoyed spirits, soft drinks, trivia, and healthy snacks. After a few interviews, we headed to Fleischman Residence at 2:00 p.m. to catch the fabulous fashion show put on by FRIENDS of Jewish Senior Life, led by Director and the afternoon’s emcee, Beth Robinson.  Our beautifully made-up resident models from Fleischman and Hechtman wowed the crowd with their glamorous, glitzy outfits and gorgeous smiles. The more than 100 attendees made up of volunteers, staff, and family members, catcalled and clapped for each of the runway models. After filming interviews with the attendees and participants, we dashed back to Meer to interview local celebrity and former Shirt Box owner, Ron Elkus at 3:00 p.m., who introduced restauranteur, Zach Berg of Mongers Provisions, head honcho and Big Cheese who spoke about his business in detail to a room filled with attentive Meer residents. The final walk at 3:30 p.m. was to Fleischman Residence for interviews during a spirited game of competitive Bingo in the bustling activity room. One of the bingo callers was the adorable young grandson of a resident, Marilyn Disick. On this sunny April day outside, the mood was even brighter at our JSL communities indoors. Our production team enjoyed our shared moments with residents, staff and each other.

At Meer, Hechtman, and Fleischman Residence, everyone has their own front door and a true sense of being in their own homes. The choice to come out and participate is always theirs. The opportunities to exercise, take on activities, and make new friends while renewing old acquaintances, are endless. Meer Apartments Administrator, Marcia Mittelman always says, “Come back to the old neighborhood.” We couldn’t have said it better. To be part of a community again and reconnect with old friends, Come Home to Jewish Senior Life.

Shabbat Shalom.