At Jewish Senior Life, creativity is more than an activity—it’s a way our residents share memories, humor, reflection, and connection.
Recently, we were honored to receive a poem written by Meer resident Dr. Ron Rasansky, celebrating the Creative Writing class at Meer Independent Living and the people who make it so special. His words capture the spirit of curiosity, camaraderie, and expression that define this beloved program.
We are proud to share his poem below.
A Birthday Card
Happy Birthday to Creative Writing
By Dr. Ron (aka Ron Rasansky)
When I arrived at Meer July 2023
You were the first activity I found inviting
For me to join its female members, in their cursive and printing endeavors
As I opened my mind and imagination to participate in this infatuation.
Within the past year, Steve joined me
As he and June supply constant poetry.
Edie, now past 100, provides tales and pictures of distant times past.
Yetta, Cindy, Sue and others varied viewpoints of events
National, rational, common and uncommon sense.
Giving class a practicality in stark contrast to my behavioral
Views and obscurities, not always factual to anyone but me.
Over 50 pages and statements in pen, ink and print,
holidays happy and sad, people at times important vague,
Feelings doubtful and gray,
Representing insightful pictures with and without my rose-colored glasses that
Hopefully add humor and laughter to these classes.
Like this poem, I’ve been here long enough to appreciate Shari,
Moderating and controlling this throng. She can even read my script
word pictures I have carefully chosen—photographs of my mind’s corners—
memories and opinions that my classmates will find meaningful, impactful
full of rhyme … and reason in our senior season.
So happy birthday with continued literary success for me and others,
Creative Writing at Meer is the best with a multitude of good times and cheer.
Happy birthday to my favorite activity at Meer!!
Did You Know?
The Creative Writing class at Meer has been meeting for three years, offering residents a welcoming space to reflect, write, listen, and connect.
Creative expression is just one of the many ways residents at Meer continue to learn, grow, and share their voices. We’re grateful to Dr. Ron for allowing us to publish his work—and for reminding us that stories matter at every stage of life.
Residents pictured (left to right):
Leslie Hubert, Dr. Ron Rasansky, Yetta Pann (peeking through), Edie Blumer, Stephen Margulis, Facilitator Shari Cohen, and Dolly Murley.