Senior Living
Dear Readers,
Senior Living
Purely based on personal experience and observation, it seems to me that today’s seniors (those who are 65 plus in years) are increasingly immature. . . they are NOT acting their age! It’s as if this generation missed the memo about slowing down. Instead, they’re living life as if they were decades younger – travelling, dancing, working, volunteering, trying new things. Is it an emphasis on exercise? Healthier diets? Improved medical care? Fortunate genes? Or is it just a bright attitude? Whatever the reason or combination of reasons, there’s no shortage of good stories to tell.
Consider, for example, three couples – Susan and Allan Donn, Nancy and Jay Lazier, and Sue Ellen and Seymour Teach – who celebrate each day with myriad activities. Read their motivating stories beginning on page 17.
The typical lifeguard is a teen or perhaps a young teacher on summer break. That’s why two of the Simon Family JCC’s new lifeguards are unexpected. . . men who are more than 60 years old. Page 20.
Speaking of the Simon Family JCC, the article on page 22 highlights the Silver Sneaker and Renew Active programs that essentially make it possible for insureds over the age of 65 to be members at virtually no cost. Now, that’s a bargain!
Jeff Chernitzer, CPA, PFS, shares some thoughts on how to use an IRA for financial security and philanthropy. His article is on page 24.
These and more articles highlight ‘people of a certain age’ whose zest for life and positive attitudes make them engaging and interesting to read about and to know.
We hope you enjoy and perhaps get inspired to either volunteer or join one of the groups highlighted in these pages if you are in the senior category, or to stay fit and healthy if you are younger so that when your time comes, you also will be travelling and dancing and. . .
Terri Denison Editor
THE VALUE OF FAMILY.
After more than 100 years as a law firm, Kaufman & Canoles understands the importance of building a legacy that lasts. Our experienced Estate, Trust & Wealth Transfer team has had the honor of counseling families (sometimes even three and four generations of the same family) to strategically preserve wealth for the future. Now we can help you transform your personal goals into a holistic long-term action plan—one that merges business and financial advice with proactive planning and smart tax solutions. We can. And we will.®
LIVING FULL LIVES Senior Living
Technically, these three ‘over age 80’ couples are considered seniors. But don’t tell them as they defy any traditional mold. Susan and Allan Donn, Nancy and Jay Lazier, and Sue Ellen and Seymour Teach are all in constant motion – whether they’re working, volunteering, travelling, or dancing –these active women and men are inspirations . . . at any age!
Teaching, volunteering, exercising –all part of each week for Sue Ellen and Seymour Teach
Stephanie Peck
Married for 59 years, Sue Ellen and Seymour Teach have lived in the same Larkspur house for 53 of those years.
Sue Ellen, 82 years old, grew up in Norfolk where her family attended B’nai Israel Congregation. A graduate of Old Dominion University with a degree in education, she taught in various school systems, including in Virginia Beach for 24 years.
Originally from New York, Seymour, 85 years old, attended Brooklyn College and University of Maryland School of Law.
The couple met on a blind date when Sue Ellen was teaching in Fairfax, Va. and Seymour was clerking for a judge in Baltimore, Md.
Now, on nearly any day of the week, one or both can be found at the Sandler Family Campus.
When Sue Ellen is not attending a meeting for the Senior Club or Holocaust Commission, she is knitting for Jewish Family Service or playing canasta.
Seymour, a recently retired attorney after 59 years, who continues to work from home as he winds down his legal practice, attends exercise class three days per week.
“When I joined the Holocaust Commission after I stopped teaching, Elena Baum was in charge, and I was able to help get her into the Virginia Beach schools,” Sue Ellen says. “We taught the teachers and enlightened them about what the Holocaust Commission does.”
Sue Ellen also serves on the education committee of the Sandler Center Foundation as well as Ohef Sholom Temple’s adult education committee. “I encouraged Rabbi Roz to do Lunch and Learn again,” she says.
The Teaches have been members of Ohef Sholom Temple for 40 years.
Seymour volunteers for the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee and is a member of Brith Sholom. Besides exercising at the Simon Family JCC, he participates in UJFT activities, including the Senior Club and Coffee and Conversations, and volunteers as a BeAR mentor.
Family is spread-out across the nation. The Teaches’ children settled in Denver, Col. and Charleston, S.C. and their grandchildren live in Seattle, Atlanta, and Charleston and one grandchild – a student at University of Colorado at Boulder – is currently in Israel. Sue Ellen and Seymour plan to travel to Seattle in September to
visit their granddaughter, whom they haven’t seen in two years. Locally, they enjoy spending time with nieces and nephews, as well as their sister-in-law.
Sue Ellen and Seymour Teach reflect a ‘get up and go’ attitude as they volunteer their skills, teach, exercise, travel, and have fun. . . practically ignoring their age.
Sue Ellen and Seymour Teach and their two daughters.
Seymour and Sue Ellen Teach.
Senior Living
Nancy and Jay Lazier: Two very busy and productive people
Stephanie Peck
Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pa., Nancy and Jay Lazier did not cross paths, even though their mothers knew each other through Hadassah. Not until a Hillel mixer at University of Michigan, where Nancy was a freshman and Jay, a sophomore, did they meet. “We were too young to be serious, so we hung out for seven years,” Jay laughs. The Laziers have been married for 58 years. Nancy graduated college with a degree in history and spent an extra year earning her teaching certificate. “In those days, women were teachers, nurses, or secretaries,” she says. With the birth control pill’s approval, the Vietnam War, and activism of the 1960’s, Nancy says, “It was a tremendous time to be in college,” especially for avid learners like the Laziers.
At Penn State, Nancy earned a master’s degree, and then the couple returned to Michigan where Jay started his doctorate at Michigan State and Nancy continued taking classes.
In 1970, they moved to Israel. During their time there, Jay completed his dissertation comparing social rehabilitation versus institutionalization in a population
Laziers that they move to Virginia Beach, which was when they left Israel. “Our son was four and our daughter was two. Our youngest son was born in Virginia Beach,” says Nancy.
At the time, Virginia Beach was starting mental health community services as part of a de-institutionalized movement.
“Jay had the skills and knowledge to begin the programs,” Nancy says. Jay worked for the city of Virginia Beach for 37 years.
With Nancy’s master’s degree in special education and a graduate program in linguistics behind her, she taught English as a second language. In Virginia Beach schools, Nancy taught special education for 32 years and worked with Russian immigrants through United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, teaching English to grandparents, parents, and children.
with mental illness. Plus, two of their three children were born. (Their oldest was born on the Rosh Hashanah prior to the Yom Kippur War.)
In 1975, a Michigan classmate suggested to the
made it a goal to get into a tapdancing performance before reaching 80,” a birthday she celebrated in May. Currently recovering from foot surgery, she adds, “I’m not used to being immobile!”
Frequent travelers, Nancy and Jay spent three weeks in Sicily this year and last year travelled to the North Pole. Jay notes that they like to visit mikvahs when they travel; they even had a meal in Spain where the restaurant was built around a mikvah.
During COVID, Nancy started a zoom book club with six members that has grown to 20. “People have a need to be together,” she says. “The thing I like about this book club is that everyone reads the book!”
Even though their adult children and twin grandchildren (recent high school graduates) are scattered from Portland, Ore. to San Francisco to Brunswick, Md., Nancy and Jay are in close contact with them all.
In retirement, Nancy and Jay are remarkably busy. Jay is a board member and past president of Hearts & Homes, a nonprofit providing homes for adults with developmental disabilities. At Ohef Sholom Temple, he sings in the choir, serves as chair of the worship committee and on the executive committee, and is responsible for innovating many things.
Nancy sings in three choirs, (including at Ohef Sholom), paints, and stays active through tap dancing. “I
The Lazier home is a source of pride to Nancy and Jay, especially their garden. When building their house, Nancy took a class on landscape architecture at Norfolk Botanical Garden.
“One challenge for people our age is to downsize or not,” Jay explains. “It would be hard to leave our garden.”
Reflecting on their senior status as two people in their 80’s, Jay says, “If you’re fortunate to feel good when you have the freedom. . . that’s the greatest gift.”
Jay and Nancy Lazier with family on his 80th birthday: Elani, Yoni, Benny, and Sammy.
Nancy and Jay Lazier on a bike trip in Thailand.
Jay and Nancy Lazier in Norway’s Arctic region.
Senior Living
Dancing through each day: Susan and Allan Donn
Stephanie Peck
Susan Donn has no plans to slow down.
“I am enormously busy, but I don’t know what I do!” she laughs, explaining how this 82-year-old occupies her days. After a long career as a commercial interior designer, and an attorney-husband who still works full-time, it’s no surprise that she stays active and creative.
Born in Mississippi, and a Goucher College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in art, Susan met her husband, Allan, through long-time friend, Patty Wainger.
During Allan’s army career in Maryland, Susan earned another bachelor’s degree from American University, this time in interior design.
In 1982, the couple moved to Allan’s hometown of Norfolk and lived in Ghent for 40 years, before moving to Harbor’s Edge in 2022. “I was quite hesitant to move from a 5,600- square-foot house that had three stories to Harbor’s Edge – into a 2,100-square-foot condo –it’s 1/3 the size!” However, she says, they live among
people whom the Donns have known for years, others they have worked with, and newcomers who moved to the area from other places in the United States.
Besides playing bridge and attending Friday night services at Ohef Sholom Temple, Susan practices ballroom and Latin dancing, hobbies that date back 40 years. At Harbor’s Edge, she is trying to start line dance classes, which feature basic ballroom steps. “Dancing keeps the mind active, it’s fun, and it keeps the body moving.”
Susan also dabbles in art. As a painter in high school and college, Susan prefers photography and drawing now more than painting. She also loves to design furniture.
Allan, still active in his tax and business law practice at Willcox Savage, works daily from 8:45 am until 6:45 pm. “He loves his work and his clients,” Susan says.
Exercising with a trainer twice each week, Allan also writes books on partnership law, takes drum lessons, and golfs. “I confess I am a bookaholic,” he notes, adding to his list of hobbies.
Fortunately for the Donns, their adult son, Adam, lives in Ghent. “We get to get together regularly and have a good time with him,” says Susan.
In addition to their home in Norfolk, the Donns spend several weeks each winter at their home in Longboat Key, Fla., where Allan enjoys walking on the beach.
VOTED # 1 IN THE NATION
BY SENIOR HOUSING NEWS ARCHITECT & DESIGN AWARDS
The new Harbor’s Edge River Tower has not only redefined the Norfolk skyline—it’s also set a new precedent for luxury senior living nationwide. With 24 stories of sophisticated architecture and breathtaking waterfront views, our residents come home to a truly exceptional lifestyle.
A team of industry experts judged numerous national and global projects on their design aesthetics, community integration, amenities and lifestyle. Harbor’s Edge River Tower rose to the top.
Susan and Allan Donn on a 2007 cruise to Alaska.
Senior Living
LIFE-EXPERIENCED LIFEGUARDS AT THE SIMON FAMILY JCC
Stephanie Peck
Lifeguards are integral to most swimming pools – certainly to all the Simon Family JCC’s pools. While the aquatics team has had its share of seasoned guards, most tend to be teens and/or young adults. Two new employees, however, are out of the lifeguard-ordinary: Paul Mulcahy is 62 years old and Joszef Patar is 70.
“I love hiring lifeguards that have life experience, developed leadership skills, and a pleasant disposition. It’s always an asset for the entire staff,” says Tom Edwards, athletics director of the Simon Family JCC.
Mulcahy learned about the opportunity from his 16-year-old son, Quinn, also a JCC lifeguard. A native of Medford,
Mass., Mulcahy was the captain of his high school swim team and spent many years as a Navy helicopter rescue swimmer.
“I was the guy who jumped out of helicopters,” he says.
After leaving the Navy, Mulcahy opened Children’s Orchard, a franchise of children’s consignment clothing stores with the only location in Virginia. After six years, he moved into the
insurance business before becoming a voice actor. “I need to hide my accent,” he jokes.
Mulcahy is also a competitive body builder who happens to train at the JCC.
In fact, he has won several men’s championship titles in the over .60 age category. In addition to playing the
guitar in a jazz combo, Mulcahy serves as a teaching associate at Eastern Virginia Medical School, using his own body to teach the skill of giving physical exams.
Becoming a lifeguard again required getting re-qualified. The Simon Family JCC provides a training program. “I completed that after 40 years of not being a lifeguard!” he laughs.
Originally from Budapest, Joszef Patar moved to Virginia Beach only six months ago. The son of a Jewish mother
and Hungarian military officer, Patar, his mother, and three siblings escaped the Russians and emigrated to Canada in 1956, when he was two years old.
Patar attended Simon Fraser University on a swimming scholarship and became a lifeguard to earn money. While in college, he started an underwater hockey team at the university and came to the United States to coach the U.S. World Underwater Hockey Team. “We beat Canada in the medal round,” he says with a smile. The U.S. team earned the bronze medal.
After living in Los Angeles, Patar and his wife, Lauren Joy, moved to Tidewater to be closer to a sibling. He finds the Jewish community to be more inclusive than in California, and he and Lauren Joy have become members of Ohef Sholom Temple and the Simon Family JCC.
Patar says he loves that so many opportunities are advertised at the United Federation of Tidewater. He currently participates in Moon Circle and the Senior Club. His philosophy? “The moment you sit on the couch, you’re never getting up again.”
Paul Mulcahy and Joszef Patar.
Paul and Quinn Mulcahy.
Aviva Pembroke will be retirement living at its best. A 7-story senior living community, including 121 independent living apartments, 20 assisted living apartments, and 12 memory support units, for a complete continuum of care. Located on the corner of Jeanne Street and Constitution Drive, residents will have access to all of the best dining, shopping and entertainment Virginia Beach has to offer.
• Pickleball Courts
• Rooftop Venues
• Indoor Aquatic Center
• Top-of-the-line Appliances
• Life Enrichment Programs
• Hair & Nail Salon
• Fitness Center
• Bistro and Café
• Housekeeping Services
• Concierge Services
• Dog Washing Station
Simon Family JCC partners with Silver Sneakers and Renew Senior Living
Reduced pricing at the movie theater is a widely known perk of achieving ‘senior’ status, but it is far from the only one. A benefit that assists in keeping that same age group healthy, fit, and engaged is less known, but arguably more beneficial. . . free membership to the Simon Family JCC through Silver Sneakers and Renew Active.
“Eligibility is insurance based if they qualify,” says Leigh Ellard, member experience director for the Simon Family JCC. “The only real qualification I am aware of is being 65 or ‘better.’”
The popular plans that Ellard says she knows offer one or the other programs are:
• AARP • Aetna
• Anthem
• Optima Health
• Humana
• United Health Care
For the insured, the benefits of enrolling in either Silver Sneakers or Renew Active is that membership to the JCC is entirely paid with full access to the facility including the aquatic center, fitness classes, and the gym. These members may also receive two complimentary orientation sessions upon signing up to get introduced to the equipment and discuss wellness goals with a certified personal trainer.
Every time these members swipe in at security, the JCC is paid a small sum by the insurance provider at no additional cost to the member.
“So, it is win-win! We receive dollars from their insurance provider and the member does not pay out-of-pocket (after purchase of fob) and they receive membership privileges.”
To learn more about enrolling in Silver Sneakers or Renew Active, contact your insurance provider and then speak with someone at the JCC’s front desk by stopping by or calling 757-321-2338.
The only cost for SS/RA memberships is a one-time charge of $10 to pay for the key fob.
“In addition to full facility access, membership benefits include discounted pricing on offered programs as well as the feeling of inclusivity and socialization with peers in our thriving senior community,” says Ellard.
For further information about membership, contact Leigh Ellard at lellard@simonfamilyjcc.org.
The Simon Family JCC is located on the Sandler Family Campus at 5000 Corporate Woods Drive in Virginia Beach.
Forever Let LiveLove
Harry and Martha Lee McCoy, childhood sweethearts, were married for 74 years They both died in 2019, but their legacies live on thanks to the fund they established to help their favorite Hampton Roads charities
Your love can live forever, too Visit leaveabequest.org to learn more
If you are suffering from allergies or asthma, please contact us. We can help.
We make it as easy as possible on the patient and referring physician by ACCEPTING
Dr. Gary Moss Dr. Greg Pendell Dr. Craig Koenig Dr. Marguerite Lengkeek
Terri Denison
102-year-old Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer is Vogue Germany’s latest cover model
Philissa Cramer
(JTA) — For its latest cover model, Vogue Germany selected a celebrity who regularly hobnobs with visiting dignitaries and walks the red carpet at film premieres: Margot Friedländer, 102, one of the oldest and most prominent Holocaust survivors in the world.
In addition to documenting Friedländer is impeccable attire and indefatigable spirit, the Vogue article includes her public condemnation of the rise of the political far right in Germany.
About the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, known as AfD, and the spike in antisemitic incidents amid the IsraelHamas War, Friedländer told the magazine, “I am appalled.”
Friedländer was born and raised in Berlin and hid there after the Nazis rose to power and began deporting and murdering Jews. She was apprehended in April 1944 and sent to the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where she remained until its liberation a year later. Her entire family had been murdered.
Friedländer and her husband, whom she met in Theresienstadt, moved to New York City, where they lived an unassuming life in Queens. But after her husband’s death in 1997, she began writing about her Holocaust experience, ultimately catching the eye of a filmmaker who brought her to Germany over the course of making a documentary about her.
The trip — which Friedländer had once sworn never to make — changed her life. She moved back permanently in 2010, at age 89, and quickly became a local celebrity, according to a Forward profile that appeared three years after her arrival. She has made hundreds if not thousands of appearances where she tells her story, and increasingly has taken center stage in a country haunted by its Holocaust history.
Last year, she met with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff during his visit to Berlin. She also presented a prize to Guy Nattiv and Helen Mirren, the director and star of Golda, the biopic about Israeli Prime Minister Golda
Meir. Recently, according to the Vogue article, “she was invited to a member of the Bundestag’s party at Soho House and celebrated until the lights came back on.”
The Vogue reporter, Miriam Amro, met with Friedländer four times over several months, and a photographer took glamor shots of her in luxury clothing at the Botanical Garden of the Free University of Berlin.
“Margot Friedländer seems to become more energetic each time,” Amro writes about their conversations. “As if her mind were following a reversed time calculation. Every word she says is full of positive power. A woman who has experienced the worst speaks without being bitter. How is that possible?”
"Recently my mother required 12 hour per day personal care assistance. On short notice, Changing Tides Home Care provided the necessary assistance. They have been responsive to my mother's needs and have kept the family informed by telephone, text and portal. I am very pleased with their services.”
-Andrew H. Hook, President of Hook Law Center
Jody Alperin with a bass in Abilene, Texas.
The cover of VOGUE Germany’s print issue for July/August 2024 from its website.
Dr.
IRA: A path to financial security and philanthropy Jeff Chernitzer, CPA, PFS
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) can be a popular vehicle for retirement planning, offering a reliable way to save for the future while enjoying tax advantages. Effectively managing an IRA, however, requires understanding its benefits and partnering with the right professionals to maximize its potential. IRAs come in various forms, but the most common are Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. In general, traditional IRAs allow individuals to make tax-deductible contributions (based on income), meaning it is possible to lower taxable income now and pay taxes when the money is withdrawn in retirement. On the other hand, Roth IRAs require after-tax contributions, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Choosing the correct type of IRA depends on one’s current financial situation and future expectations.
professionals. This is where Tidewater Jewish Foundation comes into play. TJF collaborates with a donor’s CPA or wealth manager to provide personalized advice that aligns with their individual financial goals and philanthropic interests. For example, currently an individual can give up to a total of $105,000 a year to charitable organizations, once hitting age 70 ½. By leveraging TJF's expertise, a donor can ensure their IRA supports their retirement and contributes to causes that are meaningful to them.
To get the most out of an IRA, it’s crucial to contribute regularly and up to the maximum the IRS allows. For 2024, the contribution limit is $7,000, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution allowed for those aged 50 and above. Regular contributions allow investments to grow over time, benefiting from the power of compounding.
Once retirement age is reached, knowing when and how to withdraw from the IRA can significantly impact financial security. Currently, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must begin at age 73 for Traditional IRAs. Failing to take RMDs can result in hefty penalties. Roth IRAs do not have RMDs during the owner's lifetime, offering more flexibility.
Navigating the complexities of IRAs is easier with the guidance of financial
Tidewater Jewish Foundation is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their philanthropic objectives. By working with TJF, donors can integrate charitable giving into their financial plan, ensuring their legacy supports the Jewish community and other important causes. TJF’s partnership with the donor and their CPA or wealth manager ensures that their IRA contributions and withdrawals are strategically planned to maximize benefits and minimize taxes.
For more information on how TJF can help with an IRA and philanthropic planning, contact Naomi Limor Sedek, Tidewater Jewish Foundation president and CEO, at 757-965-6109 or nsedek@tjfva.org.
Jeff Chernitzer is a CPA and personal financial specialist at Buckingham Strategic Wealth. He has more than 35 years of experience in the financial planning industry, specializing in providing comprehensive financial and tax planning services to individuals, families, and nonprofits.
Steven Warsof with Madrichot in the Israeli army.
Jeff Chernitzer.
Senior Living
BeAR CONNECTS GENERATIONS
In a world where technology often seems to pull people apart, the Be A Reader Literacy Project is bringing generations together. Senior adults in Norfolk and Virginia Beach are stepping up to mentor second graders in Title I schools, and in the process, they’re discovering that this act of community service benefits both the young and the young at heart.
The Be A Reader Literacy Project (BeAR) is designed to foster a love of reading among children by pairing them with mentors who can provide one-on-one support. For second graders, this is a critical time in their educational journey as they are transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn, making it crucial to develop strong literacy skills. Senior adults, with their wealth of life experience and patience, are perfectly suited to help guide these young learners.
Mentoring young students brings immense joy and satisfaction. The enthusiasm and curiosity of second graders is infectious; reminding mentors of the wonders of discovery and the simple pleasures of stories. Seniors look forward to their weekly sessions, where they read books, discuss stories, and play educational games. This interaction helps the children improve their reading skills as well as builds their confidence and love for learning.
Engaging with young minds has
significant cognitive benefits for seniors. Studies show that social interaction and mental stimulation are key to maintaining cognitive function in older adults. By mentoring students, seniors keep their minds active, challenge themselves to think creatively, and stay up to date with new educational strategies and technologies. It’s a dynamic way to exercise the brain and stay mentally fit. Participating in the Be A Reader Literacy Project also contributes to seniors’ physical and emotional wellbeing. Regularly scheduled activities provide a sense of routine and purpose, which is vital for emotional health. The physical act of getting ready, traveling to the school, and engaging in interactive sessions keeps seniors moving. Additionally, the emotional connection formed with the children adds to their sense of fulfillment and reduces feelings of loneliness or isolation.
The Be A Reader Literacy Project is a shining example of how community service can create a positive impact across generations. For children, it’s an opportunity to receive personalized attention and support that might not be possible in a crowded classroom. For seniors, it’s a chance to give back, stay active, and feel valued. For the community, it’s a way to build stronger bonds and ensure that both the young and the elderly are cared for and engaged.
• Family owned and operated since 1917
• Affordable services to fit any budget
• Advance funeral planning
• Professional, experienced, caring staff
• Flexible burial options
• Flexible payment options
Approved by all area Rabbis and Chevrah Kadisha
Joining the Be A Reader Literacy Project is straightforward. United Jewish Federation provides training, resources, school supplies, and books for BeAR mentors. No prior teaching experience is necessary—just a passion for reading and a willingness to share that passion with a child.
In today’s
fast-paced world, the Be A Reader Literacy Project offers a way to slow down and connect, and a reminder that learning and growth are lifelong journeys and that together, different generations can achieve remarkable things.
For more information, contact Robin Ford at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org.
Robin Ford
Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner
Mary Lou Ferralli works with one of her reading students. As a retired teacher, Ferralli helps with reading, handwriting, and grammar. She is a calm and gentle influence, and her BeAR students adore her.
Valerie Yanku works with her BeAR student. She had his brother as her BeAR student last year, and the younger BeAR was so excited to work with her. Yanku worked with his reading to help him get to grade level, and they often played reading games.
Gordon Bosch is with his BeAR student creating a thrilling floor plan for a new house as a dynamic architect duo.
Senior Living
UJFT and JCC’s 55+ programs connect people, expand minds, and focus on fitness
Mia Klein
A variety of activities and events designed for adults 55+ are offered by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Simon Family JCC. Whether participants are eager to meet new friends, dive into a great book, or engage in stimulating discussions, there’s something for everyone.
The Campus buzzes with laughter, conversation, games, and a mix of activities on the third Wednesday of each month when the Seniors Club’s lively social
takes place – always with a variety of entertainment and events. Members stay informed with the monthly Senior Scene newsletter.
Book lovers find their haven with the JCC Book Club, which meets on the third Monday of each month. The club offers a welcoming space to discuss novels, memoirs, and non-fiction. Whether attending in-person or online, members relish the opportunity to share their thoughts and discover new literary treasures.
Health and wellness are always a priority. This past May, the annual Senior Health and Fitness Day turned the Sandler Family Campus’ Cardo into a bustling wellness fair with vendors and prizes. Tom Purcell, JCC’s wellness/ fitness director, led a fitness class and Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, author of Honest Aging, inspired all with her tips on staying active and healthy.
One of the year’s highlights was the Seniors Prom, an evening filled with dancing, laughter, and new memories. Participants got to relive old times and make new connections, bringing everyone together in celebration.
Tradition and community spirit are showcased each year at the Annual Model Passover Seder. This year, led by Rabbi Ari Oliszewski and song leader Dave Flagler, Passover was celebrated with joy and song.
Stimulating exchanges take place with the Coffee and Conversation series on the first Thursday of each month when participants gather to discuss myriad topics over a warm cup of coffee, fostering connections and lively debates.
Through fun and engaging activities, Yiddish Club members explore the rich culture and language of Yiddish, keeping traditions alive and vibrant. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month.
With daily classes and spontaneous fun, there’s always something happening at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC. Staying connected and enjoying community life has never been easier.
For more information or to sign up for any of these programs, visit www.JewishVA.org/Adults or contact Mia Klein at MKlein@UJFT.org.
Aqua Aerobics.
Marie Johnson and Patsi Walton.
Active adults stretch under the direction of Tom Purcell, Simon Family JCC fitness director, before Dr. Rosanne Leipzig’s presentation.
Beth Scharlop and Dr. Rosanne Leipzig.
Mia Klein, Simon Family JCC programs department / seniors program coordinator, and Galina Lifshitz at Prom.