AFTER A LIFETIME OF RAISING THEIR FAMILIES, WORKING AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR COMMUNITY, OUR SENIORS DESERVE WHAT WE ARE GIVING THEM AND MUCH MORE. THIS IS THE LEAST WE CAN DO FOR THESE HEROES.
The Seniors program at DSN recently had a much-anticipated grand reopening. Over 50 seniors excitedly attended, many having not seen each other since early 2020. Smiles and laughter filled the air, as each one of them shared how much they missed DSN and each other.
Vicky Shamah, daughter-in-law of Ann Shamah A”H, who founded the program a few years back, commented on the good feelings DSN provides. “Speaking of being welcomed back, it is clear how wonderful DSN is for our seniors because everyone involved, even the security guards, make our seniors feel so at home. They are warmly welcomed each and every time they enter the building. The crowd keeps getting bigger and bigger and our seniors are so comforted and happy.”
DSN’s Seniors program is offered four days per week and is very structured: 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. is chair exercise led by a professional instructor, followed by lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and then a special activity from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Stevie Nasar came into DSN, walked around, looked into the seniors’ room and said, “Wow, is this what happens every day?” He saw all his parents’ friends and got emotional. “I feel like I am looking at an all-star baseball team. These are the all-stars of my community sitting and eating and enjoying themselves.”
DSN’s role in caring for our community’s all-stars represents one of life’s most significant values. This is the best investment and responsibility to give to those who have given so much and made possible all that we enjoy today.
Emma Schneider, an everyday senior attendee loves the exercise portion. “The exercise is the best thing that ever happened to us. Even if we only had exercise for the seniors, it would be more than enough!” Lorraine Stessler added, “DSN is doing a wonderful job in simply providing lunch for us. It is always so delicious, and I am really enjoying it.”
But it’s in the DNA of DSN to go above and beyond. DSN strives for greatness—to do better and do more. The seniors get involved in the diverse activities offered after exercise and lunch. There is cooking for the food pantry. The seniors make sambusak, apple turnovers and pizzas. Paulette Rishty, a DSN senior enthusiast, spoke about donating food to the pantry, stating “It’s so nice to see how people love to cook for the food pantry. We all leave feeling that we did something worthwhile and meaningful.” The seniors have also been knitting baby hats, blankets and scarves. They had a day of Bingo with prizes, along with board games and Connect 4. One particularly exciting day included a Beracha Party, “Amen with Friends,” with Rebbetzin Ronit Nahum. DSN provided all different types of food, and everyone made berachot in honor of different people in the community.
Other activities have been art with Elizabeth Hindin and a therapy dog visit with Adele Saka. The seniors were excited when Sally Cohen talked about Sephardic heritage and the life and history of Isaac Shalom.
Stephanie Massry and Vicky Schreiber, DSN’S Senior Program Coordinators, expressed, “We are so happy to be back. We have missed this program so much and are delighted to spend time with the seniors. This role is a true gift for us.”
Sammy Sitt, DSN’s Executive Director, summarized. “Our Seniors program is invigorating the lives of our most respected and honored community members. Each of them has a rich personal history that is worthy of a book. What we offer them is a drop in the bucket compared to what they have done for our community. It’s our pride and honor to have them in our building each day. We love them all. May Hashem bless our seniors with health and happiness.“
