THE ALBERTA & RONNY WEINISCH SENIOR PROGRAM
ON MONDAY, JUNE 13TH, OVER 150 PEOPLE ENJOYED A BEAUTIFUL AND SENTIMENTAL EVENT CELEBRATING THE NAMING OF THE ALBERTA AND RONNY WEINISCH DSN SENIORS PROGRAM. THE WEINISCH’S CHILDREN WERE SEARCHING FOR A WAY TO MEMORIALIZE THEIR PARENTS, AND REALIZED THAT THE MOST APPROPRIATE WAY TO DO THIS WAS TO NAME DSN’S SENIORS PROGRAM IN THEIR MEMORY.
The Weinisch family, friends and a robust showing of community seniors filled the DSN gymnasium, which was transformed into a beautiful venue for an event with a catered lunch. DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt opened the program welcoming all of the guests. He explained that “the seniors program is emblematic of all that DSN stands for: keeping people of all ages active and healthy, while allowing our community to socialize and stay together.”
Next, Fitness Director Sharon Carlstrom recalled how, in the summer of 2016, the program began with only exercise, but has since expanded to include many activities, and even a gourmet lunch. “My favorite part is that the seniors always know all the lyrics to songs from the 40s and 50s. It is undoubtedly the most fun class that I teach!”
Stephanie Massry and Vicky Schreiber, directors of the seniors program, worked tirelessly organizing the day. “We love being here every day and get just as much happiness as the seniors do!”
Next came a slide show of Alberta and Ronny through their years, shown on DSN’s jumbotron, which was followed by words from family members. Selma Cohen, Alberta’s sister who is an active member of DSN’s seniors program, described how much the program gave to her sister and how important the program is to the community. Granddaughter, Alberta Waingort-Sutton, spoke about how generous her grandparents were, and how they set an example by always doing things together. Son-in-law Marty Waingort spoke about his memories and how important the program is for the community.
Son-in-law Hymie Azar was the final speaker of the day and he explained how his in-laws, during their healthy years, “loved being together, playing golf together and shopping together.” He continued, “But two months before we lost my father-in-law, my mother-in-law completely shut down, as if not to face the reality of what was about to happen. After he passed, my mother-in-law, the person we knew for so many years, was nowhere to be found. She completely checked out.” He then revealed that, “There was one exception, and that was this amazing DSN seniors program. It was a godsend. This great place with these great people, great volunteers, and great other seniors found a way to reach her. For that, this place will always be in our family’s debt.” Hymie concluded, “G-d bless all of you involved in this program, for doing the hard work, keeping our most precious assets engaged, interactive and enjoying the most precious time of their lives.”
The décor of the event was gorgeous. There were beautifully decorated tables and exquisite flowers from Garden to Table by Andree Braha and Fortune Farca. Photographer, Lily Ades, was on hand to capture the memories, and the lunch was catered by Grace Sitt.
Singer Shlomo Haviv entertained the crowd with lively Israeli and American music. The seniors rose from their chairs, dancing and moving to the beats. Smiles were everywhere. Barbara Rahmey, a daughter of one of the seniors, summarized the sentiment shared by all, “My mother loved it today! She did the exercise and enjoyed the lunch and seeing so many of her friends and family. DSN’s team is really making our seniors so happy. Tizku Le mitzvot! Thank you DSN!”
