Page 19 - Jewish News_October-2020

FEDERATION NEWS October 2020 19

JEWISH
A meaningful “Shalom

from SRQ” greeting J E WIS H

By Marni Mount, Chair, Shapiro Teen Engagement Program (STEP)
A
M
N
C
PUS
O
s part of the Shapiro Teen En- at a shop in St. Armands or downtown
gagement Program (STEP), Sarasota, these kids got around town. ON CAMPUS
Alocal teens were invited to sub- And the best part? The only threat of
mit photos of themselves participating infection was their smiling faces; you
in outdoor activities this past summer can’t help but smile yourself! WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW
with the heading “Shalom from SRQ.”
This brought the outside world into Join us for a conversation with STEP alumni
Aviva – A Campus for Senior Life, and learn about how they are connecting
where residents have had limited out- to Jewish life on their respective college campuses.
door exposure for several months be-
cause of the pandemic. This event will be moderated by
Aviva resident Merlyn Steinhart enjoys an Aviva program Social distancing, cancellation of Florida State University alumnus, Logan Marr,
of YouTube videos – lectures, movies activities, and isolation have been par- and feature panelists:
Mo Glickman, Rice University
and concerts – and Shabbat and High ticularly hard on our teens and elder Phoenix Berman, University of Florida
Holiday services. “And I do my fireside populations alike, particularly in the Abe Pintchuck, Florida Gulf Coast University.
chats,” said Solomon. “It gives me the early summer when camps were closed
opportunity to get right into each living and there was a shelter-in-place order. Lots of time for Q&A so come with all your questions!
room and bring them up to date on the Teens were feeling lonely and bored, so Abe Pintchuck says, “Shalom from Thursday,
latest news on the virus and what Aviva we asked them to take photographs of downtown Sarasota, Florida!”
is doing to keep them safe.” themselves doing individual activities Hopefully, the residents at Aviva October 22
The staff is currently being tested or safe small-group outdoor activities, will enjoy the slideshow, beautifully at 7:00 pm
every two weeks. The state requires in order to share a small piece of their arranged by STEP graduate (and my (via Zoom)
this mandatory testing for nursing fa- summer with isolated Aviva residents. daughter) Natalie Mount, and may rec- Register for this FREE event at
cilities, and Federation funds are help- ognize some of the local teens or even
ing to cover this cost. their grandchildren. This intergener- JFEDSRQ.org/Events
In addition to the grants, Aviva ational connection is just the start of
received an additional $5,734, which STEP teens finding meaningful ways
came from The Jewish Federations of to connect with elders at Aviva. In late
North America and its “Pledge to Pro- October, STEP and Aviva will partner
tect” crowdfunding campaign. “This again for Better Together, an all-virtu-
would not have happened without the al buddy program pairing up teens and
support of our local Jewish Federation Abbie Mount says, “Shalom from the seniors for meaningful discussions and
chapter,” Logan said. Chattahoochee River” in Helen, Georgia activities.
Aviva is taking numerous other Assisted living and independent living For more information about STEP, For more information, contact Jessi Sheslow at
steps to ensure the safety of residents facilities have been unable to accept contact Federation’s Teen and Family jsheslow@jfedsrq.org or 941.343.2109.
and staff. Under the executive orders any visitors, even immediate family Program Coordinator, Andrea Eiffert, at
of Florida’s governor, Aviva’s Anchin members, so this gesture by the teens aeiffert@jfedsrq.org or 941.552.6308.
Assisted Living & Memory Care and was especially meaningful
Benderson Skilled Nursing units have to the seniors.
joined Florida’s entire assisted living The finished project,
and nursing home industry as they a slideshow consisting of
were ordered into lockdown, including 30 photos from local teens,
the suspension of visitation, since early wonderful music and visu-
March. al effects, showcased ad-
In addition, Kobernick (indepen- ventures from as close as
dent living) residents are restricted Siesta Key to as far as the
in terms of their movement. When Blue Ridge Mountains of
all public areas, including the dining Georgia. Whether floating
on a lake in Georgia, swim-
ming at a home pool, going Danielle Rudd says, “Shalom from the porch”
masked to UTC mall, sitting in the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
CONNECT. LEARN. BELONG.

Federation assistance...continued from page 18
community, about the importance of heart of Sarasota, Aviva is set in a Interested in Judaism? Do you have questions? Want to make
taking care of our elderly. It is a mes- park-like campus that was designed
Upcoming Classes & Topics
sage that is being heard, and inspiring for residents to be safely at home while new friends? Join Rabbi Stephen Sniderman every Tuesday at
others to give,” she added. enjoying family and friends, fun activ- 11:00am ET, as he leads a virtual ZOOM discussion class about
“When you look at the terrible ities, innovative programs and quali- all things Jewish! This class is FREE and open to the community!
toll this disease has taken on nursing ty onsite healthcare services. Though
homes across the country, we are very with the onset of COVID-19, the cam-
blessed to have the support of organi- pus has had to be closed to family and
room, were closed, they began a pro- zations like The Jewish Federation of friends for residents’ safety, Aviva con-
gram whereby residents receive dinner Sarasota-Manatee,” Logan said. tinues to offer a variety of activities and
th
menu choices each day, with the meals Solomon agreed, adding, “I am the same state-of-the-art care on which Oct. 6 at 11:00 AM – Why the “Old Testament” is not a Jewish Concept
then being delivered to their rooms. super blessed with a phenomenal man- residents have come to rely.
There is additional daily sanitizing. agement team that is dealing with a The Aviva campus includes Kober- th
When outside vendors, including those CEO who is obsessed with protecting nick at Aviva, for independent living; Oct. 13 at 11:00 AM – Who Created the Jewish Bible?

in the health care field, come onto the everybody,” Solomon said. “At a time Anchin at Aviva, for assisted living and
campus, Aviva has established a strict like this, we have to worry about lives memory care; and Benderson at Aviva, Oct. 20 at 11:00 AM – What is the Talmud?
th
testing and tracing protocol should the and not revenues.” a skilled nursing and rehabilitation
need arise. Located in The Meadows, in the center.
“We are delighted that the Federa- Oct. 27 at 11:00 AM – What would an Old-School Jew Find Familiar
th
tion is playing such an important role Read the current and previous in Mishkan T’filah?
in helping Aviva keep our residents
healthy and safe,” said Logan. “Just as editions of The Jewish News TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL
important as the grants themselves is To Register: 567 Bay Isles Road
the message this sends to others in our online at jfedsrq.org. www.tbi-lbk.org Longboat Key, FL 34228
continued on page 19 (941) 383-3428