President’s Message
Jewish Seniors Alliance is now ten years old. It is a good time for looking at what we have accomplished during these ten years, as well as how we have performed during our fiscal 2012 -13. Verdict–wonderful! We have had an outstanding year of accomplishments. We are now able to say that our programs are directed mainly in three areas: Outreach, Advocacy and Peer Support Services.
AGM HIGHLIGHTS
Spotlight
Natasha Likholatnikov, nominated by Chabad Richmond has been a volunteer since her arrival in Canada from the Ukraine. She volunteers in an ongoing capacity often several times each week. According to Rabbi Baitelman, Natasha spends more hours at Chabad than he does. She is involved in the Womens’ Art Club whose participants are from the former Soviet Union. She is involved in the Community Kitchen, a monthly communal meal prepared in the Chabad kitchen. This important program provides information about Jewish holidays and other Jewish traditions. Natasha cooks for Chabad community activities, helps to coordinate volunteers, helps with mailing and does much more.
Stacey Kettleman: Beth Tikvah is thrilled to nominate Stacey Kettleman for an award from Jewish Seniors’ Alliance. Stacey has been a part of Beth Tikvah for many years. She has a large heart and it goes out to many seniors and people who are isolated and need assistance. Stacey thinks nothing of whipping up a meal whether it be for Shabbat, a Yom Tov or just a warm dinner and then delivering it to a senior in need. She also ensures he or she has food in his or her home by getting groceries for them. If Stacey hears about a senior not attending an event, she will make a point of getting that person a ride – trying to make sure the senior is not alone, but part of our Jewish community. Aside from being a huge sports fan, Stacey will always be there for that senior in need.
Binny Goldman: Writer, photographer, tribute card artist, honorary life member, Binny brings an enthusiastic and positive presence to the many activities she undertakes for the JSA. Binny rarely misses meetings, voluntarily undertakes assignments with devotion and the results are inevitably extraordinary. Her multitasking ability is demonstrated in her ability to produce candid photographs of each event, and also produce an informative, in-depth analysis of the event. Recognizing Binny as a 2014 honoree was indeed a most deserving and easy choice for JSA.
Edith Shier: is the person who developed the concept of converting the initial Senior Line Newsletter, into the JSA Senior Line Magazine, now published three times each year. Her dedication to promoting Jewish artists and their work on the attractive full-colour cover of the magazine has continued to please her audience and enrich our lives. To quote President ‘Emeritus’ Serge Haber, our magazine “…is the only written communication to the seniors in the Jewish Community and continues to receive rave reviews as the best of the best” – an easy and well-deserved 2014 Honouree.
Serge Haber: A standing ovation then followed for Serge as Marilyn presented him with a Gavel and wall plaque in honour of the work he has accomplished, the legacy he leaves and the contribution he will continue to make as our stellar fundraiser and advocate–our very own Professor Emeritus! In honour of Serge’s outstanding contribution to JSA and in memory and honour of his late beloved wife Elinor, the SERGE & ELINOR Z”L HABER PEER SUPPORT FUND has been established. We urge everyone in our community to contribute generously to this fund and make it part of their yearly plan of giving. In Serge’s reply, he urged us to be here and there with all our heart and to press governments at all levels to play a much stronger role in the well being of Seniors. Wow– what a night of Jewish Joy as we shared stories of success and pride and as we celebrated together! HERE’S TO A NEW YEAR OF GOOD HEALTH AND ADVOCACY AS WE MOVE FORWARD!