Shabbat Shalom!

Weekly News & Updates

In the Business of Caring for Our Aging Parents Since 1907

GREEN SPACE HELPS MENTAL WELL BEING

Who doesn’t enjoy a little time outdoors? Taking a little time to enjoy nature can help us feel better physically, and now research shows spending time in green spaces can help boost older adults’ mental well-being .

If you live in an area with plenty of vegetation, take advantage of it and spend time outdoors — walk around your neighborhood or find some friends or neighbors to enjoy nature. If you live in an area without much vegetation, consider planting trees or shrubbery on your property, or if you live in an urban area, encourage your city to build more green spaces.

Don’t worry if you don’t have access to a green space. You can create one on your property or even indoors. Here’s how:

1. Plant a garden that attracts bees and butterflies: Nectar-rich plants like buddleia, lavender, sedum and cosmos will attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees.

2. Give the birds something to eat: Place a few bird feeders around your garden or yard to attract birds and help them survive during the colder months. Birds in your garden gives you something enjoyable to watch and it helps keep garden pests at bay.

3. Take nature indoors: Bring the outside in by adding some household plants, stone, wood and even a small fountain to your living spaces. Studies have shown houseplants can have myriad benefits including improved focus and cleaner air.

4. Create a terrarium: If you’d rather not bring in houseplants (or you just don’t have a green thumb), try putting together a terrarium. The decorative possibilities are endless.

Here’s what you’ll need:

A large glass container with a lid
Newspaper
Miniature decorative items
Good-quality potting soil
Aquarium rocks
Assorted small plants

Whether it’s spending time outdoors or creating your own green space, you can easily take advantage of the benefits of nature. Click here to read more.

FRIDAY FUNNY

SIX-WORD MEMOIRS

By: Jo Rosen

“If you had exactly six words to describe your life, what would they be? That’s the challenge posed to readers of SMITH Magazine, an online storytelling community founded in 2006 by Larry Smith. Thirteen years later, I picked up SIX-WORD MEMOIRS ON JEWISH LIFE, having just heard about this book from Reboot, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to start discussions about Jewish identity, community and meaning – precisely the purpose of this book. Smith wrote, “The six-word limitation forces us to figure out the essence of who we are and what matters most. This simple form of expression can become the starting point for larger discussions.”

Without much thought, I quickly added 2 of my own six-word memoirs to this project! “ World heals with peace and love ” “ Let’s stop the madness now. Please .” Check the website: sixwordmemoirs.com/jewish . There is a lively blog, contests, gifts, and plenty of content to stimulate discussions. Here are a few good ones…

“ Secret latke ingredient is knuckle blood .” Rachel Fershleiser

“ A life uncriticized is not Jewish .” Lisa Wurtele

“ Threat of extinction breeds Jewish excellence.” Tovah Feldshuh

“ Cooking chicken soup stirs mother memories .” Carol Smith

“ Secret law: Maine Jews allowed lobster .” Joel Rubin

“ At least you know he’s circumcised .” Amy Schumer

And from our local community . . .

“ Saying Kaddish. Missing you. Remembering. Remembering .” Debra Darvick

“ Did you call your mother today ?” Lisa Soble Siegmann

“ Hair: liability turned asset; still thick .” Ben Falik

SENIOR DREAM CRUISE

Volunteer drivers, Michelle and Dr. Stanley Levine, in his 2001 Plymouth Prowler

JSL West Bloomfield hosted the 12th Annual Senior Dream Cruise this week! “Hoods off” to our drivers, volunteers and sponsor, AMAC Pharmacy Services, for making this fabulous event possible. Over 300 residents, family and friends lined the sidewalks to view 75 classic cars. And it was all captured by Fox 2 News! Click here to watch.

Barbra Giles kept the crowd entertained as she emceed

Coville Program Coordinator, Marla Davidson and longtime friend, Michelle Silber, volunteered in their 1950’s inspired outfits

Residents, staff, caregivers and volunteers enjoyed the day

Ron & Bonnie Adkisson’s 1951

Chevy Pickup Street Rod

UPCOMING EVENTS

8/19 - Family Caregiver Support Group at JVS

9/3 - Caregiver Support Group at Teitel

9/18 - FRIENDS of JSL: Kosher Wine Night

Visit our Facebook page for more news at JSL.

RESIDENT FEATURE: CHUCK ZAMEK

Meer resident, Chuck Zamek, served on the Waterford Police and Fire Commission, and was a volunteer fireman for many years. Marcia Mittelman, administrator at Meer, emailed Chief Flynn to ask if he and some of his team could surprise Chuck at the Dream Cruise. Chuck said, “It made this already amazing day, even more special.”

SHOP AND GIVE BACK

Jewish Senior Life (JSL) is now a part of the Kroger Community Rewards program. Every time you use your Kroger card, JSL will receive a percentage from your purchase. The pennies add up!

If you have a KROGER PLUS card, all you need to do is create an online account:

krogercommunityrewards.com

and choose the JSL FOUNDATION (#PH024) for your community rewards donation.

Click here to learn more.

AMAZON SMILE

SHOP SHOP SHOP with an AMAZON SMILE on your face to benefit JSL. It's so easy! Just order your merchandise and JSL will receive cash back from every order. Tell your friends and family! Sign up here: www.amazonsmile.com and designate JSL Foundation as your charity of choice! Thank you!