Los Angeles Jewish Home

Each summer, Grancell and Eisenberg Village campus residents are treated to a festive luau-themed party. Participants are given the opportunity to enjoy a celebration with island inspired decorations, relaxing Hawaiian harmonies, and tasty tropical treats. This year, there were a few extra surprises in store for those in attendance.

At Grancell Village, residents enjoyed the musical stylings of the Van Bloem Singers. The merry band of troubadours performed the songs of the islands with a little help from musical director Elaine Paonessa and piano accompanist Bob Brandzel. Residents enjoyed spirited renditions of ballads from "South Pacific" and "The King and I" as well as favorites "Blue Hawaii" and "Tiny Bubbles."

A few miles east, Eisenberg Village residents took in some beautiful Polynesian dancing courtesy of the Granada Hills Aloha Hula Dance Studio. Hula dancers Maeva, Sandy, Danya and Luisa entertained their audience with impressive hulas from Hawaii and Tahiti. Residents were also given a crash course on Hawaiian dancing, language, and culture. They learned the meaning of the words 'aloha,' 'mahalo,' 'wahine,' and 'keiki.' At the end of the event, residents participated in some brain stimulating trivia to measure the extent of their retention.

After an eventful day, attendees were asked to reflect on the party and surprise performances. New Eisenberg Village residents David and Rhoda Newman particularly enjoyed the event. "This was my first time at a luau — I loved it. My husband David did too. He usually falls asleep at events, but he didn't shut his eyes for a second here!" In response, David said, "How could I ever! Those hula girls were incredible. I'm very impressed with their captivating performance."

Much like the average family vacation, these luaus are designed to give participants a break from their daily lives. Activities team leader Amanda Powell states, "We host a Hawaiian luau every summer. Because our residents don't have the means to go on vacation, we bring the vacation to them. We want them to enjoy a relaxing tropical atmosphere without leaving the comfort and safety of the Home. We hope the residents enjoy the event as much as we enjoy hosting it."

The Los Angeles Jewish Home takes great pride in the unique dining experience we provide for our residents. With beautiful table settings, individualized pre-ordered dishes, and courses served one by one, resident dining at the Jewish Home is comparable to the experience one would have in a fine restaurant. Providing the same exceptional dining experience to those with Alzheimer's disease and age-related dementia can be especially challenging. Goldenberg•Ziman Special Care Center clinical manager Anne LaClair explains, "The Jewish Home staff is constantly striving to improve the living situations of all our residents. While going through the various stages of Alzheimer's and dementia, the way in which seniors smell, taste, and recognize food can significantly change. Because of this, some of the biggest challenges we face are poor appetite and weight loss."

To address this challenge, department leaders strategized best practices for the nourishment of our residents. It was then they realized there was a simple solution to the dilemma they faced: edible centerpieces. EV administrator Douglas Tucker speaks fondly of the inspired moment. "One day we were brain storming and all of a sudden a light bulb went off. By adding appetizing edible centerpieces to each table we could accomplish two goals: we enhance our restaurant-style dining experience while inspiring residents to get excited about food."

Pleased with the new menu additions, activities team leader Amanda Powell remarked, "It's great residents have the option to choose from fresh Challah, mouth-watering cupcakes, attractive fruit arrangements, and a striking assortment of colorful Jell-O flowers each week." She explains, "We rotate these pieces of edible artwork in order to provide our residents with the constant visual stimulation they need to catch their attention and whet their appetites. So far, we are happy with the reception the new centerpieces have received and look forward to adding more out-of-the-ordinary desserts to our menu."

Celebration of Life: Reflections 2014, the Jewish Home's annual gala and premier fundraising event, will be held on Sunday, October 26, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. In the Jewish tradition of honoring our seniors, Reflections brings the community together for a special dinner and tribute to the spirit of philanthropy that makes the Home's life-enhancing programs possible.  

This year we will honor three amazing women - Eunice David, Barbara Miller-Fox Abramoff, and Edna Weiss — with the prestigious Eshet Chayil award. With their longtime support of the Jewish Home and dedication to community service and philanthropy, they are truly Women of Valor.

Co-chairs for Celebration of Life: Reflections 2014 are Earl Greinetz, Marilyn and Monty Hall, and Diane Morton. Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell will provide the musical magic for the evening.

This year's Gala honors these women's contributions and achievements, and the jewel-like tone of our graphic captures the brilliance and sparkle they bring to our community. Through their efforts, the Home's dynamic programs and services continue to thrive. Like a precious stone, every facet of the Eshet Chayil reflects a vibrant, glowing light that helps sustain the Home and all those who depend on it.

The evening will begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and will feature the premiere of this year's Jewish Home video. The film will look at the accomplishments and expansion of the Home's services and feature a special look at the Home through the eyes of residents and staff.

To register online or to place an ad in the Celebration of Life: Reflections 2014 Tribute Journal, please click here. For more information about Reflections, please contact Corey Slavin at (818) 774-3031 or Corey.Slavin@jha.org.