continued from page 94

The outings range from miniature golf,
go-carting, trips to Belle Isle, picnics,
movies, ice skating, bike rides, picnics,
Purim carnivals and bowling to just
"hanging out" at Ryan's house, baking
brownies and doing homework.
Cary has attended Ryan's school
play, T-ball games, karate and swim
classes. He has taken Ryan to several
programs at Shir Tikvah, including a
Mitzvah Day where they visited a
nursing home and played bingo with
the residents.
"I'm lucky to have a friend like Cary
who takes me places and does fun
things with me," Ryan says with a shy
smile.
"We try to do something different
every week," Levy says. When asked
how long he expected the relationship
to last, he predicts they'll see each other
less often when Ryan becomes a

teenager, but "we'll be friends for the
),
rest of our lives.
"This is probably one of the most
worthwhile things I've ever done," Levy
says. He feels the relationship has
benefited Ryan, too. The youngster is
more relaxed now than when they first
met. He has more friends and is doing
better in school, which Levy finds
gratifying.
"He knows I'm there when he needs
me," Levy says. A native Detroiter, he
is known throughout the Detroit
Jewish community for his warmth,
compassion and genuine interest in
helping others.
In addition to his work, his weekly
meetings with Ryan and his
responsibilities as a Shir Tikvah board
member, Levy serves as secretary of the
alumni group of the Louis Pasteur
Elementary School in Detroit. Formed

at his 30th-year Mumford High School
reunion, this group performs mitzvahs
such as tutoring, making holiday gift
baskets and sponsoring career days for
students at the Detroit elementary
school.
"Cary is a real mensch," says
Marilyn West, a member of Shir
Tikvah. "He has always paid special
attention to our son, Ken (who has
autism), and he's always there for
people who need help.
Sue Rosenfeld had wondered how
to show her appreciation for what Levy
has done for her son. When she saw the
notice in the Jewish News asking for
"Honorable Menschen' nominees, she
knew she had found the answer. "It's
hard to set aside time to do things for
other people," says Rosenfeld, "but Cary
is very committed to Ryan. I can see
their friendship lasting many years."

"

■

ake your next move Ito Fleischman Residence

sistance in Wing...above and beyond

14 X- r4M9 e,p

•Three Kosher Meals Daily
•Medication Administration
•Registered Nurse & Personal Care Assistance
•Health Clinic
•Transportation, Laundry, Housekeeping
•Cultural, Educational, and Spiritual Programs
•Daily, Shabbat, and Holiday Services in our Synagogue
•Daytime and Evening Activities
•Around the Clock Security
•Nosh Nook, Gift Shop, Beauty/Barber Shop
•Respite and Guest Rooms Available

Fleischman Residence I Blumberg Plaza

6710 W. Maple Road • West Bloomfield (248) 661-2999

contact: Tracey Proghovnick, M.S. W.

-

Director of Admissions

Jewish Home & Aging Services

96

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