] Family Focus SPONSORED BY BEST SOURCE CREDIT UNION A Red, White And Blue Honor Huntington Woods' beloved "Aunt Bess" receives an award and a ride. Shelli Liebman Dorfman Senior Writer W earing a bright red top and red, white and blue striped skirt, Bess Zechman dressed the part for her ride as a special guest in this year's Huntington Woods Fourth of July parade. Honored as the city's Senior Citizen of the Year, Zechman was nominated by neighbors, Julie and Eugene Sherizen and their children, Eli, 15, and Ilana, 13. The award was established to honor a resident age 65 years or older "who gives unselfishly of himself or herself to help others, or to help the community at large." Turning 95 in November, Zechman fulfills the age requirement, but it's how she shares her time and impacts the younger members of the community that really makes her worthy of the honor. Zechman, whom the Sherizens call "a gem among us, a one-of-a-kind dear friend who is full of spirit and deter- mination," is affectionately referred to as "Aunt Bess" by much of the neighborhood. She worked full time as a dental hygienist until nine years ago, retiring at age 86. "Still entertaining, Aunt Bess hosts a home-cooked meal every Friday night," wrote the Sherizens in a letter nominating Zechman for the award. "Holidays would not be complete without Aunt Bess's homemade, from scratch, gefilte fish or kreplach (dumplings), preparing 100 pieces or more so she will have enough to share with all her family and friends. She has a revolving door at her home welcoming guests, young and old, daily." Zechman has a special relationship with the younger members of the close-knit neighborhood. She is visited regularly by the kids, including the Sherizen teens and their friends, "who enjoy wonderful conversation and learn important lessons;' Julie Sherizen said. Friends and family, including Zechman's son, Neil, of Birmingham, and practically the entire neighborhood came out to the parade to cheer her on and see her receive her award. "It was such a thrill to share this happy time with Bess," Sherizen said. "She deserves this and so much more. We are very fortunate to have her in our lives." Zechman said she was "absolutely surprised" to learn she was named Senior Citizen of the Year. "I couldn't believe it," she said. "It was wonderful to have all my family, friends and neighbors there. I got to throw candy out to all the little kids and wave my hand like Queen Elizabeth does. I had a marvelous time' OttiffiTINGTON-WOODS .51iy*4th.Paradd — ees$ Zechrnan SENIOR OF ME YEAR ❑ Top Right: Bess Zechman riding in the Fourth of July parade. Right: Zechman's cheering section of friends and family. Health And Fitness Friendship Circle participants learn about cooking, gardening, working out. T his summer, Friendship Circle planted an organic vegetable garden on the west end of the Meer Family Friendship Center in West Bloomfield. This new garden serves as a kick off to a new sum- mer program titled "Health & Fitness." This program is for individuals 15 years and older. Participants help plant, maintain and harvest the garden. In conjunc- tion, they will be learning healthy cooking and eating techniques alongside professional educator, Harriett Silverman. Jordan Levin, fitness guru and owner of CrossFit Bloomfield, is teaching the participants how to work out and take care of their bodies. The program runs for five weeks on Sundays. A week of senior camp goes through Aug. 20. ❑ Top right: Amanda Ruder and Molly Grier, both of West Bloomfield, plant seedlings. Right: Jordan Levin of CrossFit Bloomfield encourages the group to work hard to get fit. 56 July 29 • 2010 Anna Gu and Jay Hodess, both of West Bloomfield, water a raised garden bed.