THE PARK

LIVING

New Gym, New Gains
The league is housed in the recently
completed Florene Elkus & Edward
Elkus Memorial Gymnasium, a remark-
able venue for an equally remarkable
program. The 5,800-square-foot facil-
ity was made possible by a generous
donation from Philip and Estelle Elkus
of Bloomfield Hills. Philip wanted to
honor the memory of his late brother
and sister, Edward and Florene, both of
whom had special needs.
"If Friendship Circle had been avail-
able for them, it would have been great:'
he said.
Elkus did not disclose the amount of
money the couple contributed for the
gym. He said that he was not seeking
public acknowledgment of his gift and
attributed this outlook to Maimonides,
the influential Jewish scholar, physician
and philosopher who lived during the
Middle Ages.
"Maimonides said the most honor-
able form of giving is anonymous; I
didn't even want my name on it:' said
Elkus, who finally agreed to a wall
plaque stating that the gym was "dedi-
cated by the Elkus family."
The facility, which was completed
and dedicated at the end of August, was
designed by the Southfield-based firm of
Neumann/Smith Architecture and built
by Sachse Construction and Development
of Birmingham. It combines beauty and
function with its smooth white walls, high
ceilings, regulation basketball nets and a
ramp that makes it accessible to players of
all abilities. In the center of the gleaming
hardwood floor, the familiar Friendship
Circle logo stands out like a purple and

white beacon.
"I think its just fabulous:' said Estelle
Elkus, who had come with her husband
to watch the children in action. "It's a
marvelous feeling seeing these kids
having such a great time."
The young players agree.
"It's a time when you can meet new
kids and play sports with them:' said
Benny Fellows, 9, of Farmington Hills.
"I didn't realize how fun it was going to
be until I came here."
Jared Lonnerstater, 11, who lives in
Novi, echoes Fellows' enthusiasm, add-
ing that his favorite position is goalie.
The parents who come to watch or
help out are thrilled that their children
have the opportunity to play a sport in
such an uplifting environment.
Emma Zerkel of West Bloomfield,
another former student of Krass, vol-
unteers as an assistant coach while her
son, Ian, 9, participates in the game.
"He was my teacher in elementary
school, where floor hockey was the most
important thing, and now my son gets
to play with him," said Zerkel, who said
she has seen a lot of growth in the play-
ers since the league began. "I think it's
incredible. The kids are developing team
skills and sportsmanship — skills they're
going to need for life."
The floor hockey league will continue
through December. For information on
Friendship Circle, including other inclu-
sive sports programs, call (248) 788-
7878 or visit www.friendshipcirde.org .
"I don't think we've ever gotten as
much nachas (pleasure) from any gift
before said Philip Elkus. "It's very
heartwarming."

"I JUST DECIDED THAT

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ALONE ANYMORE:'

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See for yourself why seniors living at The Park at Trowbridge

experience an invigorating sense of independence, freedom

and optimism.

Your story continues here...

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November 18 • 2010

61