family focus >> sponsored by best source credit union Ed Pintzuk, 96, a resident of Meer Apartments, with Meer administrator Marcia Mittelman, at last year's Oldest Jewish Americans Brunch. Carol Rosenberg got into the swing of things at last year's brunch. Roaring Honor Luncheon will celebrate local seniors, age 95 and beyond. Shelli Liebman Dorfman Contributing Writer T he year was 1916, and the young- est of this year's Oldest Jewish Americans Brunch honorees had just been born. At 11 a.m., Friday, May 6, community members, ages 95 and older, will be hon- ored to the theme of "The Roaring '20s" at the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield. The annual event is coordinat- ed by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and sponsored in part by the family of the late Bessie Spector. An extensive search for honorees included outreach letters and requests for partner agencies, synagogues and other organizations, both Jewish and non- Jewish. "We have identified over 150 eligible seniors this year," said Shira Shapiro, senior planning associate of Federation's Planning and Agency Relations Department and lead staff person for the brunch committee. "We expect about 60 to actually attend, but, of course, we'll be thrilled if that number is higher. In total, we expect about 220 people, including honorees, guests and volunteers." The hope is for new honorees to be joined by those who have been honored in the past. "As soon as they turn 95, they are hon- orees for life Shapiro said. The guest list 58 April 21 m 2011 includes 28 individuals who are 100 years old or older. The brunch is chaired by Carol Weintraub Fogel of West Bloomfield, who will also serve as the event's emcee. "The program is always inspiring," Fogel said. "Last year a man stood up and sang at his table. They come from far and near and are proud to be part of the program." Honor Upon Honor "The date of the brunch was planned in May to coincide with [the Department of Health and Human Resources Administration on Aging] Older Americans Month:' Shapiro said. Each honoree at the event receives a certificate of acknowledgement from Gov. Rick Snyder and has a photo session with Farmington Hills-based Schare the Moment photographers. Given white-glove treatment, honorees are escorted to their seats by one of more than 25 volunteers. The brunch committee includes staff and agency representatives from Federation, the JCC, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit Foundation (JSL), JVS and mem- bers of the community. Federation CEO Scott Kaufman will deliver welcoming remarks and Rabbi Dovid Polter will share a d'var Torah (words of Torah) with the crowd. The Meer Choir, comprised of residents of the Norma Jean and Edward Meer Apartments in West Bloomfield, will sing the national anthems of the United States and Israel. Marlene Nessel of Farmington Hills will provide piano accompaniment prior to and during the program as she has for many years. The highlight of the event is the recog- nition of honorees by JSL Director Carol Rosenberg, who will introduce each hon- oree, sharing a brief biography, lessons they have learned about life and the great- est invention in their lifetime. The program will be projected onto a large screen for guests to view and a "live stream" will enable those not present to see it from outside the facility. Corsages, boutonnieres and table cen- terpieces decorated to fit the Roaring '20s theme were donated by an anonymous donor. Special Tribute The family of the late Bessie Spector has been involved with the brunch almost since its start. After seeing how much Spector enjoyed the event, various mem- Bessie bers have been helping Spector to sponsor it annually. This year's donors are Joan Chernoff- Epstein, her husband Bob and her sister Cathy Slavik, all of Bloomfield Hills. "The first year my grandmother attended, she was 95," Chernoff-Epstein said. "The last year she was 102." The family continued its support after Spector's death in 2005, with some, including Chernoff-Epstein, attending every brunch. She referred to her grandmother as one of the "founding treasures" of the event. In Michigan, May 8, 2009 was pro- claimed Bessie Spector Older Jewish American Day. "The honorees are all cherished people in our community," she said. "They have been vital in the working, volunteering and parenting worlds and have all made a difference in many lives. My grand- mother absolutely felt like this event was her coming out party; she felt like a queen. We want to continue to see many others feel this same joy and nacho." 1 1 For information or to make a reservation for the 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, Oldest Jewish Americans Brunch at the Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, call (248) 203-1465. Cost: $25. RSVP by Friday, April 22. Complimentary valet service. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided from the JCC campuses in Oak Park and West Bloomfield.