metro

Well-Deserved Honors

Jewish Senior Life to fete eight extraordinary people over 80.

Lynne Meredith Golodner

Special to the Jewish News

0

ne good deed goes a long way
— and a life's worth of deeds
focused on community, family
and tradition go even farther.
This year's 8 Over 80 honorees, who will
be celebrated at a luncheon and ceremony
on Sunday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m., demon-
strate a lifelong dedication to the Jewish
value of tikkun olam, repairing the world.
Hundreds of people attend this annual
event (seats are $80 per adult, $40 per
child), which takes place at Temple Israel
in West Bloomfield. Dietary laws will be
observed.
"This event is a wonderful chance to

highlight some of the ;, most important
people in our communitli--the who've
been working all their lives to make a dif-
ference," says Sherry Margolis, the FOX 2
anchor who has been an emcee of 8 Over
80 for years and will do so again this year.
"And they haven't slowed down a bit!
When I see what they are still accomplish-
ing, I am always amazed. I leave feeling
inspired to do more. They truly deserve
this recognition, and so much more."
Proceeds from this event go to support
the Quality of Life Fund for the kosher
meal service program within Jewish
Senior Life.
"This year, as in years past, our 8 Over
80 honorees are not just outstanding
members of our octogenarian set, they are

outstanding members of our community,"
says Rabbi Paul Yedwab. "We at Temple
Israel are thrilled to offer a venue large
enough to4accommodate all who want
to attend this extremely important and
meaningful event."
"A diverse group, our honorees all share
the trait of giving," says Jason Hirsch, an
event chair with Arlene Selik. "Throughout
their lives, they have devoted themselves
to helping others, strengthening the Jewish
community and helping the global com-
munity we all share." -
Eight Over 80, in its 19th year, is a flag-
ship event of Jewish Senior Life. It falls
during May, which is nationally Older
Americans Month. JSL is focused on
enhancing the quality of life of older adults

in Metro Detroit through residences, pro-
grams and services that support aging
with dignity, choice and independence, and
embrace Jewish values. The agency is rede-
fining what aging is all about.
"Our honorees embody the essence of
the Jewish Senior Life mission," says Selik.
"Their deeds are lessons to everyone,
especially younger generations, of what is
possible. As psychologist and philosopher
William James said, The greatest use of
life is to spend it for something that will
outlast it, and our honorees do just that."
For reservations or further information
about 8 Over 80, call Beth Tryon at (248)
661-1836 or visit www.jslmi.org.

Dr. George
Blum: A pedia-
trician for more
than 50 years,
Dr. Blum has
always been
dedicated to
helping ensure
the health and
well being of
our children.

Bernard
Cantor: A pat-
ent attorney,
Mr. Cantor
was active in
Scouting since
age 12, earning
the Eagle Scout
rank. He is a
World War II
veteran and has
mentored boys and young men through
Scouts since 1965.

Florence
Vinsky: A
long-time
educator, Mrs.
Vinsky has
been dedi-
cated to the
American Red
Cross, traveling
to serve fami-
lies in need fol-
lowing times of disaster, including travel-
ing to Alabama after Hurricane Katrina.
She is a dedicated volunteer for Temple
Kol Ami Sisterhood, making weekly
chaplaincy and nursing home visits.

Alvin
Weisberg: In
more than a
half-century of
volunteering,
Mr. Weisberg
has dedicated
his time to
many of our
community's
organizations,
including JFMD, JCC, Hillel, Hadassah,
ORT, JTS, JFS, Fresh Air Society, Israel
Bonds, Shaarey Zedek and the Frankel
Jewish Academy. He also guides young
adults in starting businesses.

❑

This Year's Honorees

Dr. Martin
Barr: A doctor
of pharmaceu-
tical sciences,
Dr. Barr has
been a univer-
sity educator,
researcher and
lecturer. Since
retirement, he
has volunteered
to educate older adults in issues related to
Medicare and private insurance.

Bob Benyas:
A seasoned
photographer,
Mr. Benyas vol-
untarily pho-
tographs for
Jewish agencies,
capturing our
community's
best moments.
In honor of his
50th wedding anniversary, he established
the Benyas-Zaft Cultural Entertainment
Fund for older adults.

Myron
Milgrom:
A past-
president of
Congregation
Shaarey
Zedek and
co-founder of
the Michigan
Jewish Sports
Hall of Fame,
Mr. Milgrom was owner of Mercury Paint.
He and his business partners helped the
State of Israel during the Yom Kippur War.

Mania
Salinger: A
Holocaust
survivor from
Poland, Ms.
Salinger is
a published
author who
speaks widely
and is active
with the
Holocaust Memorial Center.

12

May 17 2012