metro >> mentsh of the month Reassuring Presence Hidden Treasure Discovered in Oakland County Elegant estate jewelry and At 89, Helen Siegel's love of people keeps her young, active and giving. beautiful one-of-a-lcind pieces can be yours for less than you would imagine Stacy Gittleman I Contributing Writer H elen Siegel loves people. A trained counselor specializing in the needs of the elderly, she possesses a humble kindness that compels her to befriend and support her peers. Whether they need a second set of ears at a doctor's appointment or just a hand to hold, Siegel provides a reassur- ing presence. "I can't stand being idle; I love being busy all the time said Siegel, who, at 89, is still spry and nimble enough to make it up and down the flight of stairs that leads to her home in the Meer Apartments in West Bloomfield, where she and her husband, Bob, now reside. She spends her time in the lobby making new friends, making flower arrange- ments for the dining hall for Shabbat dinner or visiting residents at nearby Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza. A descendant of 11 generations of rab- bis on one side of her family and 14 gen- erations on the other, Siegel chose a dif- ferent path in helping others. She was in her 50s and had raised four children in Birmingham before returning to school to earn a master's degree in gerontology in 1984 at Wayne State University. For decades, she worked for Catholic Social Services of Detroit, providing well-being services for seniors living on the city's east side. As part of the agency's guardianship program, Siegel visited seniors in their homes, providing them with basic housekeeping services, offer- ing companionship and connecting them with social worker services, if necessary. Siegel had always been keen about learning about people as they age. She lived in the tightly knit Jewish communi- ty of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where her father was the rabbi of an Orthodox congrega- tion as well as the president of the local heart association. From him, she learned the lessons of caregiving, kindness and respecting one's elders. Siegel said she did not think much about her own aging back when she was earning her master's degree, but age has made her wiser and more understanding of the physical and emotional needs of her peers. "Living it [aging] is certainly differ- ent than studying it," Siegel said. "I have become more sensitive to people's aches and pains and their loneliness, especially Estate Buyers if they have reservations about leaving their homes and moving into an assisted living apartment:' Though she would never brag about it, after nearly 70 years of marriage, Bob gladly boasts about his wife's ability to be a great listener. This, he says, makes her a valued companion to their peers, who are often looking for moral support when visiting the doctor or reminiscing about the past "She never criticizes anyone; she just shows them empathy:' Bob said. Siegel said that keeping the brain active is another healthy tip to aging. For 40 years, the Siegels have had the same circle of friends who each month meet to listen to a speaker on a variety of topics. She also is a member of a few book clubs at Meer. "Going to lectures and discussing books with others keeps you in touch with friends and keeps you alert," she said. Retired from her profession for 20 years, Siegel has more time to volunteer. For decades, the Siegels worked several times a week at the Yad Ezra kosher food pantry in Berkley. In 2006, they received Yad Ezra's Volunteer of the Year award. The Siegels lived in Birmingham for 40 years and raised four children there before moving to Meer. They now have five grandchildren and one great-grand- child. Siegel stresses the need for assisted living for seniors because the programs and communal life — such as seeing friends at the dining hall each night — keep people engaged and close to family and friends. "We love it here she said. "Why would we move to Florida when all of my friends and family are still in Detroit?" at David Wachler & Sons R&R Jewelers- Now located at 100 S. Old Woodward Birmingham MI 48009 248-540-4 622 100 South Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, MI 248.540.4622 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-5:30pm Thursday, 10am-7:30pm Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday and Monday, Closed A Great Rate That Rates Great 1.05% 1968020 ! 15 Month Certificate of Deposit Special! BANK of MICHIGAN Here To Help 30095 Northwestern Hwy. Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (248) 865-1300 www.bankofmi.com *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Actual APY of 1.06% is effective December 1, 2014 through February 27, 2015. $50,000 minimum to open, maximum $500,000. New money only not already on deposit at Bank of Michigan. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. CD maturity date is 15 months from date of account opening. Terms and rates are subject to change at any time without notice. Offer expires 2/27/15. ❑ January 8 • 2nic 23