The group shared, cried, laughed and got silly together. This was karaoke
night, and the bartender joined them for a photo (he has real facial hair).

11

Maggie Egrin and Debby Suris

Weekend Retreat

Friendship Circle hosts trip for moms
of kids with special needs.

Save Time - Lot close to
the terminals with easy
access from 1-94 & 1-275.

Save Money - Low daily
rates, continuous free
shuttle service and luggage
handling.

SltaWorry - Open 24/7
with lighted, fenced and
continuous patrolled lot.
Battery booster is available.

Daily Rate: $9.00*
Hourly Rate: $2.50*

*Taxes Included
Expires 12-31-2015.
One coupon per visit.
Not Good with any other discounts.
Rates Subject to Change.

METRO

AIRPORT

Exit 198 from 1-94
Exit 20 from 1-275

18 February 12 • 2015

Ronelle Grier

Contributing Writer

I

f ever there was a "tough act
to follow:' it was last year's
Friendship Circle Shabbat
at the Spa weekend, where 20
mothers of children with special
needs came together to bond and
rejuvenate. That weekend resulted
in a sisterhood that continued
throughout the year, with Torah-
and-tea study sessions, couples
get-togethers and an active
Facebook group where moms
share daily about the unique frus-
Fawn Chayet, guest speaker Goldie Plotkin and
trations and joys of raising their
Hayley Snyder
special children.
While there was some trepi-
dation about how this year's program
cial needs, Plotkin imparted wisdom
could possibly measure up, the second
and humor about the group's collective
annual Shabbat at the Spa weekend, Jan.
challenges and the power of positive
thinking.
30-Feb. 1, was a unanimous success that
exceeded the expectations of participants
"I thought I was coming here to give,
and organizers alike.
but I received more than I gave Plotkin
The 30 moms, which included all 20
said. "It was wonderful being with
from last year plus 10 "newbies," felt
women who are so dedicated to their
immediately at home upon arriving at
special children in such a dynamic way."
the Riverwalk Place hotel and spa in
The weekend concluded with an ener-
Gladwin, about 150 miles north of West
getic Zumba class, a make-your-own
Bloomfield. After enjoying Friday after-
pizza feast and a rocking karaoke party
noon massages, facials and pedicures
where laughter took center stage. After
in the hotel's spa, the women gathered
a delicious Sunday brunch, the moms
for a sumptuous Shabbat dinner, the
shared an emotional wrap-up session
first of many gourmet kosher meals and
punctuated by giggles and tears.
snacks prepared by private chef Hunny
"I was a `newbie' to the weekend, and
Khodorkovsky.
even though I have been at Friendship
Like last year, dinner was followed by
Circle with my son for over seven years, I
an exuberant pajama party with Shabbat- didn't get involved with the moms:' said
friendly entertainment, games and a
Lisa LaBelle of Birmingham. "I didn't
Farbrengen (sharing session) that evoked
realize what I was missing — the sup-
equal amounts of laughter and tears.
port, the laughs, the tears, the strength,
On Saturday, the moms enjoyed
the way we can talk with each other and
thought-provoking team-building games
know exactly how one another are feel-
and an inspiring presentation by guest
ing. It was a true emotional experience
for me, and I'm humbled by the amazing
speaker Goldie Plotkin of the Chabad
Center in Markham, Ontario. As the
group of women I met:'
mother of eight children, one with spe-

To A New Level

While Friendship Circle Director
Bassie Shemtov was thrilled that
every one of the 20 participants
from last year returned, she and
co-organizer Sarah Schectman,
family coordinator for Friendship
Circle, were concerned about how
the event would meet the bar set
by the previous year.
"I was especially concerned about
how the group would come together
with our new moms:' Shemtov said.
"I was wrong! This year has brought
the relationships and spirituality to
a completely different level. I can't
wait for next year:'
After the success of last year's
weekend, Shemtov and Schectman
created a detailed handbook so other
Friendship Circles could duplicate the
event for the mothers in their organiza-
tions.
"We gave them samples of our menus,
schedules, online design work, whatever
we could provide to help:' said Shemtov,
who said various Friendship Circle
groups have expressed interest.
Many of the previous attendees said
the weekend felt like "coming home
without the initial adjustment period
most experienced last year.
"It's about being with everyone, hav-
ing time to listen to each other, hug
each other, make each other laugh:' said
Sarah Rosenzweig of West Bloomfield, a
mother of two daughters, one with spe-
cial needs.
It was the first time Fawn Chayet of
Bloomfield Hills had attended a program
with other moms, although her son has
participated with Friendship Circle for
several years.
"I love the camaraderie she said, "to
realize as different as we all are, we're all
the same:'

❑

