MAY 25 • 2023 | 33
B
rothers Ron and Steve
Elkus are this week’s
Volunteer(s) of the
Week, nominated for their work
with JARC.
The brothers have been
involved with JARC for several
decades in many capacities.
Most recently, they have
assisted with Flower-a-thon,
an annual event in May when
volunteers help plant flowers
and beautify the outdoor spaces
at JARC homes.
Both now retired after
successful careers in retail and
dentistry (Ron owned the men’s
clothing store The Shirt Box
for 40 years; Steve ran Mirror
Image Dental Lab for 29 years),
the brothers have made time to
give back through it all.
When their mother passed
away over 25 years ago, one
of the first things the brothers
did was set up the Irene
Elkus Good Times Fund.
The fund is exactly what it
sounds like: doing fun activities with
JARC residents, including boat rides,
hayrides, Purim celebrations and more.
The fund continues to this day.
“It’s a great way to remember our
mom in a positive way and celebrate
good times with JARC,” said Ron, also a
past JARC board member.
Ron has fond memories of helping
with the person-centered planning of
JARC resident Richard Graff.
“He was the best. I remember if I
was in a bad mood, all I had to do after
work on my way home was call Richard
and he would tell me jokes,” Ron
recalled. “I loved kibitzing with him.”
Many years ago, Steve bought a
sukkah for JARC’s Epstein Home. He
would frequent the home as he got to
know the guys there.
The brothers have also helped lead
JARC Passover seders, bingo events
with Hillel students and JARC residents,
and a variety of other offerings.
A running joke the brothers recall
is whenever Steve shows up and Ron
isn’t there, the first thing the JARC
residents do is ask where Ron is and if
Ron is coming. If Ron is there and Steve
isn’t, the first thing the JARC residents
do is ask where Steve is and if Steve is
coming.
Both brothers agree they get
more out of their interactions
with the JARC residents than
the residents do themselves.
“It’s unconditional love. The
minute you walk in, they can’t
wait to run up and give you a
hug or say hi. Every time they
see you, it’s like the first time
they’ve seen you,” Steve said.
“It’s such a good feeling. And
it’s such a good feeling that
you’re doing something so
positive.”
The desire to give back and
acting on it for several decades
is something passed down to
the brothers.
“I can say we got a lot of it
from our parents. They were
always involved, always willing
and wanting to help out. They set a
great example,” Steve said.
Among other things, the brothers
have also helped out with Jewish Family
Service and National Council of Jewish
Women’s Kosher Meals on Wheels as
delivery drivers.
“I feel it’s our responsibility as Jews
to take care of our own,” Ron said.
“It’s always been instilled in us that
it’s something we have to do and want
to do. It’s just part of our culture and
upbringing.”
To get involved with JARC, contact Jessica Tierney at
Jessicatierney@jarc.org or (248) 940-2607.
Ron and Steve Elkus have been involved with JARC
for several decades now.
Brothers Making a Difference
DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER
VOLUNTEER(S) OF THE WEEK
LEFT: Ron and Steve Elkus with
JARC residents Caryn Martel, Kayla
Lisee and Julie Boesky.
BELOW: Phil, Ron, Jeannie, Gail and
Steve Elkus enjoying a JARC boat
ride sponsored by the Irene Elkus
Good Times Fund in 2019.