Ateret Avot

Then and now. Four years ago today we gave out medals for our Olympic competition, based on weeks of participation in different skill events. Now, with the pandemic, we are still going strong, but safely, with uplifting activities. Here, one of the guests, at a movement to music program, leads the group in putting their hands up and keeping their spirits up.

Even on a gloomy day there is always someone or something to uplift our spirits.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The pandemic has been with us since March, but our traditions have been with us for centuries. Here, two Ateret guests stay connected to what is so meaningful to them as they say Tashlich at the beautiful fish tank in the Tea Room. The fish never close their eyes, just as Hashem never closes His eyes. And Ateret management keeps their eyes open to what will make their guests fulfilled.

When Roman Lankios came to perform the reception he got was oh, so warm

A beautiful afternoon and the wonderful saxophone playing of Alex Aulov touched the inner chords of Ateret guests as happiness reigned supreme. Whether it be one lady clapping on her own or mother and daughter in a sweet connection, this is Ateret Avot's way of letting the good times roll.

This Ateret guest's mask can't stop the joy from showing through as she revels in seeing another guest's granddaughter during musical entertainment on a Sunday afternoon.

The woman in the foreground recently moved into Ateret Avot, not an easy transition during a pandemic. But her strengths were gleaned and she has gladly taken to the spotlight in leading segments of our Gentle Stretch exercise group. With Mordechai Ben David music on in the background, she has a flair for a variety of moves in sync with the rhythm, which has helped her to get into the rhythm of the Home and make new friendships. There are 6 others, socially distanced in this group, enjoying her exercise leadership. And she enjoys staying active in a Jewish setting. At Ateret we go from strength to strength almost right from the beginning of a person's stay here.

When Kaiya Brooks called Ateret about playing jazz selections on her piano via Zoom, the recreation director was all for it. He was amazed when he learned she was 14 and calling from the San Francisco area. What initiative! And what talent! She played beautifully for 45 minutes and people watched and listened in rapt attention. Between songs they told her how wonderfully talented she was and she gushed with the joy of a young lady being recognized by what she could do. They asked Kaiya her goals and her interests and she shared openly. When she played her last note, she got a nice ovation and you could see it meant so much to her (she has yet to perform in a concert). It was a mutual admiration society: The Ateret guests were delighted with her musical talent and she was delighted with their attention and well wishes.

Guests at Ateret Avot are made to feel right at home the moment they move in. They are introduced to others and encouraged to join in the recreation programs. Once their strengths are known they are given a chance to shine. But what happens if due to a health issue they are hospitalized or go to Rehab. Are they out of the Ateret orbit? Out of sight, out of mind. NOT AT ALL. A get well card signed by guests is sent to them. Calls of reassurance are made. Imagine sitting ...in your rehab room and you get a call with the recreation director holding up the phone and 25 people saying, "Get Well soon. We miss you!" Recreation is done over the phone. Recently, a guest, who I'll call Rivka, went to the hospital and then rehab. She loves to sing and has developed a following at Ateret. The recreation director would call her, encourage her, and sing to her, hoping she would soon be strong enough to sing on her own. This past Friday it happened. The recreation director sang to her the first stanza of "Oh What a Beautiful Morning," from Oklahoma, and paused, hoping she would sing. He was delighted when she did sing the next stanza with gusto, knowing all the words. Before hanging up, she thanked the recreation director with great feeling. Out of sight, but NEVER out of mind. The Ateret family is always close.

When Ateret guests sit outside this is one small example of the "friends" that are there to greet them.

This picture was taken last summer when Ateret guests enjoyed a picturesque and refreshing visit to Caesar's Bay, looking out at the Verrazano Bridge. When the bird made its appearance it created a little excitement. May we all soar above and get through this challenging time.