Children, seniors connecting through outreach program

Afsha Bawany

Friday, Aug. 8, 2003 | 4:51 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: August 9, 2003

In a transient town such as Las Vegas, grandparents often are miles away from their grandchildren, and children get little time with their elders.

The Temple Beth Sholom at 10700 Havenwood Lane in Summerlin, is trying to change that with its year-old senior outreach program, L'Dor V'Dor, which is Hebrew for "generation to generation." It is designed to get senior citizens who may live alone active in their community.

"A lot of these seniors don't have families in Vegas," said Ruth Goldfarb, who founded the program.

The free events are usually held every two months, often near Jewish holidays. Every event includes interaction with the Temple's preschool children and other youths of the Temple. The children and seniors engage in arts and crafts and the generations benefit from each other.

"In many cases, grandchildren aren't here with them," Rosalie Lazar, the program's administrator, said. She added that the seniors and children fill in for their family members who are far away.

Sharon Helberg, a preschool teacher at the temple, said, "They like to come because they miss their grandparents. They are reminded of their grandparents."

Initially, Goldfarb was interested in building a home for Jewish senior citizens. When that idea did not materialize, she started the L'Dor V'Dor program.

Goldfarb's mother was dedicated to helping seniors so Goldfarb followed in her footsteps.

"I made it my cause in her memory," she said.

Lazar's inspiration was similar. When her mother went into a home in Vancouver, British Columbia, Lazar realized someone was helping her mother, so she wanted to commit to something that helps seniors like her mother.

"It's a wonderful feeling doing something for others. We volunteers are getting more out if it than the residents," Lazar said.

The day's events begin with religious recitation. However, seniors of any faith, not just Jewish, are encouraged to join the program, Lazar said.

Jackie Turshinksy, the co-chairwoman of the program said, "We're really trying to reach the seniors that can't get out."

A recent luncheon for the seniors featured kosher food prepared by celebrated local chef Gustav Mauler, followed by a performance by The Las Vegas Zimriyah Youth Choral.

The songs brought tears to some of the seniors' eyes. Many stood up during the music and embraced when the group performed songs in Hebrew.

Many seniors told Lazar the program has become a highlight for them. "There's an aura of anticipation," Lazar said.

Dorothy Hilf, who has lived alone in Las Vegas for nine years, is one of the seniors who looks forward to the program.

"This is great for me to get out of the house," she said.

The 85-year-old has children living in Texas and New York and has attended the lunches the past three times with friend Sharon Brenner.

Brenner, 66, has lived by herself in Las Vegas for the past three years and volunteers with the Jewish Social Services. She said she loves seeing the seniors' faces when the children perform on stage.

Lou Arin, 68, and his wife Jean, 67, originally from the Boston area, have lived in Las Vegas for the past two years. Their daughters and sons and their children also live here, unlike most seniors' families.

"I feel very fortunate," Arin said. He volunteers in the kitchen and said being a part of a community and sharing experiences is something he and his wife look forward to. It's important for seniors to take part in this program, he said.

Jean Arin, who sings and volunteers for L'Dor V'Dor, said the hard work and time put into organizing the lunches are worth seeing the excitement in the seniors' eyes when they arrive.

"It's a big undertaking. It's a blessing to be able to do it," said Jean Arin.