Small Town News

A moment with a star volunteer

---

With a sunny smile and no artifice whatsoever, Jackie Levitt tells it as she sees it. This natural, down-to-earth star volunteer looks forward to Tuesday, Sept. 21, when Jewish Pavilion will honor her enthusiastic participation at 11:30 a.m. in Highland Manor (formerly Townsend's), 604 E. Main St., Apopka.

On this steamy, early autumn morning she sips coffee and reflects on her involvement with Jewish Pavilion.

Jewish Pavilion: How did your past bring you where you are today?

Jackie Levitt: I'm lucky. I grew up in Queens with wonderful parents, Dottie and Louis Kirschenbaum. It was just like "Father Knows Best." My mother was completely dedicated to her family and we lived near and were very connectedwith our extended family. My father worked hard to support us.

I met my husband, Kenny, at the tender age of 14. We were in the same teenage social circle, and our parents were friends. We've been together ever since; we married and later moved to Orlando for business. Kenny is currently the CEO of Oakley Signs and Graphics, based in Chicago, and we spend time in both cities. We raised three fantastic boys, Scott, (Elise), Keith (Julie) and Brett (Lori). We've been blessed with not only three great daughters-in-law, but also with six wonderful grandchildren: Zachary, Brandon, Megan, Brooke, Jordan and Zoe.

JP: How did your interest in the Jewish Pavilion develop?

JL: Eleven years ago, my parents needed assisted living and I moved them to Chambrel at Island Lake, and later, to Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs. One day I glanced at the monthly activities calendar and saw that the Jewish Pavilion was conducting Shabbat services, and I took my parents. The marvelous Emily Newman conducted the service and the post-service discussion group. The residents clearly enjoyed her warmth and vast knowledge of Judaica. My parents and I began to regularly attend services, and we not only had a great time, but we also deepened our knowledge of Judaism.

Impressed with the Jewish Pavilion, I asked Emily if I could help her. I began to assist her and became more and more involved in the organization. My father passed away two years ago, and I visit my mother daily as well as several other people in various care facilities. I also help with performances and holiday celebrations, and I chair the monthly music program at Horizon Bay.

JP: How has your experience changed you?

JL: It's a wonderful feeling to know I'm doing what I can to improve the lives of our community's elderly. I've learned how many of them are lonely; some of their children live far away and they have few, if any, visitors. They need someone to listen to them. Their joy in seeing us--the hugs and kisses they give us--are heartwarming. And they so appreciate the human touch. I can honestly say I get more than I give.



Copyright 2010 Heritage Florida Jewish News, Fern Park, Florida. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 Heritage Florida Jewish News Fern Park, Florida. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

More from Heritage Florida Jewish News