For the fathers on the Wilf Campus, and all those who think of their fathers with love, June 19 will be a day to honor fatherhood. And while the tough guys claim flowers and chocolate and sentimental cards are only for women, don’t believe them. Men enjoy these as much or more!
On the Wilf Campus, some residents will celebrate Father’s Day with their families, on campus or at the homes of their sons or daughters. Others will share with fellow residents some of the most cherished memories of their lives.
Joe Miller, who lives at the Wilentz Senior Residence, says he has always enjoyed Father’s Day, and is one of those looking forward to going out. “I’ll be at my daughter’s home, and I’ll share the celebration with my son-in-law Gregg,” he said. “I used to go down to Florida to be with my father on Father’s Day, when I could,” his daughter Laurie said, “but it’s great to have him up here, so near us.”
Joe, a World War II United States Navy veteran, who served with the occupation forces in Japan, made his career in the textile industry. In his retirement, he found another career he thoroughly enjoyed as a limo – “a great occupation” as he expressed.
He admits it took him a while to adjust when he moved back up north, and settled into a real retirement at Wilf. But now, he says, he plays rummikub with a regular group, and enjoys the company. “I’m the baby of the group. We have a guy in his mid-90s,” he said. Most of all, he values the fact that he can spend time with his family, especially on special occasions like Father’s Day.
Rabbi Bryan Kinzbrunner, the Wilf Campus chaplain, said: “I think for many of the fathers at Wilf, their reflections are on how they provided for their families during their working years and now they have the opportunity to sit back and reflect on all they did. I think for many, the emotional aspects of the relationships were embedded deep. They felt affection was shown through providing and supporting the family. I do know that there is a general sense of joy when children and grandchildren visit and achieve milestones in life. It is a sign of their success.”
At The Wilf Campus Father’s Day will be celebrated with the Stein Assisted Living Antique Car Show, presented by the NJ Region Antique Automobile Club of America. About 15 beautiful antique cars will be displayed in the Stein Residence parking lot. The event, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., is free, and open to the public. Enjoy music, hot dogs, drinks, and dessert.
The Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living is comprised of Stein Assisted Living, Jaffa Gate Memory Care Neighborhood, Stein Hospice, Wilentz Senior Residence, Wilf Transport, and The Foundation at the Wilf Campus. For more information, contact us at (732) 568-1155, [email protected] or visit us at www.wilfcampus.org.