Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

The Kinneret Council on Aging will celebrate Alison Appelbaum Polejes on Thursday, November 12, from 5-7 p.m. at Ceviche Tapas and Restaurant at 125 W. Church Street in Downtown Orlando. The celebration will recognize the efforts of Alison and her passionate commitment to the Kinneret Council on Aging (KCOA) and the seniors in this community.

Polejes began her involvement with KCOA more than 14 years ago. She was a part of the Bornstein Leadership Development Program and had taken a tour of Kinneret Apartments. "I began my involvement as a board intern. I enjoyed working with Judy Kahan, Farlan Halikman and Rhonda Pearlman, and when they asked me to accept a board position I immediately said yes. I was very close to my grandparents, and had visited Kinneret over the years as a child. Kinneret seemed like a natural fit".

In 2007, Polejes accepted the positon of resident of the Kinneret I, Kinneret II and Kinneret Council on Aging Board. "My first year as president was extremely challenging. Judy retired as executive director after 16 years and moved to Israel (for two years). For the next eight months Rhonda and I shared the responsibilities of resident manager/executive director until we hired Carteret Management to oversee the property."

Under Polejes's leadership, Kinneret became an A+ rated property and HUD awarded Kinneret II a $1.7 million dollar green retrofit grant. After completion of the retrofit, Kinneret hosted a press conference with the Secretary of HUD and was featured on the HUD website. "Kinneret's mission of Caring for Those who Care for Us is deeply important and I personally gain so much from my involvement here. I work with amazing people like Mark Silverberg whose knowledge and history of Kinneret is invaluable; Robert Hara, who always boosted my confidence and supported my efforts through some trying times and Rhonda Pearlman, my mentor and dear friend. It's a board that works together; works hard and does good work. I am so proud to be a part of the leadership at Kinneret," said Polejes.

Tickets and sponsorships for this event are now available by calling Leslie Collin at 407-425-4537 or by going to Kinneret's website at http://www.kinneretapartments.com. Single ticket prices start at $50 and include appetizers, a complimentary beer, wine or sangria and a greeting in the program book.