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

Please join the Jewish Pavilion on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 5 p.m. at Sheraton Orlando North (Maitland) for their 'Gems and Jeans Gala,' as they honor community 'gems,' Marian Bromberg and A.J. Kronenberg, for providing exemplary volunteer assistance to Orlando's elder-care community. Slip on your favorite pair of 'dressy' jeans, and the Pavilion will provide the sparkle, with an evening featuring gourmet dining, live music, and a silent auction, along with dazzling 'surprise' entertainment. All proceeds raised will benefit seniors served in more than 70 assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Register now online at http://www.jewishpavilion.org or at https://jpav.ticketspice.com/gala-2018. Call 407-678-9363 for more information.

"Spending time with elder-care residents is much more than just volunteering," shared Jewish Pavilion Gala co-honoree and retired early childhood educator, Marian Bromberg. "I began volunteering to bring some holiday spirit to the older members of our community, and I ended up getting much love and warmth from them."

Almost a decade ago, Bromberg began one-on-one visits with elder-care resident, Roslyn Stenzler (mother of current Pavilion Board President Paul Stenzler). After visiting over several years, the two friends began to feel like family. After Roslyn passed away, the dedicated volunteer missed the special relationship she had shared, and she continued to visit seniors near her home in South Orlando. Today, Bromberg assists Program Director Walter Goldstein, with holidays and Shabbats, but feels she makes the most impact through personalized visits.

The active volunteer continues to help fulfill the Pavilion's mission of bringing the Jewish community to elder-care residents in more than 70 facilities throughout Orlando. Goldstein notes, "When residents relocate, they love Marian so much, they all want to make sure that she has their contact information. They know they can count on her to continue their visits at their new homes." Husband, Ed Bromberg, shares that he and Marian go out of their way to support as many functions that support the Jewish community as possible, most recently attending galas for the Jewish Academy of Orlando and the Jewish National Fund.

Honoree A.J. Kronenberg joined the Jewish Pavilion Board five years ago, when the youthful Orlando businessman became motivated to make a difference in the life of seniors. Kronenberg noted, "Knowing that loneliness and social isolation negatively effects life expectancy, the work we do at the Jewish Pavilion is literally saving lives."

A.J. Kronenberg

According to Executive Director Nancy Ludin, A. J. has been instrumental in bringing younger members of the community into the Pavilion's fold, along with countless new ideas to keep the generations connected. For the past several years, Kronenberg has spearheaded a partnership between the Jewish Pavilion and Our Jewish Orlando (OJO), which connects the 'next generation of Jews' in Central Florida. An annual dinner at Brookdale Orienta in Altamonte Springs has brought together a welcoming group of Pavilion seniors and volunteers, with an enthusiastic bunch of young adults from OJO. Jewish Pavilion Program Director Julie Leavitt shares that the multi-generational dinner is such a success, that she is constantly adding chairs to accommodate the swelling crowd.

Additionally, Kronenberg enjoys visiting and spending time with elder-care residents, and this time of year can be found at several of the Pavilion's Chanukah parties geared specifically for seniors. He also enjoys visiting residents with his wife, Olivia, often accompanied by their dog.

"We are so thankful to Marian and A.J. for creating a moving and connective experience for Orlando's elders over the years," shared Director Ludin. "Please join us at our "Gems and Jeans Gala" on the Jan. 28th, as we honor two dedicated volunteers who have added sparkle to the life of so many. Also, a big 'Thank You' to presenting sponsor, the Harper Family Charitable Foundation."