Martha

Had to return to Lieberman to face my sorrows and to visit some old friends. 

Martha was happy to see me. She has been sad since Gregory left her behind. I invited her to go down to the Sunday concert and she accepted.

At one point, Angie, a nurse, came up to say hello to Martha. Martha introduced me as "Father Time!"

When she saw the above photo she asked, "Who s that old bag?" Then she giggled.

She said, "It looks like I don't have a tooth in my mouth!" She doesn't.

I told her, "I love you!" She responded saying, "You say that to all the pretty girls, don't you!"

She commented about how wonderful it was to have a place like this (referring to Lieberman)  to provide entertainment for all the old and infirm. "If you can call it that!"she added. 

She ended by saying, you know you can do what ever you want to. You don't have to be old and infirm!

One Last Dance

This photo was taken at the Sunday Concert Sukkoth Party and by the next Sunday, Gregory had passed. Amazing how the camera can photograph an experience without knowing what the future will bring. Photo by Jan Loew, Lieberman photographer volunteer. Pictured: Halina, Gregory and Michael holding the Jewish holiday of Sukkoth ceremonial "Lulav and Esrog," and entertainers Jeff and Janice.

Today at Lieberman

Yesterday I made a Rhubarb pie for Gregory.

Today, at Sunday's Entertainment, a man named Michael played his accordion and then the piano. Here are a few photos and a movie clip. Watch for a surprise ending on the movie.

The Rhubarb Pie

Gregory listening to Chopin at today's Sunday Entertainment

Gregory enjoying the accordion player at todays Sunday Entertainment.

Watch for the surprise ending.

Bobby Broom and Ruby

Today's entertainment at Lieberman was specially planned for Father's Day. Over 100 people attended the jazz concert by the world famous Bobby Broom Trio which included Bobby Broom, his partner Dennis, and his mother Ruby.

Ruby has been a resident at Lieberman for many years. She is a lovely lady who is visually challenged but high in spirits and love. During many entertainments on Sundays she can be seen standing with her walker putting on the moves, singing along at times, and adding at just the right emotionally charged places, a gospel type RIGHT, YES, or YOU GO!

Today she was beautifully dressed ready to perform with her son Bobby and she did a great job. Forgive the blurred photograph but privacy must be respected.

Gregory and I really enjoyed the concert and afterwards Gregory, Peaceful the Bear, and I went outside to enjoy the great weather.

Today at Lieberman

Sunday entertainment consisted of Mario at the electronic keyboard. He keep the audience engaged, was boisterous, and while not sexual ... had an air of bawdiness.

Essie enjoyed his music so much that she rolled her chair right up to Mario's right and with a huge grin on her face was, with arthritic hands, clapping along.

Ruby was standing at her walker making "moves" to the music and now and then, like at a revival go to church meeting, chiming in "Yes!" or "You go!" or "Alright."

Gregory was bouncing his foot in time to the music and at times his head.

Bill was just happy to be there and at one point took my hand and kissed it.

Wanda and Anne, Lieberman people, had brought people down from the floors while Naomi and I helped by cutting the birthday cake and poured fruit punch.

Approximately 50 people attended the concert. A good time was had by all!

Lieberman Sunday

Today at Lieberman Entertainment Sunday, the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band Jr played. THE MSKB is  famous and this group of students is part of their outreach program to help continue the art and music of Klezmer. Gregory enjoyed it as you can see with his keeping time and the look of engagement on his face. Peaceful the Bear was resting at Gregory’s feet.

Lieberman Sundays

Another Sunday at Lieberman. Residents come or are brought down to the Community Room for a variety of entertainment, concerts, school group performances, etc. Usually 50-75 people attend. This was the May birthday celebration as well. Birthday people for May are acknowledged and given a rose.

Birthday Cake

Fresh Fruit

Coffee

Grape Juice

Sunday at Lieberman

Every Sunday Lieberman Center offers entertainment in the community room. Gregory always enjoys the music and sometimes even this can be seen happening: Tapping in time to the music.

Lieberman Sunday

21 photos from October Birthday Celebration Sunday. Gregory enjoyed the music and at times was moved to tears. The guy who performed is 85 years old. He played electronic piano, told stories of his entertaining days in The Catskills, conducted sing alongs from "The American Songbook" including Gershwin and others. Of course the birthday cake was delicious and Peaceful joined us.