Clubbing at the Jewish Community Center

Suzie Harrison

Betty Benowitz has been making people feel at home and part of the

family for many years as executive director of senior services at the

Jewish Community Center of Orange County.

“I like the contact -- and being able to help people of that age

is a value,” Benowitz said.

She talked about the diversity of people who come to the senior

center, their background, career and hobbies. She finds it very

interesting.

“Working with the seniors is a great experience. They appreciate

so much,” Benowitz said. “They enjoy the stimulation, the news,

programs and entertainment -- they love it.”

She said that there are many volunteers that help make it happen

and lend to the positive atmosphere.

“It’s gratifying to have a group called Club 90,” Benowitz said.

“There are seniors in it that are 90, 95, 96. It’s charming to be

around them.”

The center started in Garden Grove with the Jewish Community

Center’s Senior Services department, and moved to its Costa Mesa

location 10 years ago. They have been serving seniors for more than

two decades.

Their program has always included lunch. It’s important that they

have always been able to break bread, she said.

“It was an age group that was sort of forgotten,” Benowitz said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to come to those who otherwise have

little to do at home.”

The center embraces the entire family, those of pre-school age,

seniors and everyone in-between, she said.

She said there is a plethora of programs and things to do for the

seniors. They have a nurse who comes and keeps continual records of

the seniors, as well as wellness groups such as the Arthritis

Foundation.

“We have an exercise program now, which is yoga for seniors,”

Benowitz said. “They’re all seated.”

Benowitz said that in the earlier years, when the original members

of the center were younger, there was plenty of dancing.

“Many loved to dance. When they saw the Happy Hoofers it enlivened

them,” Benowitz said. “It gives them a real happy feeling.”

The senior center operates two days a week, with 30 to 35 seniors

attending on a regular basis. During Passover and other holidays, 70

to 100 people attend.

“Rabbis in the community conduct our services,” Benowitz said.

“Each holiday has a specific meaning.”

They want to continue to grow and add services for the seniors she

said.

“It’s been a very gratifying experience,” Benowitz said. “It’s

like being home with our mom and pop. There’s a nice rapport, and it

has been gratifying to have it all happen.”

The Jewish Community Center of Orange County is at 250 E. Baker

St. in Costa Mesa. For information on the many programs the center

has, call (714) 755-0340.