Ovation Communities

10/27/2025

We’re proud to celebrate three outstanding team members who received the Maurice S. Surlow Award for Employee Excellence, an honor recognizing staff who go above and beyond in putting residents first. 🌟 Established by the Zucker family in memory of their late uncle, this award highlights exceptional service and dedication.

👏 Mazel Tov and congratulations to:
Stephanie Mateo, Accountant – Jewish Home
Rochelle Cooper, Housekeeper – Chai Point
Katie Lobacz, Dementia Specialist – Kavod Terrace (not pictured)

10/24/2025

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This week’s Torah portion, Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32) begins with the story of Noah and the flood. While there is much that can be said about this part of the text, let’s look instead to the end of the portion – the story of the Tower of Babel.

The people of the earth all spoke one language and set out to build a tower that would reach the heavens. G-d, concerned that the people were trying to be like G-d themselves, stops them by making them all speak different languages. When one spoke, it appeared to the other that they were just “babbling”. What was their sin that caused G-d to do this? It wasn’t their lack of humility; they valued life less than material things.

One midrash (rabbinic story) notes that “If a man fell down and met his death, none took notice, but if a brick dropped, they wept, because it would take so long to replace it.”

May Shabbat help us connect more with our own humanity and remind us to value the life of every living being.

10/23/2025

Smiles, laughter, and joy filled the afternoon during a special visit from Sawdust the Miniature Therapy Horse! His gentle spirit and calm presence brought comfort to everyone he met. Thank you, Sawdust, for reminding us how powerful animal therapy can be.

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10/20/2025

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, residents heard inspiring messages from Cyrena Mahogany, CEO of Mahogany CARES, and survivor Sehade. 💗 They reminded us to make health and early detection a priority. Together, we pledged to care for ourselves, support one another, and spread awareness—because early detection saves lives.

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10/19/2025

Our Fall Art Walk Opening Reception was filled with creativity and inspiration! Guests and residents enjoyed stunning works by featured artists Carlyle Chan (Photography), Mary Murphy (Painting), Melanie Wasserman (Mosaics), and Vladimir “Dima” Kuchnaryov (Painting).

The exhibits will be on display through January 5, 2026. Stop by to experience the beauty and talent for yourself!

10/16/2025

Prost to good times and great company! 🍻 Residents got into the Oktoberfest spirit with lively music, soft pretzels, and cold beer — celebrating the season with laughter and cheer. 🇩🇪🥨

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10/13/2025

The end of this holiday season is Simchat Torah, where we celebrate the Torah with dancing and reading the end and beginning of the endless cycle. The Torah is called a “Tree of Life”. Like Sukkot, this is another reminder of the importance of nature and our connection to the world and to our Creator.

10/13/2025

Getting ready for Sukkot was a community effort! 🌿🍋 Residents decorated the Sukkah with colorful flowers and greenery. Rabbi shared the beautiful traditions behind the holiday, reminding us of gratitude, togetherness, and joy.

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10/09/2025

As autumn’s colors unfold, this season reminds us to pause, reflect, and find beauty in both change and tradition. 🍂 From cozy fall moments to meaningful reflections inspired by Sukkot, there are so many ways to nourish your spirit and embrace hope this October.

Learn more ➡ https://ovation.org/beautiful-october-and-sukkot/‎

by Dana Rubin‑Winkelman, MSW, CAPSW, Social Worker, Adult Day Services Please note: this article was written prior to Israel and Hamas signing the first stage of a peace plan on October 8, 2025. We are praying for peace and for the safe return of all the hostages. I hope you

10/06/2025

Sukkot is a festival that celebrates our connection to the world and to our Creator. The tent-like booths we build and occupy serve as a reminder of our ancestors' temporary dwellings during their 40-year journey to the Promised Land of Israel. The Sukkah reminds us of the Fall harvest and our dependence on G-d and nature (the world G-d created). One of our daily prayers asks G-d to spread over us a “sukkat shalom” or “tabernacle of peace.”

10/06/2025

The Fall 2025 edition of Encore! is here, and the future’s so bright, you’ll need your shades! 😎 Inspired by the classic Timbuk 3 tune, this issue looks ahead with optimism, innovation, and community spirit.

Find out what’s new and exciting across Ovation Communities here ➡ https://ovation.org/pdfviewer/encore-fall-2025/

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10/03/2025

Earlier this week, our residents and Rabbi Emmer gathered by the lake to take part in the Tashlikh ritual. With bread in hand, we cast our pieces into the water — symbolizing the release of past mistakes and welcoming a fresh start filled with hope and renewal. It was a beautiful way to begin the new year together.