Jewish Pavilion says goodbye to Bain and welcomes Sharfstein

The leadership of the Jewish Pavilion wants to thank Julie Levitt Bain for 12 years of service as an outstanding program director. A dozen years ago, Levitt Bain served as a volunteer on the committee for A Walk in the Park. Cathy Swerdlow was leaving the Jewish Pavilion as a program director and requested that we split the job in to four positions - with part-time program directors in the north, east, south and west so that the individuals did not have to do so much driving to outlying facilities. Levitt Bain was hired to handle Maitland, Apopka, Winter Park, Casselberry and Altamonte Springs. For the next 12 years, she visited dozens of senior communities and provided Shabbat services, holiday festivities, musicales, and intergenerational programs to thousands of seniors of all faiths.

Levitt Bain had an incredible relationship with most of her volunteers who remained with her all of that time period. She was also wonderful at relating to the seniors and the activities directors in the elder-care facilities. There is a tremendous amount of turnover in that position, and Levitt Bain was constantly forging new friendships and was also wonderful at engaging youth in various intergenerational programs such as performances, game days etc.

Levitt Bain is very capable, organized and efficient. Four years ago, she started a business, At You Service Concierge. Her business has grown and she needs to devote herself full time to this exciting endeavor. The Jewish Pavilion will miss her warmth and enthusiasm and her excellent ability to communicate and get along well with everyone!

The leadership of the Jewish Pavilion welcomes Lauren Sharfstein as the new program director. Sharfstein worked as the lead teacher at the JCC preschool. Sharfstein has experience working with seniors as the activity director at Kinneret Apartments. She is bright and energetic, and has a passion for Judaism and seniors.

The Jewish Pavilion is anxious to reestablish more intergenerational activities. Sharfstein will focus on getting children from JAO and the JCC to interact with its elders.

In addition to the change in program directors, Susan Bernstein has been promoted to senior program director. She will help train new program directors.