Former resident honored in naming ceremony at Kinneret

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, the Kinneret Tenant Association held its Grand Re-Opening and honored 101-year-old Jean Dolen by renaming the Delaney Café, the Jean Dolen Café. Dolen was a long-time resident of Kinneret, only moving away to be closer to her "kids" in 2021.

"She will always be 'our Jean'," said Sharon Weil, executive director of nonprofits operation, Kinneret Council on Aging.

During the program, Board member Neal Blaher presented the KTA with a check for $1,800 from the Kinneret Council on Aging. The KTA is the life blood of the Kinneret community. The KCOA Board is proud to support the wonderful programs they provide for all the residents.

Dolen, a beloved friend, and neighbor joined her Kinneret family in 2007. She served on the Board of the KTA, worked diligently in the Boutique, the Co-op, and any area where help was needed.

In 2011, she was honored at the 8 over 80 fund-raising Gala hosted by the Kinneret Council on Aging. She was recognized for her many years of service in her community. Everything she did, she did with elegance, pride and with a sincere and giving heart.

"Jean had a dream," said Weil. "She wanted to open a small café at Kinneret, and so she did."

In 2016, the Delaney Café was opened. Dolen's goal was to bring friends from Kinneret together to enjoy a cup of coffee, a bagel with a shmear, a piece of cake or a pastry. A variety of breakfast and dessert items were served followed by a wide variety of lunch items. A kosher option has always been made available to Jean who keeps kosher.

The café became a meeting place where residents met for good food and good conversation. The proceeds from the Café help fund many of the activities the KTA provides.

Dolen was present at the renaming ceremony of the Jean Dolen Café. She arrived about an hour into the program and was surrounded by friends and many KCOA Board members.

"The energy in the room was electric," said KCOA Board President Ali Polejes. "There was so much love and joy in the room," she continued. At 101-years-young, Jean shared that her daughter says, "Mother, I look at your life in quarters and the quarter you had at Kinneret was the happiest."

Dolen enjoyed the experience so much, that it was determined that she would come to the Jean Dolen Café once a month!