Participants in the Kaplen Adult Reach Center (ARC) at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades had the chance to take part in a “mock” wedding recently. One of the program supervisors, Lauren Glubo, decided that an occasion of this kind would be a special treat for this group of frail seniors who come to the JCC for programming and companionship.

Lauren’s daughter, Heather, was married just days before to Jess David at Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation, and she and her husband agreed to reenact their wedding ceremony so the ARC members her mother so loves could share in the experience. The bride’s entire family was present, including her parents, Les and Lauren Glubo, her sister Jesse, and her grandmother Shelley Wolf, all dressed in their wedding attire, with 81 people in attendance. ARC members participated in the wedding as bridesmaids and gave their blessings to the couple. One participant’s granddaughter even served as a flower girl. Lunch was served following the service, which was officiated by Rabbi Pitkowsky from Temple Beth Shalom in Teaneck, and the day concluded with ARC members dancing with each other and the bride’s family.

The Kaplen Adult Reach Center (ARC) offers meaningful programs for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia, making it possible for them to make friends and enjoy a socially engaging life. This program is just one example of the type of things the staff looks to do to put a smile on their participants’ faces every day. For more information on the program, contact Judi Nahary at 201-408-1450 or [email protected].