Finding friends who share your interests and culture can be tough. Cue Endless Opportunities (EO), a social group for adults 60 and older. The program helps people make connections and engage in lifelong learning through a series of monthly events. We talked to EO Committee Chairman Jack Goldberg and his wife Elinor to learn more.
How did you get involved with EO?
JG: We are originally from New Orleans and had been living in Houston for many years. Our kids both moved to Seattle. We’d regularly come to visit, spending about a month here at a time. Our daughter connected us with EO Coordinator Ellen Hendin, who invited us to an event. We attended and were seated with people who had moved to Seattle to be closer to their children. That was about two years before we decided to move. When we relocated, it was easier because we already had friends in the area.
What is your favorite part of EO?
EG: It’s social, and I like the people. I’ve also enjoyed learning more about the different programs at JFS. We’ve had talks on refugee stories and addiction.
JG: I like the information. I think it’s a fantastic variety of topics and quality of speakers. Our recent presentation by a geology professor on the causes of the OSO landslide was not only excellent, but explained in terms all could understand. I also enjoy hearing about new ideas in medicine, meeting local entrepreneurs, authors and families.
EG: Yes, many families have been here for generations. Ben Bridge’s granddaughter, Lisa, gave a talk on the history of the jewelry store. The program about the Jews from Harbin, China was very enlightening. They had a thriving community until the early 1900s. Since we aren’t from here, the outings around town are great! We’ve been to the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Center, Sound Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility, Experience Music Project and on an eagle watching tour.
JG: We learned what geoducks are. We don’t have those where we’re from.
Jack, as EO Committee Chair, can you tell us what you will be working on this year.
JG: I’m curious to explore other ways EO can help seniors in town. I’m also working with the EO Coordinators Ellen Hendin and Wendy Warman to find ways to incorporate into our programming our members’ interests and passions – some are collectors, others have unique hobbies.
What are some things people don’t know about EO, but should?
JG: The information comes from authorities in the field, is very valuable and most programs are free to attend.
EG: Great for newcomers – you meet people who are your peers. Lots of members are people like us, people who moved to Seattle to be closer to family. But, there are also people from multi-generational Seattle families. Everyone has such an interesting story to tell – either about their families’ history in the area, or how they ended up in Seattle. We’ve made wonderful friends.
Endless Opportunities is part of a community-wide partnership with Temple B’nai Torah and Temple De Hirsch Sinai. Visit the calendar to see EO’s upcoming events. Endless Opportunities offers active adults, age 60 and older, opportunities to be engaged, inspired and involved while connecting with the local Jewish community.
By Jenelle Birnbaum
Violinist, hiker and all-around arts nerd Jenelle Birnbaum is the Marketing Coordinator at JFS. Outside of that, she enjoys speaking French and vegan cooking.
