“I really think the theater provides them with a real strong sense
of belonging,” Hutter said. “Not that the knitting group or the bingo
group doesn’t, but this is more powerful because you’re interacting
with your fellow performers and residents.”
He sees the program and theater itself as a way of tapping into
the seniors’ “vitality” in ways that other activities might not.

“If people want intellectual stimulation, they’ll go to a lecture,
but my whole philosophy is: People go to the theatre to express their
feelings,” he said. “That’s why we love musicals: Music, in general,
it touches our hearts in a way that going to a current event lecture
might not.”
Sidney and Dolores Tessler have resided at Shannondell for a
little more than four years.

They have kept busy through many programs — from arts pro-
grams, lectures and even concerts.

“Seniors don’t want to just sit and do nothing,” said Dolores
Tessler, 85.

While the community isn’t entirely Jewish, Sidney Tessler, 90,
decided to start a club that attracts those who are Jewish to get in-
volved, though there are many non-Jews who participate as well.

“They want to learn more, they want to hear more about Jewish
history,” said Dolores Tessler of the non-Jews who participate.

“They’re very interested in the topics, learning about how other
people do things or live.”
The Jewish Interest Group has brought in speakers such as the
Israeli Consul General, musical performances, lectures about topics
such as Jewish history and Jewish humor — all in the spirit of bring-
ing people together, both Jewish and not Jewish.

They also bring in a maestro two or three times a year who talks
about Jewish composers of waltzes, to attract the musically inclined.

“We try to vary the topics,” Tessler said. “We’ve had a lot of good
success with the people that have come.”
For her, an art and poetry enthusiast, she has found many ways
to keep herself occupied, and so have many others who live there.

“If I were speaking on behalf of the whole community, there
would be a lot of things I could tell you about because there are so
many things of varied interest here,” she said. “I’ve gotten into an
art program. We’re kept very busy with all kinds of lectures and pro-
grams and musical programs.”
The benefit of theatrical activities and musical performances
also includes transformation.

Benjamin Lloyd founded Elkins Park-based White Pines Pro-
ductions back in 2009.

See Theater, Page 14
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