By Shani McManus, Staff Writer

    Jewish Journal

 

When Sandy Klein started the Diamond Club three decades ago to offer seniors, age 75 and over, more social opportunities, she had no idea it would grow into the phenomenon it has become.

The senior social club which began with a handful of elderly shut-ins that met weekly in a room at Temple Emeth in Delray Beach, now serves more than 100 area residents.

"When Temple Emeth gave us the space to start the Diamond club, there was really nothing for the over-75 group, Klein said. "My little diamonds are now set into a beautiful crown."

Sandy and Joe Klein were looking for activities for Joe's mother when Sandy came up with the idea of the Diamond Club. Whenever they went to their activities, they announced that they were looking for some older people to get together. In the beginning, the couple took the handful of club members on picnics. Sandy got box lunches, told stories and played music.

"We called it 'diamond' because the diamond years are better than the golden years," Sandy Klein said. "It's really a support group. "They need to be needed; they need to get out of the house and take part in life."

Many attendees are transported to Diamond Club meetings by Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County buses. They meet every Monday morning to enjoy companionship, speakers, entertainment, cruises, theater and a number of other activities. Mobility concerns and other difficulties that come with advanced age, don't hamper their determination to meet and greet. Some are as old as 99, 100 and 101. They discussed current events and eat bagels. They've also knitted or crocheted blankets for children with cancer, and made hats for disabled veterans.

"That's what it's all about," Klein said. "So they don't go back into their shells."

Running the Diamond Club became too much for Sandy, 85, and Joe, 95, after the first 18 years, so they asked Jewish Federation to take over, but the couple still remain involved.

In the fall, the Diamond Club will move to the new Shirley and Barton Weisman Delray Community Center for adult activities, run by Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service. The club will be know as the Feldman Family Diamond Club, named for Diane and Larry Feldman, who are now sponsoring the club.

But, the Kleins haven't been forgotten. Last week the couple was honored with a special party celebration to thank the couple for their years of devotion to the club. The couple also were presented with a plaque.

"We had about 50 people at the party," Lynn Ouslander, program director for RRJFS said. "Sandy's daughter flew in for the celebration, and the Feldman's niece, Amber Mathis, a college student, sang. The Feldmans also presented the Kleins with two-dozen red roses. Everybody felt excited. You saw youth come back into their faces."

The party was a surprise not only for the Kleins, but for the other Diamond Club members, as well.

"They've never had a party for themselves before," Ouslander said. "We had it catered — hot food instead of bagels and cream cheese. This time, we wanted to give them something special."

The party also was a big hit with the honorees.

"I'm still flying high, and I don't expect to come down soon," Sandy Klein said. "I'm so honored."