Lester Senior Housing Resident Hy Goldman Sheds New Light on Active Retirement as He Celebrates 100th Birthday in August
Whippany, NJ (PRWEB) August 29, 2013 -- Most people turning 100 years old like to take it easy but Herman “Hy” Goldman doesn’t let his age stop him from doing what he loves. He still drives himself to work four days a week from Lester Senior Housing Community in Whippany, the senior living community where he’s lived for 10 years, to his job as clearance manager for Capitol Lighting on Route 10 in East Hanover. He has worked continuously for the family-owned lighting retail chain since 1940, except for a few years of Army service during World War II. Goldman celebrated his 100th birthday on August 17.
Goldman started out in the family’s original store in Newark and eventually worked in the East Orange store, near Maplewood where he and his wife raised their family. He’s done everything from manage the stockroom and inventory to salesman to store manager. Today, he keeps busy fashioning new lamps and chandeliers out of compromised merchandise that Capitol then sells at a discount. He performs “plastic surgery” on odd pieces, redesigning and wiring pieces in a space he refers to as his “studio.”
Goldman’s son, Stan, who lives in Wayne, helped his father choose Lester Senior Housing Community. “I’m happy he’s at Lester; they do a nice job there and it’s great to have him near me,” said the younger Goldman. “When I was working in the area I was able to see him every day on my way home. Plus moving to Lester also meant he could continue working at Capitol Lighting.” His father transferred to the East Hanover store after coming to Lester, which is owned and managed by the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey (JCHC).
Of his energy and stamina, the older Goldman said he uses the exercise room at the senior residence to keep fit and he climbs the stairs every day at Capitol to reach his second-floor workshop. Capitol Lighting’s co-chairman, Herman Lebersfeld said Goldman has also shown up for work after snowstorms, having dug his car out by himself.
Centenarian Boom
Alex Gross, Site Manager of Lester Senior Housing Community, noted that in addition to Goldman, there are three residents there who have already passed the 100-year-old mark and three others who will ring in their centennial this year. Of the centenarian boom in JCHC’s communities, CEO Harold Colton-Max said that, “These residents are a great example for all of us that you’re never too old to enjoy life. All four of our communities offer residents activities and programs that encourage an active lifestyle at any age.” JCHC offers a range of cultural, social, and educational programs and amenities geared to the needs and interests of older adults.
Goldman said he’s looking for more business to stay busy at work and attributes his longevity and spunk to good genes and a positive outlook. “I’m blessed with great-grandchildren on both coasts, my son is nearby, and I am thankful each day.”
The Lester Senior Housing Community is owned and managed by the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey and is located at 903-905 Route 10 East on the Aidekman Jewish Federation campus in Whippany, N.J., The senior living community offers independent and assisted living accommodations in spacious rental apartments. For more information visit http://www.dot)jchcorp(dot)org or call (973) 929-2725.
Maria Paladino-Fitz, Media Consultants, http://www.MyMediaConsultants.com, 973-931-4111, [email protected]
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