August 15
...serving up your daily dish.
It kind of reminds us of the Marlboro Inn: a grand old building, sitting on vast heavily-wooded tract of land, and suddenly ripe for the picking. Unlike the Marlboro Inn, however, the former the Charles Bierman Home -- a residence for Jewish senior citizens for 70 years until it closed in June -- is tucked away in the south end of Montclair and much less known. We haven't seen any "for sale" signs yet, but it's hard not to imagine Montclair's developers salivating at the possibilities.
The New Jersey Jewish News , which reported the Bierman Home's closing, likened it to Cheers (sort of): A place where 'everybody knew each other.' It was also a favorite place for local Bar and Bat Mitzvah students to do good deeds. We hope it stays green.
This is a real shame. Recently one of the residents whom I had become friendly with stopped by my studio to tell me he was moving to Morris County...I didn't realize it was because the place was closing.
Anyone know why?
Posted by: Dan | Aug 15, 2005 10:49:53 AM
I had many wonderful experiences with the Bierman Home, including leading a yearly Passover seder and monthly shabbat services. I've seen many bar and bat mitzvah students go there for volunteer work, and learn an important lesson: sometimes just "being there" with a smile and a friendly attitude is enough to make someone's day. Small kindness are important in this world. Anyway, Bierman was a special place, and though the facilities may have been dated, I know the people who worked there were very loving and caring. It's passing is a shame.
Posted by: Jessica Epstein | Aug 15, 2005 3:20:49 PM
