By Dalia Rado, Heimleiterin
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This article was published in German. The original text opens in a new tab in the German section of this website.
Mrs. Gönül Sen-Menzel, a neighbor from Röntgenstraße, had already given the retirement home two yucca palms shortly after the open day at the Jewish Welfare Center, which greatly encouraged their growth and brightened up our floors.
But that was not all. A passionate collector of paintings by many different artists herself, Mrs. Sen-Menzel has now donated a picture to the retirement home on the theme “The Life of Armin T. Wegner”, painted in 1989 by the painter Gila Dünnebeil. The writer, born in Wuppertal, was a resistance fighter; he was imprisoned as early as 1933 but was able to flee to England and Italy after his release. Dr. Simon Reich, a member of the cultural commission, liked this picture so much that, immediately after receiving it, he chose a place for it during the traditional Wednesday afternoon gathering: it will be hung in the Altan.
The gift marks the beginning of the beautification of the Jewish Welfare Center with works by artists featuring Jewish motifs.
We thank Mrs. Sen-Menzel very warmly for this – also on behalf of those who will enjoy looking at it now and in the future.
Creative Painting at the Retirement Home
Since mid-April, the retirement home has offered a new fortnightly activity for all interested residents: creative painting.
This project was launched at the suggestion of Mrs. Gönül Sen-Menzel, painter and qualified art teacher. Mrs. Sen-Menzel offered us her help – as she said – to support older people in shaping their everyday lives positively. At the same time, she wanted to give them an incentive to discover their own creativity.
After initial self-doubt among the participants along the lines of “I can’t paint, I’ve never tried it, etc.”, the response was very gratifying. Everyone was delighted to find how much fun it is to embark on this adventure and how good it feels to step out of “everyday life” for a while and forget age and illness.
We thank Mrs. Sen-Menzel very warmly for her initiative and hope for a long and good collaboration with her.
Kirsten Obst & Philipp Goetze
Both articles appeared in the newsletter of the Synagogue Community of Cologne, June 2005 (p. 19 and the “Community Life” section). Photos: Dalia Rado.
