8 over 80 is KCOA’s major annual fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting life-enriching programs and services for residents of Kinneret Apartments. Sponsorship of this event includes high-visibility benefits, including advertisements and articles in local newspapers, advertisement in the commemorative program that is distributed at the event and on-screen at the event attended by over 200 community leaders.
Our annual 8 over 80 Gala honors eight remarkable people in our community, each 80 years of age or older, who have made significant contributions in the Central Florida area and continue to live lives of remarkable achievement, vitality and civic engagement. This coveted honor is one of the most prestigious awards for older adults in our community. Below are this year’s outstanding 8 over 80.
This February Kinneret Council on Aging (KCOA) will pay tribute to 8 individuals over the age of 80 who have made significant contributions to the Central Florida community at our Annual “8 Over 80” Honorary Dinner.
The 2022 “8 Over 80” Honorees are: Barbara Gold, Pearl Halikman, Gene Josephs, Sherman Miller, Dr. Eliane Norman, Ann Polasek, Simon Snyder, and Michael Wheeler. I think you will agree that these individuals are truly role models; defying stereotypes associated with older adults and refusing to slow down!
Becoming a sponsor enables KCOA to support the Kinneret community and provide services to the limited-income seniors who call Kinneret home. To become a sponsor click the button below or contact Sharon Weil at sweil@kinneretcouncil.org. We are also offering any sponsor that commits prior to our print deadline of December 30, 2021 the opportunity to have their name included in the event invitation. This is a great way to show your support of our seniors and KCOA!
Volunteering has been at the core of Barbara’s life. She started out as a Brownie at the age of 10 and hasn’t looked back! She has been involved with Hadassah, JFS, Ohev Shalom, Shepherds Hope, Central Florida Jazz Society to name a few. Barbara was married at 18 to her late husband, Howard and together, they had 3 kids in 4 years! She worked as an RN since moving to Florida and continue as a Certified Case Manager for 30+ years. At Kinneret she was part of a committee using her nursing/medical expertise. She lives by the motto, “You ask a busy person to do something, they get it done!”
Born and raised in Brazil, Pearl arrived in Florida the 1950s. An entrepreneur, businesswoman, and master hairstylist in a time when most women stayed home, Pearl became hairstylist to the stars, with astronaut and celebrity clients having a blast in her chair. She gained national prominence, starting a wig bank for cancer survivors. A woman ahead of her time, Pearl proves it doesn’t take a formal education to be a success—only lots of chutzpah, faith, and grabbing hold of golden opportunities.
A former executive with decades of experience at IBM, Gene has been a consistent leader in the Orlando Jewish community for decades. His contributions to the growth of our community stem from a passion for building a strong Jewish future. Of the many organizations that Gene has been involved in both in Orlando and nationally, Gene consistently brings a business acumen to non-profits that focuses on board development. Though possessing an outgoing personality with a talent for great stories and jokes, Gene works from the sidelines with the leadership directly, guiding them towards policies that will strengthen boards.
After completing his studies at Boston University, Sherman joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served for more than a decade as a captain and aircraft maintenance officer. He spent many years working for other Fortune 500 companies, where he developed expertise in many facets of business and technology. He took that knowledge and decided to apply it to his own business, founding Multicom in 1982 in his garage! He continues working full time—though now he “only” works 8 hours a day and lives by the motto, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day!”
Dr. Eliane Norman has lived in Maitland for 51 years, while raising two now adult children with her late husband, Edward. Dr. Norman was a professor of biology at Stetson University for many years. She volunteers for RAISE as a Job Coach and has been a tour guide for adults and children at Leu Gardens for more than 15 years. She is a devoted volunteer and active community member. A Holocaust survivor, Eliane continues to quietly, strongly, and positively support our entire community. She also makes “homemade soup for neighbors a few times a week!”
Ann moved to Orlando in 1960 with her late husband John. Together they found a little 40-acre grove with small trees which they purchased. They worried about paying off a 40-year mortgage. Along came Walt Disney who put the entrance to the park just one mile from their grove…and the rest is history. At 100 years young, she is still active in community events, real estate, and as a day trader on the stock market. Ann lives at home and practices chair yoga on a daily basis. She lives by her motto, “There’s always a way” and “Never give up.”
Married to Ellen for 60 years, Simon moved to Orlando in 1975. Together they have 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren. After serving in the Navy for 21 years, Simon worked for Greater Construction before he retired in 2006. Lillian Snyder, Simon’s mother, was one of the very first residents to live at Kinneret Apartments. Simon has been a longtime supporter of the JCC, JAO, Federation and CRJ. You’ll often see Simon staffing the temple kitchen for Shabbat dinners, barbecues, and other events where his experience and skill as a cook are put to excellent use. One of his favorite things to do is take his entire family on amazing trips. It’s all about the experiences – whether enjoying family time or working hard for his community.
KCOA provides Kinneret residents food services, social activities and programming.
©2022, Kinneret Council on Aging. All rights reserved.
