CJE SeniorLife residents share heartwarming love stories for February exhibit at First Bank of Highland Park

If Chicago's bitter weather has left you frozen from the inside out, stopping by the First Bank of Highland Park this February might surprisingly make you melt. In time for Valentine's Day, community members visiting the bank's Highland Park location will discover the heartwarming love stories (paired with past and present photographs) of local seniors showcased as part of the Ruth Fell Wander Community Art Wall.

The "Love Stories" exhibit, which will remain open to the community during the bank's regular hours throughout February, features the heart-felt personal journeys of finding true love from residents of CJE SeniorLife's Weinberg Community for Senior Living in Deerfield, as well as many members of the Highland Park Senior Center and Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Senior Center.

One inspirational story from CJE SeniorLife's Weinberg Community residents Adelle and Bernie Becker demonstrates that love at first sight is indeed very real and can endure the test of time…

"Adelle: Our love story begins in 1938 when I came home from high school and ran into the apartment and declared to my mother, 'I found the boy I am going to marry.' I was all of 15 and was certain I found the one....

Bernie: I remember it like yesterday. Adelle was actually not my type. I liked girls with meat on their bones and she was so thin. But we had a deeper connection. I loved her character on the inside. We would go on walks together and did not need to say anything yet knew what the other one was thinking. We have been happily married for 66 and half years, and we still kiss each other every day. We now have four grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren."

For more poignant love stories from CJE SeniorLife and other local seniors, be sure to visit the First Bank of Highland Park this February.

ABOUT THE RUTH FELL WANDER COMMUNITY ART WALL

The Ruth Fell Wander Community Art Wall was created in 2002 to showcase novice artwork from local schools and non-profit organizations, as well as to give visibility to the various resources and services offered to the community. The Wall was established in memory of Ruth Fell Wander, who served on First Bank of Highland Park's Board of Directors from 1987 until she passed away in 2002.  Ruth appreciated and loved the arts and, among her many philanthropic endeavors, she also proudly served as President of Highland Park Associates of The Art Institute of Chicago.  Exhibits on the Wall change monthly and, during the month of each exhibit, First Bank of Highland Park extends a personal invitation to each artist and/or organization to attend a reception in celebration of their exhibition. 

ABOUT FIRST BANK OF HIGHLAND PARK

First Bank of Highland Park has a commitment to serving and supporting the community.  Independently owned and operated since 1955, the bank continues its dedication to personalized customer service.  Banking hours at the Highland Park  location at 1835 First Street are Monday - Friday, 8:30AM to 5:00PM and Saturday, 8:30AM to 1:00PM. Highland Park drive-thru hours are Monday - Friday, 7:30AM to 6:00PM and Saturday, 7:30AM to 2:00PM. Phone: 847-432-7800. Banking and drive-thru hours at the Northbrook Retail Banking Center  at 633 Skokie Blvd. are Monday - Friday, 8:30AM to 5:00PM. Phone: 847-272-1300.  

Since 1972, CJE SeniorLife has enhanced the lives of older adults and their families through an innovative, comprehensive network that includes life enrichment programs, supportive resources, healthcare, research and education. CJE is a partner in serving the community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. For more information about CJE services, call 773/508-1000 or visitwww.cje.net.