January/February 2006
Page 9

Sam had an ileostomy surgery in the spring of 2002 and he and Nurit attended their first Chapter meeting the following September. Sam joined the WOA as soon as he could. He found out about it through the information from the hospital and called the phone number as soon as possible after his discharge in May. Nick Mlynarowich was Sam's visitor, a godsend, and a lifeline to the world of possibilities and normal living. Sam and Nurit are still very grateful to have had him as Sam's visitor. "He brought us sunshine and hope, and every time we see him, we still feel the same way about him."

Sam began singing at the age of 11 and learned to play the harmonica when he was 16. As a young man, he sang popular tunes on Romanian radio, and his dream was to become an opera singer. But the war intervened and he had to focus on earning a living. Through years as a husband and father, working as a tailor, a women's fashion designer (both in Europe), a grocer ( in North End Winnipeg) and then in sales plus alterations plus fitting for Eaton's (in St.Vital and in the Pine Room downtown,) Sam continued to sing. He sang for more than 40 years with the Rosh Pina Choir (now Congregation Etz Chaim) and many years with the Yiddish Choir. Now, in his old age, (his wording) he is a musician at last. (He can still hit a high C, still sings in the synagogue choir for the high holidays, and still practices an hour or two almost every day on the harmonica.)

1. Sam and Nurit volunteer on an hour long weekly seniors' radio show called "2000 & Counting: Older & Wiser" that airs on CKUW FM. Jennifer Hnatiuk, a reporter with the MSOS Journal has referred to Sam as "the show's musician extraordinaire".
2. In Hawaii, the group Sam plays with doesn't have a name right now. They've been a longtime attraction on Kalakaua (in Waikiki, the main street that faces the ocean and beaches,) playing mostly Island and some ethnic music. Most of the musicians come from the mainland and some originate in other countries. They play from November until the end of March. Whoever shows up that day is usually dressed in colourful clothes ( the women in muumus, the men in Hawaiian shirts) and they take turns playing or singing a solo in a round robin. There are ukulele players, one or two guitarists, several vocalists, a mandolin, and so on.
3. In Winnipeg, Sam plays in the Seniors' Philharmonica Band, directed by Kim Hasselriis. This group is listed in Creative Retirement's program book and meets every Tuesday morning at the Smith Street Seniors' Centre. Besides their weekly meetings, they also give concerts in churches, and various seniors' and ethnic centers, especially during the festive season.
4. Sam also gives solo concerts and has performed for the Manitoba Camera Club, B'Nai Brith's Yachad Couples Group, The Eaton's Retirees' (Club?), the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue's Seniors' Group, The Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre, the Sharon Home, the Holocaust Survivors' Group, the Quest Inn, and so on.
5. Sam has entertained WOA members at our recent Christmas Parties, and at the UOAC Conference, much to everyone's enjoyment.

Via Inside Out On-line Jan/Feb 06