Steve and Arlene first met when they were in primary school but didn’t start ‘dating’ until they were 13 years old in religious school at Sherith Israel and have now been married for 64 years. Once the children were grown, Arlene decided she wanted to volunteer. She always said, “the Jewish Home was my home away from home.”
Following in the footsteps of her father-in-law, Clarence Krieger, who served as board chair from 1967-1970, Arlene served as board chair from 1999-2002. Not to be outdone by his father and his wife, Steve was board president from 2011-2014.
A shared favorite memory of Arlene and Steve is celebrating with residents at the monthly birthday lunch. Arlene recalls that loved to bring joy to residents and this joy was evidenced by the smiles on the residents’ faces. They also especially delighted in visiting residents in their rooms on the memory care residential unit. “I have always felt thankful for the Jewish Home,” Arlene says, “because it allows people to have peace of mind that their loved ones are well cared for.”
Valerie Krieger Jahan is now the third generation in her family to serve on the SFCJL board. When a trustee reached out to gauge her interest, she remembers asking herself if it would make her parents proud.
“Apparently there is no age when you stop asking yourself if your parents would be proud of you,” Valerie says. “And for me that was some of why I joined the board. I’m carrying on the tradition. They were thrilled.”