SALMENSON
Still leading a full Jewish life at 93
Your campaign gift at work
By Amy R. Kaufman
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For several years Lester Salmenson sang with the choir at Rose Schnitzer Manor, and he didn’t miss a beat when he moved to the Robison Jewish Health Center a month ago. At 93, he faithfully attends weekly rehearsals, and on Oct. 15 he performed with the 25-member choir in his new home.
“The pay is good,” he commented.
He lights up when he talks about the conductor, Cantor Barbara Slader, who also directs the Shaarie Torah Community Chorus and organizes the annual Portland Jewish Choral Festival.
“She’s terrific as a director and just as a human being,” he said. “Friendly, outgoing, as nice as you can find. Without her, we wouldn’t have a choir.”
Salmenson said his wife always kept a kosher home, so he appreciates the kosher food at RJHC—especially the Friday night dinners.
“Their matzoh ball soup is a delicacy,” he said, admitting it rivals the soup made by Minette (of blessed memory), his wife of 60 years. “They also make a good gefilte fish. My wife didn’t have a problem with me. I never turn down any food.”
Formerly a member of Congregation Shaarie Torah, Salmenson participates in High Holiday and Shabbat services at RJHC.
“They have something for every Jewish holiday,” he said, and his children and grandchildren frequently join him.
Salmenson, who played tennis for 70 years and gave it up at 85, said he loves to walk the trail built by Cedar Sinai Park.
“You have to get exercise,” he said. “I’m able to do that; some people can’t. The trail is easy, it starts in back and winds up to the top of the hill.”
Born in Salt Lake City, Salmenson worked for Sperry Flour Company before it joined General Mills. Seeking advancement, he first transferred to the Oakland, Calif., office and then to Portland in the 1930s.
He said he joined a Jewish youth group called the Young People’s League, where he met his future wife, Minette. Their two daughters live in Portland, and he has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Salmenson said he “served as a T-5 corporal in radio communications in the army in North Africa during World War II.”
“I saw action in southern France,” he said. “It was easier than northern France. If I had been there, I probably wouldn’t be talking to you today.”
Always an avid reader, Salmenson said he volunteered as a reading teacher at Alameda Elementary School for about seven years. Poor eyesight now prevents him from reading much, he said.
“When you hit my age, something’s got to give,” he said.
Salmenson said he enjoys lectures and movies, dancing and current events discussions at RJHC. Other activities include arts and crafts, Bingo, theater outings and activities designed to cultivate individual interests.
“They keep you as busy as you care to be,” he said.
“Lester has enriched people’s lives just in the short time he’s been here,” said Dorcas Kish, LPN, health service coordinator at RJHC, who is Lester’s nurse. “He’s always out. He likes to go and sit with people he can converse with, he loves a good joke and every morning he sings to me.”
RJHC provides care to “the elderly and infirm with services that allow them to live with comfort, independence and dignity in a manner and in an environment based on Jewish values,” according to its mission statement. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland allocated $361,385 to RJHC for the 2007-08 year.
“I’m happy over here,” said Salmenson. “I have to be in a place with Jewish people, and this is the best. It’s a wonderful place to wind up my life. I can’t imagine where I’d rather be.”