Michael J. Ellentuck Receives AJAS Dr. Herbert Shore Award of Honor
DALLAS, TX (March 8, 2007) -- The Association of Jewish Aging Services has named Michael Ellentuck, president of The Legacy at Willow Bend, the 2007 recipient of the AJAS Dr. Herbert Shore Award of Honor.
This award is presented to the outstanding executive professional who, by his or her performance and contributions, best exemplifies the goals and ideals of AJAS and service to Jewish older adults by demonstrating dedication, integrity, commitment, innovation, proven professional leadership, and community involvement.
Mr. Ellentuck will be honored at the 2007 AJAS Annual Conference in New Orleans on Monday, March 12. The AJAS Annual Conference, scheduled from March 11-14, is designed to help people learn the newest strategies to take the next steps in Jewish eldercare, see the most current technology and services available in the field, and build relationships and network with colleagues around the globe.
"Michael has taught us the importance of adapting to changing environments, agendas, and governance structures to allow for the business of today," said Andrea Statman, chairperson of the Board of Trustees for The Legacy at Willow Bend. "He has inspired the board and staff to look beyond doing business as usual and has challenged us to be responsive to our constituents' needs. For him to be recognized with this award is a true credit to his high standards of professionalism and a great source of pride for everyone involved with The Legacy at Willow Bend."
Mr. Ellentuck has been involved in gerontology and senior housing since 1972. He received a masters degree in public administration and graduated with distinction from the University of Arizona, College of Business and Public Administration.
Mr. Ellentuck began his career at Golden Acres under the guidance of Dr. Herbert Shore as an assistant executive director for the Dallas Home for Jewish Aged, Golden Acres campus, from 1974-1976. From 1976 to 2000, he held the position of president and CEO of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities with campuses in Encinitas and Rancho Bernardo in San Diego County, as well as Generations Management Group, LLC, which managed the Jewish Home in Mission Viejo, California.
Mr. Ellentuck is presently working with the management team of the Dallas Home for Jewish Aged to re-energize its Golden Acres campus and concurrently is spearheading the development of The Legacy at Willow Bend, a Jewish-sponsored life care retirement community in Plano, Texas.
About The Legacy at Willow Bend
The Legacy at Willow Bend will be comprised of 103 independent living apartment homes; 12 custom independent living villas; 40 assisted living apartment homes, 18 memory support suites, and 60 private skilled healthcare suites.
The premier gated community will feature resort-like amenities such as restaurant-style dining, a vitality spa, a fitness center with an indoor lap and resistance walking pool, a library, an art studio, and concierge services. The one-time entry fee, which is 90 percent refundable, provides resident members lifetime use of their apartment home and priority access to quality healthcare if needed.
The Legacy at Willow Bend Information and Design Center is located in Neighborhood 4 of The Village on the Parkway (southeast corner of Belt Line and Montfort) at 5100 Belt Line Road, Suite 430, Dallas, Texas 75254, (972) 387-3779.
About AJAS
The Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS) was founded in 1960 as the North American Association of Jewish Homes and Housing for the Aging (NAJHHA). It was created and continues to function as the central coordinator for homes and residential facilities for Jewish elderly in North America. Dr. Herbert Shore was the driving force behind the establishment of AJAS and was the organization's first president and its founding executive vice president.
A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, AJAS is a unique forum that promotes and supports elder services in the context of Jewish values through education, professional development, advocacy and community relationships.
AJAS represents the best interests of the Jewish aged in communities where membership organizations are located. The members of AJAS administer to the needs of the aging through residential health care; assisted living and group homes; independent and congregate housing; and living-at-home service programs.