Cohen Home Gets Fancy For High Tea

Last week while the pollen count outside climbed to an all-time high, the ladies and gentlemen of spent the afternoon donning elegant hats, sipping tea from delicate china cups, and sampling unusual culinary delights at a High Tea hosted by the Cohen Home branch of the William Breman Jewish Home’s Auxiliary. 

The event was the inspiration of Auxiliary volunteer Cookie Aftergut, owner of Chemoflage, a nonprofit that provides support for women undergoing cancer treatment. After planning something similar many years ago at her mother’s community, she knew how much the residents appreciated something out of the ordinary.

“I wanted to give the residents a wonderful, beautiful afternoon where they were pampered and truly enjoyed themselves,” said Aftergut. “I knew we succeeded looking around at these distinguished ladies and gentlemen dancing in such finery.” 

Bunny Rosenberg, co-chair of the Cohen Home branch of the Auxiliary, and volunteers Wendy Klarman, Barbara Hussey, Gloria Benamy and Bruceyne Lando contributed to the ambiance of a formal high tea by transforming The Cohen Home’s dining room into a fine tea house. Using impressive tea pots borrowed from the extensive glass collection of Auxiliary Co-President Sherry Habif, volunteers decorated the tables with delicate crystal and fine linens to complete the look.

As the residents began to arrive, they were invited to choose one of dozens of elegant hats loaned by Aftergut. Even the men donned top hats or other tony headwear for the occasion. Some of the ladies even wore fascinators worthy of the most posh British weddings. 

Residents and their families were treated to homemade, delicate sweet treats made by Auxiliary volunteers. The Cohen Home’s own Chef Dan made his signature spinach feta dip, baked bruschetta and classic Southern finger sandwiches, a perfect accompaniment to the tea.

Sandy Stein, a first-time visitor to The Cohen Home, played musical selections from Broadway and the concert hall, displaying both her classical piano training and her eclectic repertoire. Residents danced to their favorite songs and enjoyed the unique atmosphere reminiscent of the most exclusive of hotels or tea houses.

“I can’t stop thinking about how lovely it was!” said Cohen Home resident Betty Sterling. “It was a beautiful afternoon.”

The Cohen Home is an Assisted Living community surrounded by gardens and nature trails in Johns Creek. Owned and managed by The William Breman Jewish Home, The Cohen Home offers residents assistance with activities of daily living, dementia care and short-term stays (respite.) The High Tea is just one of the many activities offered by The Cohen Home to ensure residents stay engaged, active and included. For more information, visit www.cohenhome.org.