West Orange Nursing Home Resident MC's Local ‘Oscars’

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following article comes courtesy of the Daughters of Israel nursing facility in West Orange. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

An “Oscars ceremony” recently took place at Daughters of Israel in West Orange, coordinated and MC’d by Sandye Garrison, a Daughters of Israel resident.

Sandye’s awards and delivery was Hollywood-grade sensational, which was not at all surprising. Sandye is a former producer and casting agent who has worked for the likes of Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Fox, in addition to industry giants Francis Ford Coppola and William Freidkin.

Sandye describes how she discovered Al Pacino. She introduced him to Frances Coppola, had him sign an agreement on a napkin at a restaurant at 4 a.m., and had him cast in the Godfather I role. Sandye also brought others to stardom, including Robert De Niro, Ali McGraw, and the list goes on.

At the Oscars event, Sandye captured many details that exuded the aurora of a Hollywood awards ceremony, from the red carpet, to the delectable hors d’oeuvres and wine, to the actual trophies. At 82-years-old, this glamorous show business lady was easily able to captivate the audience of 100+ residents and staff members with her sharp sense of wit and charisma.

Awards were presented to every Laurie Pavilion resident, the pavilion in which Sandye resides. The award categories ranged from “When You Are Smiling” to “Best Producer of Humorous Material.” One staff member, a dietitian for the unit adored by many, even received an award -- “Special Recognition for Never Saying No.” According to Sandye, the goal of the awards ceremony was to “put a smile on everyone’s face, and to make them all feel included.”

Of all her impressive accomplishments, Sandye is most proud of her charitable work. In 2004, Sandye was presented with a prestigious award for her volunteer work with Women of Tomorrow, a mentor and scholarship program for at-risk young women. Prior to Daughters of Israel, Sandye resided at the Jewish Community Housing Corp (JCHC) apartments, where she created the first resident council leadership conference, launched Bubbe’s Bazaar to benefit the Tenants Association, and presented a lecture at the JCHC University.

Sandye, who has been at Daughters for about eight months, remarked, “I absolutely love it here at Daughters of Israel and there are so many different activities to choose from.” Sandye particularly enjoys the Sunday concerts and gives dancing lessons to some of the attendees, whether they are using a walker or wheelchair.

Still, Sandye is always thinking of creative new ideas and activities that incorporate Hollywood style talent. Sandye recently discovered fresh talent in the Rehab Center at Daughters of Israel. One of the physical therapists who popped by her room to say a quick hello during her interview is apparently a semi-professional singer and dancer. Sandye has some plans up for her sleeves for him, including a performance at Daughters of Israel.

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Photos: Daughters of Israel