Our Evergreen Elm family has been blessed for many years to know Jay Furman, a very kind and friendly man. He originally hailed from the Port Allegany area, but had no difficulty adjusting to life in a new town. Jay has made many friends and acquaintances in the time he has lived in Bradford, in fact, so many people know him that agency staff fondly refer to him as the unofficial mayor of Bradford. Jay is truly in his element when he can dress up in a suit and be out “campaigning.” 

Jay currently resides at 207 Jackson Avenue with two housemates, but he has resided in various Evergreen Elm residences since his admission on 9/29/1981. Along with exploring all his new town had to offer, Jay was afforded many new opportunities to learn new skills and to increase his independence. Not only was this happening with Jay within his home, but also at Futures Rehabilitation Center. He has been a long-time employee of Futures, beginning his employment there on 9/29/1981. 

One of Jay’s favorite pastimes is fishing. For Jay, fishing is much more than idly sitting on the bank of a stream or lake waiting for a bite. He is excellent at casting and likes to keep the bait he has chosen moving through the water in hopes of attracting a trophy fish. Jay catches a fair number of fish and prefers to return them to the water, even though he does an excellent job at gutting fish. If you find yourself driving past Jay’s residence, check out the side yard. You may witness a bobber flying out toward Jackson Avenue as Jay practices his casting for his next fishing outing. 

Jay recently made his stage debut in the “From the Heart – It’s Showtime” presentation last June. He was able to keep up with the many cast members less than half his age, attending practices three times per week, and n. Jay participated in many group numbers, showcasing his singing and dancing abilities and also his regard for his fellow man. The highlight of Jay’s time on stage was his harmonica solo, to which the crowd responded with thunderous applause. 

Other favorite activities of Jay’s include sitting on his front porch, exercising at Upbeat and challenging others to a game of Rummy or Yahtzee. Jay is very competitive and rarely loses at his favorite games. If he is unable to rustle up a card game, Jay is content to play Solitaire on his tablet, doing word search puzzles, listening to music or watching the Buffalo Bills. 

Jay has a full life, enjoying his friends and acquaintances in his life who care about him and the variety of opportunities he has for participating in activities. Jay’s life may be described best by a quote from Frank Tyger, “Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.”