The front counter of Michael’s Cafe, in honor of Michael Frankel, at JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow.
Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow’s JGS Lifecare celebrated the grand reopening of Michael’s Cafe on Feb. 19.
The cafe is designed as a centerpiece of the Sosin Center for Rehabilitation and named in honor of past Board Chair Michael Frankel, who died in 2013.
JGS Lifecare is a health care system that serves seniors and their families at 770 Converse St. It offers a variety of services, such as nursing home care, rehabilitation services, hospice care and assisted living.
“Michael’s Cafe is a lasting tribute to Michael Frankel, an extraordinary young man whose life was tragically cut short,” Vice President of Development Susan Halpernat said in a press release. “He was a cherished member of the JGS Lifecare organization and served as an inspiration to us all.”
JGS President Rob Whitten kicked off the grand reopening ceremony and said they’ve been working behind the scenes for the past few months to get Michael’s Cafe up and running again, with a fair price point for the staff, residents and families in the community.
Two plaques inside the cafe dedicated by the Grodsky Family and Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
President Rob Whitten kicks off the grand reopening ceremony. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
State Rep. Brian Ashe speaks on the cafe and Frankel. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Ashe recognizes the cafe’s opening with an official citation. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy 
Brian Zippin gives a few words about the cafe and his friendship with Frankel, along with his legacy in the community. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
State Rep. Brian Ashe was in attendance and said he didn’t know Frankel well, but knew him well enough to know what a great, nice and earnest guy he was. He said his and Frankel’s daughters were best friends in school, and losing him was crushing to the entire community.
“It meant a lot when they saw what you guys did to recognize Michael and recognize what he meant to the community,” Ashe said. “It looks absolutely beautiful over there. I loved the ambiance walking in here, it’s tucked away but it’s big enough. You can have a lot of people, but it’s still got that cozy feel to it.”
Ashe and Jennifer Pickering from State Sen. Jake Oliveira’s office recognized Michael’s Cafe with an official citation that states the cafe serves as a “lasting tribute to Michael Frankel, dedicated leader, longtime supporter and dear friend.”
Brian Zippin, a close friend of Frankel, spoke as well and said there weren’t enough good words about him, but that his greatest roles were friend, brother, son, husband and father, all of which he excelled at doing.
“He lived in the community and this organization was so fortunate to have him involved,” Zippin said. “The Frankel name is generational here, as his father, Seymour, gave so much of himself before Mike got involved.”
He said that during Frankel’s term as chairman, there were so many accomplishments and that he was one of the lucky ones who got to witness them. He added that the cafe’s staff is terrific and the food is served with a smile.
“Let’s stop in for a sandwich, for some soup, visit with a family member who may be here or just sit in this wonderful, bright and comfortable space,” Zippin said.
Michael’s Cafe is open five days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Another ceremony is also planned for the spring to celebrate all donors who made Michael’s Cafe possible.
