to view the Chai Lights Fall 2014 Edition

151055_ChaiLights_Fall 9/23/14 7:41 AM Page 1
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F J EEW
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Laying the Foundation
for Our New Home!
Since our last issue of Chai Lights, which
reported on the groundbreaking in May,
we have made such incredible progress
toward the creation of The Harry and
Jeanette Weinberg Campus on Park
Avenue. The site work to make way for
the foundation was completed in July.
Concrete began to pour during the week
of July 21 and is now essentially finished.
The foundation, retaining walls, and
other substructure are now in place for
the building to be built!
Steel has started to arrive on the site
and the infrastructure for the building
will be erected over the next few months.
There are so many exciting aspects of
this construction. We are on track to
finish the building and move in during
Spring 2016.
We will build the first “household”
model nursing home in the State of
Connecticut. Each Resident will live
in a new 14-bedroom “house” that has its
own kitchen, dining room, living room,
den, and patio and is very residential in
design. The Jewish Home will certainly
continue to offer 5-star nursing home
care and forever change the way we all
view nursing homes.
services in the new Roslyn and Leslie
Goldstein Assisted Living. The
waiting lists for both the nursing home
and assisted living are forming now, so
we encourage you to please let us know
if you are interested.
The community will truly come
together on the new campus with the
new “J” health club (a swimming pool
and fitness center), synagogue, multipurpose room, kosher restaurant,
meeting rooms, the UJA/Federation, and
so much more. All of our community
programs and services will be integrated
on the site as well, providing coordinated
solutions for all those in need of senior
services.
Please “like” and follow us on Facebook
to watch the construction, and we
will continue to send regular updates
to our donors. More information about
the Capital Campaign, including
The Journey to Home new video and
brochure, is available on our website,
www.jseniors.org.
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
To make a donation to our Journey to
Home Capital Campaign, please contact
Dayna Hayden, Director, Development, at
203-365-6409 or [email protected].
To obtain an application for skilled
nursing or assisted living, please
call 203-396-1024. There is no
application fee or obligation.
Equally as exciting, for the first time, we
will offer assisted living and memory care
Fall Gala…page 4
Expanding into New
Haven…page 6
Simon F. Etzel, Jr. and Lydia Gerard
to Receive Awards at Fall Gala
The Women’s Auxiliary Fall Gala
honors two individuals who have made
outstanding contributions to our
community — here at Jewish Senior
Services and throughout Connecticut.
This year’s event, a night filled with food,
fun, and entertainment, will be held on
Thursday, October 23 at The Inn at
Longshore in Westport. Highlighting the
evening will be a concert by legendary
performer and Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame member Art Garfunkel. This event
is co-chaired by Judy Brown, Jill Isaacs,
and Sheila Merriam.
We are proud to announce that the 2014
recipient of the Arthur and Gladys Lunin
Humanitarian Award is Simon F. Etzel, Jr.
The Lunin Award recognizes outstanding
public and community service as
exemplified by the good works of Arthur and Gladys
Lunin. In addition, the Louis Lotstein Award for
Distinguished Service, which recognizes devoted long
term service to Jewish Senior Services as demonstrated by
the late Louis Lotstein, will be awarded to Lydia Gerard.
Simon F. Etzel, Jr., Senior Vice President of Procurement
Lunin Award Recipient
and a principal owner of KBE Building Corporation, has
Simon F. Etzel, Jr.
had a lifelong impact on our community
and exemplifies community and business
Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame member
leadership. He holds a B.A. in
Art Garfunkel to
Engineering from Dartmouth College
perform at Gala
and started his career with Turner
Construction Company in Philadelphia,
PA, and Norfolk, VA, in 1977.
Simon joined Konover Construction
Corporation in 1987 as a project manager
and ultimately became Senior Vice
President. In 2007, Simon purchased
continued on page 4
Rehab made easier...
page 6
Volunteers Honored…
page 7
151055_ChaiLights_Fall 9/23/14 8:03 AM Page 2
Chairpersons’ Remarks
Jeffrey Radler
WOW!!! The future is being created before our eyes
as we are building the “state-of-the-art” senior living
campus on Park Avenue! Our Journey to Home Capital
Campaign has made this possible thanks to the
generous support of our community. We have surpassed
the $24M mark towards our $25M goal, and we are so
grateful to those who have made this possible. This
includes all of the members of the Boards of Directors
of Jewish Senior Services and the JHE Foundation.
It is an honor to be a part of their visionary leadership
at this critical and exciting time in our history.
While we are working with KBE Building Corporation
to build the future, we are also committed to grow our
services on Jefferson Street and throughout the
community. It gives us such pleasure to hear the stories
of those families that have been touched by our
incredible caregivers as they receive care in the nursing
home, rehabilitation center, home care agency,
outpatient therapy, hospice and so much more.
Our Mission is to provide seniors with the best
possible quality of care and best possible quality of life
James B. Sugarman
attainable for them. Our team works hard at that every
day and we are grateful for their efforts. Each September we recognize members
of our staff that have reached 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service to our
organization. This year nearly 100 people reached these milestones. It is this
dedication and commitment that makes our work possible.
2
Finally, we must thank and recognize the nearly 1,000 donors to our Annual
Campaign, Men’s Club and Women’s Auxiliary events as we continue to raise
funds to support our work. Thank you for all that you do to make our Mission
possible.
Jeffrey Radler
James B. Sugarman
President’s Report
In this issue of Chai Lights you will certainly read
more about the development of our new campus,
the incredible work that happens every day in our
current building and in the community. With all
the excitement, it’s important to remember our
Mission and the reason behind all the activity:
Resident-Centered care – which is the
philosophy that drives what we do.
Resident-Centered care is a commitment to
providing care that meets the needs of every
Andrew H. Banoff
individual we serve, wherever they call home. We
recognize home as a climate “where each and every Resident can have home
as he or she defines it.” This philosophy now extends to those in our skilled
nursing facility and to every home care client in their personal residences.
The focus on Resident-Centered care begins on day one for new staff
through our certified PersonFirst® training. Over 800 employees have now
been certified.
We try to embody Resident-Centered care every day through our Journey
and foster ties between Residents and clients to caregivers. We continue to
provide more individualized care that embraces autonomy and choice for
Residents. Our Steering Team and Residents’ Council work closely with
staff to generate ideas for creating more home-like environments. As a
result, we have recently created a more spa like look and feel for a better
bathing experience, streamed music into Neighborhoods and identified
quiet hours. We encourage our staff to spend one-on-one time with
Residents. We not only care for Residents but also build relationships with
them, whether through conversation or an activity. Ensuring Residents feel
at home in their home is something we think about each day.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Chai Lights and I thank you
for taking the time to learn more about what we are
doing.
Sincerely,
Andrew H. Banoff
Jewish Senior Services Hosts International Health Experts
YALE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL HEALTH EXCHANGE
Delegates from Yale University’s Global Health and Social Care Leadership
Programme visited Jewish Senior Services to learn more about senior care in the
United States. The goal of the visit was to catalyze an enriching exchange of ideas
and best practices among health management experts from the United Kingdom
and the United States.
The nine delegates included senior and mid-career administrative and clinical
professionals from the National Health Service (NHS) organizations throughout
the United Kingdom. The visit entailed learning how Jewish Senior Services
addresses numerous challenges of providing services to an aging population. The
Yale affiliated program is designed to equip health care leaders with the tools
needed to succeed in the new financial and operational framework of the NHS.
“It was a privilege to be able to host our colleagues from Yale and the United
Kingdom as part of their visit to the United States. We explored and discussed
many mutual challenges and opportunities that enhanced our collective
understanding of the health care systems and our ability to provide quality
services to seniors. Of particular interest was Jewish Senior Services’ new
‘household’ model of care, which provided delegates an opportunity to focus on
the most innovative form of nursing care in the United States,” remarked
Andrew H. Banoff.
The Yale University Global Health and Social Care Leadership Programme is
an extension of the Yale Global Health
Initiative, which is funded in part by the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Its faculty director, Elizabeth Bradley,
Ph.D., initiated the program with a UK
colleague to prepare NHS leadership staff to
navigate reform. The program focuses on
generating creative solutions to common
health care problems in the United States
and the United Kingdom.
▲
Staff from Jewish Senior Services with
delegates from Yale University’s Global Health
and Social Care Leadership Programme
ACCLAIMED WEIZMANN INSTITUTE
SCIENTIST VISITS
Jewish Senior Services was
pleased to host Dr. Yaqub
Hanna, acclaimed and awardwinning scientist of Israel’s
Weizmann Institute, during a
special visit to Connecticut.
Dr. Hanna is conducting
groundbreaking stem cell
reprogramming research in
Israel with the support of the
Dr. Hanna, Ph.D./M.D. Hebrew University of
Israel Cancer Research Fund.
Jerusalem (summa cum laude), postdoctoral
His seminar, “Stem Cells:
studies, MIT
Promises and Reality” was well
attended and discussed the progress in “understanding of the
mysterious process by which adult cells can revert back into their
original, embryonic state.” According to the Israel Cancer Research
Fund, “Dr. Yaqub Hanna and his team have revealed the ‘brake’ that
holds back the production of stem cells, and found that releasing this
brake can both synchronize the process and increase its efficiency from
around one percent or
less today to 100
percent.”
More information on
Dr. Hanna’s research
can be found at
www.jseniors.org.
151055_ChaiLights_Fall 9/23/14 7:42 AM Page 3
SLICE OF LIFE
Summer Barbeque Weekly barbeques are a summertime favorite
and enjoying his is Resident Howard Ecker being served by Lorna
Hewitt, CNA
Clowning Around Resident Barbara Smiley and Clown Dave
having a laugh together
Carnival Games Resident Dorothy Colafrancesco plays spin the wheel at
the Tandet carnival with Evangelyn Peterson, Controller, while Resident
Molla Rosen enjoys cotton candy
3
Sunday Brunch Resident Ruth Mack hosts her son-in-law, Roger
Fabryk, for a delightful outdoor brunch on the patio
Hats Off Resident Louis Levy tips his hat while celebrating with
Enjoying the weather Residents Charlotte Singer (left) and Charlotte
Residents Bernie Kabacoff (right) and Susan Distassio (left)
during a 4th of July party with cake and music
Ward enjoy the beautiful summer weather and activities outside
Happy Birthday Resident Regine Arouete celebrates a birthday
with Tammy Strom, Music Therapist, during the monthly birthday
party
Peaceful Day Relaxing and enjoying each other’s company
Chit Chat Resident Albert Okas is catching up with Tracey Hamulak,
and many years of marriage are Residents David and Fani
Steinberger
Therapeutic Recreation Director, on the events of the day
Family Feud A group watches while the Residents compete in a real
Concert time Residents are having a wonderful time in the
life version of the TV game show
main dining room listening and joining in with the musical
entertainment
Women’s Luncheon Residents Helene Aiello (left), Adele Karnal, and
Evelyn Gritsko enjoying themselves at the monthly women’s luncheon in
Tandet West
151055_ChaiLights_Fall 9/23/14 7:42 AM Page 4
WOMEN’S AUXILIARY
Fall Gala
continued from page 1
the company with two of his partners and renamed it KBE
Building Corporation. One of Simon’s key areas of expertise is
the planning and construction of senior living facilities,
including skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent
living. Among his projects is our Harry and Jeanette Weinberg
Campus on Park Avenue.
“Working with Simon and his team has been wonderful,” says
Andrew H. Banoff. “Moreover, getting to know Simon as a
person – a great person that leads by example, gives generously
throughout the community, and understands that life is
precious – has been a privilege.”
Lotstein Award Recipient Lydia Gerard and
Simon’s generosity and determination to help others is
husband Scott
demonstrated in KBE’s “50 Ways to Make a Difference”
charitable giving program. The program honors the company’s
long history of philanthropy and establishes the framework for KBE’s deep commitment to supporting the
firm’s and its employees’ communities. Under Simon’s leadership, the “50 Ways” program has donated more
than $1.2 million to agencies that support seniors, children, and military personnel and their families, using
money contributed by Simon, his partners, the firm, and its employees. In addition, KBE’s employees have
donated more than 5,000 hours of volunteer service through the program. Simon spends considerable time and
effort supporting a variety of community organizations, including serving as chair of the Board of Trustees of
The Cove Center for Grieving Children and a member of the Advisory Council for Habitat for Humanity of
Greater New Haven. He also participates in the organization’s building program. Simon and his wife, Jennifer,
reside in Madison.
4
This year’s Louis Lotstein Award recipient is Lydia Gerard, a current family member whose extraordinary
devotion and volunteer work at The Jewish Home for almost 15 years truly deserves recognition. Since joining
the Women’s Auxiliary in 2000, Lydia has held active leadership roles as a committee member of every
Women’s Auxiliary event, program, and activity, including co-chairing the majority of fundraisers on behalf of
Jewish Senior Services, as well as the Women’s Auxiliary Board of Directors. From 2008-2010, she served as
the 18th President.
“It is extremely fulfilling and rewarding to help raise funds for things that will make the lives of Residents
better. As an active participant of the Women’s Auxiliary and a family member, I see the difference that the
volunteer and donor populations make every day,” says Lydia. “Our generation must give back to those who
came before us and now need our help. There are many opportunities for getting involved, whether through
the Women’s Auxiliary, the Men’s Club, or as an individual volunteer. You would be surprised how easy it is to
make someone’s day brighter!” Lydia has given her time and talent generously as a dedicated leader and
volunteer, touching the lives of Residents in a very significant way. “Lydia represents the true spirit of
generosity,” says Sandy Young, Women’s Auxiliary Co-President. “She is always ready to dive in or take charge
of any task, large or small. She is an inspirational leader in every way and we have been privileged to know
her.” Lydia and her husband, Scott, live in Fairfield.
For further information on how
to become involved with the
Women’s Auxiliary, please contact
Dayna Hayden, Director,
Development, at 203-365-6409 or
[email protected]. Women’s
Auxiliary annual membership dues
are $36 and life membership is
$250 (payable over three years).
PLEASE DONATE TO THE
ANNUAL
CAMPAIGN
Visit www.jseniors.org
or call 203-365-6406
A special thank you
to our Federations
Jewish Senior Services is a
recipient agency of the following
community organizations. We
thank these organizations and
the communities for their support.
Jewish Federation of Danbury
The Women’s Auxiliary looks forward to the Fall Gala, when Jewish Senior Services will officially honor
these two extraordinary individuals. The memorable evening will also include a fabulous auction and
elegant dining.
UJA/Federation of Eastern Fairfield
County
If you are interested in making a reservation for the Fall Gala, would like to receive an invitation, or
wish to place an ad in the commemorative journal, please contact Jillian Carroll, Development Associate,
at 203-365-6407 or [email protected]. Reservations are required in order to attend this event.
UJA/Federation of Westport,
Weston, Wilton, Norwalk
Great Gifts
One of the best shopping experiences in Fairfield is located right in The Jewish Home’s
main lobby! The Jewish Home’s Gift Shop, run by the Women’s Auxiliary and staffed by a
team of over 20 devoted volunteers, is a one-stop shopping experience for all your yearround gifting needs. There are hundreds of items for sale, including greeting cards, crystal,
frames, jewelry, scarves, candy, toys, and Judaica. All Gift Shop proceeds are donated to
Jewish Senior Services by the Women’s Auxiliary and used to enhance the lives of Residents.
Gift Shop volunteers travel to the New York Gift Show at the Javits Center several times
a year and bring back a wide variety of exciting and reasonably priced merchandise. One of
the Gift Shop’s specialties is gifts for children, including a multitude of stuffed and talking
animals, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift items. Volunteer Karen Hillman says, “I love to help in
the Gift Shop because we have beautiful things and the customers are wonderful. Residents
visit us to buy candy and gifts and bring in their family members. We want to invite
everyone to stop by and browse.”
The Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday
from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., pending volunteer availability. If you are looking for a
specific item or gift ideas, stop in or call The Jewish Home at 203-365-6400 and ask
for the Gift Shop.
UJA/Federation of Greenwich
United Jewish Federation of Greater
Stamford, New Canaan, Darien
E
151055_ChaiLights_Fall 9/23/14 7:42 AM Page 5
MEN’S CLUB
28th Annual George Lipton Golf & Tennis Invitational
After a full year of planning by the Men’s Club, the
28th Annual George Lipton Golf and Tennis
Invitational took place on June 23. The sold-out
event attracted close to 200 participants for an entire
day of camaraderie and healthy competition, at
Rockrimmon Country Club in Stamford. Stewart
Gross, MD, Past President of the Men’s Club and
David Levine, Vice President of the Men’s Club,
co-chaired the event which generated over $90,000.
“I especially want to thank Stewart and David for
co-chairing the event again this year. They, along
with our outstanding staff, helped make this year’s
event a huge success. It was a delight seeing the
tennis courts and golf course teeming with activity
throughout the hot day. Thanks to our participants
and event sponsors, we raised important funds that
will help to improve the quality of life for seniors
immediately, and in years to come by helping to
fund the new Jewish Senior Services campus,” stated
Jeff Siegel, President of the Men’s Club. “I would
like to express a special thank you to all our
benefactors for their generous and ongoing support
of the Men’s Club and of Jewish Senior Services,
particularly the Luncheon Sponsors; Dr. Stewart
Gross, Fredric T. Beitman, the Marx Family
Foundation and Dean Ratick, The Fuchs Family
Foundation, Innovative Health Plan, KBE Building
Corporation, Marsh & McLennan Agency, LLC,
Morrison Senior Living, People’s United Bank,
Perkins Eastman and Wiggin & Dana.”
For further information on how to
become involved with the Men’s
Club, please contact Dayna Hayden,
Director, Development, at 203-3656409 or [email protected]. Men’s
Club annual membership dues are
$75, life membership is $1,000 and
Lipton Fellow membership is $2,500
(both payable over three years).
rg
6
JOIN US
Join other men in the
community:
Bagel Brunch ($5 fee)
Sunday Mornings
7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Tandet Recreation Center
Honorable Menschen
Tuesday Mornings
10:30 a.m. to noon
Kuriansky Boardroom
For more information
contact Ellen Ashkins at
Kosher BBQ
Comes to CT!
On September 7, the first annual Southern New
England Kosher Barbeque Festival and Competition was
held in Fairfield. The event organized and hosted by
Congregation Beth El in Fairfield drew a large crowd
from the community of barbeque enthusiasts, families
and food eating contestants. The grounds were packed with live music
entertainment, craft and vendor booths, food and of course, Barbeque grillers.
Teams participated in the competition including Jewish Senior Services’ dining
team: the BuBBe-Q’s. We served up kosher chili, chicken, ribs and brisket enjoyed
by all. Our own President & CEO, Andrew H. Banoff was a celebrity judge for
the blind tasting cook-off. Jewish Senior Services’ staff, Residents and volunteers
worked together to design the BuBBe-Q booth and outfit the BuBBe-Q team to
participate in this event that was also part of Fairfield’s 375th anniversary
celebration. We are proud of our BuBBe-Q team for bringing home a trophy in
the Barbeque chicken competition.
▲
203-365-6417 or
[email protected].
Jewish Senior Services’ BuBBe-Q competition team of Jeff
Enchura, Director, Dining Services; Wendy Heffern, Executive
Chef; Johnnie Silpot, Sous Chef; and Luis Martins, Cook,
preparing for the cook-off
Residents from left: Sandy Levin, Ruth Levy-Cohen, Gertrude
Kantrowitz, and Ann Hornstein enjoy being Bubbe’s at our
Bubbe-Q tent at the Southern New England Kosher Barbeque
Championship and Festival ▼
5
151055_ChaiLights_Fall 9/23/14 7:42 AM Page 6
COMMUNITY SERVICES
GUILFORD LOCATION OPENS!
As part of its continued expansion into New Haven County, Jewish Senior
Services’ Friedman Home Care Agency opened a new office in Guilford in
September. Excited to now have a physical location in the New Haven area,
Julia Portale, Vice President, Community Services, explains, “The strategic
location in the Shoreline community will enable the Guilford office to coordinate
care for clients across many communities in New Haven County.” The office is
conveniently located in the Sound Medical Center at 1591 Boston Post Road. The
opening in September was marked by an open house for local physicians and
prospective clients. The office will serve the Greater New Haven community,
including Branford, North Branford, East Haven, Guilford, and Madison. Services
provided include private duty non-medical home care, medical home care, and
hospice. The Guilford team was trained at the Fairfield location and is an integral
part of the Friedman Home Care team, ensuring that services and standards are
consistent across Jewish Senior Services. This expansion follows the entrance of
Jewish Senior Services’ Senior Choice at Home® program into New Haven County,
which held its first seminars in New Haven and Branford earlier this year.
Founding Partner
of Statewide Elder
Justice Coalition
6
The Center for Elder Abuse Prevention, a
program of Jewish Senior Services, is a
founding partner of the Connecticut Elder
Justice Coalition. Governor Malloy issued an
Executive Order on July 17 commending the
work that “links providers, advocates, and
stakeholders to valuable resources…[and]…
creates a unified front against intolerable abuse
of our seniors.” Statewide Elder Justice
Coalitions are required under the Affordable
Care Act and Connecticut’s has representatives
from banking, criminal justice, legal, social
services, and public health professions. Jewish
Senior Services is the only health care provider
currently serving on the Coalition.
The Center was asked to join the Elder
Justice Coalition because of its leadership and
experience coordinating community elder abuse
prevention activities and providing victim
assistance. Laura Snow, Director, Institute on
Aging, serves on the Coalition Steering
Committee, which helped plan the Coalition’s
statewide daylong kickoff conference last fall
and the first meeting of the Coalition’s
Coordinating Council in Hartford. “This is a
wonderful opportunity to continue to increase
our ability to combat elder abuse statewide, with
many different organizations working together
on this complex problem,” Snow remarked.
The Coalition will host its second annual
statewide event on November 21. For more
details or information on the Center for
Elder Abuse Prevention, please email
[email protected] or call
the helpline at 203-396-1097.
Jewish Senior Services Guilford Team. Left to right: Catherine Symes, RN; Melissa Lombardozzi,
Scheduler; Gerard Spenard, Homecare coordinator; Debbie Wesley, Director, Friedman Home Care;
Julia Portale, Vice President, Community Services
For more information on homecare and hospice services in
New Haven and the Shoreline, please call 203-689-5113 or
email [email protected].
Rehabilitation Made
Easier
Supporting Men as
They Age
Recovery is often a multistep process, with
different levels of care required throughout.
Jewish Senior Services’ full range of services
allows for a continuum of care whereby clients
can achieve their goals with continuity in
caregivers. This continuity in having a caregiver
and team of professionals involved in our
clients’ progress is helpful in speeding recovery,
enhancing communication, and truly
understanding the full scope of needs.
Often, when people come home from the
hospital and need physical, occupational, or
speech therapy as part of their rehabilitation, a
team of home care therapists will work with
them to improve their function and support
their recovery. When a certain level of skill has
been reached and patients are no longer
homebound, they are discharged from home
care and may need additional therapy services in
an outpatient setting. This switch to outpatient
therapy requires clients to begin a new
relationship with a new provider, a lengthy
initial appointment and evaluation, and new
paperwork and insurance forms to be completed.
At Jewish Senior Services, this is not the case.
Our in-home and outpatient rehabilitation
teams are aligned, so clients can continue with
the same therapy team as they move from home
care to outpatient services. This enables them to
continue their work with a therapy team they
already know and trust and continue the work
they have already begun. Appointments are easy
and there is no gap in care.
One in five older adults needs assistance with daily
activities. However, men who need assistance are
often less accepting or have difficulty finding the
proper support. Research shows that men interact
less frequently throughout the years with the health
care system than women. This may be due to men
having fewer health events, pressure to not show
weakness or emotions that convey stress, and a
reluctance to challenge one’s own sense of
masculinity. Additionally, because the older
population skews female, special attention to the
support needs of men is often overlooked.
The staff at Grasmere by the Sea, Jewish Senior
Services’ Adult Day Program, is familiar with these
factors since about one-third of Grasmere by the
Sea’s clients are male. This high percentage of male
clients is unique among adult day programs and
allows for men to form friendships and engage in
activities that are particularly appealing to them.
They feel welcomed and cared for.
The program is designed to provide a therapeutic
and social atmosphere for older adults who may
require personal assistance or medical supervision.
The men who attend the program have a wide
range of needs. Some male clients have dementia,
yet a significant portion experience physical
challenges rather than cognitive concerns.
Also, once clients have reached their goals and
completed their care, they can continue to work
with the same team in exercise and wellness
classes to support their ongoing physical health.
The continuity of care has been positive —
clients enjoy working with the same team on
the full spectrum of their recovery and staff
satisfaction has increased as they are able to
work with clients all the way through to a
positive health outcome.
For more information on in-home
therapy, please call 203-396-1136 or email
[email protected].
Clients participate in a variety of activities, but
those particularly appealing to male clients are card
games, especially poker; trivia and memory games;
in-house bowling and golf; peer-led discussion
groups; and history lectures on a multitude of
subjects, particularly military history. Additionally,
personal care is offered and many men enjoy getting
a shave from staff member Cynthia Mahan; as a
veteran, she also connects with clients about their
military experience. The men enjoy their time
together and as one client explains, “You feel like
people are truly happy to see you when you walk
through the doors.”
Grasmere by the Sea is located at One Post
Road in Fairfield. To learn more about the
program, please call 203-365-6470 or email
[email protected].
151055_ChaiLights_Fall 9/23/14 7:42 AM Page 7
Volunteers Honored
New Van Arrives!
The Annual Volunteers’ Recognition Luncheon was held this summer to
honor our volunteers and thank them for their incredible contributions.
“Volunteers are the heart of Jewish Senior Services; they give back
unconditionally to the Residents,” commented Linda Ciszkowski, Vice
President & Chief Administrative Officer.
Resident David Reiss
along with Ellen Ashkins,
Director, Resident Life
take the first ride in the
new Toyota Sienna
mobility vehicle that
Jewish Senior Services
won in Toyota’s 100 Cars
for Good contest. The van
arrived this summer and
has been helping to
transport mainly clients
of the Center for Elder
Abuse Prevention and
Grasmere by the Sea
Adult Day Program.
Awards were presented to three volunteer groups that have truly dedicated
themselves to Jewish Senior Services. The Transport Group, Friendly Visitor
Group, and Reiki Group all consist of remarkable individuals who play an
important role in the daily lives of the Residents. The Transport Group’s
primary responsibility is to assist the Residents in wheelchairs from place to
place within The Jewish Home. Honorees recognized were: Bonnie Mooney
of Bridgeport, Alan Comen of Stamford, and Peter Caligiure of Trumbull.
They have been volunteering for 16 years, 9 years, and 7 years, respectively.
The Friendly Visitor Group is also an invaluable asset with each volunteer
being paired with several Residents. The volunteers serve as companions,
friends, and confidants to the Residents, often chatting for hours or running
errands. The honorees were Adele Witt of Fairfield, Dolly Wolf of Westport,
and Patricia Casazza of Fairfield. They have been with Jewish Senior
Services for 13 years, 17 years, and 20 years, respectively.
The Reiki Group has been steadily growing with Jim Landers and his wife,
Jeannette Stellato, of the ReikiOvertones, who officially began the program
in 2011. The group meets each Sunday with participants of all ages.
The celebration also honored two inspirational volunteers who have been
committed to Jewish Senior Services for 41 years: Sue Angel of Fairfield and
Barbara Berkowitz of Bridgeport. “These longtime volunteers who have been
committed for many, many years set the standard for new volunteers coming
in,” expressed Darlene
Miakos, Coordinator,
Volunteers.
A Piece of Israel in Fairfield
This summer, the Tzofim (Israel Scouts) Friendship Caravan once again
brought the rich, vibrant culture of Israel to the Residents of The Jewish
Home. The Scouts performed well-choreographed dance numbers
accompanied by a fusion of Hebrew and English songs and demonstrated
their strong love for their homeland through stories and videos about the
history and culture of Israel.
After the last notes and dance steps came to an end, the Residents were full
of smiles and applause. It was clear the Tzofim had succeeded in their
mission: bringing a piece of Israel to the Residents of The Jewish Home.
Volunteers create their
schedules based on their
availability and interests,
including visiting
Residents or hospice
clients, working in the
Gift Shop, sharing a
talent, greeting visitors,
or providing
administrative support.
7
The ReikiOvertones were honored for their volunteer work at The
Jewish Home
An Israel Scout serenades Resident Ida Perlstein during a performance
Celebrating Summer Together
This summer, Jewish Senior Services proudly sponsored nine concerts taking
place at the Sherman Green Gazebo in Fairfield and The Levitt Pavilion for
the Performing Arts in Westport. Whether it was songs from the “Great
American Songbook,” a high-energy dance band, or an orchestra playing
lively big band tunes, Jewish Senior Services was there to support the events,
thereby enriching the lives of those in our community.
Volunteers honored were Patricia Casazza, Adele Witt, and Bonnie Mooney (front row) and Peter
Caligiure, Alan Comen, and Dolly Wolf (rear row) pictured with Darlene Miakos, Coordinator, Volunteers.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Darlene
Miakos at 203-365-6495 or [email protected].
Judge O’Grady Honored
A celebration in honor of former Probate Judge Resident Kevin O’Grady
took place in recognition of his many years of dedicated service. He served as
probate judge for Westport and Weston since 1999. Kevin is pictured with
former colleagues who
spoke of him as a mentor
and leader in his
profession. He is known
for his fairness and
compassion and admired
for the person he is as
well as his distinguished
career. Regarding his
celebration, Kevin
commented, “it was
great, really great!!”
In Fairfield, the concert series kicked off on June 29, with the musical
renditions of Steve D’Agostino, and continued through August. The 400-plus
concertgoers sung along to Elvis and Sinatra favorites and danced on the
lawn. On Sunday evenings at The Levitt Pavilion, crowds of over 1,200
people gathered to watch
the performances and see the
newly renovated, breathtaking
venue. The nights in Westport
were brimming with energy with
high-caliber jazz performances by
The Hot Sardines and Grammy
Award-winning Vince Giordano
and the Nighthawks.
The sponsorship helped provide
awareness and information about all
of Jewish Senior Services’ offerings
to over 7,600 attendees. Explained
Julia Portale, Vice President,
Community Services, “The
audience was full of people who
have some affiliation with us, might
require our services, or might know
someone who would need our
services, so sponsorship is a great
way to strengthen our visibility in
the community at events that bring
people happiness.”
151055_ChaiLights_Fall 9/23/14 7:42 AM Page 8
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Jewish Senior Services®
The Jewish Home
175 Jefferson Street
Fairfield, CT 06825
PAID
Bpt. CT
Permit #38
Jeffrey Radler
Chairperson of the Board
James B. Sugarman
Chairperson of the
Board, JHE Foundation
Andrew H. Banoff
President & CEO / Editor
Contact us at 203-365-6400 www.jseniors.org
●
For address changes, to add a friend or be
removed from the mailing list email us at
[email protected] or call 203-365-6494
FAMILY PORTRAIT
FAMILY MAIL
Avis Dannenberg
Although Avis
Dannenberg has only
been a Resident of
The Jewish Home
since October 2013,
her strong ties to
Jewish Senior
Services go back to
the 1970s. Avis’
grandfather, Samuel
Plushkin, was
actually one of the
Avis and Saul Dannenberg
first Residents of
The Jewish Home. Years later, her husband, Saul,
would also become a Resident for three years.
Avis was born on August 27, 1927 in Bridgeport.
After living in Bridgeport for the majority of her
life, she moved to Oronoque Village in Stratford
with Saul, who was a tennis pro at several country
clubs in the area. Avis’ youngest daughter, Karen
Holson of Wilton, recounts with a smile the story
of how her parents met: “It turned out that Avis
had written letters to Saul when he was in the
Army because her mother asked her to help a
friend, Celia Dannenberg (Saul’s grandmother),
who did not speak or write English very well.”
Avis and Saul met face-to-face on a double date,
but not with each other. As Karen explains,
“They kind of swapped partners,” and then their
relationship began.
Avis and Saul had three children: Howard of
Sandy Hook; Debby Kita of Massachusetts,
who passed away nine years ago; and Karen.
Additionally, Avis has six grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren.
Prior to becoming a Resident of The Jewish
Home, Avis was receiving physical therapy at the
Goldstein Rehabilitation Center. Karen felt “this
was the best place for her to stay. And it’s turned
out to be even better than I thought. Her quality
of life has really improved since she’s been here.
She’s more social, she has people who love her,
and she’s developed more interests.”
Avis echoes her daughter’s sentiments, “It’s
wonderful. I’m very happy here.” Volunteers and
employees remark that Avis is very social,
extremely fashionable, and constantly busy.
She can always be spotted at the summer outdoor
barbeques and enjoying the diverse entertainment
on Sundays. Avis looks forward to the wonderful
candlelight dinners every few months. She likes
that the dinners are set up like a restaurant and
loves the prime rib that is served.
She attends The New York Times group, which
discusses current events, along with bingo on a
weekly basis. “I love the rabbi’s lectures on Israel.
I’m going to Israel in November,” says Avis. She is
excited to join the group from Jewish Senior
Services and traveling to see all of the highlights
in Israel, including the Western Wall, Masada,
and the Dead Sea.
Avis frequently goes on day trips outside of
The Jewish Home with the help of her personal
companions and her daughter. On these outings,
she usually gets her hair and nails done, does a
little shopping, and goes to lunch. “Age may slow
down some, but it doesn’t stop Avis from enjoying
life,” comments Tracey Hamulak, Therapeutic
Recreation Director. “Whether enjoying a great
meal, getting pampered with a manicure, or
spending time with her beloved family, she makes
the most of every day.”
Despite the fact that Avis engages in many
activities, she also looks forward to quiet moments
by herself. In her room, she eagerly reads
countless books. Avis’ advice for her friends and
loved ones is to “just be good, be honest, and
be happy…to enjoy life and to be kind and
generous.”
Avis served as the president of several community
organizations, including the PTA, the Jewish
Federation, and Pioneer Women. Volunteering is
important to Avis, and Karen is most certainly
continuing the Dannenberg legacy at Jewish
Senior Services. She and her mother are both life
members of the Women’s Auxiliary and Karen is
an active Board member. As a committed and
passionate volunteer, Karen advocates, “Family
members have an opportunity to become involved
at a level that they can really make a difference for
the future of The Jewish Home, not only
financially but on a community level…it’s a
wonderful way to enhance the experience for the
Resident and for the family member.”
Visit Us Online at www.jseniors.org
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“On behalf of our entire family, I would
like to thank Jewish Senior Services for the
wonderful care provided by the nurses
and aides for my mother.”
— Family Member, MS
“The staff at Goldstein Rehab was absolutely
wonderful and attentive to my father’s
needs. They were patient, kind, caring and
cheerful and made him feel at home during
his rehab stay.”
— Family Member, BC
SAVE THE
DATES 2014
OCTOBER
Thursday, October 23
Women’s Auxiliary Fall Gala
The Inn at Longshore, Westport
Guest Entertainer – ART GARFUNKEL
Various Dates
Senior Choice at Home® Seminars
Westport, Ridgefield, New Canaan,
Hamden, Madison
DECEMBER
Tuesday, December 30
Residents’ New Year’s Party
The Jewish Home, 6:30 PM
To obtain an application
for skilled nursing or
assisted living, please
contact us at:
203-396-1024.
There is no application
fee or obligation.