New officers take the helm

Visit the
Shalom Mall
Wedding bells
at Ring House
Area
dentists
contribute
Page 3
Page 5
Page 6
June 2007/No.5
New officers take the helm
At its Annual Meeting in May, the Charles E.
(Photos left to right) 1. Newly installed Chair Hanita Schreiber with
Immediate Past Chair Arthur Dykes. 2. Warren Slavin addresses the 97th
annual meeting. 3. Hymen Goldman Award Recipient Marc Solomon with
Joseph Hoffman, who presented the honor. 4. Morris Tepper, who resides at
Landow House, “plays a mean game of bridge,” Hanita noted in her remarks.
“He will let me know if we are falling down on the job.”
Smith Life Communities celebrated its first year
under the new name representing its system of care.
At the same time, the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington,
which anchors the system, marked 97 years of service to seniors
in our community.
Newly installed Chair Hanita Schreiber credited “growing up
in a home where being Jewish was the essence of my family” as
the beginning of her journey to this moment. She spoke of two
major initiatives: marking “the amazing milestone in 2010 – our
centennial year” in a meaningful way, and creating a vision and
strategic plan for the next five to seven years.
President/CEO Warren Slavin said, “We have the vibrancy
and enthusiasm of a young organization built on a solid foundation
of competency and experience,” qualities he will call upon to
meet the “tsunami-like” demographic forces that will impact
future senior care.
Mrs. Schreiber, a health care consultant
who has played a leadership role with the
Hebrew Home since 1998, was installed for a
two-year term in a meeting capably chaired by
Rob Selzer. David A. Samuels is chair-elect.
Arthur J. Dykes is immediate past chair.
At the annual meeting, Marc F. Solomon received the
prestigious Hymen Goldman Humanitarian Award and was
commended for his “steady, personal and heartfelt commitment”
over almost 20 years. He is valued for his guidance and active
participation as the organization tackled key issues in finance,
employment, real estate and planning.
Newly installed as officers with Mrs. Schreiber are Vice Chair
for Finance/Treasurer Harry A. Harrison, a partner in Aronson
—Continued on page 3
HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON • SMITH-KOGOD & WASSERMAN RESIDENCES • LANDOW HOUSE
RING HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE • HIRSH HEALTH CENTER • RESEARCH INSTITUTE ON AGING
Generation to Generation
When Joining a Support Group Makes Sense
Carole King’s classic 1971 song “You’ve Got a Friend”
highlights one of the best strategies for coping with medical crises or
hard times. Turn to an understanding, caring friend to “brighten up even your
darkest night.” One place to find this type of support is in a support group.
Broadly defined, a support group is a gathering of individuals who meet regularly to
discuss a commonly shared problem or concern. Whether the issue is physical or mental illness, divorce, abuse, grief, rape, weight, caregiver burnout, or any of the other
countless maladies and hurdles in today’s society, there will likely be a support
group—real or virtual—to provide much-needed moral support and guidance.
“The diversity and ubiquitousness of such groups is astounding,” observes Professor
Morton Lieberman, an expert on the power of support groups to assist those struggling
with adverse challenges.
What’s in it for me?
“Depending on your circumstances…it may be helpful to turn to others outside your
immediate circle for help,” writes a Mayo Clinic advisor. A support group can provide
you with the comforting sense that many people face and even overcome the kind of
extraordinary pain, hopelessness, and confusion you are currently experiencing.
In a group’s accepting atmosphere, you can:
• Express fears openly and honestly
• Receive meaningful information and feedback
• Develop confidence and strength to handle
any situation
Finding the right group
This requires some research and asking.
Turn to:
• Medical professionals or area hospitals
• Religious leaders
“support group,” and your state or location)
• National or local organizations dealing with
• Become part of a social network that suits
your immediate needs. ■
your issues
• The Commission for Women in Maryland,
which holds small workshops on diverse
issues. Visit:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw
“Unlike “professional” help, which is steeped in theory
and has professional customs, support groups evolve from
the members’ collective experiences and shared problems.
. . . personal experience is the best teacher. ”
Laurie C. Goldman, LCSW-C
University of California, San Francisco
Page 2 | June 2007
The Hebrew Home Caregiver Support Group,
led by Laurie C. Goldman, LCSW-C, welcomes
individuals caring for seniors living at the Home
as well as throughout the D.C. metropolitan area.
“What’s said in the group is confidential,”
states Goldman. “It’s a safe place for people to air
conflicting emotions that arise when caring for a
loved one who has profound and constant needs.”
Topics that members might never bring up within
their own families are acknowledged in the group
with an understanding nod.
Goldman, who is clinical supervisor in the
Home’s Social Work Department, urges group
members to be realistic about illnesses that will
inevitably worsen and become sensitive to how
their attitude affects the care-giving relationship.
Goldman holds an MSW from the
Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva
University.
• Social workers or service organizations
• Friends with relevant experiences
• The Internet (search by topic, plus the words
• Discover better approaches and coping strategies
— Morton Lieberman, Ph.D.,
Initiatives
• Libraries
• Local newspaper calendar listings
• The American Self-Help Group Clearinghouse,
online.
www.smithlifecommunities.org
LifeTimes
New officers
take the helm
Healthcare professionals sought as
volunteer patient representatives
continued from page 1
and Co., a Rockville accounting
firm, and Judith Rae Peres, a
social worker with Kaiser
Permanente, as Vice Chair
for Quality Improvement.
Andrew S.
Friedlander and Irving
P. Cohen continue in
their roles as vice chairs
for development and
strategic planning,
respectively.
Newly elected to
the Board of Governors
are Jeffrey Distenfeld,
principal with First
Members of the Red Hat Society at Ring House
Washington Realty in
greet guests arriving at the 97th annual meeting.
Bethesda; Robert
Fleshner, president of Xtend Fitness and Health
in Bethesda, and Alan Freeman, partner with
Blank Rome, LLP in Washington. For a complete
list of 2007-2009 officers and board members, visit
www.hebrew-home.org, and click on About Us. ■
The Volunteer Department at the Hebrew Home of
Greater Washington is seeking healthcare professionals to
become patient service representatives in the Rakusin
Rehabilitation Center. Individuals with backgrounds in
medicine, nursing, physical therapy and other health fields
may participate in this new program – the first of its kind
at the nursing home. A commitment of three hours a week
is requested.
“We are proud of our reputation for quality care. We
want to expand on our success,” said Hedy Peyser, Director
of Volunteers, “This new program aims to quickly resolve
small problems that might impact a short-stay patient’s
experience. Volunteers will move from room to room and
meet individually with patients and family members,
working closely with the unit teams and conveying
important information and concerns to staff.”
Peyser notes that patient service representatives are
available in some hospitals, but considers this a groundbreaking endeavor in a nursing home.
The position offers flexibility for 21 volunteers who can
serve from 9 a.m.–noon, from 1–4 p.m., or from 6–9 p.m.,
weekdays or weekends. Contact the Volunteer Department
at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington at
301.770.8333. ■
“Retail therapy” benefits our residents —it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Browse our brand new online Shalom Mall for unique ways to
brighten the day for Hebrew Home residents.
Go to www.hebrew-home.org and
click on “Giving Opportunities” or
“Donate Now!”
1
LifeTimes
2
On our Giving Opportunities
page, scroll down to Shalom Mall.
www.smithlifecommunities.org
The Charles E. Smith Life
Communities Shalom Mall offers five
ways to transform tax deductible donations into creative gift giving: Music Therapy,
Resident Counseling, Birthday Parties,
Shabbat Meals, and a month of Movie Nights.
Follow directions to complete your order.
3
June 2007 | Page 3
Hebrew Home
Hirsh Health Center
Redesigning the dining
experience
Traditionally, mealtime in
Hebrew Home residences, as in most
nursing homes, has meant three
nutritionally balanced meals a day
served to residents on trays. The
trays, each containing a complete
three-course meal, are about to
become history.
Our seniors will soon be enjoying
an entirely new level of dining experience. Yes, nutrition will remain the
cornerstone component, but emphasis will now shift to creating a warm,
inviting “bistro” atmosphere in each
dining room, with tempting aromas
filling the air and a more sociable
ambiance.
Food will be plated and served in
separate courses. While they await
their hot entrees, our seniors can start
their meals with rolls and salads that
This Hebrew Home is testing a “bistro”
style meal service to replace the current tray
service. Virginia Figueira prepares to serve
the main course from a buffet stand in the
residents’ dining room that keeps food at the
proper temperature.
will be available at their tables.
In a pilot project currently
underway on the second floor of
the Smith-Kogod Residence, the
response has been resoundingly
positive; residents are excited, their
families are thrilled, and the staff is
delighted to put the change into
motion. The new bistro-style service
is expected to be implemented in all
units by the end of the year. ■
Two members of our Hirsh Health
Center medical team, Dr. Anna B. Korzan
and Dr. Zeba S. Geloo, are currently
accepting new patients, with less than a
one-month wait for an initial visit.
Dr. Korzan’s areas of interest include
coronary artery disease and lipid disorders. Dr. Geloo specializes in wound
management and joint injections. Both
physicians are board-certified by the
American Board of Internal Medicine.
The Hirsh Health Center has a
brochure with tips for new patients.
Please call 301.816.5004 for more information or to schedule an appointment. ■
Dr. Zeba S. Geloo
Dr. Anna B. Korzan
News from
Landow House
At Landow House,
resident Harry Hofberg reminisced
about his Babe Ruth-autographed baseball;
these props set the scene for his talk.
Page 4 | June 2007
Harry Hofberg had a story to tell
about his prized baseball autographed
by Babe Ruth, and his Landow House
neighbors came to hear it.
“On a cold day 84 years ago, I
went down to the Times Herald newspaper building in Washington. The
New York Yankees were in town, and
Babe Ruth was tossing balls out of an
office window there. About 150 – 200
youngsters with baseball mitts, wearing heavy coats, vied for the balls.
“The organizers of this event saw
that the smaller boys couldn’t compete, and I was the smallest. I heard a
low voice next to me, asking, ‘Sonny,
what is the number on your ticket?’
Then I heard my number being
announced -- I had won a ball!”
www.smithlifecommunities.org
Harry, with the other winners,
was ushered to the roof of the building,
where Babe Ruth autographed the prize
balls and posed for a photo. The smallest and youngest, Harry sat on Babe
Ruth’s lap.
Harry’s enthusiasm for baseball
brings a lively sparkle to his eyes. As a
copy boy at the Times Herald, he saw
the Senators win the pennant in 1933,
and he remembers paying 55 cents to
sit in the bleachers at Griffith Stadium.
A linotype operator by trade, Harry
played ball with the Union Printers,
and batted .398. His team won the
championship in 1936-1940, and a
Landow House neighbor remembers
seeing Harry play in the tournament.
“It is the greatest game in the world.”
LifeTimes
Ring House
Sometimes two heads are
better than one; likewise, two
organizations can often tackle a
project better as a duo. Here’s a
perfect example:
The Jewish Community
Center of Greater Washington
(JCC) wanted to arrange special
summer activities for seniors but
space was an issue. Ring House
had the space, and thus began a
winning partnership, the beneficiaries Salute our Ring House WWII Vets! Every Friday morning they join a gathering of about 40 Washington area
of which will be JCC members, as
veterans of all wars for reminiscing and socializing over
well as Ring, Landow, and Revitz
breakfast. From right to left: Daniel Goodman (Marines);
Martin Horner (Army); Abe Sterman (Army); and driver
residents, all of whom are invited to
Harry Pollack (Navy).
partake in a line-up of stimulating
classes, lunches, and concerts featuring visiting performing artists.
Beginning June 11, on Thursday mornings, participants can join a choral group
led by Frieda Enoch, with festive music of Yiddish, Hebrew and English origin, or they
can attend a social action group to discuss selected current events and be treated to
some exceptional speakers. The schedule includes Noah
Sadan of the Refugee Training Center, Nathan Goodman of
The Forward, and Marilyn Praisner,
president of the Montgomery County Council.
Participants can sign up
for lunch and then stay on
for a 1 p.m. concert. For the
full schedule, please contact
Selma Sweetbaum, JCC
Adult Division Director, at
301.348.3860. ■
Wedding bells: Meet Jim and
Joyce Lyman, who met each
other as Ring House residents.
It was love at first sight…
really, first dance. They
were wed in March.
Mildred Hofberg and her daughters
Sandy Bobb and Susan Pittleman
at Hofberg Pavilion dedication
ceremonies.
Revitz House
If you walk by on a Tuesday
afternoon, you might see a crowd of
enthusiastic viewers watching opera.
Then, if you’re lucky you might hear
the wonderful presentation by the man
we know simply as “Opera Irv.”
Irv, whose real name is Irv Nurik,
has been coming to Revitz House with
his opera program for five years. He
brings his enthusiasm and love of opera,
not just to Revitz but also to the JCC,
Irv Nurick, “Opera Irv,”
helps Revitz House
residents develop an
appreciation of opera.
Holiday Park, and
other venues.
Perhaps Irv’s
music comes from
his background as a
mathematician. (Neurologists now tell
us music and math abilities are both in
the same part of our brains.) Irv ran a
family business in New Jersey, served
in counter-intelligence during World
War II and has a B.A. from New York
University and a master’s degree from
Columbia University. He has four
grown children and seven grandchildren.
He has lived in this area for 11 years.
The residents say he makes opera
“clearer” for them. One of our residents,
Alice Gutter stated, “He supplies us with
music to lift our spirits.” ■
Research Institute
Can you hear me now?
If you are over the age of 75, chances are
about 50-50 that you have some hearing
loss. Among nursing home residents, the
prevalence of hearing loss is even greater:
between 70 and 90 percent have some
degree of hearing impairment. However,
the use of hearing aids in this population
is very low.
The Research Institute on Aging has
published a series of papers on this common chronic ailment, and on the wide
range of barriers that prevent individuals
from using hearing aids, including cost,
www.smithlifecommunities.org
inconvenience, fear of calling attention
to the handicap, and problems with the
devices themselves.
For additional information contact
Dr. Jiska Cohen-Mansfield at
[email protected]. ■
June 2007 | Page 5
LifeLines
Torah Project earns
national award
This spring brought another cause for
celebration involving the new, lightweight
Torah commissioned for the Hebrew
Home of Greater Washington: the yearlong project that brought this scroll into
being received the Association of Jewish
Aging Services’ 2007 award for creative
Jewish programming.
The award was announced at the
international association’s annual conference in New Orleans. “After the award
was presented, leaders from nursing
homes all over the country inquired about
the program and said how much they
admired the vision of the Home and the
donors who made the project possible,”
said Rabbi James Michaels, director of
pastoral care at the Home. “This Torah
scroll is the first ever commissioned by
a nursing home.”
The Torah Project, generously funded
by the Helyn and Louis Fanaroff Charitable
Foundation, created a scroll light enough
for frail seniors to lift and carry, and
involving as many elderly residents
as possible in its creation. ■
Dental volunteers, including dentists and hygienists,
staffed 98 clinic sessions at
the Home last year, bringing dental care to our residents. In addition, the
Alpha Omega Foundation
has generously supported
the Hebrew Home. Drs.
Bud Rothstein, Ralph
Rothstein, Richard Meltzer
and Ben Williamowsky
present a donation of
$1,000 to President/CEO
Warren Slavin (fourth
from left).
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Rabbi James Michaels shows resident Dvoira
Rososhanskaya and Sophia Presman the award.
Page 6 | June 2007
www.smithlifecommunities.org
LifeTimes
EventMakers
Photos by Randy Sager
An endowment for charity care
Speaker Lauren
Weisberger meets
some of the residents
who attended the
Aunt Minnie
Luncheon as guests.
Author charms
Aunt Minnie guests
Almost 600 guests came
together for the annual Women’s
Auxiliary Aunt Minnie Luncheon
on April 25 at the Bethesda North
Marriott Hotel and Conference
Center.
Guest speaker Lauren
Weisberger, author of The Devil
Wears Prada, won over the audience
with her humor and unaffected
manner; she entertained guests
with her experiences as the assistant
to the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue
magazine and the story of how
her bestseller came into being.
The Auxiliary honored Judy
Protas with the Aunt Minnie
Goldsmith Award for outstanding
volunteer service to the community.
Special thanks to Valerie
Lederberg, president of the
Women’s Auxiliary, and her
dedicated committee for making
this annual event a success. ■
Women’s Auxiliary President
Valerie Lederberg pulls a winning
door prize number at the Aunt
Minnie Luncheon.
When Irving P. Cohen, past chairman of the Hebrew Home,
told President/CEO Warren Slavin that he would like to bring
his friends Louis and Libby Pohoryles to visit the Home, he
never could have predicted that the meeting would create a
lasting relationship.
Louis Pohoryles, a Holocaust survivor, and his wife Libby
were very impressed with the Home and the entire Charles
E. Smith Life Communities. After learning about a number of
funding opportunities, they asked what was the most pressing
need.
The Hebrew Home is very pleased to announce the creation
of the Louis and Libby Pohoryles Philanthropic Endowment for
Resident Charity Care. This most generously funded endowment
will enable the Home to stay true to its core mission of providing
care for the elderly, particularly those in greatest need.
Mr. and Mrs. Pohoryles are actively involved in Montgomery
County life. Their three children and five grandchildren keep
them busy, but they still make time to continue their involvement
with local charities. Libby was a volunteer at the Hebrew Home
over 30 years ago and is considering returning to volunteer again.
We welcome them to the Hebrew Home family and thank
them for their generosity and caring. ■
Calling all golfers and runners!
It’s not too early to start training – mark your calendar now
for these two great fall events.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Charles E. Smith Life Communities
Golf Outing
The Members Club at Four Streams
Chair: Devin Schain
Aunt Minnie Award honoree Judy
Protas and her husband Martin
enjoy the program.
The field is limited to 100 players,
so check the website for registration
information and sponsorship
information, or contact
301.770.8351 or
[email protected]
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
The Home Run 10k/5k/fun run
Chair: Harvey Goodman
This community event benefits the
Hebrew Home and Jewish Foundation
for Group Homes. This year features
a new race route, which will end at
Federal Plaza on East Jefferson Street.
Post-race activities will include lots of
fun for kids, prizes for winning runners
and great food and beverages, in a
festive new setting. For information
check www.hebrew-home.org ■
Author Lauren Weisberger chats with
luncheon guests as she autographs
copies of her bestseller.
www.smithlifecommunities.org
June 2007 | Page 7
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON
LANDOW HOUSE • RING HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE
HIRSH HEALTH CENTER • RESEARCH INSTITUTE ON AGING
PAID
Permit #2913
Rockville, MD
20850
6121 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852-4856
Jewish holidays, Russian Victory Day and Cinco
de Mayo – residents at the Hebrew Home find
many reasons to celebrate life. Edna Gilmore
and Marie Dean enjoy Flamenco dancers who
performed at the Home.
How to
Reach Us
■
■
■
Hebrew Home
301.770.8476
www.hebrew-home.org
Hirsh Health Center
301.816.5004
Landow House
301.816.5060
www.landowhouse.org
■
■
■
Revitz House
301.881.7400
www.revitzhouse.org
Ring House
301.816.5012
www.ringhouse.org
Volunteer Programs
301.770.8333
✓Check 8111.
Support the Hebrew Home through your gift to United Way/CFC. ■
CampusCalendar
Special Events
1st Monday of every month
“Lunch & Learn,” at Ring House, 12:30–1:30 p.m. with Rabbi Samuel Scolnic, Rabbi Emeritus of Beth El
Synagogue. Treat yourself to lunch at the Ring House snack bar prior to the program and to thought-provoking
discussions. Parking available across the street at Panera.
3 June
Builders of the Future brunch, 10:30 a.m. at Ring House, featuring Laura Cohen Apelbaum of the Jewish Historical
Society, speaking about “Jewish Washington: Scrapbook of an American Community.” RSVP at 301.770.8342.
18 September
Golf Outing, Members Club at Four Streams, see page 7.
www.smithlifecommunities.org
30 September
Home Run Race, course begins at Hebrew Home and ends at
Federal Plaza, register online at www.hebrew-home.org.
LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of Greater
Washington, Inc. The Hebrew Home is registered in Maryland as
a charitable organization. Documents and information filed under
the Maryland Charitable Solicitation Act may be obtained from
the Maryland Secretary of State, 410.974.5534. We are an equal
opportunity employer and we provide access to community
programs without regard to race, age, national origin, familial
status, religion, sex or disability. Our services and programs are
open to all in the community.
Hanita Schreiber, Chair
Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO
Marilyn Feldman, Editor
Nicholas Simmonds, Vice President,
Development and Public Affairs
© 2007 by The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852-4856
301.881.0300
Page 8 | June 2007
Financial Planning Fall Series
AD:
E
H
NA
th
PLA
ber 8
l
l
a
B
t
h
g
i
l
Star
m
Dece
Philip W.S. Fish of Sandy Spring Bank will present a special three-part series
on “Comprehensive Estate Planning.” Sessions on November 1, 8, and 15 will cover “Fundamentals of Estate
Planning,” “Wills vs. Trusts – Which is Best For You?,” “Executing Your Comprehensive Estate Plan.”
Admission is free. Reservations are required. Call 1.800.399.5919 ext. 6795, or register online
at www.hebrew-home.org
Family and Caregivers Support Group
This support group is open to caregivers in the community as well as Charles E. Smith Life Communities families;
second and fourth Fridays of each month, 1–2 p.m. in the Smith-Kogod Residence. Contact Laurie Goldman,
301.770.8490.
www.smithlifecommunities.org
LifeTimes