January 2014 GW Voice
Transcription
January 2014 GW Voice
Vol. 18 18,, No. 1 – January 2014 P.O. Box 397, Cranbury, N.J. 08512 PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage PAID EDDM Retail Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 A Monthly Periodical Serving Greenbriar at Whittingham PRESENTED BY THE RESIDENTS CIVIC CLUB OF GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM “Peace on Earth, Good Will to All” By Arnold Bornstein I was about eight years old and living in a small coal-mining town in Pennsylvania called Shamokin. I was sitting in my school classroom when a classmate made an anti-Semitic remark to me. At the time, I didn’t know what she was talking about. Later on, of course, I understood. My father had come to the United States from Russia and opened a shoe store in Shamokin, and his brother, who came with him, opened a general store there. Our families were among the relatively few Jews living in the town at the time. The year was 1938. But there also was a balance to bias. A few months after entering the U.S. Navy in 1951, I recall a newly made acquaintance in my unit asking me, and knowing that I was Jewish, if I would go to a Catholic church with him to pray for his wife, who was quite ill at the time. We went, and he told me a few days later that she (Continued on page 10) Important To All Residents Editor’s note: In the spirit of the old adage, “Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable excuse for not conforming,” we repeat this announcement from the December issue. For your own convenience, please keep your Rules and Regulations binder in order and up-to-date. This is a list of all the Rules & Regulations and Resolutions, which were either revised and amended, or instituted for the first time in 2013, and mailed to residents. They should be placed in your Rules & Regulations binder Please check your Rules & Regulations binders to ensure you have added each behind the “Resolutions” tab in the appropriate section. If, for some reason, you do NOT have copies of particular ones, stop by the Concierge Desk to obtain replacements. They are color coded as follows: · YELLOW paper - applies to all homeowners; rules applying to common property, streets, etc. · GREEN paper – applies to residents who reside in Greenbriar · TAN paper – applies to residents in Village I/ Whittingham YELLOW paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-004/ Issuance and Use of Swimming Pool Passes YELLOW paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-005/ Issuance of Barcodes YELLOW paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-006/ Issuance and Use of Fobs YELLOW paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-008/ Resales – Transfer of Ownership YELLOW paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-011/ Community Election Campaigning Policies YELLOW paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-009/ Shopping Bus Rules YELLOW paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-013/ Community Signs YELLOW paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-014/NonResident Admission to Community for Activity Participation on Common Property (Continued on page 21) STORM #2: On December 15, an icy, slushy mess. More was predicted for December 17 and beyond! What's next in 2014? Sheila Werfel leads the Chorus in its Singalong Program. Singing Their Hearts Out By Ruth Banks The singing was loud and cheerful and the songs a delicious mix of old favorites and holiday. The GW Chorus performed its Holiday Concert with its usual gusto and elan at the Residents Civic Club meeting on December 11, showcasing songs and overcoming glitches in the sound system. Prior to the entertainment, Gene Gursky, club president, conducted the brief business meeting at which he shared some pertinent information to the residents and to veterans. Regarding the energy aggregation contract entered into by the township with Consolidated Edison Solutions, it will run from February 2014 to December 2015. If you have another supplier and want to “opt in” to the Con Ed deal, you need to contact Con Ed at 855 -884-9794 to arrange to “opt out” of that supplier and “opt in” to Con Ed. You have until the end of December to arrange for the Fire Department to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Residents who have not done so yet are urged to call 409-2980, extension 4, to arrange a visit from the Fire Department. If you are a veteran, you are entitled to a free Guardian Alert pendant. Contact Gene Gursky for further information. The Holiday Fund distributed $9500 to staff members, an amount that was about $1,000 less than last year. The (Continued on page 5) Thanks for Thanksgiving Dinner! By Ben Baum On November 28, Thanksgiving Day, 120 individuals attended the inaugural Monroe Community Cares Thanksgiving Dinner catered by City Streets Cafe. The outpouring of accolades for the service and thanks for the efforts of the Senior Center, sponsors and volunteers who made it possible were recorded. Each participant was asked to express their thoughts of gratitude on a piece of material that is being fashioned together as a quilt that will be unveiled in the spring. The quilters are all Middlesex County Department Heads or employees. Seniors who were alone for this holiday attended. If a senior had an aide that person was also invited to attend. In addition, if a senior had a child with no place else to go, those children were also welcomed. Because two Bookmobile staff members volunteered to drive on the holiday, transportation was provided for 15 partici- pants. All told, 66 volunteers contributed time and creative energy to this endeavor. In addition to the extensive planning that occurred, these volunteers greeted the participants and served the food. A significant number of the volunteers were GW residents. We were able to charge only $10 for this full course traditional Thanksgiving Dinner because of the generosity of (Continued on page 12) EYESIGHT Presented By Dr. Michael Trottini, OD From Outlook Eyecare Brought to you by the RESIDENTS CIVIC CLUB Wednesday, January 8, 2014 7:30 pm in the Ballroom Highlights will include: Glaucoma · Dry eye · Cataract ALL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 2 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE News from the WHOA Board By Bert Herling The WHOA Board would like to wish all our residents and staff a very healthy and happy New Year. We especially wish to extend our sincerest “thank you” to our dedicated staff for a year filled with activities and accomplishments, unattainable without their full professional input and cooperation. We look forward to the coming year for continued achievement and hope for good health for all. “Sprucing Up” As part of our continuing effort to “spruce up” the Towne Centre, the wooden railings and exposed portion of the steps leading up to the second floor have now been stripped and re-varnished. Comments by residents have been favorable and very positive. Another project, now completed, was the repaving of the parking lot outside the Nurse’s Greenbriar This Month By Marcia Forrest, GWCA President The Greenbriar at Whittingham Community Association Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our residents a happy and healthy New Year! The holidays may be over, but I hope the thoughts of good will toward our fellow man and peace on earth will resonate throughout the New Year. Just as I began to write this article, I learned of a phone call to the nurse made by relatively new residents of our community. The call was to inquire whether the nurse knew of anyone who might be alone on Thanksgiving so that they may be invited to spend the holiday with these new residents. I couldn’t help being moved by this story and hope by passing it on to the readers of the Voice that you might feel the same. Pet Waste In keeping with the theme of our beautiful community and in the spirit of keeping it that way, I would like to remind the residents that it is their responsibility to clean up after their pets. Unfortunately we have found it necessary to purchase and will be installing cameras in the areas where pet feces are showing up. So please be aware that you and your pets will be photographed, and you will be fined if you do not clean up after your pet. Committees The Board has reviewed all applications for their 2014 committees, and residents will be notified by mail in midDecember as to their appointments. I would like to thank all who have re-applied and congratulate all new appointees. Your services are invaluable! Landscape Maintenance The Board has negotiated an agreement with LMS for those residents who are interested in having the area between their air conditioning units and/or their generators edged and install 2-4 inch Delaware Valley stone. For more information, please contact Resident Services at 609655-5656, ext. 231. W HITTINGHAM VOICE THE G REENBRIAR at Staff Members S. Alexander Banks, Editor-in-Chief Amy P. Appleman Ruth Banks Ben Baum Annette Cavaliere Ellen Chmiel Joan Freeman Eileen Giacalone Art Gordon Don Greenfield Dick Herlands Dawn Horowitz Freddy Howard Arlene Lazar Harvey Lazar Gloria Montlack Olga Naccarella Dianne Pinkowitz Martin Rich Larry Sheppard Elaine Wintjen Editorial Board S. Alexander Banks, Editor-in-Chief Helen Oxenberg, Village I Burton Farber, Village II Arnold Riback, Representing Vill. II WHOA Representative Saul Brodman, Business Manager Advertising Office Princeton Editorial Services P.O. Box 397 Cranbury, NJ 08512 (732) 761-8534 e-mail: [email protected] Editorial Office Greenbriar Whittingham VOICE 100 Whittingham Drive Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 (609) 655-4791 e-mail: [email protected] Publisher Princeton Editorial Services P.O. Box 397, Cranbury, NJ 08512 · (732) 761-8534 or 8535 [email protected] The Greenbriar at Whittingham VOICE is a monthly periodical presented by the residents of Greenbriar at Whittingham, Monroe Township, New Jersey. All editorial material for publication should be submitted on or before the 3rd of the month prior to publication month to the Editorial Office. Greenbriar at Whittingham residents may deliver material to The GW VOICE mail box located at the Concierge Desk in the Towne Centre. The Greenbriar at Whittingham VOICE is not liable for any typographical or printing errors that may appear, including in its display or classified advertising, over the cost of the space of the advertisement. Note: The advertisements in The Greenbriar at Whittingham VOICE are, to the best of The VOICE’s and Princeton Editorial’s knowledge, accurate representations of the products and services offered. However, no endorsement by The VOICE or any other party is intended or implied. Acceptance of all materials is at the discretion of the publisher. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL MATERIALS © 2014, PRINCETON EDITORIAL SERVICES Office. This area was in need of both re-leveling as well as repaving. Unfortunately, this project took longer than anticipated because of the fact that the current asphalt was placed over the prior asphalt. This required the unexpected and time-consuming, extra work to remove this under layer. There was no way of knowing about this problem in advance and hence the delay. Walking Safety Please, for your own safety, obey the NJ Law and common sense to walk facing traffic. Walking against oncoming traffic has proven to be the safer way. Your safety is our primary concern and complying with this message will ensure your safety. Parking Violations It is with regret that I find it necessary to report that the abuse of the handicap and the 15-minute nurse’s visit parking spaces is still prevalent. These violators are risking receiving a citation, which may carry a potential fine of $100 with additional monetary penalties added for repeat offenders. Records of all offenders are being kept and repeated offenders listed. These abuses must cease since they are both immoral and unfair besides being a clear and intentional defiance and violation of our community’s rules. Those residents who really are in need of these designated spaces deserve and are entitled to them. Generator Vote On November 20, 2013, 1,029 residents cast their (Continued on page 4) GWCA Open Meeting-Nov. 22 By Ben Baum At this meeting the Board discussed and approved the 2014 Proposed Budget which reflected a nominal increase in costs from that charged in 2013. The increase in Operating Expenses and Reserves is only $20,436, a concerted effort on the Board’s part to contain costs. This Budget will result in a $1 increase in your monthly maintenance fee, from $67 to $68 for the GWCA component of the maintenance fee (WHOA will also add a dollar and the Golf Association fee will be $3 more per month). Arnie Riback spoke about a get out the vote initiative to increase the percentage of participants in our elections. He feels it is possible to reach the 66 and 2/3 % vote required to change some of our rules, including the $1000 fee for the Golf Course for new residents. President Marcia Forrest addressed the ongoing Trent Road Pond Issue. In spite of the innumerable rumors afloat about the Pond, Marcia shared that this issue has still not been resolved with the County. The following issues were addressed in response to the inquiries of GWCA residents who were present: Cameras will be placed at crucial points in the community to monitor those who don’t clean up after their dogs. Offenders will be fined because this is a health issue. Marcia will investigate the feasibility of weekly recycling (Continued on page 22) Message from The Manager’s Office B y William H. Hinkle, General Manager A happy and healthy new year is wished to all our residents from the staff! Have you picked up your 2013-2014 phone directory? If not, there is a supply of them available with the Concierge. You will need to pick up your OWN copy. For those who have already left for your winter destinations, a phone book will be waiting for you upon your return; there is a sufficient supply. The winter season has mildly arrived as of this writing, though much needed rainfall has become much more consistent throughout December. Management once again reminds those who will be away during any period during the winter to: Leave your telephone active as it will enable your alarm system’s ability to communicate with the central station (mandatory for all Village I/ Whittingham residents); Complete a vacation form (available from the www.gwmonroe.com website, Concierge, or Security Gate House) and drop it off at the Towne Centre; Ensure your emergency contact information listed with Security is up-to-date; Consider placing lights and a radio with a “talk show” on timers within your home, so that it appears that someone is in residence; Contact the Post Office so that mail can either be forwarded or held until your return; Remove any and all planters from your driveway or walk/ stoop and store them so they are not damaged during any snow clearing operation; and Remember to winterize your home (MTMUD forms available through our concierge) or leave the temperature at 60° or higher. Part of Security’s primary responsibility during the winter months is monitoring home surroundings for any possibility of an internal or external water break caused by frigid temperatures.. If you notice any irregularity throughout the community, do not hesitate to notify Management or Security. This is one reason we strongly urge all residents to provide us with accurate and updated emergency contact information. The east coast now moves into what can be two of the most challenging months of the year with the weather being unpredictable. The 2013-2014 Snow Bulletin is available for pick up at the Towne Centre. The community does not provide calcium chloride for application at individual residents’ homes; therefore, residents are encouraged to purchase calcium chloride for use at their homes. In many instances, a coating of the product on the driveway and/or walkway prior to or at the onset of an anticipated storm can assist in the clearing process. Manor Home units in Village I have buckets with calcium chloride placed near the top of the stairs as well as the bottom for resident use. Residents are reminded that vehicles should not be parked on the street if snow or inclement weather is anticipated. There is parking available for these vehicles in the upper Towne Centre lot. If you require preferential snow clearing and you have not already completed the application available in the Management Office, please take care of this as quickly as possible. Those eligible for priority snow clearing are individuals receiving dialysis, chemotherapy or radiation. Inspections will be ongoing during the winter months to identify those concerns with storm drains, roadways, walkways, any flooding and the basic external concerns throughout the community. Our front ponds will receive their annual cutting during the month. During the latter part of November and during the month of December, the annual holiday décor was displayed in and around the Towne Centre and our main entrance. I would like to take this opportunity to thank April Schauer, Krist in Lo udin , Bren da Sorenson, Dakotah LeClaire, and Kevin Cronin for their time and effort in this endeavor. WHOA and GWCA Boards have selected their 2014 committee appointments. Committees assist the Board in providing valuable input in their decision-making. The Boards thank each person who submitted an application. Letters have been sent advising those who applied as to their application’s status. Management reminds you that applications for exterior modifications must be submitted for the following changes in Greenbriar: solar panels, decks, patios, pavers, portico and walkways, awnings, roof replacements, HVAC replacement, railings, tubular skylights, window replacement, storm doors, painting of the front door, exterior light fixtures, PODS/dumpsters, landscaping, front lawn trees, out(Continued on page 3) Thank You Notes What a gratifying sight at the funeral home filled with family and friends gathered to pay their respects to the memory of my beloved husband, Ray, who passed away on September 29. I also want to thank you for your calls, cards and donations to our favorite charities. Further, a strong thank you is due the Minyan Group. Our family will always remem- ber the kindness shown us. Ethel Feld *** Dear friends, I want to thank all of you for your cards, gifts and visits, and especially for your kindness and caring during my surgery rehab. Your support has been a great comfort to me. With sincere appreciation, Beverly Seltzer GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE Letter to the Editor Editor, GW Voice I have been a resident of GW for four years and have seen our WHOA fees rise each year. While I understand that “everything” goes up and that the Board has kept the fee increases to a minimum, they still have risen. I believe that we must continually look into ways to reduce the fees rather than raising them. Some suggestions are: · Do we need garbage pick- up twice a week or during the winter months when almost half of our residents are snow birding? · Are Security personnel required at the main gate from 1 am UNTIL 5 am or is the truck patrol sufficient? · Would “Rent a Guard” security be more cost effective than full time benefited Security employees of GW? · Do we bid out our landscaping maintenance to the lowest bidder annually? Meet the Stars · With Monroe EMS and police at our back door do we need 24hr. nurse availability at Towne Center? How many calls or visits to the nurse between 12 midnight and 5 am do have each month? · Have we considered installing Solar Panels to offset our electric costs to heat the pool and light Towne Center? I’m sure that there are many other areas for savings that can be considered. If we have already evaluated the above issues, are the study results available? I like living here at Whittingham but future WHOA fees may drive me and others away. Sam Clemente Residents Civic Club President’s Message By Gene Gursky By Gail and Myron Alpern Backstage, at the November WHOA Show in MTHS, Rosalie and Howard Bloom met The Bronx Wanderers. When they were asked about the encounter, Rosalie said, “We had the pleasure of meeting the Bronx Wanderers after the show and they were just as friendly and personable as they were on stage. We will be fans for life. It helps to have been brought up in the Bronx. Go, Bronx Wanderers!” Through the years, so many of our Greenbriar at Whittingham residents have come backstage to meet the stars and all of them have had a wonderful and exciting time. The 2014 cavalcade of stars is being put together. Flyers will be available so stop by the concierge desk to see all the upcoming talent that we have in store for the New Year. Find out what your friends and neighbors are talking about and don’t miss out. Be part of the fun! Stay informed through our emails/flyers/channel 3 and monroenjonline (website). Come to our shows—you may be the next one to Meet the Stars! Emergency Generator for Towne Centre By Ben Baum On November 18, Greenbriar at Whittingham residents approved the purchase of a generator that will provide back-up power for the entire Towne Centre minus the Annex. The cost of this approved generator will be approximately $240,000, which will result in a one-time assessment of $150 per household. To reach a quorum, 536 votes were required, 1029 votes were tabulated! A large majority of those who voted yes voted for Proposal # 2 (for the entire Towne Centre without the annex.) Since there was no voting machine utilized for this election, all of the ballots were counted manually. Thank you to the judges who spent much time tabulating all 1029 ballots: Rose Corso, Justin Leiberman, Ben Baum and April Schauer. Because several of our residents had already left for warmer climes, voters were permitted to vote by fax and email as well as regular mail for the first time. The WHOA Board is “extremely pleased that such a large segment of our community took the time to express their opinion regarding this important matter.” Manager’s Message (Continued from page 2) door storage boxes, etc. In Village I, applications for architectural modification applications must be submitted for the following: awnings, landscaping, Manor Home enclosures and/or window replacement, attic fans, tubular skylights, railings, storm/screen doors, satellite dishes, window replacement, seasonal gazebos, installation/removal of a portable hot tub. If you are unsure if an application is necessary, contact the Management Office. Again, the staff and I wish you each a Happy and Healthy 2014. Our meeting December 11 was a wonderful ending to the year 2013. The GW Chorus was in wonderful voice and the evening was thoroughly enjoyable to all. Now I need your HELP. As the community ages, so do the residents and the members of the Residents Civic Club Board. What we could do ten years ago we are not able to do today. We need newer members to assist us on our mission to help and inform the residents and to be in a position to support the organizations that we give to each year. We need people to come forward to give a little time on our communications committee to remind past members how important it is to support the RCC so that we can support the Monroe Township organizations. We need people to come forward and help us on the refreshments committee to help with the coffee and, at the end of our meetings. We need people to come forward and help increase our membership in new and different ways. People who want to give back to their community and make it a better place to live than when they first arrived on the scene. JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 3 JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 4 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE Reunion in Florida By Claire Feinstein In Florida? Come to the January 31 reunion at the Delray Beach Golf Club. 2200 Highland Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445, from 12-4:30 pm. Cost is 30$ per person. Choose NY WHOA Board (Continued from page 2) votes on the question of whether or not we should purchase and install a generator for our community. A truly wonderful showing of the interest of the residents and the future of our community. Since this type of purchase is considered an improvement to the common proper and not an amendment to our governing documents, a 66 2/3 (or 1,072) yes vote was not a requirement. The requirement was a quorum of 536 (1/3 of 1,607 homes) which was easily obtained by the 1,029 voting residents. Proposal #2, a generator to power all of the main building of the Towne Centre was then approved by the required majority. The Board is grateful to the community for their interest and Strip Steak, Chicken Francaise or Poached Salmon. Dessert is your choice of sugar-free apple pie, chocolate raspberry mousse cake or fresh fruit. Send checks to Dianne Altman, 5943F Areca Palm Court, Delray Beach, FL 33484. For more information contact Dick Brief at 561-733-5243 or Martin Moskowitz at 561-638-9556. To all still up north, have a happy and healthy new year and an easy winter. taking the time to express their preference with regard to this very important matter. This large turn out and vote makes the result representative of the community as a whole and not merely the result of the vote of a small number of residents. We hope this amount of interest will continue concerning any future issue requiring a vote of the community. New Service Contracts We are pleased to report that new multi-year contracts have been negotiated and signed for lawn maintenance and snow clearing with Landscape Maintenance Services (LMS). Please note that Management requested proposals from several other vendors. The answers received were either significantly higher in cost and/or did not include snow clearing. A number of changes were made in the LMS contract, after negotiation, which are a benefit to our community. No increase in price is contained in the renewed fiveyear contract. A renewal of our contract with MIDCO for trash and recyclables has also been negotiated and will be signed. Several new services are included at no additional cost. After negotiation, MIDCO has agreed to add two (2) annual pick-ups for bulk items at no additional cost. It is also to be noted that for 2013, no increase was requested by MIDCO although, under the contract MIDCO was able to have requested and received an increase. They were generous in foregoing any increase in 2013. New contracts for the pool maintenance and lifeguards and for nursing care have been received and are being reviewed as this article was being prepared. We will report on the review in the next article, after negotiation, if any, is required. Management Policy for Invoice Copies Please note the following policy: As a resident of our community, you are entitled to request a copy of any invoice from our Accounting Office on the second floor. A request must, however, be in writing, on the form provided by the Concierge; the cost is $1 per copy, payable by check to “WHOA.” Please do not appear in the office which disrupts the working schedule. Submit a written request and you will receive a copy within five (5) business days. Walk for Breast Cancer Cure The waitress staff at our Tap Room, led by Greg’s lovable daughter, Kathy, joined together to take part in a 5K walk in Point Pleasant, NJ, to support the effort to find a cure for Breast Cancer. Bravo and three cheers for the hard-working Tap Room waitresses! Being on their feet all day did not stop them from staying on their feet, developing blisters, to join in this worthwhile endeavor. Thanks to you all! Pending Matters Several matters are being discussed and we will periodically report on their progress and any decisions made. This will be a continuing effort to keep the community informed and aware of the Board and Management’s efforts on your behalf. Resident Services If you have availed yourself of this service, which we provide to handle all types of handyman chores, you know what a wonderful experience it is. A full list of the types of repairs and installations is available in the office, on the side of the stage in the Ballroom. Irene Nemeth, who can be reached at 609-395-0404 ext. 231, will be glad to answer any question you may have and will schedule a convenient appointment. Due to our increased insurance and health benefit costs, we find it necessary to raise the 15-minute segment rate from $17 to $20. In comparison to the service charges outside our community, this rate is considerably lower and our service much more convenient and all-inclusive. The New Resident Get-Together By Sheila Werfel ‘Twas 20 nights before Christmas, when all thru’ the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; (thank goodness) The chairs were all placed ‘round the room with care. In hopes that the new residents soon would be there. When out on the lawn I heard such a clatter, That I rushed to the door to see what was the matter. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But people arriving, so friendly, so dear. They moved here from places some near and some far, But we all got together, does this sound bizarre? 30 people in all, sat down to talk, It was so interesting; no one even looked at the clock. There were retired professors and financial people too; Fund raisers, health care workers, and a pharmacist; who knew? Miriam answered questions about the boards and more, She was informative and interesting, for that we’re sure. A young couple just married and full of romance, He likes to enjoy sports while she wants to tap dance. An interesting man told of his escape from France, In 1942 when his only option was to take a chance. We talked, and we laughed, and we shared what we could, It brought us all closer, we all felt so good. And then it was time for coffee and cake It was the de-caf coffee that everyone wanted to take. As everyone left, and walked out of sight I heard them exclaim that it was a very good night. JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 5 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE Singing (Continued from page 1) money is the Club’s way of saying thank you to the many staff members who service the community in myriad ways, Adrian Mittler, Fund chairman, said while thanking all the donors for their generosity. Sandy Werfel, Membership chairman, appealed for volunteers to assist the club especially with the refreshment and communication committees. Ben Baum, Community Affairs chair, reported on meetings of the Freeholder Board, Council and Library. He noted that the first Soloists Sam Lerner And Frank Chierico Soloists Charlotte Dinowitz and Lydia Rosen Chorus Leader Sheila Werfel Calling for Minyan Volunteers The Minyan Group of Greenbriar at Whittingham has serviced our community for over 20 years and now we need your help in order to continue this most important function. To cover the broad spectrum of observance among residents, we need to ensure the presence of 10 men at all Shiva minyans. You do not have to be fluent in Hebrew to be part of our group but we need your presence. However, if you are fluent in Hebrew, we could also ask if you wish to be a minyan leader as well. For more information and to volunteer, please call: Eddie Thompson-860-2664/Aaron Nitkin-395-7598/Jim Penzias860-8344. Accompanist Janet Blau Thanksgiving Dinner hosted at the new Senior Center was a great success, with 120 individuals partaking of the festive meal, and 66 volunteers assisting, many of whom were from GW. Transportation was provided to 15 individuals. Jerry Cohen, program chair, reminded the audience that the January meeting will focus on eyesight, with a speaker from Outlook Eyecare. A sad note: in memory of Stanley Keller, a brick will be placed in the library’s Memory Garden in his memory. The theme of this year’s concert was “The best way to spread joy and cheer is singing lour for all to hear.” And that is what the 29 members of the chorus proceeded to do. Directed and conducted by Sheila Werfel, with Janet Blau at the piano, the auditorium reverberated with the song hits of yesterday, beginning with “It’s a Good Day,” proceeding to “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, with a solo performance by Lois Hayon, and moving into “The Trolley Song,” with solo duets by Charlotte Dinowitz and Lydia Rosen, and Frank Chierico and Sam Lerner. Sing-a-longs were a big hit, with “Winter Wonderland,” “ T h e C h r i s t m a s Song,” (“Chestnuts Roasting by an Open Fire” in disguise), “White Christmas,” and ending with “Auld Lang Syne.” Probably the most well known was “It’s a Small World” (first made famous at the 1964 World’s Fair) and even though it wasn’t actu- ally a “sing-a-long”, the audience joined in enthusiastically. The chorus’ next performance will be in May. The members of the chorus, who practice diligently for months, are: Bobbie Bruskin, Frank Chierico, Barbara Cohen, Norma Cottler, Charlotte Dinowitz, Harriet Ehrenreich, Roberta Ellen, Sally Gladstein, Jay Goldfine, Edward Goldman, Lois Hayon, Barbara Hollywood, Minerva Kasnetz, Claire Kluse, Bea Kun, Richard Lazar, Sam Lerner, Gloria Mach, Joyce Mandel, Gary Mandell, Geri Mandell, David Milstein, Olga Naccarella, Manny Neuwirth, Lydia Rosen, Renee Sonnenberg, Gay Spector, Judy Weinstein, Stan Wilde. JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 6 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE THE COMMUNITY AROUND US Civic Affairs Energy Aggregation Program By Jerry Tamburro Monroe Township Council President We were very pleased with the rate we were able to obtain for the Monroe Township Energy Aggregation Program (MTCEA) from ConEdison Solutions. ConEdison Solutions will provide electric supply at a price of $0.08435 per keh from February 2014 to December 2015. ConEdison Solutions is part of Consolidated Edison, Inc., a public utility holding company that also owns utility companies in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Currently, residential service customers in the Township of Monroe (rate class RS) pay JCP&L an average price (socalled ‘price to compare’) of approximately $0.103 per kwh. The JCP&L rate for electric supply will remain at its current rate until May 31, 2014, when new rates go into effect. The ConEdison Solutions contracted price of $0.08435 is approximately 18.5% below the average current JCP&L rate The aggregation program is only for the energy supply portion of your electric service. The delivery portion will continue to be provided by JCP&L at regulated rates and JCP&L will continue to provide all emergency and safety services. JCP&L will also continue to provide customer services such as meter reading, billing and service If you are currently a customer of JCP&L you do not have to do anything to receive the aggregation rate and you will receive information as to what the program offers and how to opt out of the aggregation, if you so desire. However, this is important if you currently receive power supply from a third party supplier such as Viridian, Gateway, Dominion, or Constellation but you wish to drop them as your supplier and be included in the MTCEA program. There are a couple of ways that you can ‘opt-in’ to the program. The first is by sending Gabel Associates, the Township’s energy agent that has been retained to oversee the program, an email expressing this desire and including the name on the electric account, the 20digit JCP&L customer number on your bill, and your service and (if different) billing address, and Gabel will provide that information to the Township’s selected supplier, ConEdison Solutions. The second method is to contact ConEdison Solutions directly, at their toll-free phone number (855-884-9794), to request to enroll (be sure to indicate specifically that you are a Monroe Township resident and that you wish to enroll in the MTCEA program). Regardless, I would urge you, before dropping your current supplier and enrolling in the MTCEA program, to carefully review the terms and conditions of your arrangement with your current supplier to be assured that you will not incur any early termination fees or other penalties if you drop their service at this time. I hope you all have a happy and healthful new year! Fire District Elections Topic at LWV Meeting By Ruth Banks The League of Women Voters of Monroe Twp. will focus attention on the fire districts at its meeting on January 27 at the Municipal Building at 1 pm. Representatives of the fire commissions of the three fire districts have been invited to participate in a discussion of a number of issues related to the elections. This includes voter turnout, ballot procedures, and communication with the public. A previous League study on the fire district showed that fire district elections have a notoriously low voter turnout. By State Statute 40-A:72, the elections are held the third Saturday in February. At least 30% of the residents in the Planned Retirement Communities are out of state in February. Many other residents also take winter holidays. Another issue is the procedure of balloting since the fire districts are the only people responsible for the elections. Additionally, there are many questions about how the districts communicate with the residents of their respective districts. Residents will be asked to vote on the budgets, and to elect three fire commissioners. Who they are, what are the procedures for filing to run, where and when the election is held, who is responsible for validating the votes, and so on are some of the issues which will be raised. In the 2002 League study, we had recommended that districts include training of poll workers in the non-partisan conduct of the balloting procedures and allow observers to be present during the balloting and counting of ballots to insure the neutral and nonpartisan aspect of the election. It is also hoped that the districts could report on any progress being made in implement- ing the recommendations of the 2012 comprehensive study of the fire districts, which included a shared services agreement detailing a number of benchmarks to mark progress. At this writing, Maurice Mahler, chair of Fire District #2 commission and Joe Haff, Fire District #3, have accepted the League’s invitation to participate. The League is a nonpartisan political organization whose mission is to help inform and educate its members and the public about significant policy issues. It’s organized on three levels, similar to the government, so there’s a national office, a state office and local Leagues. Membership is open to men and women. The Monroe Township League meets monthly on the fourth Monday at the Municipal Building at 1 pm. If a holiday falls on that day, it will meet on the third Monday. In June, it holds its annual meeting and luncheon, and in November it has a Holiday Luncheon. No regular meetings are planned for those months. Occasionally it will meet at the library, and on February 24, 2014, it will be meeting there, barring any snowstorms. For information on the League programs or about joining the League, please contact Ruth Banks, 609-655-4791, Judy Perkus, 609-395-1552, or Fran Glass, 609-860-7890. Around Town and Beyond By Ben Baum Middlesex County Freeholders Meeting-October 17(via Freeholders’ Website)-In one month there were 45,000 county-wide bus trips provided by the Middlesex County Area Transit System (MCAT) for doctor appointments and other medical treatments. A presentation was made by Women Aware, the group that works to prevent domestic violence. Women Aware provides emergency shelters, legal advocacy and permanent supportive housing. If you aren’t aware that this is a significant national problem, consider this statistic: in 2012, 3.3 million children were witness to violence against their mothers. The Finance Department reported that the County has retained its Standard and Poor AAA rating. The Sheriff’s Office reported the creation of the first Sheriff’s Office Civilian Academy in the state. The Academy instructs the partici- pants, ranged in age from 1982, about the internal operations and functions of the Sheriff’s Office. McFoods, the County Food Bank, received 377 tons of food from January through September, 2013. Monroe Township Library Board of Trustees MeetingsOctober 21 and November 18. The Library staff with the support of the Police Department successfully caught the thief who has been stealing new non-fiction titles for a year. Studio M, 3D Printer and tech lab, was featured in the Fall issue of the New Jersey Library Association Magazine. A Plan of Service for 2014 was presented by the Director. 160 N.J. Youth Services Librarians attended a forum at our Library. The monthly average number of patrons that have checked out materials from January through November is 24,602. On Mondays through (Continued on page 8) GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE From Our Mayor B y Richard Pucci, Twp. of Monroe Energy Aggregation to Save Residents 15% After many years of being an advocate for Group Energy Aggregation purchasing, Monroe residents will be able to take part in a program that will save them money on their monthly electric bills. On November 14, the Monroe Township Council awarded a 22-month contract to ConEdison Solutions of NY to provide electrical power supply to Township residents. The contract approval should save residents nearly fifteen percent (15%) of the generation portion of their electric bills over the term of the contract. On average, the savings would translate to roughly $160 annually for the average customer, and even more for those with allelectric homes. The total projected savings for all Monroe residents combined is $4 million. The contract award is the result of the Monroe Township Community Energy Aggregation (MTCEA) program that was launched in early 2013. Monroe is one of the first municipalities in the State to successfully award an electric supply contract under the Government Energy Aggregation (GEA) Act, which gives municipalities the authority to undertake a bulk purchase of electric power supply for its residents. The contract signed with Con Edison Solutions sets a fixed price of $.08435 per kilowatt-hour for electric power generated for 22 months for all residents who receive electric power from JCP&L beginning in February 2014. The program also provides for the continuation of budget billing for those residents who have similar arrangements with JCP&L. As a comparison, the current JCP&L electric supply rate is more than $.107 per kilowatthour. Participation by residents in the Energy Aggregation Program is voluntary. All residents currently being provided electric supply by JCP&L received a mailing containing a program description and an “opt-out” card. Prior to enrollment, residents will have a 30-day period to decide if they wish to “opt-out” of the program. Residents who already have a third-party electric provider will have to “opt – into” the program. It is recommended that residents check whether or not they would be penalized for leaving their third-party supplier prior to opting into the program. Residents should also ensure that the MTCEA rate is better than the one they are currently receiving, remembering that the MTCEA rate will be fixed at $.08435 for 22 months. Those with third-party suppliers that want to “opt-into” the program should contact ConEdison Solutions directly at their toll-free phone number, (855)-8849794, to request to enroll. Municipal Energy Aggregation has been a long-time goal of mine and I am happy that it has finally taken off in New Jersey, and that Monroe Township is among the first municipalities to conduct a successful bid under the program. MTCEA will provide welcome electric rate relief for our residents, in particular to the 5,500 households living in all-electric retirement communities. JCP&L will still provide delivery service and will continue to issue a single bill for electricity. The JCP&L bill will include charges for delivery service (which will continue to be provided by JCP&L), and a separate line item for power supply received from ConEdison under the MTCEA program. In addition, residents who are on a 12-month budget plan with their current provider where they pay equal monthly payments will be able to maintain the same type of billing plan. The MTCEA Program was implemented with the assistance of the energy consulting team hired by the Township consisting of Gabel Associates of Highland Park, NJ, a State-registered energy agent, and Cooling America through Local Leadership (CALL), a not-for-profit entity. The MTCEA Program is structured so that the Township does not incur any outof-pocket expenses for consulting fees or professional services. Township Attorney Joel L. Shain provided legal services to the Township in its negotiations with Gabel and ConEdison Solutions. JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 7 JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 8 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE GW Chapter Jewish Federation By Eddie Thompson Shalom Havarem (greeting friends), Happy 2014—-may this year be a healthy, peaceful, happy, and prosperous year for everyone. The Jewish Federation Super Sunday telethon will be on Sunday, January 12th. Please answer the call and give generously as the need is great— and in these rather distressing economic times, the need is greater than ever. You may ask where the money goes that we receive through your donations: 40% is used to care for the vulnerable—particularly here in Middlesex County—-for seniors, single parent families, people who have lost their jobs and are struggling to provide food and care for their families, and others with physical and emotional problems; 20% is utilized to forge strong connections with Israel; 10% helps to attract people to a more vibrant Middlesex Jewish community so they are made aware of how to help and interact with their fellow Jews; 30% of the Around Town (Continued from page 6) Saturdays there is an average of over 1000 patrons per day! Monroe Township Council Regular Meeting-December 2 -The agenda for this meeting called for a presentation by the Historic Preservation Commission. Instead John Katerba, Commission Chair honored Henry Miller, who will be leaving the Council on December 31 after 24 years of service. Hank Miller has been a supporter and innovative leader of the Commission. An agreement has been reached between Toll Brothers and the residents of Regency to expand their development by 3 acres and add 55 homes instead of condos. It is projected that when all the homes in the Township are reevaluated, 10,000 of the 18,000 homes will receive a tax deduction or their taxes will remain the same. An ordinance was passed to purchase parcels of land for use as open space on Legends Drive off of SpotswoodEnglishtown Road at a cost of $1,160,000. funds through various programs inspire the next generation to embrace Jewish life and sustain our Jewish religion, customs, and heritage. More than $1.6 million was distributed to organizations, programs, and services that sustain the fabric of Jewish life during fiscal 2013. The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County has deepened its commitment to innovative programs helping people, including those with special needs, consistent with our obligation to ensure that all in our Middlesex Jewish community are served without exception. Federation’s support of monthly socialization groups for children, support groups for parents, and grants for overnight camp bring more individuals into the circle of caring. Deepening our connections to Israel is at the core of enriching Jewish life. Nearly one fourth of Federation funding is used by the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Joint Distribution Committee (“The Joint”) for humanitarian assistance and to strengthen Jewish communities in Israel and overseas. In addition, Jewish Federation affords dozens of young people the opportunity to experience Israel and solidify their Jewish identity. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and an active participant with Jewish Federation and/or serve on the Jewish Federation Greenbriar at Whittingham board, please call copresidents, Dorothy Thompson (860-2664) or Judy Brodman (395-8171), or you may call the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County office directly at 732-5881800. If you are experiencing any personal problems or have any concerns, you may call any of these phone numbers. Dates to be aware of: our annual community-wide Jewish Federation Yom Hashoah Commemoration on Sunday, April 27, 2014. May 4, 2014—the annual Rutgers Hillel Walk & Run. The Jewish Federation will be involved with this event and there will be an additional program to complement the day. Israel Mission to Israel—this will be a Mega Mission and will involve Middlesex, Ocean, Monmouth, and Mercer Jewish Federations. The dates are October 26November 3, 2014. The costs are expected to be between $1700-$2300 depending on which part of the program a participant chooses. These costs do not include airfare. Further details will be forthcoming. The Jewish Federation also supports a special program that many people are probably not aware of: There is an organization called the NJ Coalition against Human Trafficking and they are partnering with S.O.A.P (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution). They help provide support to victims of human trafficking and there may be a serious problem in New Jersey during the upcoming Super Bowl 2014. Volunteers are needed (200-400 volunteers). There will be two training sessions in New Jersey: Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 9-2, and Sunday, January 26, 2014 from 10-3. For additional information and to volunteer, please go online to SOAPNJ.EVENTBRITE.COM or WWW.NJHUMANTRAFFICKING.ORG. We welcome your comments, concerns, and input, so please feel free to contact our co-presidents or the Federation office at the abovementioned phone numbers. Save the Date The Monroe Township Public Library 25th Anniversary Gala honoring Mayor Richard Pucci will be held Friday, April 4, 2014. Starting at 6 p.m., there will be cocktails, dinner and dancing at Forsgate Country Club, music by the Esteem Orchestra. A Silent Auction will follow to benefit the Monroe Township Public Library Foundation. The foundation was established to ensure that the Monroe Township Library continues to provide an outstanding informational, educational and cultural environment, through a sound financial base in a state -of-the-art facility. GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE The Cinema By Larry Sheppard DALLAS BUYERS CLUB is based on the real life story of HIV victim Ron Woodroof ( M A T T H E W McCONAUGHEY). He is a rodeo rider severely addicted to womanizing, drinking and drugs. After an accident, he is informed by a doctor that he has HIV with one month to live. In total disbelief and in no uncertain terms, he tells the doctors that he is not a ‘fag’ and stomps out of the hospital. As his illness becomes more apparent, he begins to illegally buy AZT, an experimental drug, from a hospital orderly. His former homophobic buddies deride him and he finds himself a loner until meeting another HIV victim, transvestite Rayon (JARED LETO). Their relationship becomes one of both derision and caring as they realize their need for each other. After visiting a renegade doctor (GRIFFIN DUNNE) in Mexico who is successfully treating HIV patients with medicine and vitamins not approved by the FDA, Ron recognizes that there is a profit in providing drugs to other HIV patients. He creates the Dallas Buyers Club, an entry fee organization providing illegal drugs to paying members which hinders the medical authorities from closing him down. Ron’s tenacity and verbal antagonism about the FDA’S reluctance to approve drugs quickly and their possible collusion with the drug companies is expounded vociferously. Finally, the film ends with a postscript stating that Ron lived for seven years after being given 30 days to live. Did this prove that he was right and the medical establishment wrong? Maybe, but I do know that both MATTHEW and JARED will both be nominated for Academy Awards come January. This is a special film well worth seeing. RATING…A-. GRAVITY, heavily lauded by the critics, did not measure up to my expectation as a space adventure or even as a unique film. What did stand out were the special effects although they even seemed repetitive as the film played out. Matt Kowalski (GEORGE CLOONEY) and Dr. Ryan Stone (SANDRA BULLOCK) are working on the exterior of a space vehicle floating majestically above the Earth. Matt is a seasoned astronaut while Ryan is a novice and their chatter is light as they attempt to repair a damaged device. Suddenly, there is a warning of imminent danger as a nearby space vehicle breaks apart and debris destroys their own home craft. They must now decide how to rescue themselves from floating out into space and eventually dying as their oxygen supply runs out. A Chinese satellite space station is about 100 kilometers away and their efforts to get to it takes up most of the remaining plot. The technology is daunting, the cinematography brilliant but what is missing is character development . I would cite HAL, the errant robot, in STANLEY KUBRICK’S masterpiece, 2001, and the stress of Senior Solutions By Helen Oxenberg, MSW, ACSW (Helen Oxenberg’s column, Senior Solutions is syndicated and appears in several states) Dear Solutions: My cousin’s husband died over a year ago. From that time on she has absolutely refused to go anywhere where other women are there with their husbands. Many of these people were good friends of her’s and her husband’s in the past and they keep telling her they want her company. Two of the women are also widows and they are happy to join the group. It’s true she was the quiet one and counted on her husband to be the social being but I’m afraid she’s making herself more and more isolated and depressed. Any suggestions? -MollyDear Molly: Sounds like she believes that since she’s “unmanned” she’s uninteresting and is better off being unavailable. Perhaps, if you knew the other women you might suggest to them that they invite her to join them for lunch or other activities without any men present. Maybe they could reassure her about joining the couples along with them. In addition it sounds like she should get some counseling to help with her bereavement and her ability to go on with her life. Dear Solutions: My son and daughter-in-law recently had an adorable baby boy. Before he was born they said they w o u l d name him after my husband who died two years ago. When he was born my daughter-inlaw said she loved a different name and gave that name to the baby. They don’t plan to have any other children so this is my only grandchild. I feel that this was a promise and I’m upset. I would like to at least add a middle name for my husband. Our religion has a special naming ceremony and I would like to do this there but my daughter-in-law is of a different religion so how do I handle this? -EmmaDear Emma: With great care. Talk to your son first and make it clear to him that you love the baby and your daughter-in-law and you don’t want to upset anyone but this is important to you. If your son doesn’t wish to go further then drop it. One day you can tell your grandson about his grandfather and include your husband in talking about family history. Give priority to being a part of your grandson’s life and experiencing the pleasure this will bring by whatever name. Dear Solutions: My daughter is getting married soon. Good friends and relatives made her a tasteful, lovely bridal shower. Now, though, her colleagues (Continued on page 21) the three astronauts in APOLLO 13 as an example of how to make a film relevant to the audience. Even the final space trip to Earth with Ryan landing on water and almost drowning seemed gimmicky rather than realistic. As usual, 3D projection didn’t help either. RATING…C+. PHILOMENA is based on the true story of Philomena Lee’s (JUDI DENCH) attempt to find her son given up for adoption 50 years ago. She is aided in her search by a reporter, Martin Sixsmith (STEVE COOGAN) who has been employed by a publication to provide a humaninterest story for their magazine. Their only lead is at the convent where Philomena bore her illegitimate son when her family abandoned her. In reoccurring flashbacks, we see her only joy is seeing her child for one hour a day. In order to stay at the convent, she had been forced to sign a document allowing him to be adopted and to give up her right to contact him in the future. This last clause becomes a problem when the convent refuses to help her and in fact, even lies about any knowledge of his whereabouts. After several futile leads, they discover that her son was adopted by a wealthy American couple and he eventually became a respected legal advisor in the Reagan administration. Although there are several twists and turns in the narrative which occasionally slow the pace, JUDI does her usual wonderful job as an aging Irish Catholic who can still forgive those who hurt her. On the other hand, STEVE gives the counter viewpoint as an atheist who pontificates on the injustice of the church which allowed this sad tale to happen. Together, they make an interesting and touching story even better. Bring a Kleenex or two! You may need them. RATING...A-. JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 9 JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 10 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE The Green Thumb By Laura Resnick Do you experience the blues at this time? Indoor greenery can brighten things up a lot. Our houseplants not only add a decorative touch; they bring a friendly, festive atmosphere to any area in the home. POLICE BLOTTER: Overwatering is the No. 1 killer of houseplants, and some wellmeaning gardeners are dangerous perpetrators. Plants cannot grow in waterlogged soil because the excess water drives out air, which is vital to root growth. Roots rot; the soil becomes foul smelling. Once this happens to a houseplant, it is beyond salvation. Discard the victim, start over with a healthy plant, and do not repeat the crime. THE NEW MATH: Add to your collection by multiplying your houseplants. Simply stick cuttings in water. Examples: coleus, ivy, wandering Jew, philodendron, Swedish ivy. Cut several end shoots 6”-8” long. Remove a few bottom leaves, thus forming nodules from “Peace on Earth” (Continued from page 1) was doing fine. The history of humanity on this planet is riddled with instances of prejudice and bigotry — including man’s inhumanity to man. And it usually involves race, religion or nationality. In my case, it didn’t really affect me, other than my feelings, fortunately being born and raised in one of the greatest which new roots will emerge. Place the stems in a jar of water, or use an elegant wine goblet (why not?) making sure to keep the leaves out of the water. When the roots are 1”-2” long, pot up the cuttings. In this way you will enhance your collection and maybe have extras to exchange with friends. THE HELPFUL FUNGUS AMONG US: No doubt you have sautéed the fresh ones or crumbled the dried ones into your pilaf, but did you ever think that mushrooms spring from a mesh of underground filaments? This remarkable fungus web can decompose and recycle organic debris into soil, bringing essential nutrients to plant roots. In the field of medicine, mushroom enzymes are being tested in the fight against shingles, influenza, HIV and cancer. Many edible varieties are rich in niacin, antivirals and Vitamin D. And they taste good, too. AFRICAN VIOLETS NOT BLOOMING? After some years your plant may be potbound and needs dividing. Take it out of the democracies the world has ever known. What could have happened to me and countless others if we had been born in other parts of the world, rather than the United States? I still recall standing on a chow line (during a meal) in the Navy during the Korean War, when I still had the habit of calling people “dude.” You know, like when somebody says, “Hey, man” or “Hey, buddy.” pot. If several plants are growing together, separate them and place each plant in its own 4” pot. If it is a single plant with a thick stem, remove the big lower leaves and repot it with the stem buried in the soil. It may take six months before they start to bloom, but they should bloom regularly thereafter. A NECESSARY WINTER’S REST: This is the low point of the gardening year, with the world outside our windows lying cold and still. With the rush and bustle of the holidays over, January can seem like a letdown. Spring is impossibly far off. It’s too soon to look for any signs of plant life. The lilac won’t bloom without frigid dormancy, and the daffodils won’t flower without weeks of cold slumber. We gardeners also need our long winter’s rest, so indulge yourself without guilt. Put your feet up, take a nap, have some hot chocolate. A fresh round of digging, sowing and weeding will be upon us before we know it. Calendar Note: The Green Thumbs will meet on Tuesday at 11 am on January 14 at the Monroe Twp. Senior Center. Suddenly, the sailor in front of me spun around, with his fists raised and ready to swing. I backed off and shouted, “What the hell’s wrong?” He calmed down and then said, “Where I come from, dude is another word for n—er. He came from South Carolina and the year was 1951. But human nature — even when affected by bigotry — can take an alternate twist when facing a shared fear or aspect. Much later, when on a ship and learning that it would be heading for Korea and operating with aircraft carriers off the Korean coastline, you could sense a feeling of tension. When relying on each other in a crisis, bigotry apparently is forgotten. My oldest brother served with an armored division (tanks) during World War II. He was somewhat observant of Jewish traditions. He told me that periodically when in barracks he would pray and lay tefillin (very small cases that include excerpts from the Old Testament and which are attached to narrow black straps that are wrapped around the arm and hand and forehead while praying). He said with a chuckle, “They used to tease me that I was a Russian spy.” There were about 275 to 300 crew members on my ship, a small one called a destroyer, and we seemed to be somewhat of a cross-section of America at the time. Including myself, there were three Jews on our ship. I became good friends with a shipmate named Bert, who was from a small town not too far from New Orleans. He told me I was the first Jew he had ever met and gotten to know. He used to talk about his young stepbrother, a boxer named Willie Pastrano (real name: Wilfred Raleigh Pastrano), who later became boxing’s lightheavyweight world champion, 1963-1965. As you know, today’s world is still riddled by man’s inhumanity to man. And we live in the Nuclear Age and the era of nuclear weapons. Whatever your beliefs or nonbeliefs, the following words should have enormous meaning to everybody and our children: “Peace on earth, good will to all!” GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE Finance and Investing By Irwin Kaplan My 2014 Economic Outlook Look for more of the same 2013 economic conditions to continue in 2014: slow revenue growth, rising inflation and taxes, slow rising interest rates, high American debt, high unemployment rates, unfunded pensions, mixed recovery in American real estate and housing, state and municipal income and debt problems, the continuing aches and pains in international economies, and a stock market plagued with uncertainty about the future and stock price justification. Did I get it all? Maybe. We will have to wait to score it. It reminds me a lot of the U.S. economic conditions of the 1929 depression and 1930’s unemployment, and the dust bowl days, and the preWorld War II economic pick-up in the U.S. in the late 1930s. There was a long sad wait for things to get better for the average “Joe” then too. The real risks for stocks in 2014 are the ones you can’t see. Interest rates and inflation are set to rise in the U.S. which may slow corporate profits growth and business expansion. And, unfortunately, Congress bickering will continue in 2014. This creates an economy for making very careful investment decisions. However, some sectors of the stock market have attributes now that make investments in the companies of those sectors attractive. My picks for attractive sectors now, are health care, electric and gas utilities, water utilities, select REITs, and select financial services. Each of these sectors has something going for it that enhances their revenue and income prospects for at least the next few years, and perhaps longer. Health Care The aging of America will continue and put more emphasis on health care. An increasing number of retirees enjoying their retirement years will require more medical related services. Health care spending seems likely to accelerate. New laws about health care are in effect and will cause increased spending on health care initially, too. Because of the health care expansion, health care company revenues should rise during 2014. Not every health care related company will have automatic higher revenues and profits, it will depend on their management and specific medical products, services, and consumer demands. Electric and Gas Utilities Prices charged by public electric utility companies are regulated by state or local government regulation. Rate increases for capital investments and expenses need to be approved by these authorities. This procedure can take time and there is no guaranty that the request for higher rates will be approved. However, investment in public utility companies is considered a defensive investment move because public utilities generate a steady cash flow. Uncertain economic times usually help utility companies because people still need water, electricity and natural gas to flow uninterrupted regard- less of the of the shape of the economy. Low interest rates make the steady and relatively high dividend yields currently offered by utilities an attractive sector to invest in. Some utilities have been paying dividends and increasing them over long periods of time. Rising interest rates and inflation can have a negative effect on public utilities stock price just like any other stock investment. Water Utilities The water utility industry is similar to the electric and gas utility industry because most American drinking water is provided by city or regional controlled governmental systems. Most public water companies need to invest in their aging infrastructures to provide good distribution, safe drinking water, and maintenance. Water is a vital resource. Water is needed for almost all human endeavors. There are drinking needs, water needs for industrial processes - fracking for instance - chemical and drug manufacturing, cleaning. The uses go on and on. Water consumption has expanded rapidly along with an increasing U.S. population. And, in some U.S. areas there are water shortages now. While water companies vary in distribution size and water reserves, they have the ability to create a steady cash flow from customers. In addition, there is a movement toward consolidation in the industry. Water companies pay dividends and offer future capital gains. Not all the public water companies are financially the same so the investor has to do balance sheet and income statement homework to invest in the industry. Selected REITS Real estate investment trusts - REITs - can add diversification and generous yield to a portfolio. Commercial REITs are expected to perform well as the economy rebounds. They are required to distribute 90% of their taxable income to their investors. REITs also benefit from no corporate income tax, which can result in higher dividend payments for investors. There is modest growth expectations in real estate values over the next few years, fueled by relatively low interest rates that make selected REITs investment candidates. Not all REITs are the same. Look for REIT companies that can increase earnings along with dividends in 2014 and beyond, and those that have a unique business formula. Financial Services In tandem with the aging U.S. population and work force, an increase in the use of banks, financial services, and insurance companies can be expected. The anticipated changes in the tax laws will cause the population to have more interest in tax, estate, and legal advice, too. This is a (Continued on page 19) JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 11 JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 12 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE Computer Tips and Tricks By Herman Strauss Goodbye XP Microsoft extended support for Windows XP ends on April 8, 2014; after this date, Microsoft will not release any security patches or updates for it. This will effectively make Windows XP extremely vulnerable to hackers and their malware!!! When Windows XP launched in 2001, it was widely adopted by enterprises and quickly became one of the most popular operating systems from Microsoft - and it still is today. Today, 12 years and three Microsoft operating systems later, XP still currently owns roughly 31 percent of market share, that’s an estimated 500 million PCs. On April 8, 2014, however, those 500 million PCs are scheduled for a rude awakening. If Microsoft holds to its current XP lifecycle, the extended support for XP will end, forcing them to migrate or be open to countless security threats, as hackers actively pursue XP’s vulnerabilities to unleash viruses and access their sensitive data. Options The best solution would be to switch to Windows 7 or Windows 8 (or 8.1). Windows 7 looks very much like XP, retaining Icons and the Start Button. This will give you the shortest learning curve. Windows 7 computers are still available, but not from the major stores. Go on line to the manufacturers (Dell, Gateway, HP, etc.). I recommend at a minimum 6 gb of RAM and an Intel i3 processor (8 gb of RAM and an i5 processor will give you considerably more speed). Windows 7 is powerful software and it requires equal power from the PC it runs on. If the PC doesn’t meet requirements for Windows 7, it won’t run the software very well. See how the hardware stacks up by visiting the Windows Welcome Center: Click Start, right-click Computer, and choose Properties. Look in the window’s System area to see its hardware stats. Here’s a quick look at what a PC needs to run Windows 7 well. Part Processor (CPU) Requirement 1 GHz or faster CPU Memory (RAM) 1 GB RAM Hard drive free space 16 GB Disc drive DVD drive Graphics memory 128 MB or more Worst-case scenario and only to be a temporary option: Running an unsupported system leaves data at risk, putting XP-run computer users in a difficult position. One option to consider prior to the April 8th deadline next year is to keep XP, but lock-down administrative rights and don’t let anything new be installed on it (virtual applications would be a good route here, as they don’t require installations to run). Bottom line Sword of Damocles: Hackers are researching and gathering their resources to target XP equipment after April 8, 2014. What you should do: Download and run Microsoft’s free upgrade advisor to see if you can upgrade your computer: · To Windows 7 - http:// windows.microsoft.com/enus/windows/downloads/ upgrade-advisor · To Windows 8/8.1 - If your computer can run Windows 7, it most probably can run Windows 8. Windows 8 has a very lenient set of system requirements and the chances are that if your machine is capable of running a recent version of the operating system to a decent degree, you should have no trouble with Windows 8, although some of the programs that ran on XP are NOT compatible with Windows 8. That said, it is always a good idea to check these things out and as has happened with previous versions of Windows, Microsoft has released the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to make it easy to check hardware and software compatibility, available at http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/ downloads/3328755/microsoftwindows-8-upgrade-assistant The app takes the form of a simple wizard which is entirely automated. The assistant will spend a few minutes examining your system in detail and you’ll then be provided with a list of software and hardware that will or will not work under Windows 8. Everything you have installed will be broken down into a list of compatible hardware and software, and those that need your attention. In some instances you will simply be told that a particular program or piece of hardware is completely incompatible and you will then have to look to the manufacturer to see if there are updates available. Some software, such as iTunes, has advisory steps that should be followed, and the assistant will also point out any features of your current version of Windows that are not available in Windows 8. You are then asked to say which of your current files and settings you would like to transfer to Windows 8. This information is used, along with details of the hardware and software you have, to determine which version of Windows 8 is most suitable for your needs. You are then invited to purchase the download edition of Windows 8 with the option of adding a backup DVD for an extra fee. Before you abandon your old computer, make sure that you back up any files that you created or saved (typically all of the files in you’re My Documents, My Pictures and My Favorites folders) to some type of external storage. These can be recopied to the new machine. However – programs can NOT be copied, but must be reinstalled. Make sure that you have the disks and installation passwords for all of the programs that you want to keep. You might also want to securely erase all of the data on your old hard drive so that no one can recover your personal data. I use a free program called “Eraser” (http://eraser.heidi.ie) to do this – or simply remove the hard drive from your old computer. For more computer tips and tricks, come to the Computer Club meeting at 9:30 am on the fourth Saturday of each month in the Towne Centre Ballroom. Club membership is $10 a year. Thanksgiving (Continued from page 1) our 14 sponsors: BCB Community Bank, The Gardens at Monroe, GW Connections, Brookdale Assisted Living at Wynwood, Saint Peter’s Hospital, Point of Care Pharmacy, Seaview Orthopedics, Hospice of New Jersey, VFW Post 262, Francis E. Parker Memorial Home, Clearbrook Jewish War Veterans, Jewish Congregation of Clearbrook, Joseph Shapiro, D.D.S., McCaffrey’s and Costco. Discussion has already begun for Thanksgiving Dinner 2014 at the Senior Center. GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE News from the Golf Course Board December brings the beginning of cold weather. However, there are still some warm sunny days, and many golfers take advantage of the opportunity to play. The course is much less crowded since the snow birds have left for the warmer areas of the country. The leaves are pretty much gone from the fairways and it’s easier to find the golf ball. At the same time, the golf ball will not travel as far in cold weather and golfers have to change their clubs accordingly. In December, the carts go back to the company we rent them from. We have used these carts for five years and our contract is finished. Next year we will rent a fleet of brand new carts. During January and February, the course remains open for members only. The Pro Shop is closed. Golfers wanting to play have to walk the course. A complete set of winter rules is posted on the club house doors. During the winter months our equip- ment is repaired, and reconstruction of the sand traps on the fourth hole will continue. Next year the Golf Association will be working with a new management company. The company is located nearby, and we believe it will be more efficient and effective. The management company handles many issues such as collection of fees, correspondence, obtaining various licenses, and attends Golf Board meetings. During the winter months the golf course continues to look for more non-resident players, and is trying to set up outings, and tournaments. These activities can bring much needed funds to the Golf Course. In the late spring the Golf Board will again place a Capital Contribution Amendment before the community for another vote. The Capital Contribution is a fee that the buyer of a home would pay to the Golf Course. The seller does not pay anything. Both WHOA Nurse’s Notes Stephanie Fitzsimmons Sexton, RN, APN A Healthy Lifestyle Evidence shows that some of the leading causes of death in the United States, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, some lung diseases, injuries, and HIV/AIDS, may be prevented by improving personal health habits. Eating right, staying physically active, and not smoking are examples of good habits that can help you stay healthy. Eating the right foods and the right amounts of foods can help you live a longer, healthier life. Research has proven that many illnesses—such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure—can be prevented or controlled by eating right. Getting the nutrients you need, and keeping your weight under control can help. Try to balance the calories you get from food with the calories you use through physical activity. It is never too late to start eating right. Eat a variety of foods, especially: vegetables, fruit, dry beans, whole grains, fish, and poultry prepared without skin; lean meat and low-fat dairy products. Weighing too much or too little can lead to health problems. After age 45, many people gain too much weight. You can control your weight by eating healthy foods and being physically active. Research shows that physical activity can help prevent at least six diseases: heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression. Physical activity also will help you feel better and stay at a healthy weight. Try to do a total of 30 minutes of constant physical activity, such as fast walking, most days of the week. Yesterday I was at a local YMCA and met a group of seniors who exercise three times a week at that center. They were a nice group of people who have made exercise a priority on alternate days, some of them do yoga. They told me they feel good! Before you start being physically active, talk with your doctor about ways to get started. Choose something that fits into your daily life, such as walking, gardening, or even washing windows. Select an activity you like, such as dancing or swimming, or try something new like biking. Get an exercise buddy. If you miss a day or two of exercise, don’t quit. Make time for physical activity, start slowly, and keep at it. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, are passed easily from one person to the next through sexual intercourse. STDs are more common in people under the age of 50 but, if you or your partners have other sexual partners, you are at risk for STDs. Talk to your health care provider about how to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. AIDS is a disease that breaks down the body’s ability to fight infection and illness. AIDS is caused by the HIV virus. People in midlife and those who are older can become infected with HIV. In fact, 10 percent of all AIDS cases in the United States have occurred in people over the age of 50. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones break easily. About 70 percent of fractures in people over the age of 45 are related to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men. The loss of hormones that occurs after women have gone through menopause causes their bones to become less dense, or thinner, and therefore more prone to breaking. You can help prevent osteoporosis by exercising, taking and Greenbriar receive a Capital Contribution upon the sale of a home, and the funds help reduce the amount charged for maintenance. There is an additional piece of information that should interest the entire community. The three Greenbriar Boards of Trustees, WHOA, GWCA, GGCA along with the Condo Board are presently working on a common system to help get the residents out to vote for important community issues. This proposed system will be a Block Captain’s organization to have a Block Captain in your neighborhood available to communicate with neighbors about the issues and also to assist in getting votes registered by helping with proxies and absentee ballot transmittals. As you may know, it takes a 2/3 majority of all homeowners to pass a change in by-laws or POS’s and a non-vote is a no vote. Best wishes for the new year. 1,000-1,300 mg of calcium per day, not smoking and taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you and your physician decide that is an option for you. Foods that help you add calcium to your diet include most foods in the milk group. Choose lower fat foods most often, such as skim milk; milk and dishes made with milk, such as puddings and soups made with milk, cheese and yogurt, canned fish, such as sardines, anchovies, and salmon, dark-green leafy vegetables, such as kale, mustard greens, turnip greens, and spinach, tofu. Basic safety rules can prevent many serious injuries. Here is a checklist to follow to help keep you safe. · Use smoke detectors in your home. · Make sure that hallways and (Continued on page 20) JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 13 JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 14 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE After Hours Club By Gail Alpern We just completed our 2013 season with a gala evening of dining and dancing. The affair was catered by Business Bistro with music by The Dale Stover Quartet. We had a great turnout and the board members were showered with compliments because the buffet was delicious with something for everyone and the band played great dancing music from the 50’s to the 90’s. There was a female singer to round out the evening and the dance floor was crowded at all times. To add to the ambiance, the tables were decorated in a holiday mode and everyone sparkled in their holiday outfits. The After Hours Club has some new and exciting shows for the 2014 season. Our shows take place on the last Friday of the month. The After Hours Club is a great place to meet new friends, be entertained and sample some delicious refreshments. We would like to do a “shout out” to all of the new residents that have come to GW, and suggest that you join our ranks. We have tables of ten but, if needed, we can arrange to seat you at a table. Membership dues are 10 dollars per person, made out to the After Hours Club and placed in box #8. Please visit the rounders in the Towne Centre to see complete information and give us your email address to receive our monthly flyer. · Listed below are the fabulous attractions for the coming season: Dinner shows and other special events are in the works. · January 31—-Jim Daily—A funny guy that you won’t want to miss to start the New Year off right! · February—To be Announced · March 28—Michele Sexton—”From Puccini to Broadway” · April 25—Frank De Rosa— Neil Diamond Tribute · May 30—Lee Glantz Trio · June 27—Stiletto & the Sax Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you! Alisa Hadassah By Rhoda Juskow Our thanks to our speaker at the November 2013 meeting, Len Posnock, for his wonderful update on the land of Israel. Len spoke to a group of Hadassah Associates and Ha- dassah Chapter members and provided background information from 30 years ago to the present time as well as insight to future plans in the field of trade and technology. The Associates will have their next program, open to everyone, in April of 2014. Watch your Hadassah bulletins for important information and save the date for the Associates special event on Sunday, September 21, 2014. The program is titled, “Not in Our Town,” and will feature a documentary film as well as our speaker, the woman who made it all happen in the town of Billings, Montana. The men are hard at work in bringing important programs to Monroe Township. At the Region of Southern New Jersey Myrtle Wreath Luncheon on October 27, we honored two of our very special members, our Bulletin Editors, Joanne Ferstan and Sheila Farber. Congratulations ladies. Alisa Hadassah had its installation of new officers in November, 2013 and the following women will be taking over the leadership as of January: Co-Presidents - Wilma Appel, Sheila Farber and Joanne Ferstan; Vice Presidents Bunny Bloom, Ella Goldstein, Ruth Sachs, Natasha Rosenbaum, Judy Gerstein, Phyllis Soffer and Marilyn Gerstein. Our secretaries and treasurer will remain the same: Barbara Gordon, Phyllis Krasnow, Lillian Rich and Hazel Cunninghis. At our November monthly meeting, Senator Linda Greenstein spoke to the group about issues that concern us here in the State of New Jersey. In November, our members were treated to two programs of Samson and Delilah from Bible story to opera, presented by Paul and Dawn Horowitz. On December 4, Marilyn Mix and Adrienne Fein presented the program Jewish Gangsters: Bugsy Siegel and Longy Zwillman. At the December 16 open meeting Linda Kenyon gave us a portrayal of the interesting life of Julia Childs. We start the chapter’s new year on Thursday, January 16 at 1:30 pm with a Tu B’shvat Seder led by Sheila Farber. Reservations are required. Don’t forget to order your mahjong cards - regular print $8 and large print -$9. Make checks payable to Hadassah and place your order in Lock Box #19. Call Edith Becker if you have questions - 609-8600157. Save the date – May 18, 2014 “Tribute to Israel.” American Legion Auxiliary Unit 522 By Catherine McKernan, A Special Note We hope all our members had a beautiful Holiday Season, Hanukkah and Christmas. May you all be blessed with a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year. Unit 522 is sorry to say our First Vice President, Nancy O’Brien, is leaving us. Nancy has moved to an Assisted Living facility in Somerset, New Jersey. She will be sorely missed. She has been an active member of Unit 522 since its inception. She was actually the first President, and is listed on our Charter. So we said a fond farewell to Nancy at a small luncheon we had for her. We will visit her as soon as she is settled in her new home. As for the Unit, there have been no activities recently. One member did donate 100 Christmas cards to the Menlo Park Veterans Home. They were very grateful and happy to receive them. We had planned activities to be held to entertain the residents during this year. We will be arranging more activities for 2014 very soon. We must mention dues before we close. We hope everyone has paid dues by this time. If not, please try to do so as soon as possible. The Unit needs your financial support, and your physical attendance at our meetings. We welcome all our members and anyone who wishes to join our ranks. Please remember our armed forces in harm’s way. Fly your American flag to honor them. Pray for their safe return, and for peace in this world. God Bless our armed forces, and God Bless our great country, America! American Legion By Charles Dunlop We were very much impressed by the display of pictures of all our guys who served in the Armed Forces that was displayed in the lobby of the clubhouse. There are so many veterans living here, that we at the American Legion Post 522, invite those that are interested to come sit in on our next meeting on January 6th at 1 pm. We meet in the courtroom of the Municipal Building and there are always refreshments following. We are a great bunch of guys who enjoy each other’s company and have so much in common. We also have an unofficial breakfast meeting every Wednesday morning in the Tap Room at 9 am. Our Post raised over $7000 this year with the sale of poppies. This money was distributed to over a dozen charitable causes and to our Ladies Auxiliary that supports veterans at Menlo Park hospital. We also distributed many gift cards and wearing apparel to hospitalized wounded veterans at Bethesda Hospital in Maryland during the Post’s annual trip there. Our Service Officer is Herb Gilsenberg. He can aid any vet with problems with the VA and arrange trips for glasses, hearing aids and medical problems to various out-patient facilities in the area.. He can be reached at 609-409-1669. The Post will continue its monthly trips to Atlantic City during 2014; watch Ch.3 for the exact dates each month. Unfortunately the Post lost two of its long time members recently with the passing of Henry Perotti and Paul Treat(Continued on page 15) JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 15 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE American Legion men, who contributed this column to the Voice. We wish all, especially those serving our country, at home or overseas, a very Happy New Year! Bridge Club By Arthur Van Blerkom January 2014! and the Greenbriar Duplicate Bridge Club is in hibernation. Starting Monday, November 4, the Monday game switched to Encore. The Monday game at 1 pm is a nonsanctioned game. The Thursday night game has been suspended until APRIL 7. All GW residents are welcome to come to ENCORE. There is no cost for the Monday game. Beginning Friday, November 8, the Bridge Club had free bridge lessons followed by a duplicate game in which the people attending the lesson are invited to play and practice with other players. As of the writing of this article the Friday game is ongoing. For current information stay tuned to Channel 3 or contact me at 860-6346 or [email protected] . If any player, a Bridge Club member or not, who has any bridge questions please contact the writer of this letter at [email protected] or 609—860 -6346. Any question will be responded to as soon as possible. If you want to be added to the Bridge Club mailing list please email and the matter will be expedited This month’s hand appears below with a standard bidding sequence. NORTH DEALER Both sides vulnerable NORTH ♠76 ♥9863 ♦AKQ95 ♣AQ WEST EAST ♠ J532 ♠ Q8 ♥ Q4 ♥ AKJT5 ♦ T843 ♦ 72 ♣ 742 ♣ 9863 SOUTH ♠AKT94 ♥72 ♦J6 ♣KJT5 Bidding North East South West 1♥ 1♠ Pass 1♦ Pass 3♣ Pass 2♦ Pass 4♠ All Pass 3♠ Opening lead: ♥Q At four spades the bidding is fine and the Queen of Hearts lead is overtaken by the King with the ♥A now led as trick 2. East now led the ♥J at trick and now we come to the purpose of this hand. South ruffs and the moment of the defense comes. It is seldom right to overruff with a high trump that will be a winner anyway. If West does overruff with the J, declarer will make his contract. If he does not overruff declarer will go down 1 trick as he loses 2 trump tricks. Remember do not win a trick at the expense of opposition winning 2 tricks. This is also true when someone leads an Ace. It is usually a bad lead unless you have the King. If you have the King then lead the Ace then and look at the board to determine the best lead at trick 2. Also when you have Ax doubleton sometimes it is best to lead the Ace and then your other card in that suit hoping for a ruff. Depending on the bidding that may or may not be a good lead. Social players who try duplicate often fail to understand that their score on each hand matters only in relation to what other pairs did on the same deal. At rubber bridge, party bridge or IMPS, the goal is to make the contract. At match point duplicate, making the contract is not the goal (as strange as that may sound). South wants a higher score than the other Souths. The problem is when different levels of players are playing the game. Sometimes the less experienced player will get a better score on one particular hand that is not played properly. But over 100 hands the person who does follow the proper bidding procedures will have a better overall score. The above points have been repeated from previous GWVoice Bridge articles on purpose. Duplicate players must automatically understand the different principles relating to duplicate bridge from other types of bridge games. There are no scores this month. Those scores will be continued in the spring when the games come back to GW. Just a final note. There is still a game on Monday afternoon at Encore. You must show up between 12:40 and 12:55 pm because the front entrance uses fobs and a monitor for the Bridge Club. Computer Club By Fran Solomon At the meeting on Saturday, November 23, Len Goldner spoke on How to Find the Best Financial Advisor and explained how he uses Barrons as a resource for stock selection. There was no meeting on December 28 because the Ballroom was being decorated for the New Year’s Eve party. At the January meeting Fran will do a review of all meetings held in 2013 - January to November and also speak about new Apple products. On February 22 Peggy Neubit will speak about Smart TVs and the Internet/ Computer/TV interface. All meetings are held in the GW Ballroom at 10 am. Refreshments start at 9:30 am. We usually start our meeting with a DVD of jokes. Our computer experts are here to answer any and all of your computer questions. You can bring your questions with you for answers. We have computer classes on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 9:30 am in the room opposite the gym. This class is for you and your specific computer questions. Contact Denise for more information - 860-0262. There is always something interesting to learn about how we communicate with computers, phones and tablets. The Computer Club communicates with its members through The GW Voice, meetings, email, flyers in the rounder and Channel 3. If you change your email address or want to be added to our mailing list, be sure to notify Mary at [email protected]. Computer Tip: Tablets are fast, slim, small and lightweight. They also have 10 hours of battery life. During the Christmas season they outsold computers and laptops because people who buy them are using them instead of their PCs and Laptops. They are easy to use and you can download the most popular apps. Most of the computer companies are coming out with their version of the Tablet. Apple just introduced the iPad Air and the iPad Mini. Both are very popular and cheaper than a laptop or PC. GW Connections By Dorothy Thompson We hope everyone had a VERY HAPPY HANUKKAH, and a MERRY CHRISTMAS and we wish everyone A HEALTHY NEW YEAR. Most of our snowbirds have flown away, but many of us are happily still here in GW for the winter. A generous donation was given to the Women Aware Shelter, one of our charitable giving organizations, in memory of Ray Feld. These monies were collected from our members and were donated as requested by the family. Also, we received a Wish List from Women Aware for gifts for the holidays for children at the shelter. In addition to this donation, Connections donated $500 to the Twp. Food Pantry. We give $500 quarterly, for a total of $2,000. for the year. Also, we presented $250 to the Senior Center of Monroe for their Toy Drive and $250 to the Monroe Twp. Library for their Book Drive. If you were wondering where we spend monies collected from events, etc. you should feel good about Connections. Mark your calendar for June 11, 2014 when we will go to the Two Rivers Theatre in Red Bank to see a delightful play by Wendy Wasserstein entitled “Third.” The cost is $54 which includes the bus. You can enjoy an early lunch on your own at a nearby restaurant as the matinee is 1 pm. Checks are accepted now and we urge you to place your check in Box #5 SAP. Any questions call Enid at 4094457 or Juliet at 409-1959. (Continued on page 16) JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 16 GW Connections (Continued from page 15) On Wednesday, October 8, 2014, we will be going to the Pennsbury Manor in Morrisville, Pa. The trip features a docent led tour of the charming Pennsbury Manor situated along the Delaware River. It is the reconstructed 17th Century home of William Penn, founder and first governor of Pennsylvania. He also greatly influenced the founding fathers and the development of American democracy. A delicious lunch will be served at the historic King George Inn, known to be the oldest continuously operated inn in America - circa 1681. The cost for the day is $59 which includes the bus tour and early lunch. Plan now and your check will be accepted as of June 9, 2014. Mark your calendars. Dues Update - Effective immediately, the new date for annual dues payment will be from June 1 through May 31. Consequently, all members GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE are currently paid up through May 31, 2014. We will send everyone a reminder in May, 2014 for the next dues payment. Always remember that we continually donate clothing to the Women Aware Shelter and Home Front. Marilyn Steiner, 10 Umberland Place or Doris Becker, 12 Severn Way will accept clothing for men, women, and children. Please place items in bags and just drop the bags at their homes. We also accept toiletry samples from hotels, cosmetic samples, etc. Our Study Groups continue to have some openings. Please call Barbara Fineman, 395-8038 or Annette Roth, 655-9088 to learn more. The Study Groups are: Book Study -Barbara Fineman; The Classics-Jean Melden; It’s Debatable-Enid Kadish; Movie Group-Lynn Padwee; Play Reading-Marcia Lambek and Jean Melden; Poetry-Arlene Lazar; Provocative ThinkingRita Modell; Short Stories- Juliet Klein. We have ordered a new Connections general card and should be receiving it shortly. Remember, you can always send lovely cards through Connections. Just call Dorothy at 860-2664 and for $2.50 she will send the card for you. GW Friends By Len Greenberg Happy New Year to one and all. Periodically I have to leave my usual witty and brilliant writings for the mundane responsibility of telling all who do not know, just who GW Friends are. We are an organization that used to be Men’s Brandeis. Several years ago we decided to let go of the Brandeis “franchise” to become a community group of like minded men who enjoyed educational and social events. In the last year or so we have encouraged women to join our ranks. We are no longer a “men’s club.” Women have enjoyed our study groups and speakers program events and are becoming paid up members and supporters. We are non sectarian and non political. Indeed we just like to get to- gether for golf outings, study group activities, breakfasts and lunches and every once in a while, simply just a good time. Our membership has nearly doubled in the last year and a half because we have been innovative in our programming. Through the excellent leadership of our current President, Marvin Shindelman, we have added events in South Florida for our snow birds with much success. This year we will again have a South Florida golf outing, which at this time is sold out with a waiting list, and in addition we will have two breakfasts for the South Florida crowd. We will continue to operate at GW all winter long with our usual schedule of events. Please join us for fun and interesting meetings all winter. Listed below are our January 2014 scheduled events. Monday January 6: Membership breakfast. Starts at 9 am in the Tap Room at the Towne Centre. For $7 including tax and tip, choose from the fantastic breakfast menu. Meet new friends and enjoy a great time. This has become the best attended regular breakfast event in GW. Call Howie Katz and let him know you are coming. 409-8606 Monday January 6: Florida Reunion Breakfast. As of this writing it is scheduled for the “Bagel Tree” in the Kings Point shopping center in Delray Beach, Florida. By the time you see this you will have had e-mail updates. Monday January 6: Movie Group meets at 4 pm in the Towne Centre. Each month reviews the latest releases. If you love the movies, call Bob Modell and let him know you are coming. 395-8575 Wednesday January 8: Pool Club. Our newest group meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 2 pm, in the Towne Centre basement pool room. If you are a pool player or want to learn, call Bob Blum at 4096705, or Norm Goldstein at 395-8998. Monday January 13: Med-Sci Group. Meet every month in the Towne Centre at 4 pm. We have many members who have vast knowledge in the medical, science and technology fields. Members participate by making presentations of interest. This month Bob Modell will present Counseling at Cardiac Rehab. A wonderful volunteer mentoring program. Call Mickey Kaplan 395-1054 Tuesday January 14: Finance & Investing Group. Every month on the second Tuesday at 7:30 pm in the Towne Centre Irwin Kaplan, our finance guru, does an excellent job of guiding members through the complicated and challenging world of finance and wealth management. You are encouraged to participate and due your own homework. Call Irwin Kaplan 860-9582 Monday January 20: Membership Lunch. Choose your own menu and pay your way, every third Monday in the Tap Room. Kicks off at 1 pm. Call Howie Katz and let him know you are coming. 409-8606 Monday January 20: Music Group. One of our longest running and popular groups. Each month a member volunteers to present interesting programs from the vast world of music. You might hear anything from Bach to Muddy Waters. If you are a lover of music call Dave Lasser and tell him you are coming. 409-7667 Wednesday, January 22: Pool Club See above information. Monday January 27: Book Group. Reviews new releases as well as old favorites. The club meets at 4 pm in the Towne Centre. If you enjoy reading and discussing good books then call Marvin Bachman at 409-5464. Monday January 27: Membership meeting and Speakers Program. Business meeting scheduled for 7 pm in the Towne Centre followed by a very informative program. We will have an officer from the Middlesex County Sheriff’s office speaking about Senior Schemes and Frauds. Call Bob Leiner and let him know your are coming. 860-9196 History Club Meeting By Sandy Werfel The topic for the January meeting is about Florence Nightingale. Here are just a few facts in advance. Come to the meeting and hear her (Continued on page 17) GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE History Club (Continued from page 16) story. It’s not to be missed! Florence Nightingale was a radical Christian, who spoke directly with God. In 1850 she was thirty years old. After a conversation with God, Florence decided to follow His way. As Christ began his mission at age thirty, so would she. Her leadership led to the profession of nursing becoming an acceptable female occupation. A family friend officially authorized Florence Nightingale to lead a group of women in 1854 to Scutari, Turkey to care for the wounded British. The wounded faced desperate conditions: inadequate food; inadequate beds, and blankets; inadequate medical supplies; and inadequate doctors. The thirty-eight women who went to the Crimean War also had to cope with doctors who were afraid of sharing their authority. This gentle, religious, young woman had to deal with insane policies. For example, the wounded that came directly from the front did not have their kits. They needed shirts to replace the damaged shirts they were wearing when wounded. When Nightingale ordered replacement shirts, she was informed: “Previously issued – Unwarranted expense.” Florence was not afraid to speak the truth no matter the rank she was criticizing. She became as feared as a drill sergeant. She became so tough, that she became “She who must be obeyed.” The GW History Club meets the second Monday of every month at 7:30 pm. For more information call Sandy Werfel at 609-619-3229 or send an email to [email protected] Italian American Sr. Cultural Club By Rose Corso The annual IASCC Christmas Gala was exactly that, a glamorous, dazzling affair at the Battleground Country Club. What can be better than indulging in fancy dress, anticipating an ultra-lovely atmosphere, dining well and dancing the night away. That certainly was a gala affair. It really filled the void for no meeting in December. Point of interest: FBI Founder Remembered. The contributions of Charles Bonaparte, the founder of the FBI were recalled during the 53rd annual memorial ceremony in his honor held this year. He was a Baltimore-born, Harvard-educated lawyer, who supported liberal causes, including the rights of African Americans at a time when Jim Crow laws and segregation were part of the national fabric. At Harvard he was a brilliant scholar, graduating in the class of ‘72. Two years later he had completed work at the Cambridge Law School. Bonaparte wrote prolifically articles, speech, essays and books against public and private sin, on political and social subjects, for the magazines of the early 1900’s. He was regarded as the one of the sharpest wits of his day and yet was one of the most humorless of men. He served as Secretary of the Navy in President Theodore Roosevelt’s cabinet and later in December, 1906 when he was 45, he became U.S. Attorney General. He appeared before the Supreme Court personally in 560 cases during his incumbency and delivered 138 opinions through the Department of Justice to the President and heads of departments. He argued 49 cases orally before the court and submitted seven briefs. Twenty of these cases came under the anti-trust laws, helping to dissolve the American Tobacco Co. and earning him another epithet - the “trust buster” - which only amused him. He created the Bureau of Investigation, which in 1935, became the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He lived his three score and 10, and died childless and poor, June 28, 1921, already long forgotten Dates to remember: Jan. 3, Festa di la Befana - Feb. 7, Carnavale - Ciao a Tutti! New Kids By Fran Solomon On November 6, Dr. Ed Feldman spoke about “Weight Loss and Looking Good.” On Wednesday, December 4 at 7:30 pm instead of our General Meeting we had a very successful Holiday Party which included Line Dancing and Pizza. Mike Malone was the Line Dance teacher. There was no meeting on Wednesday, January 1 because of New Year’s Day. On February 5, we will have a Shopping Bag Game where people can bring various household items in a shopping bag for prizes. On Wednesday, March 5 we will have a Craft event where you can make your own jewelry with Maddi. The price is only $10 for the kit. Put your check into Box #26. On Wednesday, April 2, we will have a make-up and hair demonstration. On Wednesday, June 4 we will have a fashion show with fashions from SteinMart Department Store. If you are interested in knowing about an event, we advertise on Channel 3, put flyers in the rounder, have an article in The Voice and send out emails. In order to attend an event you must be a duespaying member, unless it indicates “Open to All.” Any single homeowner can join this group and the dues are only $10 per year. You can put your check made out to “New Kids on the Block” into Box #26. For more information about New Kids on the Block call Maddi Litoff 609-395-4071 or email her at [email protected]. ORT America By Nancy Feuerstein ORT makes a difference in the world. The ORT network spans countries across five continents and educates more students than any other nonprofit education organization. There are ORT programs in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, former Soviet Union, India, Israel, Mexico, United States, Uruguay, France, Belgium, Great Britain, Italy and Switzerland. ORT is committed to strengthening communities throughout the world by educating people against all odds and obstacles. Here in GW we support ORT’s important work by participating in the programs and events that are planned. On Sunday, November 10, at the Forsgate Country Club we enjoyed a delicious buffet (Continued on page 18) JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 17 MANAGEMENT BUSINESS HOURS The Management Offices (on the second floor of the Towne Centre) are available weekdays only during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During lunch, the office will be closed from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. At all other times, please see the Concierge. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. WHOA Board of Trustees JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 18 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE ORT America (Continued from page 17) brunch and were then entertained by Larry Strickler, a well known movie historian, college lecturer and performer. Larry presented his video, “Sex, Gangsters and the Movie Censorship Code” and had many funny and interesting stories to share with us. We thank Lois Gallop, Audrey Roth and their creative team for the wonderful centerpieces that gave the room a “Hollywood Atmosphere.” Thank you also, Roz Scheidt for planning this very enjoyable afternoon. After our winter break, many exciting events are planned for the New Year that you will enjoy. Mark your calendars for the following and watch for further details: March 26 – Card Party; April 10 – QVC Tour; May 14 – Traffic Safety Announcement Please drive carefully within the community making sure to STOP at stop signs, use your DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS and abide by the 25 M.P.H. SPEED LIMIT. Also, please be certain to park on the right side of the street. Fashion Show; May 28 – Yearn to Learn; June 2 – Mercer County Orchestra; June 5 – Clothing Drive; June 12 – Visit to 9/ll Memorial; July 14 — Member Appreciation; August 13 – Game Day; September 18 – Bucks County Playhouse; October 22 – Card Party; November 12 – Visit to United Nations; December 17 – Holiday Party Our meetings are very well attended and are always informative. Join us at the Monroe Twp. Library, 6:30 pm on the following dates: April 21, June 25, August 27. The movie discussion group meets on the fourth Monday of each month, 1 pm in the new board room at Towne Centre, members only. Please RSVP to Betty 409-1168 if you would like to join us for lunch on your own in the Tap Room at 11:30 am. Watch Channel 3 for information about the films to be discussed. Ongoing: Bowling – Beverly 409-7993; Tribute Cards – Rita 395-8993; Unwanted cell phones – Kay 409-0955; Gift cards for Shoprite and Stop & Shop – Miriam 409-9160. A reminder: dues for 2014, $36 will be accepted as of January 1. Please place your checks in the ORT box and we thank you for your support. All our best wishes for a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous New Year! The Martin Salmanowitz Senior Social Club By Paul Bresalier We would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year and a year of peace in the world. We would like to thank all of our members once more for making 2013 a very successful year for the Senior Social Club. Every month we had well-attended shows and we had speakers at 26 of our weekly Thursday meetings. We conducted Bingo games each month, had an overnight trip to the Tropicana Hotel and Casino, spent a day at Monmouth Raceway Park, and attended a cabaret show in Point Pleasant. As reported previously, the club made charitable donations totaling $4,800 to various recipients in 2013. Currently, the club has about 600 members, making it one of the largest in Greenbriar at Whittingham. The Senior Social Club was started in August, 1990 when a document was filed with the County Clerk’s office in Middlesex County. The nature of the club as stated was and remains “benevolence, social, and charitable.” We hope that we have lived up to our members’ expectations of these goals when they joined the club. We appreciate your support and the support of our many volunteers and board members over the years that have made the club a major contributor to the quality of life in our community. Bingo Our club sponsors and conducts an evening of Bingo on the second Friday of each month with doors opening at 7 pm. The next Bingo is scheduled for January 10. Events Calendar January 9 – Thursday – The New Year’s Brunch featuring comedian Jack Fontana. 1 pm, Ballroom. Brunch will be catered by the Bagel Bazaar and features pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, sausages, bagels, rolls, muffins, assorted salads, coffee, and a lot more. $14 pp members, $16 pp guests. Waiting list. February 20 – Thursday – The Destiny Luncheon Show featuring Tony and Donna Buonaro. 1 pm - Ballroom. Lunch will be catered by the Bagel Bazaar and includes Sloppy Joe sandwiches with turkey, corned beef, and roast beef. Also included are potato salad, pickles, cake, coffee, and soda. $14 pp members, $16 pp guests. March 20 – Thursday – The Floyd Vivino Comedy Luncheon Show, an Ace In The Hole Production. 12:30 PM – Ballroom. Lunch will be served family style with salad platters on each table along with danish, coffee, and sodas. The Tap Room will cater. The Ace in the Hole All Star Trio will play for dancing. $17 pp members, $19 pp guests. Speakers Programs start at 2:30 pm. January 16 – Thursday – Theresa Hendricks, NJ State Department, will speak on Investment Scams and the Sandwich Generation. January 30 - Thursday – Mary Ann Rivll, Public Information Officer, NJ State Department, will speak on The New Jersey Lottery – Where Does The Money Go? Woodworking Club By Gene Gursky The Woodworking club has a complete and modern workshop in the basement of the Towne Center. We are there every Monday from 1 to 3 pm or by appointment anytime that is convenient to both the resident and the club member. We are always open to new members and look forward to meeting with residents who are interested in joining us. We build and repair most things made of wood and have been doing that in the community for many years. If you need something repaired just bring it to the club on Monday afternoons. If the item is too large, come to the workshop and we will arrange for someone to come to your home to do the work. Yiddish Club By Rickey Penzias (Ed. Note: Rickey Penzias is covering for Donna Steif who is recovering from illness at the Gardens.) If you are unable to speak or understand Yiddish, and for that reason feel uncomfortable attending our Sunday Breakfasts, please think again! The majority of our membership felt the same way, bit the bullet, tried it and now they are hooked! Our guests have been famous authors, a gentleman whose specialty is Jewish genealogy and performers who have shared their passion for music with us. The subject matter must be of Jewish content – after all we are the Yiddish Club. Please join us and see for yourself! You must be (Continued on page 19) GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE Yiddish Club (Continued from page 18) a member of the Yiddish Club to come to any of our events or trips. Note: Unless otherwise specified, our programs take place the first Sunday of every month at 10:15 am. Bagels, cream cheese and coffee are served. Tables are set up for 10 and 12. Charge is $6 per person unless otherwise indicated. Membership dues of $5 per person must be paid up for 2014 to attend programs and trips. Place your check and seating arrangement form taken from the rounder, in the Towne Centre into Lockbox #6 with name and date of event written on the outside of the envelope. No admission at the door…reservations a must! 2014 Programs Sunday, January 6, we are delighted to welcome back Gloria Goldreich, author of the best seller, Leah’s Journey. Her subject will be An Author’s Insight Into Her Writings. At the conclusion she will discuss her new book about Marc Chagall’s daughter entitled The Bridal Chair. February 2, Paula Joffe of AIPAC, the America-Israel Public Affairs Committee, will be our speaker. She is an admitted pro-Israel advocacy addict. A microbiologist by training, Paula is the former executive director of the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Central Atlantic Region, based in Philadelphia. Paula serves on the National Council of AIPAC where she has established relationships with several members of Congress and travels to Washington, DC regularly to meet with them to discuss the critical importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance. She will talk about AIPAC, those relationships, and how an individual can impact the political process. March 2, we are proud to present Barnya: Russian Jewish, Gypsy, Music and Dance ensemble, led by their artistic director, Mikhail Smirnov. Russian instruments including the balalaika, the gusli and the garmoshka, a small Russian folk button accordion to entertain you. A treat for all. Hold This Date: As a follow up to our past successful special events, we are excited to announce that on Monday evening, May 12, 2014 we will be welcoming to our stage, June Gabel, who will introduce her new production, An Evening With Molly Picon. She has frequently appeared on Broadway and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Candide. Her many television appearances, most notably included her portrayal of the agent, Estelle Leonard on the TV show “Friends.” This should be a winner! 2014 Trips Tuesday, January 14, we will be bused to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia to view the IMAX Theatre, Pompeii Exhibit and the Planetarium. There will be time to visit other exhibits. Cost is $50 per person. Lunch on your own. Bus leaves GW at 9 am and returns by 5 pm. There are a few seats left for this exciting trip. Our annual trip to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center will take place on March 21. There will be a light breakfast upon your arrival after which the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s rehearsal will include pieces by Strauss and Shostakovitch. Lunch included will be at Tony DeCaneca’s, always a delicious experience. $64. per person. Bus departs at 9 am. Wait list only. “Yiddish Vinkle” has certainly grown since it first began several years ago. At first only women attended but now men have joined them. Much enjoyment is derived from speaking Yiddish with each other – some more fluent than others but nevertheless a great group. Chairperson Harriet Weitzner encourages anyone who knows even a few words or understands some Yiddish to come join them. They meet on the third Wednesday of each month from 10 am until 11:30 am in the clubhouse. Only Yiddish Club members may join. Multi-Media Center: Librarian Natasha Rosenbaum is there to assist anyone on the first Sunday of every month before the Yiddish Club breakfast begins. The books, DVD’s and video cassettes may be borrowed at that time but must be returned the same time the following month. If you would like an annotated bibliography, e-mail Natasha at [email protected]. For those who haven’t been to a Yiddish Club breakfast, how about trying it? It would be our pleasure to greet you! Finance and Investing (Continued from page 11) trend that can continue for years. These economic conditions can foster slow but continuous growth in revenue, earnings and dividends in the financial service sector. Company revenue growth and strong balance sheets are very important elements for stock investments in financial service companies. Look for companies with increasing earnings forecasts, and those that are well capitalized, too. Summary Dividend-paying stocks deserve a place in most retirees’ stock portfolios. These stocks can add to growth in good times and reinforce market prices in downturns. If you are also able financially to reinvest the dividends in these dividend -paying companies, you can enhance the long-term value of your investment. Stock prices fluctuate for a reason, or for no reason. It is important to set rules to become a stockholder in any company, to try to control risk. Below are my rule suggestions for your investment selections. Good hunting. When evaluating a company for investment it is important and helpful to examine criteria before making a purchase, specifically: estimate of revenue and profits - you are look- ing for rising annual per share earnings for each of the next three years · dividend payout ratio that can be carried forward · a conservative balance sheet and modest debt (examine the industry norm) · a modest price to book ratio · a conservative P/E (price x earnings ratio) · and a conservative buy-in price strategy JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 19 JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 20 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE EMAIL BULLETIN DELIVERY SOME OF THE EMERGENCY AND OTHER EMAIL BULLETINS FROM MANAGEMENT SENT TO RESIDENTS ARE BEING RETURNED AS UNDELIVERABLE. TO FACILITATE DELIVERY, PLEASE ADD THE EMAIL ADDRESS [email protected] TO YOUR CONTACT LIST. “The Best...Comes From Brooklyn” By Len Greenberg Fill in the blank. It’s truly amazing how we think these kinds of thoughts. Growing up in the Newark, New Jersey area I am convinced the best rye bread came from Mittleman’s Bakery in Hillside, New Jersey. Some of my Newark friends would argue that Silvers or Kiels or even Lehroffs was better. Truth is that your experience of youth leaves lasting impressions. We all have heard ad nauseum that the best Italian food comes not from Italy but from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, or, again from Brooklyn. The best bagels, of course, come from Brooklyn….or was it Watson’s Bagels in Newark. If you came from Brooklyn, you probably never tasted Watson’s…so how do you know which was/is best? My grandparents in Brooklyn had a Jewish deli on Stone Avenue. Throughout my childhood I was sure that they had the best deli anywhere. I still can smell that aroma that you experienced when entering the restaurant. Now don’t call and tell me my ideas are way out of wack. Reread what I’ve written. Your feelings are not necessarily the truth; however they stay with you forever. We lived in St. Louis for about a year from 1969 into 1970. Our native St. Louis contemporaries all felt that it was a great city. Midwestern values, great universities, art museums, symphonies, the Cardinals, etc., etc. I could tell you, however, the 20somethings I worked with who were from St. Louis thought it was staid and behind the times, and couldn’t wait to go to Chicago, New York, or San Francisco. Now, in St. Louis Nurse’s Notes (Continued from page 13) stairwells are well lit. · Remove or repair things that GW Voice Snowbird Mailing PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Name ___________________________________________ Winter Mailing Address: _______________________________ Street ___________________________________________ City______________________ State _____ Zip __________ Monthly issues of the GW VOICE will be mailed to the above address. $2.00 per month covers postage and handling. Please circle months requested. Feb March April May Make checks payable to: “GW VOICE” Amount Paid: $2.00 x number of months = $____________ Date Paid_____________ Check Number_____________ Leave this request form with your check in the GW Voice Mailbox in the Annex. could make you trip, such as loose rugs or electrical cords. · Put handrails and traction strips on stairways and in bathtubs. · Always wear seat belts while in the car. · Never drive after drinking alcohol. · Always wear a safety helmet while riding a motorcycle or bicycle. Research shows that smoking causes more major diseases than any other personal habit. Some examples are cancers of the lung, mouth, bladder, and throat, heart and lung disease, and strokes. It is never too late to stop smoking. Half of all people who have ever smoked have quit. I could say a lot more – and I am a former smoker who stopped more than once for long periods of time and went back. Please speak to your physician about quitting. · Take home message: eat right, exercise, sleep adequately; stop smoking, be social and be safe. Happy New Year! Lecture: Greenbriar at Whittingham, Monday January 6, 1 pm. Dr. Klerer, dentist, speaks on “General Dentistry and Your General Health.” Please register with the concierge. they had something called “Coney Island hot dogs.” Nothing like you ever experience at Coney Island. Their version was a hot dog on a bun with chili! I had a hard time convincing my friends that there was no such thing at Coney Island. I have a friend in GW who still goes back to Brooklyn for his haircuts. Why would you need to do that? Any barber can handle his six threads of hair and his comb over! However, he feels that this trip down memory lane is a necessity. The EZ Pass people love him for keeping their bureaucracy going. Truth is nothing is the same as it was forty or fifty years ago. My grandparents are long gone as is the building in which their deli stood. The guys who fell for the gimmick of the “Brooklyn Bagels” franchises in South Florida wound up suing the entrepreneurs who convinced them that they knew how to convert the Florida water to “Brooklyn” water, so that their bagels would taste just like the old days. The old bakeries are gone… the old neighborhoods in many cases are unrecognizable, and we are all very happy living here in the hinterlands of Central New Jersey. On My Own By Elaine Wintjen Happily, it finally arrived; the document I had been awaiting to confirm my membership in a new profession. No, it wasn’t an MBA, J.D or PhD; merely a simple certificate stating I would now be recognized as a certified “Domestic Engineer.” Since my husband’s death several months ago, I have come to realize that the maintenance of this house rests entirely on my narrow shoulders. If I don’t attend to its needs, it may start to crumble around me. The problem was I had to learn what needed attention and then how to attend to those needs.. Throughout our marriage, knowing my husband’s imperfect method of adding and subtracting numbers, I paid the bills and reconciled our checkbook with the bank. At all times, I could speak to our solvency or lack thereof. My other responsibilities consisted of decorating the house, shopping, maintaining family relationships, shopping, stocking the pantry, shopping, and arranging our social calendar. I did not do repairs or maintenance jobs. That was strictly Phil’s domain and in many ways it was a good arrangement. If it broke, he usually fixed it or if he couldn’t, he arranged for outside help. I then paid the bill. Recently, as I turned on our heating system, I realized our sprinkler system needed to be cleaned out and turned off for the winter. At the same time, I realized we would soon be on daylight saving time and I didn’t know how to adjust the timer for our outdoor lights. The ice-maker on the refrigerator door stopped working and I couldn’t get cubes for my daily Diet Coke. Several overhead lights needed to be replaced, but a recent surgery precluded my getting onto a ladder. If all of this wasn’t enough to challenge my Prozac, when I got into my car, a dashboard light went on announcing it was time for an “Oil Change.” An oil change? Indeed! Phil had always been in charge of all automotive issues. I just knew how to drive and pay the insurance premium. The most important responsibility of any engineer is to be able to draw a blueprint or make a plan for the next project. It will soon be necessary to file my income tax return and I knew I had to gather all pertinent papers for its prepa- ration. This too had always been Phil’s job, since he watched over our retirementinvestment account, mostly mutual funds. As the monthly statements came in, he recorded their gains (more likely, their losses), and then placed (Continued on page 22) That Day of Infamy By Harriet Ehrenreich Do we all remember this day? Where were you, who were you with? Let’s remember Pearl Harbor as we go to meet the foe Let’s remember Pearl Harbor as we did the Alamo We will always remember how they died for Liberty Let’s remember Pearl Harbor and go on to VICTORY Please remember today, that our Service Men and Women are out there. Somewhere... Remember them with a prayer. The New Year By Ben Baum The clock, Ticking away, Every minute flowing into Every hour into Every day, This year. Fortuitous expectations, Unrealized hopes, Streaming tomorrows, Virtual sunshine, The New Year. Untold days and nights, Sunrises and sunsets, Unfulfilled promises, 365 possible resolutions, The New Year. As the clock runs down, We need not frown, Nor shed a tear, For there will be another year, With innumerable opportunities to excel, To assist those not well, To form the words that express our love, To strive to see the elusive dove. With hope that your New Year will be everything you want it to be. GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE Just Words and Feelings By Ted Kartzman Conversing at one time was a simple matter of looking someone in the eye, putting down your “everything” bagel filled with everything, opening your mouth and producing some sort of noise which today we call talking and thus delivering your message. Assuming the recipient of the sound wasn’t deaf, lived in your area to facilitate the local enunciations (woid in place of word) and put down his jelly donut; only then was the message received and understood. The significance of putting down one’s food carried great weight in that it was a symbol of trust. “You won’t eat my food and I won’t eat yours.” Later on, this was refined to a handshake after each party wiped the cream cheese and jelly from their hands. The problem with the spoken word was that it vanished with the wind: mankind invented the written word. In France at the very beginning of our civilization the cave dwellers drew pictures of food on the walls which then expanded to paper and then to books. Communication was at a high point until someone thought to place rules of grammar and spelling in place. This almost destroyed written communication but, as you can see, mankind and womankind overcame this obstacle to the very point that communication is currently at its zenith. But alas and alack, small problems were observed. These were not corrected or eliminated but rather assigned names and descriptions. For example, I would assume that we all know what word association is. If I said Snow Man, your answer could be Snow Balls. If I said Snow Women, your answer could be Snow Breasts and our language gurus would say that you could be mischievously and wickedly wrong or right. What you just were exposed to is called associative literal word disorder or ALWD. I see nothing wrong in this assembly; “idioms be damned,” but the problem is dissociative thinking. Another type of AWLD is paraprosdokians where the unexpected phrase pops up in the end and leaves you roguishly laughing. Three examples of my research and plagiarism: 1. “to steal ideas from one person is plagiarism: to steal from many is research. 2. nostalgia isn’t what it used to be. 3. and the Mother of all: There was a little girl who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, she was very, very good but when she was bad she got a fur coat, jewels and a sports car…” We examined the problems with the spoken word and the written word. In today’s modern fulfilling times, we need speed; we can’t spare the time for writing words or entire sentences, thus we invented abbreviations. This significantly cut our communicating time and here we are. TMB means that’s my bagel, ASS is a multi -purpose phrase: Association of Sweet Samples and as a word refers to a person not very bright, and then we expanded to mega-multi sentences: RRGACAAD which everyone knows is a nursery rhyme about rain. Now there exists a scientifically tested study conducted by yours truly consisting of 2 people. This type of communication bears the title of nonverbal word association or NVWA. This radical methodology if adopted will save ink and paper which translates in Green terms to saving the trees and octopus blood. A word or sentence is presented and you will conjure up an entire story. We will explore this technology after the R&R are in place. This is a cautionary alert or disclaimer before we proceed. Life, dear old friends is fraught with these sneaky little suckers commonly referred to as lawyer talk or fine print. They can be found in your newly purchased washing machine that breaks down in a month and the salesman refers you to the warranty: you’re not covered or the very common fierce type of communication found on the telly where the words in tiny letters flash by or on the radio where the words are spoken at jet speed… as if a listener were really paying attention. The caveat is that the 55year-old youngsters who have recently joined us in GW may have some difficulty following this conversation. They may think we are talking of events in Zaire, Siam, Persia or even Basutoland. No Dearies; our subjects are right here in the hinterlands of Monroe Township. Rider two is that all perspectives are based in the Nation of Brooklyn and its extremely limited environs: “Brother; can you spare a dime”, “25 cent apples”, “will work for food”, Coney Island, Bay Eight, Brighton Private, the populated warm spots in the ocean, Nathan’s, fresh corn with real yellow butter, custard, Chow Mein with noodles in the bun, Mrs. Stalls Knishes, the foot long hot dog, the Cyclone, the Roller Coaster, the Steeplechase, the clowns with the electric shocker, the air under the girls dresses, the fun mirrors, playing heels, Johnny on the pony, stick ball, hand ball, box ball, hit the penny, the spaldene, salugee, knickers, assembly with starched white shirts and red ties, middys for the ladies, the coal bin, the ice man, the “I cash rags” man, banana splits, egg creams charlotte russes, mell-o-roll, 2 cents plain, penny candy, Crackerjacks, Borden’s horse drawn milk wagons, non-homogenized Important to Residents (Continued from page 1) YELLOW paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-015/ Shopping Bus Rules GREEN paper - GWCA Resolution 2013-001 TAN paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-002/Generators TAN paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-016/Lightning Protection System TAN paper - WHOA Resolution 2013-018/Placement of Trash & Recycling for Collection for Village I/ Whittingham JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 21 milk in glass bottles, Let’s Pretend, The First Nighter, The Shadow, Your Hit Parade, Fibber Magee and Molly, the Great Gildersleeve, Jack Armstrong, G-men, Superman, Jack Armstrong, Uncle Miltie, Ed Sullivan, Imogene Coca and Sid Caesar, Jack Benny, Horn & Hardart, Dubrows, Jahns, The Famous, Ben Maksiks, the haunted night club, give away dishes at the 25 cent movies, 2 pictures with cartoons, matrons, ushers, peanut chews, Gary Cooper, Betty Grable, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Kate Smith, Gene Autry, Tom Mix, twenty cent gas, “loose lips sink ships,” many a slip between the cup and the lip, war bonds, rationing, air raid wardens, necking, petting, going steady, Plum Beach, family way, Ebbets Field, Giant Stadium, Yankee Stadium, a top $5,200 annual salary, ”See the USA in your Chevrolet”, one radio in the parlour, pay phone booths, Levittown, When the Lights go on Again, the Daily Mirror, the Brooklyn Eagle, the Journal American, Johnson’s Paste Wax, linoleum, oil cloth, camphor, iodine, mercurochrome sulphur, the coffee percolator, Rinso, Super Suds, Korvettes, Vims, Robert Halls, Abe Stark, Joe and Paul’s… Contemplate your thoughts and feelings. Did we communicate? Did you feel a twinge of nostalgia, maybe even some expectations of joy? Could you smell the fresh corn, could you feel the thrill of the roller coasters, did you remember your first good kiss, your first suit, your first piece of cheesecake…? If so, then a mere thought brought on with fewer words or as we say in Latin: multa paucis is just as effective as a long written message - or not. In the total run however, through time and space, through long sentences or lone words and abbreviations, we find that the root of our complicated fast moving civilization rests on Just Words and Feelings. Senior Solutions (Continued from page 9) at work are planning to surprise here by taking her to a “bachelorette” party at a male strip club, or male stripper dancers whatever they’re called. I took a message for my daughter when she wasn’t home and that person told me about it in secret. I’m sure my daughter will not appreciate this tacky kind of entertainment but I don’t know if I should warn her about it because it’s supposed to be a surprise. Not Sure Dear Not Sure: Tacky to you – titillating to others – maybe. Say nothing. Your daughter will survive it even if she finds it offensive. What she won’t survive as well is the embarrassment of having her mother interfere. These are people she works with and she won’t want to insult them or have to put on an act if she knows about it. It’s one evening. They care about her and it’s their version of fun. Stay mum, mom!! Problems? Become part of the Solution. Write to Helen Oxenberg, Senior Solutions, P.O. Box 346, Jamesburg, NJ, 08831 or email:[email protected] Happ y New Y ear! JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 22 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE Fort Sheridan, IL By Dawn Horowitz Essential Emergency Information (Please cut out and save) Gather the items listed below and place them in a bag, suitcase, box, backpack or container (your kit) in the event you have to leave your home. 1. Anyone on life support systems: get a back-up battery-pack. 2. Keep information and phone numbers (doctors, family, friends, hospital, list of medicines, pet shelters, insurance, vital records) conveniently located in a fire-proof, water-proof box. Put in easily accessible place. Remember to update your kit and check on its location often. 3. Buy battery operated radio, cell phone chargers for car, flashlights, extra batteries. 4. Have cash on hand (at least $100.) 5. Clothing for family members. 6. Extra set of car and house keys. 7. Whistle 8. Buy a GPS for your car Also, remember to complete these emergency tasks! 1. Keep car with at least 1/2 tank of gas filled. (If there is notice of a storm, a full tank.) 2. For heat, boil pots of water, on stove. DO NOT just turn stove on. NEVER leave unattended. Avoid using candles, but if you must, NEVER leave unattended. 3. Make contact with your neighbors, family. 4. Stock-up on water (1 gal/person/day), nonperishable foods, mechanical can opener, up to date meds, AND don’t forget for your pets, too. 5. Fill tub with water for sanitary needs. 6. People with special needs, register with the Township. From the EEI committee Once a valued army base, now a luxurious residential community, Fort Sheridan, Illinois, has a unique history. The community was developed from a former army facility built in 1887. This fort was an important training site for soldiers during World Wars I and II. Later the fort was home to a Military Police National Guard unit and then, for 20 years, became a base for the training of technicians in the Nike antimissile system. Fort Sheridan was decommissioned and closed in 1993. A tiny part of the land was retained for use by the Army and the remainder sold to a private developer. Wisely, the architectural designers hired by the new owner decided to restore most of the former structures of the base and the town now includes 94 buildings with a historic background. Especially noteworthy are the beautifully landscaped parade ground of 54 acres plus the former soldiers’ barracks and officer quarters. The brick water tower, which was originally the tallest structure in the Chicago area, was shortened in 1940 but is still a focal point for all tours of the area. Located along the shore of Lake Michigan in Lake County and next to the Lake County Forest Preserve District, the town of Fort Sheridan is a prime example of the ability to transform a site successfully from one use to another. Since the town’s residents can easily use the wonderful amenities provided by the Forest Preserve, i.e. woodland trails for TOWNE CENTRE NEWS By Monica Caterson, Clubhouse / Recreation Manager WHOA Entertainment SUZI CRUZ ~ $18.00 Saturday, January 18, 2014 February 2014 ~ No Show Save The Date! Saturday, March 15, 2014 *Watch for Flyers* WHOA Movies In The Ballroom @ 1:00PM Sunday, January 12, 2014 “Barbara” Amish Country Wednesday, July 23, 2014 Ask about the 2015 Cruise! *Flyers in Towne Centre* WHOA Atlantic City Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Bus Leaves Community @ 9AM “Atlantic Club” Sunday, January 26, 2014 “The Attack” Wednesday, February 5, 2014 Bus Leaves Community @ 9AM “Bally’s” WHOA Trips WHOA Duffy Square Celebrity Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale January 20-31, 2014 Royal Caribbean Cruise from Bayonne, NJ January 21-31, 2014 Duffy Square will resume: May 21, 2014 June 18, 2014 July 16, 2014 August 20, 2014 September 17, 2014 Greenbriar @ Whittingham’s Shopping and Community pedestrians and bikes, seashore walks and plenty of open space, the available homes are in great demand. The site is on the Register of Historic Places as well as listed as a National Historic Landmark. Last summer while visiting Chicago, when we were looking for a special place for a hike, our daughter Daran suggested that we, my husband Paul and I, join her for a walk on the trails at Fort Sheridan. So with Daran as our guide, we drove through the grounds, and commented on the changes and beautification of the original army barracks. Also, there were children’s gyms in most yards and signs of a suburban family lifestyle at every home. We noted that the barracks had been converted to attached town homes and the officers quarters had become one-family dwellings. Although each original facade was not altered, many doors were painted in bright colors and the vivid flower beds allowed each home to present an individual appearance. Then, we marched onto the trail, which led us to the Fortified Firing Position exhibit, and the displays there explained how this type of cannon was used in antiaircraft training of soldiers from 1920 to1943. However, since the Army exercises filled one certain ravine by the lake with toxic material and that area was never cleaned, this part of the shoreline is designated for Superfund cleanup. I wonder if they allow swimming at this site. We next arrived at the water’s edge. As we wandered along the beach, picking up seashells, I marveled at the size of two luxurious enormous homes sitting right on the sand by the water. There were signs warning intruders of a terrible fate if they tried to pass through the dwelling’s fence and trespass on the grounds. The last section we wished to visit was the historic cemetery created in 1889. After a bit of exploring we finally found the correct road and came upon the cemetery, which is still administered by the Army. More than 2,000 veterans are buried here including those from the Civil War, both World Wars, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Eligible retired service members can choose a family plot and monument at no cost to the family. The Army continues to accept reservations for any members who wish to be interred there. According to our information, the graves of three soldiers who served with General Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn could be found here but we never found them. Also there was a notice that nine German prisoners of war were buried at this cemetery, but we didn’t find them either. However, we walked around and noticed the dates of burial on the headstones. It was interesting to see how many local veterans chose to rest here. The Forest Preserve maintains this cemetery. It is only open to visitors from 8 am to 3pm on weekdays. When we left Fort Sheridan, we decided we needed sustenance and drove to nearby Highland Park. At a tiny coffee shop, we enjoyed iced tea and delicious homemade cookies, which were our reward for a day full of exercise. GWCA Open Meeting-Nov. 22 (Continued from page 2) pick-ups (as is currently implemented in Stonebridge.) Residents are requested to report mailbox posts that are not stable and/or are an eyesore. There is still a front lawn tree replacement program in place, ranging in cost from $435 to $620. Trees available for purchase are Maple October Glory, Linden Littleleaf, Chanticleer Pear, Redbud, Thundercloud Plum and Canada Red Cherry. If you are interested in a tree replacement, you need to secure a Front Lawn Tree Replacement Application from Resident Services. In light of the fact that many Greenbriar roofs will require replacement in the next few years, a resident asked if GWCA could initiate a replacement roof program. Arnie responded that this concept was investigated previously and he will pursue it again and share the practicality of this approach. The next GWCA Open Meeting will be held on February 17 at 7:30 pm. The Board is interested in your input, please attend the February meeting. On My Own (Continued from page 20) them in a file system he alone understood. I now had to go through those files and extract those documents pertaining to this calendar year. Then, I had to give these papers over to our accountant who would concoct his own numbers and then submit the report to my oldest and dearest relative, Uncle Sam. To date, I have not had a nervous breakdown or even a simple panic attack; I’m much too busy being a competent domestic engineer. Life is a little easier, however, since I put the phone number for Resident Services on speeddial. I am well aware that if I don’t keep this house well maintained, I may soon be without a home. JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 23 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Transportation AAA TRANSPORTATION – Monroe area. Transportation to airports, trains, piers, doctors. Local service as well as NYC. Reliable and reasonable rates. Call Howard @ (732) 979-3085. RICK’S CAR SERVICE – Professional driver. Greenbriar resident. Reasonable. (609) 902-9979 or (609) 655-8051. TRANSPORTATION DOCTOR – Airports, trains, piers, doctors, local service, NYC. Reliable and references. Call Lon J. (732) 423-1847. A. HARRINGTON LIMOUSINE – Owners are Greenbriar Whittingham residents. Call (800) 458-5466. NAT TRANSPORTATION – Monroe resident. All airports, shipyards, NYC and local. Doctor and hospital visits. (917) 657-5611. BOB’S CAR SERVICE – We go everywhere-anytime. Low rates. (609) 409-7174 or cell (646) 258-0241. MARVIN’S LIMOUSINE – Low rates. Choice of Cadillac sedan or Lexus SUV. $5 discount with this ad. Call (908) 812-6299. EXPERIENCED LIMO DRIVER – NYC, airports, anywhere. Clearbrook resident. Call John (609) 235-9191 or (732) 610-0703. CAR SERVICE – For a comfortable ride I hope you decide to call John (609) 655-2015. Airports, doctors, shopping. FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE – Errands, doctor’s appointments, bank reconciliation, household organizing and more. Bonded, reasonable and reliable. Call Carol (609) 448-9188. TRANSPORTATION – Airports, events, doctor’s appointments and more. Call George (732) 887-5437. Home Improvement & Services WERNSING PLUMBING & HEATING – All repairs. Water heaters. Family owned/ operated. Senior discounts. (704) 746-4135. DIAMOND PAINTING – Wallpaper and popcorn removal. Painting since 1984. Please call Ken (732) 446-0400 or (609) 655-1525. JOHN PEARL HOME IMPROVEMENT AND LANDSCAPING, LLC – General repairs, gutter cleaning, tile, sheetrock, masonry repairs, tree pruning and removals. Basement and garage cleanouts. Licensed and insured. NJ License # 13VH06515700. All calls returned (908) 2081150. RELIABLE HANDYMAN SERVICES – Local resident. No job too small. All labor guaranteed. Call me to discuss-no obligation. Reasonable rates. Call (609) 4097096 or (908) 385-5869. LEN’S HANDYMAN SERVICE, LLC –Winter is heretime for fix-ups and repairs. Specializing in home improvements. We do it all. We paint one room or the whole house. Sheetrock and wall repair. Crown moulding. Renew or repair that bathroom or kitchen. Doors, medicine cabinets, closet doors and closet remodeling. Bath tile and grout, caulking, shelving, Pergo flooring and ceramic tile, electrical work – anything in your home. Whole house/ garage cleanouts. Monroe Township resident. All major credit cards accepted. Licensed and insured. NJ License # 13VH03701800. www.lenshandyman.com Call (732) 353-6031. EXPERT HOME REPAIRS Kitchen, bath, closet remodeling, tiling, painting. Call Bob Katz – (609) 490-9522.for details. TKS HOME IMPROVEMENTA full-service contractor and handyman services. Roofing, kitchens, baths, basements, painting, tile, hardwood and more. No job too big or too small. License #13VH05970500. (609) 2592574. MIKE THE HANDYMAN – See my display ad in this edition. (732) 780-0468. WINDSOR MOVING COMPANY – Helping families pack and move for over 20 years. Fully insured. Lic. PC00512. Call (609) 448-8840. Miscellaneous/ Services PROFESSIONAL PET CARE – Bonded and insured. Call (609) 860-9696. COMPUTER ASSISTANCE in senior's home. Help with all aspects. Selection, set-up, and training. (609) 409-7631. COMPUTER REPAIRS - RJF Sales Company LLC (formerly Monroe Computer Service). Is your computer running slow? It may need a tune-up. Desktop and laptop repair in your home. Virus removal and protection. Monroe resident with over 20 years of computer experience. www.monroecomputer.com (732) 723-9537 or (732) 967-3400. PC PROBLEM SOLVERS – Low priced service. Slow computer? Viruses or spyware? Pop-ups? Computer and internet set-ups. We make house calls. Call Herman (609) 4090824. Wanted to Buy I WILL BUY your old digital or film camera. Arthur (609) 4090628. I will come to you. BUYING & SELLING GUNS Call for pricing. 609-558-9509. Ask for David. Licensed Firearms Dealer. Tax Services INCOME TAX PREPARATION – Michael Stiller-MBA. 32 years experience. In-home appointments. Local resident, licensed. (732) 718-9050. NJ TAX PROS – Tax preparation for adults 55+. NJ Tax Pros assists adults 55+ with current year Federal and State (NY, NJ, PA) tax return, filing extensions, or with tax planning. Forms are prepared in our office, or we can come to you. Rates are unmatched! Make you appointment on www.nj-taxpros.com or by calling (732) 952-3190. Help & Health Services IN-HOME CARE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS – We provide live-in caregivers. Rates start as low as $100 per day. No evaluation fee. No placement fee. We are in business 14 years. Call (908) 500-1067 Vivien Home Care NJ. http:// www.careforseniorcitizens. com/ CARING ELDER CARE – We will help you live independently; a few hours a day or a few hours a week. Experienced, reliable, affordable. Local, references. (646) 4130813. www.CaringElderCare.com OUR CARING HOME COMPANIONS help seniors live at home. Personal care, meals, housework, transportation, up to 24 hour care. Top references and screenings, we do things your way. Affordable rates. VISITING ANGELS. (732) 656-7720. LIVE-IN CAREGIVER AVAILABLE – CHHA with 12 years experience. Passionate about elder care, experience with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, diabetes, stroke recovery and general aging issues. Care includes respect, patience and compassion, with light housekeeping and nutritious meals. Call Anna (774) 823-2591. LEASE A NIECE – Companion, personal shopper. Help with household activities, paperwork, shopping, appointments, local transportation. New Jersey born and bred. Tracie (732) 904-3885. Monroe Township Library Events Sit -N- Stitch 10:30 a.m., Fridays, January 3, 17. Needleworkers of all types and skill levels are invited to join this informal gathering to stitch together, assist others and share tips, projects, and patterns. Bring your own supplies. Light refreshments will be served. Registration not required. Coupon Club 1:30 p.m., Monday, January 6. Clip coupons and swap ‘til you drop at the Library’s monthly Coupon Club. Spend time with fellow couponers trading unwanted coupons in exchange for those you need. Discuss deals, share frugal tips and shopping experiences. Bring a pair of scissors and your stash of any non-expired coupons. Registration is not required. POV Winter Film & Discussion: American Promise 1 p.m., Tuesday, January 7. View independent documentary films before their national television broadcast. Award-winning documentary spanning 13 years, American Promise addresses the education gap among African American males. Film directed by Joe Brewster and Michèle Stephenson. This film airs locally on PBS on February 3, 2014. This event is a collaboration with the awardwinning documentary series P.O.V. (www.pbs.org/pov). Registration is not required. Great Decisions Discussion Forum 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 11. The topic of Threat Assessment: Defending the US on a Budget will be discussed. How can the United States address the challenges of a weak economy, homegrown terrorism and nuclear proliferation? What threats and opportunities are presented by the ascendancy of China and by regime change in the Middle East? Sign up and reserve background information at the Welcome Desk. Create it With Theresa: Vegan Cooking 1:30 p.m., Monday, January 13. Relax and chat with friends while creating a vegan meal with Monica and Theresa. Reg- ister at Reference or through the Library’s Website. Library Board Meeting 6:30 p.m., Monday, January 13 GERD: The Burning Question Presented by Dr. Anish Sheth at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 14. Approximately 60 million Americans experience heartburn and acid reflux at least once a month. Learn about causes of gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD), treatment options, and Barrett’s esophagus, a complication of chronic acid reflux that can lead to esophageal cancer. Anish Sheth, MD, is board certified in gastroenterology and a member of the Medical Staff of Princeton Healthcare System. Register at the Welcome Desk. Tradition! Fiddler on the Roof and Other Jewish Jaunts on the Broadway Stage, presented by pianist Dave Schlossberg at 2 p.m., Friday, January 17. Join us for an afternoon of live music. Free tickets are available at the Welcome Desk. International Book Club 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 21. A discussion about The Attack by Algerian author Yasmina Khadra. Sign up and reserve your copy at the Welcome Desk. Princeton Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series: Momenta in Motion 1 p.m., Monday, January 27. Enjoy an afternoon of music featuring works by Fernandez, Debussy, and Victoria performed by top-tier musicians. The PSO Chamber Series offers sophisticated classical music in an intimate setting. This event is offered in collaboration with the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission. Free tickets will be available at the Welcome Desk beginning Monday, January 13. Friends Meeting 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 28 George Ivers Display Case Creations from Studio M Library Closings: Wednesday, January 1 Monday, January 20 All events are open to the public. www.monroetwplibrary.org Housecleaning NICE JEWISH GIRL’S HOUSE CLEANING and Health Aide Service. 20 years experience. Low rates. Insured and bonded. Call Eileen at (609) 860-9050. IZABELA’S CLEANING SERVICE - Professional house cleaning. Quality work. References available. Reasonable. 2 bedroom/2 bath, $65 and up. Experienced. Free estimates. (609) 954-0181 or (609) 6569281. CLASSIFIED ADS GET THINGS DONE! Please print your ad and mail it to Princeton Editorial JANUARY 2014 – PAGE 24 GREENBRIAR AT WHITTINGHAM VOICE SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 5 10:15 a.m. Yiddish Club 12 1:00 p.m. Movie: “Barbara” 19 26 1:00 p.m. Movie: “The Attack” 6 7 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class 10:00 a.m. GW Debatables 10:00 a.m. Body Sculpting 10:00 a.m. Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. Aquasize 12:00 p.m. Men’s Fitness 1:00 p.m. Woodworking 1:00 p.m. Painting Group 1:00 p.m. Storm Water Management Comm. Meeting 1:00 p.m. Healthy Lecture 4:00 p.m. Tap Dancing 4:00 p.m. GW Friends Movie Club 6:00 p.m. Water Volleyball 9:00 a.m. Sculpting & Arts/ Crafts Class 9:00 a.m. Healthy Bodies 10:00 a.m. GWCA Site Review Comm. 10:30 a.m. Line Dancing 1:00 p.m. Cards 2:00 p.m. Patio Discussion Group 4:00 p.m. Tap Dancing 6:15 p.m. Zumba Class 7:00 p.m. Cards 7:30 p.m. Billiards 13 14 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class 10:00 a.m. GWCA Grounds & Landscaping Comm. 10:00 a.m. Body Sculpting 10:00 a.m. Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. Aquasize 12:00 p.m. Men’s Fitness 1:00 p.m. Woodworking 1:00 p.m. Painting 4:00 p.m. Tap Dancing 4:00 p.m. GW Friends MedScience Group 6:00 p.m. Water Volleyball 7:30 p.m. History Club 9:00 a.m. Sculpting & Arts/ Crafts Class 9:00 a.m. AARP Driving Course 9:00 a.m. Healthy Bodies 10:30 a.m. Line Dancing 12:30 p.m. Orientation Meeting 1:00 p.m. Cards 2:00 p.m. Patio Discussion Group 4:00 p.m. Tap Dancing 6:15 p.m. Zumba Class 7:00 p.m. Cards 7:30 p.m. Billiards 7:30 p.m. Finance Study Group 7:30 p.m. WHOA Covenants Comm. 20 21 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class 9:30 a.m. WHOA Open Workshop Meeting 10:00 a.m. Provocative Think. 10:00 a.m. Body Sculpting 10:00 a.m. Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. Aquasize 11:00 a.m. Golf Finance Comm. Meeting 12:00 p.m. Men’s Fitness 1:00 p.m. Woodworking 1:00 p.m. Painting 1:30 p.m. GGCA Board Mtg 4:00 p.m. Tap Dancing 6:00 p.m. Water Volleyball 7:30 p.m. GW Friends Music 9:00 a.m. Sculpting & Arts/ Crafts Class 9:00 a.m. Healthy Bodies 10:30 a.m. Line Dancing 1:00 p.m. Cards 2:00 p.m. Patio Discussion Group 4:00 p.m. Tap Dancing 6:15 p.m. Zumba Class 7:00 p.m. Cards 7:30 p.m. Billiards 7:30 p.m. GW Friends Discussion Group 27 28 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class 10:00 a.m. GW Connections 10:00 a.m. Body Sculpting 10:00 a.m. Line Dancing 11:00 a.m. Aquasize 12:00 p.m. Men’s Fitness 1:00 p.m. Woodworking 1:00 p.m. Painting 1:00 p.m. ORT Movie Group 4:00 p.m. Tap Dancing 4:00 p.m. GW Friends Book Club 6:00 p.m. Water Volleyball 7:00 p.m. GW Friends 9:00 a.m. Sculpting & Arts/ Crafts Class 9:00 a.m. Healthy Bodies 9:30 a.m. Yiddish Club 10:30 a.m. Line Dancing 1:00 p.m. Cards 2:00 p.m. Patio Discussion Group 4:00 p.m. Tap Dancing 6:15 p.m. Zumba Class 7:00 p.m. Cards 7:30 p.m. Billiards THURSDAY 2 FRIDAY 3 4 Towne Centre Closed ~ Happy New Year! 9:00 a.m. Healthy Bodies 9:30 a.m. Decoupage 10:00 a.m. Entertainment Comm. Meeting 10:00 a.m. Chorus 12:00 p.m. Senior Social Club 1:00 p.m. Cards 1:00 p.m. Knitwits & Arts/ Sewing Class 6:00 p.m. Water Volleyball 7:00 p.m. Cards 7:00 p.m. Stained Glass Group 7:30 p.m. Billiards 7:30 p.m. Line Dancing 8 9 10 9:00 a.m. Healthy Bodies 9:30 a.m. Decoupage 9:30 a.m. WHOA Building and Grounds Comm. Meeting 10:00 a.m. Chorus 11:00 a.m. Towne Centre Comm. Meeting 12:00 p.m. Senior Social Club 1:00 p.m. Cards 1:00 p.m. Knitwits & Arts/ Sewing Class 1:00 p.m. GWCA Finance Comm. Meeting 6:00 p.m. Water Volleyball 7:00 p.m. Cards 7:00 p.m. Stained Glass Grp 7:30 p.m. Billiards 7:30 p.m. Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:00 a.m. Yoga 9:30 a.m. Painting Group 11:00 a.m. Aquasize 12:00 p.m. DuplicateBridge 1:00 p.m. 3D Dimensional Art 7:00 p.m. Bingo 11 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:30 a.m. Ceramics 9:30 a.m. Computer Club 10:00 a.m. Aerobic Exercise 10:00 a.m. Aquasize 1:00 p.m. Quilting 7:00 p.m. Yoga Class 7:30 p.m. Resident’s Civic Club Open Meeting 15 16 17 18 9:00 a.m. Healthy Bodies 9:30 a.m. Decoupage 10:00 a.m. Chorus 10:00 a.m. WHOA Landscape Comm. Meeting 12:00 p.m. Senior Social Club 1:00 p.m. Cards 1:00 p.m. Knitwits & Art/ Sewing Class 6:00 p.m. Water Volleyball 7:00 p.m. Cards 7:00 p.m. Stained Glass Group 7:30 p.m. Billiards 7:30 p.m. Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class 9:30 a.m. Painting Group 11:00 a.m. Aquasize 12:00 p.m. DuplicateBridge 1:00 p.m. 3D Dimensional Art 22 23 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:30 a.m. WHOA Budget & Finance Comm. Meeting 9:30 a.m. Ceramics 9:30 a.m. Computer Club 10:00 a.m. Aerobic Exercise 10:00 a.m. Aquasize 1:00 p.m. Quilting 7:00 p.m. Yoga Class 9:00 a.m. Healthy Bodies 9:30 a.m. Decoupage 10:00 a.m. Chorus 12:00 p.m. Senior Social Club 1:00 p.m. Cards 1:00 p.m. Knitwits & Art/ Sewing Class 6:00 p.m. Water Volleyball 7:00 p.m. Cards 7:00 p.m. Stained Glass Group 7:30 p.m. Billiards 7:30 p.m. Line Dancing 24 25 29 30 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:30 a.m. Ceramics 10:00 a.m. Decorating Group 10:00 a.m. GWCA Covenants Comm. 10:00 a.m. Yiddish Vinkle 10:00 a.m. Aerobic Exercise 10:00 a.m. Aquasize Class 1:00 p.m. Quilting 7:00 p.m. Billiards 7:00 p.m. Yoga Class 7:30 p.m. New Kid’s On the Block 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:30 a.m. Ceramics 10:00 a.m. Aerobic Exercise 10:00 a.m. Aquasize 1:00 p.m. Quilting 7:00 p.m. Yoga Class 9:00 a.m. Healthy Bodies 9:30 a.m. Decoupage 10:00 a.m. Chorus 12:00 p.m. Senior Social Club 1:00 p.m. Cards 1:00 p.m. Knitwits & Art/ Sewing Class 5:00 p.m. Italian American Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Water Volleyball 7:00 p.m. Cards 7:00 p.m. Stained Glass Group 7:30 p.m. Billiards 7:30 p.m. Line Dancing 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class 9:30 a.m. Painting Group 11:00 a.m. Aquasize 12:00 p.m. DuplicateBridge 1:00 p.m. 3D Dimensional Art 6:30 p.m. Italian American Club SATURDAY 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong Private Party in Ballroom 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:30 a.m. Computer Club 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class General Meeting 9:30 a.m. Painting Group 11:00 a.m. Aquasize 12:00 p.m. DuplicateBridge 1:00 p.m. 3D Dimensional Art 31 9:00 a.m. Ping Pong 9:00 a.m. Yoga Class 9:30 a.m. Painting Group 11:00 a.m. Aquasize 12:00 p.m. DuplicateBridge 1:00 p.m. 3D Dimensional Art 7:30 p.m. After Hours Club
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