175 Jefferson Street Fairfield, CT 06825 Chai lights The Jewish Home for the Elderly Milton J. Schubin Chairperson of the Board Dennis B. Poster Chairperson of the Board JHE Foundation Andrew H. Banoff President & CEO / Editor Two Shades of Grey Design and Layout Contact us at (203) 365-6400 www.jhe.org Diane Mangano-Cohen’s involvement with The Jewish Home began in New Jersey twelve years ago. Diane’s aunt and her sister planned on continuing to reside together. Increasingly Alzheimer’s disease was impacting her aunt’s life and her sister was no longer able to manage her care needs. Diane visited the Home to see if it would be the appropriate placement for her aunt and was incredibly impressed by all that was offered. Unfortunately, before her admission could be arranged, her aunt passed away. Diane’s positive impression of the Home remained. In 2000, Diane’s mother-in-law in Brooklyn reached a stage of needing more assistance with her care needs. Twice she insisted she would not move into The Jewish Home. However, after Diane persuaded her to come for a tour she asked, “When can I come?” Tillie resided on Bennett 2 for two years. During that period, Diane faced the aging process taking its toll on her parents, Estelle and Dominic L’Abbate. Diane’s gratitude for the services of the Home deepened as her family needs had again been met successfully. “Before my parents moved into the Home I was constantly worried about crises and what could happen next,” recalls Diane. “When they moved in it was as if a giant boulder was lifted from my shoulders. In the Home we knew someone just as loving as we were would take care of them. Plus we were able to include them in spontaneous family get- togethers. My mother called the Home ‘The Inn’ and knew she could just go to the ‘concierge’ if she wanted anything. I remember the huge family gatherings we would have in the Living Room on the unit. We really felt like family with everyone here.” When Diane’s father passed away four months after moving into the Home she was concerned about how her mother would respond. “The night my father died his aides cried and we hugged. Then they assured me by saying, ‘We will take care of Mama tonight’. That kind of loving and caring is remarkable. I know I could not do a better job than the staff of The Jewish Home.” Two years ago Diane’s brother-in-law Michael, retired from his employment with the City of New York doing title searches, was living in an adult home. Diane and husband Bill visited him regularly in NY and recognized he needed a fuller life. Michael was enthusiastic about coming to the Home right from the start saying, “Of course I want to live in the Home!” Michael came to the Home able to take full advantage of the many programs and activities available. Diane feels he is truly thriving and describes his current environment as especially beautiful in contrast to the adult home in which he had been living. “Michael is so relaxed and happy here,” said Diane. “Opportunities he never enjoyed now contribute to fulfilling his potential for learning and growth. He is studying Hebrew with Ellen Ashkins, Director of Resident Life, and Rabbi Joshua Zlochower, Director of Pastoral Services. In addition, Michael is a regular participant in the Work Activity Center and feels needed for the synagogue Minyan. At the Home Michael has found more camaraderie than he has ever known.” Continuing Diane adds, “The Home is such a special place. When I visited my parents and now when I visit Michael I get such a warm fuzzy feeling. The caregivers and all the employees are cheery and respectful of everyone here. The Home’s incredibly low rate of staff turnover compared to the industry average is telling evidence of the commitment the people working here have to the values and Mission in which we believe.” Diane and Bill live in Westport. She is a retired Interior Designer and serves on the Board of Directors of Earthplace, an organization in Westport that addresses environmental issues. Bill recently retired from the field of marketing with international scope. They have four children: Diane Madfes, who lives in Greenwich with her husband, Jason, and their two children Mallory, 13, and Jared, 11; Douglas and Holly Cohen in Sarasota, Fl; Melissa Mangano, in Alexandria, VA; and Vincent Mangano who lives in Bridgeport. Diane and Bill very much enjoy being grandparents and spend as much time as they can with their family. In addition, they delight in traveling and have recently completed a five-week trip to Asia, including China, Singapore and Thailand. Diane is also an enthusiastic member of the Home’s Professional Services Committee. She feels serving on the Board is a wonderful way to give back to the Home for all it has given her and her family. As a member of the Professional Services Committee, Diane has gained a greater understanding of how each of the Home’s departments contribute to the residents’ well-being and the amount of thought that goes into every detail. Diane cites this example: “A resident’s son told me of an experience he had while his parent was extremely ill. While staying bedside he was getting hungry when “magically” a meal and fresh, hot coffee appeared gently delivered by a staff member. I knew it was not magic that made the food appear. I knew it was a result of extensive research, planning and hard work that had gone into the development of the Home’s Palliative Care Committee. Sitting on the Professional Services Committee I had learned of this extraordinary program designed to go the extra mile during a family’s most difficult time. First, the staff identified the need. Then they figured out how to meet that need by combining the efforts of several departments including Nursing, Resident Life, and Food Services. Next, the plan for implementation was developed. Finally, staff continues to evaluate the efficacy of the program and modifies it according to new knowledge gained experientially.” Diane is excited about the Home’s future and the development of The Dogwoods®, the proposed new Life Care Community. “I love being involved with the new plan and happy to be a member of the Committee focusing on the skilled nursing aspect of The Dogwoods®. Working with the architect and the other experts is fascinating. I am looking forward to The Dogwoods® for the current Jewish Home family and as a potential resident.” As grateful as Diane is to the Home, we are tremen- dously appreciative of her dedication. Thank you, Diane, for all you have given and all you still plan to do, as you say,“To keep the Home getting better as we strive to be the best.” family portrait Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Bpt. CT Permit #38 Diane Mangano-Cohen
Transcript
175 Jefferson StreetFairfield, CT 06825
Chailights
The Jewish Home for the Elderly
Milton J. SchubinChairperson of the Board
Dennis B. PosterChairperson of the BoardJHE Foundation
Andrew H. BanoffPresident & CEO/ Editor
Two Shades of GreyDesign and Layout
Contact us at (203) 365-6400
www.jhe.org
Diane Mangano-Cohen’s involvement with TheJewish Home began in New Jersey twelve years ago.Diane’s aunt and her sister planned on continuing toreside together. Increasingly Alzheimer’s disease wasimpacting her aunt’s life and her sister was no longerable to manage her care needs. Diane visited theHome to see if it would be the appropriateplacement for her aunt and was incredibly impressedby all that was offered. Unfortunately, before heradmission could be arranged, her aunt passed away.Diane’s positive impression of the Home remained.
In 2000, Diane’s mother-in-law in Brooklyn reacheda stage of needing more assistance with her careneeds. Twice she insisted she would not move intoThe Jewish Home. However, after Diane persuadedher to come for a tour she asked, “When can Icome?” Tillie resided on Bennett 2 for two years.
During that period, Diane faced the aging processtaking its toll on her parents, Estelle and DominicL’Abbate. Diane’s gratitude for the services of theHome deepened as her family needs had again beenmet successfully.
“Before my parents moved into the Home I wasconstantly worried about crises and what couldhappen next,” recalls Diane. “When they moved in itwas as if a giant boulder was lifted from myshoulders. In the Home we knew someone just asloving as we were would take care of them. Plus wewere able to include them in spontaneous family get-togethers. My mother called the Home ‘The Inn’and knew she could just go to the ‘concierge’ if shewanted anything. I remember the huge familygatherings we would have in the Living Room onthe unit. We really felt like family with everyonehere.”
When Diane’s father passed away four months aftermoving into the Home she was concerned abouthow her mother would respond.
“The night my father died his aides cried and wehugged. Then they assured me by saying, ‘We willtake care of Mama tonight’. That kind of loving andcaring is remarkable. I know I could not do a betterjob than the staff of The Jewish Home.”
Two years ago Diane’s brother-in-law Michael,retired from his employment with the City of NewYork doing title searches, was living in an adulthome. Diane and husband Bill visited him regularlyin NY and recognized he needed a fuller life.Michael was enthusiastic about coming to the Homeright from the start saying, “Of course I want to livein the Home!”
Michael came to theHome able to take fulladvantage of the manyprograms and activitiesavailable. Diane feels heis truly thriving anddescribes his currentenvironment as especiallybeautiful in contrast tothe adult home in which he had been living.
“Michael is so relaxed and happy here,” said Diane.“Opportunities he never enjoyed now contribute tofulfilling his potential for learning and growth. He isstudying Hebrew with Ellen Ashkins, Director ofResident Life, and Rabbi Joshua Zlochower,Director of Pastoral Services. In addition, Michael isa regular participant in the Work Activity Centerand feels needed for the synagogue Minyan. At theHome Michael has found more camaraderie than hehas ever known.”
Continuing Diane adds, “The Home is such aspecial place. When I visited my parents and nowwhen I visit Michael I get such a warm fuzzy feeling.The caregivers and all the employees are cheery andrespectful of everyone here. The Home’s incrediblylow rate of staff turnover compared to the industryaverage is telling evidence of the commitment thepeople working here have to the values and Missionin which we believe.”
Diane and Bill live in Westport. She is a retiredInterior Designer and serves on the Board ofDirectors of Earthplace, an organization in Westportthat addresses environmental issues. Bill recentlyretired from the field of marketing with internationalscope. They have four children: Diane Madfes, wholives in Greenwich with her husband, Jason, andtheir two children Mallory, 13, and Jared, 11;Douglas and Holly Cohen in Sarasota, Fl; Melissa
Mangano, in Alexandria, VA; and Vincent Manganowho lives in Bridgeport. Diane and Bill very muchenjoy being grandparents and spend as much time asthey can with their family. In addition, they delightin traveling and have recently completed a five-weektrip to Asia, including China, Singapore andThailand.
Diane is also an enthusiastic member of the Home’sProfessional Services Committee. She feels servingon the Board is a wonderful way to give back to the
Home for all it has given her and herfamily. As a member of theProfessional Services Committee,Diane has gained a greaterunderstanding of how each of theHome’s departments contribute to theresidents’ well-being and the amountof thought that goes into every detail.Diane cites this example:
“A resident’s son told me of anexperience he had while his parentwas extremely ill. While stayingbedside he was getting hungry when“magically” a meal and fresh, hotcoffee appeared gently delivered by astaff member. I knew it was notmagic that made the food appear. I
knew it was a result of extensive research, planningand hard work that had gone into the developmentof the Home’s Palliative Care Committee. Sitting onthe Professional Services Committee I had learnedof this extraordinary program designed to go theextra mile during a family’s most difficult time. First,the staff identified the need. Then they figured outhow to meet that need by combining the efforts ofseveral departments including Nursing, ResidentLife, and Food Services. Next, the plan forimplementation was developed. Finally, staffcontinues to evaluate the efficacy of the program andmodifies it according to new knowledge gainedexperientially.”
Diane is excited about the Home’s future and thedevelopment of The Dogwoods®, the proposed newLife Care Community. “I love being involved withthe new plan and happy to be a member of theCommittee focusing on the skilled nursing aspect ofThe Dogwoods®. Working with the architect andthe other experts is fascinating. I am looking forwardto The Dogwoods® for the current Jewish Homefamily and as a potential resident.”
As grateful as Diane is to the Home, we are tremen-dously appreciative of her dedication. Thank you,Diane, for all you have given and all you still plan todo, as you say, “To keep the Home getting better aswe strive to be the best.”
family portrait
Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage
PAIDBpt. CT
Permit #38
Diane Mangano-Cohen
a publication of the Jewish home for the Elderly volume 75 summer 2008
Florida Friends…page 7
Centenarians…page 5
INSIDETHIS ISSUEINSIDETHIS ISSUE
Community Services provided by The Jewish Home have evolveddramatically over the last four years, and now form a comprehensivearray of support for older individuals living in Fairfield County. AdultDay Care, Compassionate Care Companions, Geriatric Assessmentsand Care Management connect individuals living in their own homeswith the quality care and support for which the Home is so wellknown.
The Home’s oldest Community Service is the Adult Day Center(ADC), which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2007. ADC hashelped more than 2,000 clients and their caregivers by providingnursing supervision, hot lunches, stimulating therapeutic recreationactivities, socialization, personal care and caregiver support in awelcoming environment Mondays through Saturdays. Each week 70clients attend the Home’s Adult Day Center. During the last year, 114clients did not spend their days alone because The Jewish Home wasthere for them.
In 2004, recognizing an important and enormous need, the Homeformally changed its Mission to include serving seniors in thecommunity. Compassionate Care Companions (CCC) was formed tooffer high quality non-medical home care services. Over 400 clientshave benefited from CCC, and over 175,000 hours of home careservices have been provided. CCC’s exceptional caregivers providesupport in the client’s home whether it is a private dwelling, anassisted living facility or a nursing home.
The Institute on Aging (IOA) was created to help seniors proactivelymaximize their quality of life and remain safely at home as long aspossible. Under the auspices of Dr. Kenneth Fine, Medical Director ofthe IOA, and Laura Snow, IOA Coordinator, Geriatric Assessmentsand Geriatric Care Management are available. The goal of aGeriatric Assessment is to enhance quality of life for elders, especiallythose living with memory disorders, and to help their caregivers byproviding coordinated medical, psychological and social interventions.
The Care Management program helps families navigate the complexhealth care arena particularly during times of change, aiming toameliorate problems before they reach crisis level. The Care
Management team includes experienced nurses and social workerswho have made a true impact in the lives of the clients served to date.Geriatric Assessments and Care Management serve approximately 70clients from our community annually.
The newest program of the IOA is the Center for Elder AbusePrevention (the Center) which opened in September of 2007. Withinthe first six months the Center has created “safety plans” for 18seniors, linking them into programs and services designed to helpthem escape abusive situations. The program has educated close to1,000 community members during its first four months significantlyraising awareness of the critical issue of elder abuse.
Outpatient Rehabilitation is another new component to thecontinuum of community services. This program sees community-based patients in need of physical, occupational and speech therapy.The therapists begin by performing comprehensive evaluations andthen design customized programs to help patients attain their personalgoals. Over 225 patients have achieved their objectives.
For more information on these services please contactChristina Ciminello, Director of Community Services, at(203) 365-6433 or [email protected].
InspirationalInsights…page 4
Lives Changed Thanks to The Jewish Home’sCommunity Services!
Update on The Dogwoods® fromTerry Minervini, Director of Marketing
At the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging Annual Professional Breakfast, AndrewH. Banoff was the keynote speaker seen here with Carol Smith Harker, Chairman of theBoard, SWCAA; Marie Allen, Executive Director, SWCAA; Theresa Korsenko, ofGrandparents Raising Grandchildren Program and Child Guidance Center; Suzanne Wallace,Director, Parenting Academy of Child Guidance Center; Christina Ciminello, Director,Community Services; and Jennifer Ring, former Coordinator, Institute on Aging.
Excitement about The Dogwoods® builds as I meet withindividuals and explain The Jewish Home’s plans for building ourstate-of-the-art Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)in Monroe.
A CCRC offers housing, residential services, health care services,and long term care under a single contract in effect for the lifetimeof a resident. The Dogwoods® will offer apartment and villa living,with assisted living and long term care, all on one site. A one-timeentrance fee and monthly fees will cover the costs for housing,services, and health care. A comprehensive contract for residentialand health care services is in effect for the life of a resident, and, ifneeded, includes long-term nursing care, at no additional cost.
Consider moving to The Dogwoods® because:
n Entering at a younger age is a better economic investment thanwaiting until later.
n The Dogwoods® staff will take care of property maintenanceand you will have more time to enjoy your new lifestyle.
n You will have a variety of recreational, cultural and wellnessactivities available at The Dogwoods® to pursue individually or in a group.
“When should I apply to live in The Dogwoods®?” Apply whenyou are able to make the most of everything The Dogwoods’lifestyle offers. Plan your future while you can still fully participatein the process. The security of knowing you will live in a safeenvironment will give you and your family peace of mind. Iencourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.
For more information and invitations for special events where youwill meet other friends of The Dogwoods®, please contact me at(203) 621-2030 or [email protected]. I welcome thechance to meet with you and your friends to explore TheDogwoods® advantages together in the comfort of your home or atyour group’s regular meeting place. I am looking forward to hearingfrom you.
Greetings!! In this issue of Chai
Lights you will read more about our
ongoing development of The
Dogwoods®, a Life Care
Community which we are planning
to develop in Monroe. The response
to our “Friends List” has been
phenomenal – and over 600 people
have signed up to be called when we
are approved to take 10% deposits.
This pre-marketing phase has
included dozens of community
programs and presentations and we
are so pleased with the response to
this project.
We are thrilled to announce that
Governor Rell has signed into law a
bill that will allow us to relocate the
nursing home. With regard to the
regulatory process, there has been
much progress as well, and we
certainly hope that much more will
be reported in our next issue.
We will also focus on the many
community programs and services
that are growing to meet the needs of
our community. Adult Day Care,
Home Care, Physician Services,
Outpatient Therapy and the Elder
Abuse Shelter are all being met with
tremendous enthusiasm and demand.
We believe that the majority of
people will live in their homes in the
community forever – and we are
committed to meeting
their needs wherever and
whenever they are. In
this spirit, our Board of
Directors recently
approved the creation of a
Medical Home Care Agency – so
we can also provide licensed nursing
and therapy staff services in your
home. More to follow on that issue
as well…
Finally, you will continue to see
pictures about the many splendored
activities at the Home for our
residents and their families –
including the Centenarian
Luncheon, Dementia programs and
education, Work Activity Center, etc.
We strive to re-commit to our
Mission each and every day – and
celebrate the holidays and birthdays
and “simchas” with our family.
Wishing you and your families a
bright and beautiful Summer!
Sincerely,
Andrew H. Banoff
2 From the Chairpersons of the Boards
Milton J. SchubinThe Jewish Home
Dennis B. PosterJHE Foundation
The Spring and Summer of 2008 will be busy andexciting as you will read in the pages ahead.
We will continue to work towards the successfulcompletion of our $370,000 Annual Campaign under theleadership of Regina (Geney) Levin and Edith (Edie)Chaifetz. These two dynamic leaders bring not onlyexpertise but personal experience to their roles. Geney’smother is a resident of the Home and Edie was a patienton our Bennett 4 Post-Acute Rehabilitation Unit.
The Dogwoods were in full bloom around FairfieldCounty reminding our greater community of the projectahead. We will watch our Friends List and the excitementfor this endeavor grow. Terry Minervini, MarketingDirector, will be speaking about our future Life CareCommunity throughout the county, sharing theadvantages of this type of living with all interestedseniors.
The Women’s Auxiliary hosted its Annual SpringLuncheon and Boutique on May 5th. Please read about it
in the pages ahead. Golf and Tennis enthusiasts willgather at the Men’s Club George Lipton Golf and TennisInvitational on June 23rd. We thank Ilene Feldman,Marlene Fischer, Stewart Gross and Steve Moskowitz forplanning these two fundraising events.
To donate or for more information about the AnnualCampaign, please call the JHE Foundation office at (203)365-6407. Gifts to the Annual Campaign make adifference to our residents and to the Home every day!
The Jewish Home acknowledges the passing of former Board Leaders:
Anne KaufmanHonorary Director for Life
Saul KwartinHonorary Director for Life
Earl J. WofseyPast Chairperson of the Board of Directors
May their memory be for a blessing.
Education
3Lead
ers
hip
Team
New
sThe Senior Management Team of the Home is charged with theadministrative oversight of our Skilled Nursing Facility,Community Services and all other operations of the Home. Hereare a few new members of this Team to highlight for you. First is achange in role for Shelley O’Brien, RN. Shelley is now theDirector, Nursing Services, and is responsible for all of the clinicalsupport areas within the Nursing Department. This includes theAdmissions Office, Staffing and Scheduling, the NursingSupervisors, Infection Control, Pharmacy, etc. Replacing Shelley asthe Director of the Tandet Pavilion is Marge Nicolia, RN. Margehas been the Director, Nursing Services at two other local nursinghomes. Also joining the Team is Maureen Porto, RN as theDirector of the Bennett Pavilion. Maureen has also been aDirector, Nursing Services at alocal nursing home. Thesethree individuals comprise thecore of our Nursing Leadershipand have a tremendous depthof knowledge and experience toensure that we continue toprovide the best possiblequality of care for our residents.
Shelley O’Brien
Marge Nicolia Maureen Porto
CNA ClassThe Jewish Home is once again sponsoring a group of qualified candidatesas students in our own CNA Program.
The training program will teach the essential duties of a Certified NursingAssistant and will demonstrate how to interact with residents, assess patientneeds, how to monitor and observe the patient's overall condition. Thecourse will also teach how to assist in diagnosing and treating injuries andhuman diseases while learning about preventative health care measures.
This program is fully sponsored by the Home and pays all expensesincluding tuition, any required materials and books. This is an 8-weekcourse that will feature 7 weeks of combined classroom and clinicaleducation and 1 week of review. The program began April 21st and will endon June 13, 2008.
The program will be presented by Deborah Colombo, RN who has taughtCNA Certification programs for a number of years. The candidates abovewere selected from over 50 applicants for the limited number of openings.
We are extremely proud of this program and happy to offer this opportunityto these very committed students.
Pictured above is the first group of graduates sponsored by The Jewish Home as Certified Nursing Assistants.
The development of our staff throughclinical, dementia and house-wide educationis instrumental to the continued success ofour organization. Our two educators KathyIuso, Clinical Educator and Dawn Pelazza,Educator for Dementia and In-ServiceEducation have created and implemented avariety of educational programs to enhancethe knowledge of our staff.
Since joining the Home last year ourClinical Educator, Kathy Iuso has done agreat deal of research related to the longterm care environment and how to furtherdevelop the educational component for staff.Kathy has presented a variety of clinicaleducation topics to ensure our staff has themost up to date information and practices.In addition to in-services that take placedaily on nursing units, on all shifts, monthlyself learning packets are available for Nursesand CNA’s. Kathy conducts a 3-day orientation program for new clinical stafftwice a month, works with preceptors, coordinates student nurse rotations,worked with the State to have our CNA Program materials approved andcreated and implemented a Certified Feeding Program.
Dawn Pelazza joined the Home as Educator for Dementia and In-ServiceEducation in September of 2007. Her commitment to provide all staff withthe basic knowledge of Dementia has resulted in a lot of inquires and requestsfor more education in this area. Dawn works closely with the Alzheimer’sAssociation to ensure we are aware of the most recent findings related toDementia. She provides the basic Dementia program for all new hires andpresents an 8-hour advanced Dementia Program for all new clinical staff. Inaddition to presenting these programs Dawn works with both staff andresidents on all units and shifts in a more intimate setting to provide opportu-nities for staff and residents to engage.
Kathy and Dawn are both welcome additions to the Home. Their programs,presentations and knowledge provide staff on all levels opportunities foreducational growth. We are fortunate to have this dynamic duo as part of theteam. They are professionals who are committed to enhancing staffdevelopment and resident life.
Kathy Iuso
Dawn Pelazza
Alzheimer’s AssociationRecognizes The JewishHome StaffAt the Alzheimer’s Association Annual Caregivers Recognition Luncheon,November 8, 2007 at the Red Barn in Westport, several staff members of TheJewish Home were honored for their dedicated service.
“The staff members of the Home are truly committed to providing the highestquality of life and care for the people in the Home,” said Shelley O’Brien,Director Nursing Services. “We are very proud of our awardees. Theyrepresent a team of dedicated caregivers who day and night make the Homethe exceptional place it is.”
Shown from left to right are Erena Fitzgerald, Special Care Unit Nurse Manager; Linda Kennedy, CNA; Rose Malerba, Admissions Associate; Eileen Walsh, formerly of Grasmere Adult Day Center; Valerie Pinto, alsofrom Grasmere; Karen Davis, Special Needs Assistant; Marie Guery (guest) and Angela Williams,Compassionate Care Companion.
Send a CheerGram!Recently many updates were made to The Jewish Home’s website,www.jhe.org, including the option to send a CheerGram to someone youcare about who lives at the Home or is at the Home recuperating on our Post-Acute Rehabilitation Unit.
Once you are on our home page, click the CheerGrams button on thelower right of the left-hand list and you will see how easy it is to selectan illustration, enter your message, and click “send message”. YourCheerGram will be delivered within 24 hours, or the next working dayafter weekends and holidays. By sending a CheerGram you willspread good cheer and perhaps inspire the recipient to takeadvantage of the Residents Computer Lab (in their Library on theWest Wing) to email a response to you. Once residents start goingon-line they find countless sites to explore, games to play, music to hear and allthe other attractions of cyberspace. Through the Department of Resident Life, a staffperson is available to assist their journey along the internet highway.
Other additions at www.jhe.org include the ability to see recent press releases with their photos,current and past issues of Chai Lights, and to learn about the Home’s Institute On Aging andOutpatient Therapy program. In the JHE Foundation section, use the dropdown menu to access theCalendar of Events, information about the Men’s Club and the Women’s Auxiliary, and the many waysto support the Home. On our home page, there is also a direct link to The Dogwoods®.
If you have any questions or suggestions about our website, please contact ShelleyBerman, Community Relations Coordinator at (203) 365-6495 or [email protected].
Renovations Throughout The Jewish HomeEach year residents benefit from yourgenerous support. Funds from The Men’sClub were utilized for the following:1. renovated the Core Area on the Home’sRehabilitation Unit (Bennett Four) into agracious Dining Room. 2. converted underutilized space on Tandet East into a Solarium.
The Annual Campaign provided the fundingnecessary to: 3. renovate the Home’sSynagogue. 4a/4b. create beautiful LivingRooms in the Bennett Pavilion 5. designbeautiful spa-like bath suites on our SpecialCare Units.
4
Jack Mitchell, author, businessman, and member of The Jewish Home family (right),shared his inspirational insights with our Leadership Team in May after thesuccessful release of his second book, "Hug Your People". Jack Mitchell is shownhere with brother Bill Mitchell, JHE Foundation Board member; Pamela Miles,Director of Business Development at Mitchells/Richards/Marshs; and Andrew H.Banoff.
Volunteers are an intrinsic part of life at The Jewish Home. Residents of theHome, patients on the Rehab Unit and clients in our Adult Day Center benefitfrom the Home’s volunteers in a variety of ways.
For example, volunteers bring people in wheelchairs from one part of the Hometo another for medical appointments, physical therapy sessions and recreationalactivities. Volunteers do friendly visits brightening the day for residents in needof companionship. Volunteers serve as sales associates in the Home’s Gift Shop.Volunteers help residents send e-mail, surf the web and play computer games inthe Library on the West Wing.
In addition to assignments that directly support the residents, the Homewelcomes volunteers to greet visitors at our reception desks, assist in offices andmake sundaes in our Corner Café.
The Home has a new program called “Monthly Mitzvah Day”, for groupsthroughout Fairfield County. Each group selects one day per month formembers to volunteer at the Home. Morning (10:00-12:00), afternoon (1:00-3:00) and evening (6:30-8:30) shifts are available.
Members of the Newtown Hadassah Chapter started in February and theirmembers’ activities included a saxophone concert in the Tandet Lobby,transporting residents to the Home’s clinic and organizing the residents’Library. Members of the Norwalk Hadassah Chapter take two residents, whoare also members, to lunch in the Home’s Corner Cafe. Members ofCongregation B’nai Torah in Trumbull help residents enjoy visiting with rabbitsbrought in by their Sisterhood President. This program enables us to haveconsistent volunteer coverage through a particular community group and theirmembers are able to put in the hours that they desire.
Shelley Berman, Community Relations Coordinator, would be happy to speakto your group and provide more information about this initiative. Please contacther at (203) 365-6495 or [email protected] to explore how the goals of yourgroup’s mission and the Home’s can form an exciting dynamic to benefiteveryone involved.
The Home’s volunteers give thousands of hours each month and will becelebrated at the Annual Volunteers Recognition Luncheon on June 17, 2008.Jewish Home volunteers are an inspiration to everyone and very muchappreciated. To quote Fran Plotkin, who has volunteered for more than 11,000hours, “Plant the seeds of faith, hope, compassion and TLC for others –become a volunteer!”
News from Volunteer Services
From the Newtown Hadassah Chapter, Jo Kovacs, of Danbury, plays her saxophone to entertain the residentswhile other members do Friendly Visits, transport residents in wheelchairs to activities in the Home andupdate the Residents Library.
1 2 3
4a 4b 5
SLICE OF LIFE
On Tu B’Shvat, Rabbi Joshua Zlochower, Director of Pastoral Servicesat the Home presented to Florence Sussman, President of the ResidentsCouncil, a certificate from the Jewish National Fund in honor of themany trees planted in Israel by the residents.
New Year’s Celebration at The Jewish Home Residents rang in the NewYear with bright smiles and optimism for 2008. Deborah Lutinski,Therapeutic Recreation Director, and Saul Dannenberg welcome 2008together.
Elmer Zeif sees the New Year in with Tracey Hamulak, TherapeuticRecreation Director.
Bingo night was enlivened with the participation of students from TheConservative Synagogue of Westport. Jewish Home resident AndrewPassarelli enjoyed the help from the young assistant.
Bernhard Rock, one of forty Jewish Home residents who voted inthe February primary, completes his Absentee Ballot under therequired supervision of Joann McMaster, Registrar of Voters for theTown of Fairfield.
Phil Bleich, of New Haven, founder of "Operation Far From Home", receiveddozens of hamantashen baked by the residents for him to send to Jewishsoldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Front: Harold Perlin presents PhilBleich with the first two of many bags of resident-made hamantashen.Standing left to right: Phil Bleich, Nancy Lerner, daughter of Mr. Perlin;Bunny Kasper, member of The Jewish Home's Board of Directors; and EllenAshkins, Director of Resident Life at the Home.
On March 11th, our fourth annual CentenarianLuncheon was held and this year nine residentsand their families were invited to attend. StatedAndrew H. Banoff, “This year we have named theLuncheon in memory of oneof our longstandingcentenarians who passed awayin 2007, Dave Erenberg. Davewill forever be remembered forhis uplifting smile!” OurCentenarians range in agefrom 100-107, and theirbackgrounds are as diverse asthe past century. Some wereborn in Europe, many in NewYork City, and a few are evenConnecticut natives! Almostall are great-grandparents, andit is such a pleasure to celebrate this milestonewith their families.
Where were you one hundred years ago? ForJewish Home residents Betty Ackerman, BeatriceCarley, Grace Covey, Regina Ruth Erteschik,Harriet Gross, Lenore Pokras (In Memoriam),Ann Yurdin, Sadie Zable and Stella Zola theanswer is living in a world without cell phones,laptops or microwave ovens. There was TB notTV, fewer than fifty American states and “fast
food” was an oxymoron. Through six wars, theGreat Depression, and watching a man walk onthe moon, the past one hundred years have beenfilled with incredible technological advances and
memorable events.
Ask the Centenarians at the Homefor their opinion of all this progressand their answers will reflect thepersonal strengths and values thathave sustained them for more thanten decades: enjoy the love of yourfamily, treat everyone with respect,work hard and exercise, and be anactive member of your community.
An inherent part of the Home’sdynamic energy is the essential lifeforce that has kept these individuals
going through life’s triumphs and tragedies, thefears and tears, but most of all the joys and thejubilation.
The next time you visit the Home accept its mostprecious gift: the example set by the residents topersevere and pursue, to keep giving and living,and, despite all the reasons to despair, greet theworld with a smile each day.
Centenarians Celebrate!
Pictured are some of our Centenarians with their families at the luncheon.
Jewish Home resident Gerald Pokras performed at theluncheon as he celebrated with him Mom, Lenore.
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The Women’s Auxiliary 2008 Spring Luncheonand Boutique has Record-Breaking Success!Cookbook Author, Radio Personality and FoodMaven, Arthur Schwartz spoke at the 40th AnnualWomen’s AuxiliarySpring Luncheon andBoutique on May 5th atthe Sheraton StamfordHotel. Over 300members and friends ofthe Women’s Auxiliaryattended the Luncheon,co-chaired by IleneFeldman, of Fairfield,and Marlene Fischer, ofSouthport. The eventraised a recordbreaking $39,400to support residentprogramming at TheJewish Home.
Barbara Leder, President of the Women's Auxiliarycommented, "Our annual Luncheon is a mainstayof our mission to raise funds on behalf of theresidents of The Jewish Home. The community
always turns out to help us and we are very grateful.This year our luncheon was arranged by Ilene
Feldman and Marlene Fischerwho did a spectacular job,breaking all records for thisevent. The Women’s Auxiliarycontinues in its splendidtradition addressing the needsof the residents of The JewishHome for the Elderly."
Schwartz is regarded as one ofthe country’s foremost expertson food, cooking, culinary
history, restaurants andrestaurant history. He was
the restaurant critic andExecutive Food Editor of theNew York Daily News, and
has a cooking school in Paestum, Italy. Schwartzhas published five award-winning cookbooks. Hisnewest book, Arthur Schwartz’s Jewish HomeCooking: Yiddish Recipes Revisited, was for saleduring the event. Guests supporting the event at
the $250 ‘Maven’ level enjoyed a private pre-luncheon reception with Arthur. Lydia Gerard,President-Elect of the Women’s Auxiliary chairedthe reception.
The guests were able to contribute to the Home byshopping at the Boutique, bidding on items at theSilent Auction and purchasing raffle tickets. DebbieRoss, of Trumbull, chaired the Boutique. TheWomen’s Auxiliary is grateful for the dedicationand support of the following women on the SpringLuncheon and Boutique Committee: Sue Angel,Julie Beitman, Helen Belkin, Wendy Bellefeuille,Randi Block, Alison Bonds, Fran Bongarten, JudyBrown, Joan Carp, Nancy Cohen, Tara Cook-Littman, Rachel Dayan, Betty Feldman, NanFeldman, Jody Fidler, Sandy Friedman, LydiaGerard, Karen Holson, Shelley Levy, DebraMadow, Susan Mittag, Barbara Panisch, SusanPanisch, Naomi Panzer, Penney Parkes, CherylPodob, Marlene Polansky, Kelly Reznikoff, VivianRockmacher, Aviva Sharbin, Ann Small, MoniqueSudikoff, Judy Weinstein, Sandy Young, RonnaZaken and Toni Zeleny.
Arthur Schwartz, Featured Speaker andLydia Gerard, of Fairfield, WA President-Elect.
Esta Feinsod, Nina Lotstein and Betsey Selkowitz, allof Stamford.
Karen Holson, of Wilton and Ellen Mendell, of Easton. Robin Morris, of Weston, WA Board member; LorrieHausman, of Stratford, WA Honorary DirectorEmeritus; Cindy Altberger, of Hoboken; and MarlenePolansky, of Weston, WA Board member.
Barbara Leder, of Westport, WA President; co-chairsIlene Feldman, of Fairfield and WA Board member;and Marlene Fischer, of Southport, and ArthurSchwartz, Featured Speaker.
The 2007-2008 programming year began with the verymemorable and successful Fall Gala, where over 260 membersof the community came together in support of The JewishHome. Arleen Cook, of Easton, and her daughter Tara Cook-Littman, of Fairfield, co-chaired the incredible evening thatfeatured a wonderful tribute to this year’s honorees, Rosalindand Arthur Friedman, of Trumbull, Edward I. Koch, formerNew York City Mayor, as the keynote speaker, and musicfrom the1940s from The Fairfield Counts Big Band.
The Annual Membership Meeting and Mitzvot ShabbatCelebration for the residents took place soon after the Gala inNovember. The Membership Meeting featured Dr. DaleAtkins, Psychologist, Author and Relationship Commentatoron NBC’s TODAY Show. Dr. Atkins shared tips from hernew book Sanity Savers: Tips for Women to Live a BalancedLife and held a discussion for over 100 women. The SpecialShabbat Celebration began with a Friday night service led byfamily members and residents with an emphasis on theimportance of mitzvot.
Florence Sussman, President of the Residents’ Council; Dr. Dale Atkins, FeaturedSpeaker; and Ellen Ashkins, Director of Resident Life.
The Women’s Auxiliary hosted an evening ofWine Tasting at the home of Lydia Gerard,President-Elect of the Women’s Auxiliary, thispast January. Over 30 women came to learnabout different wines from Spain and were alsointroduced to the Home and the Women’sAuxiliary.
For further information on how to getinvolved with the Women’s Auxiliary,please contact Dayna Hayden, at the JHEFoundation Office at (203) 365-6409 [email protected].
Sandy Friedman, of Westport, WA Board member; Susan Panisch,of Easton, WA Vice President; Barbara Leder, of Westport, WAPresident; Lydia Gerard, of Fairfield, WA President-Elect; andDebbie Ross, of Trumbull, WA Vice President.
Regina (Geney) Levin and her mother andresident of the Home, Lore Sender. GeneyLevin is a co-chair of the 2008 AnnualCampaign.
Please support the 2008Annual Campaign!The Jewish Home for the Elderly hasalways depended on the kindness andgenerosity of our community. We needyour participation to reach our $370,000goal for the 2008 Annual Campaign.Yourgift is an investment that will make a realdifference in the lives of the residents in
our care. Contributions to the 2008Annual Campaign may be made bycalling the JHE Foundation at (203) 365-6407, emailing [email protected] or bymailing a check to the Foundation.
Jewish HomeParticipates inLocal PhonathonsAudrey Stein, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at TheJewish Home actively participated with members of the community inFederation Super Sunday phonathons in Stamford and Westport. OtherStaff members also made calls from other Federation sites.
“Your staff and facility from day one when my dad arrived two
years ago have been remarkable in every way.”
— Family Member, B.C.
“I was very pleased with the care I received from your Post-Acute
Rehabilitation Unit during my stay.The staff was very caring. In fact,
I am going to continue my physical therapy in your Out-patient
Therapy program. I am pleased I selected The Jewish Home and will
recommend it to others who need rehabilitative care.”
— Physical Therapy Client, D.S.
“I would like to thank everyone affiliated at the Home for the care
and compassion given to my husband.The staff is truly special.”
— Family Member, P.M.
“Though my mom was at The Jewish Home for a short time, it was a
memorable time for all of us.We were always comfortable and
confident about her care.You set an example that is reflected in
every aspect of the Home’s operation.”
— Family Member, J. M..
FAMILY MAIL
Men’s Club Hosting George LiptonGolf and Tennis Invitational atRolling Hills Country Club
A special thank you toour FederationsThe Jewish Home is a recipient agency of the followingcommunity organizations. We thank these organizationsand the communities for their support.
Jewish Federation of Danbury
UJA/Federation of Eastern Fairfield County
UJA/Federation of Greenwich
UJA/Federation of Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk
United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, NewCanaan, Darien
On June 23, 2008, golfers and tennis players will support the important workof the Men’s Club while participating in the 22nd Annual George LiptonGolf and Tennis Invitational at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton. Co-chaired by Dr. Stewart Gross, President of the Men’s Club, and Dr. StephenMoskowitz, Past President of the Men’s Club, this annual event raised over$100,000 last year.
“In the past years, our outing experience has been quite successful due in partto Rolling Hills and its excellent facilities and this year should be nodifferent,” said Stewart. “Our loyal participants have continued to make this anenjoyable as well as a worthwhile experience. Sponsorships and individualsupport is greatly appreciated by our attendees and non-participant supporters.We remain committed to the quality care and treatment offered at The JewishHome for the Elderly.”
The morning will commence with a Pro-Am golf tournament at 7:15 a.m. anda breakfast buffet. The scenic Rolling Hills terrace will provide the perfectsetting for an outdoor lunch. Play will continue after lunch with the tennistournament and the golf tournament in a scramble format. Concluding theday will be a celebratory dinner reception, tournament award presentations anda tribute to the legacy of George Lipton. All attendees have the opportunity toparticipate in the evening’s Raffle and Silent Auction.
For further information on how to get involved with the Men’sClub, please contact Dayna Hayden, at the JHE Foundation Officeat (203) 365-6409 or [email protected].
The Annual Florida Friends Reception and Luncheon took place this year at themagnificent Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, the perfect setting for supporters ofthe Home to gather and honor Lynne and Charles (Chuck) Weiss for theirdedication as Board members, visionaries and supporters. Both Lynne and Chuckhave been active on the Home and JHE Foundation Boards. Lynne is a pastpresident of the Women’s Auxiliary and Chuck serves on the Board and ExecutiveCommittee of the JHE Foundation.
Jane Pressman, a Board member of the Home was the Chair of the eventhonoring her good friends. George Hoenig and Bill Mitchell paid tribute to thehonorees. 85 supporters attended the record-breaking fundraising event. Over$20,000 was raised for the Yetta K. Weiss Endowment Fund to support theHome’s Work Activity Center, the only sheltered workshop for the elderly inConnecticut. This fund is in memory of Chuck’s beloved mother and inrecognition of the importance of the Center for the residents of the Home.
Chuck Weiss, Jane and Jerry Pressman, and Lynne Weiss.
Florida Friends
Save the date
JUNE
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Annual Volunteers Recognition Luncheon
The Jewish Home
Monday, June 23, 2008
2008 Men’s Club George LiptonGolf & Tennis Invitational
