Fall 2022 Kavod Connections

From the Desk of JAY FRANK CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Dear friends, family, volunteers and residents,

Michael Sattell has graciously allowed me to use his space in this issue of Kavod to share some thoughts. The in-person Golden Alliance Dinner, accompanied by the tour of Kavod Terrace, the new memory care community, provided an opportunity to re-experience in person the remarkable facility that is home to our residents. It was my first taste of how Ovation would emerge from the pandemic.

The sheer beauty of the facility, attention to detail, art collections and displays are all testaments to Michael Sattell’s keen sense of class and his devotion to our residents and our community. During his service of more than a decade, he has created a unique legacy. His integrity has helped lead Ovation to be a destination of choice. Establishing Kavod Terrace included a total reconstruction of its quarters and attainment of an entirely new license. It fulfills a decade long goal of adding a dedicated memory care unit to our continuum of care. We

are grateful for Michael’s contributions in this milestone.

In July we announced the Board of Directors began a transition process that would redesign the position that Michael currently holds as President of the Jewish Home, Chai Point, and the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation, as well as CEO of Ovation Communities. Instead of a CEO of all three entities, the Board made the determination that Ovation would be better served if the President’s responsibilities focused specifically on operations, leaving the development work and financial support aspect to a separate Foundation President.

In part, this decision is based on the immense responsibilities of the President of the Jewish Home. A year ago, as part of a reorganization, we eliminated the position of Chief Operating Officer. Those job functions were largely absorbed by Michael as President of The Jewish Home and Chai Point.

The most important job we do is providing services to our residents, and we believe that must

be the sole focus of the President. While the Foundation is critically important, we believe that the Jewish Home, and Chai Point, would be better served when it has a President solely focused on the mission, with the collaboration of a separate Foundation President.

As we move through the transition process, Michael agreed he will continue to serve in his role while we implement the needed changes. We do not know the exact timing, but we anticipate the new person could take over as early as the first of next year.

We are grateful for the legacy that Michael is leaving at Ovation. But perhaps his greatest gift is helping to preside over this transitional time. Much as Moses handed over the responsibility of the Jewish people to Joshua, Michael will be able to pass on his legacy and his charge.

I hope you enjoy reading about all of magic going on at Ovation! Thank you for allowing me to serve as the Chairman of the Board.

Jay M. Frank Chairman of the Board of Directors

Elevated Dining Experience Highlights Residents’ Love of Food

NEXDINE Hospitality is Ovation Communities’ new food service partner. We sat down with Matthew Morrison, Director of Operations for Senior Living at NEXDINE, to learn more about the new and improved dining experience.

NEXDINE is a dining and hospitality service provider uniquely positioned to serve senior living communities nationwide. They are known for their high-quality ingredients and fresh, made from scratch approach to food.

NEXDINE believes customizing services is the key to creating an amazing dining experience.

Since the partnership with Ovation began in March 2022, Morrison has been working closely with Ovation’s leadership team to understand the unique characteristics of the community and build a customized dining experience.

“Ovation and NEXDINE share the same high level of expectations,

vision and core values, which has made for a seamless partnership,” Morrison said. “Everyone at Ovation has been spectacular to work with and we are so excited for residents to see the final product.”

The new dining experience includes menus with a restaurant feel and a wide variety of food options which include appetizers, soups, salads, with two main specials, and daily main courses. With the new menu residents are able to order whatever they want whenever they want, with both dine-in and room service options available. The menu is 100 percent resident driven. The menu was built through an extensive feedback gathering process, which highlights the food residents enjoy most.

“We teach our team members how to make everything from scratch and utilize fresh local ingredients to create a menu that is very resident and region specific.”

— MATTHEW MORRISON

“We teach our team members how to make everything from scratch and utilize fresh local ingredients to create a menu that is very resident and region specific,” Morrison said. “A lot of passion and nuanced technique goes into kosher cooking, and we’re excited to work with Ovation to continue those important traditions.”

Another aspect of the elevated restaurant style dining experience is an extensive training program provided to the kitchen and wait staff focused on top-notch customer service. Servers will soon have access to cutting-edge technology that allows them to take orders at the table using a handheld tablet and send them directly to the chefs working in the kitchen via a wall-mounted

monitor. In the kitchen, the fresh food approach focuses on using as many raw ingredients as possible, rather than pre-bought or pre-made, to enhance food taste and resident wellness.

“Overall, we want to make coming to the dining room a fun and exciting experience for residents,” Morrison said. “We were able to work together to explore their palates and create a new menu that gives residents the option to try new things or stick with dishes they have known and loved for years.”

NEXDINE and Ovation are excited to implement this higher end style of food and service and to offer more healthconscious and nutritious options for residents. Future plans include creating a grab-and-go style food option for residents through the Oasis Café.

Chai Point resident Stan Holland enjoys a plate of NEXDINE’s food at Ovation’s 3rd of July Fireworks show.

Chai Point resident Gerald Gersten takes in some food prepared by NEXDINE at Ovation’s 3rd of July Fireworks show.

NEXDINE cook and supervisor, Desi Winston, grills kebobs for residents to enjoy at Ovation’s 3rd of July Fireworks show.

Golden Alliance Donors Back In Person

After Two Years

Group tours new CBRF; learns about art, beauty, and function

This year, the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Golden Alliance, a donor recognition event established to help support the Greatest Needs Fund, which enhances resident care and programming.

Held on Aug. 30, 2022, Ovation Communities hosted 35 people outside on Monya’s Rooftop Garden patio, overlooking Lake Michigan. Donors were treated to dinner, a tour of the new Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) — Kavod Terrace — and a lecture from local artist, Tony Spolar, on his inspiration and work with Ovation Communities on the Kavod Terrace door panels of resident rooms and main entryway.

“We are grateful for the continued generosity of our donors and the dedication of our leadership team,” said Tanya Mazor-Posner, Vice President of Development. “Donor support is critical in helping us provide outstanding quality care to residents in this beautiful environment.

“Seeing Tony Spolar’s work first-hand is breathtaking.”

Tony Spolar, director and owner of Spolar Studio located in Glendale, was commissioned by Ovation Communities to create custom door panels for each of the 16 resident rooms, and main entryway at Kavod Terrace.

“We wanted to create door panels for each resident’s room that they would individually recognize as their own,” Spolar said. “We used an epoxy resin across eight different colors and cut them in half, spacing them out so no two of the same colors were next to each other.

“Having the opportunity to gather safely, in person, after two years of hosting this event through Zoom, was wonderful,” Mazor-Posner continued.

“We put the resident’s needs above everything else making the door panels functional and beautiful.”

Since its inception, the Golden Alliance Fund has grown to more than $685,000 in assets being held by the Foundation, according to Mazor-Posner.

“Because of the generosity of our donors,” Mazor-Posner said, “we are able to hire local artists like Tony Spolar who enhance the beauty and functionality of our community, enabling us to fulfil our purpose and mission.”

Ovation Communities President and CEO, Michael Sattell takes Golden Alliance donors on a tour of Kavod Terrace, Ovation’s new memory care unit at the Golden Alliance 30th Anniversary dinner.

Coming Full Circle: From Fundraiser to Resident

Stan Holland is a loyal resident of Ovation Communities. However, his loyalty is not only rooted in his current experience as a resident of Chai Point, but as a former board member and the husband of current Jewish Home resident Ceilia “Cese” Holland. Although Stan has done a significant amount of work for Ovation in the past, it is the work that is done for him and his wife today that keeps him loyal.

In the late ‘80s, Stan was encouraged by his good friend Burt Zucker to join the board of directors. With Zucker serving as President of the Jewish Home and Care Center Board, and Stan’s other good friend, Bob Hirsh, or “the king” as Stan referred to him, serving as Vice

President, it was an offer he just could not refuse.

“It was almost like a get-together of good friends,” Stan said.

During his time on the board, Stan received significant guidance from fellow board member Phil Rubenstein, who was known for being both kind and generous, while leading through his actions. Although Stan did not know Rubenstein too well initially, the two quickly became close, and Rubenstein suggested Stan become the Head of the Membership Committee for Chai Point.

Stan held the Head position for two years, where he and the members served as fundraisers and constant promoters of Ovation Chai Point.

“[We promoted] what a wonderful resource Chai Point was, what remarkable work it did, and to make people aware of the fact that these services didn’t come cheaply,” Stan said. “These services require extensive effort and support, not only financial support, but community support. That, we felt, was our mission — to promote the value and make people feel necessary.”

Thirty years ago, Stan knew the importance of Ovation Communities’ mission of inspiring older adults to

Photo above: Stan and his wife Ceilia “Cese” Holland, enjoy spending time together watching a Milwaukee Brewers game in Peck Hall at the Jewish Home.

lead richer and more meaningful lives through outstanding care and services. Yet, he was not surprised by the quality of care because he has always trusted the skills of the people involved, such as Michael Sattell, who Stan knew as a young boy.

When Stan and Cese were confronted with her abrupt memory loss, they turned to the Jewish Home and never looked back.

“[The staff has] been remarkable to my wife and that attentiveness is so important,” Stan said. “I think frustration is the underlying issue with memory loss. For everyone involved. No matter how frustrated Cese gets, or I get, the staff has done a wonderful job of teaching us how important family is in this situation.”

While Cese is receiving the outstanding care she needs through the Jewish Home, and her nurse Sabrina, Stan

found his own support by moving into the place he helped raise money and awareness for 30 years earlier.

“I needed that support, and I got it from Chai Point residents… lots of them,” Stan said. “Every day when I visit Cese, they all ask me, ‘How was Cese today?”

After 71 years of marriage — and counting — the two are able to see each other every day and reflect on the blessings in their lives, such as the multiple volunteer experiences the two have participated in.

While Stan has given much to Ovation Communities, he remains thankful for what has been given to him, such as the great care Cese receives and the people that showed him how to be a kind and generous leader.

“We are thankful to this community for the opportunity,” Stan said. “Thanks to the Jewish Home for everything. Believe me when I say, you have our gratitude.”

Thirty years ago, Stan knew the importance of Ovation Communities’ mission of inspiring older adults to lead richer and more meaningful lives through outstanding care and services.

Burt Zucker was Chairman of The Board from 1987 to 1990.

Fellow Board member Phil Rubenstein.

Nita Corré and Martin F. Stein break ground on what would become Ovation Chai Point.

Surlow Award Recognizes Employee Excellence

Throughout his life, one thing that Maurice Surlow understood was the power of great customer service.

Living well into his late 90s, Maurice spent a brief time living at Ovation Jewish Home. According to his greatniece, Debbie Zucker, the care he

received from the nurses and dietary aids left an impression on him.

“(Maurice) was born in Hungary, had a family of eight siblings, and came to Milwaukee in the early 1900s when he was eight years-old,” Zucker said. “As an entrepreneur, Uncle Maury worked very hard operating Roxy’s Dress Store, a woman’s clothing store, and

several other businesses. He worked for everything he had.

“Through all of his hard work in life, and savvy investments, philanthropy and helping support the Milwaukee community became near and dear to Uncle Maury’s heart.”

Debbie’s father, Bob Zucker, suggested to Maurice that an awards program be started in his name to honor the hardworking and dedicated staff at Ovation Communities.

The Maurice Surlow Award for Employee Excellence recognizes Ovation Communities staff members who provide superior quality of care to residents and their families.

“Our society doesn’t understand how important and valuable caregiving is as a profession,” Zucker said. “It means a lot to our family to be able to honor caregivers, whether they are nurses, CNAs working their way up, or people in the dietary department. It means a lot to honor working people.

“Uncle Maury worked his way up,” Zucker continued. “He wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He appreciated the hard work of people who go the extra mile, while connecting with other human beings in a human way. That kind of stuff wasn’t lost on him.”

Established in 2000 and awarded three times a year, this summer the Surlow

Photo above: President and CEO, Michael Sattell; Activities Director, Bonnie-Jean Barczak; and Executive Director, Trish Cohn; present Activities Specialist, Elizabeth Kayser with the Surlow Award.

and Zucker family awarded Sabrina Stewart, CNA; Belaynesh Bekele, CNA; Katie Waara, Jewish Home Admissions Manager; and Elizabeth Kayser, Activities Specialist, the Maurice Surlow Award for Employee Excellence for all of their care and commitment shown to residents.

Staff members who receive the prestigious award are nominated by their peers, residents and families. They are recognized at a ceremony where they are given a plaque, a celebratory lunch and a monetary gift.

“Maurice Surlow was a man who cared deeply about people and supporting his community,” said Michael Sattell, Ovation Communities President and CEO. “We are very grateful to have the

Our society doesn’t understand how important and valuable caregiving is as a profession.

— DEBBIE ZUCKER

opportunity to celebrate people, who go above and beyond their everyday responsibilities, in a public way with their community, friends and family.”

Top left photo: Activities Specialist Ahava Perlman, Chai Point Resident Ruth Konzel, and VP of Development, Tanya Mazor-Posner share a laugh as Elizabeth Kayser is presented the Surlow Award.

Top right photo: President and CEO, Michael Sattell addresses friends, family, and residents, as Jewish Home Surlow winners are presented with their awards.

Bottom left photo: In recognition for all of their hard work, Ovation employees were treated to lunch as Surlow winners were presented with their awards.

Bottom right photo: C.N.A., Belaynesh Bekele; Director of Nursing, Laura Bauer; C.N.A., Sabrina Stewart; Nursing Manager, Mo Creighton; Admissions Manager, Katie Waara; Administrator, Katie Quintanilla.

Ovation Communities New Website

Ovation Communities recently partnered with Lightburn, a Milwaukee based digital agency, to develop a new interactive, approachable, and informative website that is poised to launch in the coming months.

“What started off as simple improvements became a whole new design and functionality,” said Michael Opitz, Ovation Communities Director of Technology and Security. “With technology continuing to develop and evolve at rapid speed, we decided it was time the old website got a total refresh.”

The new site makes it easy for users to find and digest the information they’re looking for through the use of video, images and descriptive written content. It is also easier to navigate and offers an all-around better user experience.

“We are very excited about the launch of our new website,” said Ryan Berlin, Ovation Communities Public Relations Manager. The new website is informative, fun, interactive, and a representation of the services Ovation has to offer.”

“Everything on the new site is very free flowing and intuitive; each click has a purpose.”

The updated website is “service forward,” and goes in depth while explaining Ovation’s offerings and what makes each community unique. A “Resident Life” section includes an abundance of digital content showcasing daily happenings within Ovation’s communities. The new “Where to Begin” page helps users better navigate the site.

To stay connected and get an inside look at resident life and experiences at Ovation Communities, check out ovation.org and follow on TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Our Friends & Supporters…

We are pleased to recognize our donors whose gifts help sustain our mission. Donors are listed for contributions received between May 16, 2022 through August 15, 2022. We strive to be accurate and complete. Please inform us of any errors and accept our apologies for any oversight.

Some donations were given prior to the departure of our dear loved ones; an asterisk meaning ‘Of Blessed Memory’ is listed next to their names if this is the case.

Adult Day Center Fun

Goodman-Bensman Funeral Home in memory of James Michael Lippert

Greater Milwaukee Foundation

Milwaukee Jewish Federation

Milwaukee Jewish Federation

Mr. and Mrs. Allan Carneol in memory of Donald Witt

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Conn

Beatrice Miller Beauty Shop Fund in Memory of Audrey Laufman

Mrs. Patti Weigler in honor of Suzy Ettinger

Chai Point Fund

Dr. Stan Stojkovic in memory of Leonard Levine

Harry Koenig

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Langer in memory of Ruth Leff

Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Tick

Mr. Simcha Tolwin

Ms. Betty Singer

Ms. Doris Sherman

Shalom Memorial Funeral Home in memory of Nancy and Richard Stillman

Dor L’Dor Corridor Fund

Aura M. Hirschman In Honor of Gert Mollik

‘Friends of Ovation Communities

Mrs. and Mr. Mary Anne Selby for their annual Friends of Ovation Communities membership

‘Geriatric Career Development Program Fund Harri Hoffmann Family Foundation

Golden Alliance

Anonymous for their Golden Alliance membership

Anonymous

Mr. Allen Koren

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bley for their Golden Alliance membership

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Bass for their Golden Alliance membership

Mr. and Mrs. William Komisar for their Golden Alliance membership

Mrs. Arleen F Peltz for their Golden Alliance membership

Mrs. Arleen F Peltz

Mrs. Carol Richheimer in memory of Janet Meister

Mrs. Linda C. Freeman in memory of Richard Freeman and for your Golden Alliance 2022 Membership

Ms. Patricia Cohn

Rabbi and Mrs. Steven Adams as a “chai” 5 for the Foundation

Hand In Hand Fund

Ms. Marsha Lewis in memory of Barbara Bensman

Ms. Marsha Lewis in honor of Hollie Nankin

Donors are listed for contributions received between May 16, 2022 through August 15, 2022. Numbers in parenthesis indicate multiple gifts during this time period. We apologize for any errors or omissions.

*Of Blessed Memory

Invest in the Heritage of our Community.

YOUR SUPPORT enables us to continue to fulfill our mission.

For over

115

YEARS we have upheld our mission.

We strive to do more, providing for state-of-the-art physical, occupational and speech therapies, excellent amenities and top rated care from nurses, aides and social workers with activities that stimulate the mind, body and soul.

Hyman Kastrul Synagogue Fund

Anonymous in memory of Hannah M. Grinker

Aurora Sinai Medical Center

Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Rapkin in memory of Hyman Lerner

Dr. and Mrs. Sidney Herszenson in honor of Mendel Herszenson

Mr. and Mrs. David Magar in memory of Harriet Magar

Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Jacobson in memory of Eli Jacobson

Mr. and Mrs. John Pfender in memory of Leon Beiler

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Lifson in memory of Lucille Ruben

Mr. David Levine in memory of Leonard Levine

Mr. Gerry Cohen in honor of Rabbi Emmer

Mr. Jordan Kosberg and Mrs. Juanita Garcia in memory of Solomon J. Kosberg

Mrs. and Dr. Adrienne Rosenberg in memory of Doris Turick

Mrs. Edith Pump in memory of Mendel Herszenson

Mrs. Judith Godessoff in memory of Nathan Bass

Mrs. Linda C. Freeman in memory of Richard Freeman

Mrs. Marilyn Simons in memory of Carlton Simons

Mrs. Sherry Friebert in memory of Lewis Friebert

Ms. Aura Hirschman in honor of Gert Mollick’s 100th Birthday

Ms. Karen Drummond in memory of Mollie Scklore, Harry Scklore, and John Rush

Ms. Laurie Melrood in honor of Rabbi Emmer and Paul Melrood’s stone unveiling

Ms. Laurie Segal in memory of Kenneth Berke

Ms. Patricia Cohn in memory of Bess Schwartz and Dean Zemel’s mother

Ms. Susan Bass in memory of Milton Bass

Rabbi and Mrs. Steven Adams in memory of Shirley Raffe and in honor of Levi Emmer’s son’s bar mitzvah

Jewish Home and Care Center Fund

Shmuel Wasserman

A Gift Of Time for their sponsorship of the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation’s joint speaker series with the Lutheran Home Foundation Anonymous in honor of Julia Talesnik

Anonymous in loving memory of Debra Silberman and in honor of Tziporah Altman Shaefer and family

Anonymous in memory of Mrs. Leila Goldin

Dr. Christine Joseph in honor of Gertrude Mollick

Dr. Susan Pollack in memory of Blema Pollack

Fidelity Charitable Donor-Advised Fund

Greater Milwaukee Foundation

Hand In Hand - Partners in Caring for their sponsorship of the July 3rd Fireworks

Mr. Allen Koren in memory of Bess Schwartz

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Fogel

Mr. and Mrs. David Weiner

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Garber in honor of Julius Garber’s 99th Birthday

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Komisar in honor of Claire Komisar

Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Tick in in honor of Tanya Mazor-Posner

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Joseph for their annual contribution

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Israel in memory of Sara Cagen, Sam Cagen, and Harry Makowski

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Meldman in memory of Edith Meldman

Mr. and Mrs. Rick Grossman in memory of Yetta Rose Turick

Mr. Charles Levine in memory of Leonard Levine

Mr. Max Gordon in memory of Mrs. Milton Schwartz

Mr. Philip Horwitz

Mr. Robert Breslauer in honor of Mike Sattell

Mr. Steve Mihas in memory of their brother, Ted Mihas

Donors are listed for contributions received between May 16, 2022 through August 15, 2022. Numbers in parenthesis indicate multiple gifts during this time period. We apologize for any errors or omissions.

*Of Blessed Memory

Mrs. and Mr. Lynda Baron in honor of Ethel Himmelreich

Mrs. Arleen F Peltz in honor of Jay and Sarah Frank’s 40th anniversary

Mrs. Frieda Levine in memory of Len Levine in memory of Lona Schindler

Mrs. Sandra L. Hersh

Ms. Amy Young-Leith in memory of Leonard Levine

Ms. Ellen Whitnack in memory of Sylvia Rakita Bernstein

Ms. Patricia Cohn in memory of the Wilets family’s sweet husband, father, and grandfather

NEXDINE Hospitality for their sponsorship of the July 3rd Fireworks

Samuel and Anne Rottman Charitable Trust

Martin F. Stein Intergenerational Fund Legacy Heritage Fund Limited for Teen Ovation

Maurice S. Surlow Donor Advised Fund

Maurice S. Surlow Donor Advised Fund

Sanford J. Ettinger Chai Point Library Fund

Mrs. Rosalie Rellin in honor of Suzy Ettinger

Scan the QR code below to make your donation today!