JCHC Chronicles - Spring 2016

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

Chronicles SPRING 2016

Letter from the President ............................................. 1 Lester Hosts CEU Seminar on Stroke Management ...... 1 Jewish Legacy – a New Program to Pay it Forward ...... 1 Letter from the CEO ..................................................... 2 New Article Here .......................................................... 2 “Healthy Aging” Seminar at Plaza ................................ 2 Village Apartments backyard renovation update.......... 2 JCHC’s Creative Living Series ....................................... 3 Caring for Our Seniors with a New Tzedakah Fund ...... 3 Residents at B’nai B’rith Get Into the Coloring Craze ... 4 Village Apts. Contributes Blankets for Project Linus..... 4 JCHC Staff Member Hailed as a Hero! .......................... 4 Resident at Lester Gives Back in Colorful Ways ............ 5 Jewish Federation Plaza Hosts PAC Meeting ............... 5 Tributes ......................................................................... 6 Bravo to the Lakeland Youth Orchestra! ....................... 6

JEWISH COMMUNITY HOUSING CORPORATION OF METROPOLITAN NEW JERSEY 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052 | 973-731-2020 | www.jchcorp.org

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT The term “legacy” is about to play a very prominent role in the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey.

Our organization is embarking on a very exciting philanthropic initiative called Create a Jewish Legacy. This program will a) enable anyone who wishes to create a lasting legacy that benefits the JCHC to do so; and b) help us maintain the high quality of life we provide for our residents for many years to come.

The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey selected the JCHC from among a small group of organizations serving the MetroWest community to participate in this program. The essence of the program is that people can make a pledge now for a gift of any amount, providing funding to the JCHC in ways they might not have thought possible given their current resources. The gifts may be made in many forms, including gifts during lifetime or upon death, provided either through wills, insurance, pension, or 401k distributions.

Our legacy leaders will embark on special training to give them the tools to have the intimate, meaningful conversations with those who would like to do something special—something that reflects their values of giving, of compassion and support, and to leave an example for future generations that will perpetuate through the years. Our team will also be learning about the nuts and bolts of maintaining this program so it is sustainable for the long term.

We are also blessed to be recipients of a tzedakah grant; the money will go into a special Tzedakah fund earmarked specifically for providing personal services or items for our seniors who cannot afford them on their own, and which are not covered by medical insurance. Many personal needs can be provided through this fund, upholding our residents’ dignity and helping them to age safely and securely without needless worry.

You can read more about the Create a Jewish Legacy program and the Tzedakah Fund in this issue of the Chronicles; we’ve also included valuable information about our other endowments. All of these funds enable the JCHC to sustain the community of caring that we’ve created over the years, and I encourage everyone to read more about them and consider a gift—today or in the future.

Alan Cohen President, Board of Trustees

Lester Hosts Nurses for CEU Seminar on Stroke Management Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing aides came to the Lester Senior Housing Community for “Stroke Management: Time to Act, Time to Heal.”

The complimentary CEU seminar, for nursing, rehabilitation and other healthcare professionals who treat stroke patients and their families, was held on February 25; the presenter was Mr. Vishal Chedda, president of ANSA Consultants.

Nearly two dozen attendees gained valuable knowledge regarding all phases of stroke treatment, from the rehabilitation stay to nursing home, or assisted living residency through community integration. Mr. Ansa shared innovative best clinical practices that have been developed to optimize patient outcomes throughout the continuum of stroke care.

The Lester Senior Housing Community is proud to host these educational seminars for healthcare professionals throughout the year.

Creating a Lasting Jewish Legacy – a New Program to Pay it Forward The JCHC has a wonderful opportunity, provided through the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey, to participate in the Create a Jewish Legacy philanthropy program. Only a select group of organizations is chosen each year to participate in this national program, through which we will create opportunities for everyone who wishes to, regardless of their means, to make a meaningful after-lifetime gift.

“Many people’s lives are touched by their experiences with the JCHC, whether as residents of our communities, their families, or as members of our Board of Trustees. Although they may not feel able to give a gift now due to their current resources, they will be able to remember the JCHC through various means later, and make a continuing difference for other seniors in the future,” said CEO Harold Colton-Max. Harold explained that Create a Jewish Legacy is not only about bequests in wills; the program highlights other ways people can support participating non-profits, such as making the JCHC the beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy. He added that everyone will be recognized in the same way for their support when they arrange a legacy gift, regardless of the amount. “This is truly a way to enable anyone to leave a lasting legacy.”

Harold and Judy Shulman, the Fundraising Chair of our Board of Trustees, are playing key roles in this program. Judy is heading up the legacy team, which will develop the JCHC’s program and create a process for recognizing donors, as well as discuss this philanthropic opportunity with our residents, their families, and our board members.

“We’re very excited about this program, that will help the JCHC ensure we can always deliver an excellent quality of life for our residents,” said Judy. “Through Create a Jewish Legacy, people really do have the ability to do something special for the future, to really make a difference.”

According to the Jewish Community Foundation, the 15 organizations that participated in the first year of the program have already gotten over $14 million (estimated future value) in 435 gifts. Life insurance policies, annuities, and retirement plans are among the ways that individuals can pay it forward with an after-lifetime gift. There are now 21 non-profit Jewish organizations involved in creating a legacy giving program, helping hundreds of people pay it forward with an afterlifetime gift.

Create a Jewish Legacy will go far in helping the JCHC meet its charitable goals over the years, and fulfill its commitment to enhancing our residents’ lives in any way possible. “We want to make sure our seniors can afford to live comfortably in an environment they know and enjoy, and that they can thrive in our communities for as long as they want to,” said Harold. “The funds from Create a Jewish Legacy will support those initiatives that help us to continue our important work.”

“Many people will be delighted to discover that they will be able to perform a mitzvah that they never imagined was possible before, as well as receive immediate recognition as a donor,” said Judy. “It’s a lovely way to pass along your values and to share what’s important to you with your family and community.”

The Create a Jewish Legacy team will soon have more details as well as conversations about how to participate in this program.

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LETTER FROM THE CEO I was recently invited by our local Federation, on behalf of the JCHC, to participate in a program to introduce interested members of our community to a variety of agencies serving different needs. On the day of the event, several local Jewish nonprofit organizations gave brief remarks and answered questions about what we do to help those whose needs are not being met here in the Greater MetroWest area, including Essex and Morris counties. Representatives from Jewish Family Services, Jewish Services for the Developmentally Disabled (JSDD), JESPY House, Daughters of Israel and others talked about the fine work that they do and how people could make a difference helping those they serve.

When my turn came to address the 25 or so people present, I talked initially about the history and mission of the Jewish Community Housing Corporation, about our buildings, and, most important, about the senior residents who live here. The information that I provided was important, but only insofar as it laid the groundwork for what everyone wanted to learn about: Volunteer opportunities!

I discussed the many ways in which these community leaders, who wanted to become more involved, could touch the lives of our seniors. I talked about how they (and their spouses, friends and others) could share their expertise and interesting life experiences with our residents by being a lecturer for “JCHC University.” I mentioned that we are always looking for people who can pass along their knowledge on our Board of Trustees or as a Board Committee member.

As it was possible that at least some of the men and (primarily) women had children, I also touched upon the ways that teenagers and children could get involved. I highlighted another one of our signature JCHC programs – Kids, Concerts n’ Cookies – where students from local day schools and members of shul youth choirs have for years come to dance or sing collections of songs in Hebrew and English to our seniors, and then spend time afterwards creating rewarding friendships. Other groups have also had meaningful interaction with JCHC residents, either individually by sharing their talents with music or providing companionship, or in groups with mitzvah projects such as gardening or cooking. In fact, unbeknownst to me, one of the audience members had a child that had participated in such a project and shared with the group that he had found it quite rewarding.

When I was finished, these community leaders were provided with more information about the JCHC so that they could follow up. In addition, Federation representatives involved with this program told me and my fellow Jewish communal professionals that they would try to make connections with those who expressed an interest in the work of a particular organization.

In that same vein, let us be your “mitzvah enablers.” If you would like to learn more about the volunteer opportunities that I have described above for yourself, your family, friends or others, please let us know. Our seniors would be happy to get to know you and I know that you, like the child of the audience member who spoke up, would gain immeasurably as well.

Harold Colton-Max Chief Executive Officer

See—and hear—what our Lester residents say about life there.

We’ve just completed a video filled with heartwarming vignettes of residents at theLester Senior Housing Community.

They are talking on camera about how much they enjoy all that Lester has to offer. Check it out on our website at www.jchcorp.org

“Healthy Aging” Seminar at Plaza was a Huge Success!

In December as part of JCHC University, Dr. Elion Krok of Internal & Metabolic Medical Center (IMMC) presented “Healthy Aging—What’s Normal, What’s Not.” About 50 people attended this information-packed seminar at Jewish Federation Plaza that included details about how our bodies change as we age, from head to toe—literally. Dr. Krok covered changes in our skull thickness and head size, hair and bones; normal changes in our internal organs and major systems as we get older; and discussed the psychosocial and cellular theories of aging. He also shared strategies for aging successfully and adapting to our bodies’ changes over time.

Areas he covered included: *The head and brain – did you know the skull thickens and head size increases as we age? *Hair – grayer and thinner over time. *Eyesight – our ability to see close objects diminishes. *Hearing – why our ears lose the ability to hear; the proper care and cleansing of the ear canal (warning: do not use cotton Dr. Elion Krok led a highly engaging swabs). presentation for JCHC University *Declining lung capacity. titled, “Healthy Aging.” *Urinary system issues – the kidneys filter blood more slowly as we grow older which can cause problems. *Bones and joints – bones become less dense; joint cartilage breaks down.

Prior to his lecture, Dr. Krok took a wide range of questions from attendees for two full hours, patiently answering each question with humor, dignity and understanding. Residents asked him about general health problems, diet, pain, incontinence, sexual activity, medications, and emotional issues such as combating loneliness.

Not only was the subject matter informative and important to learn about, but Dr. Krok was a big hit. Participants fell in love with him, and are hoping he’ll return for another health lecture.

In addition to this and other JCHC University presentations, residents at Jewish Federation Plaza have been enjoying bi-weekly Meditation & Relaxation sessions, visits by Leo the certified pet therapy pooch (an adorable shih tzu), and health & wellness presentations by various representatives of Saint Barnabas Medical Center (where Dr. Krok is also an attending physician) and other healthcare providers. Between all these plus Lifelong Learning classes, the walking club, exercise classes, gamefest, movies, creative arts programs, and outings, our residents are keeping their minds and bodies very active at Plaza!

Village Apartments backyard renovation update We are all anxiously awaiting the completed renovation of the backyard area at Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation. Extensive work has been done with more to come, paid for with proceeds from the fundraising efforts around the community’s 25th anniversary celebration. To date, all the electrical work and walkway work have been completed; in the coming weeks, the landscaper will be busy installing lighting and lots of trees, shrubs and flowers. New patio furniture will be delivered and some additional decorative touches will be installed. We hope to have everything ready by late spring.

One exciting feature of our new backyard is the standup gardens. A group of residents have already stepped forward to take on the planting and maintenance of these raised cedar gardens (no kneeling Residents at Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation necessary!), which will have vegetables and herbs that we’ll will soon plant vegetables and herbs in standup gardens similar to this one as part of our backyard renovation. eventually be able to use in our kitchen. Residents will choose what they want to grow.

Our new backyard area will be a beautiful place to entertain, sit and relax in the warm weather, and to enjoy community barbeques and other outdoor activities. We can’t wait!

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JCHC’s Creative Living Series is a Big Hit among Residents and Local Groups Susan Covalesky, the JCHC’s Community Liaison Coordinator, has been busy taking our Creative Living seminar series on the road to great acclaim.

This adult education program of fun and varied topics was created as part of our Susan Covalesky (center) recently presented “Tea for deep commitment to Two – Two for Tea” to the Hopatcong Women’s Club. enriching seniors’ lives.

Club members prepared a beautiful “high tea” spread Our residents enjoyed to go with the theme and some wore their favorite hats as part of the fun. With Susan are Women’s Club cothem so much that we organizers Lynn Ann Cutler (left) and Pat Beach. Photo: decided to share the Cindy Marinese fun; Susan presents the seminars to senior groups and non-profit organizations throughout the area, including synagogues, JCCs, and women’s clubs. Terrence Roselle, our Regional Facilities Manager and Laurie Loughney, COO also present, as do other JCHC employees and guest speakers, depending on the topic. We cover culture, history, hobbies and interests, food, and lots more. Susan notes that the chocolate, tea, and amber seminars are the most popular.

This year’s Creative Living lineup

Honey and Apples – A “Happy New Year” Rosh Hashanah Seminar Baltic Amber – The Gold of the North A True Story of My Life in the Holocaust What’s Lurking in Your Fridge?

Tea for Two … Two for Tea! Covered Bridges of New Jersey – a Bicyclist’s View Dog Sledding: The Rich History of the Inuit Dog Deep Sea Fishing: Tales from the Sea Weathering the Storm: New Jersey Weather History The High Line of New York – A Perspective on Architecture and Design Life and Times of Lena Horne Listen n’ Learn: Life & Music of Ella Fitzgerald The Many Facets of Dance Culture of Cambodia Chocolate Factory Fun in a Cup! (of Joe) Don’t just take our word for it that Creative Living is so well received; here are some lovely letters of appreciation Susan has received about the programs: You put in so much effort into the presentation to make a lasting impression ... Participants went Participants in JETS (Jewish Enrichment Time for Seniors), a group that meets at the JCC in Whippany (next home happy to have door to the Lester Senior Housing Community) enjoyed a bouquet or sprigs of learning about “Baltic Amber, Gold of the North.” sweet-smelling mint and tasty chocolate.

They liked having a bit of fun.

Warmly, Debbie Druce “Together on Tuesday” at Temple Ahawas Achim B’nai Jacob & David, West Orange Thank you so very much for the informative chocolate program you presented to our Senior Circle in South Orange on Thursday. You made it fun with the questions and chocolates. I would like to schedule the program “Covered Bridges of New Jersey” for our September meeting …

Susan, it was a delight to meet you.

Helen Shelley President, South Orange Senior Circle The L’Chaim Club was ecstatic at seeing their picture in the Star-Ledger and Jewish News! Many people mentioned it to me. Thanks so much for that special touch.

Now that your fame as a lecturer is spreading, a friend of mine was wondering if you would be available to present your “Two for Tea” program to the Hopatcong Women’s Club … They love just the kind of program your tea venture is!

Barbara Gold Temple Shalom L’Chaim club Sandy Lublin, who lives at Village

Thank you so much for your wonderful Apartments of the Jewish Federation, attended Susan’s presentation to the presentation today at our meeting— information on your housing community South Orange Senior Circle and told everyone there about how great our as well as the history and fun facts about programs are. tea were both appreciated Cindy Heaton Hopatcong Woman’s Club Communications Chair The Creative Living series is available at no charge to non-profit organizations. If you know of a group that would be interested in hosting a seminar for its members, please contact Susan Covalesky at SusanC@jchcorp.org.

Caring for Our Seniors with a New Tzedakah Fund We are delighted to announce that the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey was recently awarded a grant for the establishment of a special “tzedakah fund” to benefit our residents. This grant, through an anonymous donor on our behalf, will be used to help those residents who have no family to assist them, and who do not have the financial resources to pay for items or services not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Examples of the needs that come up include: • Medical devices such as eye glasses, walkers or hearing aids • Medications (not covered by health insurance) • Dental work • Transportation to medical appointments • Clothing • Grooming services (barber or beauty shop) • Special gifts that will enhance our seniors’ dignity We are honored that our commitment to enhancing the lives of our seniors is being recognized in this way. This tzedakah fund will greatly increase our ability to provide for residents in the years ahead, and is a wonderful addition to our special endowment funds. These endowment funds were set up by generous individuals and organizations with specific missions that ensure our seniors have the services and programs they need to live life to the fullest in our four communities.

The Weinberg Endowment Fund – provides financial assistance for low-income seniors living in our unsubsidized apartment buildings.

It was stablished in 2001 by a $1 million gift from the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation out of Maryland that was matched by $2 million raised by the local MetroWest Jewish community.

The Schofel Family Endowment – subsidizes activities and/or food programs for senior residents in need of financial assistance. This was established in 2005 by a $150,000 gift from former JCHC Board President Janice Schofel (z”l).

The Dorothy Lazarus Endowment for the Hearing-Impaired – established to purchase audiology equipment, hearing aids and pay for hearing examinations of JCHC residents. Philanthropists Eugene W. and Joan Kalkin established the endowment in 2002 with a $25,000 gift which was subsequently enhanced with an additional $5,000 contribution from the Kalkins.

The Pearl and Max Randall Endowment – provides financial support for residents of our buildings to experience movies. This was started with a contribution of $10,000 from the Randalls over 20 years ago.

If you wish to contribute to support any of these particular initiatives, please contact Harold Colton-Max, JCHC CEO, at (973) 530-3961.

You can also make your donation to the Friends of the JCHC and indicate the purpose on the memo line so that we can direct the funds accordingly.

760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052 | 973-731-2020 | www.jchcorp.org

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Residents at South Orange B’nai B’rith Federation House Get Into the Coloring Craze

Residents of South Orange B’nai B’rith Federation House show off their latest coloring book projects. Standing left to right: Eva Cohen, Pessia Kant, Jean Gluck, Phyllis DeVincentis; seated, left to right: Sonny Bitman and Rita Griggs.

JCHC Staff Member Hailed as a Hero!

Staten Island Borough President James Oddo (3rd from right) awarded plaques to the JCHC’s Mitchell Goldberg (5th from left), Dr. Keith Jackson (fourth from left) and Mitch Resnick (4th from right) for saving the life of their friend and fellow paddleball player, Anthony Cascella (center).

Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation Contributes Hand-Knit Blankets to Project Linus

“Tony had two blocked arteries and never knew it until he collapsed during the game,” said Goldberg. “We weren’t going to let him go.”

The knitting club at Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation in South Orange is making a big difference for lots of little people, thanks to its members’ donations to Project Linus.

About 20 people The knitting club at Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation participate in the donates 50 hand-knit blankets a year to Project Linus. knitting club, which meets every Wednesday, and they’ve been donating their handiwork to Project Linus for several years.

The mission of Project Linus (www.projectlinus.org) is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Its secondary goal is to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children. That’s where our knitting club members come in; the Village Apartments knitting group donates approximately 50 handmade blankets every year to Project Linus.

“It’s not only residents who are getting involved,” noted Sandy Lublin, a resident of Village Apartments who has been an active club member since she moved to the community six years ago. “Friends, acquaintances, and even residents’ aides are also knitting squares or whole blankets for us to donate; we’re also getting cash and yarn donations so we can keep up our yarn supply and continue contributing.”

The Village Apartments knitters also donate to area hospitals, to children who are traveling to get to medical tests and need the comfort of a “blankie,” and to families displaced by house fires or storms. “After Hurricane Sandy we donated so many blankets,” explained Sandy, “and we give to local firehouses for families who’ve lost their homes to fires.”

Not everyone who participates knits. Some people crochet and others are “winders” who come to wind yarn and socialize. Keep up the great work!

Owned and Managed by the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey

Tony Cascella went into sudden cardiac arrest during the game; his friends tried CPR, with no success. Luckily, the rec center had an AED, which Mitchell manned; they administered defibrillation four times to revive their friend while awaiting the paramedics to take him to the hospital. Cascella, age 54, had no history of heart problems, so the event was a real wakeup call for all involved.

Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052

At SOBBFH, our residents are enjoying an art course, led by an arts and crafts teacher, that’s now focusing on coloring. Their finished pieces are— well, colorful—using crayon pencils in vibrant hues. They’re also enjoying some paint-by-number and other acrylic painting sets (which many of us remember from our youth). The group has added some sparkling touches to their finished work, which they have then framed.

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The latest craze for adult relaxation and fun is all about being a kid again— coloring books! All around the country, groups are gathering for coloring meetings; adults of all ages are finding quiet time with crayons, markers, pencils and books filled with intricate and interesting pictures to fill in. It’s part of a growing trend where more adults are seeking opportunities for play, largely due to the increased recognition of the health benefits it offers.

In coloring specifically, psychologists believe that the activity stimulates brain areas related to motor skills, the senses and creativity; it is prescribed as a relaxation and de-stressing technique.

JCHC Regional Dining Services Director, Mitchell Goldberg and two friends recently received proclamations from Staten Island Borough President James Oddo, citing their heroism during a weekly doubles match of paddleball in January. Oddo presented plaques at a ceremony on March 9 honoring Mitchell, Dr. Keith Jackson from Staten Island and Mitch Resnick of Manalapan, N.J. whose actions saved the life of Staten Island resident, Tony Cascella, during a recent match in Clifton. The men have played together every Thursday in a New York/New Jersey league for the past 10 years. Lucky for their friend Tony, Mitchell received training in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) through the JCHC.

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Resident Volunteer at Lester Senior Housing Community Gives Back to the Country Store in Creative and Colorful Ways At 91 years young, Eleanor Baker is not about to sit still.

After moving into the Lester Senior Housing Community last May, she looked for activities that would enable her to use her particular skills and foster her interests in fundraising. Last fall, she applied her knitting prowess and connections to imported goods to bring handmade items to residents and to benefit the community.

Eleanor Baker shows off some of her hand-knit items that she sold last fall at Lester’s County Store.

She donated all the proceeds to the Lester Fund.

Every week for several months, Eleanor set up shop in the Country Store, selling her fanciful hand-knit knit scarves and hats, and colorful “fair trade” bags and jewelry made by women in a cooperative in Guatemala. Residents enjoyed coming in to see the unusual goods and sharing conversation with Eleanor, who donated the proceeds from the sales to the Lester Fund to benefit the County Store.

Of the conversations that were sparked as residents shopped, Eleanor said that, “I’ve met such interesting, bright people and got to Eleanor Baker (right) shows resident Shirley Saland know the residents in some gift ideas from her selection of hand-knit other ways through my scarves and hats at Lester’s Country Store. volunteering here. I’m also glad I could introduce them to the beautiful handmade crafts that support indigent women in Guatemala.”

Eleanor chose the Lester Senior Housing Community to be near her sister, Ruth Bromberg, who lives here; she also cited our beautiful park-like surroundings, range of activities, and elegant ambiance as factors in her decision. After settling in last spring, she met with Mitchell Goldberg, the JCHC’s Regional Director of Dining Services, to discuss ways to expand the Country Store’s offerings; she suggested selling the artisan items to provide gift-giving ideas for residents as A colorful selection of handmade fair trade well as to benefit the store. The items, made by women in Guatemala. mini boutique and community fundraiser were launched in October and ran through November.

Eleanor’s daughter, who used to own a store specializing in handmade and artisan goods, helped her order the bags, necklaces and bracelets, and Eleanor continued a lifelong interest in knitting to create an eclectic collection of hats and scarves, many made with specialty yarns.

Jewish Federation Plaza Hosts First Responders, Community and JCHC Leaders for PAC Meeting Jewish Federation Plaza was the host site of a semiannual meeting of the professional advisory committee (PAC), which is part of the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Congregate Services and HUD Resident Service programs.

The meeting was put Capt. Tom Belli of the West Orange fire department gets together by Laura with Fallon, who is being raised for the Seeing Berkin, our Resident nose-to-nose Eye guide dog program.

Congregate Services Coordinator. Local police and fire officials were among the attendees who assisted our site managers and executives with suggestions for changes or improvements in resident coordination between HUD communities and local services (Jewish Federation Plaza, which offers housing subsidies for those who qualify, is a HUD community, as is South Orange B’nai B’rith Federation House).

Issues of public safety and public health were among the topics discussed at this information-filled meeting.

• Regarding security, we learned about ways to get the dispatchers to increase responders’ timeliness getting into the buildings.

• Susan Iovino, the public health nurse for West Orange, helped us to better organize our annual flu clinic and more residents participated.

• Sandy Stoll, who owns Leo, a certified pet therapy shih tzu, discussed the benefits of pet therapy in senior living communities and long-term care environments; Sandy and Leo have visited our residents at Plaza.

• Sharon Kessel, who raises puppies for Seeing Eye, brought her puppy Fallon. Fallon has also visited residents at Plaza, who learned about the Seeing Eye program and about raising these dogs for training to assist the blind (read more at http://www.seeingeye.org). Sharon has devoted significant time and energy to this cause and has done some amazing work with Fallon, who charmed the pants off everyone at the PAC meeting.

Capt. Tom Belli (left) and Police Officer Brett Wagner flank Harold Colton-Max, CEO of the JCHC.

Representing the JCHC were CEO Harold Colton-Max and COO Laurie Loughney, Resident Services Manager Laura Berkin, and Regional Facilities Manager Terrence Roselle; and Site Managers Ann Marie Bass (Jewish Federation Plaza), Bryna Stone (South Orange B’nai B’rith Federation House), and Cheryl Kasye (Village Apartments of the Jewish Federation).

She was active for many years at her synagogue as the fundraising chair and ran many varied and successful fundraisers there, so raising some money for our Lester Fund came naturally. Through sales of her goods, Eleanor donated around $900 to the community.

“We are delighted that Eleanor has brought her enterprising spirit to the Lester Senior Housing Community,” said administrator Marlene Glass.

“She has introduced our residents to Mira Platt shows off one of the handmade such beautiful, unique items and we beaded necklaces she admired. are grateful to her for her generosity.”

Terrence Roselle, the JCHC’s Regional Facilities Manager, at the PAC meeting.

Also in attendance were West Orange police officer Brett Wagner and West Orange fire chief, Capt. Tom Belli; Jeanne Burstein, LCSW from Jewish Family Service; Melissa Bressler, LCSW and Stacey Chusid, Director of Nursing, from Homewatch Caregivers in South Orange; and Sharon Kessel and Fallon.

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“Friends of JCHC” Tributes From

mazel tov, get well and in memoriam

To

Lifecycle Event

Sharon and Andrew Chavkin Myra Wertheimer The passing of your sister Ina Golub Sharon and Andrew Chavkin Mr. and Mrs. Ike Goldberg and Family The passing of Ethel Goldberg Sharon and Andrew Chavkin Dr. and Mrs Howard Taylor and Family The passing of Sylvia Krugman Sharon and Andrew Chavkin Jonathan Perelman and Family The passing of your father Arthur Perelman Sharon and Andrew Chavkin Novin Family The passing of my friend Barry Sharon and Andrew Chavkin Marcus Family The passing of Dana Sharon and Andrew Chavkin Bruce Abramson The passing of your brother Gary Allison and Michael Diamond Debbie Levy and Family The passing of your husband Frank Allison and Michael Diamond Paula Rozan and Family The passing of your brother Alan Markowitz Sue and Joel Goldstein Mark Gersten and Family The passing of your mother Ruth Gerstenzang Hopatcong Woman’s Club Jewish Community Housing Thank you for a wonderful Teapot Program John Levy Mark Gersten and Family The passing of your mother Ruth Gertenzang Laurie Loughney William Langley Jr. The passing of JCC Staff member Sharon Turpin Laurie Loughney Family of Elaine Pincus The passing of Elaine Pincus Bernard and Tina Rabbino Family of Elaine Pincus The passing of Elaine Pincus David Rojer and Jennifer Lublin Sandy Lublin In her honor Brian Saltzman Dan Goldberg The passing of your sister Beatrice Weiner Brian Saltzman Mark Gersten and Family The passing of your mother Ruth Gertenzang Sharon Saltzman Family of Elaine Pincus The passing of Elaine Pincus Cookie Schneiderman Brian Saltzman and Family Your son Levi becoming a Bar Mitzvah Cookie Schneiderman Mrs. Lois Mendelson The passing of your husband David Mendelson Cookie Schneiderman Walter Zweifler Wishing you a speedy recovery Pat Sebold Dan Goldberg The passing of your sister Beatrice Weiner Schroder Investment Management Mark Gersten and Family The passing of your mother Ruth Gerstenzang North America *To send a Tribute, contact Marcia Feldman at 973-530-3966 or email MarciaF@JCHCorp.org.

Bravo to the Lakeland Youth Orchestra!

Two groups from the Lakeland Youth Symphony Orchestra, based in Mountain Lakes, delighted our residents with musical performances in December.

Both groups comprised 35 talented youngsters; the Members of the Lakeland Youth Orchestra regaled our residents Lakeland Strings with wonderful string performances of classical songs. performed for a half hour followed by the Lakeland Youth Ensemble (older students).

They played a repertoire of classical pieces beautifully and the residents enjoyed the concert immensely. You can read more about these talented young musicians at www.lakelandyouthsymphony.org.

Of course, musical performances are not unusual at the Lester Senior Housing Community, where many of our residents are involved in musical and other creative arts programs through ART! By the People, writing and performing original songs, poetry and memoirs;

All string instruments are well represented (and well played!)

painting and drawing in fine arts classes; and learning flower arranging in horticulture classes are all part of this extensive and very popular program.

Some residents at Lester are also members of the JCHC Resident Choir, which performs every year at our Annual Dinner.

Some of the talented cello players from the Lakeland Youth Ensemble.

To Support JCHC, fill out form below and mail to: The Jewish Community Housing Corp. of Metropolitan NJ, 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052 or donate online: www.jchcorp.org

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to the Friends of JCHC to support the JCHC’s work

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760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052 | 973-731-2020 | www.jchcorp.org