JHCC | Jewish Senior Living Newsletter | Feb 2015

Jewish Senior Living Newsletter February 2015 - Volume 2, Issue 11

Keeping you connected to our communities.

The Feel-Good Membership

In This Issue The Feel-Good Membership

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Parsha Art Program on Helen Bader Center at JHCC

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Keeping a Healthy Heart

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Upcoming Events

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by Marlene Heller, Director of Marketing/Communcations

ome board meetings are quiet, somber affairs. Minutes are read, motions are passed, reports are given, decisions are made, someone moves to adjourn, all gratefully go home. Some board meetings may include harsh words, difficult decisions, confidential closed-door confabs whose results won’t come to light for a long time.

And then there are the Hand in Hand board meetings.

Stay Connected Visit our website and donate online at jewishseniorliving.org JSL in the News Read about our intergenerational programming in the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

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HiH board meetings usually begin with hugs and handshakes, laughter and lightness, and lots of pleasantries. There are smiles all around as the volunteer board gets down to business, and while the business is all serious, jokes are sprinkled through the procedures.

This is a board that is comfortable with itself, delighted with its raison d’être, and enjoying every minute that it gets to do its business.

This is the board that supports the volunteer-related activities and other programming at the Jewish Home and Care Center, Chai Point and the Sarah Chudnow Community, in support of their nursing, long-term care and rehab programs, and the Adult Day Programs.

While not all volunteers are members of Hand in Hand, all members of the Hand in Hand board are volunteers.

Hand in Hand board members Della Bornstein and Arleen Peltz

As an organization, Hand in Hand raises money through two channels: the Jewish Home and Care Center gift shop, and membership.

Hand in Hand began as the B’noth Israel Society when the Home first opened in 1906, evolved to the Women’s Auxiliary throughout the years and officially changed its name to Hand in Hand, Partners in Caring with the Jewish Home and Care Center in 1996. More recently, with the addition of Chai Point and the Sarah Chudnow Community, the name became just Hand in Hand, Partners in Caring, to better reflect the current mission of the organization, working with all our entities.

The money raised by Hand in Hand is used to enhance the lives of residents in many ways. And that, in a nutshell, see “Membership,” page 4

Parsha Art Program on Helen Bader Center at JHCC

by Ellen Becker, JHCC Activity Leader and Becca Loss, Communications Specialist The Torah commands us to respect all elderly people, regardless of their scholarship and piety, because the many trials and experiences that each additional year of life brings yield a wisdom that the most accomplished young prodigy cannot equal. “I feel this commandment is very important,” explains Ellen Becker, activity leader. “I try to incorporate it when I am with the residents on Helen Bader Center.”

The result was Parsha Art, a weekly art project that is related to the parsha. Parsha is the Hebrew word for portion or part of the Torah that is read weekly in synagogues all over the world, including here at the Jewish Home and Care Center. The Torah consists of five books which are known as the Five Books of Moses. Each book is made up of several parashot that are read weekly. It is then studied throughout the week for its valuable lessons and offers insights into our relationship with G-d and each other. During the week of December 29, 2014, residents finished learning the first of the five books of the Torah which is called Bereshit, or in English, Genesis.

Becker continues, “When I first started on Helen Bader Center, I was little nervous and unsure of what activities I would be able to do with the residents.

However, I remembered that our residents are people and Jewish with a special neshama (spiritual soul in Hebrew). At that moment, I realized that I have a special job of reaching those neshamas and connecting to them.”

“I knew that residents enjoy and are successful with art projects, so combining art with Jewish content would enhance the experience,” said Becker. She uses a dry ease board to write down highlights from the parsha; those who are able to read do so while the others listen to her explanation. Becker also makes a point of talking with each participant about the activity and its relationship to the parsha. The art projects include basic painting, coloring and working with different textures. The goal is to continue through the next four books, from the beginning of the Torah to the end, one full year. It is a great mitzvah (commandment or good deed) to study the Torah.

With the idea of the neshama in mind, Becker wanted to incorporate Jewish content into the weekly programming, as a majority of residents are Jewish. It served as an opportunity to connect residents to their Judaism. “I decided I would try to do an art program with a Jewish theme to it. But I knew it needed to be something that could be done weekly,” said Becker.

“Then it came to me! The Torah parsha is read weekly so why not do an art project related to each Parsha of the week?”

see “Parsha Art,” page 5

Photos: 1 | Rabbi Steven Adams celebrates Shabbat with JHCC residents Oscar and Milton 2 | Shabbat table setting 3 | Oscar, a JHCC resident, participates in a Parsha Art project

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Keeping a Healthy Heart

by Liza Holle, Donor Stewardship Coordinator Since 1963, February has been celebrated as American Heart Month. The American Heart Association, along with many other health organizations, has designated this month to the overall goal of raising awareness about heart disease and to prevent it — both at home and in the community. Did you know? Many seniors believe that heart disease risks are inevitable in old age. In truth, there are plenty of ways to keep the heart in great shape. Heart-healthy habits can be a part of an older adult’s daily life.

FREE Winter Concert Series!

7 - 8 p.m.

WEdNESday, FEbRuaRy 18 Milwaukee Jewish Community Chorale brings together singers from Milwaukee’s Jewish community to present a variety of traditional and contemporary Jewish choral music.

WEdNESday, MaRCh 18 Maxwell Street Klezmer band is traditional and inventive, soulful and funny–and heimish. They will delight with a high-energy performance that will glow with warmth and humor.

Currently in Our artist Series

So what exactly is heart disease? The Mayo Clinic defines heart disease as “a range of conditions that affect your heart. Diseases under the heart disease umbrella include blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease; heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias); and heart defects you’re born with (congenital heart defects), among others.” In the United States the most common form of heart disease is called coronary artery disease (CAD). This condition results from a buildup of plaque on the inside of the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart and increases the risk of a heart attack and other heart complications.

artist Jeanine Semon, formerly of Menomonee Falls and Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, opened an exhibit entitled “Groupings,” a composite of twenty-six pieces.

Jeanine is a painter working in acrylic, oil, pastel, and watercolor on paper and canvas. Known for her ‘Fine Art with a Healing Touch,’ she inherits her skill and love for art from her mother and great uncles from Russia.

The show is free and open to the public.

Her art will be on display through Wednesday, March 4, in the 2nd Floor Art Gallery.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Every year 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. In 2013 the American Heart Association reported an estimated 83.6 million American adults had cardiovascular disease and 42.2 million of those adults were 60 years of age and older.

Enough with the sad statistics! Heart disease can often be prevented through healthy choices. As you age you can keep a healthy heart -- it takes effort and possibly some changes to your every day diet.

Sarah Chudnow Community offers living options for older adults, with apartment living, assisted living, memory care, and sub-acute rehab. Options are available to customize your lifestyle. An elegant community with the emphasis on choice is just a phone call away. Visit sarahchudnow.org or call Connie at 262-478-1506 to learn more.

Please drive past the Health Center to the Apartments.

10995 N. Market St., Mequon, WI 53092 262-478-1500 ceastman@JewishSeniorLiving.org SarahChudnow.org Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @jsliving

see “Healthy Heart,” page 5

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Membership continued from page 1

is why this is the most feel-good organization to be a member of! Mary Anne Selby, chairman of the board of Hand in Hand, says, “We spend our meetings deciding how we can best improve the lives of residents and help the staff to do their jobs. What could be better than that? At the same time, we improve processes for volunteers and plan for events such as the annual volunteer recognition luncheon. No wonder we enjoy our board meetings!”

Money raised from the membership and the Jewish Home’s gift shop is invested, and each year, the HiH board determines what percentage of the interest to spend on grants. The grants are used for special programs, activities or equipment that directly benefit residents of the Jewish Home, including the Adult Day Center, and at the Rehab and Memory Care Center of the Sarah Chudnow Community. Employees have an opportunity to apply for grants during the annual budgeting process.

To date, some of the items granted have included equipment to help the nursing staff care for residents on both campuses, such as the MOST device that can strengthen head and neck muscles to improve swallowing and help to prevent dysphasia, and entertainment items such the very popular summer carnival for residents and families. It includes a dunk tank, music, games, and lots of fun on the grounds of the Jewish Home. There are also technology items, such as iPads and iPods for music therapy, and the HD Connect whereby residents can video conference with family members from near and far. There are so many items that HiH has made possible, it would not be practical to list them all.

In addition, Hand in Hand supports the aviary in the Jewish Home and pays for certain ongoing programs, such as birthday parties, Chanukah and Purim celebrations, and other special projects.

Hand in Hand also provides training for Caring Partners, a particularly special group of volunteers.

Caring Partners offer support and comfort to

Mary Anne Selby, chairman of the board of Hand in Hand (center) with Kimberly Rosenau, JHCC activity coordinator (right) and Beth Draper, volunteer coordinator.

residents at critical periods in their care. They work with pastoral and nursing services, and also provide comforting care to residents as they near the ends of their lives. The original philosophy that provided the inspiration for this program maintains that everyone is entitled to death with dignity and, when desired, in the company of a caring companion. Caring Partners are volunteers who are drawn from our pool of friendly visitor volunteers, and show a particular empathy and capacity for this kind of work. Caring Partners enhance the residents’ quality of life in a peaceful, loving environment.

Becoming a member of Hand in Hand is easy. There are only two levels: a $25 membership level and $200 life membership. Simply mail a check, made payable to Hand in Hand, to Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation, 1414 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Include your name, address, phone number and, if applicable, email. If you would like information on becoming a volunteer as well, let us know, and we’ll have Volunteer Coordinator Beth Draper give you a call.

Who wouldn’t want to be a member of an organization that supports so much joy?

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Parsha Art

Healthy Heart

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The Parsha Art projects can be viewed in the Helen Bader Center dining room on the second floor of the JHCC. “I have created a poster board with pictures of residents doing the art projects,” explains Becker.

“I have noticed residents and their family members taking an interest in the posters and the project in general.” There will be more photos displayed throughout the year. Becker has also been working on creating a binder of the Parsha Art, allowing families and residents another way to view the artwork.

“My hope with these poster boards is to demonstrate to everyone, including the residents’ families, the hard work the residents have been putting into learning about their own Jewish faith,” explains Becker. “It also adds warmth and demonstrates a commitment to our precious residents.”

Here are some suggestions on how to get started: • Stay Active: Your heart needs regular workouts in order to keep it healthy even if you have a healthy BMI. Just 30 minutes of moderate activity per day can reduce your risk for heart disease.

• Relax: Prolonged exposure to the stress hormone cortisol can damage your arterial linings, making it harder for your heart to do its job. Find healthy outlets to relieve stress and lower your heart rate.

• Watch Your Numbers: Get regular check-ups to monitor health conditions that affect the heart, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, and make sure they’re under control with medication.

• Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Load up on the fresh fruits and vegetables while watching your intake of saturated fats, salts, and foods containing cholesterol, like fatty meats.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Too many pounds can add up to increased heart-disease risk. Try to maintain a healthy body weight and BMI for your size.

• Stop Smoking: Cigarette smoking can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease by two to four times.

• Brush Teeth Regularly: The bacteria that grow in your mouth and cause gum disease may double your risk for a heart attack. Regular brushing and flossing can improve your health as well as leave your breath smelling fresh.

“No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart.” ~ Anonymous We see it every day, the goodness of people’s hearts, caring for one another. Hopefully, the above suggestions can be a friendly reminder to make sure your heart is as healthy as possible.

Sources: Web. 4 Feb. 2015. <http://healthfinder.gov/nho/PDFs/FebruaryNHOtoolkit.pdf>.

Web. 4 Feb. 2015 http://www.scripps.org/sparkle-assets/documents/scrippswomensheartw. cc.pdf “American Heart Month | February 2015 | Capitol City Speakers Bureau.” American Heart Month | February 2015 | Capitol City Speakers Bureau. Web. 4 Feb. 2015. <http://www. speakersfornurses.com/Planning/HeartMonth.htm>.

“Heart Disease.” Definition. Web. 4 Feb. 2015. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/heart-disease/basics/definition/con-20034056>.

“Heart-Healthy Habits for Seniors.”EverydayHealth.com. Web. 4 Feb. 2015. <http://www. everydayhealth.com/senior-health/heart-healthy-habits-for-seniors.aspx>.

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1414 North Prospect Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202-3089 Phone: 414-276-2627

Upcoming Events Classic Jewish Film Series with Rachel Baum, PhD January film: “Biloxi Blues” Screening: Tuesday, February 17, 7:00 pm Discussion: Thursday, February 19, 3:00 pm Chai Point Senior Living, Rubenstein Pavilion Kehilla Kiddush Saturday, February 21, 2:00 pm Jewish Home and Care Center, Kohl Family Synagogue Prominent Bible Women Series with Rabbi Adams Our Matriarchs – Sara, Rebecca, Leah & Rachel Monday, February 16, 2:45 pm Miriam the Prophetess Monday, March 2, 2:45 pm Chai Point Senior Living, Multi-Purpose Room

“Kibbutz Life” with Amit Yaniv-Zehavi Director of MJF’s Israeli Center Wednesday, February 25, 3:00 pm Chai Point Senior Living, Rubenstein Pavilion Baby Talk Wednesdays, 10:45 am Sarah Chudnow Community, Posner Town Square Visit www.jewishseniorliving.org for updated activities.

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