Chai Times Aug - Oct 2020

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The Newsletter for Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Broward County AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2020 | AV - KISLEV VOL. 4, ISSUE 1

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CHAI LIGHTING

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Joan Gross believes that you teach by your actions, not by your words, and has lived her life by the principle both when bringing up her family and when trying to convince people of specific ideas. She is a mother of three children: Bill Gross, the eldest, who chairs our Jewish Community Foundation; Bobby Gross, who has been involved in several Jewish charitable organizations; and Audrey Tuckerman, who is chairperson of the Columbus, Ohio Federation.

Joan is one of the pioneers of our Broward Chai Care program, among other things.

From Boomer to Zoomer: Carol Lasek

Life Lessons Learned from the Pandemic

Chai Care Chair

“I wanna wear my sandals…

I wanna go out to lunch…

I wanna be NORMAL again!”

This famous line from the 1980 movie, Private Benjamin, starring Goldie Hawn, is so 2020.

Normal is my new nemesis. I long for the carefree days when I could run to the grocery store without checking my purse for a mask and gloves. I miss Friday night dinners with friends, Saturday night movie popcorn and regularly visiting my kids.

But through the process of sheltering in place and social distancing, with all the inconveniences and uncertainties, I have discovered an appreciation for the new normal.

Joan Gross

While attending college at NYU, Joan went with a few friends to a fundraiser for the New York Federation. By the end of the event, she felt inspired to become further engaged in their activities. Gradually, she became the chairman of the Queens County Young Leadership Division and then the New York New Leadership Division. “I didn’t know what I was getting into and how it was going to set the path of my life,” she chuckled.

Joan met, and later married, a Canadian named Douglas Gross, and moved to Montreal.

Doug was very involved in the combined Jewish Appeal (Montreal’s Federation). Joan became a member of the Brides Division and soon after started a Young Leadership Division. The following year she joined the Women’s Board. Eighteen years later, when the Parti Quebecois tried to effect succession from Canada, Doug and Joan decided to move to Hollywood, home of the South Broward Jewish Federation. During the General Assembly that year, Riva Wexler met several Montrealer’s who told her about the Grosses; word had preceded their

“I didn’t know what I was getting into and how it was going to set the path of my life.”

Let’s use cooking as an example. I used to find it stressful and complicated. Now I’ve discovered a few basic recipes and have learned to enjoy the benefits of leftovers.

Restaurants will definitely be back on my radar once we have the green light, but I just may continue my journey through the Joy of Cooking.

arrival into Broward County. They both got involved quickly and met some wonderful people who became lifelong friends. Joan eventually became a member of the Women’s Division Board and, for a few years, chaired the Lion of Judah Committee, where she

I’ve also learned how our time is the most valuable gift we can give our children and grandchildren. While we often stress about buying them the perfect present, my grandchildren have shown me the importance of creating memories together. Whether it is reading to my grandkids on Zoom or teaching them the art of gardening, I now realize how much the minutes matter.

But most of all, I have learned life is precious. Perhaps this year, as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, we show our newfound respect for good health by reversing our traditional greeting from wishing everyone “a happy and healthy new year” to “a healthy and happy” one. May we be privileged to enjoy both and embrace our new normal in 5781. n Shana Tova to all.

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS Friday-Sunday

September 18-20

Yom Kippur

Sunday-Monday

September 27-28

Sukkot

Friday-Friday

October 2-9

Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah

Saturday-Sunday

October 10-11

Rosh Hashanah

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This year as we listen to the resonance of the sound of the shofar and the words of the Torah, whether in person or through a virtual portal, imagine them echoing through the years — powerful messages and blasts that have stirred the souls of Jews for generations.

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I also have a newfound appreciation for Zoom as an alternative to in-office meetings.

As a baby boomer, my preference has always been personal contact. But I have mastered the art of alternative ways to connect and have learned how our Zoom professional background speaks volumes.

Continued on page 2

From our family to yours,

wishing you a happy & healthy Rosh Hashanah & Holiday Season

As I begin my second year as Board Chair of the Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Broward County, the Foundation Board of Trustees works to address the needs in the Jewish community and strive make a positive impact for Jews in Broward County, Israel, and around the world.

As you may already know, because of your generous endowment to the Jewish Community Foundation, you have the opportunity to utilize Chai Care when you turn 65 years old. Chai Care’s goal is to help educate you on healthcare options and the costs involved in your future care.

Chai Care is here to provide you with the tools necessary to navigate the healthcare system to make the best decisions possible for your unique situation when the time comes.

FROM THE DESK OF

BILL GROSS

Because of you, our community does extraordinary things.

Now let us take care of you.

Chai Care is here to be your advocate when you are confronted with the challenges of aging and healthrelated concerns. Let our Chai Care professional team become your extended family, ensuring that your life is filled with dignity and quality of care.

Please share this information with your family and friends, your designated health care surrogate, and power of attorney. Take the time to make them aware of the Chai Care services that are available to you at no additional cost.

Thank you for your commitment to the Jewish Community Foundation. I look forward to another productive year ahead. n

Bill Gross

Chair, Jewish Community Foundation

THANK YOU for your generosity this year. We were able to surpass the goals established for the 2019-2020 Annual Campaign. Because of you, the Jewish Federation of Broward County is able to care for the needs of the vulnerable while building a vibrant Jewish Community.

Chai Lighting continued from page 1

organized women’s financial seminars and fundraising events. She was also a member of the Federation’s Education Committee. Joan was concerned with the lack of access to a Jewish day school for families in Broward and helped arrange for the Brauser Maimonides Day School to get started in Hollywood. Joan was most proud of the committee’s ability to help the afternoon Hebrew schools in the synagogues get financial support from the Federation. After the South Broward and Fort Lauderdale Federations merged, she became involved with the new Jewish Community Foundation, which concentrated on endowments, long-term giving, among other things, and helped write the first set of by-laws.

Sometime after Joan and Doug moved to Florida, Joan’s aunt and uncle moved from New York to get away from the cold winter weather. They were physically well and quickly got involved in a hectic lifestyle; along with many social activities, he became treasurer of

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their new synagogue, and she was involved in Hadassah. However, as years passed, their health failed, and these two independent people needed more and more assistance.

Their children and immediate family lived far away and couldn’t offer the support they needed. Joan learned about a program sponsored by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation called “Golden Care.” It is set up for donors to the Federation, and designed to help people like her Aunt Rose and Uncle Herman.

Time passed quickly; the children went to college, and eventually, Doug and Joan sold their home and moved to Aventura. Shortly after moving to Dade County, Joan got involved with the Jewish Community Services of South Florida and Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Three years later, just before Rosh Hashanah, a Broward Federation professional came to visit her with a challah and a plant to say l’shanah tovah’ and tell them about a

new endeavor called, “Chai Care.” Joan was so excited - this was the kind of program she thought would benefit the elderly residents in Broward as it did in Dade. The two hit it off immediately and championed the program it is today: advocacy, support, and peace of mind for donors 65 and over and their families.

Joan’s late husband Douglas was the first recipient of the Barkoff National Young Leadership Award in Montreal. The Grosses decided to establish a similar award for a young leader in the Broward community who was involved in both a Jewish agency and our Federation. In order for the honoree to get a broader view of the national Jewish giving landscape, the award includes a stipend to attend a General Assembly.

Joan Gross hopes that her family and her lifetime commitment to the betterment of the Jewish communities in which she has lived will be her real legacy. n

QUICK OVERVIEW OF POOLED TRUSTS

By Denise Lettau, V.P. of Advancement for Secured Futures

Pooled trust companies are not-for-profit entities that provide professional trust administration and investment of funds for beneficiaries. Typically, trusts within a “pool” are either too small for a financial institution to consider or the beneficiary and/or the family of the beneficiary require extensive support which is akin to social work. Larger financial institutions and trust companies prefer to work with sophisticated clients that understand the risks associated with investment.

Secured Futures administers four different types of pooled trusts. The Pooled Minor’s Trust and Pooled Special Needs Trust are most often approved by Courts as they protect individuals from vulnerable populations.

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POOLED MINORS’ TRUST

The best alternative to a court repository or UGMA/ UTMA accounts is the pooled minor’s trust.

The Blocked Minor’s Trust does not allow distributions until the age of majority or another age as determined by court order. At such time, the entire sum is distributed outright to the beneficiary.

The Unblocked Minor’s Trust requires a determination of allowable expenditures from the trust by the judge at the outset of its creation. The requests and/or amounts must be specified for court approval at once.

Both types of Minor’s Trusts have a $500 set up fee and accounts up to $750,000 have a 1.75 per cent annual fee. The Pooled Minor’s Trust offers the framework for compliance with the Court and minimizes costs in doing so.

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POOLED PRESERVATION TRUST

The Pooled Preservation Trust is a flexible option designed to comply with court orders and/or voluntary spendthrift protection. The beneficiary will receive a specified level of income and pre-determined cash outflows for other needs. This trust protects from wasteful dissipation of the funds.

The set-up fee is $500 and 1.75 per cent is charged on accounts up to $750,000. (There is a sliding scale and the cost is lowered as the amounts increase).

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POOLED SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST

In 1993 the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA ’93) was enacted. OBRA ’93 allowed for first party special needs trust as well as pooled first party trusts. The Pooled Trust is defined by the U.S. Code 42 USC 1396(d)(4)(c).

The purpose of the special needs trust is to allow an individual to continue to qualify for government benefits despite having funds beyond the resource limit. There is often the danger of losing benefits when funds are received outright either through an inheritance, a settlement or some other type of unexpected windfall. Special Needs Trust are not counted as a resource by the Social Security Administration. The resource limit for an individual is typically $2,000 in most states.

The most valuable benefit for a disabled individual is Medicaid.

For the individual that is catastrophically injured, chronically ill or permanently disabled (and therefor unable to work), the cost of health insurance is astronomical. The use of Medicaid actually prevents such individuals from the “poorhouse” while living with the expectation of the repayment to Medicaid upon their passing.

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POOLED SUPPORT TRUST

This is the trust model most commonly thought of when people hear the term “trust”

The HEMS standard is used: • Distributions for the health, education, safety and welfare of the beneficiary.

• Also provides spendthrift protection.

• Assets typically passed under Will.

The set-up fee is $500 and 1.75 per cent is charged on accounts up to $750,000. (There is a sliding scale and the cost is lowered as the amounts increase).

SIMPLICITY OF SET-UP

• The account for all pooled trusts is established with the signing of the Joinder Agreement by the beneficiary or the legal representative. The joinder agreement is an agreement whereby the beneficiary joins an existing Master Trust Agreement (“MTA”).

The MTA is presented to the Court together with the Joinder Agreement for approval.

• The trust account can typically be opened within 3-5 days and often less, after court approval and if all the paperwork is in order.

In summary, Pooled Trusts serve a significant need in society. For the most part, they serve minors and disabled individuals. They often protect these individuals from mismanagement of their funds and/or undue influence by family and friends. Over time, Pooled Trusts have also become popular for asset protection or preservation as well as providing support for individuals. Secured Futures has been administering these four variations of Pooled Trusts since 2008. n

WE HELP BENEFICIARIES, get the most out of their POOLED TRUST. TYPES OF POOLED TRUSTS WE ADMINISTER AND MANAGE: Special Needs Trust

Minors Trust

Preservation Trust

Support Trust

Speak with Denise Lettau today!

(954) 296-0493 Or learn more at SECUREDFUTURES.ORG Chai-Times 3

MEDICAL MOMENT Better, focused therapies for breast cancer Even though the current worldwide concerns are on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, breast cancer continues to be a health concern. So what is new in the world of breast cancer therapy?

Let’s start with triple negative breast cancer. The sensitivity of this particular type of breast cancer to certain immunotherapies has permitted the incorporation of these treatments to the preoperative chemotherapy regimens, increasing the response rates as well as the possibility of achieving a complete pathologic response. As for post-operative treatments, the recent use of capecitabine has demonstrated to decrease the chance of recurrence on patients in whom tumors do not demonstrate an optimal response to preoperative chemotherapy.

In terms of HER 2 amplified breast cancer, the highest ever seen response and complete pathologic response rates to neoadjuvant chemotherapy are being reported. These findings, unfortunately come with the price of increased side effects, as the addition of effective targeted therapies have made the previously used chemotherapy regimens more toxic. For patients that present with significant

residual tumors following preoperative chemotherapies, the recent use of Kadcyla has shown to significantly reduce the chance of recurrence. Novel anti HER 2 breast cancer oral treatments (Neratanib and Tucatinib) have demonstrated to penetrate the blood brain barrier, helping us treat patients that have developed metastases to the brain, in addition to controlling the growth of tumors outside the central nervous system.

For the treatment of hormone receptor positive breast cancer, incorporation of CDK 4/6 inhibitors are increasing the amount of patients that respond to anti-estrogen therapy, setting new records in overall survival on clinical trials. A group of drugs known as PIK3Ca alpha selective inhibitors are becoming a fair treatment choice in patients with hormone receptor positive breast cancer that harbors a common tumor mutation. Although effective, this particular type of treatment has some toxicity concerns, mainly drug-associated diabetes and diarrhea.

Genetically associated breast cancer has continued to see great improvements in the duration of response and survival, with acceptable toxicity, following the introduction

of parp-inhibitors such as Olaparib and Talazoparib.

In summary, we are slowly becoming more successful in curing breast cancer, and patients with advanced disease are living longer lives with better quality. Improvements on outcomes do come with concerning side effects, therefore less toxic treatments, and more importantly prevention and early detection, are what the future should bring to breast cancer therapy. n Dr. Aurelio Castrellon, Physician, Breast Oncology, Memorial Healthcare System

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MONEY MINDED FOUR FINANCIAL LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID

By Keven Milgram CFP®

Director of Financial Planning Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC

2020 started on a positive financial note. Unemployment was at an all-time

low and the stock market was performing at a new high. Then COVID hit and we were all affected. Some of us felt it in our wallets. Others experienced changes in their personal health and the health of their friends and family. As we hopefully move towards recovery, there are four financial lessons to remember:

LESSON #1: Save for a rainy day.

It is a standard recommendation to always have three-six months’ worth of living expenses put aside in a savings account. The pandemic reinforced the importance of this sage piece of advice.

Our grandparents who lived during the depression, always saved for a rainy day. One of the keys to building this rainy-day account is to consider continuing the frugal lifestyle practiced during the pandemic. While you may be tempted to throw caution to the wind and go back to our pre-COVID lifestyle, building up your cash reserve will not only protect you for the future but can give you a sense of confidence, an entity which has no price tag.

LESSON #2: Protect your income.

We never hesitate to insure our cars, our homes and our health. But our income, which is our greatest asset, is often left unprotected.

COVID highlighted our vulnerability. Bottom line, anyone who is not independently wealthy should consider purchasing Disability Income Insurance which can be tailored to your individual needs. Purchasing insurance privately may offer you the greatest control but insurance offered through your job or association can be more reasonable.

LESSON #3: Put your paperwork in order.

We often put off writing our wills, assigning power of attorney or medical surrogates. Coronavirus has taught us the importance of having our affairs in order to help prevent the turmoil that can take place when illness suddenly hits and no one has been officially designated as the decision maker.

While you are putting your estate planning documents in order, check to make sure your beneficiary list has been updated on your life insurance as well as your retirement and bank accounts. This strategic move will benefit your beneficiaries who can avoid probate court and put you in control.

LESSON #4: Assess your risk tolerance and reassess your account allocations.

The last few months have shown the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. The key is to direct your investments towards a specific goal and not take unnecessary risks. That can be a difficult task to accomplish on your own.

With a lot at stake, it may be time to start working with an investment advisor representative.

Life can take an unexpected turn. But a good financial plan and a trusted professional can take those unpredictable highs and lows and help flatten your investment curve for more predictable results.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. www.SIPC.org.

BLS Wealth Managament is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC, or its affiliated companies. 1000 Corporate Drive, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334, 954-938-8800. Estate Planning services are provided working in conjunction with your Estate Planning Attorney, Tax Attorney and/or CPA. Consult them for specific advice on legal and tax matters. The views and opinions expressed are those of the Keven Milgram and are not necessarily those of MML Investors Services, LLC or its subsidiaries. CRN202206-267260

Bridging the gap to the next generation At Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC, every client, whether you are generation X, a baby boomer or a millennial, deserves great service and support. Our personable approach to comprehensive financial planning begins with our investment in you and then bridging the gap with your loved ones, your business, and your future. This is our mission and the reason why we are committed to helping you get the most out of your financial life now and for generations to come.

It's also the reason we are proud to support the Jewish Federation of Broward County.

We are honored to be involved with an organization with a strong dedication to its community and a solid commitment to supporting Jewish Life all over the world.

Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC 1000 Corporate Drive • Suite 600 • Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 • (954) 689-9484 • Fax (954) 491-1268 www.blsfinancial.com

Financial Planning • Life Insurance • Disability Income • Insurance Long Term Care Insurance • Annuities • Investments • Wealth Management SOC7461a

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Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services offered through registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC Member SIPC. 1000 Corporate Drive Suite 700, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334. 954-689-9484.

Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC. and BLS Wealth Management, LLC are not subsidiaries or affiliates of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies.

CRN202106-249317 Chai-Times 5

BRAIN BUSTERS

Answer keys on page 8.

A Moment with

Rose

The best is today Yesterday is a dream, Unchangeable and gone, Tomorrow is a vision, And still not even born.

But today is ours to live, To use it and treasure.

It can be our best day, Only we alone can choose.

Our yesterday is gone from us, Tomorrow is yet unknown So make today your best day This power is yours alone.

Give thanks for every day As this is the only way.

And make today the happiest, The best to cherish!

By Rose Boyarsky

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New WEBINAR C

CONNECT WITH SELMA & BECOME A CHAI CARE VOLUNTEER Yes, you too have the opportunity to make moments happen by making a mitzvah moment!

Our Chai Care Volunteers Program is looking for caring and willing good-doers to give some time to those who need us the most. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and would like more information and details, please contact Selma Telles after 6pm daily at 954-382-0815.

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LAUNCHING A BRAND NEW PROGRAM!

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SERIES

EDUCATIONAL WEBINARS

SAVE THE DATES

Save the dates for our new educational webinar series providing you with resources and skills to keep yourself safe.

For more information contact: ecohen@jewishbroward.org

October 7, 2020

Your health: COVID update

Fraud: How to protect yourself from scams

February 12, 2021

June 22, 2021

Financial planning: How to protect yourself & your children Dates subject to change

Are we there yet?

Yes, just about!

It’s almost the end of the year and we want to get you ready with all the tips and tricks you will need in order to give more and save more! This is a great way to help those in need during these very fragile and delicate times. We will be sharing with you different ways this can help your bottom line while doing good for our community. Be on the lookout for more information to follow.

Contact Keith Goldmann for more information on Year-End Giving, we are here to help.

KEITH GOLDMANN

Chief Philanthropy Officer | Jewish Federation of Broward County (954) 660-2085 | Kgoldmann@jewishbroward.org

OF BROWARD COUNTY

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5890 S. Pine Island Road Davie, FL 33328

OF BROWARD COUNTY

@JEWISHBROWARD WWW.JEWISHBROWARD.ORG

Don’t forget to do your part!

Learn more about CHAI CARE at

www.jewishbroward.org Go to FOUNDATION, The 2020 Census is happening now. You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail.

Go to https://2020census.gov for more information or call 844-330-2020

Complete the US Census today.

WE AT CHAI CARE...

Provide a holistic, donor-centered approach to advocating for older adults who are facing the challenges of aging, disability or injury.

Chai Care assures that donors receive valuable, cost-effective care and an array of services that arise from health and medical related issues through the aging process. Chai Care helps donors and their loved ones understand the options and costs relevant to managing their daily lives.

Bob Schneider | Board Chair Bill J. Gross | Chair, Jewish Community Foundation Carol Lasek | Chair, Chai Care Michael Balaban | President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Goldmann | Chief Philanthropy Officer Esther Cohen | Director, Chai Care 8 Chai-Times

click on PROGRAMS, then click on CHAI CARE PUZZLE ANSWERS From Games on page 6