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The Newsletter for Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Broward County NOVEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021 | KISLEV - SHEVAT 5781 VOL. 4, ISSUE 2
T H E
Carol Lasek
Chai Care Chair
Corner
CHAI LIGHTING
that she joined him at the justice building and welcomed jurors to the building. If there is one common theme amongst this family, it is to always give back. Susan elaborates, “My brother always said, if you love what you’re doing, then it is not work.”
The Sparkle in Your Eyes
We stare with them, roll them and blink and wink with them. Whether we are aware of it or not, our eyes can speak volumes about who we are and what we mean to convey. The role of our eyes in communicating our thoughts and feelings are even more pronounced during the pandemic where a mask covers our mouth and our ability to share a smile. Without physical touch, it is often challenging to show compassion, pain, or even joy.
Our eyes really are “the window to our soul” as Shakespeare suggested. In fact, in today’s reality, they are one of our primary forms of non-verbal communication in addition to posture, tone of voice, head nods, and gestures. Children especially need that extra twinkle and wink when hugs and physical contact are being restricted. As a nurse in my previous career, I also feel compelled to share the importance of protecting our eye health during this pandemic. I don’t know about you, but I find meetings on Zoom to be exhausting and my eyes are often burning, showing classic signs of eye fatigue. By the end of the day, I’m more tired than usual.
It’s no wonder. We are plugged into our computers and phones all day. We Zoom instead of meeting with colleagues and clients. We Facetime with friends as well as our children and grandchildren. And in our free time, we are watching Netflix, Prime, and Ted Talks. It appears the 20-20-20 blinking rule may be one of the best remedies. Taking a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds may be sufficient to replenish the moisture in your eyes.
There is no need to grab your tape measure; being exact is not the key. The bottom line is to take frequent screen breaks, perhaps even head outside, get an additional dose of Vitamin D, and enjoy our beautiful Florida weather. But don’t forget to smize (aka smile with your eyes). It’s a great look for every occasion, even the virtual ones on your screen. n
Susan Meyerson
For Susan Meyerson, joining the Chai Care program with the Jewish Federation of Broward County, was a vital choice. Through her friendship with Chai Care Chair, Carol Lasek, she became aware of the program and the benefits. At 82 years young, Susan opted to utilize the Chai Care program to ensure that her life would be cared for. Just two years ago, she underwent surgery, which gave her a new prospective on life, one that she hadn’t considered before, but after connecting with Chai Care program director, Esther Cohen, she felt right at home. A tenacious woman, Susan began her career as a school teacher after graduating from the University of Miami before transferring careers, to work as a donor recruiter for the blood bank at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Her pride and joy was the ability to save lives. Philanthropy runs strong in her family. Her brother, Murray Meyerson, was the proud mayor of Miami Beach in the 1980’s, where he also became a lawyer and judge. She was so enthralled by his passionate work endeavors,
Susan spent most of her life in Miami Beach and credits the community to be filled with warmth. Now, she currently resides in Hollywood, where she lives in an independent living facility and is grateful for the impeccable work of the Jewish Federation of Broward County’s Chai Care program. As a single mom, she wanted to ensure peace of mind for her son, Jeffrey Moolevliet, so she opted to enroll him in the Chai Care program as well to protect him well into his years.
“It is important to be involved, because ‘I am a Jew,’ and so many people are suffering.” For Susan, her pride and joy is helping others. Joining the Chai Care program ensures that her son doesn’t have to worry and gives her peace of mind. Joining the Jewish Federation of Broward County was one of the happiest moments for Susan. She expands, “It is important to be involved, because ‘I am a Jew,’ and so many people are suffering.” Susan actively supports the Jewish Day Schools in Broward County and continues to fuel her passion for helping others each and every day. n
CHAI CARE, IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU? Do you live alone or have family living nearby? Have you ever thought of yourself as an older adult who has lost your independence due to a medical condition? Do you understand your options to have quality of life as you age? Are you comfortable navigating through the healthcare system?
WHY CHAI CARE? CHAI CARE OFFERS YOU:
To discuss your options, please call Esther Cohen 954-252-6952.
Peace of mind to you and your family so you can age with dignity. The ability to become your extended family providing you support so you are never alone. • Opportunity for education,caregiver support and coaching. • The Chai Care professional team to assist you in navigating the health care system. • The help to identify situations providing an assessment and future plan of care. • The assistance in smooth transitions between healthcare settings: hospital, rehabilitative facility and living residence.