Village by the Shore Fall/Winter 2015
Staff Spotlight Eileen Dillon-Gantert As Community Initiatives Coordinator, Eileen DillonGantert serves as the leader to more than 250 volunteers ranging in age from 5 to 95 years old. Eileen joins JFS with a background in event management and planning. She utilizes her organization skills and creativity to ensure JFS volunteers have a meaningful and fun experience, whether stocking pantry shelves or spending time with seniors. In her role, Eileen manages all aspects of Volunteer services including Friendly Visitors, meal/grocery delivery and events. Recognizing the importance of giving back in the community, Eileen is a volunteer for Gilda’s Club South Jersey in their Noogieland program which offers ongoing support for children affected by cancer.
Samantha McManus Samantha joins JFS as Coordinator for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which engages adults (55+) in volunteer services. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program including matching volunteers with community members and fulfilling thousands of hours of volunteer service through friendly visits, transportation, grocery delivery, cancer support and more. By mobilizing seniors to give their time, Samantha helps maintain and strengthen the community while enriching the lives of volunteers and community members. With a background in case management, Samantha has a strong knowledge of social service and community programming. A graduate of Stockton University, Samantha is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at Rutgers University. She is also currently training to become a companion for seniors with Dementia.
JFS Village Expands Staff and Services W
hen Village by the Shore welcomed its first member in 2013, the concept of neighbors helping neighbors was introduced to the community. Over the past two years, dozens of members, volunteers and service partners have embraced the Village movement which provides services and socialization to adults 50+. Village by the Shore staff has grown from four to ten employees. This expansion of staffing enables the Village to serve Atlantic County adults and older adults through a variety of programs including transportation, meal delivery, friendly visitors, care coordination and educational workshops. In addition to a highly-qualified team of care coordinators, Village by the Shore management team includes nurses, hospitality service liaisons, Community Initiatives Coordinator and drivers. In fall 2015, Village by the Shore expanded their offerings with representatives located at both Shalom House in Ventnor and Margate Terrace. The hospitality services offered to residents at both locations allows for more integrated services including socialization events, service partner coordination for cleaning services, educational workshops as well as concierge-style support. In the upcoming year, the Village is looking to add activities including luncheons, Card Party, nutritional workshops, health seminars and social events. As the volunteer base continues to grow, members will enjoy more complimentary services including trash valet, technology assistance, pet walkers, and snow removal. To become a part of Village by the Shore as a member, volunteer or service partner, please call 609-822-1109 or visit www.jfsvillagebytheshore.org
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I Special Events I P rogram Spotlight I Winter Preparations 1
Special Events
28th Annual JFS House Tour Raises $60,000
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ore than 800 guests toured six of the most luxurious Downbeach homes on August 3, 2015 during the JFS House Tour. The 28th Annual House Tour raised $60,000 for Village by the Shore.
most successful to date, with generous sponsors and advertisers such as AllState Insurance, Colmar Kitchen & Bath, Ocean City Home Bank and many more. The House Tour committee is already searching for homes to feature on next year’s tour, scheduled for August 1, 2016. If you would like to find out more information about JFS or ways to get involved, call 609-822-1108 or visit www.jfsatlantic.org.
From a unique modular home featuring native plants to new construction on the bay, each home offered a different appeal for attendees. A new component this year included a lunch house. Guests toured the home and then enjoyed a complimentary lunch sponsored by Oasis Property Group.
Program Spotlight
Now in its second year, more than 75 attendees took part in the VIP experience, which allowed them door to door transportation and fast entry into the homes.
Guests enjoyed door-to-door transportation as a VIP offering for attendees.
Boomer Spotlight
This year, JFS had more than 80 volunteers dedicate their day to help make the event a success. Organized by co-chairs Stephanie Lutz-Koch and Johanna Perskie, the 2015 House Tour was the Front cover bottom photo: House Tour Co-Chair Stephanie Lutz-Koch, JFS CEO Andrea Steinberg, Chef Luke Palladino and Kristine Kurilko, Luke Palladino Hospitality Group Media Director and JFS Co-chair Johanna Perskie enjoy the bay breezes outside a featured home.
Designer Karen McLoughlin of Distinctive Image and Design talks with guests about the interior design and décor.
Card Party Raises $7,000
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ore than 80 attendees gathered at Harbor Pines Golf Club on August 20, 2015 for an afternoon of fun games such as Bridge, Canasta and Mah Jong, as well as vendors, food and prizes.
Vendors 3 Girls Gifts and Hope Jewels showcased their fabulous items while Solo Spa provided mini massages between card games. Representatives from Griswold Home Care and Home and Healthy were on site to provide information about their services.
With many auction baskets and door prizes, guests went home with fantastic items such as spa gift certificates, liquor and wine, tickets to local attractions and more. This year’s event also featured a silent auction, with attendees bidding on items such as a Kindle with Amazon gift card, a Cocktail Party for 10 from Nobil Food Services and a $500 Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur catering gift certificate from Short Hills at the Shore.
With the generous support of sponsors the Gurwicz family, Golda & Martin Wood, Donna & Melvyn Gorsen, Miriam & Larry Hirsch, Rachel & David Ludwig, Joyce & Isaac Mordecai, Byron Home Inc., and Visiting Angels, the Card Party raised funds for Village by the Shore.
More than 80 attendees enjoyed vendors, food and prizes during the 2nd Annual JFS Village by the Shore Card Party on August 20th at Harbor Pines Golf Club. The Card Party raised $7,000 for Village by the Shore a program that provides a variety of concierge, volunteer and professional services and socialization for adults (50+) in our community.
Mah Jong, Canasta and Bridge players attended the JFS Village by the Shore Card Party on August 20th at Harbor Pines Golf Club. Pictured (front left to right) Susan Mayer, Bonnie Gurwicz, (back left to right) Harriet Zbarsky and Dianne Hamson play Mah Jong during the Card Party.
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(Back row left to right) Barbara Cohen, Gert Novin, Susan Adelman, (front row left to right) Bonnie Spector, Gloria Tragbar, Lois Fogel, Eileen Kanefsky, Miriam Hirsch and Roberta Muchnick enjoy playing Canasta.
Program Spotlight Staff Spotlight
Benefits Enrollment Center J
Meet the Staff Fernando Fernandez
FS is a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), helping Atlantic County older adults or adults with disabilities navigate the Medicare system. The program helps individuals on/or eligible for Medicare enroll and re-enroll for appropriate benefits free of charge. Designated by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the Benefits Enrollment Center strives to help older adults, many with low income, access Medicare programs and other programs that help pay for prescriptions, medical care, food, utilities and more.
Fernando Fernandez serves as a Benefits Enrollment Center Coordinator. In this role, Fernando provides educational and Medicare navigation services to older adults and adults with disabilities throughout Atlantic County.
Boomer Spotlight Special Events
Additionally, Fernando is working with various organizations to bring outreach events and awareness to the community at-large.
According to the NCOA, one in three Americas aged 65+ is economically insecure, lacking the resources needed to meet basic food, housing and medical needs. Millions of financially vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities qualify for, but are not yet enrolled in programs that could help them pay for daily necessities.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Fernando earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Stockton University. His past experience with a local senior living facility and passion for assisting the older adult population has set the stage for his role in BEC.
“We’re excited to support JFS in establishing a Benefit’s Enrollment Center in Atlantic County,” said Leslie Fried, Director of NCOA’s Center for Benefit’s Access. “Thousands of Medicare beneficiaries in New Jersey are missing out on programs that can help them save money, and JFS will help them build a path to greater financial security and well-being.”
Mary Moskowitz Mary Moskowitz serves as a part-time Benefits Enrollment Center Representative. Her responsibilities include conducting screenings and outreach at local facilities such as senior centers, nursing homes and lowincome housing developments so residents are aware of potential benefits.
Program Spotlight
The BEC is a perfect complement to Village by the Shore. JFS’ trained staff uses a web-based tool to determine eligibility for benefits. Once qualifications are determined, staff will then help with the enrollment process.
With a background in human resources and education, Mary earned her Associate’s degree in English and Communications from the Community College of Philadelphia. She volunteers for the Community Food Bank of New Jersey as well as the Noyes Museum of New Jersey. Mary also teaches water aerobics to local seniors.
The JFS Benefits Enrollment Center has been produced in part from a grant awarded by the National Council on Aging and will run through May 2016. For more information about the JFS Benefits Enrollment Center please call 609-822-0813 or email benefits@jfsatlantic.org.
Boomer Spotlight
JCC Live Long, Live Strong Program
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hile physical fitness is important at every stage of life, regular exercise is even more important as you age. One of the many great benefits of Village by the Shore is its wide range of referral services. From doctors to community events to classes, the Village connect adults and older adults with a number of available resources.
session, the workshops double as a great social activity.
One great option for boomers looking to stay active is the Live Long, Live Strong program at the Katz JCC in Margate. This free program allows participants to explore a variety of exercises and lectures that provide the building blocks for healthy living. Open to Atlantic County residents ages 58-70 (county employees are not eligible), Live Long, Live Strong brings together the building blocks of fitness including cardiovascular exercise, functional strength training, flexibility, and balance twice a week for 10 consecutive weeks.
Live Long, Live Strong is funded by the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services. In addition to weekly sessions, participants have unlimited access during the 10-week program to the fitness center at the Katz JCC in Margate, which offers more than 85 weekly fitness classes, indoor pool and more. For more information about the Live Long, Live Strong program, contact Antoinette Wood at 609-822-1167 x116 or awood@jccatlantic.org.
Also, designed to help individuals develop good health habits, the program offers nutritional guidance. With 15-20 participants per
Prior to starting the sessions, each participant will receive a private fitness assessment where body mass index, blood pressure, weight, body fat and resting heart rate will be calculated.
Live Long, Live Strong is just one of the many referral services offered to Village by the Shore members. Please contact Village by the Shore at 609-822-1109 to learn more about activities, programs and events.
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Winter Preparations
Let Village by the Shore Help you as the seasons change
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following pick-up. Trash valet is a complimentary service offered to all Village members.
While a winter wonderland of snow may be beautiful, it is often difficult to shovel. Whether a Village volunteer clears a walkway or a reliable Service Partner plows a full driveway; Village snow removal is a fantastic service to ease the winter worries.
For snowbirds that flew south for warmer weather, Service Partners or volunteers can look after your home or apartment during the months you are away. From watering plants to routine property checks, this premier service enables Village members to have peace of mind knowing their home is looked after while they are away.
ven with the best preparations, winter is a difficult time for many. From snow removal to transportation, Village by the Shore helps members tackle the tough winter months.
In addition, Village by the Shore also offers grocery delivery, friendly visitors, socialization events and more. As the seasons change and holidays approach, Village by the Shore is here to turn your winter woes into winter wows.
Transportation service is ideal when you need to get to an appointment but don’t want to drive in the snow. Village membership includes two local rides per month. This includes personal door to door rides. Additional transportation is offered at a discount.
For more information or to become a member, call 609-822-1109 or visit www.jfsvillagebytheshore.org.
Stay warm and toasty inside your home while Trash Valet carries your cans to the curb. Friendly volunteers will take your trash and recycling out on your designated trash day and return the cans
GET INVOLVED. BE A VILLAGE VOLUNTEER. Pet walker
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Grocery delivery
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Friendly visitor and more!
Contact Eileen Dillon-Gantert 609-822-1108 x 249 volunteer@jfsatlantic.org
jfsvillagebytheshore.org
Village by the Shore
609.822.1109 villagejfs@jfsatlantic.org 607 North Jerome Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402 jfsvillagebytheshore.org
JFS is an affiliate agency of the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties and a partner agency with United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey in Atlantic County.
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