T he Lynn Kramer
Village by the Shore Fall 2021
Kramer Family Invests in the Village community and assures people continue to get the programs and services they need. “Lynn was tenacious about raising funds and supporting agency events and her caring nature and generous soul made the most profound impact within our community. The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore is a perfect testament for her legacy,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS Chief Executive Officer.
Mark Kramer, JFS CEO Andrea Steinberg, Michele Sloane, and Charles Kramer at The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore dedication on September 12.
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early 100 years ago, Jewish Family Service was founded on the principle of helping the elderly in its community. As years progressed, JFS continued to expand to meet the ever-growing needs of residents in the region. In 2014, JFS evolved its older adult program by creating Village by the Shore, which provides services and socialization for adults 50+ years of age through the model of ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors.’ Today, Village by the Shore has 200 members, including 25 Holocaust Survivors, who benefit from care coordination, grocery shopping & delivery, Kosher Meals on Wheels, transportation and socialization. The Village allows older adults to live healthy, productive and independent lives in their own homes. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village pivoted the way it helps adults (50+). The Village adapted to the safety protocols in a seamless manner. The agency helped schedule and transport nearly 100 members to get a vaccination. When the Kramer family approached JFS looking to honor their matriarch, Lynn, the Village was a perfect match. The family’s financial support will assure Lynn’s legacy and spirit continues to have a presence in our 2
I Staff Spotlight
3 I Volunteer Spotlight
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“Lynn always said how much she respected JFS and their mission and service to the community. Each year, we supported programs with the family foundation grant and it is appropriate that the JFS Village by the Shore received the Lynn and Charles Kramer Family Fund Endowment to both honor and remember her name,” said Charles Kramer. For more information on The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore or to become a member, visit villagejfs@jfsatlantic.org or call 609.822.1109.
About Lynn Kramer An Atlantic City native, Lynn Kramer and her husband, Charles, raised their two children, Michele and Mark, while working side-by-side in the multi-generational family business, Kramer Beverage Company, the largest beer distributor in Southern New Jersey. Aside from serving as the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Lynn was active in her local community. She previously served as Chairman of the Board of Atlantic Cape Community College, President of the Federation of Jewish Agencies of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, and Financial Chair of the United Way of Southern New Jersey. Subsequently, Lynn and Charles created the Kramer Family Foundation to support many worthy causes. In her spare time, Lynn enjoyed playing golf, participating in book clubs, socializing with friends and was an avid bridge player. Lynn cherished family time with her husband, children and granddaughters – Hannah, Molly, Jordan and Alison.
I Boomer Spotlight
5 I Special Events
6 I Healthy Living 7
I Community Connection
Staff Spotlight
Strength in Community
jfsatlantic.org
JFS has 175 dedicated staff members working in offices and communities throughout the county. Amongst the talented staff are Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore team members who provide an array of services and programs for older adults. We are pleased to introduce you to two of our newest Village staff members.
Eric Kaplan Care Coordinator
Janeisy Rosenfeld Social Service Liaison
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ric provides individualized and dependable care including wellness assessments, support services, benefits application assistance, communicating with family as well as transportation and provider referrals. In his role as Care Coordinator, he provides vital support for the health and stability of Village members. His responsibilities enable members to age contently in the comfort of their own surroundings. A 13-year staff member, Eric previously held agency positions including Jail Diversion Case Manager, Compliance Coordinator, and ICMS/Vocational Support Case Manager. A University of Delaware graduate, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. He also studied Radio & TV Production at Marietta College. Eric enjoys time with his son, photography, and live concerts.
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s a Social Service Liaison, Janeisy offers Margate Terrace residents a variety of concierge-style services promoting health and wellbeing. She assists residents in applying for benefits, housekeeping services, educational workshops, wellness checks, support services, and community referrals. Prior to joining JFS, Janeisy held the position of Case Manager at the non-profit Acenda Integrated Health. A graduate of the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Janeisy enjoys spending time with her two sons, four dogs, and relaxing on the beach.
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Volunteer Spotlight
Strength in Community
jfsatlantic.org
Lois & David Grossman
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of deliveries has risen from traditionally four or five homes to up to 10 homes on an average week.
egardless if it’s a cold winter day with snow looming in the distance or a warm summer morning with the blustering sun peering over the horizon, Lois and David Grossman steadfastly arrive every Wednesday and Thursday to pick-up overflowing grocery bags to deliver to agency clients in Egg Harbor Township, Linwood, Margate and Ocean City. As JFS volunteers, they appreciate knowing that people are eating healthy and hearty meals including soup, vegetables, and dessert and get satisfaction from helping people in need.
“Lois and I are a good team. I navigate, and Lois is the people person. We see appreciation in the client’s eyes and enjoy their kind words. Prior to COVID, we were able to spend time speaking with people at each stop, but now, it is important that we safely keep our distance,” said David. “The Grossmans have played a crucial role throughout the pandemic in obtaining food and assisting in the pantry as well as consistently delivering meals and food bags to clients who rely on JFS. As volunteers, they are always willing to jump in and fill the gap when needed,” said Mary DeMarco, Retired Senior Volunteer Program Coordinator.
Married for more than 45 years, Lois and David moved to Margate full-time five years ago. Prior to that, David spent his career as a Pharmacist in both retail and mail order settings. Lois worked in the Purchasing division of the Cheltenham School System and volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program through the Jewish Federation in Philadelphia.
In addition to JFS, David is involved in the Margate Homeowners Association, a group that graciously donated $3,000 and bags of food to the agency prior to last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. When not volunteering, David enjoys building model planes, a hobby he began as a child and resumed as an adult, as well as playing internet Poker. “It’s always fun when you win a few bucks,” David said.
Looking to give back to their new community, in 2019, they began helping at JFS. From her time delivering meals, Lois saw the importance of having a committed volunteer base to deliver food. “People who are unable to get to a supermarket, for medical reasons or a lack of transportation, rely on us to get a quality meal,” said Lois.
“I would encourage anyone to try and volunteer if they can. Even making phone calls to check on someone is volunteering to help, and you can progress from there,” Lois said. “Kindness and patience are the best attributes a volunteer can process. People don’t want to be judged, they just want to be helped,” she added.
For many, the food pantry is vital resource. Within the past year, the need has increased more than 80%, with many individuals and families being first-time clients. Lois and David have noticed this increase. To equate that to actual usage, the JFS on-site Food Pantry has provided To volunteer with JFS, contact Vanessa Smith at groceries for more than 5,300 individuals and delivered over 3,500 meals to isolated seniors. As such, their number 609.822.1108 x249 or vsmith@jfsatlantic.org.
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Boomer Spotlight
Strength in Community
jfsatlantic.org
Continuing Education for Mental Sharpness
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ou should learn something new every day. It’s advice many of us heard growing up, but perhaps not something we’ve always followed through on. Now expanding your horizons is easier than ever with the Office of Continuing Studies at Stockton University. The department is dedicated to enriching the lives of lifelong learners through courses, webinars, workshops and other innovative learning solutions that focus on personal enrichment. Researchers at Harvard and Princeton Universities have found a connection between continuing education and better health. They discovered the more learning a person pursues, the lower their rates of anxiety, depression and common acute chronic diseases. By taking at least one course a year, you have the potential to boost your health, expand your knowledge and interests and even make new peer connections. Stockton’s Continuing Studies offers something for everyone. Past courses have included Birdwatching and Photography, French for Adults, and Poker: Improving
Your Hold ‘Em Game. Upcoming classes are available via Zoom for those who prefer the convenience of selfpaced online programs, as well as in-person at the Atlantic City Campus. Another resource for education seekers is the Stockton Center on Successful Aging (SCOSA), which promotes research, education and services that nurture the body, mind and spirit. The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore has previously partnered with SCOSA for classes, workshops and expos to enrich the lives of its members. For those interested in learning history of the Holocaust, JFS recommends the University’s Sara & Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center, which is committed to teaching the Holocaust through lectures, films and library resources. JFS has worked in collaboration with the Sara & Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center, from the annual Yom Hashoah Community program to monthly socialization luncheons for local Holocaust Survivors and their families. For more information, visit www.stockton. edu/holocaust-resource.
Upcoming Courses
The only name you need to know now and for the future
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 @ 7 pm The Annual Kristallnacht Lecture (Zoom) Link: stockton.edu/holocaust-resource February 1 - March 29, 2022 “Every Day Spanish” Language Series February 5 - February 19, 2022 Digital Photography Essentials
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To view all of Stockton’s continuing education courses, webinars and workshops, visit https://stockton.gosignmeup.com.
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Healthy Living Strength in Community
jfsatlantic.org
Importance of Eye Care
W
hether you wear glasses, contact lenses, or have perfect eyesight, yearly eye exams and self-care are vital to maintaining ocular health for years to come.
the eye in adults) and retinal tears cannot be properly evaluated without dilation.
Eye care also happens beyond the optometrist’s Most people start to see decreases in vision as they office. Just like you would use sunscreen to protect your age, but these changes do not have to affect your skin while outdoors, your eyes also require protection lifestyle. According to the from the damaging effects of the Bright Focus Foundation, as sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV light many as 11 million people in can cause cataracts to progress the United States have some faster, as well as cancers to form form of age-related macular on the eye and eyelid. One type degeneration (AMD). AMD of growth caused by excessive affects the macula (the center UV light exposure is Pterygium, of the light-sensitive retina which occurs from the conjunctiva at the back of the eye) and (the white part of your eye) to the causes central vision loss. cornea (the clear covering over While macular degeneration the colored part of your eye). Help decreases central vision, prevent these injuries by wearing peripheral or side vision In addition to serving the community’s eyecare needs, sunglasses and wide brim hats Wife Family Eye Center in Galloway has been a remains unaffected. dedicated agency supporter for more than 15 years. while outside. Dr. Richard Wise of Wise They are a proud Leader Donor and give generously The most common eye Family Eye Center in Galloway to support the agencies various fundraising initiatives. irritations are caused by allergies (and past JFS President) recommends that adults have and dry eyes, but how do you tell the difference? a complete eye exam each year. This is important According to Dr. Wise, allergies typically have itching to screen for potentially blinding disorders such as as the main symptom due to the release of histamine. glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and macular When treating allergies, avoid eye drops that advertise degeneration. Certain screenings require the eyes to “red eye reliever” as these are vasoconstrictors, which be dilated with eye drops which enlarge the pupils. This constrict blood vessels, making them smaller. Dry eyes allows for full visualization of the retina. Conditions such can manifest in many different ways but tearing is the as choroidal melanomas (the most common tumor of number one symptom. Common dry eye treatments at home may include the use of artificial tears in bottles which can be used up to four times per day.
Type of Glasses
Dr. Wise and the dedicated staff of Wise Family Eye Center provide essential eye care for all ages in a comfortable setting. For more information, visit www.wisefamilyeye.com.
Single Vision Lens These types of glasses provide one prescription power throughout the entire lens which can be set for distance vision (such as driving or watching television), intermediate vision (computer use), or up close reading.
Multifocal Lenses
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE
These glasses include bifocals, trifocals and progressive lenses. A bifocal has two prescription zones with the top part of the lens typically set for distance and the bottom for reading with zones divided by a line. A trifocal has three zones with the top part for distance, a middle zone for intermediate vision, and bottom for reading. A progressive lens is similar to a trifocal with three zones, but is a blended lens with a smooth transition without any divided lines.
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Special Events
Strength in Community
jfsatlantic.org
Help Feed a Family This Thanksgiving
Card Party Raises $11,000
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eld on August 26 at Harbor Pines Golf Club, the Card Party raised more than $11,000 for The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore. Over 55 attendees gathered for an afternoon of games including Canasta, Mahjong and Bridge as well as enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch and auction while honoring the memory of Community Philanthropist Bonnie Gurwicz.
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or many the holidays are a festive time; however, some will find it difficult to put a Thanksgiving meal on the table this year. With numerous residents still experiencing undue hardship, we know that Jewish Family Service holiday meal requests will continue to be significant.
As Bonnie’s son, Mitchell Gurwicz shared, “More than a decade ago, my mother developed the Card Party as a way to add revenue to the existing JFS Golf Tournament. The event became so popular, it developed into a standalone fundraiser. My father, sister and I are thrilled to see so many of my mother’s friends playing today to honor her legacy.”
With an increased demand, this past August, JFS tripled the size of its pantry and now also offers fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry, meats and more to assure individuals and families enjoy well-rounded nutritious food. The agency anticipates distributing 100,000 pounds of food, plus holiday meals, by the end of this year.
For more information on JFS fundraising events including Card Party, Cocktail Party, Golf Tournament and more, visit jfsatlantic.org.
Help JFS reach its goal of feeding more than 800 families this Thanksgiving. For information or to donate to the Turkey Drive, visit jfsatlantic.org or mail a check payable to JFS, 607 North Jerome Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402.
Ways to Help: Donate a Complete Meal
For $36, you can provide a family with a complete holiday meal. This includes a Turkey or Kosher Turkey with all the trimmings. For $180 donation, five families will receive a complete turkey dinner.
Sandy Kahn, Jann Cohen, Flossie Bluestein, and Martha Moskowitz enjoyed an afternoon playing Mahjong at the Card Party at Harbor Pines Golf Club.
Fill a Bag
Every meal provided is complete with a bag full of all the trimmings including mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, macaroni & cheese, string beans, corn, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Collectively, the items cost an average of $16; however, yams and cranberry sauce are always in short supply, so if you are only able to donate an item or two, please consider them.
Donate a Gift Card
A $20 gift card to a grocery store or monetary donation allows a family to purchase a turkey for the holiday.
JFS CEO Andrea Steinberg joined Mitchell Gurwicz, Dianne Hamson, and Ed Gurwicz at the Card Party in memory of Bonnie Gurwicz.
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Community Connections Strength in Community
jfsatlantic.org
Claims Conference Funds Holocaust Survivor Assistance
OceanFirst Grant Award
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ceanFirst Foundation continues its JFS support by awarding a $10,000 grant to assist The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore. The funds assure the Village will continue to offer a multitude of services and virtual programs including Memoir Writing, Coffee Klatch, Trivia Game Day and more.
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ewish Family Service received $166,800 from the Claims Conference to assist the more than 25 Holocaust Survivors who reside in our region. The funds support programs and services including home care, case management, Kosher Meals on Wheels, transportation and socialization programs. JFS is dedicated to immeasurably adding to the quality of life of Holocaust Survivors by nourishing the soul and strengthening the bond between them.
“Now more than ever, we see the importance of staying in touch with our neighbors in need who may be experiencing isolation. Thanks to programs like JFS’ Village, we know that adults will continue to receive services and socialization to enhance their quality of life and maintain an independent lifestyle,” Katherine Durante, Executive Director, OceanFirst Foundation.
“JFS has been a grantee, supporting and caring for Holocaust Survivors for many years. Socialization and other programs JFS administers keep survivors connected to their community, something that is so critical right now. The Claims Conference is proud to have dedicated agency partners like JFS to ensure that survivors are able to age in place in their own homes, caring for them and restoring some of the dignity that was stolen from them in their youth,” said Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President, Claims Conference.
“We are grateful to continue our partnership with the OceanFirst Foundation and appreciate their generous support to assure The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore is able to continue to meet the demands associated with this program. Since last year, the Village has experienced a tremendous influx of requests, especially for our Shop at Home and Kosher Meals on Wheels programs,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS Chief Executive Officer.
Although some Survivors receive reparations, many struggle financially and are unable to afford essential services. At JFS, it is our responsibility, honor and pleasure to take care of every Holocaust Survivor. That includes driving Berta to a doctor’s appointment, assuring Ron’s safety by providing a companion aide, delivering Kosher meals to Samuel, assisting Ruth with keeping a tidy home and making sure Marilyn has the necessary care coordination. For more information, visit jfsatlantic.org.
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Rosalind Geyer, wife of Holocaust Survivor George, thanks JFS Volunteer Ruth Niesen for delivering the picnic lunch and bingo cards as part of the Virtual Luncheon and Bingo program funded by the Claims Conference.
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Member Spotlight
Strength in Community
jfsatlantic.org
Elizabeth Gorman
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hen many of us think about inventions, we can rattle off a few 20 or 30 years ago like the Post-it Note or even the Walkman. For many Village members, like Elizabeth Gorman, the list goes back to the invention of the Ballpoint Pen, Microwave Oven and something virtually all of us use, the credit card. At 92-years-young, Elizabeth continues to live through an abundance of inventions and history. Born in July of 1929, Elizabeth has lived through 17 different United States Presidents and the introduction of countless laws. The petite nonagenarian with perfectly coiffed auburn hair, gold framed glasses and meticulously dressed with a sharp as a tack mind remembers aspects of her life as if they happened yesterday. Farmers Market, and, prior to COVID, at the Shore Memorial Thrift Shop. In addition, she looks forward to volunteering at the Ventnor Museum in the future.
Born in Atlantic City and raised in Margate, Elizabeth was the second youngest of four sisters. Her father, Edward, worked for the Atlantic City Post Office and then held the position of Postmaster in Ventnor. Her mother, Margaret, worked for a company in Mays Landing where bomblets were made and used during World War II.
Looking for more ways to stay connected in the community, Elizabeth came to know about JFS after reading about the agency in newspaper articles and by word-of-mouth from friends. After hearing all the services and programs offered through the Village, she immediately became a member. Elizabeth enjoys participating in The Lynn Kramer Village by the Shore monthly programs including Bingo, Nurse’s Roundtable, and DIY Container Garden. As a two-year member, she also appreciates the convenience and flexibility of the Village’s transportation and grocery shopping/delivery programs. “I stopped driving when I was 87, so having this personal transportation service is great. I love that the driver waits for you whether at a doctor appointment or running an errand,” she said.
In Elizabeth’s senior year at Holy Spirit High School, she met Vincent Gorman, a tall, handsome young man. The duo dated on and off before Vincent proudly enlisted in the Navy and served as an aerial photographer in the Korean War. On leave, Vincent came home, proposed and married Elizabeth. Following military relocations to Pensacola, Florida, and Washington, D.C., Vincent was honorably discharged from the service and the couple moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania, where they settled into a wonderful life, purchasing their first home – five bedrooms and two bathrooms for $11,000 – and starting a family. As their three boys and a girl began to grow, the family dedicated to move to Brigantine to be closer to family.
Elizabeth also loves exercising by practicing Tai Chi Quan for a half-hour every day and dancing once a week, primarily the Fox Trot and Slow Waltz. “More than 30 years ago, I started dancing and now I go every week to the Somers Point Fire Hall,” said Elizabeth.
Married for 39 years before Vincent’s passing in March of 1990, and with her children grown, Elizabeth decided to relocate to her childhood island, Ventnor, in 2007. Throughout her life, she mastered a host of jobs including working at a dry cleaner, sales clerk at a jewelry store, a slot cashier at Resorts, and lastly, a food product demonstrator at ShopRite, finally retiring just four years ago. Now, Elizabeth volunteers at the Ventnor Summer
Today, Elizabeth has no plans to slow down. “I’ve had, and have, a wonderful life. I’m grateful for all I have, including my children, 10 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren, and for all that I can do, especially with being part of the Village,” she said.
T he Lynn Kramer
Village by the Shore
Strength in Community jfsatlantic.org
609.822.1109 • villagejfs@jfsatlantic.org
jfsvillagebytheshore.org
607 North Jerome Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402
JFS is an affiliate agency of the Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties and a partner agency with United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey in Atlantic County
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