Village by the Shore Spring/Summer 2017
Village Update V
illage by the Shore is excited to announce that we welcomed our 100th member. Every person in the Village is an essential part of our neighbors helping neighbors community. Members range in age from 50 to 97 and live across the county including Atlantic City, Mays Landing, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway and Margate. With this milestone, the Village is working to keep the momentum going by adding social activities, service partners and volunteers. The Village staff is listening to the needs of members and the community to adapt to the changing needs of adults 50+.
movies and lunch. With dozens of events and programs per month, there is something for everyone. Village by the Shore also continues to expand joint programming with the JCC including Coffee Klatch, a lively
Kathleen Monroe, a veteran staff member at JFS, transitioned to Social Service Liaison at Margate Terrace replacing Shelley Ackerman who now serves as Benefits Enrollment Center Coordinator. Jamie Reichelt shifted from intern to Care Coordinator upon completion of her masters in social work.
Over the past year, the transportation program (see Program Spotlight page 3), has provided more than 640 rides, more than double the previous year. Rides are anticipated to reach 1,000 this year, making transportation the most used Village by the Shore member benefit.
discussion about politics, technology and world events, Needlework, Chi Kung, Fun Fitness for all and more, free of charge.
Other much loved member services include in-home grocery shopping, trash valet and friendly outings with volunteers to local shopping malls,
The Village staff has also grown this year, allowing the program to assist more individuals with their wants and needs. Sarah Tronco, LSW,
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I Boomer Spotlight: Retirement: The next step I P rogram Spotlight: I
joined the Village as Supervisor of Clinical Services overseeing the Care Coordinators, therapists and Village clinical staff. Additionally, Ann Mierkiewicz, LCSW, joined the Village as a Therapist and Christina Doyle as Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Coordinator.
Bella Savell Transportation Program Volunteer Spotlight: The Groffs
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With a talented staff in place, Village by the Shore is exceeding expectations and ensuring adults in our community are able to live happily, healthfully and independently. This year will continue to be exciting for Village by the Shore. Keep up to date with the latest events, service partners and benefits online at jfsvillagebytheshore.org or call 609-822-1109 to be added to the monthly mailing.
I Memory CafĂŠ ommunity Connections IC I S pecial Events
Boomer Spotlight
Retirement: The next step A s more and more baby boomers reach retirement age, they ask themselves, “Once I retire, how will I spend my time?” According to a recent Gallup poll, most Americans spend an average of 47 hours at work per week. That’s a lot of time retirees need to fill, but retirement doesn’t always mean giving up work. After years of climbing the corporate ladder and getting the corner office, baby boomers are ready to take it slower and follow their passions. It’s a chance for older individuals to learn new skills, socialize with people and have fun.
Start a Business / New Career Many boomers have always wanted to own their own business, or work in a different field, and they are following their passions during retirement. Bankers are retiring to become florists, professors are opening up summer camps and lawyers are becoming tennis instructors. These post-retirement jobs allow baby boomers to stay active and do what they enjoy. After retiring from working in education for more than 30 years, Joyce decided to start her own business, something she has always dreamed of doing. Combining her love for children and teaching, Joyce opened a summer camp. Now in its third year, the camp provides a wonderful summer program to more than 100 children in the community and allows Joyce to stay active, happy and fulfilled in her “retirement”.
to handing out food at a soup kitchen, to sitting on boards of national organizations and more. Boomers age 55 to 64 years old devote an average of 60 hours a year to volunteering; seniors age 65 and older, 96 hours, with nearly 10 percent of seniors reporting more than 500 hours annually of volunteering (The Bureau of Labor Statistics). Boomers are a major age group and as they enter retirement age, the amount of available volunteers will rise tremendously. No longer is retirement viewed as a time to sit home and do nothing. Retirees are not ready to settle down just yet. After years and years of working, baby boomers are now finding time to do what they love and it’s keeping them healthy and active. Village by the Shore offers the perfect opportunity for Boomers looking to get involved in the community. Whether volunteering to pick up groceries, deliver Kosher Meals-on-Wheels, do trash valet, or play scrabble with a homebound senior, there are countless ways to get involved. Looking to engage in a hobby? The Village has opportunities to host and/or attend a workshop of your passion such as needlepoint, gardening, memoir writing and more. With so much to do following retirement, Boomers may be left wondering “why didn’t I do this sooner?”
According to Deborah Banda, AARP’s interim vice president of the financial security team, more people are starting businesses later in life and using that as a way to strengthen their financial security and gain personal satisfaction. Almost a quarter (23.6%) of new businesses were started by entrepreneurs ages 55 to 64 in 2013, an increase from 14% in 1996 (Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity).
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From cooking to dancing, gardening, golfing or even playing an instrument, boomers are finding all sorts of new hobbies during retirement. Whether participating in activities they have always enjoyed but never had the time to pursue, or learning something completely new, retirees are taking time to explore their interests. Many adults are now pursuing leisure interests that offer both physical and psychological benefits.
Volunteer Civically minded and socially responsible baby boomers are also spending their time volunteering and helping others. According to the Harvard School of Public Health/MetLife Foundation, volunteering is one of the more popular Baby Boomer hobbies. Boomers provide a bulk of the volunteer force in this country. Their volunteer work ranges from organizing clothing drives,
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Program Spotlight
Bella Savell Senior Transportation Program ransportation is the largest request in periods without fresh food, and long lifestyles. The program offers members T Village by the Shore, as getting out stints of social isolation—which can all two complimentary rides per month. and about is essential for individuals. In lead to deteriorating health and the Private funding, such as the estate gift fall 2016, the program was renamed the “Bella Savell Transportation Program� to memorialize a gift from the Savell estate. The estate gift is the largest single contribution the Villlage received to date. These funds directly enable the expansion of this much sought after service.
need to move out of their home and community.
This program plays a vital role in helping Village members maintain active, healthy
The Bella Savell Transportation Program is a vital part of Village by the Shore, helping older adults access medical appointments, the grocery store, prescription pick up, social activities, and other community resources. Older adults who are isolated in their community often struggle to consistently access transportation. Sadly, the lack of transportation can lead to missed medical appointments, extended
of Bella Savell as well as other grants, plays a critical role in providing flexible and affordable transportation. As the Village continues to expand, so too has the demand for the Bella Savell Transportation Program. In the past year, the number of rides provided has doubled and the agency is expecting to provide close to 1,000 rides in 2017. In addition to enrolling more riders, the Village has also extended transportation hours to include nights on a limited basis. For more information about the Bella Savell Transportation Program, please call 609-822-1109 or visit jfsvillagebytheshore.org.
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Volunteer Spotlight
The Groffs, The Pantry Experts
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arbara & Doug Groff, a couple from Egg Harbor Township, were looking for a way to volunteer together in their retirement. Barbara knew JFS well as a member of the agency’s Community Advisory Board and House Tour volunteer. She had been active with the agency since 2008 and thought it was a good fit for them.
“JFS is a wonderful organization and we love volunteering every week,” said Barbara. “Since we started helping with the pantry three years ago, we have seen a drastic increase in need for food. The amount of food that goes out each week is staggering.”
JFS offers volunteer opportunities through Village by the Shore, a community initiative providing services and socialization for adults and older adults in our community. From delivering Kosher Meals-on-Wheels to phone check-ins to grocery pick up, volunteers are the back bone of this program.
In 2014, after helping with a holiday food drive sort and stock, the Groff’s decided the JFS Food Pantry would be their weekly volunteer project. They dedicate one or two hours a week to help unload food shipments as well as sort and stock the pantry. Their priority is to keep the pantry organized, with boxes and labels facing forward, and everything in its designated place. “With so much food going in and out of the pantry on a daily basis, it is essential to keep everything organized,” said Doug. “Our goal is to keep the pantry as neat as possible so JFS staff can find things quickly, put together food bags more efficiently, ultimately making their job a bit easier.” Since the Groff’s are in the pantry each week, they see what items go quickly, or what foods are needed most. Cereal, heavy soups such as stew, pre-packaged meals such as ChefBoyardee, peanut butter and macaroni & cheese are the most needed and frequently used items. Many clients do not have access to a can opener making soups or cans with pop tops the best. Their steady involvement allows the agency to have a better grasp on inventory as well as preparation for walk-in clients that have immediate needs.
amount of time to give and how and where to help. This could include food pantry, friendly visitor, grocery assistance, reading buddies and more. JFS’ RSVP program also connects people with volunteer opportunities at other organizations such as Gilda’s Club and Family Promise of Atlantic County.
The Groffs, who volunteer with JFS through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which provides opportunities for those age 55+, have also recruited other volunteers to help with the pantry. Their neighbors and friends have begun to join them during JFS’ larger food drives, such as the High Holiday Food Drive and Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Volunteering is open to individuals of all ages and ranges of experience, from students to professionals to retirees. There is no minimum number of hours required for volunteering and opportunities are always changing and expanding based on the needs of Village members and our community. Volunteers are asked to fill out an application, and depending on what volunteer activities they want to do, may need to agree to a background check. From assisting with mailings, to helping out a Village member, to volunteering at fundraising events, JFS has a volunteer opportunity for everyone.
Barbara and Doug are just two of the more than 250 volunteers that give their time to JFS every year. The agency offers a multitude of ways to volunteer. Those age 55+ can join RSVP, a network of volunteers that help maintain and strengthen their communities while enriching their own lives. As with all JFS volunteer opportunities, RSVP volunteers choose the
Whether donating a few hours a week, month or year, you can not only change your life, but the lives of people in Atlantic County. Please consider offering your talents, expertise, and time to JFS. To become a volunteer or learn more about volunteer opportunities, please Eileen Dillon at 609-822-1108 x249 or edillon@jfsatlantic.org.
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“Memory Café” to Launch Locally Monthly fun & socialization for people with early-stage dementia
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n estimated 5.5 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia (Alzheimer’s Association). For people with memory loss and their loved one, often times it can be difficult to maintain social ties with friends, neighbors and associates, even though this is a time when the familiar connections are needed the most. JFS Village the Shore is partnering with Right at Home (in home care and assistance company) and the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter to offer individuals with early stage dementia/ memory loss and their caregivers an informal place, called “The Memory Café”, to gather for conversation, companionship, activities, musical entertainment, art, education and an occasional outing. The Cafe provides a comfortable, supportive place to relax and make new friendships with people who are dealing with similar challenges. The Memory Café offers a break from the daily routine and a place to restore some normalcy as an individual or a
couple. Keeping occupied and stimulated can improve quality of life for the person with dementia as well as those around them. It’s a place to remain engaged. It’s a place for friendship, acceptance and fun! The first Memory Cafe originated in the Netherlands in 1997, when even speaking about memory loss was taboo. The concept spread throughout Europe, to Ireland and England, Australia and eventually to the United States. Today, hundreds of Memory Cafes take place on a regular basis in the U.S. According to the Memory Café Directory, as the Memory Cafe concept evolved in the U.S., it grew into a very open culture, including more than just those living with various forms of dementia. Many programs have been created in recent years for individuals suffering from all kinds of cognitive impairment. While Alzheimer’s and dementia are the most common, individuals surviving a stroke or traumatic brain injury can also benefit from the safe, welcoming and mentally stimulating environments of Memory Cafes.
The Memory Café will be held on the last Tuesday of each month, beginning on June 27, 2017 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM, at the Cape May County Library, Lower Cape Branch, 2600 Bayshore Road, Villas. A similar program will begin in September for Atlantic County residents and will be located at the JCC in Margate. For additional information regarding Memory Café in Cape May and Atlantic Counties please contact Tina Serota, Village by the Shore Director, at 609-8221109 or tserota@jfsatlantic.org or David Johnson at the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900, djjohnson@alz.org.
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Community Connections
Nearly 20 people attended March’s Coffee Klatch to discuss politics, technology, world events, the arts and religion. Local Holocaust Survivors welcomed Spring by planting lettuce during a monthly luncheon.
Tina Serota and Fran Baronowitz work on their latest project during the weekly needlepoint workshop.
Community members enjoy the monthly Lunch Around Town at Johnny’s Café with cuisine and conversation.
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RSVP volunteers take time from their day to help with the monthly events mailing for Village by the Shore.
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Special Events
Card Party
30th Annual JFS House Tour
Mah Jong, Bridge & Canasta for a Cause
2016 featured home
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alling all Canasta, Bridge and Mah Jong players, bring your game face and a little bit of luck to the 4th Annual JFS Card Party on August 23, 2017. This day of fun and excitement, with friends, games, prizes, food and more will begin at 10:30 am at Harbor Pines Golf Club.
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hether walking down the Boardwalk or exploring the back bays, the stunning homes of Absecon Island offer an eyecatching and intriguing aspect to the time down the shore. Once a year, the JFS House Tour, held August 7, 2017, gives guests a rare opportunity to see inside some of Ventnor, Margate and Longport’s most breathtaking and stunning homes.
Whether a veteran or new to the game, Card Party attendees are invited to pull up a chair and join together for a good cause. While these games all require some degree of skill, all levels of players are invited to join JFS for a day of fun and games. Before the games begin, attendees are invited to shop a selection of vendors. While this year’s vendors are still being finalized, past vendors included clothing, jewelry, handbags, specialty soaps and more. When guests need to refresh from shopping, enjoy a lunch buffet complete with salads, wraps and salmon.
From chef approved gourmet kitchens to imported marble, each home on the JFS House Tour offers attendees a first-hand look at the fine craftsmanship and exquisite detail. This marks the 30th year of the Tour and the homes are planned to be some of the most exquisite to date. Ranging from contemporary homes of glass and steal to traditional Colonial, these homes run the gamut of style and taste. This year, six to eight houses will be showcased. They each exhibit elegant décor, fine artwork, beautiful interiors and lush landscaping. To offer further inspiration, design experts will be at each house to offer advice and insights.
The excitement doesn’t stop there, as the Card Party will feature a selection of prizes and auction items including gift cards, hotel stays, restaurant certificates, wine, gym memberships and more. Space is limited to the first 100 attendees. Card Party tickets are $50 per player and Village members receive a 20% discount. You have the option to organize your own table or play with an assigned group. Bring your own cards/set and get ready for fun. This year’s Card Party is a great way to meet new people, socialize, shop and maybe win a game or two.
Tickets are $40 per guest through June 30th and $50 July 1st thereafter. VIP tickets, which include door-to-door transportation and Fast Pass, are available for $75 per guest through June 30th. The agency hopes to raise $60,000 for Village by the Shore.
Card Party proceeds benefit Village by the Shore. To purchase tickets or sponsorships, please visit jfsatlantic.org.
For more information about the 30th Annual House Tour or to purchase tickets, please visit jfsatlantic.org.
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Member Spotlight
The Josephsons, Getting the Most of Member Benefits
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ernard aka “Bunny” and Shirley Josephson have been married for 65 years. They have two children, two grandchildren, and relatives who all live long distance. They are now in their 90’s, and without relatives to help them with day-to-day tasks, the Josephson’s turn to the Village for assistance. They joined Village by the Shore in late 2015 for added support and services. Bunny and Shirley stay active in the Margate community. They enjoy walking on the boardwalk and going out to breakfast. They are unable to drive, making the Village support essential for daily tasks and errands. “My eyes are bad and they are not getting any better,” said Bunny. “We need help getting to medical appointments and weekly groceries, and Village by the Shore helps us a great deal.” The Josephsons are taking advantage of many Village services. A Village Care Coordinator visits or calls them at least weekly to discuss their medications, speaks with their family to coordinate services, and more. Recently, the care manager signed Bunny up for the Life Alert system and hooked up the device in case he was to fall. To ensure they are both eating properly and enjoying nutritious meals, Bunny & Shirley receive groceries through Grocery Shopping and Delivery, as well as delivered Kosher Meals-on-Wheels. They especially enjoy the fish dishes.
Picture is from February 19,1952, when Bunny and Shirley Josephson got married on the CBS television show “Brides and Grooms” in New York City.
Adding to life’s conveniences, the Josephson’s use the trash valet, where a volunteer comes every week to take the trash to the curb and return the cans empty. As part of the friendly visitor program, a volunteer visits and calls them weekly and has even helped them with their bills and other things. Bunny and Shirley needed help with a few repair items in the house. Village by the Shore referred a trusted Service Partner who helped winterize their front door, change lightbulbs throughout the house and installed a safety bar in the shower. Not only was this completed by a vetted and reliable
Service Partner, but also at a discount exclusively for Village members. “We feel like our showers are much safer now, which makes us feel more comfortable in our home,” said Bunny. For the cost of a $36 per month membership, Bunny and Shirley take advantage of all of the great services the Village offers, and they are the perfect example of how a Village membership can help make life easier. To become a Village by the Shore member, contact 609-822-1109 or email villagejfs@jfsatlantic.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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