Village by the Shore Fall/Winter 2013
The Village Movement
JFS’ Newest Initiative for Boomers & Older Adults
J
ewish Family Service (JFS) is excited to announce the launch of Village by the Shore in our community. While the Village is not a physical place, it is a movement allowing individuals to get the most from their community at any stage of life. Village by the Shore is a membership based model of neighbors helping neighbors that provides a variety of concierge, volunteer and professional services at discounted rates.
growing, giving members access to a broad range of services, many at a discounted rate.
Volunteers
Membership
Village by the Shore is an initiative providing services and socialization for adults (50 years +) through a unique, concierge style. One call offers an easy “one-stop shopping” experience with access and referrals to high-quality preferred service providers, specialists and social services. Village by the Shore, a non-denominational program, is open to residents of Atlantic County. From managing the household, to social and cultural learning and staying healthy, Village members have access to a number of activities and services. Benefits include resource and referral concierge, friendly visits, phone check-in’s, care coordination and transportation as well as local lectures, concerts, workshops and classes. From saving on landscaping to getting connected with trustworthy and reliable Service Partners, there are many benefits of membership. The Village by the Shore Service Partner Network is constantly
Meet the Director ~ 2
home maintenance and repair, restaurants and shops, home care and nursing services, cultural and educational groups, financial advisors, and real estate agents.
Service Partners
Service Partners are local businesses and community organizations who offer a variety of quality services to Village members. Service Partners are part of a woven network of providers referred directly to members by JFS care coordinators, dispatchers and volunteers. JFS looks to provide a wide range of services to its members and is expanding its Service Partner Network and adding businesses ranging from contractors to handymen to restaurants. As a Service Partner, businesses and organizations have the opportunity to showcase services, build business visibility and expand client base. By providing special discounts and offers, Service Partners are a top choice for Village members. Service Partners include
Get a Ride ~ 2
Volunteers provide the structure to Village by the Shore. Working in many capacities, they enrich the lives of community members. Be a volunteer by sharing your skills, expertise and talents with Village members. Many individuals volunteer in their profession, hobby or favorite past time such as gardening, technology assistance, or transportation. From leading discussion groups, to assisting with office duties and helping members in their own home, there is a volunteer opportunity for everyone. Volunteers may help members with a variety of tasks from household chores and budgeting to shoveling the sidewalk. Friendly visits, meal delivery and household assistance are also just a few ways of neighbors helping neighbors. Often times, members become volunteers and volunteers become members. Volunteering is open to individuals of all ages and range of experience, from students to professionals to retirees. Volunteers are not required to dedicate a specific number of hours. Whether giving an hour a year or a day, Village by the Shore welcomes anyone who wants to join the Village movement as a volunteer.
Boomers & the Brain ~ 3 Community Calendar ~ 4
Meet the DirectoR: Lisa Walker Lisa Walker joins JFS as the Director of Village by the Shore. Lisa has helped shape the Village program by going into the community and finding opportunities for the agency’s newest initiative. As Director, Lisa is responsible for promoting, managing and directing the day to day operations including memberships, programs, social activities and service partner coordination. She also serves as a liaison with the Village’s community partner organizations. With background experience in nursing and business, Walker’s focus and passion for the adult and senior community is truly unparalleled. A long-time associate of the healthcare industry, Lisa most recently served as Director of Professional Services with Fox Rehabilitation. In this role, she assisted in the opening of three outpatient clinics, Fox Pediatrics which provides rehabilitation services for children, two Strength, Mobility and Balance programs for seniors and the first Post-Acute Care building in the region which provides care for individuals who are recovering from a chronic illness. She was proudly voted by her Fox Rehabilitation peers as the MVP for Professional Excellence, Above and Beyond and Best Communicator. Walker previously worked with HealthSouth Diagnostics of Cape Atlantic and TLC Laser Eye Centers. In 2008, Lisa saw the overwhelming lack of education in the community on the services
available to the older adult population to remain healthy, independent and remain in their own home safely. She founded and developed the Senior Health & Advocacy Group (SHAG) for a variety of local professionals in a cross section of expertise, to perform informational presentations to caregivers and the older adult population on aging in place. Lisa speaks several times per month as an advocate for seniors and an educator to local professionals and the community including at retirement developments, senior centers, religious organizations and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) groups. Walker has been an active participant in several community organizations including Miss America Organization, Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, Public Relations Council of Greater Atlantic City, American Red Cross as well as serving as co-chair for the South Jersey Senior Networking Group. Lisa has an education in nursing and psychology from Bucks County Community College. A resident of Mays Landing, NJ, Walker lives with her husband and two dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, entertaining friends and family as well as having early morning coffee with her mother. To contact Lisa Walker directly call 609-822-1108, ext 211, or email lwalker@jfsatlantic.org.
“My passion for working with boomers and older adults immediately drew me toward the Village by the Shore initiative; this program offers a much needed service for the community.”
Get A Ride!
Transportation to Make Life Easier Tired of paying high gas prices and maneuvering through local traffic? Would not having to drive make your life easier and more efficient? Enjoy the convenience and hassle-free transportation service that a Village by the Shore membership offers. Having access to reliable transportation is critical to experience and fulfill everyday activities, both those that are essential and those that enhance the quality of life. Some older adults find that although they have friends and family to provide transportation help, sometimes conflicting schedules or miscommunications can make arrangements difficult. For many, it is necessary to find community resources to provide transportation. JFS offers a reliable transportation alternative that costs less than a taxi, is more convenient than a bus and is more personalized than a private car service. JFS transportation provides door to door service with friendly and compassionate drivers. Village by the Shore members can receive rides to medical appointments, leisure activities, personal appointments, shopping trips and cultural experiences. As a member of the Village, two rides per
month to and from the destination of your choosing are included in the membership fee. Rides have always been affordable at $7, $12 or $18 per round trip depending on trip length. The drivers go out of their way to minimize worry and call the member the day before the scheduled ride to confirm the trip and pick-up time. They will pick you up at home and drop you back off once the trip is complete. Many older adults want to live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. However, for many of these individuals it is no longer safe to drive. Unless they have a safe, convenient and affordable form of transportation, they will lose some independence and be isolated at home. If you are one of the nearly eight million people over age 65 that can no longer drive or don’t own a vehicle, there are few safe transportation alternatives. JFS transportation can help you keep an independent lifestyle as you age at home. Rides can be scheduled by calling the direct Village by the Shore phone line at 609-822-1109.
Service Partner Network Unique opportunity to showcase services, build business and expand client base Become top of mind for Village by the Shore members Call 609-822-1109 or apply online at www.jfsatlantic.org
Service Partners are eligible for exclusive newsletter ads. Ads range from $100-$1,000 per placement. For more information email villagejfs@jfsatlantic.org.
BoomerS & The Brain Mental Fitness After 40 “I can’t remember her name.” “It took me 20 minutes to figure out where I put my keys.” Whether you are 30 or 90, you have had that blank moment struggling to remember an acquaintance’s name or locate a “misplaced” item. Some laugh it off by saying it is just one of a million things on their mind between work, children and errands, while others immediately blame the aging brain. According to research, middle-aged brains (between the ages of 40 and 68) have slower processing speeds than younger brains. This explains why it takes longer to learn a new language or adapt to the latest technology. Keeping up with your mental fitness now and as you age can significantly help the onset of memory loss, dementia and eventually Alzheimer’s. Baby Boomers, those born between 19461964, can help ward off memory loss by keeping the brain engaged and active with mental stimulation, social interaction, a healthy diet and regular exercise. The mental activity you start today can help you stay strong, independent and mentally fit as you age. Social interaction is the best way to keep neurons firing and increase cognitive vitality, according to CBS News and USA Today Senior Moment Collaborative. Have a hobby such as knitting or cooking? No matter what activity you enjoy, making it into a group event can considerably help cognitive function. Social networking, volunteering, working, joining a new group or activity and spending time with friends and family can significantly play a part in the brain’s overall health. Village by the Shore offers members a number of social activities including luncheons, educational classes, book clubs, day trips and special interest groups. Mental stimulation can come in many
different forms to meet everyone’s individualized interests. Video games, computer games and the overall use of the computer can be effective in increasing memory, attention span, information processing, reasoning and problem solving. Solitary stimulation activities can include puzzles, word games, Sudoku and reading. Now is the time when any new learning experience, interaction with new viewpoints and ideas, a change in perception or getting out of your mental comfort zone can really benefit overall brain health. Consider learning to play an instrument, participate in an art class or even learn a new language. Finally, a good diet and regular exercise contribute to the body’s overall health—thus helping the brain. Boomers can engage in everything from dancing, aerobics, cycling or walking to stimulate brain fitness. Incorporating “smart” foods, such as blueberries, nuts, salmon, avocados, whole grains, beans, pomegranate juice, freshly brewed tea and dark chocolate into your diet can also help with brain health. These foods include ingredients that can help with overall health and reduce the effects of age related mental conditions. Boomers, now is the time to engage your brain and improve its overall health and capabilities. Embrace the mental fitness trend and help keep the brain agile, young and healthy thus maintaining a high-quality lifestyle.
Sudoku challenge
Sudoku Challenge ANSWER Puzzle courtesy of Crossword Palace
Community CalendAr November
Thursday, Nov. 14 I 6pm
Friday, Dec. 20 I 1-2:30pm
Wednesdays or Thursdays, Nov. 6 – Dec. 5 10am-12:30pm or 12:30-3pm
Ladies Night Out
FREE Living with Diabetes Seminar
Enjoy shopping, fashion show, raffle, cocktails & light fare. $20 per person includes drink ticket & 2 raffle tickets. JCC, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate Julie Fink at 609-822-1167 x 159 or jfink@jccatlantic.org
Learn how to control diabetes and feel better. Shalom House, 7301 Marshall Ave., Ventnor Maggie Weaver at 609-350-8937 or mweaver@jfsatlantic.org
Tuesday, Nov. 19 I 10:30am
Monday, Jan. 6 10:30-11:30am
Beginner Mahjong Classes Five week beginner introductory class. Cost is $75 for members, $100 for non-members. JCC, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate Josh Cutler at 609-822-1167 x 138 or jcutler@jccatlantic.org
Thursday, Nov. 7 I 12:30–2pm Introduction to E-mail Galloway Public Library 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Galloway 609-652-2352
Friday, Nov. 8 I 9am-Noon Exploring the World via the Internet for Seniors Learn about email, digital pictures and searching the Web. $59 + $5 registration fee. Atlantic Cape Community College, Building T, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing Sherwood Taylor at 609-343-5689 or staylor@atlantic.edu
Saturday, Nov. 9 I 9am-12pm Diabetes Health & Wellness Fair AtlantiCare LifeCenter 2500 English Creek Rd., EHT 1-888-569-1000 or www.atlanticare.org
Tuesday, Nov. 12 I 1-2:30pm FREE HealthEASE Seminar: Standing Tall Against Falls A health and wellness initiative to promote, support and sustain living healthier, more independent lives. Countryside Meadows 205 W. Buchanan Ave., Egg Harbor City Maggie Weaver at 609-350-8937 or mweaver@jfsatlantic.org
Brunch & Learn: Hava Nagila It’s Time for Hanukkah! Rabbi Aaron Gaber teaches the history and traditions of Hanukkah followed by a showing of the documentary, Hava Nagila. Cost is $3 for JCC members & $5 for non-members. JCC, 501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate Josh Cutler at 609-822-1167 x 138 or jcutler@jccatlantic.org
Saturday, Nov. 23 10:30am-12:30pm FREE Creative Writing: Memory in Poetry and Creative Nonfiction Explore a number of creative writing genres, especially focused on memoir and poetry. Write poems and essays inspired by your own memories and stretch your creativity. Noyes Museum of Art 733 Lily Lake Rd., Oceanville 609-652-8848 or www.stockton.edu/scosa
December Friday, Dec. 6 I 10-11am FREE Financial Seminar “Investments During Life Changing Events: Divorce, Retirement & Widowhood” Presented by Seashore Wealth Management. Light refreshments will be served. JFS, 607 N. Jerome Ave., Margate Lisa Walker at 609-822-1109 or lwalker@jfsatlantic.org
January FREE “Living a Joyful Life” Presentation Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport teaches how to cope with difficult situations and how to make the most of those situations. Light refreshments will be served. JFS, 607 N. Jerome Ave., Margate Lisa Walker at 609-822-1109 or lwalker@jfsatlantic.org
Wednesday, Jan. 8 I 2:30-4pm Matters of the Heart Seminar Experts from AtlantiCare will discuss heart healthy topics and the Health Engagement team will be providing various health assessments such as cholesterol, blood pressure and Body Mass Index. 1-888-569-1000 or www.atlanticare.org
Thursday, Jan. 9 I 11am-1pm FREE Blood Pressure Screening A trained professional provides free blood pressure checks. Shore Medical Center Thrift Shop, Somers Point Shopping Center, Rt. 9, Somers Point 609-653-3500
Thursday, Jan. 16 I 2-3:30pm FREE HealthEASE “Serving up Good Nutrition” Seminar Learn food related changes that come with aging including recommended daily nutrients, making a meal healthier, and balancing your food groups. Light refreshments will be served. JFS, 607 N. Jerome Ave., Margate Lisa Walker at 609-822-1109 or lwalker@jfsatlantic.org
609.822.1109 villagejfs@jfsatlantic.org www.jfsatlantic.org 607 N. Jerome Avenue, Margate, NJ 08402 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.