Community News (Sept-Oct 2023)

Changing Ourselves for the Better

Each of us lives a double life. We live them sideby-side every moment of every day, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

I’m talking about our external and internal lives. Think of them as the things we see or do and the things we think or feel. Outside and in, we live trying to make the most of each day.

Diane Liliestedt, Menorah Park President and COO

Successful aging requires mindful living. To be mindful is to be aware in the moment, to take care with our words and actions, and to be truly “present.” It means balancing our external and internal lives, creating a harmony that lets us live our lives to the fullest.

It can be difficult to change our minds and even more difficult to change our behavior, despite knowing that change is for the better. The important thing to remember is that you don’t face that challenge alone.

Menorah Park

One of the things that makes socializing so important – and why our Life Enrichment team places such an emphasis on group activities and involving the community – is that we draw strength from each other. That makes us better able to offer strength, to others and to ourselves.

This issue of Community is devoted to both parts of our lives, and shares a few stories of those who are living their lives with passion. Our cover story is an update on Charlotte Burgin, who shares her joy of reading in the service of promoting literacy in our community. Charlotte isn’t the only author in this issue, as we celebrate poet Tom Raithel’s recent book This Easy Falling. I was honored to be at his August book signing at Menorah Park.

Living well also means staying healthy. You’ll find health tips like the one above throughout the issue, and some helpful information from Menorah Park Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajit Tamaskar to champion Health Literacy Month in October. We hope you find it helpful.

As always, it’s a pleasure to be on this journey with you.

A Passion for Words

The last time we checked in with Wiggins Place resident Charlotte Burgin was after the publication of her children’s book, Charlotte’s Webster, a Vary, Very Little Dictionary, a children’s dictionary of homophones. Originally written for her grandchildren, the book was published by Gatekeeper Press with some help from WKYC and Special Projects Reporter Lindsay Buckingham.

Lindsay and Charlotte had become fast friends over the Menorah Park pen pal program that was so crucial in keeping our community connected during the pandemic. So it was only natural for them to collaborate again in promoting Charlotte’s book. In August, when the opportunity arose to join with The Literacy Cooperative to promote literacy among children and adults, both ladies were on board.

Charlotte was the center of attention in the joint effort of Menorah Park, The Literacy Cooperative, WKYC and Act 3 Creative to promote literacy in northeast Ohio. Charlotte, 96, read her book

to a group of children from Menorah Park’s FUNdamentals Children’s Center. Joining Charlotte and Lindsay Buckingham was Robert Paponetti, President & Chief Executive Officer of The Literacy Cooperative of Greater Cleveland. The Literacy Cooperative’s 8th Annual CLE Bee Corporate Spelling Bee is on September 20th at Windows on the River.

“The energy that Charlotte showed throughout the day was amazing,” said Jaime Lombardo, managing partner of Act 3 Creative. Charlotte not only read her book to the children and entertained them, but sat for several lengthy interviews which aired on WKYC and will be shown at the CLE Bee.

“I’ve always loved books, and I love to read to children,” Charlotte says. “I have a passion for words, and especially for homophones, words that sound the same but have different meanings. I’ve always written little ditties and silly stuff. When my greatgrandchildren came along, I wanted to give them

something fun and perhaps instructive too.”

Charlotte was more than happy to lend her talent and unique perspective to help promote literacy and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, an international program lead in Cuyahoga County by The Literacy Cooperative of Greater Cleveland.

“The Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails a brand new age-appropriate book to children every month from birth through age five,” says Robert Paponetti, President and CEO of the Literacy Cooperative. “We currently have 38,000 children enrolled in Cuyahoga County. There is no cost and no requirement other than the age of the child. It’s a fantastic and meaningful program, and we’re happy to have Charlotte’s help promoting it.”

When she was a college teacher, Charlotte had a very rewarding experience teaching a student with very low literacy. “He was a basketball player who couldn’t play anymore due to an injury. It was like opening a new world to a man who had been shut out of the one he knew best.” She started by having him write

and read about himself. “Those are the words he learned first, because those are the important words.”

It can be new, or a rekindled joy from your past. Engaging activities add meaning and purpose to our lives.

Bob and Charlotte discovered an unlikely connection through the Marion City Schools. “The Literacy Cooperative did a lot of tutoring programs at Marion, from kindergarten through third grade,” said Bob. Charlotte, smiling, replied, “My mother-in-law was a wonderful teacher who worked at the Marion Schools in the 1940s. It’s serendipity.”

Every residence on the Menorah Park campus has its own library, and some have book clubs and informal reading groups.

Charlotte’s children’s dictionary is available in bookstores and on Amazon.

If you want to attend the 2023 Literacy

Cooperative CLE Bee, registration is available at literacycooperative.org/cle-bee/

Left to right: Charlotte Burgin, Wiggins Place resident and author; Lindsay Buckingham, Special Projects reporter for WKYC; Robert Paponetti, President & Chief Executive Officer of The Literacy Cooperative of Greater Cleveland

Charlotte and Lindsay Buckingham share a laugh

A Balanced Life Health Literacy

When asked about his experience at the Peter B. Lewis Aquatic & Therapy Center, the first thing Marty Goren says is, “I’ll tell you one thing: Eran is unbelievable.” He credits the care and professionalism of the whole team for making his visits both positive and helpful.

At 94 years old, Marty has struggled with vertigo intermittently for years. “It’s especially bad when you’re lying down and you get up. Many years ago, after a dentist visit, when I sat up the vertigo was so bad that I spent a couple of days in the hospital. So, I originally went to the Center for balance, and when I found out they treated vertigo, it was a relief. Fortunately, they were able to work with me.”

Marty has been treated for balance and enjoys the warm water therapy. “I wasn’t happy with some of the therapy I received elsewhere, so I was thrilled when the option to go to the Center was presented. They really know what they’re doing.”

In addition to treatment at the Center, Marty was given exercises to do at home as well as strategies to deal with vertigo whenever it recurs. “I’ve been going regularly for over a year and I thoroughly enjoy it. It’s great to see other people who are going through similar things. It’s easy to get appointments and the staff is very accommodating.”

After a knee replacement, Marty had home therapy and then went to the Center for aquatic therapy. Now he’s happy to be able to get around without a walker or a cane. “I walk a lot. My personal record is almost 11,000 steps in a day. I walk after breakfast, then again with my wife in the afternoon.”

Marty and his wife Lillian recently celebrated their 72nd anniversary and live independently in an apartment.

Fall Prevention Awareness Day is Friday, September 22. Eran Shiloh, PT will be available that day from 12:15 - 2:30 p.m. to provide free 15 minute balance screens for anyone in the community or on campus at Menorah Park. Call today for more information at 216.595.7345.

Physical Therapist Eran Shiloh demonstrates balance therapy

Dr. Rajit Tamaskar, Menorah Park Chief Medical Officer

October is Health Literacy Month. Health Literacy is the degree to which we have the ability to find, understand and use information, and to access services, that improve our health outcomes. Menorah Park Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajit Tamaskar gives us some tips to improve our health literacy.

• Talk to your physician. Ask questions. If you don’t understand, ask again.

• If you have a specific diagnosis such as diabetes, there are support groups, like the American Diabetes Association, that can provide education and support.

• You should always have an advocate. A spouse, adult child, trusted friends or health care aid can be with you for discussions with health care providers.

Regular visits are essential in maintaining physical, emotional and cognitive health.

Marty Goren

Legacy Garden Party

The R.H. Myers patio at Menorah Park was the perfect setting for a beautiful evening where our most prominent supporters were honored and Rick Rivitz, immediate past chair of the Menorah Park Foundation was given the prestigious Irving I. Stone Award. The award honors a Menorah Park

Joyce Wald and her mother Connie Berland

Rick Rivitz shares the beautiful evening with his family

Diane Liliestedt, president and COO, Judy Kaufman, and Larry Mack

Retired CDO Joel Fox, Life Trustee and daughter of Irving Stone, Judy Weiss, Menorah Park Board Chair Harry Singer, Rick Rivitz

Greg Marcus and Menorah Park Foundation Chair Ken Marblestone

Foundation supporter who has demonstrated commitment to our mission by supporting and or leading projects that enhance excellent services. The award was created to honor and memorialize Irving Stone to be given to an individual who reflected his spirit of warmth, intellect, philanthropy, leadership and his incredible dedication to causes near and dear to his heart – Menorah Park being foremost. “This truly describes Rick’s decades of serving Menorah Park through a variety of roles; most recently through the dedication as longstanding chair of the Menorah Park Foundation,” said Foundation Chair Ken Marblestone. Retired Chief Development Officer Joel Fox was honored to share memories, appreciation and to present the award. A video was shown with Joel along with others and he shared, “I recall a favorite Pirkei Avot text which in part states, find a mentor and acquire a friend, judge on merits and not deficits. One person who represents all three is rare. Rick was a mentor, teacher, guide and supporter and was brilliant with strategic approaches to community issues.” Vice Chair of the Menorah Park Foundation Don Scherzer shared gratitude for Rick’s dedication to the community, while generations of his family were present to share in the wonderful celebration.

Gift Law News

The mammoth omnibus spending bill enacted on December 29, 2022, includes many provisions affecting retirement planning. It also creates charitable gift planning opportunities for holders of traditional IRAs.

Beginning in 2023, individuals over age 70½ will be able to make a onetime Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA to a charitable gift annuity (CGA) or a charitable remainder unitrust or annuity trust (CRT). A QCD is a tax-free transfer from a traditional IRA to a qualified public charity such as The Menorah Park Foundation. Here are key limitations with respect to a QCD for CGAs:

• An IRA holder can make this election in one tax year only.

• There is an aggregate limit in that year of $50,000 which counts toward the total $100,000 annual limit per taxpayer for regular QCDs made that same year.

• Annuity payments are fully taxable as ordinary income.

• Only the IRA holder and/or spouse may receive annuity payments; no payments to children or others.

• Annuity payments must be at least 5% of the QCD amount.

• There is no charitable deduction.

The complexity of CRTs makes them less practical for a QCD plan. However, a CGA may appeal to persons who have charitable intent, seek guaranteed income and want to reduce their current and future required minimum distributions (RMD).

For 2024, the $100,000 annual limit on QCDs will begin to receive an annual inflation adjustment, as will the $50,000 limit applicable to QCDs for CGAs/CRTs.

Finally, in 2023 the bill raises the mandatory age to start RMDs to 73 for individuals born between 1951 and 1959, and 75 for those born in 1960 or later. This change does not affect the minimum allowable age for making a QCD which is 70½.

The Menorah Park Foundation, in consultation with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland have extensive experience with QCDs and a robust CGA program. Donors who establish a CGA with the Menorah Park Foundation qualify for recognition in our Legacy Society.

For more information please contact:

Lynn Bercu Krumholz

The Menorah Park Foundation

lkrumholz@menorahpark.org | 216-896-1104

Serving the Community

The kitchen at The R.H. Myers Apartments has long been a partner with the Jewish Family Service Association (JFSA) in an effort to deliver nutritious kosher meals to our community.

John Burkley oversees the Kosher Home Delivered Meals program for JFSA, which operates in the eastern suburbs of Cuyahoga County. “We deliver approximately 3500 meals a month,” says John. “Meals are kosher, low sodium, and diabetic-friendly.”

Deliveries are made on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, consisting of multiple meals, by both paid drivers and a team of more than 40 volunteers.

A full meal consists of soup, an entrée, starch, two fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, margarine and a carton of milk (wrapped separately). Everything is freshly cooked and delivered refrigerated in recyclable containers for easy reheating in an oven or microwave.

Art Kitch has been the Dietary General

CUT BACK ON SALT

Avoid processed foods and high-sodium condiments like ketchup and soy sauce. Use herbs and spices to add flavor.

Manager at the R.H. Myers Apartments for 19 years. “The meal delivery program has been going for over 40 years,” Art says. “I create the menus and share them with Annie Stahlheber, the Nutrition Program Coordinator from the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA), who makes sure the meals are balanced and meet nutritional requirements.” WRAAA also inspects the kitchen twice a year. “We’ve had perfect inspections every year I’ve been here,” Art adds, “from WRAAA and from the Ohio Department of Health.” Art also credits the success of the program to R.H. Myers of Menorah Park Program Coordinator Tiara Lewis and cook Linda Custis who has been with Menorah Park for 43 years.

“Most of our clients live on their own,” says John Burkley. “And most are considered home-bound, do not drive, and may suffer from physical or cognitive conditions that make it difficult for them to obtain and prepare nutritious kosher meals.”

For many clients, it’s not just a delivery; it’s a visit. Drivers and volunteers have consistent routes, and create relationships with clients. They can act as an extra set of eyes on the client, watching for changes that may impact the person’s well-being.

Volunteer Nancy Libman says, “When I arrive at a client’s door, I have a heart-warming feeling seeing a smiling face waiting to share a story…and when I drive away after the delivery, I am the one with the smiling face knowing that I am part of a wonderful program that provides not only healthy meals but also a few moments of friendly interaction.” Nancy expressed appreciation for the other incredible volunteers who have dedicated so much of their time to do this good work.

The program is administered by JFSA and Menorah Park, and is subsidized through Passport, My Care Ohio and Title III-The Older Americans Act. Drivers deliver on holidays, so there is almost no interruption of service.

Art Kitch says, “JFSA does a yearly client survey, and our kitchen is very responsive to client suggestions and feedback. We try to put something new on the menu every month, and produce seasonal menus as well. Everything is fresh and prepared from scratch, just as they are for the R.H. Myers Apartments dining room.”

During the pandemic, the program experienced a huge increase in numbers. Both Art and John agree, “It’s rewarding to have been able to feed so many people who might otherwise not have had fresh, healthy meals.”

Volunteer Nancy Libman

Let’s Celebrate Together

By Beth Silver, Director of Public Relations and Marketing

I am proud to have lived, worked and participated in the Beachwood community for nearly thirty years. Continuing to reflect, I think all of us can agree that these past years of pandemic have challenged us in many ways, and yet we found resilience and a clear perspective on what we find truly important; frequently family and the importance of remaining connected.

For the Menorah Park communities in Beachwood and Chagrin Valley, we enthusiastically celebrate the beauty of togetherness with several opportunities throughout September when we invite you to join us. National recognition days including Grandparents’ Day and Assisted Living Week (the theme Season of Reflection) enable us to pause and reflect on the special relationships and bonds in our community.

Being a grandparent is such a special role, with the memories and the moments that we all cherish and remember from every stage of our lives. I have appreciated their influence, the unconditional love and the special touch that only grandparents can give. It is fitting to me that this day most often kicks off National Assisted Living week, an added opportunity to celebrate important members of our community that include family, friends and caregivers.

I hope to see you at one or more of these upcoming events. Please call me at 216-839-6678 or email me at bsilver@menorahpark.org for more information.

Grand Times, a joint celebration of grandparents will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. September 9 at Eton Chagrin Boulevard at 28601 Chagrin Blvd. Grandparents’ Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year it is on September 10.

MOVE MORE, SIT LESS

Choose something fun so you can keep at it! Take advantage of programs offered on campus.

Wiggins Place says “cheers” to Assisted Living Week with a Mocktail Contest and More on September 11 at 11 a.m.

Stone Gardens brings added glow to celebrating at a Grandparents Day Campfire, September 13 at 7 p.m.

The community comes together for an Assisted Living Celebration Party at Stone Gardens with all sorts of fun, September 14 at 2 p.m.

The Weils toasts the community on September 11 at 4 p.m. for Happy Hour with Ilya Shteyndler tickling the ivories.

Poet Tom Raithel shares his inspirations at a recent book signing at the Sallie and Robert D. Deitz Piazza. Tom grew up in Milwaukee, and has lived throughout the Midwest. His poems have appeared in The Southern Review, Midwest Quarterly, Atlanta Review, Nimrod, Comstock Review and other journals. He and his wife, Theresa Brett, live in Cleveland, Ohio. His new collection is titled This Easy Falling.

Thank You

To Our Caring Community

The R.H. Myers Tenants Association presents a check for $1000 to Greater Cleveland Food Bank Senior Manager of Foundation Relations, Rebecca Bash. The Association organized a rummage sale as an act of responsibility. So many in the community rolled up their sleeves to coordinate the sale. Any remaining items were donated to Goodwill Industries. Bash noted the rising level of food insecurity, and the necessity for many to choose between utilities, rent and food. “This shouldn’t be the choice anyone has to make. Support large and small is critical, especially now.” R.H. Myers Tenants Association President Eunice Clavner said, “Pulling together as a community with common values of giving back means something. We can all make a difference.”

Carolyn Schmith, resident of Weils of Menorah Park welcomes CAMP HO MITA KODA of Newbury! The Weils Women’s Social Club raised money and awareness to help children living with Type 1 Diabetes grow in mind, body, and spirit through outdoor camping experiences that strengthen their confidence and create a community of peers at summer camp. Here at The Weils, we live our vision to Live Empowered. Live Better. Be Inspired. Everyday!

The Shul Boys riding club shared their joy of riding and their Jewish values with residents across the campus. The day was filled with smiles and good will.

Family + residents + friends = the best art of life!

Activity Assistant Charda Smith of the Willensky Residence shows an example of finished artwork and shares her appreciation for the wonderful time being together for the recent Sip and Paint event.

Left to right: Barbara Kaback, Greater Cleveland Food Bank Senior Manager of Foundation Relations Rebecca Bash, Goldie Kaplan, Barbara Rosenthal, Miriam Marks, and Barbara and Lou Kusner

Excellence Every Day

Wishing you and your family a sweet, happy, and healthy New Year! from the Menorah Park Communities

Wiggins Place is proud to share that Abdoul Sow, housekeeping porter, has been selected as a 2023 Ohio Health Care Association Assisted Living Excellence winner!

Abdoul has been a fabulous, hardworking, dependable and dedicated Wiggins Place team member since 2015, and is very deserving of the honor.

In his nomination letter, Wiggins Place Administrator Frankie Twymon wrote, “His exemplary attitude and dedication to helping others shines through whether he is assisting a tenant, family member, co-worker, or completing an assigned task.”

Abdoul says that his role model is his direct supervisor, Chris Mansour. “Chris takes on so much and pushes forward every day. He always checks in on me to see how I’m doing, even in the midst of all that he has to do. He shows me lots of respect and I appreciate that.” He also credits his mother as a guiding influence. “She taught me that when dealing with others, to look at them as if I’m looking at her and treat them with the same respect.”

Abdoul and other awardees were honored at a special Award luncheon held during the OHCA Assisted Living Summit, on Tuesday, July 11.

National Assisted Living Week is September 10-16. The theme this year is “Season of Reflection.” We’ll be reflecting on the many people in our community who add joy, meaning and comfort to our lives, exceptional people like Abdoul Sow!

As we mark the beginning of the Jewish new year, I find it fitting that the national theme for Assisted Living week, ending September 16th, is a Season of Reflection. We think about our community, our lives together and our opportunities as individuals. Similarly, the High Holidays are a time for introspection and self-improvement when G-d is especially close to us and hears our prayers.

With deep gratitude we announce the reopening of our Jennie and Jacob Sapirstein Synagogue at Menorah Park for the 5784 High Holidays. Services will be lead by Rabbis Akiva Feinstein and Joseph Kirsch. Prayers will be chanted by Cantor Refahel Muskin. Times as follows:

Rosh Hashana Days, Sept. 16 & 17: Prayers begin 8:30 a.m. Shofar not before 10:30 a.m. Gala Rosh Hashana buffet Kiddush following services and open to all at 1 p.m. Mincha following Kiddush.

Erev Yom Kippur afternoon Sept. 24, Early Kol Nidre 2:45 p.m. Yom Kippur Night, Sept. 24, Kol Nidre 7 p.m. Yom Kippur Day, Sept. 25, Prayers begin 9 a.m. Yizkor not before 10:30 a.m. Mincha 5:30 p.m. followed by Ne’ilah and a gala break-the-fast celebration, open to all.

We welcome Cantors Laurel Barr and Gary Paller who are leading special services at various locations.

If you have any questions about observation of the High Holidays in our residences, you may also contact me at afeinstein@menorahpark.org or 216.910.2794, or Rabbi Joseph Kirsch at jkirsch@menorahpark.org or 216.839.6628.

Chag Sameach

Celebrating and Observing

Sukkot: September 29th – October 6th

Shemini Azteret: October 6th – 7th

Simchat Torah: October 7th – 8th

L’Shana Tovah from Menorah Park

Rabbi Akiva Feinstein

Menorah Park

Bet Moshav Zekenim Hadati

27100 Cedar Road

Beachwood, Ohio 44122

Join Us for an Artists Reception

Menorah Park hosts the reception for our communitywide art show on September 27 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Exhibits include an inaugural display of artwork by IsraeliAmerican artist Gadi Zamir, founder of the nonprofit Negative Space Gallery, and artwork from members of the Menorah Park community. The art show is open September 27 and 28. Contact Beth Silver at bsilver@menorahpark.org or 216.839.6678.

“I am honored to be included among your community’s artists,” expressed Gadi Zamir of the nonprofit Negative Space Gallery. As he looked at the art display with select pieces of artwork by residents like Richard Sacks, he said, “When you paint by numbers, you don’t know what’s going to become of what those connections will be. When the last colors are in place, it becomes something beautiful from you, like an image of G-d. You’ve manifested something.”

If you would prefer to view our newsletter electronically, go to MenorahPark.org.

Menorah Park complies with

rights

and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Menorah Park resident artist Richard Sacks joins Rosenbluth Creative Arts Center donor family for the dedication of the community’s art wall. Rosenbluth Creative Arts Center donors David and Judy Kaufman (left), Susi and Arnold Kaufman (right)