Care Packages for Operation Shoebox

The Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence in Somerset, NJ welcomed Rod Hirsch, Founder and Executive Director of Operation Shoebox  New Jersey, on June 23 to present him with care packages put together by the Stein's Philanthropy  Club.  These packages will be sent to our troops overseas as thanks for their continued service in the Armed Forces.  Donations were collected through staff participation in "$5 Wear Jeans to Work on Friday" to pay for supplies and postage.

 Below: Resident Hanah Abse, a member of The Stein  Philanthropy Club, views photos of the soldiers receiving their packages of goods. 

24th Annual Village Shalom Father's Day Run/Walk: Everyone's a Winner

Village Shalom's Father's Day Run/Walk lived up to its name, attracting families honoring their dads as well as die-hard runners seeking to better their race times. The 24^th annual 5- and 10-kilometer event drew a field of 468 runners and walkers ranging in age from 1 to 92. Additional scores of volunteers and family members helped to staff race activities and cheer on their favorite runners.

This year's race was especially meaningful for Gary Schanzer, 61, and his father, Ben Schanzer, 92, who is a Village Shalom resident. A devoted runner his entire life, Ben continued to walk daily until recently, even at age 92. Gary picked up his father's healthy habit, becoming a regular walker as well.

A brain hemorrhage six months ago confined Ben to a wheelchair and altered his daily exercise regimen, but it didn't prevent his participation in this year's Father's Day Run. Knowing his father would want to be part of the action, Gary signed the two of them up as a team: Gary walked in the 5K pushing Ben in a wheelchair.

"He ran his whole life," Gary said of his dad. "Up until six months ago, he was walking three miles a day. He's always been very competitive."

Together, Team Schanzer finished the race to the cheers of onlookers. Their indomitable spirit represented not only the essence of Father's Day, but of Village Shalom itself: Bringing families together in an environment of love, strength and support.

This year's Father's Day Run/Walk, sponsored by the Village Shalom Associate Board, raised more than $21,000 to benefit Village Shalom programs and services for individuals and families facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.  

High School Student Volunteers Converge on MorseLife

Every year, high school students from throughout Palm Beach County, primarily those in magnet or career path programs, converge on MorseLife throughout the summer for opportunities to explore careers, build community service hours, and make a difference to seniors served by the charitable nonprofit.     

This year, MorseLife has 49 student volunteers - 20 who are returning and 29 who are new to the organization - and according to Nadine Greenberg, Director of Volunteer Services, 31 of them have a family member who works for MorseLife.      

Ms. Greenberg says that her goals are to ensure that every student brings a smile to residents, patients or clients served by MorseLife entities, with the hope that they learn how one person can make a positive difference to the lives of seniors.   "Just as important, we want our students to gain exposure to various fields  -- ideally in geriatrics - that they can choose in college and career," she said.          

Ms. Greenberg notes that MorseLife is a fast-paced organization, with a strong commitment to caring for seniors with dignity, respect and the highest standards of excellence.  "Working in such a dynamic place as MorseLife really gives a student an opportunity to learn about the work experience - we trust we provide a highly worthwhile experience to our students in this program."  

AJAS would like extend our congratulations to Lucie Tremblay, Director of Nursing and Clinical Services at Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre and Jewish Eldercare  Centre.  Ms. Tremblay was recently named the best nurse in  Canada by the Canadian College of Health Leaders on June 5 and awarded the prestigious Nursing Leadership Award.  The award is given to a nurse at the director or vice-president level who demonstrates an ongoing commitment to quality and leadership in nursing. 

Lucie Tremblay has been the Director of Nursing and Clinical Services at Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre since 1998 and at Jewish Eldercare since 2005.  Filled with passion and compassion, she dreams big and then translates those dreams into reality. Ms. Tremblay has put these organizations on an international plane of recognition: pioneering innovative and award-winning programs and  helping hundreds of geriatric facilities replicate them.

The Nursing Leadership award builds on the themes of patient-centered care and nursing leadership and recognizes individuals who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence in these areas.  "The individuals and organizations being recognized illustrate leadership at its finest.  Our award recipients demonstrate the impact that one person...can have within their organization and beyond," said Ray Racette, President and CEO of the Canadian College of Health Leaders.