Honor FLight 2012

Every third Wednesday of the month World War II veterans along with their guardians board a Southwest Airlines plane for the trip of a lifetime to Washington D.C.  Honor Flight Cleveland  takes WWII Veterans to THEIR Memorial and on October 17th ten tenants from Menorah Park Center for Senior Living were able to enjoy this amazing experience. 

http://www.honorflightcleveland.com/Home_Page.php

A beautiful video of our tenant's wonderful and meaningful experience is below.  I know you join everyone at Menorah Park in thanking all of our veterans for their selfless service to our country.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_L77P2YK0IU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. - Joseph Campbell

The Life Enrichment Department at Wiggins Place is always trying to keep activities fresh and exciting for our tenants.  This summer we welcomed music instructor Ian Hoy to the Activities staff.  Ian has brought a new perspective on music to the tenants and uses his experience with many different orchestras across Northeast OH to encourage great discussion and renewed interest in his music classes. 

This afternoon Ian and his class were playing various songs on the Bongos.  Tangos, waltzes, cha chas and Samba.

It was so much fun one couldn't help dancing to the strong beat.

Evelyn Tiktinsky is all smiles

Life Enrichment Associate Ian Hoy instructing his class on the Samba

Jean Sokol showing Ian how it's really done!

Innovative Programming for Seniors at Menorah Park

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
Socrates 

Menorah Park believes in the best, the crème de la crème, in intellectual programming for its' tenants and residents.  The Long Distance Learning programs offered on campus are no exception.  Case in point the innovative and unprecedented Long Distance Learning Program from the Cleveland Museum of Art.  

Below is a link to a video taken during this program and it showcases quite well the kind of programs we offer and plan to offer in the future.  

Please join us and share the great things happening at Wiggins Place with friends.

http://www.viddler.com/v/7bfa43aa?secret=79951577

 

Dr. Herman Weinberg turns 100

Each month the Menorah Park Platinum Club comes together to celebrate some of our most special tenants.  These tenants,  all 97 and above, have many stories to share and have many reasons to celebrate.  One of these incredible tenants is Dr. Herman Weinberg. 

Dr. Weinberg has been a fixture of Wiggins Place since we opened our doors in 2004 and we celebrate 100 years of his incredible life. 

Thank you, Dr. Weinberg!

Dr. Weinberg

Tracy Derschau, Director of Activities, welcomes everyone to this month's party

Dr. Weinberg's loving family

Members of the Wiggins Place staff gather to wish Dr. Weinberg a Happy 100th Birthday

Bench Dedication for Polly Shultz

It is always wonderful when family members want to do something special in memory of their loved one that lived here at Wiggins Place.  We have been the recipient of so many amazing gifts including art work, our wonderful Gazebo, many of the beautiful flowers that dot our landscape and so many more.

The Shultz family has given Wiggins Place another such gift when they dedicated one of the lovely benches in the front courtyard in honor of their mother, Polly Shultz.  Elvin Shultz, who still resides at Wiggins Place, along with his daughter, Marcia Arons, wanted to do something special for Wiggins Place in honor of Polly.  The bench is in a lovely, sunlit area which is perfect as it will always remind us of Polly Shultz's beautiful smile.

Elvin Shultz (c) and his family dedicate the courtyard bench in memory and in honor of their wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Polly Shultz

If you would like to make a gift to Wiggins Place please do not hesitate to contact Joel Fox at the Menorah Park Foundation.  He can be reached at jfox@menorahpark.org or 216-831-5452 x 214.

Scholar on Campus

Menorah Park is a forerunner in progressive intellectual programming for our tenants.  This August will be no exception.

Scholar on Campus presents Barbara Lavi, Psy. D

• Doctorate in professional psychology
• Founder of ACT Now Psychotherapy
• Author of the nationally recognized "The Wake Up and Dream Challenge"

"Wake Up: Dream Now"

• Engage in a hands-on workshop to bring dreams back into your life
• Start developing your own innovative dream techniques
• Become inspired to achieve the unexpected  

 Tenant Program

Tuesday, August 7th 

2:00PM - 3:00PM

Wiggins Place

Community Program

"Develop your Dream Potential"

Tuesday, August 7th 

7:30PM - 8:30PM

Menorah Park Auditorium

RSVP for the evening program only to 216-831-5452 x 244

The programs and the receptions immediately following are free of charge.  Kosher Dietary Laws Observed.

After 67 years Wiggins Place tenant Don Arnold receives the Purple Heart

On July 16th Don Arnold was awarded the Purple Heart and Wiggins Place was host to this remarkable event.

http://clevelandheights.patch.com/articles/look-wiggins-place-resident-awarded-purple-heart#photo-10678641

Wiggins Place's front lobby was standing-room only Monday when resident Donald Arnold was awarded a Purple Heart for an act of valor 67 years ago.
"It was a long wait," he said. "But my wife was the one who went after it. She wouldn't give up. She finally got it through ... I was ready to give up, but she wouldn't. So I owe it all to her."
But Arnold, who graduated from Cleveland Heights High School and lived in Shaker Heights for several years, did not mind that it took nearly seven decades to receive the award. "That doesn't matter. It's what happened in the end that counts."
Arnold was quiet while Brown told the crowd of friends, family and press Arnold's story — after being wounded during a battle in World War II Germany, Arnold removed the shrapnel from his own leg and went on to treat his comrades.
He was the only medic left alive that day.

Full Story: Arnold's Act of Valor
Arnold was humbled by the outpouring of support from the community.
"I'm thrilled. My heart's beating a mile a minute. This doesn't happen to anybody very often. It really means a lot to me."

Senator Brown meets and greets with many of the Wiggins  Place Tenants including Rebecca Eden who served in WWII as a Nurse.  Mrs. Eden received a Congressional Medal for her service to our country.

Sherrod brown presents Don Arnold with some of his medals     

July 4th at Wiggins Place

July 4th is always a special time at Wiggins Place and this year was no exception.  The holiday began with a special tribute to our beloved country as well as raising of the flag.  Tracy Derschau, Director of Life Enrichment, led the tenants, including many veterans, in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Wiggins Place welcomes a local Dance Troupe

Beverly Arnold (r) trips the light fantastic with her instructor, Nichy

The Wiggins Place Tenants watch intently as they are treated to an afternoon show

Two young dancers strut their stuff for the Wiggins Place Tenants

CILC / Cleveland Museum of Art Symposium

On Tuesday, April 10th Wiggins Place hosted the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC.org) and the Cleveland Museum of Art as they presented a Long Distance Learning program from the Cleveland Museum of Art on Egypitian Mummies to tenants from Wiggins Place and RH Myers.

In October the CILC will be presenting a video at the Leadingage Conference promoting Long Distance Learning in Senior communities.  Tenants at Wiggins Place and RH Myers already know the value of these wonderful programs and were pleased to participate in not only viewing the insightful and educational program but contributing when interviewed for this piece.

Thank you to LeAnne Stuver, Director of Rose Institute for Life Long Leaning, for coordinating this special event!

Passover at Wiggins Place

One of the beautiful Passover tables set up for Seder and dinner

Passover Haggadah

Ida Kahn works diligently at preparing the Passover centerpieces

The ladies of Wiggins Place work with Jenna Haffey, Asst Director of Activities in preparing the flowers for Passover. 

Matzah Pizza courtesy of Living Legacy

Wiggins Place loves to host Inter-generational events where tenants can invite their grand and great grandchildren for special programs.  On Sunday April 1st tenants and their special guests joined Rabbi Shmuli Friedman of The Model Matzah Bakery with the Living Legacy to make Matzah Pizza!

Wiggins Place tenant, Charlotte Markowitz, makes her very own tasty pizza.

Once of the tenant's grandchildren create a masterpiece

All smiles! 

Rabbi Friedman demonstrates (with a helper) the weights and measures of Matzah pizza

All the bakers are ready

The boys mix it up

Rebecca Eden's family poses for the camera

Platinum Club at Stone Gardens

The Platinum Club met once again to celebrate a member who has achieved the age of 97 or above.  This time around everyone gathered at Stone Gardens to celebrate our Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze members.  David Novak, Wiggins Place Intern, was on hand to shake a leg and join in all of the festivities.

David the Intern shakes it up with Noah Budin, Asst. Activities Director at Stone Gardens, at the 2nd Platinum Club Celebration

Platinum Club at Stone Gardens

David the Intern shakes it up with Noah Budin, Asst. Activities Director at Stone Gardens, at the 2nd Platinum Club

David the Intern takes a breather while watching the residents of Stone Gardens, RH Myers and Wiggins Place dance the afternoon away

Wiggins Place Seminar Series: Making your Money Last

Menorah Park Center for Senior Living presents another installment in their seminar series:

Making your Money Last- Financial Planning for Seniors

Program Highlights:

Overview of the Markets and a discussion of fixed income

Understanding the Political Landscape for 2012

Discussing the Longevity challenge

Quick guide to estate issues and beneficiary designations

 We invite you to join speakers Nan Cohen, Randy Schneider and Alan Yankowitz, JD for this fascinating seminar on Wednesday, March 21st at 7:40pm at Wiggins Place.  This is a complimentary event for Wiggins Place tenants and their families.

Light refreshments will be served

Brought to you by the Menorah Park Foundation and Creekside Financial Advisors, LLC

Menorah Park's Platinum CLub

On Wednesday, February 22nd, Wiggins Place was honored to host the first ever Menorah Park Platinum Club.  57 tenants and residents from all four buildings on campus and the Adult Day Care were invited to join Sam Weingard as he celebrated his 100th birthday.  How did one snag one of these coveted invites?  Why only by being 97 or over that's how.

We welcomed multiple tenants for a meet and greet along with a lovely selection of refreshments for all to enjoy.  Certifiates were passed out and members were honored passed on their level of membership:

Bronze - 97

Silver - 98

Gold - 99

100 + - Platinum

                     Congratulations to all of our members.  We will see you on the next birthday!!

Sam Weingard receives his Platinum Club Certificate

Sam Weingard's 100th Birthday

You only turn 100 years old once and when you do it should be celebrated  in style.  Sam Weingard turned 100 years old on February 22nd to much fanfare.  On February 19th his family hosted a wonderful and super fun party here at Wiggins Place.  Sam's family came from near and far to toast his special, once in a lifetime, day!

Pictures from Sam's 100 years!

Terrific group shot with Sam, his loving family and some of his Wiggins Place friends

Sam gets a little help from his son, Michael, with blowing out the candles on his beautiful and delicious cake.

Happy Birthday, Sam Weingard!  Wiggins Place loves having you as a tenant and we wish you many more happy years to come!!

Aging Resource Center Update

If I told you there were basic steps you could take to enhance your quality of life and reduce or delay your chances for memory decline, would you take them?

Research suggests that when we are informed, most of us will take proactive steps.

That’s the idea behind Menorah Park’s Aging Resources Center. We want people to have access to information that supports overall wellbeing, independence and reduces crises and the resulting stress (a major cause of memory loss). The site within our main Menorah Park website, www.menorahpark.org/arc includes a library of comprehensive information to help our community find many answers to questions that arise during the aging process. It includes search capability to make the information even easier to find.

Please explore the site and let me know what you think. I always welcome and appreciate input that supports our Menorah Park mission as experts in the field of aging.

In addition to the site, thanks to the Myers fund, we hold quarterly free Dinner Conversations for the entire community. The next one is about fraud prevention and protection and will be held on March 22^nd at 6:30 p.m.

I will send more information closer to the date.

I want to jump back to some brief information about ways to reduce memory decline, but first I want to thank Howard Epstein for his leadership of the Aging Resources Committee and all of the board members and staff involved in making this program a success.

Ways to reduce risks of memory decline:

According to Johns Hopkins, you will be in a better position to keep your memory strong well into later life by knowing to the following:

• New studies show that getting adequate sleep plays an essential role in learning new information, relating to names, dates, faces, facts, specific events - in short forming memory.

• Recent evidence-based research reported in the Annals of Neurology suggests that people who closely follow the Mediterranean diet have a 40 percent lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. The Mediterranean diet incorporates basics of a healthy diet plus a splash of olive oil and sometimes a glass of red wine along with other components that characterize the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. (Most healthy diets include fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, and limit unhealthy fats. While these basic elements to diet remain tried-and-true, subtle variations or differences in proportions of certain foods may make a difference in your risk of heart disease.)

• Studies investigating the exercise/memory/dementia link have shown positive outcomes in recent years so keep moving.

• Johns Hopkins researchers have linked high levels of the stress hormone cortisol with poor cognitive performance in older adults. And another study, reported in the journal Neurology, found that depressed and anxious people are 40 percent more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment.

• Evidence from recent studies in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicates that controlling high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease are absolutely critical to cognitive function. This can often be accomplished by losing extra pounds (just 10 pounds can help), exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, reduce sodium and limit alcohol.

Wish me luck as I work to take off those 10 pounds and more!

I wish all of you ongoing health and wellbeing!!

New Officer Installation

A very important aspect of life here at Wiggins Place is the Tenant's Association.  Through this organization tenants vote on important matters that affect their everyday lives, donate money, bring ideas to the table for future Wiggins' projects and keep in touch with what is going on around Wiggins Place.

Each organization needs strong, organized leaders and we are proud to introduce the latest Executive Committee of the Wiggins Place Tenant's Association.

Left to right Millie Mandell- Vice President, Art Glassman- Treasurer, Natalie Gelfand- President, Elise Rosenberg- Corresponding Secretary and Harriette Stern -Recording Secretary, were installed as the latest Executive Board for the Wiggins TA on Sunday in an official ceremony and reception

Our new Board joined by Rabbi Howard Kutner (l) and Nancy Sutula, Wiggins Place Administrator (r)

After the ceremony there was a beautiful reception complete with a chocolate cake from Contempo Cuisine