The Wiggins Place Blog

Aging Resource Center Update

2012-01-20T18:01:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-09T11:46:00.000-05:00

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

New Years at Wiggins Place

2012-01-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for the big night! Happy New Year!!

New Years is always a fun and special time at Wiggins Place. The Dining Room staff always out do themselves and this year was no exception. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.

Help is a Phone Call Away

2012-01-06T17:28:00.000-05:00

Help is a Phone Call Away

At Menorah Park, we understand how stressful it can be when a loved one becomes ill, develops chronic conditions, must undergo surgery or encounters other challenges that are frequently associated with aging.

These are often referred to as crisis situations where we find ourselves trying to figure out what’s next without much planning time.

We wrestle with answers to the questions –

· How do we help them get better?

· How do we help them adjust to life changes?

· How do we help ensure their safety and well-being for the long-term?

· If they’ve made the decision to enter a senior community, what kind of help is available in the interim if they are placed on a waiting list?

· If we live in another city and sense that something might be wrong even though they say all is well, how do we make sure they are o.k.?

As a spouse or an adult child there is typically no escaping the emotions that we experience in these moments of crisis. This is someone we love and we desperately want to make everything o.k. We need someone who objectively and logically can help us figure it all out.

Menorah Park’s Community Liaison Kathy Parrino is a licensed social worker knowledgeable in the needs of older adults and in the support services that are available in the community. She can help reduce challenges that they may be experiencing by evaluating their strengths and limitations and confidentially discuss options with them and us that would best fit their individual situations. She can then help to coordinate the needed services.

Fortunately, Menorah Park helps to simplify management of services, because the Campus provides so many here.

· If they’ve been in the hospital

o Menorah Park Marcus Post-Hospital Rehabilitation is a good first step toward returning home.

· Once home

o Menorah Park Home Health Services in Beachwood along with offices in Akron, Canton, and Streetsboro has aides who help with personal care and homemaker services, skilled nurses, and physical occupational and speech therapists.

· Ongoing support

o Often Home Health Services can be put in place to address many needs at home.

o The Peter B. Lewis Aquatic & Therapy Center can help speed up the recovery process after surgery by providing physical therapy before the scheduled date and encourages strong recovery from injury, surgery or illness through individualized, one-to-one aquatic and land-based physical therapy, and occupational and speech therapies.

o Menorah Park Adult Day Care provides daily enrichment and social opportunities while supporting personal care needs. The family caregiver can gain respite, or work while knowing their loved one is safe and having an enjoyable day.

o Menorah Park’s Adaptive Living Shoppe – M Pal can provide the tools that support fall prevention and safety, medication management, low vision, hearing loss, self-care, dressing, dining, and health maintenance.

o Housekeeping Plus provides light and heavy cleaning services, will rearrange items in cabinets for safety, and many other household chores including packing in preparation for a move. Just ask – staff members are very accommodating.

· While waiting to move to a senior community that might include R.H. Myers Apartments,
Wiggins Place
, Stone Gardens or Menorah Park

o Menorah Park Campus staff at each location can help suggest options that may help in the interim and can also rely on Kathy for additional consultation, which is especially helpful for out-of-town family.

Kathy Parrino may be reached at 216-402-0895. Remember to call her or tell someone you know to give her a call if ever in need of social work help to determine and coordinate the right services.

Also, remember a full range of helpful information can be found at www.menorahpark.org/ARC. There is even a search capability so you don’t have to hunt through all of the pages to find what you need.

Thomas W. Adler is guest speaker at Wiggins Place

2012-01-06T11:59:00.000-05:00

Thomas W. Adler, a prominent Cleveland business man and highly regarded member of our Jewish Community member, will be at Wiggins Place on January 9th at 7:40pm to discuss his experiences and extensive contributions to Playhouse Square and the Downtown Cleveland area. The Wiggins Place tenants are looking forward to listening to Mr. Adler and Wiggins Place is very honored to host this special evening.

We hope you will join us for this special event.

Tom Adler Bio

Tom started his business career in 1962 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin. He became a Partner at Cragin, Lang, Free & Smythe in 1968 and was Executive Vice President and Chairman of the Executive Committee there when he left in 1979 to be a co-founder of Adler Galvin Rogers, Inc. In 1986 AGR sold to a national real estate company, Grubb & Ellis. Tom served as President of the company’s Investment Services Group and in 1991, tired of extensive business travel, left and co-founded Cleveland Real Estate Partners. Tom was Of-Counsel at the time Deloitte & Touche acquired CREP at the end of 1998. He currently serves in a pro-bono senior advisory position at PlayhouseSquare Real Estate Services, which he helped form to manage the real estate assets of Playhouse Square Foundation as well as those of other clients.

During his real estate career, he was very active in leadership roles nationally, serving on the Boards of the National Association of Realtors, American Society of Real Estate Counselors, National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, and in 1990 as National President of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors. He also served in leadership positions with the Urban Land Institute.

During the mid–1990’s, Tom began to transition more and more of his time into the community and today, other than some real estate investments and a board position with Highwoods Properties, Inc., a large NYSE R.E.I.T., he devotes 100% of his time and energy to community service.

In the general community, his primary focus is in the economic development of Greater Cleveland. He is immediate Past Chairman of Playhouse Square Foundation (the largest performing arts center outside of NYC) and previously co-chaired the $27 million capital campaign for Idea Center, a partnership between Playhouse Square Foundation and Ideastream. Currently he is serving on the Steering Committee of the Power Of Three Campaign,a partnership between Playhouse Square, The Cleveland Playhouse and Cleveland State University to redo the Allen Theater. He served as Chairman of the Downtown Cleveland Partnership (2003-2005) and currently is a member of the Downtown Alliance Board and Executive Committee and chairs its Advocacy Committee. Tom is a past trustee of the Greater Cleveland Growth Association and co-chaired their Regional Physical Development Committee. He was very involved with the Euclid Corridor Improvement Project and co-chaired the Stakeholders Committee. He has served on the Visiting Committee of the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University and currently is a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee at CSU and is Trustee Chair of Development.

His interest in community development is also focused in Shaker Heights, where he has lived most of his life. He has been Finance Chair for three school levies and one tax levy campaign and was co-founding Trustee of Friends of Shaker Square. He has served as a real estate advisor, helping the City to implement their strategic redevelopment plan, is a past Trustee of the Shaker Heights Fund for the Future, serves on the Shaker Schools Foundation Advisory Committee and is a Director of Shaker’s Community Development Corporation.

Other community activities include having participated in the first Leadership Cleveland Class (1977-78) and he is past Chair of Alumni. He is an officer, trustee and member of the Executive Committee of United Way Services where he serves as Co – Chair of the Philanthropist Society (formerly ten Plus) Campaign and he received their 2010 Volunteer of The Year Award. He is also a Trustee of University Hospital (Chairs the Orthopedic Department Development Council), the Diversity Center of N.E.Ohio (Vice Chair of the Board) and Global Cleveland.

Tom’s involvement within the Jewish Community is extensive. At the Jewish Community Federation, he is currently serving as a Trustee, member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Development Committee. He is past Chair of the Endowment Fund Committee, Human Resource Development and Planned Giving Committees. In 2004 he received the Gries Award given for outstanding service to both the Jewish & General Community and in 1979 he received the Kane Award for outstanding young leader. He is also a Life Trustee of the Cleveland Chapter American Jewish Committee (AJC), a Trustee of The Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation where he co-chairs the Grants Committee. He serves as Chairman of the Adler Family Foundation and is a past member of the Visiting Committee of the College of Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin.

He is a member of The Union Club, 50 Club, Bluecoats, Mayfield Sand Ridge Club (Oakwood Club Pres. 1996-98) and The Pepper Pike Club.

Tom and his wife, Joanie, have been married for 49 years and have 3 wonderful and successful children. The oldest, Peggy, received her MFA degree from the University of Michigan and is now teaching writing and writing a novel in Israel. Sally received her graduate degree from the Art Institute in Chicago and is an Art Therapist. Bill, the youngest, is President and CEO of True Fit Corp.

Just Wake Up and Dream!!

2011-12-21T10:48:00.000-05:00

Menorah Park is an organization that help adults live life to their fullest during their golden years. This year give a gift that will keep on giving. Join the Wake Up and Dream Challenge! The Wake Up and Dream Challenge is a revolutionary self help book by Dr. Barbara Lavi. It is not your ordinary self help book. Not only will it transform the lives of every reader, but it will also change the world by giving to multiple nonprofit organizations. Half of the profits from every book sold via Menorah Park's link on the book's website will be donated to their outstanding programs. Go to: www.wake-up-and-dream.com to learn more about the book and help yourself and the residents of this caring senior living community reach their dreams.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

T-Shirt Decorating

2011-12-21T10:36:00.000-05:00

Florrie Weiss shows her creative side with her fabulously decorated t-shirt

Lois Katz (r) and her daughter, Jody, work together to create something special

Pat Howard shows off her Sponge painted t-shirt

Ted Hirshman turns 100

2011-12-09T12:32:00.000-05:00

When one thinks about all of the special and major events of the 20th century many interesting, profound, breathtaking, mind boggling, important and even silly images come to mind.

Ted Hirshman, a Wiggins Place tenant, has seen just about all of them. Ted turned 100 years old on December 2nd. The wisdom, life lessons and experience that can be gleaned from even one of his stories is awe inspiring.

There are so many amazing events that took place during the 20th century from the sinking of the RMS Titanic, inventions and discoveries so instrumental in our lives today such as the television and Penicillin. However, on this day, December 2nd, these were some of the most interesting and fascinating:

1915

Albert Einstein published the general theory of relativity.

1942

The first controlled nuclear chain reaction was demonstrated at the University of Chicago.

1954

The Senate voted to condemn Republican senator Joseph R. McCarthy of Wisconsin for "conduct that tends to bring the Senate into dishonor and disrepute."

1970

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established.

1982

Barney B. Clark became the first person to receive an artificial heart in a transplant operation.

2001

Enron Corp., under CEO Kenneth Lay, filed for bankruptcy.

Happy Birthday, Ted!

Jenna Haffey, Wiggins Place Community Concierge, congratulates Ted Hirshman on his special day

The staff came together at lunch and sang Happy Birthday to Ted on his 100th Birthday!

Ted Hirshman (r) and his wife Lillian (l) celebrate with staff

Honoring Our Vets

2011-11-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" -Maya Angelou

We are so fortunate to have so many veterans living at Wiggins Place. Each of these men and women who served our country deserve our deepest gratitude and on Friday, November 11th Wiggins Place honored our brave men and women for their part in preserving our freedom.

First Tracy Derschau, Director of Life Enrichment, hosted a special luncheon for the Wiggins Place Veterans and then brought in a house favorite, By Request, to play for everyone.

Luncheon held at Wiggins Place in our Veteran's honor

Marvin Kursh (l) and Shirley Silver (r) relax between the luncheon and entertainment

Sam Silverman shows off his poppy that tenants made to honor Veterans

Marty Golob proudly shows off his poppy in support of Veteran's Day

Don Arnold (l) a War Hero and his wife Beverly Arnold (r) wait for the entertainment to begin

Our Vets and tenants get into "God Bless America!"

Sol Weiss shows off his Poppy and his Bolero while telling staff stories about his experiences in WWII

Elise Rosenberg

Dr. Weinberg waits for By Request

Elvin Shultz shows off his service pictures of himself and his late wife, Polly

By Request honors our Vets by singing rousing renditions of America's most patriotic songs

Morrey Weiss, CEO of American Greetings

2011-11-04T09:06:00.000-04:00

On Monday, November 14th at 7:40PM Wiggins Place is proud to welcome Morry Weiss, CEO of American Greetings. Mr. Weiss will be speaking to our tenants about his lifelong work as well as his involvement in the Jewish Community. We look forward to Mr. Weiss' visit and we hope to see you there too!

Mr. Morry Weiss

Morry Weiss is the Chairman of American Greetings, the largest publicly owned creator, manufacturer and distributor of greeting card products in the world. He has been a dynamic force within American Greetings for nearly 50 years, serving in positions that also include president, chief executive officer, and chief operating officer.

Under his leadership, Mr. Weiss strengthened the company’s commitment to innovation and leadership, developing the American Greetings creative studio into one of the largest in the world. The company revolutionized the greeting card industry with the creation of Strawberry Shortcake and the Care Bears – properties that ultimately were retail blockbusters as licensed characters on thousands of consumer products. Mr. Weiss also recognized the potential of mass retail stores from their beginning and led the company’s commitment to this market to help achieve record sales and growth for American Greetings. By 1996, the company had doubled its size in less than a decade and reached $2 billion in total revenues.

Mr. Weiss has won wide recognition for his dedicated service to the community. In particular, his deep sense of commitment to greater Cleveland has led him to contribute in many ways to the richness of the city and its future success. He serves on the board of directors for The Cleveland Clinic, American Greetings, and Dots. In the past, he has served on the boards for National City Bank, the Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Tomorrow, United Way, Syrateck, McDonald, Ohio Savings and Malrite.

His faith plays an important role in Mr. Weiss’ life and his name has become synonymous with Jewish support and activism. He serves on the board of directors for Bar-Ilan University, and the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Weiss was Chairman of the Board for Yeshiva University and currently he serves on their board. He was president of Bet Sefer Mizrachi, and is a National Officer with the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. He also is on the National Campaign Board for the Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Born in Czechoslovakia and raised in Detroit, Michigan; Mr. Weiss attended Wayne State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Case Western Reserve University. He is married to Judy Weiss who is a Certified Public Accountant and serves as a board member on numerous business, community and national organizations.

Mr. and Mrs. Weiss have four sons and 13 grandchildren.

Wine Tasting at Wiggins Place with Tony Carlucci

2011-11-01T10:02:00.000-04:00

Tony Carlucci instructs the Wiggins Place tenants in the fine art of wine tasting

Fay Kadis (l) and Evelyn Tiktinksy (r) listen intently to Tony while enjoying cheese and wine

Ida Kaufman is enjoying the evening

Marty Golob (l), Jean Sokol (c) and Ida Kaufman (r) offer their opinions on the evening's selections.

Sam Weingard (l) and Sylvia Wiener (r) are wine

connoisseurs and were very impressed

The evening's taste testing selections

Wiggins Place October Birthday Party

2011-10-25T09:28:00.000-04:00

Another great year has gone by for those born in October. We love to celebrate anything, but birthdays are especially fun! Happy Birthday to all of our tenants marking a birthday in October.

Now what cake to order for November...

Delicious cake from Contempo Cuisine

Mary Glassman (l) looks on as Roz Reader (c) gets ready to blow out her candle

Aging Resources Center Event!

2011-10-25T09:27:00.000-04:00

The Aging Resources Center proudly presents dinner and a conversation with Dr. Cameron J. Camp, Ph.D on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 6:30pm in the Menorah Park Saltzman Auditorium.

Dr. Camp will discuss Hiding the Stranger in the Mirror: A Guide for Coping with Memory Loss

What strategies can you use to help with diagnosed memory loss?
What are the changes in behavior you may notice and why are they happening?
How do you improve quality of life for your loved one and you as the caregiver?

Guest will receive a complimentary disc with tips and activities.

This program and the dinner are free of charge but seating is limited so please reserve space early

R.S.V.P to Beth Silver 216-839-6678 or bsilver@menorahpark.org by Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

Scholar on Campus

2011-10-12T17:38:00.000-04:00

Scholar on Campus at Menorah Park presents

Well-known Author and Commentator

Bob Morris

Columnist for the New York Times Sunday Styles Section
Commentator of NPR All Things Considered
Author of Assisted Loving: True Tales of Double Dating with My Dad

Daytime Program

"Assisted Loving"

Book exceprts describing double dating with Dad

Singing, kvetching and kibitzing

Monday, October 31st

2:00 - 3:00

Wiggins Place

RSVP to 216-831-5452 x 244

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

American Flagpole Donation delights Tenants and Veterans alike

2011-09-16T07:03:00.000-04:00

On September 11, 2011 Wiggins Place was honored to receive a beautiful donation of a flagpole with the American Flag. Susan Ruck, the Wiggins Place Nurse and her brothers wanted to do something special to honor their parents and all US Veterans. Susan Ruck together with her brothers Jim Spacek and Mickey Spacek donated the flagpole and the light so we can have it displayed all year in honor of their father, Edward Spacek, a WWII Navy veteran, their mother, Evelyn Spacek and all US Veterans. The Color Guard from the Beachwood Police Department participated and helped make this occassion even more moving and special. Many tenants wore their service uniforms and some particpated in the ceremony.

Susan, Jim, Mickey and your entire family - Thank you so much for this generous and beautiful donation to enhance our grounds. It is such a wonderful way to honor all of our veterans and remember every day their great service and sacrifice.

The plaque commemorating the Flagpole and those it honors

The crowd gathers in the parking lot to await the start of the ceremony

Wiggins Place tenants, family and friends gather for this special occasion

Rabbi Howard Kutner speaks to the crowd

The Spacek/Ruck family during a moment of silence

Susan Ruck looks on as the Color Guard begins

Rebecca Eden, Army Nurse Core, United States Army Veteran, leads the crowd in The Pledge of Allegiance

The Spacek/Ruck family stands in front of the new Wiggins Place Flagpole. From Left to Right Pam Spacek (l), Susan Ruck, Jim Spacek, Mickey Spacek, Sara Spacek, George Ruck, Jennifer Ruck (r)

The Wiggins Place flagpole. Truly beautiful

Susan Ruck shares the story of her family's donation with the Wiggins Place tenants

Bagel Brunch at Wiggins Place!

2011-09-16T06:58:00.000-04:00

You are cordially invited to the

Wiggins Place Bagel Brunch

Date: Sunday, September 18, 2011

Time: 10:00am—11:30am

Location: Wiggins Place

27070 Cedar Road * Beachwood, OH 44122

No RSVP is necessary and we welcome your

friends and family

There will be limited parking available on a first come, first serve basis at Wiggins Place. Please park at Stone Gardens where there is additional parking available in the back portion of their lot. A shuttle will be available starting at 9:30am to take you to Wiggins Place

Did you know??

2011-08-31T17:02:00.001-04:00

Many of you may have seen the recent news about Nancy Reagan’s recent fall. Luckily, Marco Rubio has quick reflexes and he caught her. As this news report indicates, many adults are not so fortunate in avoiding serious consequences resulting from this very common occurrence. Age-related muscle loss and balance issues are part of the equation.

Did you know Menorah Park has several programs that help lower the risk of falls?

· Balance Therapy at the Peter B Lewis Aquatic & Therapy Center helps people become more sure-footed.

o Balance Therapy Specialists with expertise in balance solutions pinpoint the challenges with sophisticated equipment and give the motivation and support needed to resolve the issues through individualized one-to-one therapy approaches.

o Free balance checks are available by appointment to address any concerns a person may have. The therapist thoroughly evaluates balance, makes recommendations and will even communicate with the personal physician if that is requested.

· Occupational therapists work with adults in post-hospital rehab and outpatient rehab in real-life settings so that they can practice activities typical in their daily routines and make adjustments when needed to move more safely and reduce their fall risks. This includes a full-sized apartment with kitchen and laundry room, and a car.

· Our Aging Resources Center provides helpful tips in many areas including safety pointers to reduce accident risks at home.

· Our Adaptive Living Shoppe – M Pal has several helpful products to support safety and reduce fall risks. Physical and Occupational Therapists are available to make recommendations based on the individual challenges.

In honor of National Fall Prevention Day, The Peter B. Lewis Aquatic & Therapy Center is holding an event filled with interesting prevention programs on Friday, September 23^rd.

Juggling Sensation Kai Pressey

2011-08-31T17:02:00.000-04:00

All the way from Seattle, Washington Wiggins Place welcomed 10 year old juggling sensation Kai Pressey on Thursday, August 25th for a wonderful presentation that was enjoyed by many.

Kai Pressey wows the Wiggins Place tenants

The tenants said Kai was adorable and very talented

Such concentration!

Thank you, Kai, for entertaining all of us and we hope you will be back soon!

Are you Smarter than...?

2011-08-18T10:50:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, August 17th staff and tenants squared off to determine if the staff was "Smarter than a Senior!"

Questions were asked of the staff in four different categories and the panel of tenants were lifelines if needed. It was tons of fun and challenging. Despite the difficult questions the staff held its' own!!

Staff from Left to Right: Kimberly Kootsouradis, Office Manager, Nancy Sutula, Administrator, Chris Mansour, Director of Maintenance and Tracy Derschau, Director of Life Enrichment try to determine if they are smarter than a Senior.

Chris Mansour stands next to the three tenant panel: Ida Kaufman (l), Marty Golob, (c) and Art Glassman (R)

Are YOU Smarter than a Senior?

The staff enjoyed the program so much that they want to challenge the tenants to a game of "Are You Smarter than the Staff?" Stay tuned to find out...

Guest Speaker Norman Wain

2011-08-18T10:46:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, August 16th Wiggins Place was host to a marvelous speaker: Mr. Norman Wain.

Mr. Wain was born in Brooklyn and came to Cleveland in 1954 to be a deejay on the old WDOK AM. After moving around and forming a partnership with Joe Zingale and Bob Weiss, Norman Wain bought a radio station in White Plains, NY. After one year he returned to Cleveland and bought WDOK AM and FM. Transformed WDOK into WIXY 1260 which became the number one radio station in Cleveland for 6 years.

Mr. Wain owned and operated radio stations in Dallas, St Louis, Raleigh, Tampa Ft Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando and Washington DC. He was a Board member of the National Association of Broadcasters and the Radio Advertising Bureau. Sold everything and retired in 1994 and has been active in the community.

Norma Wain is a wonderful speaker and was very well received by our Wiggins Place tenants who greatly enjoyed his life story which was littered with jokes and poignant moments.

Thank you, Mr. Wain, for joining us last night!

Wiggins Place would also like to extend thanks to Howard Danzinger for facilitating Mr. Wain's lecture last night.

Norma Wain speaks to an attentive audience

Norman Wain shared many wonderful stories from his different life experiences with the tenants. Howard Danzinger (C seated) helped make this night possible.

Challah Baking

2011-08-09T17:49:00.000-04:00

Making Challah is a very important family tradition for many of our Wiggins Place tenants. Passing on traditions to Grandchildren and Great grandchildren is very special and we are happy to have two intergenerational Challah baking events in August. Families are invited to bring their young ones on Friday, August 12th and Friday, August 26th to share the Challah baking experinces with your loved one here at Wiggins Place. Both events begin at 11am. Please join us!

Pottery Class

2011-08-09T17:48:00.000-04:00

Art is a very important part of life at Wiggins Place. Our Art Room is always bustling with creativity and this week's Pottery Class was no exception. The Ladies were rolling, flattening and modeling their clay in order to make vases, tea bag holders, planters and many other wonderful creations.

Ruth Schwartz (C) rolls out clay

Ginny Spivak (L) and Ethel Katz (R) start the foundation for a flower vase

Millie Fromet (L) and Harriette Stern (R) make serving platters as gifts

Critical Conversations on Aging, Health, Safety and Planning

2011-07-21T15:43:00.000-04:00

Menorah Park will welcome Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A. CCC/SLP on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 6:30pm in the Menorah Park Saltzman Auditorium. Ms. Kilpatrick is a Geriatric Communication Consultant who will be covering multiple topics pertaining to aging which will include:

When is the right time to have a conversation with your parents or adult children about critical concerns.
What are your concerns related to aging and what are the best approaches in addressing them.
What information is available to help with planning in order to avoid a crisis

We invite you to attend this fascinating and informative discussion. This event will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 6:30pm in the Menorah Park Saltzman Auditorium. Program and dinner are free of charge but seating is limited so please reserve space early. You can RSVP to Beth Silver at 216-839-6678 or bsilver@menorahpark.org by Wednesday, August 24, 2011.

Menorah Park Experts will also be available to answer individual questions following the program.

Kosher Dietary Laws Apply

Giselle the Ballet in 3D

2011-07-21T15:42:00.001-04:00

Continuing its mission to offer groundbreaking in-theater events of all types, NCM Fathom presents GISELLE IN 3D, the world’s first 3-D ballet to be shown with RealD™ 3D technology on Tuesday, July 12 at Noon followed by a second performance at 7:30 p.m. (both times local). Pre-recorded at the historic Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, GISELLE IN 3D captures the beauty and movement of a world-class performance in a new and multi-dimensional way, offering cinema audiences a 'best seat in the house' experience from anywhere in their local theater.

http://www.clevelandmovieblog.com/2011/07/giselle-in-3d-ballet-cinema-event-to.html

Several Wiggins Place tenants are taking advantage of this performance of Giselle in 3D and are joining Tracy Derschau, Wiggins Place Life Enrichment Director, on July 12th for an outing to this much anticipated movie event at the Regal Severance Town Center Theater.

Smores, Wiggins Style

2011-07-21T15:42:00.000-04:00

It's not summertime unless there is a campfire and of course toasted marshmallows and Smores.

The front patio and parking lot was transformed into a makeshift camp site and the tenants came out to toast marshmallows, trade camping stories and make delicious, gooey smores.

This definitely was a don't miss event.

Thank you to all the tenants who taught us how to make the most scrumptious smores!!

Ruth Schwartz (l) and Marv Kursh (r) make their own great campfire Smores. Yum

Happy Birthday, Irwin!!

2011-07-21T15:40:00.000-04:00

One Sunday, July 10th, the Wiggins Place family celebrated Irwin Beckenstein's 99th Birthday!

He treated family, friends and tenants to a delicious birthday cake from Contempo Cuisine and everyone had a fabulous time.

Happy Birthday, Irwin!

Irwin Beckenstein celebrates his 99th Birthday at Wiggins Place

The Concierge Vendor Fair

2011-07-21T15:38:00.000-04:00

On June 29, 2011 Menorah Park was host to the 2nd Annual Concierge Vendor Fair. Jenna Haffey is the Wiggins Place Community Concierge and she has been instrumental in getting our tenants out and about in the community on their own. Our tenants have gone on trips ranging from the movie theater to the Playhouse to the Beck Center for the Arts.

The Vendor Fair, held in Menorah Park's Auditorium, showcased many key vendors from around the area. The vendors included: The Cleveland Playhouse, The Cleveland Orchestra, Musical Theater Project, Cleveland Pops, Positively Cleveland, The Maltz Museum and Menorah Park's own Adaptive Living Shoppe.

Thank you to everyone for participating and see you next year!!

Gregg Gorzelle (r) shows off the amazing products from the Adaptive Living Shop at Menorah Park

Cleveland Rocks

Jenna Haffey, the extraordinary Community Concierge at Wiggins Place

Campfire at Wiggins Place

2011-07-07T17:18:00.001-04:00

There will be a campfire at Wiggins Place tonight (7/7/11) at 6:30pm. If you are in the area please come join us as we enjoy the wonderful weather, toast marshmallows and make Smores!!!!!

Hope to see you there!

Day at the Beach

2011-07-07T17:18:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, June 28th the Wiggins Place tenants, along with residents of Stone Gardens, had a wonderful day at Mentor Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, OH. They enjoyed sand, surf and great food along with the gleaming sun. All the Wiggins Place tenants said it was the best outing ever!

Ann Simon is ready for the Beach!

Bevelry Arnold has the perfect Beach hat

Eva Rosenberg is ready for the sunshine

Some of the Tenants sunning themselves

Glenna is enjoying the rays

Glenna Wilkoff looks picture perfect for the Beach

Dorothy and Ann pinicking at the Beach

The perfect waves!!

Wiggins Place Therapy Dog Visit

2011-06-21T14:32:00.000-04:00

On Monday, June 20th, Wiggins Place hosted Dog Therapist, Carol Mann, CLVT, CVRT who was joined by two therapy Poodles, Izzy and Vanilla and a Pomeranian named Paco. Beth answered many questions for our tenants who have dogs and offered suggestions and advice on care and training. Furtherome Paco treated the tenants and staff to many amazing and delightful tricks and the Poodles were so sweet and friendly no one could resist. Thank you, Beth Mann; we hope to see you back at Wiggins Place soon!

Beth Mann and Paco offer advice on Pet Care and Training at Wiggins Place

Paco poses for a photo

Beth Mann, Paco and Izzy the Poodle

Ann Simon pets Izzy and Vanilla and receives sweet kisses in return

Paco shows off his Pirate hat and charms the ladies

Jenna Haffey, Asst. Director of Life Enrichment, thanks the dogs for coming out.

An Evening with the Wiggins Place Committee

2011-06-05T18:30:00.000-04:00

On May 31st the Wiggins Place Committee joined the Wiggins Place tenants for a Q&A session in the Lobby. It was a wonderful event which enabled our tenants and members of our Committee to get to know each other. The Committee members were eager to answer the many questions posed to them and were "all ears" when the tenants offered suggestions. A dessert reception immediately followed which gave the tenants a further opportunity to ask questions and become acquainted with the committee members they did not already know.

Thank you so much to the Wiggins Place Committee for a wonderful evening. We are so grateful for everything each of you do for Wiggins Place and its' tenants.

Lag B’Omer

2011-06-05T18:28:00.000-04:00

On Sunday May 22nd the tenant of Wiggins Place celebrated Lag B’Omer with a mini bonfire in the Wiggins Place front patio. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren were in attendance and a good time was had by all.

A Dinner Conversation with Featured Speaker Dr. Robert Binstock

2011-05-23T14:58:00.000-04:00

Join us for our Inaugural Event :

The Economic Challenges of Living Longer:

Planning for Your Future

A Dinner Conversation with Featured Speaker Dr. Robert Binstock, Former Director of a White House Task Force on Older Americans Internationally recognized expert on policies pertaining to aging Professor of Aging, Health and Society at Case Western Reserve University

A panel of Menorah Park Experts will also be available to answer individual questions

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

6:30 p.m.

(Doors Open at 6:15 p.m.)

Menorah Park Saltzman Auditorium

27100 Cedar Road

Beachwood

Program and Dinner are Free of Charge

Seating Limited – Reserve Space Early

R.S.V.P to Beth Silver 216-839-6678 or bsilver@menorahpark.org by Wednesday, June 8th

Kosher dietary laws observed

• Can you depend on social security in the future and how adequate will it be?

• Will Medicare/Medicaid meet health care needs?

• Should you buy long-term care insurance and what other options might be available?

Powered by Expertise of Menorah Park and Its Community Partners

Mishpacha Project: Matza Pizza!

2011-04-25T12:29:00.000-04:00

Wiggins Place volunteer extraordinaire, David Markovich, spent one of the last days of Passover

with our some of our tenants and their families making Kosher for Passover matzo pizza. The tenants reported having a great deal of fun, and the taste testers reported delicious results. Thank you, David, for a really wonderful and tasty afternoon!

Volunteer and "Chef" David Markovich watches the tenants prepare delicious matzo pizza

mmmmm

Wiggins Place tenant, Marv Kursh, takes a bite

Making matzo pizza

Frieda Amsel makes her matzo pizza step by step

Ruthe Linden and Marv Kursh take turns with the pizza sauce

Intergenerations Shine

2011-04-21T16:38:00.000-04:00

Robert Salkin, great-grandson of Wiggins Place tenant, Anne Wolfsohn, discusses aviation with Wiggins Place tenant, Sol Weiss, during Robert's Passover visit!

The Model Matzah Bakery with the Living Legacy

2011-04-21T16:36:00.000-04:00

Wiggins Place tenants were once again treated to the talents and teachings of Rabbi Shmuli Friedman from Living Legacy. This time they participated in the Model Matzah Bakery!

Ladies of Wiggins Place listen to Rabbi Friedman talk about Living Legacy and the Model Matzah Bakery

Rabbi Friedman lays out all the ingredients used in making delicius Matzah

Rabbi Shmuli Friedman instructs Wiggins Place Tenants on the art of Matzah making

Dr. Herman Weinberg wears his Matzah Bakers hat proudly!

Casino Night at Wiggins Place

2011-04-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

On April 10th Wiggins Place hosted our Annual Casino Night. It was a real blast with tenants coming down and trying their luck at Casino table games and slot machines. This year Wiggins Place was fortunate enough to have this year's Casino Night sponsored by the Teen Philanthropy Board. Thank you to everyone on the Board for a truly wonderful night.

Arlene Angell tries her luck at the Casino slots

Tenants from Wiggins Place are all in at the Black Jack table

Nothing Beats Homemade Hamentashen

2011-03-23T17:07:00.000-04:00

Wiggins Place tenants had a great time baking Hamentashen for Purim. Here are a few photos of the homemade Hamentashen and the tenants enjoying the finished product.

Homemade Apricot and Chocolate Hamentashen

Mmmmm....Poppyseed Hamentashen

Yvonne Rosen is getting ready to enjoy her Hamentashen

Ann Simon is ready with her coffee

Wiggins Place Acheives Perfect Results!

2011-03-03T14:08:00.001-05:00

On March 1st

Wiggins Place

received a visit from the Ohio Department of Health at which time the representative conducted an annual survey of our building. Some of the areas that underwent inspection include: building cleanliness, grounds and operations, tenant health records, dining and food service and many other areas of importance. I am so proud to report that

Wiggins Place

achieved a deficiency free survey.

Congratulations to the

Wiggins Place

staff on a job well done!

Wiggins Place Artist Appreciation Exhibit

2011-02-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

Here at Wiggins Place we have so many talented and gifted people who live here. It is so inspiring to hear their wonderful stories and see their beautiful works of art. On Sunday, February 27th Tracy Derschau, Director of Life Enrichment, held an exhibit to showcase these artists so all of Wiggins Place could see the fruits of such sweet, creative labor. Tenants brought down artwork of all kinds to share: needlepoint, painting, silkscreening, etc. Now we can share some of it with you. Enjoy!

Lois Katz (l) and Millie Fromet (r) are about to tour the exhibit

Wiggins tenants taking it all in

Sam Hautpman (l) and Marv Kursh (r) admiting the artwork

What would YOU do for a Klondike Bar

2011-02-25T11:47:00.000-05:00

The Life Enrichment Deparment at Wiggins Place put out a challenge to all of our tenants: What would you do for a Klondike Bar? It was no surprise that our tenants rose to the challenge and earned a delicious treat during our TGIF social.

So now the question begs: What would YOU do for a Klondike Bar??

Wilma Kurzner is all smiles

Lois Katz proudly shows off her prize!

Ruth Fink is victorious!

Eva Rosenberg shows off her talents to earn her Klondike Bar

Even Tracy Derschau, Wiggins Place Life Enrichment Director, gets into the fun!

Made to Order served up at the Wiggins Place Lunchbar!

2011-02-07T16:06:00.001-05:00

Keith Childers, Dietary General Manager, making Stir Fry to order at the Lunch Bar

Jenna Haffey (l) getting her made to order meal from Keith Childers (r) at the lunchbar

Keith Childers, Wiggins Place Dietary General Manager, and his Dietary team serve up a variety of hot entrees, delicious sides and a fabulous salad bar among many items at our wonderful lunch bar.

Each weekday either Keith or one of our Sous Chefs cook made to order items, different each day, for our tenants and guests. These meals are always popular and truly delicious.

Congratulations to Keith Childers and the entire Wiggins Place Dietary Team for a perfect Board of Health Inspection. Great job!

February Birthday Bash

2011-02-07T15:13:00.001-05:00

Each month we celebrate all of our tenants who have a birthday during a particular month. It's a great excuse to get together, have cake and many laughs!

Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating a birthday in February! Enjoy!

Clockwise from Left: Millie Fromet, Rachel Thrope, Marty Golob, Leanore Nagel & Evelyn Tiktinsky enjoying the party in the Wiggins Place lounge.

Rita Hubar is happy to be celebrating!

Don Arnold ready to blow out the candle

The delicious Chocolate Mousse Birthday cake!

New Years at Wiggins Place!

2011-01-25T10:26:00.000-05:00

It is always fun to celebrate New Years but it is especially wonderful to celebrate with dear friends, great food and some serious entertainment.

Dr. Weinberg rings in the New Year

Cliff Habian entertains the tenants during the New Years celebration.

The tenants watching Cliff Habian

Our wonderful Wiggins Place Volunteers, Jackie Elsner (l) and Ben Zeid (r) help the tenants ring in 2011!!

Wiggins Place Tenant Quarterly Birthday Celebrations

2011-01-25T10:25:00.000-05:00

Sylvia Wiener (l) and Jean Hyman (r) celebrate their birthdays

Tenants at Wiggins Place have a quarterly birthday celebration. All are welcome and it is always guaranteed to be a good time!

Tenants ready to party!

New Year's Raffle Basket

2010-12-30T12:08:00.000-05:00

The Wiggins Place Tenant's Association once again is raffling off tickets for their New Year’s Basket. Our tenants were out in full force getting Menorah Park staff, residents and family members to take a chance. Proceeds will go to the Wiggins Place Tenant's Association.

This year the Gift Basket is worth over $200 and includes items such as a Digital 8inch picture frame, 8 piece fondue set and a $20 gift card for Shutterfly among many other wonderful items.

Stay tuned...the drawing will be held on Friday at 2:00PM

Happy New Year!

Wiggins Place Tenants Ida Kaufman (l) and Ruth Schwartz (c) sell (hopefully) the winning raffle ticket
to Rabbi Howard Kutner (r).

Tamir Goodman at Wiggins Place!

2010-12-28T11:29:00.000-05:00

We welcomed sports star Tamir Goodman dubbed the "Jewish Jordan" to Wiggins Place recently to share his experiences with our tenants as a nationally recognized Baketball player and also about his current projects which he has been pursuing since announcing his retirement in 2009.

Mr. Goodman currently devotes his time to the Haifa Hoops For Kids program, which raises money to help disadvantaged children in

Israel

attend basketball games.

Thank you, Tamir!

Also a very special thank you to David Markovich for coordinating Tamir's visit and making this very special treat happen for our Wiggins Place tenants. We are so happy to have you as a volunteer at Wiggins Place, David. You're the Best!

The Importance of Olive Oil during Chanukah

2010-12-28T11:06:00.000-05:00

Rabbi Shmuli Friedman came in to

Wiggins Place

to talk about the importance of olive oil during Chanukah. He showed us how to crush the whole olive and extract the juice. He then proceeded to put it into a centrifuge to separate the juice into pulp and oil. The tenants made their own wicks out of cotton and the tenants were able to take some of the olive oil pressed in class home with them!

It was a very interesting class that the tenants really enjoyed and they want Rabbi Friedman to return to make Matzo at Passover time.

Celebrating Chanukah at Wiggins Place

2010-12-06T14:22:00.000-05:00

Out of Darkness comes light

Celebrating Chanukah at Wiggins Place

Come Light up your World…. ….Miracles still happen today

Ida Kahn (l) and Jean Hyman (top) make potato latkes for one of the Chanukah parties

Jenna Haffey, Asst. Director of Life Enrichment (l) and tenant Ida Kahn (r) make latkes for one of the Chanukah parties

Rabbi Kutner (center) and tenant Shirley Kronenberg (at piano) lead the tenants in their favorite Chanukah songs!

Wiggins Place Bagel Brunch

2010-12-02T11:05:00.000-05:00

It is always so nice to see everyone gathered together with family and friends at one of our Bagel Brunches here at Wiggins Place.

On Sunday, November 21st we welcomed not only our tenants and their families but members of our waiting list as well. We hope that you will join us on the 3rd Sunday of each month to share great food and see old friends. No need to RSVP and we encourage you to bring YOUR family members with you.

Below are a few pictures of our tenants and waiting list members with their families and friends at our Bagel Brunch. We hope to see you soon.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour please contact Nancy Sutula, Wiggins Place Administrator at 216-831-5452 x 705.

New Wiggins Place Blog!

2010-12-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

There are so many exciting things going on at Wiggins Place right now and we can’t contain the urge to shout about it to everyone. So we are very excited to announce the launch of our very own Wiggins Place Blog!

Our blog will allow us to post pictures of recent events, update everyone on upcoming events and brag about our fabulous Wiggins Place tenants. We invite everyone to take a look at our new blog, comment and offer any suggestions. The link will be posted to our website http://www.wigginsplace.org/ but you can always find us here at http://wigginsplace.blogspot.com/.

We wish you all Happy Holidays!