Issue 14, November/December 2015 | Page 1

by Beverly Wiseman, NNC Member

“One kind word can warm three win-

ter months.” —Japanese proverb

Isn’t this what the village movement is about? Northwest Neighbors Connecting (NNC) in particular is a group of people

who show kindness to each other in many ways: in words, in deeds, in friendship, in appreciation, in service and in companionship. Members of NNC have found that the more they give and partic-ipate, the more they have that warm feeling of being a part of something special.

In the next few months there will be many opportunities for fun, enlightenment and comradery. Read the following pages to find what will warm your autumn and upcoming winter months. Oppor-

tunities abound for those who wish to keep active. The Commu-nity Corner (p. 4) lists programs for the mind, programs for fun, programs to help and programs for all of the above. Certainly, we are blessed to have many options and resources in Northwest Balti-more. As the days get colder and darker, it is easy to turn inwards and focus only on ourselves. What better way to stay connected than to acknowledge that in all seasons we need to listen, pay attention to and help each other.

brings you Staying

Staying

CONNECTED

WWW.CHAIBALTIMORE.ORG

Are you listening? by Chava Ball, NNC Director

“I am a good communicator,” I heard someone say, but what

does that mean? It was true that the person who said it was good at explaining complex ideas and was able to make them easier to understand, but communication is a two-way street. A good com-municator not only speaks; he/she also listens. Sometimes I think listening is a lost art. We are all busy, and listening takes time, but is it worth it?

Listening is not being quiet while another is talking, all the while thinking of what you want to say next. Listening is stopping the internal dialogue and tuning in to the words and paying attention not only to what IS being said but also to what is not. You pay atten-tion to the body language and behavior. What is not being verbal-ized is sometimes more significant than the words used, but if you are not focused on the person, you will

miss the unspoken message. When you truly listen to someone and focus on them, you give them a priceless gift. Your listening might provide a way for your loved ones to communicate their joys as well as what causes them pain.

They could be experiencing abuse, but they do not know how to tell anyone.

Incidents of elder abuse average 2,150,000 per year!1 That number refers to the ones that are reported. “The five types of elder

abuse are physical, sexual, psycho-logical, financial and neglect. Less than one in fourteen cases of elder abuse is reported to law enforce-ment.”2

What should you do? If you or someone you care about is being abused, take action and use your voice!

1. Learn the signs of elder abuse. (www.elder-abuseca.com/stateResources/maryland.html)

2. Report it.3. Call for help. 410-234-0030

Stop Abuse of Elders (SAFE) 1 www.statisticbrain.com 2 www.chanabaltimore.org/elderabuse

ISSUE 14 | NOV/DEC 2015

Fantastic new NNC program coming.

Watch for details!

Page 2 | Staying Connected

What’s Happening with NNC?NNC is a dynamic community

organization that is trans-forming the way people care for one another. We are growing every day. Some of our activities and ser-vices are open to the whole com-munity, and some require you to be a member. Call 410-662-6620 to learn more.

Why Join?• Volunteer services: driving,

grocery help, technology help, small home fixes

• Shopping and other trips on the CHAI Northwest Senior Shuttle

• Partnerships with local busi-nesses and non-profits

• Advocacy support from fellow members

• Opportunities to share your skills and expertise

• Ever-expanding connec-tions with other community resources

• The opportunity to support a transformative organization

• Exciting social activities• Peace of mind

If you are not a member, you can get involved in many ways; however, in order to receive some of the services offered by NNC, you must become a member.

How do I become a member?

1) Call 410-662-6620 for an appli-cation. If you need help filling out the application, let us know.

2) Someone from NNC’s Member-ship Committee will contact you. Membership fees are on a sliding scale. Call 410-662-6620 today!

How to Get InvolvedWe need you for our committees and other upcoming activities. Pick a committee and get in touch at nncbaltimore@gmail.com or 410-662-6620.

Advocacy Committee: Is a company giving you the runaround? Not sure what forms to fill out for a warranty? Call us. Know how to help? You are needed!

Caring Committee: Sensitively acknowledges our members’ special and challenging times. Send someone a card, drop off a birthday balloon or take someone out for coffee.

Finance Committee: Help NNC prepare its organizational budget and monitor its funds.

Fundraising Committee: Orga-nize fundraising events, write grant proposals and more. Your ideas and experience are needed.

Health and Wellness Committee: Help run initiatives to support NNC members to live healthier lives.

Membership Committee: Our happy members are our best ambassadors. Join this committee to help make prospective members feel welcome. Training is provided.

Newsletter Committee: Our newsletter is an important tool that connects all of us—members and non-members—and is a means to reach out to the commu-nity at large and let them know who we are and what we do. Most of our articles are conceived and written by our members.

Social Events Committee: Plans annual barbecue, Birthday Bash and other events. Infuses our members’ lives with quality programs, culture, education and FUN!

Trips Committee: Decides which plays to attend and plans outings to local venues.

More Ways to Get InvolvedCommunity Leadership Academy: Join NNC members and other community members for a training academy to become a leader and change-maker in the community.

Friendly Check-in Callers: Join our vast network of members who chat on the phone once a week. Call someone and have someone call you.

Office Volunteers: Answer phones at the office to connect our members to the services they request. Enter data, make event reminder calls and more. You can take the shuttle to get here.

Drive a Senior—Make a Friend: Be a volunteer driver! Must be at least 21 years old.

NNC members discuss topics about nutri-tion during their field trip to Whole Foods.

Issue 14, November/December 2015 | Page 3

Village Groups UpdateThe variety of NNC’s special activ-ities will now be referred to and known as the Village Groups. Our current Village Groups are:

Diversity Dialogue: Meet monthly to exchange ideas and expand an understanding of our diverse NNC neighbors. See page 5 for details.

Exercise Classes: Weekly groups meet at various residential build-ings. Exercise your body and mind through movement, creative writing, storytelling and arts and crafts, and meet the neighbors in your building. Call Joyce Wolpert, 410-500-5334, for details.

Game Day: An event that is in the works. Stay tuned!

Hiking Group: Take a non-stren-uous hike at a local park. This is a safe, fun way to stretch our limbs and see some beautiful scenery. For more information, call Joyce Wolpert, 410-500-5334.

Leadership Club: For the Chair-persons of the ongoing NNC committees. This will be a fun and interactive group! Details to follow.

Lunch and a Movie: Enjoy a monthly movie with old friends and make new friends. Help select the feature of the month and date. For more information, contact Chava Ball at 410-500-5319.

Men’s Group: An informal gath-ering of men who meet monthly for lunch at a local kosher restaurant. The lunch typically lasts two hours and is followed by another activity. Contact Jerry Rosenbaum, 410-764-8443, if you wish to join the fun!

Rug Hooking: This group carries on a tradition from the founder’s

father, who did several pieces by himself and with friends, even using some of his yarn, latch hooks and whatever mesh is still available. No prior experience is necessary. Knitters welcome! For more infor-mation, call Eileen Rosenbaum, 410-764-8443.

The Winner’s Circle: Learn to make healthy lifestyle choices. Little changes produce big results. Meets Mondays from 3 to 4 p.m. at CHAI. Call Chava Ball, 410-500-5319.

For more information on these groups, as well as how to join an ongoing committee, give us a call at 410-662-6620 or email us at nncbaltimore@gmail.com.

If you have an idea for a group, please contact NNC at 410-662-6620. GET INVOLVED – HAVE FUN – LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE!

Personal NotesNNC is on the Move by Pauline Watson, NNC member

When it comes to nutrition, NNC members want to learn more so that we can eat healthy, be healthy and eat the right foods. Several months ago, NNC members took a field trip to The Whole Foods Market in Mount Washington. The trip was arranged by our Health & Wellness Committee Chair, Ilysa Cohen.

When we arrived at the supermarket, we were met by Lauren, a nutritionist and a member of the Whole Foods Community Outreach team. One of the topics

we discussed was organic food: Do we need to only eat organic food to make healthy food choices? Lauren explained that Whole Foods sells its own brand of healthy food called “Health Starts Here.” These products contain no dairy prod-ucts, no white sugar and no white flour.

In the Whole Foods produce department, shoppers can learn where the produce was grown. Produce grown fewer than 100 miles from the store is labeled “locally grown.” And while most of us know that fresh food is the best for us, the store is proud that its frozen fruits and vegetables are picked at their peak and frozen without preservatives and sodium. Lauren stressed that fresh is best and frozen is good, but consumers should say “no” to canned food if at all possible (if you must eat canned food, look for the low sodium brands). Most meat and fish sold at Whole Foods come from the USA, and the packaging tells shoppers where the meat was raised and where the fish was caught.

Whole Foods has been a part of the Mt. Washington community since 1996. Many of our seniors did not realize that though some items may be more expensive, the store

continued on p.13

NNC members learn about nutrition at the Whole Foods Market.

Page 4 | Staying Connected

C O M M U N I T Y C O R N E R ttttttt

EXPAND YOUR MINDLife Happens Series (co-sponsored by LifeBridge Health, JCS, JCC and Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc.)To register for any or all of the Life Happens sessions, visit lifebridgehealth.org/communityevents, email gwolven@lifebridgehealth.org or call 866-404-DOCS (3627).• Navigating the System: Aging in

Place, Independent and Assisted Living, Households and Nursing Homes; 11/5, 7-8:30 p.m. at Sol Levinson and Bros., Inc., 8900 Reisterstown Rd.

• �Palliative�and�Hospice�Care:�Difficult�Conversations, Valuable Resources; 11/12, 7-8:30 p.m., Owings Mills JCC

• The Jewish Funeral: Traditions, Options and Funeral Home Tour; 11/19, 7-8:30 p.m., Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc., 8900 Reisterstown Rd.

Mental Health & AgingFriday, 11/13, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.Towson United Methodist Church (Dulaney Valley Rd. and Hampton Ln.)Speaker: Phyllis Meyerson, MSW Presented by Baltimore County Association of Senior Citizens Organizations. For more information contact Mary Harden at 410-521-5726 or bcasco4@gmail.com.

Conversational Yiddish Thur., through 12/17, 1-2 p.m.Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd., Baltimore, 410-358-6856Learn to “schmooze” with family and friends; explore Jewish roots and history. Join in some Yiddish conversation and fun with Marge Krakower.$60/Myerberg member, $64/non-member

Johanna’s Book ClubMyerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd., BaltimoreInstructor: Paulette KamelgardFri., 11/20, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., “Me Before You” by Jojo MoyesFri., 12/18, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., “The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street” by Susan Jane GilmanFree for Myerberg members

Jewish Reflections on the Christian Bible with Leora Pushett and Autumn SadovnikWed., 11/11-12/9, 1-2:30 p.m. Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd., BaltimoreWhat’s a Jew to make of the Christian bible? How are its teachings different from Tanakh? By reading passages that address ethical behavior, ritual practice, geography and people, uncover the differences between the faiths and their scripture. Four sessions.$50/Myerberg member, $80/non-member

The French Revolution: Remembering Liberté, Egalité, and Fraternité with Rhona Freiman Mon., 11/16-12/21, 10-11:30 a.m.Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd., BaltimoreDiscuss how the French revolution transformed the entire European continent, its causes and goals and how its tragic end led to the death of a way of life that gave rise to the age of Napoleon. Six sessions.$75/Myerberg member, $105/non-member

Current Events Roundtable Tues., 10-11:30 a.m.Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Ave., BaltimoreDiscuss American government and

politics; explore issues at local, national and international levels. Free. For more information on all JCC Enrichment classes, contact Melissa Berman, 410-559-3593 or mberman@jcc.org.

THE SOCIAL SCENEMusical Motzei ShabbosSat., 12/12, 8-9:30 p.m.Eden Café at the Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Ave., BaltimoreStart your week by enjoying live music in the Park Heights Eden Café. Food will be available to purchase. Enjoy the music of accomplished pianist/vocalist Alan Levin. Alan’s songbook includes jazz, pop, rock, blues and standards. Free.

Girls Night OutSat., 11/21, 8:30 p.m.Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Ave., BaltimoreAn open mic night for women, by women. Act, sing, dance, play, read, joke or come watch. Performance slots are 7 minutes each. Show open to all ages, performers must be 16 years or older. Sign up at 8 p.m. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. PA provided. Acoustic instruments only. No pre-registration required.Call Leslie at 443-940-0749 or email info@girlsnightson.com. Free.

Warm HousesDevelop connections and create a support system in the comfort of your living room! Groups gather weekly in their home to participate in conversation, educational, social, and recreational activities. Newcomers and new ideas welcome. For more information on Warm Houses or to join a warm house, contact Malka Zweig at 347-517-5587.

Senior Drop-InTues., 1-4 p.m.Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore

Issue 14, November/December 2015 | Page 5

Make the JCC your home away from home. Participate in conversation, educational, social and recreational activities. Activities change weekly. For an up-to-date schedule of programming, contact Malka Zweig, 347-517-5587. No Drop-In on the third Tuesday of every month. Join us for N’Shei instead!

Senior N’SheiWed., 11/18 & 12/16, 12 p.m.B’nai Jacob Shaarei Zion, 6602 Park Heights Ave., BaltimoreGather monthly for a large-scale program with a featured presenter and an opportunity to interact in a larger group setting. For more information, contact Malka Zweig, 347-517-5587, or pick up a calendar magnet at the Park Heights JCC front desk. $5 at the door.

Senior Sundays at the MyerbergSun., 11/15, 11 a.m., “Two for the Show” Sun., 12/13, 11 a.m., Holiday PartyMyerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd., Baltimore, 410-358-6856Free/Myerberg member; $2/non-member

SUPPORTIVE SERVICESJewish Community Services (JCS) Solutions for…Aging and Caregiving410-466-9200 / www.jcsbaltimore.orgJCS is dedicated to helping older adults age in place with maximum independence and dignity. We offer older adults, their families and caregivers resources and services that support healthy living, promote safety and improve quality of life. Our specialists in gerontology provide up-to-date information, expert advice and senior-focused services to help you in planning and caring for yourself and your family members.

Bereavement Support GroupsFor information on upcoming groups, call Jewish Community Services, call 410-466-9200.

Jewish Legal Services ClinicMon.,11/9 & 12/14, 7-8:30 p.m. Jewish Community Services (JCS), 5750 Park Heights Ave., BaltimoreJCS offers a free walk-in legal clinic for Jewish individuals with limited income. Legal information and referral for issues such as bankruptcy, landlord-tenant, family and immigration. Call 410-843-7305 for more information.

Low Vision Support GroupWed., 11/11, 11/25, 12/9 & 12/23, 1:30-3 p.m., Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd., BaltimoreJCS offers this free group on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Learn about helpful resources, hear informative speakers, and gain support from others facing similar challenges. Contact Janet Kurland, LCSW-C at jkurland@jcsbaltimore.org or 410-843-7306 for more information.

COME AND MEET YOUR NEIGHBORSCheswolde: Wed., 11/4 & 12/2, 7:30 p.m., Falls Village Apartments Community HallCross Country: Tues., 11/10 & 12/8, 7:30 p.m., CHAI, 5809 Park Heights Ave.Glen: Wed., 11/25 & 12/23, 7 p.m., Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Ave.Fallstaff: Thurs., 11/5 & 12/3, 7 p.m., Fallstaff Elementary SchoolMount Washington: Tues., 11/10 & 12/8, 7:30 p.m., The Wesley, 2211 West Rogers Ave.

SPECIAL DAYS11/11 – Veterans Day (Wednesday)11/26 – Thanksgiving12/6 – First night of Chanukah (Sunday)12/7-14 – Chanukah12/22 – Winter begins12/24 – Christmas Eve (Thursday)12/25 – Christmas Day (Friday)12/31 – New Year’s Eve (Thursday)1/1/16 – New Year’s Day (Friday)

NNC EventsRug Hooking (Knitters Welcome!)Tues., 11/10 & 11/24, 2:30 p.m. Rosenbaum home. RSVP to Eileen Rosenbaum, 410-764-8443.

NNC Men’s GroupTues., 11/10, 12:30 p.m. Dougie’s Grill followed by optional movie. RSVP to Jerry Rosenbaum, 410-764-8443.

Diversity DialogueMon., 11/16 & 12/21, 4-6 p.m. CHAI, 5809 Park Heights Ave.

NNC Creative Writing GroupSun., 11/29 & 12/20, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CHAI, 5809 Park Heights Ave.

NNC Monthly Village GatheringsTues., 11/17 & 12/15, 3-5 p.m. Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd.

NNC Board Meeting Thurs., 11/19 & 12/17, 4- 6 p.m. CHAI, 5809 Park Heights Ave.

Lunch & A MovieMon., 12-2:30 p.m. 11/30: “The Ultimate Gift” 12/28: “The Ultimate Life”CHAI, 5809 Park Heights Ave.

Center Stage PlaysWed., 1-3:30 p.m.2/10/16: “As You Like It,” Mainstage Theatre at Towson University. Reservations by 12/30/15.5/4/16: “Detroit ’67,” Mainstage Theatre at Towson University. Reservations by 3/24/16.See page 10 for more information. Call 410-662-6620 for details.

Page 6 | Staying Connected

Wordshop is your chance to share your creativity and

inner thoughts with the commu-nity. Send your poems, jokes and stories to Northwest Neighbors Connecting, care of Eileen Creeger at ecreeger@chaibaltimore.org or 5809 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215. We would love to hear from you.

A Winter Day by Barbara FoxI stretched awoke, felt a chill in the air Leisurely dressed, brushed my hair. En route to the kitchen I heard squeals of delight What could have happened to make them so bright? The children came running, coats clutched in their hands “Mama, it’s snowing! Isn’t it grand?” On with the mittens, the ear muffs, the boots On with the new little winter snow suits. Out they go laughing, bubbling with joy The snow for the day, the most inter-esting toy.I too had an impulse to wallow in snow To cover myself from head to toe. To toss it and taste it, feel its cold But better sense warned me of being too bold. I’d surely freeze, cough and sneeze Have aches in my bones, sniffle and wheeze, Wind up in bed for a week if you please. So on with the fire, cozy and warm From inside the house I’ll enjoy the snow storm.

Do You Ever? by Joe Shulim, NNC MemberHave you ever taken the time, made the time, spent some time to observe, study,

enjoy the graceful, flowing, swishing, rustling, the playful antics of weeping willows in their shaded domain, encour-aged, inspired, propelled by friendly breezes?To me, willows are uniquely refreshing and elegant, a proud representative of nature’s family.A period of activity is generally followed by a spell of rest, then a dip, a dousing in an adjacent pond, brook, stream or lake. They are now prepared for more sport, more stimulating games.

A Spree by Barbara FoxI think that I shall never see A mink coat ‘neath the candles three A ring of rubies in a pocket A diamond locketOn a French provincial chain A signed Picasso balanced there Perfume scents I adore Labeled fragile- on the floor I’d pack them in my grand Rolls Royce And tip the chauffeur something choice I’d wave my hand and off we’d go The tires would barely touch the snowBut I think that I shall never see A thing beneath my candles three No earthly or unearthly sight The city has turned off my lights!

After Midnight by Joel Cohen, NNC MemberIt felt like an I-beam had fallen on my head and jostled me out of my REM sleep. This dream was over. I had to establish the time (past midnight) and decipher what my nocturnal play had meant. The main protagonists were my mother, dead for 9 years, and my grand-mother, gone for 39 years. The other players—co-workers, ex-lovers, and kindergarten playmates—had sketchier roles. Before I could utilize my amateur Freudian analysis, I had to use the bathroom—what any post-60-year-old man has to do as often as exhaling and inhaling. Thinking a bolt of outside air

might allow some clarity, I took my dog on a midnight scamper. Dogs are on 24/7 call for bladder relief, perfect for nocturnal sleuthing. The air did little to shake the cuckolds of my gray matter to enlist better dream recall. What did it mean lately to have my long-departed material figures present in all my recollected dreams? The facts that I could retrieve were some trivial dinners, car rides, and routine errands. Maybe it’s what I couldn’t remember that was more crucial to understanding what my subconscious was trying to teach me. Was it possible to understand my murky reality by comprehending these midnight storylines? Were my mother and grand-mother trying to mentor me in death as they never had during their lives? So during the time most of the awake are dozing off to infomercials, I am agonizing over what life’s changing message I was missing. Why isn’t there a Facebook app for dream referrals? Why doesn’t my father or my two wives make a cameo appearance in any of these dreams? Maybe these important people in my past are part of the data I can’t access. Should I eat some spicy burrito before going to sleep to inspire some more bizarre information? What is my quest? Am I trying to unlock something in my past, learn about current reality, or find something foreboding for the future? Could it be that the dreams are just a series of meaningless facts similar to the hundreds of routine events that happen on a daily basis….?I want to continue to dream but of course I can’t fall back asleep. Are these dreams going to retain their mystery over me like understanding the Big Bang Theory or how to make a perfect omelet? The voyage to self-knowledge is filled with many midnight dog walks. Perhaps I don’t really want to know what Mom and Grandma are trying to warn me about; just the fact that they are still watching over me is sufficient for now.

Want to write with fellow NNC members? Show up at NNC’s monthly Creative Writing Workshop. See page 4 for details or call 410-662-6620. Your

writing could end up on this page!

Issue 14, November/December 2015 | Page 7

Birthday greetings to these members of our family! November 1 Daniel King 2 Abby Goldstein

Irene Saunders Selma Klein

3 Alfred Law 5 Jacke Schroeder 7 Mitch Posner 8 Arnold Howard 11 Mary E. Langston

Ilene Goldberg 12 Betty Silverman

Elinor Smith Jennifer Jenkins

13 Ethel Speert Maurice Paper

15 Ilysa Cohen 21 Betty Zilber 22 Elaine Mintzes 23 Katia Perkins 25 Kathy Byrne 28 Anita Brownstein

Nancy Rosenberg 29 Laurie Rosenberg

David Lewis Hanna Slowik

30 Alvin D. Reese Heidi Schloss Artraelle Colson

December 1 Florence Lefkin 3 Dorothy Komarow 6 Tiffany Clay

Joanne Levin Katika Mercer

7 Evelyn Goldman 9 Rosalie Weintzweig

Lawrence Malvin Bobbi Posner Betty Hunter

10 Lanie Carter 11 Maurice Levie 11 Donald Serkin 12 Adelle Schnell 13 Toby L. Jaffe 14 Dorothy Lieberwitz 16 Rivka Malka Rubenstein

Jacqueline Johnson 17 Ellen Horowitz

Judy Sykes Amber Jones Aryeh Goodman Barbara Barr Chava Ball

18 Sidney Rankin Elayne Reynolds Duke

19 Muriel Simon 20 Carmelita Wilson

21 Carol Kosman Juanita Horton David Kreis

22 Jane Mayer 23 Alice Porat

Tiffany Ray Betty Davison

24 Claire Sopher Sara Rosenthal

25 Chedva Rose 27 Joseph Greenblum 29 Hattie Jackson

Jeff Meddin 30 Carl Kupfer

Barbara Bolden 31 David Avruch NNC’s Caring Committee would like to be there for you—in good times and not-so-good times. If you would appreciate some of NNC’s caring attention, please let us know by calling 410-662-6620.

We respect everyone’s privacy. We will not share information without your permission.

VO L U N T E E R S WA N T E D ! NNC members contribute to our village by giving back through volunteer commitments. Currently, our members need help in these areas:

• paperwork (paying bills, organizing papers)

• light household chores (changing light bulbs, replacing batteries, hanging pictures)

• light yard work (trimming bushes and raking leaves)

• drivers (must be over 21 and meet eligibility requirements)

If you can help, please call NNC at 410-662-6620.

W h a t d o y o u h e a r ? food for thought by Chava Ball, NNC Director

When I was a girl, my dad told me about two men who were walking down a sidewalk of a busy street in New York City. One man stopped. "Did you hear it?”“Hear what?”“A cricket.”“A cricket?!”“Do you mean to tell me that you can hear a cricket with all the noise around us?”“Wait!” He walked over to the nearby building, and there on the window sill under a small piece of plaster was the chirping cricket! After he found the cricket, he then said, “Let me show you something.” He reached in his pocket, pulled out a half-dollar coin and dropped it on the sidewalk. Instantly people around them stopped to look for the money that had been dropped.Why did one man hear the cricket and the other didn’t? One man was an entomologist (an insect specialist). His ear was trained to hear insects. At that busy intersection, people were not trained to hear insects, but they heard money!

Page 8 | Staying Connected

Health & Wellness Taking Stock: Telling Our Stories by Joyce Wolpert, Member Wellness Coordinator

The proverbial picture of a gray-haired grandmother sitting in a rocking chair lecturing children at her feet, “Why, when I was young…” is certainly one way of telling a story

about one’s life.

Other ways may have more of a focus on the totality of one’s life experience, giving a sense of really inhabiting the moment of hard-won lessons deeply felt and learned. Why would someone want to take the time and trouble to review HIS own life, particularly if there have been painful times begging to be avoided?

“Who cares?” might be a response; you know what happened because you lived it; those close to you may already know about this; others have their own stories so yours is not that special. What is being suggested here is not necessarily publishing an autobiography for mass distribution, rather finding a way to bring to conscious focus your own life trajectory. Seldom do any of us completely follow the path that has been laid out. Many times we may feel like a victim of circumstances, tossed about due to the whims of an uncaring universe or of the history of the times. Or we choose an experience with one goal in mind and then wind up having a different outcome.

Where do all these behavioral and psychological travels take us? Is there a theme, a lesson, even an over-arching purpose that becomes apparent? Do we find a shape to our lives we hadn’t imagined or perhaps notice contradictory forces that we have bumped into again and again?

While the trek through senior-hood can be thought of as letting go and shedding baggage physically and emotionally, it can also be imagined as time to gather in the fruits of one’s doing, to chronicle the paths one has traveled, to re-savor moments with their full array of senses.

So the dichotomy becomes that while we shed some physical realities for ourselves, we can enhance the non-visible elements of our lives—our individual histories and accompanying memories of emotions, atti-tudes and experiences, yes, including some sad and painful memories that are all part of the gestalt that has formed our lives.

How do we enter into this territory of telling our personal story? Often, a chronological history may be limiting as we get caught in worrying if we are noting the correct dates, names and places. It may work

A Shot Shootout by Menachem Edelman

In the past couple of years, pertussis (whooping cough) has been in and

out of the news due to outbreaks from California to New York and even as close to us as Anne Arundel County. Pertussis usually makes the news due to its serious impact on the young; however, it is believed that due to con-flicting illnesses in those older than 65, it actually occurs in seniors at least 100 times more frequently than reported. In 2012, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recom-mended that everyone should receive

a single booster dose of pertussis vac-cine. Practically, this means that when children turn 11, they should receive the booster shot; but since the recommen-dation is new, it means that everyone needs to make sure that they receive the booster dose. The pertussis vaccine is built into the tetanus vaccines Boos-trix and Adacel, forming the shot called TDaP. The ACIP recommends that the Boostrix formulation be given in all patients over 65; however, if not avail-able they recommended administering Adacel instead. Of note, immunity is

important to be established for babies as well, and therefore instead of waiting 10 years between tetanus vaccinations, pregnant mothers should receive a new immunization with each pregnancy to provide protection for the newborn. What does this mean for us? When you get a flu shot or see your physician find out if you have had a tetanus vaccine in the past 10 years. If not, or if you have exposure to young children, it is strongly recommended that you get the tetanus vaccine that includes pertussis this time around.

continued on p. 9

Issue 14, November/December 2015 | Page 9

better to create a history through emotional and sensory recall. Or, one can use pictures from over the years or begin drawing, if that is how one has expressed her/himself.

Here are some topics that may help you get started: my first best friend, my first kiss, my favorite place, the time I was most proud, the things that have given me the

most pleasure, the scariest time of my life, smells that remind me of my earlier years, a major embar-rassing moment from childhood, five adjectives that describe me, my voice, the major values my parents tried to instill, the major values I’ve tried to instill in my children (or students), a vivid memory of a place I’ve traveled (smells, sounds, sights, textures), my wishes for the world.

Each of these topics can be a doorway to multi-layers of expe-rience and can quickly become associated with other recollec-tions. Take your time, savor your moments and try not to censor or judge yourself. Embrace the rich-ness and marvel at the miracle of YOU.

Unraveling “Glycemic Index”by Sidney Rankin, NNC member

Like many senior (and not so senior) citizens, I have a problem with high blood glucose levels. This means having to watch what and how much I eat in order to protect my health and preserve my (almost) lean

appearance. It is a complicated and not fun task. Ignoring it, however, can lead to very unpleasant health prob-lems. This watching involves paying attention to not only the calorie content of the things I eat, but also their glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL), terms that do not even appear in my 1973 Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. I will introduce these terms briefly in the following comments. However, as I said, these are com-plicated subjects. Don’t treat them casually, listen only to me or follow fad diets. This is a subject for more detailed study, including discussions with your medical doctor or nutritionist.

Food stuffs are primarily composed of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Energy, in scientific terms, is the ability to do work or be converted to heat. Food energy is measured as calories. A calorie is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one gram of pure water one degree centigrade. As this is a very small amount of energy, when people talk about the calorie content of foods, it is common to really be talking about kilogram calories, or 1000 times as much. Carbohydrates are composed of sugars and various larger molecules that are polymerized forms of sugars. These are broken down by our digestive system into smaller glucose mole-cules that are then passed into our blood stream and used for energy and to form the muscles, bones, etc. that make up our bodies. Glucose that is not needed for energy is converted to fat molecules and stored.

All of the material in carbohydrates cannot be readily digested into glucose for use by our bodies. The glycemic index of foods is a numerical index that ranks carbohydrates based on their glycemic response, i.e., their conversion to glucose in the human body. This is determined by experimental studies using humans as test subjects. Surprisingly, all carbohydrates do not break down into glucose and pass into the blood stream at the same rate. Some starches even have a higher glycemic index then sugars, such as honey or table sugar (glucose).

Why should we learn about these terms? One reason is to avoid consuming more food in a day than our bodies needs since the excess is converted to fat. The second reason is to avoid excessive blood glucose levels in our bodies. Normally, our bodies are very efficient in using either the glucose in our blood for energy or converting it to fat and storing it for later use. If the body loses this ability, the blood glucose level may rise and the patient might become diabetic. In that event, controlling blood sugar levels through regulating diet and/or taking medicines requires a doctor’s advice. As I said, this is a complicated subject, and medical questions should be directed to your physician.

Taking Stock continued from p. 8

Page 10 | Staying Connected

Out on the Town with NNCLearn about the exciting shuttle trips with NNC.

Center Stage Plays1 p.m. Matinée $19/play

If you would like to attend, please contact Chava at 410-500-5319 ASAP. She will tell you what the next steps are. If there are 7 or more people who register with Chava, she will reserve the shuttle (no additional charge for members). If fewer than 7 members want to participate, each member will be responsible for his or her own transportation. NOTE: At this price, tickets will sell out quickly.

As You Like It by William Shakespeare

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

“A joyous, big-hearted affair.” —The Guardian

Shakespeare’s crowd-pleasing comedy takes Center Stage by way of a new production that turns the Elizabethan tradition of all-male casts on its head. Performed by an all-female company of actors, As You Like It tells the story of lovers Rosalind and Orlando who, when forced to flee into the Forest of Arden, become ensnared in a game of romance and mistaken identity. Frenzied and beguiling, in As You

Like It all the world’s a stage, as understandings of love, gender roles, nature and politics are up for grabs. Join us as we journey deep into the fertile Forest of Arden and explore this beloved comedy in a whole new light. Playing in the Mainstage Theatre at Towson University.

Detroit ’67 by Dominique Morisseau

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

“[A] poetic play of fire-fueled dreams and frustrated love that is set against a backdrop of historic social unrest in Motown.” —Star Tribune

After the death of their parents, siblings Chelle and Lank (named for poet Langston Hughes) make ends meet by hosting late-night parties in the basement of their childhood home. In 1967 Detroit the latest sounds of Motown echo from the record player, but the risk of their unofficial nightclub is high, given the intensifying police presence in the all black neighborhood. The danger increases when Lank rescues a battered white woman, and relationships between black and white, brother and sister, friend and stranger begin to shift. The music and politics of the Motown era sizzle in the background of this sharp-eyed drama that explores our shared humanity across family and across race. Playing in the Main-stage Theatre at Towson University.

Walters Art MuseumWednesday, January 27, 2016

We will be revis-iting the Walters Art Museum in downtown Balti-more, renowned internationally for its collection of art. The collection presents an overview of world art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th-cen-tury Europe, and counts among its many treasures Greek sculpture and Roman sarcophagi; medieval ivories and Old Master paintings; Art Nouveau jewelry and 19th-cen-tury European and American masterpieces.

A special exhibit, From Rye to Raphael: The Walters Story, brings together for the first time an extraordinary group of art and artifacts to illustrate the intriguing stories behind the magnificent gift to the City from the Walters family. The dramatic new installa-tion features 200 works chosen for their beauty and craftsmanship as well as never-before-seen Walters family photographs and historic material culled from the museum’s archives. General admission to the Walters Art Museum is free.

New Policy for Trips: Call Chava Ball, 410-500-5319, to RSVP. She will reserve your seat on the shuttle.

Shuttle Trips with NNCCheck your mail or email for the latest schedule for CHAI’s Northwest Senior Shuttle. It will give you times and destinations for the coming month.

Also, take a look below to see some of the exciting NNC trips planned for 2016. You can also check out the shuttle schedule at www.chaibaltimore.org/NNC.

To arrange a spot on the Northwest Senior Shuttle, or to learn more about the schedule, call 410-889-1148. If you are not yet an NNC member, call 410-662-6620 to become a member and gain access to the shuttle system.

Issue 14, November/December 2015 | Page 11

Who’s Who?Getting to know our NNC members: The Dorothy Taylor Story by Joel Cohen, NNC Member

When I called Dorothy Taylor, an NNC member and a 20-year Northwest Baltimore resident, for an interview, her response was, “Who would be interested in my life story?” After reading this piece,

I will let the reader decide whether Ms. Taylor is worthy of a newsletter interview.

When Dorothy’s college sweetheart husband succumbed to cancer in his mid-thirties she was forced to raise their three children, ages 5, 9 and 10, by herself. Taylor was no stay-at-home mom. She had a myriad of important jobs as a social worker, an army management engineer and a drug counselor. However, her first priority was always raising her children. She made to sure know their friends and where they spent

their time.

Every Friday night the Taylor family had family meetings where each family member discussed important issues of the week. When the iconic television program “Roots” aired, the entire family

watched the show together. Can you imagine an entire family watching an important program together these days? In order to teach her oldest son the value of hard work, Dorothy got him a job working on a Balti-

more City garbage truck. Dorothy took her kids to homeless shelters to show them how fortunate their lives were. During hot summer nights when kids were often running with tough crowds, her children would sit on their stoop with her. Summers saw the Taylor family traveling to Canada, Disneyland, sharing time with host families and doing activities with their church.

Education was the most important emphasis in the Taylor household. All three of Dorothy’s children graduated from prestigious colleges. Dorothy says with a laugh that by the time her youngest son was in college, she realized she should have tried to obtain scholarships for her children.

Dorothy’s children continue to amaze her. Her youngest son was named Ambassador for an impressive NAACP award. When he was asked to name the person who inspired him the most, Dorothy expected him to name Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Jesse Jackson. Instead, he told the audience that his biggest inspiration was his mother.

I hope my readers would agree with me Dorothy Taylor’s life story is an inspiration for anyone.

An NNC Caregivers Support Group is being

formed for persons at all levels of

caregiving, whether full or partial,

whether living with the person or not.

This group can offer creative ideas

and personal support if you are trying

to cope with caring for someone else

and living your own life at the same

time. Days and times will be set at

members’ convenience. Please contact:

Joyce Wolpert, 410-500-5334.

Page 12 | Staying Connected

Good Vibrations…Relax, we come to you! by Stephanie Faulkner

Hello. My name is Stephanie Faulkner, owner of Good

Vibrations. I am licensed in both cosmetology and massage ther-apy, and an alumnus of the Fila Academy of Paul Mitchell (1999) and the Baltimore School of Mas-sage (2011). Good Vibrations is a multicultural mobile spa. We bring our services right to your home, and currently provide hair and nail services; we work with every hair texture.

Good Vibrations was inspired by my mother, Mrs. Joanna Faulkner.

After watching her go through chemotherapy and being embar-rassed about her thinning hair, I realized how hard it was for her to go to a salon. What she needed was service at home where she could be comfortable. I knew then that others could benefit from these services.

That was five years ago and I never looked back. We now have clients from all walks of life—the elderly, disabled, those without trans-portation and clients who simply want to relax and be serviced in

the comfort of their own homes. As of July 2015, Good Vibrations is now a partner of NNC and offers discounted services to all members with hopes of building relation-ships and making life easier for members.

To make an appointment with Good Vibrations, please call NNC at 410-662-6620.

HomeCentris: Our Newest NNC Partner

by Joel Cohen, NNC Member

After many requests by NNC members for reliable home-

care, NNC is excited to introduce a new partner, HomeCentris. Matt Auman, CEO of HomeCentris, was kind enough to spend a few minutes explaining his innovative company. HomeCentris, located in Pikesville, is actually three separate companies. The first, HomeCentris Home Health, pro-vides medically skilled services to people often recuperating at home after a hospital stay. These services require a doctor’s prescription and are 100 percent covered by Medi-care. HomeCentris’ second com-pany, Personal Home Care division,

provides a variety of non-skilled daily living services on an hourly basis. One thing that makes Per-sonal Home Care unique is that it allows a minimum of two hours of services. Most caregiver compet-itors have a four-hour minimum requirement.

A most exciting feature of HomeCentris’ third company, HomeCentris Community Care, is having on-site nurse practitioners and physical therapists at several Weinberg buildings. The recently opened Weinberg Manor South on Fords Lane will be one of the build-ings to have a NPRN and a PT with

regular daily hours. Weinberg residents and NNC members can see these profes-sionals on an as needed basis.

Matt Auman has an extensive back-ground in the homecare field. Matt is a Maryland guy and wants to emphasize his commitment to serving the Northwest community. This commitment is illustrative in Matt’s speaking at the past two NNC Village Gatherings. NNC is very fortunate having Matt and HomeCentris as a partner.

(left) NNC members participate in tai chi at a Monthly Village

Gathering.

(right) Blanche and Joe Shulim dance at the Windsor House.

Issue 14, November/December 2015 | Page 13

Enjoy discounts with NNC PartnersGive us a call today at 410-662-6620 to get connected. NNC members get a discount. The following NNC Partners will come to your house.

Beauty and Beyond In-home hair care Senior Stylist In-home hair and nail careAngel Hands Phlebotomy Blood draws, medication level checks Home Centris Personal home careSonja’s Cleaning Service House cleaning Good Vibrations In-home hair and nail care

The�following�partners�do�not�come�to�your�house,�but�offer�discounts�or�other�benefits�to�NNC�members.

Baltimore Humane Society Discounted vet care and volunteer opportunities www.bmorehumane.org

Myerberg Center Discounted membership, classes, programs and activities www.myerberg.org

sells the highest quality products it can find at the most competi-tive prices possible. They feature foods that are free from artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners and hydrogenated fats. Whole Foods Market’s 365 Everyday Value™ line is just one of many options available to seniors who are on a budget but looking for great buys and healthy choices. The store also features naturally raised meat and poultry, house-made sausage, custom service, sparkling fresh seafood, artisan and everyday cheeses, grocery staples, locally grown and a huge assortment of produce, seasonal entrées, soups, salads and desserts prepared daily.

One highlight of our trip was the kosher snack that was prepared for us; it was gluten-free, contained no white sugar and was DELICIOUS! NNC members enjoyed lots of food tasting, and a few of us purchased items to take home.

This was a productive trip and a few hours well spent. Those who attended were looking forward to a follow-up trip in the future.

NNC’s Labor Day Barbecue 2015 by Eileen Rosenbaum, NNC Member

NNC held its annual Labor Day barbecue at the Myerberg Center on Monday, September 7. Approx-imately 90 people—members and their guests—were in attendance. We socialized with old friends and met new ones. This “roving reporter” got comments from many of the participants.

“Thank you for all the hard work that went into organizing the event,” commented one member. Another one said that the event was a great way to bring people together and see new faces. Shirley Novograd found the barbecue pleasant and was happy to be there. She said it was very nicely orga-

nized and was pleased with the great job done by the committee, especially Chava Ball and Helen Baylin. Betty Hunter won the raffle for a gift certificate.

Thanks for a fun afternoon and thank you to all the committee members for their hard work and a job well done. Thank you to the BBQ cooking crew: Igor Balzac, Eli and Esther Weiner, Dovid Ball and David Moray. A special thank you to our hosts, the Myerberg Center, and former executive director, David Golaner.

On the Move continued from p. 3

(left) NNC’s Caring Committee prepares birthday cards.

(right) Friends attend Lunch and a Movie at CHAI.

Page 14 | Staying Connected

Need a Lift? Information about transportation options for NNC members

If you would like a ride, please call 410-662-6620 with as much notice as possible (we like at least three days). Leave a message with the date, time and length of the

appointment/errand. The driver will be in touch with you to confirm. And remember, you must be current with your NNC dues to be a part of this wonderful service. Read on

for more updates and reminders.

• We need more drivers! Do you know a business or organization from which we could recruit drivers? Let us know.

• Give us early notice. If you know you have an appointment in a month, call now to reserve your ride. If some-thing just came up, you can certainly call and see if we can help you, but the chances are slimmer the less notice you give. We appreciate at least a week of advance notice.

• Please be understanding if we cannot get you your ride. We are still growing. (See first bullet point.)

• How far will we take you? Most of our drivers prefer trips within Pikesville and Owings Mills. Occasionally, some drivers will drive further out to Towson or downtown, etc. Again, advance notice helps!

• What if I realize I need to go somewhere else during our trip? Unfortunately, we ask that you stick to the ride that you requested. Our drivers want to do the right thing and give you the help you need, so we don’t want them to feel that we are taking advantage of their good intentions.

• Will my driver stay with me? If you need this, please make sure to ask us. Some drivers will wait for you to finish your appointment; others will drop you off and be called when you are ready for the return trip. Still others will only drive one way, so we try to find a second driver for the return run.

• What if the appointment is canceled or you are unable to go? We ask that you notify both our office (410-662-6620) and the driver as soon as possible.

• What if the driver has car issues, or is suddenly unable to drive? We ask that you be patient and under-standing of this possibility, and we ask that the driver contact both us and you. This is more than just a cour-tesy—it also gives us the opportunity to possibly line up an alternative ride, even last-minute.

• Once the ride has occurred, we appreciate hearing from both passenger and driver about how things went. This ensures quality control as well as accurate statistics. Call us at 410-662-6620.

• What about the shuttle? NNC members have free access to the CHAI Northwest Senior shuttle. We encourage its use for grocery shopping, banking, doctors’ visits or visits to Sinai and Levindale. You can also take the shuttle to some NNC events and to the special excursions on Wednesdays and Thursdays (see the shuttle sched-ules that are mailed to members on a monthly basis).

Call 410-662-6620 to become a member and request your first individual ride. Reserve your shuttle trip by calling 410-889-1148.

If you love the Walters Art Museum as much as I do, please join me on January 27, 2016, and I will take you see the Egyptian art, Tiffany, Lalique, Faberge and medieval art. We will see arms and armor, collectors’ closets, books of hours, classic paintings, the current Islamic exhibit and many other wonders. General admission to the Walters Art Museum is free! Don’t forget to call Chava at 410-500-5319 by January 18, 2016, to RSVP. I'm getting excited already!

—Heidi Schloss, NNC member

Issue 14, November/December 2015 | Page 15

Our Agency Friends CHANA and SAFE by Heidi Schloss, NNC Member

Abuse is always a shock, but who knew about the frightening statistics of elder abuse. What I’ve learned over the years is that it is not confined by economic,

racial, religious lines—it is everywhere.

• More than 1 million elderly people are abused in the U.S. annually.*• Surveys report that 2-10% of persons over the age of 65 report abuse. It is also

estimated that for every one report, 14 incidents go unreported.*• Two-thirds of abuse towards the elderly is perpetuated by adult children or spouses.*• 24% of murder victims over 60 are killed by their spouse.*

* National Center on Elder Abuse

CHANA, the agency of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore that serves victims of abuse, offers education and intervention services for older adults and all people who care about them. CHANA works with elders, family members and friends of older adults who are concerned about their safety and well-being.

Jacke Schroeder, NNC’s former Partnerships Coordinator, began her tenure at CHANA in September as the Director of SAFE: Stop Abuse of Elders. The SAFE program is a major way the Jewish community shows that it cares about elders. In collaboration with Jewish Community Services and Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, CHANA seeks to prevent the incidence and lessen the consequences of the five types of elder abuse: physical, sexual, psychological, financial and neglect. SAFE also offers supportive services for individ-uals, families and concerned members of the community.

If you need help or know of an older adult who needs help, you can contact CHANA at 410-234-0030. For more information about CHANA and SAFE, go to www.chanabaltimore.org.

Each issue, this section features news from a different agency in our community that works with seniors.

Do I Feel Safe At Home?Where is my money going?What will happen if I tell?

Stop Abuse of EldersSAFE

SAFE: Stop Abuse of Elders is a program that addresses your concerns about:

• Financial well-being• Relationships with family and caregivers

• Physical and emotional safety

It can feel good to talk things out with someone. You have the right to live safely, with dignity and without the

worry of someone taking advantage of you.

MY LIFE, MY VOICE

Call us now at 410-234-0030.

Esther Weiner prepares hamburgers at the NNC BBQ.

Igor Balzac and Eli Weiner man the grill at NNC’s BBQ.

NON-PROFIT ORG.

US POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT #1262BALTIMORE, MD

The Supportive Community Networkc/o CHAI5809 Park Heights AvenueBaltimore, MD 21215

Newsletter CommitteeMargot Brilliant Joel Cohen Adina Edelman Shoshana Harris

Rachel Heckert Deborah Kalmar Sheila Mentz Sid Rankin

Heidi Schloss Miriam Sperling Beverly Wiseman

StaffMitch Posner Executive Director, CHAI Chava Ball NNC DirectorJoyce Wolpert Member Wellness Coordinator

Eileen Creeger Member Connections CoordinatorIgor Balzac Milbrook Organizer

Staying

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WWW.CHAIBALTIMORE.ORG

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ISSUE 14 | NOV/DEC 2015

NNC presents…

LUNCH & A MOVIEMonday, November 30, 12-2:30 p.m. CHAI, 5908 Park Heights Ave.

“THE ULTIMATE GIFT”

FREE. Bring your lunch; coffee, tea and water provided.

If you are an NNC member and need a ride, call NNC by November 23.

RSVP/Questions? Call NNC at 410-662-6620.

Fantastic NEW NNC program coming. Call Chava Ball at 410-500-5319 for more information!