Today we know the fate of the Jews whocould not escape, but what should not be for-gotten are the heroic efforts to save as manyindividuals as possible at the Marseilles officeof HICEM, forged from the merger of theHebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) andtwo other Jewish migration agencies. A cen-tral member of that team, Helen Katel, now90 years old, lives today at Revitz House.

According to historian Valery Bazarov of HIAS, the urgency shared by Helen andher colleagues to review cases, gather identi-fication papers, affidavits of support andvisas, and find exit routes out of France was“physically and psychologically overwhelm-ing.” He describes Helen frequently in tearswhile processing documents. Helen and her

September 2008/No.10

President’sCircleDinner

Page 7

Studentvolunteersat theHomePage 4

HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON • SMITH-KOGOD & WASSERMAN RESIDENCES • LANDOW HOUSERING HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE • HIRSH HEALTH CENTER • RESEARCH INSTITUTE ON AGING

A wartime tale of rescueBy Emily Tipermas

Picture Marseilles, Vichy France,early 1940s. The war looms large anda sense of doom chokes the air. Sailorscirculate through the streets because this is a major Mediterranean port, but it is the avalanche of persecuted refugees—from thecountry’s German-occupied zone, Belgiumand Holland—that sets the city’s edgy mood.These refugees, mostly Jews, are fleeing fortheir lives from Nazis intent on deportingthem to concentration camps.

Residentsroot for theNationals

Page 5

husband Jacques, who workedwith her, realized their ownlives were in danger as well.Lucky enough to obtainvisas, they fled for theUnited States in 1942. Itshould be noted that by fall1944, HICEM was directlyresponsible for the emigra-tion of over 40,000 Jews.

During the decadesthat followed, Helen andJacques Katel raised two

sons, Peter, a Washington-basedjournalist who is writing a biography of his parents, and Robert, who works inadvertising in New York. Helen eventuallyestablished a successful career as a translator, and Jacques flourished as both a writer and editor.

The distinguished photographer LidaMoser, featured in the previous issue ofLifeTimes, was so inspired by her neighborHelen Katel’s role in rescuing imperiledJews that she offered to photograph Katelfor this article. It is a pleasure to see thewarm friendship that has developedbetween these two remarkable RevitzHouse residents. ■

Helen Kateltoday, in a portrait takenby renownedphotographerLida Moser, afellow RevitzHouse resident.

Helen and Jacques Katel workedtirelessly to save Jewish refugees fleeingFrance during WWII.

Risk factors• Medications with sedating effect• Illness or disease• Muscular weakness, declining reflexes• Poor balance, wobbly gait, foot problems• Cognitive and psychological impairment• Low vision• Environmental hazards

Prevention tips The National Center for Injury

Prevention and Control offers these tipsfor fall prevention:1. Undertake a regular exercise

program. This is the best way tostrengthen muscles and sharpen coordination and balance.

2. Accident-proof your home. Removesmall items from the floor that could

Head Over Heels

Page 2 | September 2008 www.smithlifecommunities.org LifeTimes

Generation to Generation

cause a trip and either remove smallthrow rugs or use double-sided tape tokeep them from slipping. Install grabbars in the bathroom; use non-slipmats in the tub. Improve lighting.Install handrails and lights on all staircases. Wear firm shoes with thinnon-slip soles.

3. Review medicines with yourhealthcare provider. Check prescrip-tion and non-prescription medicationsthat alone or in combination may pro-duce drowsiness or light-headedness.

4. Have an eye doctor check youreyes. Glaucoma, cataracts, and macu-lar degeneration can limit vision. Makesure your eye glasses are the correctstrength. ■

If you think potential bone fractures are the only worryfor seniors who fall, you’re mistaken. A June 2008 study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta explains that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by falls are of similar concern. According to thestudy, “half of unintentional fall deaths and 8% of hospitalizations for non-fatal falls(are) attributable to TBI.”

The CDC study goes on to say that “with the aging of the U.S. population, andwithout intervention, the number of these injuries will likely increase.” Dr. IleanaArias, director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, notes thatTBIs “can cause long-term problems and affect how someone thinks and functions.They can also impact a person’s emotional well-being.”

Since over a third of American adults 65 and older fall each year, it makes senseto understand the conditions contributing to the probability of falls and learn how toreduce them.

Charles Onyeador,Director of Nursingat the HebrewHome’s WassermanResidence.

IncentivesNewly-admitted residents of the Hebrew

Home undergo a detailed “Falls Assessment.”Charles Onyeador, director of nursing in the Home’sWasserman Residence, notes that a formal evalua-tion of each new resident’s recent history of falls,predisposing diseases, mental and vision status,gait, medications, and blood pressure is mandatory.Individuals who are at greater risk of fallingbecome part of the Home’s “Falling Leaf Program,”which is designed to augment safety. Interventionsinclude lowered bed height with safety mats oneach side, alarms to alert staff and a leaf symboldisplayed on doors to prompt frequent checks.

Onyeador regularly convenes a “FallsCommittee” of nurses, therapists, social workersand dieticians to address why particular residentsmay be “frequent fallers” despite precautionarymeasures, and notifies physicians when new interventions are deemed appropriate.

Onyeador, who earned a master’s degree in nursing administration from George MasonUniversity, states that falling is a significant indicator of decline and one that requires immediate and serious attention.

Perspectives“Falls are not an inevitable consequence ofaging, but they do occur more often amongolder adults because risk factors for fallsare usually associated with health andaging conditions.”

— Centers for Disease Control and PreventionTo learn more, visit www.cdc.gov/BrainInjuryInSeniors or call 800.311.3435. Important materials are also available at www.cdc.gov/ncipc/preventingfalls.

LifeTimes www.smithlifecommunities.org September 2008 | Page 3

Warren Slavin greets John M. Colmers, Secretary of the MarylandDepartment of Health and Mental Hygiene. From left, Pat Carter, SeniorVice President for Operations, Warren Slaven, John M. Colmers, andAlice Burton, Colmer’s Chief of Staff.

CEO Warren Slavin and Rockville Mayor Susan Hoffmannmeet with Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) at Ring House.

Jewish War Veterans Post 692 now meets at Ring House. Pictured from left,are Irving Moerman, chaplain; Charlene Cohen, adjutant; Gil Waganheim,quartermaster; Bernie Resnick, junior vice-commander; Erwin Burtnick,commander; and Sheldon Goldberg, post commander.

Occupational therapy

Rehab: opportunity andhope for 1,000

The Rakusin Rehabilitation Centerat the Hebrew Home gives patientswho have experienced illness or injuryboth opportunity and hope for thefuture. About 1,000 patients a yeartake advantage of rehabilitation servicesin this short-stay program to regainindependence and to improve mobility,strength, eating abilities or speech.

Physical therapists at the HebrewHome focus on movement, including:

• Walking and use of stairs • Safe transfers from bed, chair or

toilet • Using walkers, canes or wheel-

chairs, or maneuvering a wheel-chair with one hand

• Improving strength, balance andrange of motion

• Decreasing pain

Occupational therapists focus on self-sufficiency and life tasks:

• Making breakfast, dressing, or simply brushing your hair

• Protecting muscles and joints• Increasing strength and

endurance• Using adaptive equipment

such as reachers and long-handled shoehorns• Home evaluations to assess safety

Speech-language pathologists address hearing, language, communication and swallowing:

• Improving expression and oral motor skills for accurate speech

• Improving comprehension • Evaluating swallowing and

using strategies for eating safely

For information about in-patient rehabilitation at Charles E. Smith Life Communities, contact 301.770.8476. ■

Last year, our Therapy Departmentprovided 50,000 treatments in physi-cal, occupational and speech therapy.

Physical therapy

From the heartBy Laura Chin, Volunteer

You can’t miss seeing them: they are wearing royalblue T-shirts with the word VOLUNTEER on the back,and they are helping seniors everywhere around our residences. Who are they? They’re the more than 125student volunteers at the Hebrew Home this summer.

“It’s a once in a lifetime experience for us, and theresidents appreciate seeing the young people,” says volunteer Megan Yen. Students range from ages 12 to22, and come from Montgomery County, Prince George’sCounty and Washington, DC, and even from other states.

It may be hot outside, but the work and activitiesthe students do are “cool” – from conducting“summer camp” sessions for residents toleading word games and exercise groups;training new volunteers; delivering flowers;assisting on resident trips such as intergenera-tional bowling; escorting residents to therapy,synagogue or our gardens; helping residentscompose ethical wills; doing office work andrunning the soda shop. There is even a team of troubadours performing music for residentsthroughout the campus.

“These are wonderful giving children,” saysLinda Cohen, Assistant Director of Volunteers. “It’sheartwarming to see them working together – olderkids helping younger kids, and to see them with ourresidents. This summer’s group is most outstanding.”Residents complimented the students’ caring, com-passion, politeness and helpfulness.

During the summer, notes Cohen, “The HebrewHome becomes the face of the United Nations, andit’s just wonderful to see.” Since June, the Home haswelcomed students who represent many cultures: China, India,Israel, Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Vietnam, Liberia, Cameroon,Russia, Taiwan, Nigeria, Egypt, the Philippines, El Salvador and Greece. In fact, more than half the volunteers are bilingualand many are able to communicate with residents from thesecountries. A Mah Jongg game in the Wasserman Conservatoryepitomizes the scene: a Jewish resident engrossed in a game withthree students of diverse backgrounds using a Chinese set andplaying by Chinese rules.

Students set their own schedules under the supervision ofthe Volunteer Office, and receive school credit for their service.Their T-shirts were generously donated by Dr. Elaine Hollander.

Page 4 | September 2008 www.smithlifecommunities.org LifeTimes

Hebrew HomeNew

sfro

m

Student volunteers (above) flocked toour campus in droves throughoutthe summer months, assisting residents in myriad ways. Visiting teens from Camp Ramah (center)also hosted a variety of activities,including this “summer camp” artproject with resident MollyeRosenberg. “Glamour Gals”, Victoria Gaines,(bottom left) fromButte, Montana, applies makeup to a senior.

Chen Yu Gui, a junior atThomas S. Wootton HighSchool in Rockville, 12-year-old Megan Yen from RobertoClemente Middle School inGermantown, and SarahRubinstein, a ninth grader atCharles E. Smith Jewish DaySchool in Rockville all volun-

teer seven to eight hours a day, five days a week.Another student, Edwina Zoedua, 13 years old,from Hyattsville Middle School, whose Mom worksat the Hebrew Home, volunteers Tuesday throughThursday, eight hours a day and delights in work-ing with residents in art classes. “Helping people,”she says, “makes me happy.”

With so many young faces at the HebrewHome this summer, bringing happiness and joy tothe residents, this has been a summer that no onewill forget! ■

The Revitz Book Club, from left, Ann Carroad, SylviaBleckner, Jean Wilson, Carolyn Stahl and Florence Novak isfunded by the Guardian Campaign. Jean, a former columnistfor several major newspapers and agencies leads the group,which has read books as varied as A Thousand SplendidSuns to Hold the Cream Cheese, Kill the Lox. The clubuses regular, large print and audio tape editions.

Ring House resident Pearl Tubiash maybe retired, but she’s as active and vital as mostpeople half her age.

It is volunteer work that sets the tone ofPearl’s days, and now, after years of dedicatedefforts that have earned her many accolades,Pearl, 89, has been named the 2008 “Woman of the Year” by her ORT chapter.

Despite a significant visual impairment,Pearl’s activities on campus have included assisting in the Ring House library; reading Yiddishstories to Hebrew Home residents; working in theHome’s kitchen over holidays; crocheting lap robesfor seniors; and knitting preemie hats and babyblankets for Children’s Hospital.

Over a lengthy career, Pearl taught French, andwas the Supervisor of Special Collections at theUniversity of Maryland’s Fine Arts Library fornearly 20 years. Her supreme pleasure, however,was blowing the shofar with her grandson at herOlney synagogue. As her rabbi said, a grand-mother-grandson shofar duo was probably a first in U.S. Jewish history! ■

www.smithlifecommunities.org September 2008 | Page 5

Landow HouseRevitz House

On a Ring-Revitz summer outing to NationalsStadium, Ring House residents Pearl Krepchin andShirley Rosenberg cheered on the Nationals as theyplayed the Houston Astros.

Arts & Crafts instructor AllenGoldberg offers ideas for assembling a colorful beaded necklace to LandowHouse resident Grace Rosner.

“I’m a pretty crafty person,”says real estate agent AllenGoldberg, who came up with anidea in February to establish anarts and crafts club as well as aknitting club for Landow Houseresidents.

Goldberg’s efforts sprangfrom a desire to help a colleagueensure that her mother’s upcom-ing move to Landow would be a success. To this end, he figuredshe would appreciate seeing a

familiar face on regular visits. But Goldberg,felt he could do more.

“I’ve had “a lucky life,” he says and hewanted to do something special for all theelderly residents So he set up the clubsand travels to Landow several times amonth with art materials and knittingequipment in tow. Both he and the partici-pants look forward to spending timetogether, painting carpenter hats, design-ing beaded jewelry, or knitting capes. ■

Ring House

Pearl Tubiash in 2008, and as a 1942 member ofthe Women’s Army Band at Fort Hamilton, NY,where she played the French horn.

Page 6 | September 2008 www.smithlifecommunities.org LifeTimes

LifeLines

In Our Mailbox

Dear Gale,

I am writing to thank the Hebrew Home of Greater

Washington for the superior care received by my mother, Harriet

Arenstein, over the last seven years. Even her death was handled

with compassion and kindness.

Harriet was basically alone in the Smith-Kogod building since

the death of my father, Mortimer Arenstein, who shared a room

with her for a short time until his death in August, 2002. I visited

her as much as I could but your staff made her feel like she had

a home. They handled her every need without a complaint.

In fact, they took care of Harriet like she was their mother. I

will be forever grateful to Allyson, Ben, Rugee, Katie, Isabelle and

so many, many other men and women on 3 South who took care

of her as she descended into advanced stages of Parkinson's

Disease.

I have called the staff nurses, doctors and assistants "angels"

and "saints." They all deserve commendations for their dedicated

service. I am in awe of their patience and ability to keep my

mother comfortable in the final years of her life.

Thank you again from all the members of Harriet's family.

Sincerely yours,

Howard Arenstein

A charitable bequest, especially to the Hebrew Home,allows you to make a gift you may not have considered mak-ing during your lifetime. The person you appoint to executeyour last wishes, your executor, chooses which assets in yourestate to use for the various gifts you make. There is, however,an asset over which your executor may have minimal control.

IRA or retirement plan assets are transferred according toyour beneficiary designation; these assets cannot be used byyour executor to fulfill any bequests. Spouses and/or childrenare most commonly named as beneficiaries. But what willyour heirs actually receive from your IRA or retirement plan?

IRAs and retirement plans enjoy the benefit of growing formany years without income tax considerations. That benefitends the moment a dollar needs to be paid out to a person.Federal and state income taxes reduce the amount the recipi-ent can keep by 20-40%, depending on their tax bracket. Ifyour estate is large enough that estate taxes are also due, thevalue of a $100,000 gift to your children could be worth as littleas $30,000. A gift of a dollar may actually be worth only 30cents to your heir!

Alternatively, you can give CDs, stocks, or real estate inyour estate to your friends or family members without theincome tax associated with IRAs. Even better, regardless ofwhat you paid for the asset, the value on the date of death isthe same value at which your heirs receive it. This way, a giftof a dollar is actually worth a dollar to your heir.

If you want to make a charitable gift, consider designatinga charity, such as the Hebrew Home, as a beneficiary of yourIRA. That gift permanently escapes all income and estatetaxes. If you have the choice of making a charitable bequestfrom your IRA or through your will, your heirs may be betteroff financially if your IRA goes to charity and the bequests toyour heirs are satisfied by your executor through your will.And if you name the Hebrew Home as a beneficiary, you willhave the great satisfaction of knowing that your gift will allowus to provide many seniors with the care they need. Your giftof a dollar is actually worth far more than a dollar!

If you would like to find out whether this idea might work for you, please contact our Gift Planning professional,Julia Pitkin-Shantz, CFP® at 301.770.8342 or at pitkin-shantz@hebrew-home.org.

A Bequest…from your IRA?At the 2008 Volunteer DayLuncheon, students Andy Siegeland Orly Farber were singled out for their outstanding efforts to expand the Home’s successfulEthical Wills project, “Lessons of aLifeTime”TM. Standing, from left,Linda Cohen and Hedy Peyser ofthe Volunteer Department.

Emergency Broadcast monitorsplaced in strategic locations aroundthe Home are now in operation,thanks to a generous grant fromMontgomery County.

www.smithlifecommunities.org September 2008 | Page 7

Lace up those running shoes and join walkers and runners for the annual Home Run 10k/5k and fun run onSunday morning, September 28. Building on the success oflast year, we have changed the course to start and finish atFederal Plaza on East Jefferson Street. Also new this year is

the IPICO transponder timing system, the latest technology in tim-ing systems. Participants will be treated to a great finish-line party –enticing food, drinks, prizes and entertainment – and fabulousUnder Armour running shirts. This year we are delighted to haveHarvey Goodman, president of Goodman-Gable-Gould AdjustersInternational, and his wife Shari Goodman chairing this event.

As we have over the past few years, the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington will once again team up with JewishFoundation for Group Homes. Race proceeds benefit the residents of both of these organizations.

Online registration is available for individuals and teams atwww.hebrew-home.org. The early bird discount is available untilSeptember 8. Volunteers are needed on race day - please contactKhalid Walker, walker@hebrew-home.org ■

GuardianCampaign marks50th anniversary

For 50 years, the GuardianCampaign has helped provide a loving home for the elderly at theHebrew Home, regardless of theirfinancial status. Seniors and theirfamilies in our community count on the Hebrew Home to offer thehighest quality of medical care andlife-enriching services. We could notdo it without community support.

To help provide outstanding care and implement new initiatives, 2008 Guardian Campaign Chairs Steven Widdes and Rob Selzer and their committee of dedicated volunteersare committed to raising $1,300,000 for this year’s campaign.

As a thank you for gifts of $400 or more to the GuardianCampaign, donors will receive two tickets to the 55th annualStarlight Ball on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at the RitzCarlton in Washington, DC. Join Ball Chairs Marla Garchikand Margie Halem for an unforgettable evening of dinner anddancing, including a spectacular auction chaired by LissaLevin.

At this year’s Ball, we will honor Vivian Pollock with theGuardian Leadership Award for her exceptional commitmentto the Hebrew Home, Charles E. Smith Life Communities andthe Guardian Campaign.

Tribute ads in honor of Vivian Pollock will be included inthis year’s ball program. To make a gift to the GuardianCampaign, to reserve your spot at the ball, or for tribute infor-mation, go to www.hebrew-home.org or call 301.770.8329. ■

Register Today for ’08 Home Run

President’s Circle Dinner – Tuesday, November 11, 2008EventMakers

Vivian Pollock will be honoredat the Starlight Ball Dec. 13with the 2008 GuardianLeadership Award.

This year, the Home Run race begins and ends at Federal Plaza, next to Panera Bread.

Discover the next Lichtenstein,Rauschenberg or Warhol. Experience “Soho onthe Potomac” at one of the area's newest avantgarde galleries, Artery 717 in Alexandria.Enjoy dinner and an evening of jazz as youbrowse through the latest in pop surrealist art.

This event, generously hosted by Marla and Steve Garchik, is a special thank you forBenefactor and President’s Circle donors to the2008 Guardian Campaign and to Major Gift donors.

For information about this event, please contact Lisa Friedmanat 301.770.8328 or friedman@hebrew-home.org. ■

2008 Golf InvitationalFore! Join Chairs Marc Schlesinger and Michael Meyer for

the annual Charles E. Smith Life Communities Golf Invitational.New location and new day! The event will be held on Monday,September 22 at Lakewood Country Club. We’ve added some funcontests to an already action-packed day! Register online atwww.hebrew-home.org. ■

Art

ist:

Ted

Klim

an

Page 8 | September 2008 www.smithlifecommunities.org LifeTimes

How toReach Us

LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of GreaterWashington, Inc. The Hebrew Home is registered in Maryland as a charitable organization. Documents and information filed underthe Maryland Charitable Solicitation Act may be obtained from the Maryland Secretary of State, 410.974.5534. We are an equalopportunity employer and we provide access to community programs without regard to race, age, national origin, familial status, religion, sex or disability. Our services and programs areopen to all in the community.

Hanita Schreiber, ChairWarren R. Slavin, President/CEOMarilyn Feldman, EditorNicholas Simmonds, Vice President,

Development and Public Affairs

© 2008 by The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852-4856301.881.0300

CampusCalendar

NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit #2913Rockville, MD

20850

Support the Hebrew Home through your gift to United Way ■■✓Check 8111 or CFC ■■✓ 49705.

■ Revitz House301.881.7400www.revitzhouse.org

■ Ring House301.816.5012www.ringhouse.org

■ Volunteer Programs301.770.8333

■ Hebrew Home301.770.8476www.hebrew-home.org

■ Hirsh Health Center301.816.5004

■ Landow House301.816.5060www.landowhouse.org

www.smithlifecommunities.org

Special EventsEvery Monday “Learn with Rabbi Scolnic,” 12:30–1:30 p.m. in theRing House social hall, with Rabbi Samuel Scolnic,Rabbi Emeritus of Beth El Synagogue. Treat yourselfto lunch at the Ring House snack bar prior to theprogram and to thought-provoking discussions.Parking available across the street at Panera.

First Sunday of every month Jewish War Veterans Post 692 now meets at RingHouse, 10:30-noon, September through June. A small voluntary contribution covers the cost of refreshments. Contact Sheldon A. Goldberg, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Ret.), fitrg8tr@verizon.net or301.572.6168.

22 SeptemberGolf Invitational at Lakewood Country Club benefits the Hebrew Home. Register online atwww.hebrew-home.org.

HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTONLANDOW HOUSE • RING HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE

HIRSH HEALTH CENTER • RESEARCH INSTITUTE ON AGING

6121 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852-4856

28 SeptemberHome Run 5k/10k/fun run, starts and finishes with agreat post-race celebration, all at Federal Plaza, to bene-fit the Home and Jewish Foundation for Group Homes.Sign up at www.hebrew-home.org or call 301.816.7715to register or volunteer. See page 7.

11 NovemberPresident’s Circle Dinner at Artery 717 in Alexandria, VA.Contact Lisa Friedman, 301.770.8328.

13 DecemberStarlight Ball, honoring Vivian Pollock, at the RitzCarlton, Washington. Register online at www.hebrew-home.org

Family Support GroupOur support group is open to caregivers in the commu-nity as well as Charles E. Smith Life Communities fami-lies. Join us on the second and fourth Friday of eachmonth, 1 – 2 p.m. in the Smith-Kogod Residence library.Call Kerri Zwolak at 301.770.8479 for information.

For more information about these upcoming events, visit www.hebrew-home.org, Events page.

We extend greetings for a new year filled with peaceand health to our residents, families and friends in the community. Rosh Hashanah 5769 begins on theevening of September 29. Rabbi Jim Michaels (seatedcenter) is pictured with Clinical Pastoral Programinterns Arlene Berger, Jon Dephouse, Geoff Doolittle and Chad Martin. The program provides training for the delivery of pastoral care in a healthcare setting.

L’shanah Tova 5769