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Rosh Hashanah 2017

ART APPRECIATION AND ENGAGEMENTThe specialist art programs at Emmy not only make art accessible to residents living with complex conditions, but are a platform to explore art as a resource for conversation.

The language of art can strengthen the thinking process and improve confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing. It fosters interaction and socialisation for participating residents and encourages the “normalisation” of their environment.

Our art program follows the ARTZ (Artists for Alzheimer’s) model, which aims to promote quality of life for all people, including those with dementia. It provides an intellectually stimulating environment in which seniors are actively engaged with other people and with artworks. The program is said to improve the wellbeing of participants and aligns with Person Centred Care and the Active Service Model in which a resident is at the centre of the program.

Through the direction of the Culture, Community and Wellbeing Department, staff and volunteers are able to access a variety of advanced art programs to add meaning and purpose to resident’s lives. Referencing the principles of Montessori, tasks are broken into steps, starting simply and getting more complex, and programs conclude with the residents giving feedback and being monitored for flow on positive effects, including increased confidence.

A new initiative has been designed by resident Art Therapists, Sara Gordon and Caryn Griffin, to produce a collaborative art project. Residents are creating small sections of a Chagall-inspired painting that will be joined together to form a complete artwork that will be displayed for the High Holidays. Meeting weekly to engage and motivate residents, their aim is to create a space where residents can relax, and provide a sense of empowerment.

Under the guidance of Emmy Program Educator Juanita Bekinschtein, art interpretation sessions at the National Gallery of Victoria as part of the Art Down Memory Lane program have strengthened. Our residents have shared some very passionate critiques when discussing the paintings at Emmy and also thoroughly enjoyed being actively engaged in the gallery environment. Owing to the close partnership between Emmy and the National Gallery of Victoria we are able to visit on a regular basis with small groups of residents, and special events.

In late May, a group of residents from Gandel House visited the NGV to view the Winter Masterpieces exhibition, “Van Gogh and The Seasons”. This was an enormous logistical task to ensure the movements through the crowds were seamless and well

supported by professional NGV staff. This exhibition was divided into four seasons starting with winter. As our group moved through the seasons, discussions focussed on the change of colour in the works. As Van Gogh’s health improved with the weather, his colours became more vibrant and our residents remarked on the different symbols, emotions, themes and of course palettes.

“The impact of the Van Gogh exhibition on the group was incredibly enriching, it was a feelings shaker, a game changer, it went beyond our residents and gave an insight of their families, just magic!” said coordinator Juanita Bekinschtein. The dedication of NGV staff to support and encourage the objectives of the Emmy Monash Arts program is outstanding.

Emmy residents benefit enormously from such gallery experiences. A new bond is being forged by Emmy Monash with the renowned Heide Museum of Modern Art in Bulleen to further increase our scope for different interests of seniors in our care. The value added for residents to travel to new destinations, share interests, value the experience and reflect on the sessions is priceless and a feature of the expanding Emmy Arts program.

Esther Wise with Juanita Bekinschtein at the Ian Potter Centre, NGV, Federation Square. Chagall-inspired painting by Emmy residents.

Emmy residents at the NGV.

September 2017

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Yes, we are almost there, a few more sleeps and Stage Two of our building program to refurbish the Dandenong Road facilities will be proudly ready for occupancy.

The last three years has seen the transformation of Emmy Monash. Stage One saw the development of Gandel House, and the successful upgrade of Dandenong Road facilities is Stage Two of building works. This has been a massive undertaking requiring strategic planning and delivery of services of the highest calibre.

I am extremely proud of what has been achieved in a relatively short time span. At Emmy Monash we have redefined residential aged care facilities and services for Jewish Melbourne. From late October with the extensive upgrade and relocation of Bierman Smorgon within Dandenong Road facilities, we will operate 150 residential rooms for the increased needs of our community and 19 modern fully appointed apartments.

Our refurbished independent living apartments, EMA, will continue to offer alternative accommodation for seniors who are able to continue their style of life but prefer some support mechanisms and sense of community life. We are delighted with the style and ambience of the completed EMA apartments and believe they complement the newly designed residential care options perfectly.

This has been quite a challenge whilst fully operating at both facilities. I sincerely thank residents, their families, staff and volunteers for their patience and understanding whilst we have undertaken this journey of renewal. Operationally we have proudly delivered excellent services throughout this building program and ensured the needs of every resident remained our core focus.

The Emmy Monash Team continues to shine, offering compassion, professionalism and support to our residents. Our care options, staff, innovation, sense of community, volunteers and supporters cohesively offer a positive environment for seniors to live meaningful lives. We are extremely fortunate to have such a motivated and

dedicated team of professionals working in true partnership with our families.

I was delighted with the response of families nominating a record number of staff for Excellence and Mensch Awards recently. The Staff Recognition Dinner held on August 16 in the Zelwer Function Room was outstanding, celebrating the achievements of all our staff and presenting key awards. Guest speaker, Leanne Faraday-Brash linked our core values in a relevant and humorous manner which resonated throughout the diverse staff cohort.

The repositioning of our Culture, Community and Wellbeing Department this year offers advancement in our lifestyle programs with interest, depth and relevance for our residents. Inter- generational programs are expanding; connections with Melbourne Recital Centre and National Gallery of Victoria are strengthening and new relationships being created with speakers and leading organisations. Find out more about the Twelve program; Eat Up; and NGV and Heide Gallery connections in this edition.

On Rosh Hashanah we warmly welcome the new year with our residents and families as we embark on a new era in our Dandenong Road facilities with excitement, vision and happiness. The Board and Management have created a truly first class facility for all members of our community to benefit. This new year will be one of consolidation, stability and refinement as we adapt to our beautiful new surrounds.

At this special time we reflect on the past year and look forward with hope and pride for the coming year. As an organisation, we will focus on what really counts – dignity, respect, family, community, and traditions, whilst enjoying our new surrounds. I wish all our friends a healthy, happy, sweet and peaceful new year. Shana Tova to all our Emmy Family.

Tanya Abramzon, CEO

EAT UP COMMUNITY OUTREACHIn the lead up to Shavuot, we had a wonderful visit from Eat Up.

With the help and lunch-making skills of a dedicated army of volunteers, that now includes our Emmy Monash residents, Eat Up makes and delivers thousands of lunches a month to schools in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Many young Australian students go to school each day without any lunch, which compromises their concentration and learning. Our residents reminisced about kids going to school hungry during their school days – and could relate to the work in this way.

The residents made a change for good by making almost 400 sandwiches (including Vegemite and cheese) that were delivered to schools that day to ensure hungry school kids were fed at lunchtime. From spreading to wrapping and labelling the sandwiches, it was wonderful to see our residents (including those who don’t often participate in programs) happily engaged in every aspect of the volunteer work.

One of our residents said, “it was absolutely phenomenal to know the sandwiches I made were delivered straight to students. In England, where I grew up, everyone was given lunch so no one went hungry. Making the sandwiches gave me a feeling of great delight. I loved being involved. Being counted as a volunteer is important to me because I don’t want to feel like a has-been or a relic.”

Our residents contributed to the wider community in a meaningful and tangible way and those who participated gained so much from the visit that they asked Eat Up to come back again soon. At Emmy Monash, community involvement and social inclusion are a key value we encourage for the benefit of both our residents and members of varied organisations across Melbourne.

Tory Kraus, Volunteer Coordinator with Raya Pogos.

Joe Krampel, Leanne Faraday-Brash and Tanya Abramzon at Staff Recognition Dinner.

Rosh Hashanah 2017

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6O SECONDS WITH ZVI CIVINSVOLUNTEER EDUCATOR AND LECTURER

Can you tell us a little bit about your interest in formal and informal education and how long you have been a teacher? Teaching is my life and passion. I have been a teacher since 1972 when I had a placement in a grade two class at a local public school as part of my Bachelor in Psychology at University in New York. I was then inspired to complete a Master of Teaching at the University of New Hampshire, where I taught in primary schools, as well as Hebrew and Sunday schools at synagogues around New Jersey, close to where I grew up in the Jersey Shore. I also lived and taught in Jerusalem after completing an Ulpan course, which is where I subsequently met my Australian wife Marian.

When did you move to Australia and what did you do once you arrived? I moved to Australia in 1985, a few years after Marian and I were married. We were living in Israel together. In Melbourne, I continued my teaching career. I started teaching Jewish Studies at The King David School, where I later became Principal. I then taught Jewish Studies at Bialik College from 1996 to 2007, teaching Years 5 to VCE, and soon became their Head of Jewish Studies.

When did you become involved in informal adult education? From 2008 to 2013 I was the Director of Education at the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Elsternwick, which genuinely taught me so much. I also taught at the Florence Melton Adult Mini School, continue to teach as a volunteer at my synagogue, Kehilat Nitzan, and am now at Emmy.

What inspires you about teaching? Regardless of the age of the student, I love the challenge of finding ways to make a topic interesting, relevant and meaningful to my students. I derive great satisfaction from seeing a student understand or perceive a topic in a different way, learn new skills and develop an interest in a subject that hadn’t been there before. Teaching also enables me to be creative. It’s like being a jazz musician who has a tune or melody to play, but who also puts a personal ‘spin’ on the notes and improvises. Similarly, any given topic can also inspire students and teachers to stretch their minds in unexpected directions, to spontaneously bring into class new or unusual ideas, and be open to new possibilities.

What are some of the most interesting places you have travelled? Now that I am retired, my wife Marian and I travel extensively and love photographing the sites we visit. We have walked the Kokoda Track (twice!), and were most recently in Patagonia and Antarctica, which were both breathtaking. On Anzac Day, I gave a presentation about my adventures on the Kokoda trail to the Emmy residents, who were really engaged with the topic.

What are some of your favourite interests and recreational activities outside of teaching? When not travelling, I love woodturning, a craft I am just beginning to learn, baking, gardening and keeping fit at the gym. My wife and I are often out walking our dog Poogy and I keep very busy with our two children and three grandkids, who are all Melbourne-based.

What have you found particularly rewarding about teaching our residents at Emmy Monash? Teaching at Emmy Monash is extremely rewarding. I am in awe of my students’ life experience, wisdom and knowledge, and learn so much from them. They are keenly interested in learning new things, are role models for me and have also quickly become my friends. I genuinely treasure my weekly encounter with the Emmy residents and love hearing everyone’s stories while sharing a few of my own.

Volunteer Educator and Lecturer, Zvi Civins with residents.

September 2017

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Melbourne Recital Centre perform at Emmy Monash.

Gemma and Mia Milner with their mum, Sharon Projekt.

Tanya Abramzon, Joe Krampel and Cr Mary Delahunty, Mayor Glen Eira.

Carmel Tofler, Myra Lewis, Natalie Payes and Margot Birnbaum enjoying Mother’s Day entertainment.

David Krycer and Freydi Mrocki, Klezmania at Emmy for Mother’s Day.

Volunteer Award winners, Joseph Rewinson, Gerda Bandman, Hadassa Berkowicz and Rosemary Korngold with Maureen Shulsinger and Tory Kraus.

emMYworldListening. Responding. Respecting. Traditions. Jewish Life. Family Values. Compassion. Partnerships. Positive Ageing at Emmy.

Joan Warman and student at Twelve Program.

Ron and Lee Felder.

Rosh Hashanah 2017

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Emmy Monash staff at Awards evening.

Years of Service Awards.

Excellence and Mensch Award Recipients: L to R Debbie Jacobs, Caroline Chamisa, Shelley Katz, Romulo Cruz, Cheryl Ligayo-Garzia and Michelle Domingo.

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2O16 Builders mobilise site, create access links and signage processElectrical and connectivity works commence

JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2O17 Demolition works to create new design elementsElectrical, WIFI works ongoingInternal and external works

MARCH–MAY 2O17Construction on Ground Floor and Level One residential rooms Construction of new dining and lounge areasRefurbishment of EMA apartments Level One

JUNE–JULY 2O17 Construction of Staff Precinct in Lower Ground Completion of EMA apartment upgrade Level OneClosure of Front Entrance to complete Ground Floor prioritiesCommencement of landscaping works and paintingConstruction of front foyer, café and gym commences

AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2O17Completion of all upgraded residential roomsCompletion of EMA apartments Level TwoCompletion of all upgraded community facilitiesCompletion of interior and exterior finishesDelivery of new furnitureIn-service of staff and operational assessments

OCTOBER 2O17Access family days to new residential roomsStaff and Family ToursEmmy Community ToursRelocation Day – on schedule

REFURBISHMENT UPGRADE TIMELINE TO OCCUPYING NEW FACILITIES

Redesigned interior, Dandenong Road facility.

EMA upgrade in progress.

Completed EMA interior.

STAFF RECOGNITION AWARDS 2O17Employee of Excellence Award Winners (19 nominations)Debbie Jacobs, Events CoordinatorCaroline Chamisa, RNMichelle Domingo, PCA

Mensch Award NominationsJudy FetterBelinda GreenAnnette SpicerShirley JacobsEliza AgpoonHelen BuitragoDesta EdeeSaina MafuCarol McDonald-YorkMylene RayoInna Snetkova

Mensch Award WinnersShelley Katz, Social CounsellorRomulo Cruz, PCACheryl Ligayo-Garzia, Team Leader

September 2017

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PROUD CENTENARIAN ALAN BOGATINMr Alan Bogatin often has a twinkle in his eye. He is seated comfortably in the ground floor lounge of Emmy Monash Gandel House, surrounded by fellow residents.

They are laughing and smiling together. Having just recently celebrated his 100th birthday on the 28th May with over 160 guests at Gandel House, he is in no rush to lose his witty sense of humour and understated humility.

Alan became a resident of Emmy Monash just two years ago. He previously lived independently in his house in Kew, a suburb that had been his home for many decades. A passionate Carlton supporter and overall lover of sports, he has two children, David and Len, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Born in 1917 in Baranovichi, Poland, now part of Belarus, Alan migrated to Australia in 1939, right before the Nazis took over his predominantly Jewish hometown which was subsequently established as a Ghetto. He explains: “The Russians warned me and my family about the Nazis, and my father realised it was time to leave. We were lucky to get out in time.”

He arrived in Australia a free man, at the age of 21, together with his younger sister and both his parents. Like many Jews who arrived at that time, he lived in Carlton,

where he soon caught on to Australia’s passion for sport and himself became an avid Blues supporter.

When he arrived in Australia, he joined the Labour Corp in Albury Wodonga. Although a division of the Australian army, the unit themselves were not allowed to carry firearms. They worked on the trains, loading and unloading military supplies including food and armaments. They camped by the border of New South Wales and Victoria to transfer goods between trains with differing rail gauges, an important if not forgotten role, while World War II raged on.

Alan met his wife Esther, also from Baranovichi, through a set-up arranged by their parents who knew each other from their hometown. They quickly got married, settling in the leafy suburb of Kew, and had two sons. Alan and Esther became known in the growing community, and soon became heavily involved in the establishment of the Kew Hebrew Congregation, where Alan is their oldest living member.

After several years of marriage, Alan decided to buy and work at a timber mill in Colac.

He had been involved with Hashomer Hatzair when he lived in Europe and had developed a passion for Kibbutzim and agriculture. He owned the mill for over 16 years, returning home on weekends to spend quality time with his family.

“I used to walk into the local Colac pub and the Aussie community was very warm and welcoming”, Alan enthuses, “I even joined the local football team.”

Weekends were strictly family time. His wife Esther was an exceptionally good cook and their home was a constant bustling hub of get-togethers with family and friends, a testament to the values he passed on to his two children who are very heavily involved in Melbourne’s Jewish community.

When his wife sadly passed away in 1997, Alan continued to live in their family home in Kew. He stayed there until the age of 98, surrounded by a community of neighbours that always looked out for him.

Alan’s love of sport was passed down to his son Len, who has been actively involved in Maccabi for over 50 years. In 2016 Len received the prestigious OAM. “My dad is a genuinely deep thinker and always encouraged humility and to keep a level head. He will always be my hero and role model in life and is the true patriarch of our family.”

Alan Bogatin celebrating his 100th Birthday at Emmy. Queen’s Message.

Len Bogatin and Family.

David Bogatin and Family.

Rosh Hashanah 2017

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3O SECONDS WITH CHERYL LIGAYO-GARZIAGANDEL HOUSE TEAM LEADER, ENDORSED ENROLLED NURSE

How long have you worked at Emmy Monash? I commenced working at Emmy Monash, Gandel House in October 2016, so I am relatively new to the organisation.

Outline your professional background I graduated from university and worked as a physiotherapist in the Philippines for five years. I was determined to seek out new opportunities in a different country, and therefore emigrated to Australia in 2010 with my son. After retraining to become a qualified nurse I soon found myself working in an aged care facility where I was employed for five years, before joining the Emmy team.

Do you feel a valued part of the Clinical Care Team? I feel that all the nurses are highly respected at Emmy Monash. My approach and methods are valued, and all staff share their knowledge. Professional mentoring and development are a high priority, and senior staff are approachable and supportive.

What do you identify as strengths of Emmy Monash? Emmy feels like a real community. There is a very supportive, family atmosphere across the whole organisation. Staff are true partners of the residents and their families. We aim to work together, with the best interests of our residents at heart. I feel that this partnership is based on trust.

How do you wish to contribute to the Emmy family over the next year? I have always felt a calling to make a difference in older people’s lives. I like to be very organised – I want things to run efficiently and effectively. I pride myself on being approachable. I am responsive and empathetic to resident’s needs. I also enjoy the benefits of continuity in staff and believe I can build a strong rapport with the residents in my care.

How do you enjoy your recreational time? I love to sing! For many years I sang in my church choir, and have always enjoyed karaoke competitions. I find music very relaxing and have happily noticed that music features heavily on the Emmy Monash calendar.

A VISIT FROM THE GIRLS IN THE TWELVE PROGRAMEmmy Monash recently welcomed a group of about 30 girls from the Twelve program. Together with our residents, they volunteered to bake cakes for Pekalach, a charitable organisation that offers support to Jewish families in crisis, including the provision of food.

The girls (and their mums) worked side by side with our residents, preparing delicious cakes, and later served them for afternoon tea. This was the first visit, as part of what we know will be a wonderful, ongoing relationship.

The Twelve and Thirteen programs are a new, year long, secular/non-denominational bar and bat-mitzvah program where students experience a monthly hands-on, inter-generational volunteering program. Accompanied by a parent, these students volunteer at a variety of organisations – now including Emmy.

It meant a lot to our residents (who have been active volunteers in their lives), to connect with the students and give of themselves in a meaningful way. It was especially nice to have the visit on the weekend, and have our home so full of inter-generational volunteers, busily working and chatting together, and learning from each other. The smells of apple and cinnamon permeated the building and the results of their joint efforts were very proudly admired. The residents also very much enjoyed having ‘young faces’ at afternoon tea in the lounges.

Emmy Monash was especially delighted to be able to support Pekalach and the important work they do.

When reflecting on the visit the residents said:

“It was fun and wonderful.”

“I had a delightful girl who was efficient and terrific. I enjoyed the afternoon thoroughly. It felt good to know the cakes were being given to Jewish families.”

“I liked the fact that there were three of us sharing experiences together. It was terrific teamwork which made it fun. We made our own decisions together which gave us a sense of being responsible and independent.”

Malka Orbach with Twelve program participant.

Gandel House Team Leader, Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, Cheryl Ligayo-Garzia with Natalie Payes.

THE EMMY FAMILY WISHES YOU

Shana TovaA HEALTHY & PEACEFUL YEAR

WWW.EMMYMONASH.ASN.AU

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September 2017

Front Row: L to R Jordan Rybalov, Jafe Rybalov, Margaret and Ron Gelberg. 2nd Row: L to R Boris Gelberg, Michal and Alex Rybalov, Sherrie and Simon Krampel.

L to R: Natalie Greenberg, Graham and Michele Lasky, Wayne and Tamara Lasky.

Susan and Gary Hearst.

CELEBRATE WITH EMMY Emmy Monash proudly recognises the dedicated support of Margaret Gelberg, Susan Hearst and Michele Lasky who kindly requested gifts to Emmy Monash in honour of their special birthdays.

Linking your Simcha to benefit the Emmy community is a wonderful way to share your celebration in a meaningful way. Gifts to Emmy Monash directly assist us to deliver innovative care and interest based programs for our community. Stylised cards, certificates or personalised dedications on our Trees of Life can be individually organised with you. To discuss your requirements please contact Development at Emmy on 03 8508 9300.

Tree of Life in Emmy Monash Gandel House.

Title:

First Name:

Surname:

Address:

Postcode:

Day Phone:

I/we would like to make a donation of $

Please find a cheque attached (made payable to Emmy Monash Aged Care)

Or, please debit my credit card: VISA Mastercard

Name on Card:

Expiry: /

Signature:

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Mail to: Emmy Monash Aged Care, 518–526 Dandenong Road, Caulfield North VIC 3161

Donations can be made securely online via our website www.emmymonash.asn.au

Yes, I would like to support Emmy Monash Aged Care

ETSEP17