Treasures of Baycrest 2011 Brochure

�TREASURESofBaycrest

2011

Joseph GottdenkerI was born Jewish in Poland in 1942 and survived the war because of a righteous Catholic family whoraised me as their own child. Miraculously, after the war I was reunited with my parents, Bina and Bendet Gottdenker, and we immigrated to the U.S. in 1948 and moved to Toronto in 1958. Being the onlychild of Holocaust survivors, and a survivor myself, has been a fundamental force in my life. So when I discovered how well Baycrest served the unique needs of survivors and their families, I couldn’t help but get involved.

In addition to establishing an endowment fund in honour of my parents to support Baycrest’s annual Yom Hashoah memorial service, I was pleased to sponsor, “Caring for Aging Survivors of the Holocaust,” a first-of-its-kind resource book designed to ensure elderly survivors, all over the world,are cared for with the utmost sensitivity and respect.

After joining and later co-chairing the Baycrest Foundation’s Endowment Committee in 1984, I becameTreasurer of the Foundation Board, and then Chair of the Donor Recognition Committee.

When my mother lived at Baycrest after my father passed away, I saw firsthand the exceptional way inwhich Baycrest cares for its clients, especially survivors with cognitive disorders whose long-termmemories of the war can often be agonizing.

This experience motivated me to pay tribute to the many individuals who have played a part in making Baycrest the special place it is, by sponsoring Treasures of Baycrest, an exhibit first conceived by Pinchas Gutter and the recognition committee.

My belief in Baycrest and my desire to help secure its future also led me to support the Gottdenker Hall of Honour – a new approach to recognition

that is building momentum in giving – which opened in 2011.

It is extremely meaningful for me to give back in this way and to help Baycrest achieve its ambition to be the global leader in aging and brain health.

The Treasures of Baycrest exhibit has been generously donated by Joseph Gottdenker.

�Treasures of BaycrestAt the turn of the 20th century, Toronto’s Jewish community was rapidly building a strong infrastructureto accommodate the needs of its growing population. The welfare of one of its most vulnerable segments – the frail elderly – was a primary concern.

In 1918, the volunteers of the Ezras Nashim Society collected money door-to-door to open Baycrest’s forerunner, the Toronto Jewish Old Folks Home, on CecilStreet. Over 30 years later, community leaders purchaseda 25-acre tract of land at Bathurst Street and BaycrestAvenue where the new Jewish Home for the Aged andBaycrest Hospital opened in 1954. It was the first time inOntario that a chronic care hospital and a home for theaged were housed in the same facility.

From its humble beginnings, Baycrest has developed intoone of the world’s premier academic health sciences centres focused on aging and brain health. Baycrest nowcomprises: a comprehensive system of care for aging patients; one of the world’s top research institutes incognitive neuroscience; dedicated centres focused on mitigating the impact of age-related illness and impairment; and, unmatched global knowledge exchangeand commercialization capacity.

Thanks to a leadership gift from longtime supporterJoseph Gottdenker, the Treasures of Baycrest exhibit honours and tells the stories of the exceptional men andwomen – donors, volunteers, staff, friends and clients –who have contributed to Baycrest’s transformation. Located on the main floor of Baycrest Hospital in the Silverman Garden Court, the exhibit is updated regularlyto pay tribute to the hundreds of individuals deserving of this honour.

A message fromWilliam E. ReichmanPresident and Chief Executive Officer, Baycrest

The remarkable men and womenimmortalized on these pages,and in the beautiful exhibit in theSilverman Garden Court, truly are“treasures” of Baycrest. Each andevery one, in his or her own special and unique way, hasmade a lasting contribution to Baycrest’s extraordinary evolution into a renowned globalleader in aging and brain health.

The 2011 Baycrest Treasures are representative of the manyexceptional professionals, generous benefactors, visionaryleaders, valued volunteers, and influential friends who havemade Baycrest what it is today, and laid the groundwork forwhat it can be tomorrow.

It is due to their skills, talents, generosity and compassionthat Baycrest is ready to embark on a quest to develop nextpractices and new approaches to care that will define the future for healthy aging, and benefit seniors around theworld for generations to come.

On behalf of Baycrest, I would like to express my sinceregratitude to these individuals for all they have done, andcontinue to do, for this organization. Their stories are Baycrest’s story.

Slova Greenberg and the Women of the Ezras Nashim Society

The Jewish community of early 20th century Toronto was burgeoning with new arrivalsfrom Eastern Europe and the few social services available to them were mainly organizedby the women.

One such remarkable woman was Slova Greenberg who, in 1913, helped found the Ezras Nashim Societyto visit the sick. As part of her duties, Greenberg visited 90-year-old Pearl Fieman who lived in a city home

but was not thriving due to the lack of kosher meals. In the waves of new immigrants, there were many elderly peoplelike her who did not have family to look after them.

Moved by their plight, the Ezras Nashim raised enough money going door-to-door to open the Toronto Jewish Old FolksHome (forerunner of Baycrest) in 1918. It was the first ethnically distinct home of its kind in Ontario. Fieman moved in andlived to be 100. Today, Baycrest continues to draw inspiration from these remarkable women and its Jewish heritage.

Sam Ruth1921 - 2006

Baycrest is a lasting legacy to the ideals, vision and compassion of the late Sam Ruthwho served as Chief Executive Officer from 1956 to 1980, and was then FoundingPresident of the Baycrest Foundation until 1988. He attempted to retire severaltimes but stayed on as a consultant until 2001. Even after he officially retired, Sam

stayed involved.

Of all his contributions to Baycrest, Sam was most proud of the part he played in developingits unique “continuum of care,” which provides a full range of services to the elderly on onecampus. Baycrest became a model for long-term care centres around the world and Sam

was called on to provide his expertise to governments, ethnic communities and health care agencies.

At the time Sam was enticed to Toronto from his position as a hospital administrator in Cleveland, Ohio, Baycrest was ahome for the aged and chronic care hospital with 172 residents and 87 patients. During his tenure, Baycrest opened a day centre for seniors, a new 372-bed home for the aged, and a seniors’ apartment building and community centre. As Foundation President, he spearheaded the capital campaign for the new 300-bed Baycrest Hospital. His focus was always on how he could help others, and how Baycrest could do it better.

Honourary Treasures

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2 TREASURES OF BAYCREST 2011

Elkie Adler1945 - 2005

Elkie Adler would have been thrilled and proud to seethe Elkie Adler MS Clinic thrive and flourish at Baycrest.Elkie, who passed away in 2005, was stricken withmultiple sclerosis at a young age and suffered from

the disease for many years. As a long-standing Baycrestsupporter and Women’s Auxiliary member, she dreamed ofseeing an MS clinic open on the Baycrest campus.

“Elkie was a vital, courageous and generous individual who suffered quietly but was neverdefined by multiple sclerosis,” says Pearl Gryfe, Clinical Director of Baycrest’sElkie Adler MS Clinic, who worked closely with Elkie for many years. “She always strivedto ensure that living with a disability did not mean being isolated or deterred from experiencing life to the fullest and she wanted that vision to be reflected in everythingshe did.”

In 2000, Elkie funded a unique pilot program through the Assistive Technology Clinic at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre designed to provide technical innovations to people with MS. The small pilot program soon grew into an innovative multidisciplinary medical, rehabilitation and technology program.

To ensure Elkie’s vision would live on, her family made a major gift to Baycrest in her honour, and in 2007 the Elkie Adler MS Clinic moved to Baycrest. The clinic continues to grow and develop groundbreaking, evidence-based practices and is the only one of its kind in Canada.

“Elkie always wanted others with MS to have a better quality of life,” says her brother, Warren Kimel, Chair of the Baycrest Foundation Board of Directors. “She was a giving personwho was dearly loved by her family and admired by all those who knew her.” The Elkie AdlerMS Clinic at Baycrest is a fitting tribute and ensures that her legacy lives on.

2011 TreasuresMarshall & Barbara Alexander

People say it’s not easy to keep up with us and we like to provethem right! Between the two of us, there’s energy to spareand we share our love of life with Baycrest clients everychance we get. Whenever, wherever there’s a need, we’re

there. We ask, “What date?” not, “What’s the job?”

Our Baycrest volunteer story began over a decade ago. Barbaraworked at the Apotex Centre’s reception desk and Marshall did

filing for the Baycrest Foundation. Then, when Marshall’s friendsuffered a stroke, we were introduced to Baycrest’s pooltherapy program. We had stopped wintering in Florida atthat time and were looking for a meaningful replacement.Our motto is: you can’t just live a life, you need to becomeinvolved. So we did.

Twice a week, we get into the hospital therapy pool withpatients, helping them with their exercises. We love working with people, laughing with them and making aconnection with them. That goes for patients as well as the

people who attend Foundation events. We help out whereverwe’re needed, but our main love is the Strokes Fore StrokeGolf Classic. For us, it’s never a job; it’s a joy.

We’ve been married 60 years and feel lucky to be sharing ourpassion for volunteerism together, especially at Baycrest. Weknow that everyone is getting older, but no one has to be old.Volunteering at Baycrest and seeing what others face givesperspective to our aches and pains. We often joke that we’dpay Baycrest to do this!

The main rewards in our life are our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandson, and Baycrest is the icing on the cake!

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2011 TREASURES OF BAYCREST 3 �

Ronald R. Appleby, Q.C.

Ialways knew Baycrest would play a role in my community lifewhen the time was right. I had strong family connections toBaycrest, with relatives either volunteering there or beingcared for, and it was my ultimate desire to give something

back. In 2004, at the urging of my good friends, Wilfred Poslunsand Mark Gryfe, I joined the Baycrest Foundation Board ofDirectors and soon after, served as Chair from 2006 to 2009.Through my involvement, I spent a lot of time with residents

and saw what the “golden years” could be.

In my role as Board Chair, I wanted to ensure Baycrest had the funding required to implement programs and services that would help transform the journey of aging. Most peoplesee the negative aspects of aging, as family andfriends confront stroke, dementia and disability.I wanted to understand the whole journey and explore what could make growing oldermeaningful, hopeful and fulfilling. I think itshould be worry free, focused on family, community and good deeds with time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future.

Baycrest benefits all humanity and its potential for improving delivery of care to seniors is unlimited. Guided by the clear vision of Dr. Bill Reichman, President and CEO of Baycrest, I see Baycrest furthering its global leadership in brain science and geriatric care, as well as educating people about the critical issues affecting the elderly.

In any community involvement, a person wants to do their best but, for me, I want each volunteer experience to be satisfying and meaningful. My years with Baycrest lived up to that and the future looks very exciting.

Karen Baruch

My involvement with Baycrest began in 1993 with an invitation “for coffee” from myfriend, Mimi Greenspoon. She asked if I would be willing to help her with the BaycrestSpring Sale, a new fundraising event being launched by the Women’s Auxiliary (WA),and I accepted.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and as a result, joined the WA.This gave me the opportunity to meet many outstanding womenwho taught me so much about community service and leadership.

Before long, Mimi called with another invitation “for coffee,”and soon I was sitting on the WA Board. In 2009, I was trulyhumbled to be elected as WA President and also to serve onthe Baycrest Foundation’s Board of Directors.

In 2010, I worked with our executive and with the Women ofBaycrest to join our two strong and vital groups into one larger organization that would change the face of women’s philanthropy and volunteerism. I am proud to say that the newWomen of Baycrest has already raised $2 million for women’sbrain health research at Baycrest.

Anyone who has ever been touched by Alzheimer’s disease understands the importance of supporting this research. I think back to 1992 when my own mother was diagnosed withthe condition, and our lives were turned upside down. As a family, we learned firsthand that Baycrest brings comfort tothose who can no longer remember, offers support to those who feel lost, educates families so they can continue living, and provides a home where dignity can be maintained and souls can be nourished.

I think my mother – once an ardent volunteer herself – would havebeen elated that I’m part of this great cooperative spirit which ismaking such a difference to others.

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Suzanne Benchimol

By profession, I am a designer and I think my volunteerassociation with Baycrest has been distinguished bytaking on projects that feed my artistic expression.Coupled with my passion for Baycrest, it opened the

door to a lot of creativity. In 2008, I worked with the MuseumCommittee to develop and install a wonderful exhibitcelebrating Sephardi culture. As a member of the Women’sAuxiliary from 1987 to 2010, I was actively involved in manyexciting projects, including events such as Tables ofDistinction, annual Spring Sales and Baycrest Galas; thefundraising Mezuzah project, where residents and studentspainted ceramic mezuzot for the new Apotex Centre; and, thedelivery of roses to residents and patients on Mother’s Day.

I believe I brought a personalenergy and zest to all of these,but what meant the most to mewas chairing the Welcome Reception for new residents. Itwas rewarding to reach out topeople whose families weren’table to attend, so no one wouldfeel lonely or left out.

Baycrest is one of the bestthings we have ever done as acommunity. It has made such asignificant change in the lives of our elderly and we

need to share that story. Everyone should be involved in helping someone, and we are obliged to instill that in our children. Personally, Baycrest has given me something extraordinary; each experience has enriched and enhanced my life. I hope that my involvement has enriched and enhanced life at Baycrest as well.

Matilda Bigio

Imay be 92, but I still have the same philosophy of life –stay active, keep learning and always give to others. Ispeak six languages and have been studying Hebrew sincehaving my Bat Mitzvah when I was 75. I was the oldest one in

my group, but it was something I always wanted to do.

I was born in Egypt. My parents were French. My husband, twochildren and I left everything and came to Canada 53 yearsago to start a new life. We left a lovely house and most of ourpossessions when things got bad for us in Egypt.

When I arrived in Canada, I got a job at a bank and workedthere for 32 years. My husband died, then my daughter at age 26, then my son at 42, so it is just me and my two grandchildren left in the family. But I couldn’t sit around and feel sorry for myself when I still had so much to do. I volunteered at Mount Sinai Hospital for many years, and then began to volunteer at Baycrest 20 years ago.

I visit with people on the Palliative Care Unit, help them eatand take them for walks. I also act as a translator. I have been through a lot of tragedy in my life and I want to showcompassion to people who need my help. I say a prayer forthem and it makes them so happy.

I also knit baby sweaters for new mothers at Holy Blossom Temple. I attach a note to each one thatreads: “With love from MatildaBigio.” I get thank you cards backfrom the mothers saying howmuch they love my sweaters. The volunteer work I do is reward

enough, but it’s nice tobe appreciated.

Lois Buckstein

Ihave always had a deep love for Judaica and a passion forJewish history and art. So, when Honey and NormanSchipper approached me to put together a MuseumCommittee at Baycrest more than 20 years ago, it felt like

a good fit. I am honoured to still serve as Committee Chairand I am grateful to all the members and Baycrest staff I haveworked with over the years, and to my loving husband andfamily for all their support.

What has grown into theMorris and Sally JusteinHeritage Museum began asa few special pieces of Jewish art donated by Dora Till, who also foundedthe Baycrest Women’s Auxiliary. Today, the collection showcases more than 1,000 items and is a source of greatpride for Baycrest and theentire community.

The mission of the museumis to stimulate memories and add to the quality of life of Baycrest clients, by helping them maintain a meaningful connection to their Jewish heritage. One exciting way we dothat is through our Museum on Wheels, a travelling collectionthat we regularly bring to residents who are unable to cometo us. For them, it’s a very hands-on experience, where theyare encouraged to touch the pieces we exhibit and talk about them.

The museum has introduced people who live, work, visit and volunteer at Baycrest to a whole new world. I believe theimportance Baycrest places on art and heritage is another expression of the love and respect it extends to its agingclients. I am proud to be part of the Museum Committee because the work we do helps make Baycrest a unique and incredible part of our community.

Evelyn Burns-Weinrib

My grandmother,Brendel Frimer,was part of agroup of visionary

women who had a clearunderstanding of whatToronto needed to build inorder to care for its elderly.Back in the 1950s, sheserved as Secretary on theBoard of Directors of theJewish Home for the Aged.Even with her foresight, I don’t think she could have imaginedwhat her legacy would help create, and I wonder what shewould say if she saw Baycrest today. I know she would beproud that, like others, our family has carried on what shebegan.

Baycrest is a leader in so many ways, recognizing that medicine is more than pills and that good mental health playsa huge role in one’s quality of life. I believe that when peoplereach old age, life should be as full and pleasant as possible.We can all be proud of Baycrest’s international reputation inbrain science, but it’s also important to find creative ways, like therapeutic recreation, to put what we’ve learned intopractice.

Officially, I volunteer six days a week at Baycrest, but you’llfind me there on the seventh day too, with my dog, Angel, helping out in Palliative Care. I split my time between thatfloor and the Women’s Auxiliary Café and I can honestly say that being at Baycrest makes me feel elated, every day.

I can’t think of anything else that can give as much pleasureto a person as knowing they’ve had a part in making the daybetter for someone else. What I do as a Baycrest volunteer iswhat keeps me going.

Mike Colle

Ihave had the pleasure to serve as the MPP for Baycrestsince 1999. For me, Baycrest shines as the crown jewel ofour community and represents what’s best about our city,province and Canada.

I love sharing my pride in Baycrest with my colleagues, visitingdignitaries, ministers, and the Premier, showing them ourhaven for my senior constituents.I’m continually impressed by thenumber of dedicated Baycrestvolunteers, and the growing teamof researchers whose excellenceis recognized worldwide. To me,Baycrest is to seniors what SickChildren’s Hospital is for children.That is why I was so proud andbrought the Premier to Baycrestin order to help secure a $10 million investment in the Centre for Brain Fitness.

I truly love visiting Baycrest and spending time with residents,volunteers, staff and administrators who are all incredible. Iam particularly proud of Café Europa, Baycrest’s drop-in socialprogram for Holocaust survivors, which I helped start with afunding investment. Café Europa has really grown over theyears and attracts survivors from all parts of Toronto. But, Imust admit that one of my favourite places on the Baycrestcampus is the Reuben Cipin Healthy Living Community. It is anamazing place which I consider my home away from home.

Yearly, I participate in the Registered Nurses’ Association ofOntario’s Take Your MPP to Work Day, visiting Baycrest nursesand personal support workers. I praise them for their excep-tional care of the seniors who call Baycrest “home” and fortheir devotion and dedication. I have a strong emotional attachment to Baycrest and I see this in the staff, volunteersand residents. We are all connected to Baycrest. It’s where ourneighbours volunteer, work, visit and reside when they age.Everybody has somebody there or knows someone who hasbeen there; Baycrest is the ultimate community connection.

Richard Cooper

Iwas introduced to Baycrest at a very young age and I’mnot sure if I chose my association with Baycrest or if Baycrestchose me. My parents, Florence and Sydney Cooper, havea long history as Baycrest volunteers and supporters, as do

my sister, Tobie Bekhor, and my wife, Clara Cooper. I’m honouredto join other family members as a “Baycrest Treasure.”

Over many years, Baycrest has afforded me the privilege ofmeeting and working with some great community leaders including the late Abe Posluns and Sam Ruth. Together withmy family, they taught me about community, caring and compassion. I have always felt great satisfaction knowing thatthe services Baycrest provides are genuinely needed and delivered at the highest level.

Our family has taken part in many wonderful fundraisingevents for Baycrest. I am a proud recipient of the Barrie toBaycrest “Sam Ruth Award,” which was presented to me byNancy Ruth. My favourite event, after Dancing With Our Stars,is the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer’s. Along with Mark

Gryfe and Stan Feldman, I am one of the foundingfathers of this great event which started in2006 and now has tournaments in Toronto,Calgary and Edmonton, with plans to expand.The Pro-Am is a great financial success, but

it has also introduced hundreds ofnew supporters to Baycrest andprovided national exposure tothe great work done there.

I currently serve on the ExecutiveCommittee, Pro-Am ExpansionCommittee and InvestmentCommittee for the BaycrestFoundation Board and haveworked with many great Baycreststaff and volunteers. My wife,Clara, and I, and our whole family, feel privileged to be part of the “Baycrest Team.”



Jack Culiner

Jack Culiner believes there is a powerful correlationbetween the environment and people’s emotionalwell-being. That conviction led the internationallyrenowned sculptor to establish and encourage art

collections at both Baycrest and Mount Sinai Hospital.Since 1999, Jack has donated 20 of his modern, polishedbronze sculptures to Baycrest, which can be seenthroughout the centre.

In the words of the late Vivienne Marcus, Baycrest’s former Art and Interior Design Coordinator: “Art is synonymous with life for everyone who lives, works orvisits at Baycrest and Jack is a vital part of our generouscommunity of donors.” His wife, Elaine, and her family,were generous donors to both Mount Sinai and Baycrestand Jack explains that, “Their interest and dedicationmotivated me to make a contribution of my own and agift of sculpture was the logical way.”

In Jack’s writings, he describes the power of art in a hospital setting: “The real objective insupplying art to medical institutions is to make them less intimidating and more attractive,user-friendly places for patients, family and staff. There is a feeling that it would have a positive and therapeutic effect on patients – counterbalancing some of the stresses intrinsicto a period of hospitalization.” The hundreds of people who pass through the halls of Baycrestevery day, and are inspired by Jack’s sculptures, would agree.

Now in his late 90s, Jack is “glad that Baycrest is there. It’s a wonderful facility. I mean, howmany cities have a Baycrest?”

David & StaceyCynamon

He’s often called “the man with the Midas touch” and certainly, for everyoneat Baycrest who’s benefited from his business acumen and generosity,David Cynamon’s reputation is golden. As Baycrest volunteers, David and his wife,Stacey, have been strong advocates of Baycrest’s role as a world-class

innovator in brain health.

“There’s far more to Baycrest than what you see driving down Bathurst Street, and it’s important to raise public awareness of Baycrest’s revolutionary scientific research,” saysStacey. “We can’t underestimate what it means to Toronto and our community,” adds David.“Baycrest is a valuable asset we can be proud to call our own, so we have to step up and support it, with time or donations or both.”

In addition to their philanthropy, David has been on the Baycrest Foundation Board of Directors since 2010 and involved in the Scotiabank Pro-Amfor Alzheimer’s as a player, committee member, andco-chair of the Edmonton tournament. Together, heand Stacey co-chaired Baycrest’s successful 2010fundraising gala, Dancing With Our Stars.

Stacey’s grandmother spent her last five years atBaycrest and she appreciates how the staff madeher grandmother feel safe and comfortable at themost fragile stage of her life. “The staff exhibit compassion at every level and Baycrest’s cultureconsistently reflects respect and collaboration.”

David and Stacey are leaders in Toronto’s philanthropic community supporting many other causes including Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, Mount Sinai Hospital, UJA Federation,camps for underprivileged children, and programsfor Israeli youth. �

AlanDessau

The respect I feel for Baycrestled me to join the Men’sService Group in the 1970s.Inspired by former Director,

Phyl Goldner, I became its Presidentfrom 1978 to 1979 and then remained an active member. Beyondfundraising to support Baycrest programs, the Men’s ServiceGroup sponsored special outings, bi-monthly Sundaybrunches, and the Thursday Club – programs where malepatients and residents could enjoy recreational activities inthe company of other men. We also ran a fundraising lottery,and an annual fun run, walk and family carnival that eventuallyevolved into the Baycrest Challenge, a popular walk and run.

I was also pleased to have been able to serve as Chair of theAdvisory Committee for the Baycrest Terrace, coordinatingwith the Wagman Centre, and was proud to have worked in theinitial years with Jackie Edelson, Moshe Greengarten andSonny Langer.

One of the most meaningful gifts that my years as a lay leaderwith Baycrest gave me was the ability to help seniors live productively in an environment of respect. As Jews, we’recommanded to honour our parents and to practise tzedakah.Baycrest provides our community with many opportunities to fulfill those mitzvot and I am confident that its thirst for innovation and research, coupled with the commitment of itsstaff and volunteers, will perpetuate that for years to come.

My wife’s mother and my parents spent their last years atBaycrest and the care they received was wonderful. Theirquality of life was superior to anything they could have hadelsewhere and that’s the amazing thing about Baycrest. Thirtyyears ago, it was the best seniors’ facility and today, it justkeeps improving. It’s a shining example to the world, raisingthe bar for all centres that specialize in aging.

Carey Diamond

Baycrest has always been close to my heart. My aunthad ALS and received excellent care on the hospital’sPalliative Care Unit. My grandmother also spent theend of her life at Baycrest so I saw for myself how

patients and residents are always treated with dignity andrespect. It made me feel there was something special there,and remembering the quality of care and level of compassionthey were shown was what got me excited and inspired toplay a larger role behind the scenes.

Joining the Baycrest Board of Directors in 2001 was definitelya natural and logical fit for me. My father, Eph Diamond, wasCo-Chair of Baycrest’s major capital campaign in the 1980sand he was deeply supportive of the organization for manyyears as a Foundation Board member and a donor. His love for Baycrest opened the door to my involvement.

In my professional life I work with young companies and helpthem grow, so I was asked to be on the Strategic Planning

Committee and eventually became the Chair. Ialso served as Vice-Chair of the Board from2002 to 2009. It was my role to help Baycrest formulate, act on and execute astrategic plan to help coalesce the threepillars – education, care and research –

that make it such a reputable institution and an academichealth sciences centre. A large part of enhancingand bringing together thesethree aspects involves thestrong relationship that weformed with University ofToronto. StrengtheningBaycrest’s reputation inthese areas was a team effort, but I’m proud that Iwas even a small part of helping to propel Baycrest to where it is today.

John Doig

When I was on Scotiabank’s senior marketing teamin 2007, we recognized the vast opportunities of apartnership between the bank and Baycrest.We shared our vision with Mark Gryfe, who was

President of the Foundation at the time, and discussedsponsorship ideas for Baycrest’s Pro-Am hockey tournament.The power of Scotiabank is our reach and we explained how

we could offer broaderengagement, beyondBaycrest’s typical impact,and what that could meanto Baycrest globally.

We have seven million pluscustomers in Canada, 14million in 50 countriesworldwide, and can take theBaycrest message to them,raising awareness and ensuring funds continue toflow to support researchand care in Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Scotiabank is known as “Canada’s Hockey Bank,” so becomingthe title sponsor of the Pro-Am was a natural fit. With the bankand Baycrest working together, the Scotiabank Pro-Am forAlzheimer’s has expanded to three Canadian cities and raisedmore than $16 million in its six-year history.

One of the underpinnings of Scotiabank’s uniquely Canadianmarketing strategy is community support in health and fitness, sports, arts and culture. Our employees are personallyvested in their communities and the causes that the bank supports. For the GTA’s more than 200 Scotiabank branches,Baycrest resonates. Our employees and customers have agingparents and they rally behind Baycrest, ready to do whateverthey can to help. They recognize Baycrest as the scientific engine in global brain research. Canada is looking for sustainable ways to implement quality health care in a burgeoning, aging society, and Baycrest is the model to replicate.8 TREASURES OF BAYCREST 2011


Michael Feldman

Thirty years ago, I served on a City ofToronto committee on homes for the agedand was sent as a delegate to Philadelphiato learn how they care for their elderly.

There I was told that Philadelphia consideredBaycrest as the model to follow.

I have a long family history with Baycrest datingback to the original home on Cecil Street, andyears of experience in housing for seniors as abusinessman and city councillor, so my volunteerrole evolved naturally. I was on the Baycrest Boardof Directors from 1992 to 2002 and my wife, Sue,and I established a family endowment fund to helpkeep the organization’s programming vibrant.

Baycrest offers a wide range of programs to helpkeep seniors in their own homes for as long as possible. It’s a growing need that will continue toincrease as our society ages. Providing the elderly with day programs, recreational activitiesand interesting lectures is so important to preserve their independence.

For many years, Baycrest has maintained a high quality of service and is continually improving itself. Rather than sitting back on the laurels of past accomplishments, the organization is growing to meet the needs of our aging population. Of course, that requires financial commitment from Baycrest’s stakeholders. As a Baycrest donor, I know the Foundation is always looking for innovative fundraising models to garner support for Baycrest and, time and again, the Jewish community rallies when there is a need. So many people reach out to Baycrest and it is up to us to help Baycrest answer their call.

Bryna Fellen

My Baycrest story began when my late mother was admitted to Baycrest Hospital in1987. Initially, she participated in many of the activities Baycrest offered andI joined in alongside her. She especially loved the Shalom Program, the hospital’spre-Shabbat program, and it was the centre of some wonderful visits. Whether it

was the Shalom Program, a concert, a tea, an outing or another one of the manywonderful recreational events, these times together made a huge difference to my mother’squality of life, giving her the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat, to sing and to socialize.

Knowing what these social programs meant to her, inspired me. For the past 20 years, I havebeen an advocate for programs that enhance quality of life for patients and residents at Baycrest. Through the Women’s Auxiliary and the Therapeutic Recreation and Culture and Heritage departments at Baycrest, I have worked to ensure that patients and residents couldenjoy experiences similar to those of my mother.Whether it is the Shalom program, Celebration 70+,the Computer Lounge or any Jewish programming,my focus has always been on activities centred onpatients and their families.

Another way I was able to do that was chairing theBaycrest Hospital Family Advisory Council for manyyears. The Council gives families of patients a voiceand a direct line to staff to ask questions and offerfeedback. It fosters families talking with families,creating opportunities to share experiences withothers in similar circumstances. This is another way Baycrest supports people and brings them together.

I stand in awe of our elderly and Baycrest has provided me with a rare privilege to help make life better for them.

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Al Gilbert

When I was 13, my fathertook me to the originalBaycrest site on CecilStreet in downtown

Toronto to have my Bar Mitzvah. Thatwas more than 75 years ago. Then,when my son, Michael, turned 13, wehad his Bar Mitzvah at Baycrest’scurrent location on Bathurst Street.The luncheon cost $1 a person! It’s quiteunique to have had two generations ofa family bar mitzvahed at Baycrest like we have.

Now I’m 89 years old and have enjoyed a wonderful and successful career as a professional photographer. I have photographed every Israeli president dating back to Ben Gurionand Golda Meir. I’m very proud to have been recognized for my work with an Order of Canada and many other awards.

Through the years, Baycrest has always remained close to myheart. I have had the privilege to take the official portraits ofevery Baycrest president for the past 50 years. I have also donated several photo installations to Baycrest including an exhibit of one hundred 16-by-20-inch portraits showcasingJewish athletes, politicians and Jewish community life in Toronto, which hang in the Posluns Auditorium. An installation in the Wagman Centre consists of 30 photos featuring a young woman, Lauren Sherman, as she grows up.

In 2004, my wife, Gail, and I, along with my brother, Jack, andthe Sherman Family, established an endowment fund at Baycrest in honour of our family. Adding quality to the life ofseniors is very important to us so the fund is used to bringthe Smile Theatre Company to the Terraces of Baycrest a fewtimes a year to entertain the residents.

I’ve always believed in Baycrest and I hope that my contributions will have a lasting effect on this wonderful organization for generations to come.

Joe Goldenberg

Joe Goldenberg arrived at Baycrest in 1977 andbecame an integral part of the former CentralIntake Department. Under the direction of WalterLyons, Joe and his social work colleagues

supported new applicants and helped them and theirfamilies adjust to life at Baycrest.

Joe was known for his detailed and comprehensive intake reports that focused on each person’s medicalhistory and care needs. More importantly, Joe was

famous for portraying the character and narratives behindeach of his client’s stories. He did so with humour, compassionand insight, ensuring staff were fully aware of the personalhistory, accomplishments, trials and tribulations of each of his clients. These unique interviews took place in Yiddish andEnglish and resulted in many lasting friendships with residents and their families.

As a social worker at the Baycrest Terrace, Joe initiated his famous Politics Group – a short lecture followed by questionsand answers on current events. Monday afternoons at the Terrace became sacred time and a core group of almost 70residents cleared their calendar for “Joe’s Politics.” It becamesuch an institution at Baycrest, that after Joe retired in 1998,he still maintained the group formany years.

In all that he did at Baycrest,from individual and family counselling, to his unique approach to group work, Joe combined the socialwork roles of advocacy,casework and socialjustice, and was a crucial contributor to making Baycrestnot just a “facility,”but a “Home.”

Morris Goldenberg1914 - 2004

Morris Goldenberg was born in Budapest, Hungary in1914. When he was six years old, he immigrated toToronto with his parents and two siblings. A brightstudent, he was forced by the Depression to leave

school and get a job to help supporthis family.

With his intelligence and drive, Morriswent on to become a successfulbusinessman and insurance executive.In 1970, his company honoured himas “Canadian Man of the Year.” Hewas also a dynamic communityleader, serving as President of theShaarei Shomayim synagogue fortwo terms over several years.

A devoted brother to his sister,Jenny Frankel, Morris witnessed her long, courageous battlewith Alzheimer’s disease. “My Aunt Jenny was a terrificwoman, very outgoing,” recalls Morris’s eldest son, Sydney.“With the help of her husband, Harold, and her children, shestayed sociable, but it was often a great effort. This had animpact on my dad. He wanted to do what he could to help seniors at risk of the disease.”

Before he passed away in 2004, Morris made a significant bequest to Baycrest in his will. He was particularly interestedin programs and research related to Alzheimer’s and chose to support Baycrest’s work in mild cognitive impairment (MCI),a condition that is often a precursor to Alzheimer’s.

The Morris Goldenberg Medical Research Endowment Fundsupports a Baycrest neuropsychologist position in MCI, whichhas led to clinical advancements and applied research that ishelping delay memory decline in people with MCI.


Laurence Goldstein

Ihave a long family history of involvement with Baycrest. My father, David, was a FoundationBoard Chair and my uncle, Edwin, was a President of Baycrest Centre, so early on in my life, Iwas instilled with an awareness and recognition of the importance of Baycrest in the Jewishcommunity.

Initially, I got involved with Baycrest through the golf tournament and after a couple of years, Ichaired the committee. I was then asked to join the Foundation Board, on which I continue toserve. The Board has been a great learning experience for me and I’ve had the opportunity toparticipate in the evolution of Baycrest. It’s very gratifying and I’m proud to play a role in Baycrest’s growth.

In the last few years, I have co-chaired the Aces for Alzheimer’stennis tournament. It’s always exciting when you start something new from scratch. We’ve been lucky to have goodpeople at Baycrest to work with, as well as great sponsors and an excellent host and partner, Mayfair Clubs. We’re very excited about the event’s future and we think it will have long-term appeal.

The beauty of event planning is that it is an opportunityto turn a lot of people into fundraisers. Baycrestevents also give participants a venue to learn and understand what the Baycrest organization is all about.

I have come to clearly understand why Baycrest is a special place. The centre has all aspects of healthcare for seniors, from outpatient care and research,to the hospital and home for the aged; it’s a truecontinuum of care. This is really quite unique. Baycrest is a place and an organization of which the whole Jewish community can be proud.

Molline Green

Isee myself as a “late bloomer” whose personal goals just took a bit longer to achieve. I ranmy first marathon when I turned 40, earned my MBA at 50, and went on an adventure tripwith my son to climb Machu Picchu in Peru when I turned 60. My eclectic career spansteaching, publishing, investor relations and marketing. My newest status as “Bubbie Mo” to

my adored granddaughter, Samantha, is my best career move to date.

My late mother, Blanche Wolbrom, was a most loving person who gave unselfishly to her family,friends and community. When she passed away in 1998, my father endowed a wing in the newApotex Centre in her memory. Continuing that tradition, my sisters and I established the BlancheWolbrom Endowment Fund and support the Meals on Wheels program at Baycrest because of ourmother’s years of volunteering there.

I was honoured to sit on the Baycrest Foundation Board’s Executive Committee until 2003 andco-chaired the Annual Campaign with Michael Levy for two consecutive years. I support manyBaycrest initiatives including membership in the Women of Baycrest and the annual “Barrie toBaycrest” 100-kilometre bike ride. I was recently honoured with the 2011 Sam Ruth Award for myoverall commitment to Baycrest.

It’s been extremely gratifying to watch Baycrest’s profile grow to international prominence. I believe the Foundation is an

important driver of this success. Each time I attend a Boardmeeting, I’m motivated by the vision and creativity of theFoundation leadership and am so proud knowing that I’vemade some contribution to this wonderful organization.

�2011 TREASURES OF BAYCREST 11

Mimi Greenspoon

My association with Baycrest began 22 years ago whenI was looking for a direction to channel my time andinterests. Being a place where volunteers are trulyvalued and contribute so much, it was a perfect fit.

I was attracted to the Women’s Auxiliary because its memberswere actively involved in hands-on volunteerism throughfundraising events and client programming. I began by assisting with, and then chairing, the annual Baycrest Gala,which was a wonderful experience. I put my leadership skillsand my passion for Baycrest to work and found my niche as a member of the WA Board. I served on the Executive, Nominating and Constitution committees for 21 years, heldtwo consecutive terms as Vice-President from 1993 to 1997,and was President from 1997 to 1999.

One particular highlight during my term as Vice-President was helping create our unique “Bat Mitzvah” program. I was one of 12 WAmembers twinned with 12 residents of the Terraces to study Torahtogether, culminating in a heart-warming Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

Some of the contributions I’m most proud of were my role inhelping raise $3 million for the Women’s Auxiliary Wintergardenin the new Apotex Centre; co-chairing the Baycrest Spring Salefor three years; and, co-chairing the Exhibitors Committee for the Tables of Distinction fundraiser for three years.

I believe one of Baycrest’s strengths is theinvolvement of its volunteers. Thewomen of the Auxiliary were pivotal to Baycrest making tremendousstrides in care, education and research and becoming aforemost authority on aging.

I am now proud to be aWoman of Baycrest and a mentor who unites volunteers inpursuits worthy of their best efforts.

MarkGryfe

When Sam Ruthinvited me forbreakfast todiscuss a possible

future at Baycrest in 1990, Inever imagined how thatwould play out! Ten yearslater, I accepted the positionof President of the Foundationand I can now honestly say

that Sam was right – there is only one Baycrest!

Together with my dynamic Chair, Fran Sonshine, we werecharged with growing the profile and the fundraising of the“Old Folks Home on Bathurst Street.” And for the next 10 years, together with subsequent Chairs Wilfred Posluns,Ronnie Appleby and Warren Kimel, it proved to be a decadefilled with excitement, creativity and success, the likes ofwhich few professionals get to experience.

Facing tremendous financial difficulties, the Foundation’s collective accomplishments in weathering that storm nowseem almost impossible. Giving birth to an Annual Campaign,tremendous growth in the Endowment Program, securingmulti-million dollar gifts, creating Treasures of Baycrest,Breakthroughs magazine, Baycrest Boardwalk, and Women ofBaycrest, all helped secure Baycrest’s financial stability.Of course, my greatest joy was in creating the Baycrest Pro-Am hockey tournament and Dancing With Our Stars, two wildly successful programs that introduced Baycrest toliterally tens of thousands of people and opened the door topreviously unknown possibilities. I can honestly say that I’venever had more fun in my life!

In January 2011, I moved on to other professional pursuits but will never really “leave” Baycrest. I continue to support it every way I can. I owe that to Baycrest for the loving caremy father, Ben, and so many others have received there over the years.

Anne Harris

Ihave both a personal and a professional association withBaycrest that began many years ago when my father-in-law spent nine years in Baycrest Hospital, and my motherwas a resident of the Jewish Home for the Aged for several

years. I was a frequent visitor and feel as though I have awarm relationship with Baycrest as a result.

I am a self-taught artist who has been very fortunate to havea successful career as a sculptor, so in appreciation of thewonderful care my loved ones received, my children encouragedme to create and donate a sculpture to Baycrest to say thankyou. This piece is on display outside the Apotex Centre.

Actually, my first major, outdoor sculpture, Passages of Life,was installed in front of the new Baycrest Hospital severalyears earlier in 1987, commissioned by Baycrest supportersSydney and Florence Cooper. Over the years, the Posluns family donated several of my sculptures to Baycrest and I augmented the collection with my own gifts.

My fascination with sculpture began as a child when I wouldaccompany my father to his salvage yard. I loved the objectsand shapes I saw there. They became the inspiration for mylater creations. I have been featured in nearly 40 major exhibitions across North America, Europe and Asia. Many of

my works can be seen in Ottawa at the Prime Minis-ter’s residence, Rideau Gate,the Department of ForeignAffairs and InternationalTrade, and Stornoway.

I’m 83 now and stillworking. I’m proud tohave my sculptureson display aroundthe world and atBaycrest. I wantpeople who see

them to feel goodabout art and life.



LesleyHornik

Istarted volunteeringat Baycrest in 1998.At that time, I wasrecently retired,

widowed and an emptynester, and looking tospend my days doingsomething fulfilling andrewarding. My Jewish heritage and giving back to the communitywere important to me, so Baycrest was the perfect fit.

Over the years, I have been involved in various volunteer positions. Interacting with the clients has been an incrediblelearning experience. While helping others, I have enriched mysoul and mind. My main volunteer position is on the PalliativeCare Unit in the hospital. Being there for families at the end oflife is an experience like no other.

One of the many memories I hold dear to my heart is of a palliative client who enjoyed the game of chess. I could play - not well I might add - and I purchased a set so that on my visits with him, we could spend an afternoon enjoyinghis favourite pastime. It brought not only a smile to his face,but a smile to my heart.

Baycrest is a wonderful facility. Not only does it provide superb care, but it allows clients to maintain their Jewishidentity. It also recognizes and respects all other faiths.

During my years of volunteering, I have met wonderful people. Staff, fellow volunteers, patients and residentshave all made my experience at Baycrest immensely rewarding. I have learned that in giving back to the community one becomes a better person. Volunteering at Baycrest has given me a new life while allowing me to help others. Baycrest is my second home and I hope to continue volunteering for many years to come.

Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe is a “treasure” for hockey fans every-where; a player who was among the top five goalscorers in the National Hockey League for 20 successiveseasons. His ability to shoot right, left, and play any

position made him one of the toughest players in hockey history.

After overcoming many early challenges — poverty, childhoodhealth problems and paralyzing shyness – Gordie entered theNHL as a Detroit Red Wing player in 1946 at age 18. He scoredhis first NHL goal in that game, and went on to score 1,070more during his 34-year career.

Gordie was always devoted to his wife, Colleen, whom he credited with much of his success. Sadly, she was diagnosedwith Pick’s disease – a form of dementia that strikes people in mid-life – and she passed away in 2009.

His personal experience with dementia inspired Gordie and hisfamily to attach their name to Baycrest by establishing theGordie and Colleen Howe Fund for care and research inAlzheimer’s and related dementias. “When we learned Baycrest

was an international leader in aging and brainhealth, we knew we had found an importantally,” says his son, Marty Howe. The fund issupported by Baycrest’s annual hockeyfundraiser, the Scotiabank Pro-Am forAlzheimer’s, which has become the largesthockey charity tournament in Canada.

Today, Gordie Howe’s legendaryname and achievements are enshrined in 11 differentHockey Halls of Fame. He hasalso been honoured with theOrder of Canada and receivedhonourary degrees fromthe University ofSaskatchewan and the

University of Regina. He hasrightly earned his place among

the “Treasures of Baycrest.”

Ellis Jacob

As an immigrant to Canada from India, I believe thatgiving back to the community is very important.Having a particularly high regard for Baycrest,I was delighted to become involved with such a

world-class organization.

I have been on the Baycrest Board of Directors for many yearsand active on several committees, including the Finance and

Audit, Strategic Planning andCompensation committees. I am also quite involved with the Scotiabank Pro-Amfor Alzheimer’s hockey tournament, which raisedover $5 million in 2011. Scotiabank has been a greatpartner and has done an incredible job of embracingthe event. I would love to see this become a cross-Canada event and believethat it has the potential toraise $10 million a year.

On a personal note, my mother was at Baycrest for a numberof years and was well taken care of by great doctors and excellent nurses. She was a big movie lover and in her memory, we would like to build a theatre for Baycrest residents. The theatre is something that would really enrichthe lives of residents at Baycrest.

Overall, my involvement has been a rewarding experience.When you are busy, as I am, it is difficult to find time forcauses, but given the aging population, I believe it is very important to support the work Baycrest is doing to improvebrain health and aging. They have leading scientists and clinicians working on brain fitness and we have to do all thatwe can to ensure Baycrest accomplishes its goals.

Helen Kuttner

In 1996, when my mother was dying on the Palliative CareUnit, 6 West, in Baycrest Hospital, the volunteers were mylifeline. Sitting with my mom, I realized that I could helpothers as volunteers had helped me.

I love hospitals. The environment energizes me, perhaps because of my experiences as a hospital pharmacist yearsago in South Africa. After the required training sessions, Ibegan volunteering on 6 West - my University of Life, where every day presents at least one “wow” moment and educational opportunity. Led by a dedicated, compassionateand experienced interdisciplinary team, this unit providescomfort and care to clients at the end of life and support fortheir families and friends. The 6 West team is cohesive and inclusive, with volunteers being as much a part of this extraordinary group of professionals as our housekeeper,medical and allied staff, and program and medical directors.

My experiences have been profound with many inspiring momentsderived from our clients sharing a wealth of wisdom, an abundance of stories and rich personal histories. With myrole being primarily that of a friendly visitor, I have witnessednew friendships form in these last days of life, reconciliationstake place between estranged families, the transition fromfear of death to peace and acceptance, and the alleviation of physical, mental and emotional pain and suffering.

With assistance from a persistentgroup of professional staff, I am nowable to incorporate another passionof mine by introducing TherapeuticTouch™ to 6 West clients as a form ofrelaxation.

Baycrest has become my home awayfrom home, the team members aremy friends and the clients and families leave wonderful, long-lastingfootprints on my heart.

Chava Kwinta

My early life was filled with challenges. As a girl, Igrew up in the Sosnowiec Ghetto in occupiedPoland. Though my father survived the Holocaust,my mother died. My sister and I were sent to a

concentration camp and, afterliberation, to Sweden.

Eventually, I went to Israel, hopingto join the army. They didn’t needany more young women, so Ibegan helping out in a Hadassahhospital. I entered nursing school there and graduated as a registered nurse.

In Israel, I met my future husband,Mike, who had been injured in thewar. We married, and in 1963, immigrated to Canada. Although I

was caring for our three young daughters, I wanted to work,so I applied to Baycrest and was hired. My fluency in Yiddish,Polish, German and Hebrew was helpful.

Over the years, I cared for many elderly women who had losttheir children in the war and thus had no visitors on Mother’sDay. So I organized an annual party for them with little gifts and a cake. I would say to each one: “Today, I am yourdaughter.” I was a Baycrest nurse for 20 years until my retirement in 1992. What touched me was the care and attention given to the patients, which is so in keeping with our Jewish culture.

My experiences as a Holocaust survivor never left me. I wroteabout them in a memoir entitled, I’m Still Living, published in1974. I’m now in my 80s and still live in the home I shared withmy late husband.

Today when I go to Baycrest, I hardly recognize the place – it’sgrown so much! But I remember my years there fondly andfeel proud of helping to care for and honour that special generation of elders.

Anita Lapidus

Throughout my life I’ve had the good fortune of havingmany wonderful people touch, guide and befriend mein a myriad of ways, never asking for anything inreturn. The example they set inspired me to reach out

to be of service to others and support important causes andinstitutions, like Baycrest.

I first came to Baycrest at the invitation of a new neighbour.My mother had died a few years earlier and I thought that becoming involved with an organization that cared for people

who would have been my parents’contemporaries would be a gratifying way to honour their memories.

I joined the Baycrest Board of Directors in 1996 and served until 2004, and in 1997, I was invited to join the FoundationBoard for the first of severalterms. Over the years, I haveserved on and chaired numerousBoard committees and task forces for both Baycrest and the Foundation. One of the

most memorable experiences was being part of a staff andvolunteer group that worked on the building of the ApotexCentre, Jewish Home for the Aged. Seeing firsthand this inspired and inspiring addition to the Baycrest campus gofrom blue prints, to construction, to splendid completion, was unique and rewarding.

Baycrest is well on its way to being a world leader in aging,geriatric care and brain health and disease; a mantle built on the efforts of nearly a century of dedicated and insightfulleadership, visionary community philanthropy and strongguiding governance. It has been my privilege to be a contributor to this extraordinary organization.



Maxwell Leroy 1914 - 2010

An accountant by training and the founder of a nursinghome in Whitby, Ontario, Maxwell Leroy worked hardto achieve his success. Along with his wife, Ruth,who was an avid volunteer in the Toronto Jewish

community, Maxwell wanted to share the fruits of his labourwith those in need. In 2002, the couple established theMaxwell and Ruth Leroy Foundation to support organizationswith a focus on health care issues and children in need,including Mount Sinai Hospital, the Canadian Cancer Society,the Parkinson’s Society, The Hospital for Sick Children andNa’amat Canada.

A supporter of the Baycrest Annual Campaign, which fundsareas of greatest need, Maxwell was anxious to help when he learned about Baycrest’s urgent need for new kitchenequipment in 2008. His generous gift enabled Baycrest to purchase blast chillers which flash freeze patient meals thatare later heated on the hospital units.

Although he passed away from prostate cancer in 2010 at age93, Maxwell is still giving to Baycrest through his foundation.His daughter, Candace Lewis, who is a director of the Maxwelland Ruth Leroy Foundation, made another significant gift toBaycrest to fund a new food delivery system for Baycrest Hospital in 2011.

“The original equipment was old and beyond repair,” says Candace. “This new system keeps hot food hot and cold foodcold for the patients. That’s something that would be very important to my father. He liked to know that his gifts weregoing to a specific purpose that would benefit others. Baycrest was important to my parents, and I’m happy to keepsupporting this wonderful organization,” she adds. “That’swhat they would have wanted.”

PollyLevi

It has been an honourand a privilege to bepart of the Baycrestvolunteer family. I

owe my volunteer life atBaycrest to my daughter,Gilda Goodman-Helman.She is a former BaycrestWomen’s Auxiliary President and was honoured as a BaycrestTreasure in 2008 for her years of service. Gilda encouragedme to join the Women’s Auxiliary in 1995 and run a Fridayafternoon bingo fundraiser they sponsored in Scarborough. Ihad always been an active person, but had never volunteeredbefore. This seemed like a worthwhile program so I took it on.

I quickly learned what to do and made good friends with the other people who organized the bingo and volunteered as runners. It became part of myweekly routine and something I looked forward toand enjoyed for 14 years. During that time, we raised$50,000 a year for Baycrest.

As a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Board, it wasa pleasure to be part of the many fundraising events such as the Spring Sale, which I looked forward to helping at each year, and informativeprograms on women’s health issues, where we socialized and met new people.

I was very touched when my family honoured me by establishing the Polly Levi Volunteer Recognition Award at Baycrest.

Baycrest is a special and wonderful place and has become animportant part of the Toronto Jewish community. I hope itcontinues its good works for many years. I am happy to havebeen a part of such a world-class institution.

Saul & FelaLichtblau

Imet my husband, Saul, after we both immigrated toCanada following the war. Each of us endured many hard-ships in Europe. As a boy, Saul was forced to labour in aSoviet work camp. I was saved from a terrible fate thanks

to a Polish family who raised me until the war was over.

Although our early years in Canada were challenging, Sauleventually found his niche in exporting and manufacturing,and we had three wonderful children.

In 1984, Saul suffered a heart attack and was treated at theToronto General Hospital. He attributed his speedy recovery to the nurses who looked after him. We both felt that whiledoctors are important, nurses make the patient recover –their care brings the person back to the world. What they do is so important and yet so often overlooked. For that reason,

we made it our mission to support nursingeducation.

We always felt that if you find success, it’simportant to share it with the community.So when we celebrated our silver weddinganniversary, we decided to set up an annualnursing scholarship at Baycrest, asking family and friends to make donations instead of giving us gifts.

The Fela and Saul Lichtblau Excellence inCaring and Leadership Award was

established in 1987 – the first award for nursing education at Baycrest. Ten years later, Saul passed away. I am happy that he lived long enough to see the award given to so many deserving Baycrest nurses. As of 2011, 87 nurses have receivedthe award and used it to further their nursing education. It’sbeen very rewarding for our family to see them realize theirpotential for greater professional achievement and to knowthat we have helped.

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Margaret MacAdam

Icame to Baycrest in 1992 from the Health Policy Center atBrandeis University where I was leading research projectsaimed at supporting older people at home. Little did Iknow that my time at Baycrest as Senior Vice-President

and Vice-President of Social Services would be an incrediblelearning experience and opportunity to develop new ideas.

One of the areas I was responsible for was developing community-based services. For example, we managed the Elm Ridge GroupLiving Residence, where a small community of 14 peopleshared a home in a quiet neighbourhood, while benefittingfrom Baycrest support. The most fascinating part of Elm Ridgewas how effective it was at helping people stay in the communityfor the rest of their lives, at far less cost than being cared forin a long-term care home. Participating in the planning andmanagement of the life lease residence on Neptune Drive was another opportunity to test the ways various combinationsof housing with services met the needs of elderly people.

In addition to housing, we submitted a funding proposal to respond to the needs of the hundreds of Holocaust survivorsliving on the Baycrest campus. That project led to Baycrestbecoming an international leader in understanding the needsof Holocaust survivors in their old age.

I left Baycrest in 2001 but go back fromtime to time to give talks about servicesfor the elderly, as well as to acknowledgethe contributions of my Baycrest colleagues. Today, amongst other activities, I teach a course onhealth and aging at the University of Toronto. My experiences at Baycrestprovide real life examples ofissues for students. You couldsay that the Baycrest beatstill goes on for me!

Vivienne Marcus1932 - 2011

Vivienne Marcusintimately understoodthe healing powers ofart and used this

knowledge to help and guidecountless people throughoutBaycrest. In her role as Art andInterior Design Coordinatorfrom 1986 to 2009, Viviennewas responsible for cultivatingBaycrest’s vast art collection. During that time, some 7,000 worksof art were amassed, adorning virtually every corner of the facility.

As Vivienne once said: “We are creating little neighbourhoodsthroughout Baycrest, all clustered around art.” The paintings,photographs, textile works and sculptures not only make Baycrestbeautiful, but serve as way-finding landmarks for clients, theirfamilies and staff. Collectively, Vivienne’s art and design contributions created a homey, vibrant and interesting environment at Baycrest which has immense therapeutic value.

Although her taste was impeccable, Vivienne was open toinput from everyone when it came to selecting art. That’s whyshe invited clients, as well as staff, to choose the artwork they preferred for their rooms and offices.

While art was her passion, friends and colleagues note thatthe Baycrest community was Vivienne’s primary focus. “Shewas drawn to the organization and it was the clients and peopleshe worked with who were very important to her,” says formerBaycrest President & CEO Stephen Herbert. “She wanted goodthings for Baycrest and played her part in seeing that realized.”

Vivienne's belief in the positive impact of art on people’s well-being continues to resonate at Baycrest. She has left alasting legacy, both in the visual appeal of offices, rooms,hallways and atriums, and in the memories of her colleagues, who learned so much from her skills and wisdom.

Monty Mazin

W hen Baycrest built the Reuben Cipin HealthyLiving Community 10 years ago, I was told itwould be ideal for me and my wife. We moved inthree weeks after it opened and it has been a

blessing to live there ever since. The residents have becomefriends and “mishpocheh” and I am very proud to be a part ofthis exciting place.

Soon after moving in, we started a Residents’ Council and I was happy to become involved by serving as Vice-President. I have always been a person who emphasizes the importanceof a team effort and that has been our strength – building on the talents of each person to create a fantastic team.Countless hours have been put in and it has really paid off.

As a community service volunteer – a role and conviction first instilled in meby my dear, late Bubba Bessie –among my greatest satisfactions was raisingneeded funds through my participation in the annual Baycrest Boardwalk. I wentdoor-to-door for six years and received a 95 per cent response rate from the appreciative residents.

I am also most proud of being a “Baycrest Ambassador,” proudly promoting at every opportunity the extraordinary work of Baycrest's dedicatedleadership, talented professional staff and the thousands ofuntiring volunteers, who have helped to make Baycrest aglobal leader in health care and aging.

Being close to Baycrest has been a blessing in so many ways. I will be forever thankful for the wonderful care my wife,Blema, has received from the remarkable staff at BaycrestHospital 4 East and at the Mountainview Club.

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Anthony Melman

W hile I was aware of Baycrest after Imoved to Toronto from South Africa in1977, I did not fully understand thesignificance of the organization or the

frailty of human life until my father was a patient inBaycrest Hospital in 1995. The staff was like an armyof angels. I had never seen such sensitivity,kindness, caring and respect for dignity at anyother hospital or medical institution.

I first became involved at Baycrest in 1998 as a member of the Audit and Finance Committee and joined the Board of Directors two years later.

My career as a Managing Director of Onex Corp. was my primary focus, but after I retired, the timing was right to take on a leadership role as Chair of the Baycrest Board in 2007. Looking back at my father’s situation, I knew something transformative had to be done to really contribute to quality of life and care of our aging population. I became possessed with a vision to transform Baycrest into a global leader in its field.

To do that, we have to conduct more scientific and clinical research, get more government funding to support innovations in care, and commercialize our know-how to create the revenue needed to keep investing in Baycrest’s core competencies. Alzheimer’s, dementia and age-related illnesses destroy lives. Baycrest has the capacity to improve lives.

I know the importance of keeping your body fit and stimulating your mind to stay brain healthy as we age. It is something I put into practice every day. With the love and support of my wonderful family, I plan to continue pushing my own limits and helping Baycrest work to its potential to make a lasting contribution to people around the world.

Lesley Miller

Baycrest has always been an important place for my family, and since my professionalbackground is in the non-profit sector and I have worked with volunteers for years, I washappy to become involved when Syrelle Bernstein, Director of Volunteer Services, askedme to help with a project. What we created was Aging Well Starts Now, a volunteer-

driven series of education days about how you can age successfully. Working with anoutstanding team of volunteers and staff was a great learning experience for me.

In 2007, Syrelle told me that Baycrest was developing an innovative research project to look athow volunteering may help people age better and, potentially, help protect volunteers againstdementia. After receiving a grant to train leadership volunteers, the Baycrest Research About Volunteering Among Older Adults (BRAVO) project was launched.

It has been an interesting and challenging undertaking for me. It’s very exciting to see volunteers making this kind of contribution – we really have some fantastic people giving oftheir time to Baycrest. We’re hopeful the results of the study will be very positive and BRAVO has already been a terrific volunteer recruitment vehicle for Baycrest.

I’m quite enamoured with this organization. It’s a fascinating place that allows creativity to bubble up and really “walks the talk” when it comes to volunteers. It’s amazing how staff have

taken to volunteers and include them in such an integral way. Now as adonor, I am even more in awe and totally amazed by how so many

people are engaged with Baycrest.


Harley Mintz

When my cousin Ronnie Appleby, who wasbecoming Chair of the Baycrest FoundationBoard, asked me to get involved with Baycrest in2004, I thought it would be a wonderful thing to

do. I knew Baycrest was a world-renowned organization andvery important to my late mother, Faye, who was honoured asa Treasure of Baycrest for 40 years of volunteer service.

One of my most interesting experiences as a Baycrest volunteer was co-chairing the inaugural Dancing With OurStars gala in 2009. Susan Fenwick and I, together with a greatteam of volunteers and Baycrest professionals, put it togetherfrom scratch without knowing if it would succeed. But succeedit did. It was a spectacular night and it was immensely satisfying to help raise so much money for Baycrest.

It’s been exciting watching Baycrest evolve into an institutionthat is recognized worldwide for its excellence. People seekout Baycrest as a partner because they recognize it is the eminentorganization in brain research and caring for the elderly.

I saw this firsthand when, as part of Deloitte’s Impact Day - when 8,000 employees take off a day to volunteer - I spent time at Villa Colombo’s home for the aged. While there,I had the pleasure of meeting the Executive Director who toldme that Villa Colombo models itself after Baycrest. He saidwhen Villa Colombo first opened,Baycrest’s former CEO and Foundation President SamRuth freely provided adviceand guidance, and VillaColombo is forever grateful. Hearing this mademe proud to be associatedwith Baycrest and part ofToronto’s amazing Jewish community.

Karen Morton

One of the secrets of successful aging, beyond a positiveoutlook, is the opportunity to flourish in acommunity where people take an interest in thewell-being of one another. I feel strongly that we

must care for our community, and that the quality of thatcare must be superb. The excellence of Baycrest in theseareas attracted me and inspired my volunteer history there.

A wise sage once said: “Humans are like letters in analphabet; to produce a word,they must combine with others.” For the lives of the elderly to have meaning, there must be encounter and involvement. That is the reasonthat I served on the BaycrestBoard of Directors from 1992 to2003 and focused my time andenergy on improving client care.

I was a member of the Program and Quality Committee for 10 years and also chairedthe Advisory Committee for Baycrest Day Care Services forSeniors. The Day Care program had an outstanding professional team, assisted by volunteers who truly cared about, and respected, each and every participant.

Through my volunteer work, I saw what good hands-on carelooks like, and the impact it has on a person’s quality of life. Iknow how important research is to the future of Baycrest andto seniors in general, but we must also ensure that we continue to run a Jewish Home for the Aged that is most concerned with the welfare of its residents, their quality ofcare, and the preservation of their Jewish heritage.

I hope that during my years of involvement at Baycrest, I wasable to instill my philosophy of aging that older people

are really just young people with grandmother andgrandfather faces; we can all be young at heart.

IrvNyman

It was my pleasure tohave been the Vice-President of Financefor Baycrest from 1990

to 1996. For me, it was avery rewarding timebecause I was able toput my energy andexpertise to good use,managing the institution’s financial affairs. Plus, it was anopportunity to work closely with a great team ofdedicated professionals.

There were many financial challenges in those years, as there are today. With management, staff and Board support, we were able to address many pressing concerns and make the best use of available financial resources. It was a culture of dedication and teamwork, always focusedon the optimal ways to carry out the mission of Baycrest and do the best at all times for our clients.

Baycrest is well-known for the empathy shown in its deliveryof care to the elderly. It enjoys an international reputation for quality of care of the elderly, and for related research. My experience was that compassion and commitment ranright through the organization. I was happy to have been able to play a meaningful part in this exemplary institution.


� 2011 TREASURES OF BAYCREST 19

Angelo Pesce

Being the Vice-President of Human Resources at Baycrest for almost eight years was byfar the best job I have ever had. On a professional level, the position allowed me to growand achieve the things I always wanted to do, and on a personal level, the Baycrestvalues were so aligned with my own that it made every day exciting and fulfilling.

When I started in 1996, the goal in Human Resources was to makepeople the number one priority. To do that, we looked at theprinciples of Judaism to create a family-oriented culture atBaycrest. I’m proud to say that client and family-centred focushas been sustained over the years. The focus on people is 100per cent.

If I ever wanted to encourage our President and CEOStephen Herbert to do something, I would say, “If wedon’t do this, things will be mediocre.” When Steveheard “mediocre,” that was it. The pursuit of excellence for him and everyone at Baycrestwas absolute. The standards set for the organization were so high and part of thatwas the fact that Baycrest had such a complete program, from research to care. Ihave never seen anything else quite so comprehensive.

One of the greatest honours I remember was beingasked to light a candle at a Holocaust remembranceceremony. As a gentile who was born in Italy just before the Second World War, and is extremely interested in history, it was a real highlight for me and a touching and meaningful experience.

Anne Pritzker1916 - 2010

Long before Anne Pritzker began her stellar,22-year career at Baycrest in 1960, she hadalready proven herself to be a maverick.Some two-plus decades earlier, she was one

of the first Jewish women to graduate from theUniversity of Toronto’s physiotherapy program in1936. She pushed the envelope again in the 1940s byworking at her specialty as an officer in the CanadianArmed Forces. So when former Baycrest CEO SamRuth recruited her to join the burgeoning facility, heknew he was hiring a dynamo.

Anne soon became a fixture at Baycrest. She coveted the most challenging cases and pushedthe patients she worked with to get better. Similarly, she formed tight bonds with her colleaguesand performed her role as Assistant Supervisor of Physiotherapy with distinction and results.For Anne, Baycrest was truly a second home.

Several years after she retired, Anne’s relationship with Baycrest was rekindled when her sister, Lillian, suffered a stroke and went to Baycrest for rehabilitation. Prompted by Lillian’swonderful experience and her own deep connection to Baycrest, Anne felt compelled to giveback. She decided to set up an endowment fund to support the Wellness Library, which was renamed the Anne E. and Louis Pritzker Wellness Library in her honour and that of her late husband. A tremendous source of pride for Anne, the library is full of valuable multi-mediahealth and wellness information for clients, families and staff.

The Wellness Library embodies Anne’s meaningful contributions to her field and to Baycrest, and continues to shine as a tribute to her hard work, devotion and spirit of helping others.

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Lynn Posluns

Iwas raised to believe in giving backwherever you can, not only with financialsupport, but with time and energy. Sincemy family has a long-standing history

with Baycrest, I feel it’s important to continuethe Posluns legacy of helping Baycrest raisemoney and develop the resources it needs tobe world-class.

In 2003, I was approached by the Women’s Auxiliary to become involved with the Baycrest gala and the following year, I co-chaired the event. I loved this experiencebecause it allowed me to marry my strategicplanning skills with creativity and fundraising.

I joined the Baycrest Foundation Board in 2006 and continued to work with the Women’s Auxiliary. Through these endeavours, we recognized that the women involved had the capacityto do more financially to support Baycrest, so we launched the Women of Baycrest. I stepped up to head this exciting initiative, which is focused on research into women’s brain health andaging, as well as education and awareness.

In the first year, we were hoping to raise $250,000 for the Women’s Brain Health Research Fund.We’re two years into it and have already raised $2 million! Now, we are launching Canada’s firstwomen’s brain health conference entitled, Sex, Aging and Memory, and working on a fabulouscookbook, Mindfull, with recipes focused on enhancing brain health. For me personally, to beable to take this project and run with it is amazing.

Baycrest is an important institution and it is gratifying to me to carry on a family tradition of supporting the organization and promoting its reputation as an international leader in brain health and aging.

Guy Proulx

During my late teens, I had a summer job at a geriatric hospital in Ottawa and fromthat experience, I decided I wanted to study neuropsychology and aging at university.My colleagues told me that if aging was my interest, I should set my eyes on a placecalled Baycrest. A few years after I graduated, a job opened at Baycrest in 1986,

I applied, and it was meant to be. I continued to work at Baycrest until 2009 – 23 glorious years.

At the beginning, the new hospital had just opened and the Psychology department had a focuson neurobehavioural disorders which was unbelievable; there was no other place around withsuch a specialty in geriatrics. Plus, Baycrest was far ahead of its time in having a true continuumof care and strong university connections. It really changed how health care for the aging waspractised.

Many outstanding researchers collaborated with our department and we were able to bridge the gap between theory and application and share some of these applications with other geriatric centres. I’m very proud that we were one of the first centres to conduct assessmentsand interventions specific to memory disorders, and to develop assessments for dementia early on in the disease process. I had the wind blowing in my sails at Baycrest. I couldn’t have achieved what I did there, anywhere else.

I am now teaching Psychology at York University and it is wonderful to be able to share the knowledge I gained at Baycrest with my students.

The Baycrest community truly puts into practice the conceptof thinking globally and acting locally, and that is what hascontributed to Baycrest’s success all along.



Marcia Rafelman

Baycrest has always been close to my family’sheart. My mother, father, aunt and uncle wereall involved for many years and I rememberthem going to meetings from the time I was a

child. When I was asked to volunteer my time andexpertise as an art dealer to do appraisals for the artwork donated to Baycrest, I was happy to do so. Veryquietly, I did this for over 20 years.

Eventually, the Chair of the Art Committee, Sheila Loftus, asked me to take over the position. She tookme under her wing and I have been chairing the committee since 2006. It’s been really wonderful.There is some very good fine art and the collection continues to grow and make Baycrest beautiful.

Art at Baycrest makes such a positive statement for everyone, from the staff, to the people wholive there, to the families who come to visit their loved ones. Vivienne Marcus, the former Artand Interior Design Coordinator, once told me that a lot of the residents were able to find theirway around Baycrest only by recognizing the art. That really struck me as quite amazing.

I think Baycrest is a phenomenal place and we are lucky to have it in Toronto. It’s an outstandingfacility for research and for helping people, and it makes life at the end a lot better for people of all denominations. We should all be proud of Baycrest and particularly the staff, who are incredible and give so much time and effort, which is extraordinary.

Sonia Reichman1948 - 2009

Sonia Reichman displayed tremendous compassion,empathy and professional excellence throughout her15 years with Baycrest’s Communication Disordersdepartment from 1993 to 2008. As Director of the

program, she championed client-centred care, ensuring thevoice of each client was heard and their needs fulfilled.Likewise, Sonia was acutely in tune with the needs of theAudiology and Speech-Language Pathology staff, all of whomgreatly respected her and felt empowered by her leadership.

Her long list of accomplishments at Baycrest was integral to the organization’s ability to offer quality services to seniors. To name just a few, Sonia led the successful accreditation of Adaptive Communication Services, initiated the annual Speech-Language Pathology conference and contributed to the creation of services in the Brain Health Centre Clinics. She was also committed to the advancement of her field. Sonia was a founding Board member of the Ontario arm of the International Dyslexia Association and spearheaded the establishmentof a province-wide Aphasia Interest Group. She lectured in the Department of Speech-LanguagePathology at the University of Toronto and collaborated on aphasia research.

A firm believer in the integration of care, research and education, Sonia incorporated evidence-based practices into Baycrest programs and services and supported staff in their professional growth and relationships with the Rotman Research Institute, the Kunin-LunenfeldApplied Research Unit and the University of Toronto.

Baycrest was immensely important to Sonia, as she was to the organization. In her own words: “I value the opportunity to contribute to the care of elders, to the advancement and integrationof swallowing and communication services with education and research, and to client-centredcare. I feel privileged to be able to do this at Baycrest – a truly caring organization – with colleagues from whom I continue to learn daily.”

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Jeffery Ross & Diane Mavrinac-Ross

Our family’s support of Baycrest spans fourgenerations, which is really a wonderfulsource of pride for us. Jeff’s mother, Ida,was a long-time Women’s Auxiliary member.

Jeff’s father, Sam, served on the Board for manyyears, including being invited to oversee the buildingof the Terrace and Wagman Centre. For his work, hereceived the Baycrest Men’s Service Group Man of theYear Award in 1976.

Carrying on from them, we have continued to be involved with Baycrest. Jeff has served as a Foundation Board member for many years and Diane,as well as our daughters, Katherine and Sara Ann, are founding members of the Women of Baycrest.Both Katherine and Sara Ann have also been activeBaycrest volunteers.

Like many families, you only really become aware of adisease or health issue when a loved one is diagnosed. In our case, Jeff’s father was diagnosedwith Alzheimer’s and the challenges we confronted led us to want to assist other people in asimilar situation. Together with his mother, Jeff initiated the significant donation that led to the creation of the Sam and Ida Ross Memory Clinic in 2004. Today, it is an innovative outpatient facility where scientists and clinicians work side-by-side to better understand thecare, management and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and related memory disorders.

Recently, we made a generous donation to the Assistive Technology Clinic for people with neurodegenerative diseases. This donation will fund the further development of the clinic’s innovative services and strengthen its collaborative efforts at Baycrest.

In all that we do to support Baycrest, we always remember its original roots as a special placethat cares for the aged and we appreciate what it means to the Jewish community.

Larry Saltsman

If you are raised by parents who are involved in community service, it’s only natural that youlearn from their example. My mother, Marian Saltsman, has been volunteering at Baycrestsince I was a young boy and even today, as an 84-year-old great-grandmother, she isstill an active volunteer. So I’m really following in her footsteps through my involvement

with Baycrest.

It started 16 years ago when my wife, Michelle Lavine, and I were on a bike trip in France. By coincidence, we met Stan Feldman and his wife, Susan, who have a long association with Baycrest. We became friendly and that summer decided to ride 250 kilometres from Muskoka to Toronto, and on a whim, raise money for Baycrest at the same time.

The next year, we agreed to make this a bigger event. We called on our friends who enjoyed cycling and had the ability to raise money for a great cause. That was the beginning of what

is now known as the “Barrie to Baycrest” (B2B) ride. To date, we have raised $9.3 million! It’s so rewarding for all the riders to see the numbers grow and to know they are impacting people’s lives.It’s especially meaningful for me that my mother continues to makesandwiches for the riders each year and is always there rooting forus at the finish line.

Baycrest is a wonderful organization and one that my familyand I are proud to support.


Stuart Schipper

Ican’t remember a time when I didn’t know about Baycrestand its importance to the community. Growing up, Iwatched my father, Lionel, and my uncle, Norman, devotetheir time, energy and financial support. Both now serve

as Honourary Board Directors.

My own involvement started in my early 30s. At the time, bothmy grandfather and my wife’s grandmother were Baycrestclients, and I was able to understand how important Baycrest’s care was for their health and happiness. A friend asked if I’d like to join a Leadership DevelopmentGroup event committee. Though this group no longer exists, it was a great way to get involved in projects supporting care,education and research at Baycrest.

Since then, my wife, Jayne, and I have been proud Baycrestsupporters. I was honoured when, in 2001, my friend, GeoffMatus, asked if I’d be interested in sitting on the Board of Directors.I accepted and have remained on the Board for the past decade.

But I don’t just sit! For the past six years I’vetaken part in the 100-kilometre “Barrie toBaycrest” bike ride which has raised millions of dollars to support fitness,health and recreation programs for

seniors. It’s a great event.

Contributing to Baycrest has beenrewarding on many levels. Havingthe chance to work with the exceptionally talented, committedcommunity leaders and management teams has beenextraordinary. And ultimately,helping to sustain the standardthat Baycrest has set for tending to the needs of the elderly has meant a lot to me.It’s exciting to think about howmuch more we can still accomplish.

Irma Singer1921 - 2010

Throughout her life,Irma Singer strived tomake others happy. AsChair of the Apotex

Centre Residents’ Council from2006 to 2009, she knew theimportance of ensuring thatthe voices of all residents areheard.

Jenny and Michael Singer describe their late motherwith enormous respect and great affection. “She was a working lady,” Michael says, “busy, independent, outgoing, andhappiest when she was surrounded by people.” At Baycrest,she found a natural outlet for those qualities and ample opportunity to help others. “She was so happy there,” Jennyrecalls. “It was a wonderful way for her to fulfil her goal in life – making people feel happy and at home. She loved Baycrest.”

Irma began volunteering with Baycrest’s Therapeutic Recreation program in the late 1980s, playing cards, runningbingo and baking for the residents. During that time, she metthe “love of her life,” Marcus Goldberg. “He was also a volunteer and, later, a resident, and they were inseparable,”says Jenny. To be near him, Irma applied for a room in theApotex Centre. The day before she moved in, she calledMichael to tell him. Her children were surprised by the sudden news of an available room, but not by Irma’s eagernessto pack her bags. “She enjoyed a certain celebrity there; sheknew everyone and everyone knew her,” Jenny explains.

“Irma was always positive and supportive in every way, fromdoing media interviews, to meeting with politicians and takingpart in fundraising events like the Baycrest Boardwalk,” recalls Nancy Webb, Baycrest Vice-President of Strategic Advancement & Stakeholder Relations. “As Council Chair, shewas an effective bridge between residents and management,always working to make things better for everyone.”

Gerald Slan

Ifirst became involved with Baycrest in 1992 when theFoundation Board Chair, David Goldstein, asked me to takea seat on the Board and chair a committee responsiblefor encouraging families of residents to donate to

Baycrest. It was a wonderful committee and I learned a lotabout Baycrest. Later, I got involved in starting the AnnualCampaign, helping with strategizing and fundraising. It was acampaign that was desperately needed and I was thrilled tobe part of its launch in 2001. To see the Annual Campaign growinto a multi-million dollar effort is amazing and very gratifying.

I’m a supporter of many fundraising activities at Baycrest and have established two endowment funds, as well as naming Baycrest in my will. I haveencouraged my children to become involvedwith Baycrest and am proud to say that my son is on the Foundation Board, my

son-in-law is a very active fundraiser,and both my daughter and daughter-in-law participate in fundraising.

I have seen firsthand the qualityof work at Baycrest and it is extraordinarily impressive. It is

extremely well run and the mostcaring people work and volunteerthere. Baycrest is also successful at being multi-generational. For instance, in 1980, my father and histhree brothers dedicated a multi-

faith prayer and meditation room forpatients and residents. Last year, mythree brothers and I funded a full renovation of the room and attended a re-dedication with our children andgrandchildren. It was very meaningfulfor me to have three generations ofour family involved at Baycrest in this way.�


Freda Slotnick1918 - 2010

Freda Slotnick joined the volunteer family atBaycrest when her late husband, Lou, attended itsDay Centre for Seniors three days a week, beginningin 1984. She accompanied him and was soon

volunteering with the Women’s Auxiliary, Men’s ServiceGroup, Foundation, Volunteer Office, Beauty Salon and, finally,the Seniors Support Program. In fact, Freda was one of theoriginal volunteers when the program started in 1997.

Tuesdays became her Seniors Support days, phoning older adults in the community who needed a friendly andcompassionate ear. Freda’s facility with Yiddish enabledher to reach out to those who didn’t speak English. She always looked forward to talking with her clients, as well as meeting them at the annual Tea.When she took vacations, she made her calls from wherever she was, not wanting to miss connecting with the people whose lives she had touched. Freda enjoyed meeting the people sheworked with and her volunteer time at Baycrest was a source of pride. When health problemsprevented her from physically being at Baycrest, she made the calls from home.

In the summer of 2009, Freda entered hospital. On Tuesdays, she would ask if someone was making her phone calls for her. Freda’s clients were saddened when they no longer heard fromher as they felt equally connected to her and always looked forward to hearing her friendlyvoice. Freda’s years as a Baycrest volunteer were very dear to her heart as she felt that “doingfor others” was an integral part of her life.

Lewis & CharlotteSteinberg

Our involvement with Baycrest began in the early 1980s, after we moved to Toronto fromMontreal. Lewis wanted to get involved in community work and felt that Baycrest wasthe kind of organization he would like to be part of. His background in the familybusinesses, Steinbergs and Miracle Food Mart, led him to accept a position on the

Food Committee, which he later chaired, and on the Baycrest Foundation Board of Directors.

As we became more familiar with Baycrest, we wanted to make a meaningful gift and chose tosupport the Audiology Community Service, which provided assessments and equipment to hearing-impaired seniors in their homes.

When Charlotte’s mother moved to the Terraces of Baycrest, we had a chance to see for ourselves the wonderful care that Baycrest offers. Even though she couldn’t hear well and wasalmost blind, she went to lectures and took pottery classes. Charlotte visited her six days aweek, and when she couldn’t be there, our daughters or grandchildren took turns going to seeher. She had a very nice life there.

A few years ago, rather than making a number of small donations to different organizations, we decided to make major gifts that would have animpact on people’s lives. We started with North YorkGeneral, our local hospital, where we endowed theemergency department and purchased three digitalmammography machines, among other gifts.

Then it was Baycrest’s turn. The governmentwanted Baycrest to offer a slower paced rehabilitation program for seniors and we weredrawn to the urgency of the need. We met with staff and in 2010, decided to endow theCharlotte and Lewis Steinberg Slow Stream Rehabilitation Unit in Baycrest Hospital.

We are very impressed with what is being accomplished and intend to visit at least once a year to see how the unit is progressing andhow else we may be of help.



Ronnie & Perry Steiner

How could we say no? When Leonard Waldman approached us back in 2004 to join himin co-chairing Baycrest’s annual charity golf tournament, we were honoured andimmediately accepted. Our combined goals were to help this tournament raisesignificantly more money than prior years and create a truly unique event showcasing

Baycrest. This new format had never been attempted before, where every golfer would become aBaycrest fundraiser. The format, which has since been adapted for other successful Baycrestfundraising initiatives, limited the number of golfers to 72, with each golfer playing their ownball, getting away from the standard 144 player shotgun. This event was created for the truegolfer with the venues to match. Another key to our success is that we host the tournament atthe most exclusive golf courses in Ontario each year.

In our first year, the Baycrest Strokes Fore Stroke Golf Classic raised $220,000 – more than double the proceeds of the previous year. Seven years later, the tournament has raised over $2.5 million, capped off by the 2011 event, which raised $410,000, hosted at the prestigious St. George’s Golf and Country Club, home of the 2010 Canadian Open.

It has been a privilege to work alongside past and current committee members and like-mindedgolf enthusiasts who have given of their time, contacts and resources to assist and promote theresearch, education and innovation at Baycrest.

Baycrest is a vital and valuable resource for the community and one we are proud to support. We believe it is important to give back to the community and through our charitable efforts we hope to be inspirational role models for our children. It is rewarding to know that we have helped create a unique experience while raisingmuch-needed funding for stroke research andcare at Baycrest.

Donald Stuss

The first three times I was asked to joinBaycrest, I actually declined. I had a verygood position as a professor of Neurologyand Psychology at the University of Ottawa.

There was little research going on at Baycrest, so Ididn’t want to leave. What changed my mind wasspeaking with Joseph Rotman who said, “If youcome, I can guarantee you will have the opportunityto do what has never been done before.” That’sexactly what happened!

I began as the Founding Director of the Rotman Research Institute in 1989. With enormous supportfrom the community, the Board, and CEO StephenHerbert, and outstanding mentorship from Dr. Lou

Siminovitch, we pursued a philosophy of hiring only the best people so we could engage in research that makes the best clinical impact. Eventually, this construct of excellence evolvedand we built a brain function research institute of the highest level.

I was also Vice-President of Research which allowed me to have an overarching view of our research model. This helped ensure that the most basic science was interactive with clients and that clinicians and applied researchers worked together as much as possible.

One highlight that was particularly touching for me was when Baycrest was selected to be partof the University of Toronto Tanenbaum Chair Program. Sam Ruth, the former CEO, had tears inhis eyes and told me how proud he was to see Baycrest achieve this remarkable milestone.

I don’t believe I could have done what I did at Baycrest, anywhere else. It is an organization that always takes chances and proves you can have phenomenal science, while still having a soul and a direction towards meaningfulness for clients and their families.

I stopped my administrative roles in 2009, but I am still a Rotman scientist – a position I am very proud to hold.

Lawrence M. Tanenbaum, O.C.

My late parents, Anne and Max, were earlysupporters of Baycrest when it was theoriginal Jewish Old Folks Home, operatingin several small houses on Cecil Street. My

mother volunteered there, teaching English to elderlyimmigrant women.

Many years later, I was proud to watch as our company, Kilmer Van Nostrand Co. Limited (KVN),poured concrete for the foundations of what was tobecome the new Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care.

My mother’s commitment to senior care eventuallyled to the establishment of the Anne and Max Tanenbaum Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience at Baycrest and the University of Toronto. Since herdeath in 2008, our family has continued to supportthe Chair which has attracted world-class scientiststo Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute.

My wife, Judy, and I strive to exemplify the values of "tzedakah" which our parents instilled in us. This Hebrew word refers to acts of "charity." Tzedakah is not supposed to be seen as amagnanimous act, but rather an act that is right.

Writing a cheque is easy. Giving one’s time and energy is harder. I’ve always tried to answer Baycrest’s call whenever I’ve been approached for help. For seven years I sat on the Board of Directors and today act as an Honourary Director of this extraordinary institution.

Baycrest’s growth as a leader in care, education and research related to aging and brain healthhas been astonishing. And I believe it will continue moving forward, expanding its base and sharing its expertise with the world. I am proud to think that our family has played a role in this achievement.

Anna VanDelman

For more than 30 years, I have been an advocate of quality programming for seniorsliving at home, and respite for their families. My motivation is a former Baycrest motto,“adding life to years,” and that’s exactly what I have tried to do for the countless elderlypeople I have met in my professional social work career.

In 1977, I joined the staff of Baycrest’s Day Care Services for Seniors. I loved knowing that members were transported to and from their homes, served lunch and dinner, and involved in interesting activities. All the while, their families were given precious respite time. Many participants were on a waiting list for the home for the aged, but the day program eased that need.

It was always thrilling for me to witness the personal transitions experienced by Day Care members. I watched new members arrive in various stages of depression, and evolve into active participants, speaking on behalf of philanthropic causes or performing in our travelling,intergenerational drama group. The Day Care’s success wasbest summed up by one of our members who said, “One standing ovation is better than 10 years of therapy.”

I take pride in my insistence that the new Apotex Centre,Jewish Home for the Aged feature a showcase at the entrance to each resident’s room to display personalphotographs and keepsakes. This enables everyonewho walks by to get a sense of who the person wasat earlier stages of his or her life.

Since retiring, I have continued my Baycrest connection by volunteering in the Morris andSally Justein Heritage Museum. I treasure myyears at Baycrest and see this amazing community as a role model in geriatric care and research for the world.



Joe Volpe

For close to a quarter century, from 1988 to2011, I had the privilege to serve the constituentsof Eglinton-Lawrence as their Member ofParliament. My association with Baycrest

throughout that time is a highlight of my career.Principally, my role was to facilitate access tothe political process and to support collaborationbetween Baycrest and those government servicesthat could be of benefit. Working together with staff,Board members, volunteers, and clients, I am proudto have played a part in transforming Baycrest intowhat it is today.

Thanks to the wisdom of its stakeholders, Baycrest has grown from a home for the aged

to a multi-faceted care facility and a centre for research, science, and the dynamic manufactureof ideas. The changes I have seen have been profound and visionary. People today are livinglonger and experiencing a broad range of illnesses and Baycrest is in a position to respond totheir needs.

Those who live, work, and volunteer there have benefitted from the experience that is Baycrest.Its physical structure is inspiring. Its staff is dedicated and sensitive to client dignity. Baycresthas gone from being a Jewish centre to a more broadly-based, community-oriented facility, withan ambience that is unlike any traditional hospital. In doing so, Baycrest has changed life for theelderly, giving residents the ability to focus on living rather than waiting for that last day. It’s avibrant environment and every time I have the pleasure to visit, I walk away feeling good and Iam most grateful.

Joel Walker

During my internship for medical school in 1970, I did one of my rotations at Baycrestand really loved it. I found the people were wonderful to be with, so I requested asecond rotation and enjoyed it once again. Years later, in the early 1980s, I decided togo back to Baycrest as a volunteer. Together with my friend, photographer Michael

Gilbert, and Baycrest’s Pat Cohen, we started up a group teaching photography to the residents.

We began with about 15 people, with an average age of 87. Other peopleheard about the group and it grew. We would give them assignmentsto do, like taking self-portraits, and we met every Thursday. This continued for three years.

Photography built up their confidence and self-esteem. It became a type of therapy for them. For example, there was one woman who was 90, in a wheelchair and

feeling miserable. Through photography, she capturedthe many different sides of aging. She found the humour in it and a whole new way of expressing herself. We put on an exhibit of the group’s photographs at Toronto City Hall entitled, Young Photographers, and they won second prize!

Later, I told them they had become my friends andnow I wanted to take pictures of them. I donatedthese portraits to Baycrest where they are still ondisplay in the education classrooms and oftenused by staff in presentations. My experience has

taught me that age is only a number. More importantly,it confirmed what I discovered when I was an intern; thatthe elderly have so much to give and are capable of muchmore than we might think.

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Bea Wortsman

When I retired from working full-time as amedical secretary, I seemed to have a lotof time on my hands. So when I wasasked if I could help out at the Baycrest

Foundation to alleviate some of the work overload, Iwas only too happy to try. That was some l0 to l5years ago and I have been at Baycrest ever since.

The “work” consisted of stuffing envelopes, filing,and other jobs that the staff needed help with a couple of times a week for a few hours. One day, my friend, Bea Young, asked if I would volunteer with her at the Apotex Centre reception desk onTuesday mornings. I accepted and for many years, we were known as the “two Beas.”

I also worked in the Gift Shop for a few years everyFriday morning, but I found that a little slow moving,so when I was approached to help out at the ShalomProgram, I was delighted to join the group. I like interacting with the hospital patients and working with the other volunteers. The program provides a very pleasant break for the patients; a change of scene with music, candle lighting, kiddush to welcome in Shabbat, and refreshments. It reminds them of the traditions they followed in their own homes.

I find I get so much satisfaction working at this program that I'm sure it does as much for me as it does for our guests. I would really encourage others to become involved with volunteering.It is most rewarding and worthwhile.

We are very fortunate to have Baycrest in our community. As long as it is here, the Jewish community will know there is a place to call our own with people we can turn to in times where we might need help.

Gwen Yacht

M y relationship with Baycrest began in 1990 when I was invited to collaborate on autilization project that endeavoured to look at how to save resources, while stillproviding excellent care. Later, Baycrest recruited me.

Over the course of the next 18 years I held many diverse roles, including Director of Quality, Risk and Utilization, Director of HealthRecords, Admissions and Accreditation, and Privacy Officer. Although I had many titles, I’m a social worker at heart and what I’m most proud of is always putting the care of patients and residents first.

There were many highlights over the years. Coordinating the client satisfaction surveys provided an excellent opportunity to listen to what patients were saying and address theirissues. Accreditation allowed us to raise the bar for quality and safety and galvanize staff to really put what they were taught into practice. The Research Ethics Committee was a fantastic experience, supporting the work of brilliant scientists in understanding how to help patients and families.

I worked with some of the most talented, committed and caring people in my time at Baycrest. I saw how volunteerism is more recognized and exciting than at any other organization, how much research continually contributes to improving services, and how vital the Foundation is for Baycrest.

You work harder at Baycrest than at almost any other healthcare organization because you are constantly growing and striving to achieve more, and because you are committed to your clients and colleagues. It really is an incredible place.


2008 HonoureesSusan Adams • Harvey Adelman Clare Adie • Anna Aptheker

Pamela Austin • Annette BeargStan Bernstein • Irving Boigon Breda Chug • Florence CooperPaula David • Bernard DickensJohn Dirks • Marcia Dodick

Jacqueline (Jackie) Singer Edelson Esther Fairbloom • Goldie Feldman

Leo Fine • Pat FriedlandRachamim Friedman

Ernie & Lori Gershon • Sam GertnerNathan Gold • Judith GoldbergerPhyl Goldner • Michael Gordon

Joseph GottdenkerPhilip & Shirley Granovsky

Slova Greenberg • Moshe Greengarten George Grossman

Judy Gwartz • Gilda Goodman HelmanStephen W. Herbert • Warren & Debbie KimelRhoda Kopstein • Reuben & Sybil KuninJoyce Lagunoff • David (Sonny) Langer

Max Lappin • Harold MartinMark Napier • Dorothy NewmanMike Pelyk • Terry PictonHarry Pike • Abe Posluns

Wilfred Posluns • Dorothy (Dot) Pringle Marty Richman • Sam Ruth

Estherelke Sager • Bertha Savlov Bennett Solway • Ed Sonshine

Sol & Tauba Spiro • Rose Szereszewski Debby Vigoda • Leonard (Lenny) Waldman

Bernard & Belle Weinstein Ben & Faye Winbaum Irving & Sylvia Wortsman Denise Zarn • Dina Zbar

2006 HonoureesIda Abrams • Joseph Atkinson

Jack Baker • Jordan & Faith Banks Anne Birt • Frances BlugermanDavid Brown • Orah Buck

Stephen Cole • Margaret DanielsHarvey Dobbs • Tom & Karen Ehrlich

Leona Finkler • Phyllis FlattMorris Frankfort • Anne Gans

Max & Gianna Glassman • Paul Godfrey Wolfe & Tillie Goldberg Milton & Jean Goldstein

Joseph Gottdenker • Al J. Green Alex E. Grossman • Al Hertz

Morris & Sally Justein • Morris Kaufman Daniel E. Kert • Murray & Lila Kirsh

Mel Lastman • Sidney LaxMurray & Adrienne Levinter

Michael S. Levy • Irwin Lightman Fran Mann • Helen Marr

Geoffrey MatusMiriam Minkowski • Faye Mintz

Florence R. MinzNicholas & Hedy Munk

Nancy Posluns • Winnie Posner Gerald Ray • Irving Rife Gerald Ross • Steve RudinSam Ruth • Ben SadowskiMarvin & Ruth Sadowski

Saul & Rae Saltzman • Graham Scott Sidney Seligman

Bernard Shapiro • Lorraine Sherkin Hy & Bertha Shore • Coleman Solursh

Lou Stillman • Martin StormMiklos & Gabriella Szanto • Endel Tulving Sydney Wax • Jack & Anne Weinbaum Frances Wintrob • Irwin Wortsman

2004 HonoureesTobie Bekhor • Murray Biback

Walter & Jeanny Bick • Reuben Brown Jack Constant • Sydney Cooper Sammy Davis • William Davis

A. Ephraim Diamond Eric & Esther Exton • Susan Fenwick

Moe Freedman • Leslie Frost Abraham Ginsburg • Rose Glowinsky David Goldstein • Edwin Goldstein

Harry & Sara Gorman Joseph Gottdenker • Slova Greenberg Abraham Greenspan • Wulf Grobin

Cyril Gryfe • Pinchas Gutter Simon Harris • Henry Himel

Fred & May Karp • Ben & Hilda Katz Carl K. Keyfetz

Saul & Mira Koschitzky Harold Lederman

Reva James Leeds • Ian Leventhal Abe & Ethyle Levine • Sidney Liswood Sydney & Sheila Loftus • Walter Lyons Jennie Magerman • Sophie Mandel

Charles Markson • Etta Ginsberg McEwan J. Irving Oelbaum • Abe Posluns

Donald & Elaine Rafelman • Sam Ross Millard Roth • Joseph & Sandra Rotman

Abe Rovner • Sam Ruth Samuel J. Sable

Norman & Honey Schipper Barry & Honey Sherman • Lou Siminovitch

Jennie Snider • Fran Sonshine Edith Stillman • Anne Tanenbaum Dora Till • Harry Ungerman Ted & Alma Waldman

Cynthia Gasner Warshafsky Herbert J. Weiss • Leonard Wolinsky

Our Past Honourees

Baycrest Foundation

3560 Bathurst StreetToronto, ON M6A 2E1

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Treasures of Baycrest 2011 Brochure

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