brings you Staying ISSUE 20 | NOV/DEC 2016€¦ · enable a positive purpose, but sometimes circles break, causing sorrow and pain. Then it is a different story. The circles that

Issue 20, November/December 2016 | Page 1

by Shoshana Harris

There’s nothing quite like the months of November and

December. They are filled with some of the most joyous and special holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, and Mawlid al-Nabi fall during these months. Families and friends get together and repeat customs and traditions as they have done for years. For many, numerous preparations will be made: shopping for presents, cleaning

and cooking for guests, maybe planning trips to visit out-of-town family and friends. It can be simultaneously exhilarating, overwhelming and exhausting. It can also feel a bit lonely if you are not able to do the preparations you have done in the past, and if you are not sure with whom you will be spending the holidays.

This issue will focus on looking beyond your usual holiday routine with the idea of “making a bigger circle.” Think about extending your holiday gathering to include friends and/or family members who may

not have others with whom to share the holiday joy. Do you know someone who is recently widowed? Has a friend’s illness become a barrier to hosting the usual holiday get-together?

We challenge you to reach out to one new person this year and include him or her in one of your festivities. Let us know the outcome of this “experiment” – we would love to hear what you and your guest experienced. We hope you will take the challenge. Happy Holidays!

brings you Staying

Staying

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ISSUE 20 | NOV/DEC 2016

How BIG is your circle? by Chava Ball, NNC Director

Circles come in many sizes from the “I can’t see it without a

microscope” to so large we can’t even imagine it. So, what makes a circle unique? When we look at a perfect circle, it doesn’t seem to have a beginning or an end. Circles are everywhere. Even when we are cooking and stirring, we use a circular motion to mix the ingredients.

Circles also come in many types, including but not limited to circles of life, circles of friends, circles of care, circles of support, circles of wisdom, circles of love, ripple circles, family circles and even mystery “crop circles.” (www.live-science/26540-crop-circles.html)

Each circle carries with it a purpose. It does something. Circles of family and friends bring those we love close to us. Circles

of love make us feel good. Ripple circles let us see the effect caused by a rock thrown into a pond, resulting in the lesson that the bigger the rock, the bigger the circles. When I was a little girl, I would spin in circles until I got so dizzy, I fell down. I learned that there is a way to spin without getting dizzy. Ice skaters do it with precision and earn gold medals. When everything goes well, circles enable a positive purpose, but sometimes circles break, causing sorrow and pain. Then it is a different story.

The circles that capture my atten-tion are those that involve rela-tionships. Those circles are the ones that propel us to accomplish great things. When there are those around us who care about us, we try new things that we might not even try without that circle of

support. We discover purpose and feel empow-ered. When the relationship circles break, for whatever reason, there is a profound loss in our lives. We then have to figure it out on our own. To some of us, it seems so overwhelming that we lose hope. Where should I turn and what can I do?

There is nothing I can do that will make anyone do what I am

continued on p. 13

WE’RE GOING GREEN! IF YOU’D LIKE TO RECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTER IN YOUR EMAIL, PLEASE CONTACT

[email protected].

Page 2 | Staying Connected

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

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

Why Join?• Volunteer services: driving,

grocery help, technology help, small home fixes

• Shopping and other trips on the CHAI Northwest Senior Shuttle

• Partnerships with local busi-nesses and non-profits

• Advocacy support from fellow members

• Opportunities to share your skills and expertise

• Ever-expanding connec-tions with other community resources

• The opportunity to support a transformative organization

• Exciting social activities• Peace of mind

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

How do I become a member?

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

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

How to Get InvolvedWe need you! What are you inter-ested in? Pick one and get in touch at 410-662-6620 or [email protected].

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

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

Healthy Connections: Help run initiatives to support NNC members live healthier lives.

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

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

Social Events: Help plan the annual barbecue, Birthday Bash and other events. Infuse our members’ lives with quality programs, culture, education and FUN!

Trips: Want to plan which plays to attend and where to go? Join us.

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

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

Drive a Senior—Make a Friend: Be a volunteer driver! Must be at least 21 years old. Flexible times available. Sign up for once a month, weekly or daily.

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

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

Exercise Classes: Weekly groups meet at various residential build-ings. Exercise your body and mind through movement, creative writing, storytelling and arts and crafts, and meet the neighbors in your building. Call Chava Ball, 410-500-5319, for details.

Art Class: A free art class for members that meets once a month. The emphasis is on process and learning rather than just creating a “finished” product.

Lunch and a Movie: Enjoy a monthly movie with old friends and make new friends. Help select the feature of the month and date.

SEND YOUR STORIES, COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS TO NNC

AT [email protected].


For more information, contact Chava Ball at 410-500-5319.

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

8443, if you wish to join the fun!

NNC Needlers: Knit, crochet, hook rugs, embroider—enjoy the company of others while working on your project. No prior experi-ence is necessary. For more infor-mation, call Eileen Rosenbaum, 410-764-8443.

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

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

Timely Happenings & Personal NotesThe Future of Northwestern High SchoolBy Ellen Carter Cooper, NNC Member

Some of the long-time residents of this area may remember when the area surrounding Northwestern High School was farmland. In fact, the cows from one of the farms frequently wandered around the neighborhood and had to be shooed back home. This changed by the time the school was founded in 1968. The future promises even more alterations within the next three years.

In 2013, then Superintendent of the Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS), Dr. Andres Alonso, proposed a closure plan for North-western because the school needed

48 million dollars for renovation costs but was underutilized. Dr. Alonso recommended that the school be closed in 2016. The school’s enrollment was reported to be 580 in 2014.

What is the future of this land-mark at Park Heights Avenue and Fallstaff Road? This is the timeline that the BCPS School Board is following.

• August 2016 - Students from Forest Park High School will be added to the building while their facility is being renovated. They will exist as two separate schools with two principals, two separate entrances and a combined football team.

• December 2016 - The BCPS Board of School Commissioners will vote on the recommendation to close Northwestern.

• September 2017 - Students normally assigned to Forest Park will be housed at Northwestern. There will then be one school.

• September 2018 – All of the students will attend the renovated Forest Park facility.

What Are Some Signs of a Scam?[Ed: holidays are associated with solicitations, both real and fraudu-lent. Seniors are especially vulnerable and are often the target of scams involving money and personal infor-mation. This article is reprinted with permission from the Baltimore County Department of Aging’s Caregiver Connection newsletter.]

• If they tell you to send a small amount of money to win big money.

• If they offer to send you money and you are told to keep some for yourself and send the rest else-where.

• If you are asked to wire money to someone you do not know.

continued on p. 15

Northwestern High School

Map of northwest Baltimore before Northwestern High School


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

EXPAND YOUR MINDCurrent Events Roundtable Tues., 10-11:30 a.m., Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Ave.Discuss American government and politics; explore issues at local, national, and international levels. Join this social group and meet year round. Free. For more information on Enrichment classes contact, Melissa Berman, 410-559-3593 or [email protected].

Current Events and DiscussionsMon., 1-2 p.m., Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd.In a casual and relaxed atmosphere, explore and share your thoughts on daily news topics, including politics, foreign policy and the economy. Facilitator: Marge Krakower.

THE ARTSPortrait Drawing with Leah Caplan in Partnership with CCBCFri., 11/4-12/12, 10:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m., Park Heights JCCWork with pastels using a live model. Emphasis is on head construction, light and shadow and composition. For more information, contact Melissa Seltzer, 410-559-3593 or [email protected]. To register, contact Marilyn Zvili, 410-559-3510 or [email protected].$86/JCC Members & Guests

Watercolor with Rod Cook in Partnership with CCBCTues., 11/1-12/27, 9:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Park Heights JCCThis course examines a variety of techniques and subjects. Students will explore still life and landscapes. Some classes will be held at scenic locations. For more information, contact Melissa Seltzer, 410-559-3593 or [email protected]. To register, contact Marilyn Zvili,

410-559-3510 or [email protected].$86/members and non-members

Community Concerts at Second Presbyterian Church4200 St. Paul St.Sun., 11/13, 3:30 p.m.: Latin Guitarist David BurgessSun., 11/20, 7:30 pm: Chamber Music by CandlelightFree and open to the public

THE SOCIAL SCENEMovies at the Gordon Center 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave.Thurs., 11/10, 12-3 p.m.: Commissar $20 members, $25 guestsThurs., 11/17, 7:30 p.m.: The Last Laugh (A movie that asks, “Can the Holocaust ever be funny?” $7/members + $2 at the door; $10 non-members

At the Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd.Senior Sundays, 11 a.m. 11/6 – Entertainment by “Maxie” 12/11 – The Klezmer Band–celebrate Chanukah with traditional music. $2 member/ $4 non-members. Must be paid in advance. Call Toba at 410-358-6856. ••••••AARP Driver Education Class Wed., 11/16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $15 AARP members/ $20 non-AARP members. By taking this class, you may qualify for an insurance reduction. Please arrive by 9:30 am. There will be a 30-minute break at noon for lunch on your own. •••••• Women @ The Myerberg, Thurs., 1:30 p.m. 11/3 – Jessica Normington, President of

the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce 12/1 – Geoffrey Grief, Professional at the University of Maryland School of Social Work$10/session.••••••TED Talks & Discussion Groups Wed., 11/9 & 12/14, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Watch a TED Talk or two and share thoughts on the topics discussed. Led by Gail Zuskin.$20 members/$25 non-members••••••Johanna’s Book Club Fri., 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Instructor: Paulette Kamelgard Free for members11/18 – The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah 12/16 – What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman 1/20 – Invisible City by Julia Dahl••••••Contemporary Issues Through a Jewish Lens Explore contemporary issues of politics, identity, values and culture with weekly lectures featuring guest rabbis.Call 410-358-6856 for more information. Thurs., 11/3 – Jewish Perspectives on Political Activism- How and When to Get Involved 11/10 – Jewish Values and Democracy 11/17 – Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother- An examination of traditional interpretations of the Commandment to “honor and respect” our parents. 12/1 – Perspectives in Aging in Jewish Life 12/8 – When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Myerberg Center Fall ScheduleDrop in! These activities are always available and free for Myerberg members.• Mon-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Billiards• Tues., 12:30-3 p.m., Mah Jong


• Tues., 1-4 p.m., Open Art Studio time• Wed., 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Tech Support

Drop-In• Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Party Bridge

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

Jewish Legal Services (JLS) ClinicMon., 11/14 & 12/12, 7:00-8:30 p.m. JCS, 5750 Park Heights Ave.JLS offers a free walk-in legal clinic for individuals with limited income. Legal information and referral for issues including bankruptcy, landlord-tenant, family and immigration. Call 410-843-7305 for more information.

Low-Vision Support GroupThur., 11/10. 12/8, 12/22, 1:30-3 p.m. Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd.Learn about helpful resources, hear informative speakers and gain support from others facing similar challenges. Sponsored by JCS. Contact Janet Kurland, LCSW-C, at 410-843-7306 or [email protected] for more information.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) Support GroupTues., 11/8 & 12/13, 2-3 p.m., Myerberg Center A monthly group for community members with Parkinson’s as well as their families and caregivers. Sponsored by JCS, the Myerberg Center and the Parkinson’s Diseaase and Movement Disorders Center of Johns Hopkins University. For

information call 410-843-7352 or visit jcsbaltimore.org/parkinsons. Facilitated by Shoshana Zuckerbrod.

COME AND MEET YOUR NEIGHBORSCheswolde: Wed., 11/2 & 12/7, 7:30 p.m.; Falls Village Apartments Community HallCross Country: Tues., 11/8 & 12/13, 7:30 p.m.; CHAI. 5809 Park Heights Ave.Glen: Wed., 11/23 & 12/28, 7:00 p.m.; Park Heights JCCFallstaff: Thurs., 11/3 & 12/1, 7:00 p.m. Fallstaff Elementary SchoolMount Washington: Tues., 11/8 & 12/13, 7:30 p.m.; The Wesley, 2211 West Rogers Ave.

SPECIAL DAYS

November 6 – Daylight Savings Time EndsNovember 8 – Election DayNovember 11 – Veterans DayNovember 24 – Thanksgiving DayDecember 12 – Mawlid al-Nabi December 21 – Winter BeginsDecember 24 – First Chanukah Candle and Christmas EveDecember 25 – First Day of Chanukah and Christmas DayDecember 25 - January 1 – ChanukahDecember 26 - January 1 – Kwanzaa December 31 – New Year’s Eve

NNC EventsExercise at The Imperial Mon., 10-11 a.m. 3601 Clarks Ln.Exercise at the Elmont Tues., 10-11 a.m. 6317 Park Heights Ave. Exercise and Creative Arts at The Windsor House Wed., 11 a.m.-12 p.m. 6503 Park Heights Ave.Art Class Tues., 11/1 & 12/6 10 a.m.-12 p.m., CHAI, 5809 Park Heights Ave. Nutritious Cooking Demonstration Mon., 11/14 & 12/12, 12:30-1:30 p.m. CHAI, 5809 Park Heights Ave.Diversity Dialogue Mon., 11/21 & 12/19, 4-6 p.m. CHAI, 5809 Park Heights Ave. NNC Monthly Village Gathering Third Tuesdays, 11/15 & 12/20, 3-5 p.m. Myerberg Center, 3101 Fallstaff Rd.Needlers Tues., 11/22 & 12/13, RSVP to Eileen Rosenbaum 410-764-8443Lunch and A Movie Mon., 11/28 & 12/19, 12-2:30 p.m. CHAI, 5809 Park Heights Ave.Men’s Group TBD - 12:30-2:00 p.m. RSVP to Jerry Rosenbaum 410-764-8443January Board Meeting: time and date to be determined (TBD)


Health & Wellness Get a Taste for Nutrition by Ilysa Cohen, NNC Member & Healthy Connections Chair

Can you call your grandmother’s beloved holiday bread pudding

a healthy one? Scrumptious as it may be with four cups of whole milk, one stick of butter and four eggs, you probably wouldn’t find it on a list of healthy foods. But you don’t have to remove it from your recipe box. Just modify the recipe with a few changes and you have another healthy recipe for your col-lection-not a fat and calorie disas-ter! Here are some examples:

Baked Goods: to reduce the amount of fat, sugar and salt without sacrificing flavor

• Use half the butter/oil and replace the other half with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana

• Use half or one-third the sugar

• Add cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg or vanilla and almond extracts to compensate for less sugar

• Cut salt in half.

Main Dishes: To save on calories and fat while gaining more vita-mins, minerals, and fiber:

• Use whole wheat pasta instead of enriched (triple fiber, 4.5 grams vs. 1.8 grams)

• Use fat-free milk in place of whole milk (saves 60 calories and 7 grams of fat)

• Use less meat, poultry or fish

• Increase intake of vegetables and season them with herbs

Other Suggestions to Reduce Fat, Salt, Sugar and Calories:

• Eliminate high-fat ingredients such as whipped cream and frostings

• Use non-fat or reduced fat spreads instead of full-fat mayonnaise

• Try fresh mashed berries or thin fruit slices (apples, peaches or pears) instead of jelly or syrup

• Cut cheese amounts in recipes by half

• Reduce portion size

Before tweaking a recipe, look it over and think about what you want to change to make it healthier. You might need to experiment a few times to get the results you want, but finding the right combination of ingredients for the desired taste, consistency and nutrients is well worth the trouble!

Don’t forget NNC’s Healthy Cooking Class. We meet at CHAI the second Monday of every month from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Come schmooze with us, learn new cooking techniques and taste healthy recipes that you can make at home.

The muffin recipe below has a before and after ingredient list. Making a few small changes can make a big difference in the amount of fat, calories and salt in a serving. These healthy changes save you about 120 calories, 9 grams of fat and 8 grams of added sugar in each muffin.

Recipe Makeover: Morning Glory Muffins

Pre-heat oven to 350°

Original recipe: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups sugar 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp salt 3 large eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups peeled and chopped apples ½ cup raisins ½ cup pecans ½ cup grated carrots

Healthier Recipe: 2 cups whole wheat flour (adds fiber) ¾ cups sugar (reduces calories) 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. cinnamon (enhances sweet-ness) ¼ cup egg substitute or 6 egg whites (reduces saturated fat and cholesterol) ½ cup vegetable oil ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (reduces fat and adds moisture) 2 tsp vanilla extract (enhances sweetness) 2 cups peeled and chopped apples, with skin on (increases fiber) ½ cup raisins 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (reduces fat and calories) ¾ cup grated carrots (increases sweetness)

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients. Mix together by hand but do not over mix. Grease 18 muffin cups or line with paper. Fill each with batter about half way. Bake 15-20 minutes. Test with a toothpick that comes out clean. Can also be baked in 2 small loaf pans.

Where’d I put those keys? Bananas, shampoo...what else did I need at the store? by Jenny Seidman, Wellness Manager, The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore

We all forget things from time to time. Here are a few tips and tricks to help boost your everyday recall:

1. Pick your spots. Do missing keys turn up in the bathroom? Living room remotes in the kitchen? This might seem obvious: it’s easier to find what you’re looking for when you know where to look. Give items — such as keys, remotes, wallets, glasses, scissors and cellphones — a specific place to be. Then get in the habit of returning an item to its spot after each use.

2. Think 3-to-5. Maybe you left home without your weekly grocery list. Now how do you shop without it? Try recalling the items you wrote down in related sets of three to five. The reason? When you’re trying to remember long lists or numbers, your brain prefers bite-sized chunks. So, for example, you might remember produce items in one group and toiletries as another set.

3. Picture people. Do new names quickly slip your mind? Try associating them with images that

are easier to recall. For instance, to remember Mike, your new neighbor, imagine him on a stage with a microphone.

4. Leave yourself a clue. If you think you’ll forget a timely task, put something to jog your memory in a can’t-miss spot. For example, maybe you want to remember to pay a bill online the next day. Lay it on your computer keyboard — or prop it next to the coffee maker — as you head to bed.

5. Learn new tricks. You can improve how your brain works by keeping it stimulated. Challenge it with novel activities and tasks. Maybe that’s driving home by a different route or trying your hand at the piano.

Join usfor our art classes on the first Tuesday of every month.

Our first gathering will be:

Tuesday, November 110:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at CHAI

You may choose from: Watercolor, Collage and/or Calligraphy. It is a wonderful opportunity for NNC members to explore

new techniques and share new experiences.

For more information, call 410-662-6620.FREE FOR MEMBERS!


OUT ON THE TOWN WITH NNC

Geppi’s Entertainment MuseumWednesday, November 9

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum (or “GEM”) is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to see pop culture

entertainment in the setting it deserves. Over the years President and CEO Stephen A. Geppi has been fortunate enough to be in a position to preserve, promote and present historical comic char-acter collectibles in a variety of venues. Look around the Museum and you’ll see that the history of popular culture is so tightly woven into the social fabric of the United States that it parallels and rein-forces mainstream history.

GEM is a showplace of ideas, a marketplace of thought and imag-ination. In its historic Camden Station setting, it simultaneously looks back across the 230 years of our nation’s history and toward the future, offering those who are interested the most significant of keys to wisdom: understanding.

The museum is dedicated to the proposition that comic charac-ters – whether entirely fictional or based on figures from real life – have played a hugely successful role in the entertainment and education of children, and in turn that this has played a huge factor in their lives.

On-going exhibits include Balti-more’s Heroes; The City’s Cultural Pioneers; A Story in Four Colors; Comic Books in Pop Culture; Extra! Extra! (Newspaper Comics as Social and Ethnic Commen-tary); Revolution; and Rock & Roll’s Impact on American Culture between 1961 and 1970.

Cost: $9/NNC member

Revolution of the Eye: Modern Art & the Birth of American TelevisionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture

Wednesday, December 7

Revolution of the Eye: Modern Art and the Birth of American Television is the first exhibition to explore how avant-garde art influenced and shaped the look and content of network televi-sion in its formative years, from the late 1940s to the mid-1970s.

During this period, the pioneers of American television — many of them young, Jewish and aestheti-cally adventurous — had adopted modernism as a source of inspira-tion. Revolution of the Eye looks at how the dynamic new medium, in its risk-taking and aesthetic experimentation, paralleled and embraced cutting-edge art and design.

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

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

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

continued on p. 12


Who’s Who? Ellen Carter Cooper

By Shoshana Harris, NNC Member

Ellen Carter Cooper is the consummate educator.

Throughout her many years in the field of education, she has

made lasting contri-butions as a classroom

teacher and administrator.

Ellen grew up in Baltimore and attended Baltimore city public schools. She is a graduate of Douglass High School and an alumna of Morgan State University, where she obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees in English.

Ellen’s parents had very high educa-tional standards for her and her two brothers. In fact, during her summer vacations her father insisted that she read articles every day from their encyclopedia. He would quiz her about the articles at the end of each day.

If Ellen came home from school with a test grade of, say 95, she would be asked, “Why didn’t you get a 100?” These high standards influenced her to become a meticulous grammarian and to have high expectations not only for herself but also for all of her students.

Some of her classroom assignments included teaching freshman English at Morgan State University and Coppin State University. She also taught English to middle and high school students in Michigan and Chicago,

where she lived for several years when her husband’s ministry took the family out to the Midwest. However, in 1996, her mother became ill, so she moved back to Baltimore to help care for her. She has been here ever since.

Ellen’s proudest administrative assign-ment occurred when she was the assistant to Dr. Roland Patterson, the first African-American Baltimore City Superintendent of Schools. In a very meaningful position as an Improve-ment Specialist, she worked to ensure that the educational needs of Balti-more City students were being met and on par with other school districts.

Thanks to her friendship with the late Junetta Jones, Ellen heard about NNC’s Diversity Dialogue group. In 2014, Junetta invited her to attend the meetings. Ellen enjoyed participating in the stimulating discussions and getting “connected” to NNC. Little did she know how NNC would play an important role in her life two years later.

In January 2016, Ellen’s life changed dramatically when she suffered a stroke. It felt as if her “whole life was turned upside down.” She could no longer work, and she regretfully retired from her teaching position at Coppin State University after a long and deeply satisfying career in education.

But Ellen is a fighter. After surgery on her carotid artery, she battled back with months of physical, occupational and speech therapy. She still has some residual weakness in her left hand.

Ellen’s church played an integral role during her recuperative period. Church members delivered casseroles and “gourmet meals.”

NNC members Pauline Watson and Joyce Wolpert helped put Ellen in touch with transportation assistance and emotional support. In Ellen’s words, “NNC has been the vehicle that helped me adjust to changes that resulted from my stroke.” She is grateful for the new friendships made through NNC and the friendly calls that minimized feelings of isolation.

Ellen has several goals that she hopes to implement in the months ahead. She wants to become more

actively involved with NNC as well as with her church, Brown Memorial Presbyterian. She also looks forward to resuming playing piano and driving, and, of course, visiting and texting with her two granddaughters who live in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

As you can see, Ellen has a positive outlook on life thanks to the support of her family, church and NNC. She is a role model of resilience and determi-nation for all to emulate and admire.

Travis Homan—“I just follow my own drum” by Miriam Sperling

NNC members in need of computer or basic home repairs may be fortunate enough to meet Travis Homan. His skills include computer care, basic electric and plumbing repairs and cabinetry. Volunteer work has been

very satisfying for Travis. He states that he feels rewarded by the expres-sions of gratitude of the seniors who could not otherwise have access to needed repairs.

I caught up with this busy and skilled fix-it man one morning before work. A native of Kansas, Travis came to Baltimore in 2009. He feels that Balti-more has so much to do and see. He noted that traffic at 2 a.m. in Baltimore is busier than the Topeka rush hour. He enjoys hiking, biking and visiting local museums. His favorites include the Walters Art Museum, the special exhibits at the Baltimore Museum of

continued on p. 12

Ellen Carter Cooper

Travis Homan


Wordshop is your chance to share your creativity and

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

“Oh, It’s you!”by Joe Shulim, NNC Member

I walk a narrow path with ease Because I have the expertise As I’m sure of foot, I know where to look Thus no stumbling, tripping, missing nor slippingAt the end of the path I sit down and relax I ponder the next move, the essence is food I see my dad’s head near the edge of the bed So I purr in his ear methodically, clear.“Oh, it’s you,” my dad says Can’t you give me a break?Not likely, says dad, till there’s food on your plate.

Kellogg’s (3 poems that won the author $250!) by Barbara Fox

Kellogg’s cornflakes as I start the day Would I have it any other way? It’s fresh, it’s crisp, it tastes good too As to the others – I haven’t a clue. A bowl with bananas or some other fruit My husband says “Keeps me cute.”

Kellogg’s corn flakes What a treat Just what I enjoy to eat Breakfast, lunch or midday snack It isn’t appetite I lack Drenched in milk Drizzled with honey Kellogg’s corn flakes Is right “on the money.”

In the summer, in the fall Kellogg’s corn flakes Best of all. In the winter, in the spring What pleasure cornflakes bring Enjoyed and eaten every season Or for no apparent reason!

Oh Brotherby Terry Gary, NNC Member

This story is about my younger brother Mendy, who was named for a French and Jewish politician, Pierre Mendes France. My brother’s full name is Mendes Marshall Katzman. He was born on July 20, 1955. We call him Mendy. I am four years older than he is and my sister Debbie is six years older. My story spans from ages 3 to 9 in Mendy’s life. Both of us suffered from asthma. Wheeze, rattle, wheeze, rattle! The noises came from my brother’s room. His lungs were opening and shutting like a concer-tina, only Mendy’s wheezing kept me up! I kicked off the covers and went to his room. I woke him up and dragged him toward the kitchen for his medicine. Once

he was medicated, I fell asleep. Mother either didn’t hear Mendy or turned a deaf ear to him. Maybe since he had asthma so much his wheezing was routine to her.Sputter, wheeze! On several occasions Mendy crisscrossed string in an intricate fashion all across his room. It went from his bed to his closet and from his desk to the window and back again several times. The string defied Charlotte’s Web in its complexity and ingenuity. It was impossible to enter his room. With great satisfaction and triumph while perched on his bed, Mendy controlled the strings that opened and shut his bedroom door. Mendy was convinced the strings kept the Boogie Man away (as well as his family members!). I think he did it for control. As the youngest child, so many decisions were made for him that this was his way of impacting his environment. At age 6, Mendy brought home a stray cat that he named Augustus. We didn’t know Augustus was a female until she gives birth to Eeny, Meeny, Miney and Moe. Sadly, Eeny and Meeny did not survive. They were buried in the same soil where my mother grew climbing yellow roses. Our neighbor, Mary Dooley (who went to a Catholic school) put crosses over their graves. Mother asked us to take down the crosses, which we did. Mendy gave the other two kittens to neighbors. As for Augustus, she didn’t come around anymore. Mendy took violin lessons in elementary school. He rarely played at home. He and his violin surfaced whenever my parents had company, though. He usually played “Mary Had a Little Lamb” for them. His repertoire was small but he made up for it in showman-ship. Poppa’s hope that Mendy would become a virtuoso began to sink. But, when Mendy’s asthma almost stole his breath, the doctor put him in the hospital under an oxygen tent. There were very few things he could do once he felt better; he could not play with his bowling pins, play hide-and-seek with his sisters, or paint model airplanes. He could however play his violin, and he asked Poppa to

continued on p. 12

Need a Lift? Information about transportation options for NNC members

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

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

for more updates and reminders.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the Maryland Historical Society NNC Caring CommitteeNNC September BBQ


Milbrook Update Birthday Celebration in Milbrookby Igor Balzac, Milbrook Organizer

In September, in the Milbrook office, we celebrated the very significant birthday of our dear member, leader and main organizer. It was our pleasure to arrange this surprise birthday party for her (she wants to remain anonymous!). She was thrilled!

The party included flowers, a greeting card, sweets and, of course, a birthday cake. We were so happy to express how fortunate we are to have such a motivated, energetic and enthusiastic organizer, who calls every person individually to invite them to attend and participate in the Milbrook programs and events. She is always on the front line of every concern and issue residents might have, and quickly addresses them to the management or to CHAI.

Everyone wished her many healthy and happy years until 120 (a Jewish custom). She looks very young and people remarked, “Who would believe and take your age?!” She responded with a smile, “So, don’t give it to me because I won’t take it.”

After the party was over, the “birthday girl” thanked all of us for the warm and loving wishes and expressed how blessed she is to have such thoughtful friends and how she was touched by the party.

Everyone had a good time, shared interesting memories, conveyed greetings to each other and ate delicious food.

Travis Homan continued from p. 9

Art, and the Air and Space Museums in Washington D.C. and Virginia.

Travis’ home repair skills were acquired by working and observing both his grandfathers, who were avid fixers. One grandfather repaired radios and later televisions in his back yard shop. Travis’ father, employed in law enforcement, also did home and auto repairs. The basic skills Travis acquired from family members enabled him to finance his education. He then honed these skills under the tutelage of an astute boss, who appreciated and enhanced Travis’ potential.

Travis joined the Marine Corps after high school and worked as a prison guard as part of his service. He acquired his computer knowledge from enrolling in a technical program. He continues to develop his knowledge by reading and using various websites to help him learn more in the continuingly growing field of technology.

Travis’ 13-year-old son lives with him, and Travis plans to enlist him as a volun-teer. We look forward to meeting another Homan who will continue the family tradition of volunteering.

Oh Brother continued from p. 10

bring it to the hospital so that he could practice under the oxygen tent.Sputter, wheeze, rattle! He scratched out “Turkey in the Straw,” which echoed throughout the entire hospital floor. The local newspaper got wind of Mendy’s practicing and sent a photographer to his hospital room. In a few days they ran his picture in the Fort Worth Star Telegram with the caption “Boy Intent on Playing Violin.”Mendy lives in Memphis and I live in Baltimore. We see each other at family reunions. He is a lawyer and is married with four children.Thankfully, he has outgrown his asthma.

Highlighting the visual revolution ushered in by American television and modernist art and design of the 1950s and 1960s, Revolution of the Eye features fine art and graphic design, including works by Saul Bass, Alexander Calder, Marcel Duchamp, Allan Kaprow, Roy Lichtenstein, Man Ray, Eero Saarinen, Ben Shahn and Andy Warhol, as well as ephemera, tele-vision memo-rabilia and clips from film and television, including Batman, The Ed Sullivan Show, The Ernie Kovacs Show, Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In and The Twilight Zone.

Admission to the exhibition is free.

To reserve a seat on the shuttle for these trips, please call NNC at 410-662-6620 as soon as possible.

Out on the Town continued from p. 8


proposing. It is our own choice. Several years ago in a moment of inspiration, I realized, “There is no external cure for a closed mind. It has to be opened from the inside!” The journey begins with one step forward.

STEP ONE: Realize that in order for my circumstances to change, I have to change. I am the one that has to take the first step.

I had the privilege of living in Austin, Texas, for two years. It was an experience I shall never forget. I wasn’t working at the time so I spent a lot of time volunteering and attending networking events. Each (and every) time I attended an event, I noticed the circles of conversation going on around me. Without exception, when I moved a little closer to the circle, the circle opened and I was included. They introduced themselves and wanted to know where I was from. That seemed normal, but it didn’t end there. They wanted to know what I was looking for and “Is there someone who I could introduce you to that could help you?” They had their circle but they were willing to enlarge their circle to make room for me. That scenario happened over and over again while I was there. I didn’t have to be born and raised in Texas to be accepted and included. I learned a valuable lesson: There is always room for one more. That echoed what my mom used to tell me, “If there’s love enough, there’s room enough.”

STEP TWO: Maintain an open mind.

Some people demand to know all the facts and all the details before they will take the first step. Others will learn as they go. Everyone is different. Recognize that being different is OK; there is genuine value in diversity. Healthy, thriving circles are assets. Creating them is an adventure but worth the effort.

STEP THREE: OPEN my current circle.

It takes courage to open our circles. This is especially true when our circle is shrinking through loss. We want to keep what we have left and it is difficult to reach out again. We feel that there is no one who could take the place of the one who is gone. Sometimes we feel that if we do reach out to include someone new, it is disrespectful to the memory of the one we loved who is no longer in our lives. I am sure our loved ones would want us to be vibrantly alive.

The next step has suggestions as to how to “BUILD” my circle but the suggestions would also apply to enlarging our circles.

STEP FOUR: BUILD my circle.

• Attend events where we can meet like-minded people. (There are many opportunities every month at NNC to meet new prospective friends.)

• Look for those who would benefit from a shared friendship. Invite them for coffee or for a meal.

• Look for people who share a common interest or goal.

• Include people who share my values but who also are not exactly like me.

• Schedule a time to get together on a regular basis.

STEP FIVE: LEARN together and grow.

• Learn something new together.• Accept a new challenge together.• Schedule time together.• Volunteer together.

Together we can enlarge our circles and say, “Goodbye” to isolation.

If we think we can, we can. WE CAN DO IT!

How BIG is your circle? continued from p. 1 November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Memory Screening Month. If you are concerned about an older adult you care for, you can encourage them to attend a free Memory Screening clinic at a Baltimore County Senior Center. Screenings are also appropriate for those who do not have a concern now, but want to check their memory for future comparisons.This screening is not used to diagnose any illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other healthcare professional. Appointments should be made by calling the location you wish to attend. Wed., Nov. 16 9-11 a.m. – Cockeysville Senior Center (410-887-7694)1-3 p.m. – Catonsville Senior Center (410-887-0900)Fri., Nov. 18 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Pikesville Senior Center (410-887-1245)9:30-11:30 a.m. – Parkville Senior Center (410-887-5338)10 a.m.-12 p.m. – Edgemere Senior Center (410-887-7530)1-3 p.m. – Seven Oaks Senior Center (410-887-5192)


Our Agency Friends Jewish Legal Services by Heidi Schloss, NNC Member

Did you ever have a legal prob-lem or question, and after

trying your best to solve it become really frustrated?

For nineteen years, Jewish Legal Services (JLS), a volunteer program of Jewish Community Services (JCS), has been providing legal advice and counseling to low-income members of the greater Baltimore community. JLS was established in 1997, the brainchild of a small group of Jewish attorneys with a shared vision of wanting to make a differ-ence by providing pro bono (free) legal services for those in need. Community leaders and agencies, including The Associated and the children of the Harvey & Lyn Meyerhoff Philanthropic Fund, lent their support and expertise to form the genesis of JLS.

Since its inception, JLS has served over 2,000 clients. Volunteer community lawyers offer consul-tation and referral on a variety of legal issues, including consumer/bankruptcy, landlord-tenant, family and immigration questions. The support and dedication of these attorneys has resulted in an increase in access to justice for many who are otherwise unable to afford representation.

“Our Jewish Legal Services program is a perfect example of how volunteers are impacting lives,” notes Beth Land Hecht, Senior Manager of JCS Volunteer Services. “Over the years, dozens of lawyers (active and retired) have volunteered in our program, some of whom have been with JLS since the very beginning. We’ve been providing a real benefit to the

community for a very long time.”

Walk-in clinics are held on the second Monday of each month at JCS, 5750 Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore. For a listing of dates and times, please visit jcsbalti-more.org/jls or call 410-843-7305 for more information.

A couple of years ago I read about JLS in Staying Connected and made an appointment. I brought all my paperwork to the appointment. A JLS volunteer attorney looked at my papers, ran the issue through his computer and discovered I was right! The volunteer then suggested I contact Fifth District Councilwoman Rikki Spector. I emailed Mrs. Spector my paper-work along with an explanation of the issue. Abracadabra! She straightened everything out!

Cross Country Improvement Association (CCIA) by Miriam Sperling

The Cross Country Improve-ment Association (CCIA) was

founded in 1971, and is one of the five neighborhood associations in northwest Baltimore. According to Avrohom Dovid Sauer, CCIA president, these groups help the city officials by channeling the concerns and needs of citizens so that issues of importance can be resolved. The groups have worked closely with City Council members Rikki Spector (retired) and Sharon Middleton, who have been helpful in connecting with the proper city offices and personnel to resolve issues such as real estate problems, street paving and lighting. Mr. Sauer stated he meets regularly with other neighborhood associa-tions to resolve issues common to all groups, such as traffic flow and crime. He is also in contact with police and school officials.

Comprehensive Housing Assis-tance, Inc. (CHAI) works with the neighborhood associations, facil-itating contacts with the Mayor’s Office to coordinate development projects and resolve issues at the local level. Open communication from all sectors of the northwest communities has helped resolve many issues, according to Mr. Sauer.

The CCIA meets on the second Tuesday of each month at CHAI (5809 Park Heights Avenue), from September to June, at 7:30 p.m. Dues are $10 annually. Mr. Sauer said that the CCIA welcomes more participation by area seniors. He hopes that NNC can work together with the CCIA to air issues of importance to senior citizens.


• If you are asked to use a Green Dot card to pay for something or someone you do not know.

• If you are asked to provide personal information over the phone and you did not initiate the call.

• If you are asked not to talk to others and/or to act quickly.

• If they want you to donate money, but refuse to send you information in the mail first.

• If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is!

For more information on detecting scams, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Baltimore County at 410-887-2594.

NNC September BBQ By Eileen Creeger, NNC Member

What better way to celebrate the end of summer, the beginning of fall and NNC September birthdays than with a fabulous BBQ held at the Myerberg Center on Tuesday, September 20, 2016! Approximately 45 members, non-members and NNC friends turned out for the event. Deli-cious food included hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, baked beans, cole slaw and potato salad, dips, chips, fruit, raw veggies, nuts….and a variety of yummy cakes and cookies.

“I enjoyed it very much. Good food! Good people!” said Avi Harris, who was one of the many BBQ volunteers. As Rev. Arnold Howard said, “This was a good celebration as a year’s activity.” “It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves and talking to one another,” commented NNC member Beah Zander.

Thank you to the cooks – Chava Ball, Esther Weiner, Igor Balzac and Jerry Rosenbaum—and to the many volunteers (too numerous to name!) who helped plan the event as well as set up and clean up. A special thanks to the Myerberg Center for hosting NNC. We all look forward to the next BBQ.

NNC September BBQ

Scam continued from p. 3

NNC September BBQ

B I R T H D A Y greetings to these

members of our family!November 2 Selma Klein 3 Geraldine Smith Alfred Law 4 Beverly Schiff 7 Clement Levi 12 Betty Silverman 15 Ilysa Cohen 18 Bessie Hirsh 19 Sylvia Rosen Sara Rosenthal 21 Jerrold Rosenbaum 28 Sylvia Eisenberg 30 Artraelle Colson Heidi SchlossDecember 1 Florence Lefkin 3 Dorothy Komarow Dorothy Taylor 7 Evelyn Goldman 9 Rosalie Weintzweig Betty Hunter Larry Malvin 11 Maurice Levie 12 Adele Schmell 14 Dorothy Lieberwitz 17 Judith Sykes Gloria Klein Chava Ball 18 Sidney Rankin 20 Carmelita Wilson 29 Barbara Ravitz 31 Bryna Kitay NNC’s Caring Committee would like to be there for you—in good times and not-so-good times. If you would appreciate some of NNC’s caring attention, please let us know by calling 410-662-6620.

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

“I enjoyed it very much. Good food! Good people!”– Avi Harris, BBQ volunteer

NNC September BBQ

NON-PROFIT ORG.

US POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT #1262BALTIMORE, MD

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

Newsletter CommitteeMargot Brilliant Ellen Carter Cooper Eileen Creeger Shoshana Harris

Sheila Mentz Sidney Rankin Heidi Schloss Miriam Sperling

StaffMitch Posner Executive Director, CHAI Lisa Budlow Director, Aging in Community

Chava Ball NNC DirectorIgor Balzac Milbrook Organizer

Staying

Staying

CONNECTED

WWW.CHAIBALTIMORE.ORG

Staying

Staying

CONNECTED

ISSUE 20 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

NNC’s Lunch & A Movie*

Last Monday of the month, @ CHAI 5809 Park Heights Ave., 12-2:30 p.m.

November 28 – “Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory” – This stirring documentary follows social worker Dan Cohen, founder of the nonprofit organization Music & Memory, as he fights against a broken healthcare system to demonstrate music’s ability to combat memory loss and restore a deep sense of self to those suffering from it. Director Michael Rossato-Bennett visits family members who have witnessed the miraculous effects of personalized music on their loved ones, and offers illuminating interviews with experts. Winner of the Audience Award at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.

December 19 – “Eddie the Eagle” – Inspired by true events, Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good story about Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself - even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Eddie the Eagle stars Taron Egerton as Eddie, the loveable underdog with a never say die attitude.

*Movies are free; bring your lunch; NNC provides the drinks!

Documents

brings you Staying ISSUE 20 | NOV/DEC 2016€¦ · enable a positive purpose, but sometimes circles break, causing sorrow and pain. Then it is a different story. The circles that