PLAZA PRESS The Newsletter for Jewish Federation Plaza

A Lucky Break Approximately 88% of Americans will eat turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner. It is unclear how many of them will make a wish on the wishbone. This strange tradition requires removing the Y-shaped furcula (or wishbone) from the bird, drying it out, and then tugging on opposite ends by two “wishers.” The wisher who holds the largest part of the bone when it snaps gets their wish granted. While Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, the tradition of making a wish upon a wishbone is an ancient tradition dating back to the Etruscans, who lived in Italy as early as 700 BC. The Etruscans believed that chickens could predict the future. Etruscan priests drew circles in the sand and divided them into parts, each part representing a different letter of the Etruscan alphabet. Food was scattered over the circle, and a chicken was let loose to wander over the circle pecking at the bits. As the chicken roamed, the priests would note the letters that it stepped on and then use those letters as clues to predict the future. Chickens were held in such high esteem that even after they were killed or eaten, their furcula bones were saved, with the Etruscans believing that they still possessed magical powers. Etruscans carried the bones for luck, prayed over them, and made wishes on them. As the story goes, the Etruscans passed on this belief to the ancient Romans, who added the bit about breaking the bone in two. When the Romans swept across Europe, the tradition eventually passed to the English, who then brought it to America. With a newfound abundance of turkeys in America, it was only a matter of time before this tradition evolved from chickens to turkeys. Some even think that the phrase “get a lucky break” derived from the tradition of breaking the wishbone. Perhaps you may even include this tradition in a future Thanksgiving.

Celebrating

November

Historic Bridge Awareness

Month

World Sponge Month

Novel Writing Month

World Communication

Week

November 1–7

Family Week

November 24–30

Extra Mile Day

November 1

Traffic Directors Day

November 3

Origami Day

November 11

World Architecture Day

November 12

Doctor Who Day

November 23

Thanksgiving Day

November 27

November 2014

Twice Yearly Chores

In the United States, Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends November 2, which means our clocks will fall back an hour from

2:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. (and we will gain an hour of sleep). Interestingly, Hawaii and Arizona don’t participate in DST, so their residents won’t get an extra hour of rest. In Europe, they do not call it DST, but Summer Time, and it ends on October 26 at 1:00 A.M. Regardless of where you live, the twice-yearly adjustment to DST offers an opportunity to take care of some important twice-yearly chores. Many fire departments advise us to change our smoke alarm batteries on this day. And since scaling a ladder to check all the smoke alarms isn’t enough, here are some other chores to handle twice yearly. For one, don’t forget to rotate your mattress! Take a good look at your bed. You may have made a lasting impression on it, or it may be starting to sag. Rotating and flipping your mattress will help it wear more evenly. Some new and improved mattresses may not require flipping, but even they should be rotated. If you have a vacuum handy, it’s also a good idea to rid your mattress of dust. Another chore is changing the furnace filter. Because we spend most of the winter inside, our heating systems usually work all day to heat our homes. A new furnace filter will purify the air in the house. If you have a pet or allow smoking in your home, these filters also remove pet dander and smoke from the air. While it may be a good idea to check your filter every three months, DST is the perfect reminder to change it. Still looking for more chores? Check your pantry, refrigerator, and medicine cabinet for expired products. Or, if you’re not a fan of DST, then this may be the perfect reminder to write a letter to Congress to abolish the practice.

November 2014

Happy November

Birthday

Nov 04 - Ethel Kendler

Nov 04 - Thelma Gottlieb

Nov 04 – Douglas Gordon

Nov 07- Emanuel Goldfarb

Nov 15 - Evelyn Sperling

Nov 19 – Evelyn Lerner-Savel

Nov 24 – Esther Torres

Nov 25 – Lydia Rainbow

JEWISH FEDERATION PLAZA

VETERANS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Thank You for Your Service

Sal Brazer

Served: World War II 1944-1946

Eddie Cubero

Served in Vietnam: 1970-1971

Bennet Lorber

Served: World War II 1943-1946

Marty Toba

Served in the States: 1970-1972

All Other

Jewish Federation Plaza

Veterans

Seasonal Flu Prevention

Source: www.flu.gov

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It spreads between people and can cause mild to severe illness. In some cases, the flu can lead to death. In the United States, flu season occurs in the fall and winter. Seasonal flu activity usually peaks in January or February, but it can occur as early as October and as late as May.

Most experts believe that you get the flu when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks and droplets containing their germs land in your mouth or nose. You can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose. Flu-related complications include pneumonia and dehydration. Illness from seasonal flu usually lasts one or two weeks.

Who is at risk?

Some groups are more likely to experience complications from the seasonal flu, including:

Seniors (those age 65 and older) Children (especially those younger than 2) People with chronic health conditions

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. There are additional steps you can take to keep yourself and your family healthy this flu season.

6 MONTHS+ TAKE PRECAUTIONS ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu.

Take everyday precautions, like washing your hands, to protect your health.

If you are exposed to or caring for someone with the flu, talk to your doctor about preventive antiviral medications.

Tips for Keeping Warm in Cold Weather Having curtains on your windows insulate against the cold weather.

Use extra blankets when necessary.

Layer your clothing for warmth.

Eat nutritious foods and exercise moderately; proper diet and physical conditioning help protect you against abnormal heat and cold.

Get proper rest; fatigue makes you more vulnerable to subnormal heat and cold.

Drink adequate amounts of liquids, such as water. Hot drinks such as tea and hot chocolate will help warm you and taste great!

Inclement weather can mean difficulty going out for necessary supplies. Be prepared! Stock up on food, bottled water, canned food, granola bars, cereal and other packaged foods.

Keep batteries, flashlights, extra blankets and a battery-operated radio on hand.

Reminders for Living in Harmony in a Community

Residence

Be quiet during announcements

Smile!

Say hello to others

Be courteous

Try to be positive towards each other

Please be aware of others’ personal space

Appropriate language at all times

Please respect the staff-they are here to help you

Laura Berkin Resident Services Coordinator

“Kristallnacht”

“The Night of Broken Glass”

Monday, November 10th

At the College of St. Elizabeth

Program begins at 7:30 p.m. Dessert Reception 9:15 p.m.

Free Transportation

Pick up Time: 6:00 p.m.

Please sign up at the Concierge Desk if you would like to attend.

Third Party Energy Provider Information

Please be aware that the only approved third party energy supplier approved through the township of West Orange is Con-Edison Solutions. Please don’t respond to any other postcards or phone calls if it’s not the approved company. If you still want to join the program, please call Ann DeSantis-Township of West Orange Office at: (973) 325-4056. Should you require additional information please contact Laura Berkin, Resident Services Coordinator.

BINGO

1.

Bingo will take place at Jewish Federation Plaza on Monday’s and Wednesdays

at 7:15 p.m.

Manager’s Corner

Management and staff hope that all of our residents enjoyed the holidays,

Kiddush’s, and services at Jewish Federation Plaza. We encourage our new

residents and present residents to join the Rabbi every Friday at 1 p.m. for

Oneg Shabbat services, in the dining room. We continue to make upgrades

and improvements. Building one elevator repairs are on schedule. We have two

home health aides Monday thru Fridays to assist our residents until the

repairs are completed.

Also, please be advised that the lease states that ALL rents are due by the 5th of

the month. These requirements need to be adhered to as we move forward.

Please see Laura Berkin-Resident Services Coordinator, if you are interested in

coming to the Sunday brunch in the dining room, Sundays at 11 a.m. She

can also help you if you need someone to go food shopping for you, need

additional housekeeping, laundry, weekend meals or companionship.

A Letter from Judy Solomon

Hi Autumn is now really with us. It doesn’t take much to feel the difference in the air. Daylight savings time ends on November 2, 2014. Remember to set you clock back before you go to bed on November 1st. So far we’ve been lucky with the weather. Hopefully, it will continue. October was filled with special occasions, from the welcome dinner for Ann Marie to the many religious holidays affecting our residents. Those that attended religious services felt the year 5775 was greeted with enthusiasm. A new activity in house is a series of art lesions on the promenade. We meet twice a month on Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The two hour period is to allow time to finish the project started. The professional instruction is interesting and fun! Come and join us. We must include a thank you to Esther Torres for all the years and effort she has donated to us running the Bingo games. She made our Monday and Wednesday night memorable, fun and delicious with an occasional homemade treat. This month comes with more to look forward to—from Election Day on November 4th and Veterans Day to Thanksgiving. Don’t forget the Tenant’s Birthday get together on November 20th. Have a wonderful month! Judy

Plaza Upcoming Events

TJ Maxx Shopping

Life Long Learning

Floral Design Workshop

Comfort Keepers Food Safety

CEO Chat

Evening Religious Service

Nordstrom Shopping

Farmer’s Market & Irving’s

Veteran’s Day Movie

SHIP Medicare Program

Arts Unbounded Art Class

Choral Group

Movies

Essex Green

Traveling Stage Performance

West Orange High School Performance

JCHC University

Montclair State University Gallery

Meditation & Relaxation

Mt. Airy Lodge

Poetry Workshop

Tenant’s Association Birthday Party

Gamefest

Pancake House

Rabbi Study Group

Trader Joe’s

Livingston Mall Please be sure to check your calendar

for dates and times of all events.

A Stroke Prevention Program was presented by

Barnabas Healthcare.

Residents create beautiful poetry at the Plaza

Poetry Workshop presented by Arts by the

People.

Art’s Unbounded Art Class offers residents a

creative outlet.

A Happy Birthday

Wish

To:

Marion Brod

From: Dolores Lederman

Helen Mandel Marlene Mankoff

Marlene Hyatt Rachelle Chriss

Ilse Frank Clara Beckerman & Aggie

To:

Myra Jast

From: Clara Beckerman & Aggie

To:

Gert Freeman

From: Clara Beckerman & Aggie

To:

Pearl Berkowitz

From: Clara Beckerman & Aggie

To:

Carole Golden

From: Clara Beckerman & Aggie

Happy Birthday

To: Clara Beckerman

From:

Ethel Kendler Sophie Lubka

Millie & Joe Podnos Sandy Garrison Dorothy Kleinert Norma Tooter

Florence Widelitz Evelyne Lerner Gert Freeman Renee Fisher

Mickey Spector Marty Livenstein Lois Binenkorb Thelma Gottlieb

Boris Reynus Phyllis Bauer Ben Lorber

Myra Goldberg Sara Lelchuk Linda Borus

Bea Greenberg Miriam Lateiner

Renee Levy Carol Sziklay

Thelma Samuels Doris Markowitz

Ilse Frank Cywa Wajner

Pearl Berkowitz Judy Solomon Rhoda Morris Marion Brod

Dolores Lederman Helen Mandel Marlene Hyatt

Rachelle Chriss Sara Moskowitz Evelyne Sperling Irene Goldberg Joan Bender Mary Castro

GET WELL WISHES

To: Myra Jast

From:

Rhoda Morris Marlene Hyatt Linda Israel

Max Kleinman Sophie Lubka Esther Torres

Miriam Lateiner Carol Sziklay Renee Levy

To:

Pearl Berkowitz

From: Sandye Garrison

Happy New Year

To: All

From: Rhoda Morris

Condolence

To:

Sharon Yonteff on the loss of her beloved mother

From:

Marlene Hyatt Dolores Lederman

Linda Israel

To: The Goldberg family

on the loss of their mother, Ruth Newman

From:

Gert Freeman & Family

To: Andrew Hines

on the loss of his beloved mother

From:

Marlene Mankoff

Library Donations

George Aptecker Helen Boll Ilse Frank

Marcia Goldberg Ron Rames

Theresa Samuels Norma Tooter

Florence Widelitz

Ready, Set, Groan

November 8 is a day to turn our groans and guffaws into laughter: it’s Aid and Abet Punsters Day. Why would we

want to encourage punsters to make their dreadful jokes? Because a good pun is a masterful, intelligent, and playful use of language, unlike these examples:

Becoming a vegetarian is a huge missed steak.

I couldn’t figure out how to use my seat belt, but then it clicked.

The person who invented the door knocker won the “No Bell” Prize.

Did you hear the one about the broken pencil? Forget it. It’s pointless.

Or perhaps take this quip from the the King of Puns: “It looks like another reigny day.”

Floor Captains Needed

Floor Captains are needed to post and

remove flyers from each floor bulletin board. If

you would like to volunteer for your floor, please sign up at the

Concierge Desk.

Technology Update: The Cloud

The future of computing is moving to the cloud. No, this doesn’t mean that our computers, cellular phones, and other mobile devices

are taking off into the wild blue yonder. Instead, our computers are connecting to the “cloud,” seeming to magically connect to the sky in order for us to complete routine computing tasks. It isn’t magic, but it is a miracle of technology.

In the past, one might have paid lots of money to buy a CD to load a software package onto a computer to enable us to create spreadsheets and slideshows, view photos and movies, listen to music, and edit videos. Then, when these software packages would grow old, we would return to the computer store to spend more money to buy the newest versions. However, this process is now obsolete. Instead of buying and loading CDs onto our computers every year or so, companies are beaming these applications directly to our computers through the cloud.

Wireless technology means that our computerized devices are constantly connected to the Internet. Information is beamed at our computers all day long. We receive emails, photos, and movies. We communicate with our friends. We buy and ship clothing, toys, and food with the click of a button. Now businesses are communicating directly with our computers not only to send us things through the mail but also to send our computers the applications they need to run. In the past we paid a company a monthly fee to use email. Now we will pay a monthly or yearly fee to write papers, create spreadsheets, play games, listen to music, and do virtually anything and everything via the Internet.

The cloud is still in its early days. No one really knows how far it will take us and our computers, nor do we know how much money it will save or if it will make us more productive. But rest assured, this is the computing model of the future, even if it is still a little fuzzy.

Plaza Emergency

Preparedness Program

November 2014 PLAZA Calendar is subject to change

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9:00 SHABBAT

SERVICE

11:00 KIDDUSH

7:00 MOVIE

2

Daylight

Saving’s

Ends 11:00

BRUNCH

2:00 MOVIE

3 TBA: Rose

Rosen Concert

at JCC 10:15 TOWN

BUS

11:30 TAI CHI

7:00 Life-

Long Learning 7:15 BINGO

4 11:00

EXERCISE

2:00 CURRENT

EVENTS

6:00 LIBRARY 6:45 Meditation & Relaxation

5 10:45 Livingston

Mall 11:00 Move Today &

Walking Club 12:15 Life-Long

Learning 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 3:00 Floral Design

7:15 BINGO

6 10:15 Tinton

Falls 11:00 Exercise 2:00 Comfort Keepers Nutrition & Food Safety Program 7:00 CEO Chat

7 9:00 SHOPRITE

10:00 SHOPRITE

1:00 ONEG

SHABBAT

7:00 Religious

Service

8 9:00 SHABBAT

SERVICE

11:00 KIDDUSH

7:00 MOVIE

9 11:00

BRUNCH

2:00 MOVIE

10 10:45 Rt. 10

Nordstrom, TJ

Maxx, Irving’s &

Farmer’s Market

10:15 TOWN BUS 11:30 TAI CHI

7:15 BINGO 6:00

Kristallnacht, St Eizabeth College

11 Veteran’s

Day 11:00 EXERCISE

1:00 SHIP

Medicare

Program

2:00 CURRENT

EVENTS

6:00 LIBRARY

12 10:34 SEGAL

GALLERY MSU

9:00 Art Class 11:00 Move Today &

Walking Club 12:15 Life-Long

Learning 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 7:15 BINGO

13 10:45 Trader

Joe’s Millburn 11:00 Exercise 2:00 Spencer Tracy by Traveling Stage Theatre 6:00 WOHS “The Good Doctor”

14 9:30 JCHC

University Film

@ JCC 2:30 SHOPRITE

1:00 ONEG

SHABBAT

15 9:00 SHABBAT

SERVICE

11:00 KIDDUSH

7:00 MOVIE

16 11:00

BRUNCH

2:00 MOVIE

17 10:45

Willowbrook

Mall 10:15 TOWN

BUS

11:30 TAI CHI

7:00 Life-

Long Learning 7:15 BINGO

18 11:00

EXERCISE

2:00 CURRENT

EVENTS

6:00 LIBRARY 6:45 Meditation & Relaxation

19 10:45 Essex

Green 11:00 Move Today &

Walking Club 12:15 Life-Long

Learning 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 7:15 BINGO

20 8:45 Mt. Airy

Lodge Casino 11:00 Exercise

2:30 Poetry

Workshop 7:00 Tenant Assoc

Birthday Party with

Jeff Dunston

21 9:00 SHOPRITE

10:00 SHOPRITE

1:00 ONEG

SHABBAT

22 9:00 SHABBAT

SERVICE

11:00 KIDDUSH

7:00 MOVIE

23/30 11:00

BRUNCH

2:00 MOVIE

Gamefest

after

Movie

24 10:15 TOWN

BUS

10:45

Pancake

House &

Burlington

Coat 11:30 TAI CHI

7:00 Life-

Long Learning 7:15 BINGO

25 11:00

EXERCISE

1:15 Rabbi

Study Group

2:00 CURRENT

EVENTS

6:00 LIBRARY

26

9:00 SHOPRITE

10:00 SHOPRITE

11:00 Move Today &

Walking Club 1:30 CHORAL GROUP 7:15 BINGO

27

Thanksgiving

Office &

Dining Room

Closed

28

Day After

Thanksgiving

Office Closed

29 9:00 SHABBAT

SERVICE

11:00 KIDDUSH

7:00 MOVIE