Stein Residence Life in Pictures – Page 4b

Stein Senior Insights 350 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ • 888-311-5231 • www.steinresidence.org/js

The Newsletter of The Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence

Residents give back with Philanthropy Club

spring 2010 • 5770

In December of 2009, the resi-
dents at The Martin and Edith Stein
Assisted Living Residence formed the
Philanthropy Club. This group meets
monthly and has a shared commit-
ment to tzedakah, giving back.
Anna Simmons, executive director
at the Stein Residence, said the resi-
dents were very enthusiastic about
starting the club, since many have a
shared philosophy that it is important
to give back to the community.
This philosophy has strong roots in
Judaism, which teaches that tzedakah
is more than just a choice; it is an
obligation. In fact, the word itself
comes from the root word for “jus-
tice,” implying that tzedakah is the Members of the Philanthropy Club at The Martin and Edith Stein Club has also been in contact with
work of creating a more just world. Assisted Living Residence have raised funds for the Haitian earthquake the Community Foodbank of New
In many ways, philanthropy ben- relief effort and collected clothing for the “Hire Attire Boutique.”
efits those who take part in it as much
as those who are recipients. Ms. Simmons
believes that no matter how old we are, we
need to find meaning in our own lives and ways
to feel useful. Philanthropy is one way to fulfill giving can help the giver as much as the recipi-
that need.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of
feeling like we can still make a difference, no
matter how young or old we are or how busy
we have become in our everyday life,” said Ms.
Simmons. “We need only to look at Haiti’s
recent tragedy to remind ourselves how fortu-
nate most of us have been. Many of our resi-
dents come to us with this strong commitment
to volunteerism and giving and the Philanthropy
Club is just a natural outgrowth.”
Lois Laning, co-chair of the Philanthropy
Club and an activity coordinator at Stein, is
doing much of the legwork to find opportuni-
ties of interest to Stein residents.
“Research has shown that volunteerism and
ent,” Laning said. “Just the act of thinking about now as a resident at Stein.
giving to others has been shown to reduce pain
and have other positive health benefits.”
Although only formed in December, the
Philanthropy Club has already raised more than
$400 from staff, visitors and residents to help
the Haitian relief effort. After careful research, isfaction,” Lampert said. “Helping others, even
Stein residents decided to donate the money to
the relief effort through the Jewish Federation of achieving our own personal goals of happiness
Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties. This
organization is partnering with the American
Rabbi leads
Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
(JDC) to provide urgently needed aid
staff preparing
and relief on a nonsectarian basis to
victims of the devastating earthquake,
for Passover
and affirms that all funds donated All of the
through this emergency collection preparations
effort will be spent on Haiti relief. for Passover
The Philanthropy Club has also that are done
collected clothing for “Hire Attire at the Martin
Boutique,” a New Brunswick-based and Edith Stein
group that provides suitable cloth- Assisted Living
ing for people searching for jobs. Residence and
Likewise, the Philanthropy Club has the Wilentz
organized the periodic collection of Building are
summer clothing that staff mem- Rabbi David
done by people
bers send to Africa through their of many dif- Glicksman
church groups. The Philanthropy ferent depart-
ments.
Members of the food services
Jersey and will be taking a trip to the staff are involved in the kashering
Foodbank to stuff envelopes for its next of the kitchen and dining areas,
fundraiser. with housekeeping staff at their
Louis Lampert, a member of the Philanthropy sides, and maintenance, making
Club with a long history of volunteering, said he certain that everything is in work-
feels compelled to continue this practice even ing order. Recreation sets the times
for the seders and other activities,
“To volunteer our service, to donate hours and makes sure that the haggadas
in providing support to the needy, by relating and other materials are available.
to people, reaching out with understanding, lis- Nursing helps to see that our resi-
tening, compassion and being sensitive to oth- dents come to the seders and sees
ers is a human quality that gives one great sat- to it that they adjust to the dietary
changes.
as we have our own limitations, is our way of All of this is done under the
supervision of the rabbi, who
and contentment in this life. In order to have ensures that the kashering and
some spiritual gratification, you must supply a Passover preparations are done
certain generosity and kindness to others.” according to halacha, or Jewish
Law. He is a resource to all of the

The Stein Residence gave us ‘peace of mind’ other staff during this hectic time.
I have recently announced my
retirement from Stein Assisted
What is your name? made necklaces, to the walks around the lovely Living and the Wilentz building. I
Eileen Kahn grounds, especially when the vegetable garden will still be responsible for kashruth
What is your mom’s name? is in full bloom. supervision for Passover during
Evelyn Kahn What do you and your mom like the most the transition period, and will be
Where do you live? about The Stein Residence? there to guide Rabbis Newfield and
Morris Township Every night before my mother goes to bed, Kroopnick and Mike Seidemann
Why did you pick The Martin and Edith she calls me and my sister to tell us how happy during this period. I will also still
Stein Assisted Living Residence? she is. She tells us about all the friends she has, serve as chaplain for the Martin
When my mother’s signs of dementia started how she loves her room, the good food (her and Edith Stein Hospice for the
to worsen, we knew it was time to start looking healthy weight gain is a testament to that), foreseeable future.
at assisted living facilities. My husband and I and the walks. The first thing I notice when I Working at Wilf Campus for
visited about 10 facilities around New Jersey. visit is the full list of activities for the month. the past 18 1/2 years has been a
Although most appeared similar on the surface, I have to admit I enjoy visiting her on Sundays source of great joy and satisfaction.
one stood out to us: The Stein Residence. What and watching the entertainment together, fol- I hope that my presence has been
struck me most was the sense of community lowed by a challenging game of bingo or a fun as meaningful to the residents and
and care. My mother was very resistant to leav- sing-along. And there’s nothing like sharing a staff.
ing her home of 50 years. But when I took her hamantashen or latke on the holidays. I wish you and your families a
to visit The Stein Residence, she fell in love with Eileen Kahn says her mom, Evelyn, is a happier What do you tell your friends and family Chag Kasher Vesameach, a happy
it immediately and asked if she could live there. person, since she moved into the Martin and Edith about the care at The Stein Residence? and zeisen Pesach.
It was the immediate attention from a compas- Stein Assisted Living Residence in Somerset. I tell them that it was the best decision we I am grateful for having had the
sionate staff that won my mother’s heart. ever made. Just take a look at my mother’s smil- opportunity
Tell us a little about your experiences with The Stein Residence. ing face and you will understand. – Rabbi David Glicksman
I have nothing but praise. I have peace of mind that my mother is well Is there anything else you would like to say about The Stein

cared for in a loving way. The people at The Stein Residence are profes-
sional, caring and take the time to get to know the people in their care. All
the people I meet who work there have impressed me on a regular basis.
And it’s also the little things, from her painted fingernails to her home-
Susan Harris is named CEO of Wilf Campus
I am very pleased to take
this opportunity to intro-
duce myself to you. My
name is Susan Harris and I
was hired as the chief exec-
utive officer for The Oscar
and Ella Wilf Campus for
Senior Living, Somerset,
effective Jan. 4, 2010.
There may be some Susan Harris
confusion among our resi-
dents, so I want to be sure
that you know I am not replacing anybody. All
of the staff at the Stein Assisted Living is still
here. My job is to oversee all of our agencies,
that includes the Stein Assisted Living, The
Stein Hospice, the Wilentz Apartments and the
Wilf Campus Foundation. I will additionally
be looking for new programs and services to
bring to our campus from which our residents
and the larger Jewish senior community can
Wilf Campus
Residence?
My mother just turned 90 years old in September, and I can see us cel-
ebrating her 100th birthday at The Stein Residence.
See more family stories on page 3.
orders 90 dozen
eggs for Passover
all benefit. care and services and have also won a number B r i a n
I come to this organization with more than of awards for new and cutting-edge program Dorick is
25 years in non-profit management in the field design. And lastly, I am a national educator on director of
of senior services. I most recently served as topics related to senior care and services. food service
the assistant executive director for Daughters I currently reside in Linden with my hus- for The Wilf
of Israel in West Orange. While there, I over- band, John, my daughter, Sarah and my Campus. Brian
saw much of the daily operations for the long schnauzer, Bridgette. I welcome you to stop is a graduate of
term care facility, an adult day health program, by and meet the Culinary
private senior apartments, kosher meals on
wheels, a community transportation service, From the desk me any time.
Currently I
Institute
America
of
in
Brian Dorick
rabbinical services, a sheltered workshop in
conjunction with Jewish Vocational Services, of the CEO have a tem-
porary office
Hyde
N.Y.,
Park,
and
and an Alzheimer’s special care unit which I on the first began his career as a private chef
also designed. floor of the Stein Assisted Living but will soon for actress Mary Tyler Moore.
In this role I was very involved in the Jewish move upstairs to a new office. Prior to joining The Wilf Campus
community at large and assisted in the devel- While my office is in the assisted living staff, he held positions as food
opment of many programs and services for building, I am not a part of the assisted living service director at a variety of
community seniors. I bring a wealth of knowl- staff or budget. I look forward to meeting you locations including a New York
edge in program development and a long list in my travels throughout the building and at City law firm and kosher assist-
of Jewish community contacts with me. I have campus events. ed living residences in Clifton,
published a number of articles regarding senior Happy Passover to everyone! See Kosher KITCHEN, Page 3b
 PAGE 2b Stein SEnior Insights
Take small steps toward an
assisted living residence
Toby Ehrlich
Stein Senior Insights
Very often I receive calls from
families saying they know in their
hearts that their parents should
no longer be living at home alone,
but they simply can’t get them to
consider assisted living. Here are
a few thoughts on how you might
approach things when your par-
ents are resistant.
The process begins and ends
with communication, with a few
practical considerations along the
way. Make a special time to first
approach your parents about your
observations. You might call them
up and ask to spend the afternoon
with them, or ask them out to
lunch. Tell them that you want to
discuss some family business with
them. Use the phrase “I feel” when
speaking with them, for example,
“I feel uncomfortable with you liv-
ing alone because you are falling
often,” or “I feel nervous because
you’re not remembering to take
your medication.” Try to use a
small amount of information. You
can even say, “I know you’re not
ready for assisted living yet, but I’d
like to go and look at a few places
in case the need arises.”
If they balk, that’s OK; remem-
ber that you are talking to them
about their independence, and
they are likely not to want to
discuss it. Don’t try to convince
them the first time around.
Instead, acknowledge their fears
and move on to other topics. In a
few weeks you can approach the
subject again. You might want to
ask them to attend a concert or
lecture at an assisted living or to
have lunch with you there.
The key is — whenever pos-
sible — not to make assisted living
into an emergency choice. Try
to approach the topic before it
For more information on the
Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence,
contact us at 888-311-5231 or info@steinresidence.org
What’s doing?
Photo by Ron Ostroff
Residents of the Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence
were playing cards on a recent winter afternoon.
There’s always something going on at the Martin & Edith
Stein Assisted Living Residence. Here are some of the pro-
grams and activities that take place on a regular basis:
• Daily exercise
• Weekly Tai Chi
• Wii bowling
• Senior Olympics
• Discussion groups on
hot topics
• Haddasah with Marlene
Herman
• Trivia
• Word games
• Book club
• Café Europa for
Holocaust survivors
• Jewish War Veterans
meetings
becomes urgent. It will be easier
and safer for the whole family.
Here are some tools for this
challenge:
1. Patience…take it slowly.
2. Take the time to sit down
and talk with your parents, and
don’t think they will change their
minds in a moment. Give them
time to digest the information and
don’t be surprised if they are angry
— they are feeling many losses.
3. Approach the topic with
respect, knowledge and solid
information.
4. When talking to a parent,
stick to discussing safety issues
and why assisted living would be
a good choice.
5. Don’t overwhelm them. For
example, don’t bring up the need
to take over their banking and
to take their car away all in the
same conversation. Relinquishing
one’s independence is far easier to
internalize and accept if it comes
gradually, instead of like a speed-
ing bullet.
6. When they finally come to
the assisted living for an activity
or lunch, ask the facility represen-
tative to introduce them to other
residents, so they can hear about
life there from them.
7. Discuss coming for a
short-term stay for two weeks
to a month, just to see what life at
assisted living is like.
8. You don’t have to do every-
thing on your own. Let our mar-
keting department meet and talk
with you and your family to help
with the process.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built
in a day. Though you have your
parents’ best interests in mind,
it may take them some time to
come to terms with their loss of
independence. Small steps, love,
and patience will get you the best
results.
• Fred’s News - A current
events discussion
• Manicures
• Special lectures- Jewish
Culture, All About
Niagara Falls, Bird
Watching, and more
• Trips to local theaters
• Antique Road Show
• Performances by local
choirs, singers, and
musicians.
• Beauty Parlor
• Card Games and more
www.SteinResidence.org/js ◆ 5770 ◆ spring 2010
Falls are not natural and can be prevented
Fox Rehabilitation
Stein Senior Insights
cannot prevent falls completely, but it can educate you
on a variety of changes you can make to lead a healthier,
happier and safer life.
Most falls occur at three very specific time periods
Regardless of what you have learned or been exposed
to in the media, literature, or general conversation, falls of the day and in two places. People can fall in the
are not part of the normal aging process. People expe- morning, upon awakening and getting out of bed too
rience falls due to some form of dysfunction, disease, quickly. It’s very normal to have to empty your bladder
or deterioration. There are usually multiple factors in the morning and, if you are hurrying and not paying
involved when a fall occurs. attention to walking, you can trip or lose your balance.
According to one statistic (Monane et al, 1996 study), Many people fall for the same reason in the middle of
anyone over the age of 65 who is regularly taking four the night or the early morning hours, when they awaken
or more medications has an increased risk of falling. with an urgent need to use the bathroom. This covers
This varies depending on the general both places where most falls occur in
health of the individual and the types People can fall in the home, the bedroom and bathroom.
of medications prescribed. It is impor- the morning, upon Another time period when falls are
tant to read all directions for use, such awakening and getting likely to occur is later in the day, when
as whether certain medications should you may be tired and not realize that
be taken with or without food and/ out of bed too quickly. your body and legs are weaker.
or water, how often, and the time of Falls are also likely Just knowing that these are problem
day or night, in order to optimize the later in the day when times should alert you to the need to
effects and minimize the side effects. you may be tired and be vigilant. In addition, remove any
Do not be afraid to ask your doctor obstacles in your bedroom, hallway,
questions about the use of a medica- your body and legs and bathroom that may be a tripping
tion and any signs of a sensitivity or are weaker. hazard. Be wary of small area rugs by
adverse reaction. The more knowledge your bed, or in your hallway, as they
you gain about your medications, the better prepared can be slipping hazards. It is also a good idea to have a
you are to be alert for any unwanted surprises. nightlight in your hallway and/or in the bathroom. Even
Another frequent cause of falls is problems with if you do not have a vision problem, this will allow for
vision. The most common problems that can befall our safer navigation at night between your bedroom and
eyes as we age are glaucoma, macular degeneration, bathroom. If you already have a mobility compromise,
cataracts, and diabetic retinopathies. There are appro- you might consider purchasing a bedside commode. It
priate treatments for all of these maladies, but they can is also a good practice to remove any electrical cords or
all seriously increase the chance of falling. Your eyesight extension cords from any walkway in your home. This
is responsible for one half of your balance and equi- is a very serious tripping hazard because once your
librium responses. Your optical cortex interprets the foot becomes entangled in or “tripped” by a cord, you
images received from your eye and allows the brain to will most likely experience a change of direction, from
perceive what position and activity you are performing, forward motion to downward motion. You may notice
with relation to your surroundings. When your visual that when you “kiss the floor,” it’s not very affectionate in
information is not complete, the brain can misinterpret return. If you normally use an assistive device, such as a
that stimulus and instruct your body to react improp- walker or cane, keep it handy.
erly, resulting in a loss of balance that can cause a fall. The best recommendation for fall prevention is
Physical limitations due to specific diseases also simple: Stay active. Regular physical activity, exercise,
increase the risk of falling because they decrease or walking, or anything that promotes movement helps to
limit our functional mobility. Cardiovascular conditions prevent the possibility of falls. Your body is a structural
such as hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary system of pulleys and levers, consisting of bones and
artery disease, and congestive heart failure limit endur- muscles that have one primary purpose — to move you.
ance, which in turn curtails movement. Parkinson’s dis- There are fitness centers, senior centers, and a wide
ease, Multiple Sclerosis, CVA (stroke), and Peripheral variety of opportunities for you to exercise or engage
Vascular Disease all limit our physical ability, resulting in physical activity. Your doctor can recommend physi-
in an increased risk for falls. Simply put, any malady cal and occupational therapy for you if you have health
which prevents normal or natural movement will sig- issues.
nificantly augment the chance for falling. Move, breathe, be happy, and be healthy. You’re
Although the information presented so far in this worth it.
article may seem a bit doom-and-gloom, there’s good
Did you know that you can have physical therapy,
news: Falls can be prevented. Granted, there are times
occupational therapy, and speech therapy while living
when accidents really do happen, but there are many
solutions and measures that can be taken to prevent or in an assisted living? Fox Rehabilitation provides these
reduce the risk of falls. The following information alone services for The Stein Assisted Living.
Special Activities for March – May
Thursday, March 25 – 1:30 p.m.
Jewish Textile Lecture and Demonstration. Mo Fleming is coming to talk about
making tallitot and share the stories behind her uniquely artistic textiles.
Sunday, April 11 – 2:00 p.m.
Special Yom Hashoah program with Holocaust survivor and Rabbi Aryeh
Goodman from the East Brunswick Chabad.
Tuesday, April 20 – 10:00 a.m.
Café Europa celebrates Israeli Independence Day.
Thursday, April 22 – 2:00 p.m.
To celebrate Israeli Independence Day, we will have an Israeli shuk with vendors
and food.
Sunday, May 9 – 2:00 p.m.
Happy Mothers Day! We’ll host a Golda Meir historian and impersonator.
Tuesday, May 11 – 7:00 p.m.
Join our Caregiver Support Group for a special program:
Alzheimer’s Association - A special presentation on communication and
behavior with presenter Barbra DeAngelis.
Sunday, May 16 – 2:00 p.m.
A classic car show in honor of Older Adults Month (weather permitting)
Thursday, May 27 – 2:00 p.m.
Israeli Fashion Show
To attend any program, RSVP to 888-311-5231
spring 2010 ◆ 5770 ◆ www.SteinResidence.org/js Stein SEnior Insights PAGE 3b

Spotlight on residents of Families tell stories of Stein Kosher

The Stein Assisted Living
Doris Arshan
Where were
you born?
South River,
New Jersey.
Where did
you live most of
your life? New
Brunswick and
Highland Park,
Doris Arshan
New Jersey.
Occupation
and education? Wholesale grocer. I
helped my husband in business.
Age, if you are willing to tell?
Will be 90 this coming April.
Best memory? Meeting my hus-
band Sam in 1938.
How many years married? 68
years.
How many children, grandchil-
dren, great-grandchildren? Three
boys, four grandchildren, and two
great-grandchildren.
What do you enjoy most about
living at The Stein Residence? The
people, the environment, and the
employees.
Doris was an active member of
the Auxiliary and has been on the
board of the Wilf Campus for Senior
Living for many, many years. As a
current board member she is very
proud to live at The Martin and Edith
Stein Assisted Living Residence. Doris
served as the second president of the
Auxiliary, secretary of the board, and
currently serves as secretary/treasurer
of the Wilentz Senior Residence. Doris
was also a patient advocate at the
Central New Jersey Jewish Home for
more than 20 years.
Alice Calman
Where were
you born?
Philadelphia.
Where did
you live most
of your life? In
Brooklyn, New
York.
Occupation
Alice Calman
and education?
Bookkeeper
and legislative aide to Senator Frank
Pelley.
Age, if you are willing to tell? 89.
Best memory? Being married to
my husband, Lenny.
How many years married? 57.
How many children, grandchil-
dren, great-grandchildren? Two
daughters, one son, six grandchildren,
three great-grand children.
What do you enjoy most about
living at The Stein Residence? They
take good care of me here. It is always
good to have people around you who
can help when you need them.
Alice Calman is a lifetime member
of the Central Jersey Jewish Home’s
Auxiliary. She served for many years
air and sunshine. I also enjoy painting
and playing piano.
Aaron Mann
Where were
you born?
Bridgeport,
Connecticut.
Where did
you live most
of your life?
Bridgeport,
Connecticut.
Occupation Aaron Mann
and education?
Master’s degree from the Teachers
College at Columbia University.
Science teacher, Staten Island.
Aaron taught Hebrew school
in Linden, New Jersey. As a mat-
ter of fact, he taught the sons of
fellow resident and dining room
table mate Ruth Sobel, along with
our new Chief Executive Officer
Susan Harris (who was then Susan
Koenig). Given the success of his
students, he must have been quite
a teacher.
Age, if you are willing to tell? I
was born in 1929.
Best memory? My life in
Bridgeport. I also enjoyed collecting
stamps and coins.
How many years married? 35
years.
How many children, grandchil-
dren, great-grandchildren? Three
sons, three daughters-in-law, and
seven grandchildren.
What do you enjoy most about
living at The Stein Residence? The
nursing care is very good.
Susan Mann
Where were
you born?
Jersey City, New
Jersey.
Where did
you live most
of your life? 35
years in Roselle,
New Jersey.
Susan Mann
Occupation
and education?
Graduated high school in Newark,
New Jersey. Office work, billing and
expediting, and I worked in nursery
schools.
Age, if you are willing to tell? 66.
Best memory? Getting married to
my husband and having a ready-made
family.
How many years married? 35
years.
How many children, grandchil-
dren, great-grandchildren? Three
sons, seven grandchildren, and three
daughters-in-law.
What do you enjoy most about
living at The Stein Residence?
Activities, getting out by bus. It’s
The Roth Family
What is your name? Kitchen
Richard Roth
What is your mom’s name?
Jean Roth
Where do you live? From Page 1b
Glen Gardner, New Jersey. N.J., and other communities in
Why did you pick The Martin the New Jersey area. He has also
and Edith Stein Assisted Living worked as a chef at restaurants at
Residence? the Jersey Shore. He is the owner
The Stein Residence had newer, and operator of Epic Events, a
better facilities and a more varied food New Jersey-based caterer.
menu than other places I looked at. I Recently Brian talked about how
also felt my mother would be comfort- he was preparing for Passover.
able in a Jewish environment. And What is the most challenging
all the people I talked with were very part of preparing for Passover?
friendly and helpful. Jean Roth gets a visit from her Kashering the kitchen while
Tell us a little about your experi- family. continuing to serve 130 residents
ences with The Stein Residence. three meals on the same day.
The staff has been very responsive to all my mother’s problems and What are some of the special
needs. When she’s had a problem, or they felt a problem was developing, products you order?
they’ve contacted my wife or me immediately. They work hard to keep the Handmade Shmura matza,
residents engaged and entertained, whether it’s with a New Year’s party, chubs, egg kichel and shank
sing-alongs, bingo, or news discussions. bones.
What do you and your mom like the most about The Stein How many boxes of Matzah
Residence? do you order?
The caring, concerned people, particularly the nursing staff. I ordered 280 boxes.
What do you tell your friends and family about the care at The Stein How about your other food
Residence? supplies for Passover? How much
I tell them that I don’t think we could have picked a better place. did you order of those items?
I ordered 50 boxes of matzah
The Bechtel-Frankel Family meal, 90 dozen eggs, 14 full sheet
What is your name?
cakes and 30 rolls, 24 dozen cook-
Sheri Bechtel ies and only 15 bottles of wine.
What is your mom’s name?
How much staff do you need
Phyllis Frankel to prepare the kitchens for
Where do you live?
Passover?
Princeton Sixteen staff members.
Why did you pick The Martin
How many days does it take to
and Edith Stein Assisted Living clean the kitchen for Passover?
Residence?
It takes at least two days.
My dad had recently passed away How many meals are usually
and my mom was left living alone in
served on the campus during
Florida where they had retired 20 years Passover?
earlier. I wanted to move my mom
We usually serve 960 meals.
closer to me so I could take care of her. How many tables and seder
She had never lived in New Jersey, so Phyllis Frankel and her daugh-
plates do you usually prepare
she didn’t know anyone here. Not only ter Sheri Bechtel.
for the seders?
was I looking for a place where she
We usually have 24 tables, 24
would be safe, I wanted her to be able
seder plates and 85 individual
to meet people with whom she had things in common, as she is very social.
plates.
My parents had always been very involved with their temple and Jewish
How many meetings are
causes. Stein offered everything I was looking for and much more.
needed to coordinate the two
Tell us a little about your experiences with The Stein Residence.
Passover seders?
The quality of care at Stein is exceptional. From the moment my mom
We usually need three meet-
moved in, the staff went out of their way to make her comfortable. All the
ings.
staff members I’ve met — from maintenance workers to administrative per-
What is the residents’ favorite
sonnel — go out of their way to make my mom feel that her needs are a pri-
thing to eat on Passover?
ority. The nursing staff, led by Tammy, is the best. Not only do they provide
I would say our favorite
great medical attention, they also offer my mom concern and respect.
Passover dish is matzah brei.
And it’s also the little things, from her painted fingernails to her home-
In addition to all that Brian
made necklaces, to the walks around the lovely grounds, especially when the
and the dietary staff does, our
vegetable garden is in full bloom.
Recreation Director Jackie Kott
What do you and your mom like the most about The Stein
and her staff coordinate the sed-
Residence?
ers and services with Rabbi Yossi
My mom is constantly telling me that she feels very safe at Stein. She’s
Neufeld. They also coordinate the
made friends and is very happy. That warms my heart. Each of her needs is
Chometz burning with the resi-
taken seriously and the staff constantly makes sure to keep me in the loop.
dents and Rabbi Newfield. They
What do you tell your friends and family about the care at The Stein
inventory all hagaddas, matzah
Residence?
covers, yarmulkas, take reserva-
Clearly, I rave about Stein. I’ve heard many stories from people whose
tions from the family members
parents reside in other facilities, and many of them have been less than
attending the seders, and organize
glowing. I do not have one thing to say about Stein that isn’t positive. I thank
a seating chart for each table.
G-d we found Stein.

Mazel Tov to…

as the volunteer in charge of taking
reservations for the annual dinner
dance fundraiser. She also helped to
organize the yearly fashion show.
Louis
Lampert
Where were
you born?
Poland.
Where did
you live most
of your life?
Brooklyn, New
York.
Louis Lampert
Occupation
and education?
Master’s degree. I worked as a com-
puter science project engineer and an
instructor at junior college.
Age, if you are willing to tell? 85.
Best memory? Getting out on the
golf course every spring.
How many children, grandchil-
dren, great-grandchildren? Two
daughters.
What do you enjoy most about
living at The Stein Residence?
Serenity, peace, being able to take a
walk and look at the grounds, fresh
more like a country club and people
are very nice.
Ruth Sobel
Where were BARNEY COHEN: Grandson Brian Binder will graduate from Ithaca College in May. Granddaughter
you born? Becca Binder will graduate from South Brunswick High School in June.
Brooklyn, New
York. FAYE BRADUS: Granddaughter Taryn will travel to Israel on a Birthright program.
Where did
you live most HELEN SOLOMON: Granddaughter Rachel has started a master’s degree program in juvenile education.
of your life? ETTA HOFFLEICH: Birth of her ninth great-granddaughter, Samantha.
Linden, New
Jersey. SITTA DESSAU: Great-granddaughter Shira Allen Jerry will become a bat mitzvah this spring.
Ruth Sobel
Occupation
and education? DAVID HORNSTEIN: Mr. Hornstein is expecting his first great-grandchild in Israel this spring.
High school secretary for the board LILLIAN RAPP: Granddaughter Allison is graduating from the University of Vermont, and will attend
of education in Linden. Johns Hopkins for a master’s degree in specialized nursing.
Age, if you are willing to tell?
93. HELEN MONDROW: Granddaughter Stephanie Mondrow was married.
Best memory? The day I met my
husband. LILLIAN EPSTEIN: Great-granddaughter Danielle Epstein and great-grandson Dylan will celebrate their
How many years married? 46 bar/bat mitzvahs.
years.
How many children, grandchil- TELLY GOLDSTEIN: Son Lenny is celebrating his 77th birthday.
dren, great-grandchildren? Four MILDRED ROBINSON: Daughter Dina is celebrating her 65th birthday.
children, four grandchildren, four
daughters-in-law. BINNIE WEST: Granddaughter recently became a bat mitzvah.
What do you enjoy most about
living at The Stein Residence? The ALLAN GRAYZEL: Granddaughter is completing her freshman year at George Washington University,
people. Washington, D.C.

www.SteinResidence.org/js • 888-311-5231
PAGE 4b Stein SEnior Insights
Residents of the Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence
visit a flower show.
Hanukkah shopping with Francis Block.
Residents of the Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence
have a celebration to ring in 2010.
The Hanukkah celebration was filled with music.
Staff members are special at The Stein Residence
These are some of the staff members at The Martin
and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence in Somerset.
Toby Ehrlich, LCSW
Director of Marketing,
Wilf Campus for Senior Living
Toby is a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker and a Certified Assisted Living
Administrator with more than 31 years
of experience working with older adults
and their families. As director of market-
ing for The Wilf Campus, she informs
the community about the options that
Toby Ehrlich
The Wilf Campus offers. Toby also helps
families to explore care options for their
loved ones. She truly enjoys working with older adults on
The Wilf Campus. Toby’s past experience includes serving
as director of the Monroe Township Office of Jewish Family
Services, being a Jewish Matchmaker, and working in the
field of adoption. Toby also currently has a private practice
in counseling in Monroe Township. Toby earned a bach-
elor’s degree from Hofstra University and a master’s degree
in social work with a certificate in gerontology from Rutgers
University. Toby lives with her husband, Gary, in South
Call today for an appointment and a tour 888-311-5231
Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence • 350 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873 • www.steinresidence.org/js
www.SteinResidence.org/js ◆ 5770 ◆ spring 2010
The Gallery
Assisted living residents sing along with Ruth.
David Hornstein and Toby Ehrlich enjoy the Hanukkah music.
A resident bundles up to spend some time in the sun on a recent
winter afternoon.
Residents of the Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence
participate in a tai chi exercise class.
Brunswick and has two children: Ben, who is currently
attending the Joint Program at List College and Columbia
University, and Hannah, who works for Lee & Low Books
and lives in New York City. Toby is an active member of
Congregation B’nai Tikvah in North Brunswick.
Randi Rosen
Assistant Director of Marketing
Randi has been with the Stein Assisted
Living Residence since the doors first
opened in 2003. It has been exciting for
her to be a part of its growth since then.
She has worked with seniors and their
families for more than 10 years, includ-
ing as a nursing home social worker
and admissions director, and assistant
Randi Rosen
director of marketing at Stein Assisted
Living. Randi earned a bachelor’s degree
in social work from SUNY College at Brockport. Randi
lived in Germany for eight years, becoming proficient in
the language, and travelled throughout Europe, satisfying
her wanderlust. Now residing in Montgomery Township,
with her dog Rocky, she enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and
Shirley Bernstein takes a break between activities for a nosh.
Evelyn Poppick does crafts.
Staff members meet to make plans for Passover.
Residents play Mah Jong at the Martin and Edith Stein Assisted
Living Residence.
cooking, and continues to travel. She has a son, Adam, who
will graduate from Arizona State University this spring, and
a daughter, Abby, who attends Boston University.
Karen Natkow
Resident Services Coordinator
Karen joined the staff of The Stein
Residence in 2004. In addition to working
with the marketing department, Karen is
the “problem-solver” for our residents,
helping them to settle into their apart-
ments, arranging medical transportation
and generally trying to make their lives
better. Before coming to Stein, Karen
Karen Natkow
spent 10 years working in a boutique that
catered to dogs and their owners. She
also taught in an adult high school for many years working
with students pursuing their equivalency diplomas. Karen
is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University. Karen
grew up in Somerset and now lives there with her husband,
David; and two children: Neil, who works for Suburban
Propane, and Megan, who will attend law school next fall;
and the family’s two dogs, Marley and Lucy.