Nurses Week 2014
Margaret Tietz Celebrates the efforts of our phenomenal, caring and professional Nursing Staff.
Holocaust Remembrance Day at Margaret Tietz
Our Annual Memorial Service was held on the morning of April 28th, with six candles lit in remembrance of the six million who perished. They were lit in formation by Mr. Yoel Lichstein, Ms. Trudy Schwarz, Mr. David Widawsky, Rabbi Yossi Blesofsky, Mr. Henry Conston and Mr. Robert Levine. The program was opened by Yoel Lichstein, Executive Director of Margaret Tietz, and chaired by Rabbi Zavel Pearlman, Rabbi at Margaret Tietz, with the Kaddish recited by David Widawsky, who is on the Board of the Holocaust Center, the QJCC and International March of the Living. Rabbi Yossi Blesofsky, Rabbi of Chabad of Northeast Queens, moved the crowd with his heartfelt rendition of Kel Maley Rachamim and Ani Maamin, and everyone joined in to sing Hatikva.
It was a solemn and poignant event imbued with dignity and meaning, as attendees pledged to never forget. Remembrance is our protection, our duty and our commitment.
Providers & Caregivers Gained Valuable Info at Special Dementia Symposium at CenterLight’s Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
There wasn’t an empty seat in Margaret Tietz’s Main Floor Recreation Room and Dining Room this past Wednesday morning, March 19th, as a crowd of providers and caregivers of individuals with dementia gathered for an eye-opening symposium by experts in the field. “Dementia: Research, Treatment and Caregiver Support”, presented by Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in conjunction with Samuel Field YM/YWHA and the Queensboro Council for Social Welfare, was a vital community event that provided attendees with the latest facts, studies, programs and resources.
While the crowd enjoyed a delicious breakfast spread, Yoel Lichstein, Executive Director at Margaret Tietz, opened the program and introduced the first speaker – Jed A. Levine, MA, Executive Vice President and Director of Programs & Services of the Alzheimer’s Association. The rapt audience attentively took notes as Jed outlined the hard hitting numbers, current research, and the assistance and support provided by the NYC chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. With one American developing Alzheimers’s every 67 seconds, this is one of the largest health crises facing our nation. Also, he encouraged everyone to sign up as an advocate to help make Alzheimer’s research and support a national priority.
Jane C. Bardavid, LCSW, Director of the Community Advisory Program for Elderly (CAPE) at Samuel Field YM & YWHA, focused on caregiver stress and the coping skills needed to shoulder this lonely and overwhelming burden. She poignantly described the grieving process one undergoes as one mourns a relationship that once was. To combat the tremendous risk of anxiety, depression and social isolation that caregivers face – she delineated various ways to develop resilience and manage stress. In addition, Jane shared the Y’s expanded programs and resources, noting how important it is to implement routines that are extremely soothing to those with dementia.
Executive Director of the Queensboro Council on Social Welfare, Joan Serrano Laufer, LMSW, concluded with underlining the importance of caretakers taking care of themselves, and that even though it’s hard, one should never refrain from asking for help. She encouraged everyone to “Keep fighting, keep advocating . . . Coming together as we did today is part of the solution.” The program wrapped up with the panel taking questions from the audience.
With more and more baby boomers entering the age of greatest risk for dementia every day, the challenges nursing facilities and families face keep growing. To enhance the many programs already in place to support residents with dementia and their loved ones, Margaret Tietz will be partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association on future projects and setting up a caregiver support group. This vital symposium spearheads Margaret Tietz's new Health Education Initiative, a program featuring quarterly seminars to educate and inform the community about best health practices. For more information about the Health Education Initiative, or to view the complete symposium online visit www.tietzjewish.org. Margaret Tietz is a member of the CenterLight Health System.
Pictured left to right at Dementia Symposium: Joan Serrano Laufer, Linda Spiegel, Jane C. Bardavid, Jed A. Levine and Yoel Lichstein
Purim at Margaret Tietz!
CenterLight Steps Up to the Plate with Charitable Donation to Project Chaim
The borough of Queens is home to the second largest population of Jewish elderly – many of whom are frail, homebound and live alone. Project Chaim was established in 2011 by the QJCC to fulfill our community’s moral obligation to these seniors who sacrificed so much to keep Kosher but who now in their twilight years are impoverished, living hand to mouth and are cared for by non-Jewish home attendants. By providing Kosher Meals on Wheels to currently 140 seniors, these individuals are assured a substantial nutritious meal that is truly life-sustaining.
CenterLight Health System, formerly Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, is committed to improving the quality of Life for all New Yorkers in need. Upon hearing that Project Chaim’s vital work was threatened by lack of funds – Michael Fassler, CEO of CenterLight, took the initiative and bestowed the organization with a significant donation of $5000. Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a member of CenterLight, served as the backdrop for CenterLight's beneficence as Mr. Fassler presented the check to Cynthia Zalisky of Project Chaim. Hopefully many others will follow Mr. Fassler’s lead as Project Chaim is in desperate straits and requires substantial funds to continue their operations.
To help raise money for Project Chaim, the National Council of Young Israel, in conjunction with the QJCC, held a Pre-Purim Concert at Queens College this past Sunday. The event featuring Avrohom Fried, Michoel Pruzanzky and the New York Boys Choir was a smashing success.
Photo Caption:Yoel Lichstein, Executive Director of Margaret Tietz, looks on as Cynthia Zalisky, Executive Director of QJCC, receives check from Michael Fassler, CEO of CenterLight
Photo credit: Yaakov Katz Studios
Linda Spiegel of Margaret Tietz will be making a presentation to the Forest Park Jewish Center Seniors in Glendale.
On February 16,2014, Linda Spiegel of Margaret Tietz will be making a presentation to the Forest Park Jewish Center Seniors at their newly developed and well attended Sunday Program. Lunch will be provided by Margaret Tietz Center. Rebbetzin Zdonowitz has begun this special Sunday Senior Program as an informational and entertainment initiative. Attendance has been brisk with 40-50 at each get-together
The Golden Age Club from the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills will be taking a trip to Margaret Tietz for a luncheon and presentation on Fall Prevention. February 3, 2014
A Holiday luncheon will be held at NYHQ for the Case Management department hosted by Margaret Tietz in appreciation of their valued partnership. January 14, 2014
QJCC Annual Legislative Breakfast at Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills sponsored by Margaret Tietz/ CenterLight Healthcare Systems. January 12, 2014
Annual Breakfast at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills December 8, 2013
Margaret Tietz is an involved community partner. The Civic Association of Kew Gardens Hills held their Annual Breakfast at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills honoring Borough President Helen Marshall and Councilman Jim Gennaro as they step down from office after two terms. Among the many in attendance to add good wishes was representation from Margaret Tietz.