Programs - 2022
Artists of Creative Aging in Nyack Jan 14, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Presented by Leontine Temsky
Leontine Temsky is a life-long lover of art in all its forms. She taught art history for many years. For this program, Leontine encouraged artists from Creative Aging in Nyack to show some of their work to us, and tell us a bit about what they do. Our thanks to Leontine and to each of our artists, Susan Travis, Gabri'El Stollman, Sally Savage, Arlene Leventhal, and Susanna Willingham!
During our meeting, each of the artists showed several of their pieces. You will find one sample from each in these Notes.
During our meeting, each of the artists showed several of their pieces. You will find one sample from each in these Notes.
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Mosaics by Susan Travis
I started doing mosaics when I saw pieces that I loved but were too costly to purchase. My partner said, ”You want it, you make it.” I’m a sucker for a challenge. I’ve since made a floor passage way, table tops, ladder back chairs and over 50 plant pots. I am in the peaceful and renewing flow when I work. It is pure pleasure. Mosaics are pieces of colored material put together to make a whole design. My fun is gathering a variety of materials to make each, one of a kind piece. I use tiles from New Mexico, and gold from Orsoni in Venice. The most fun is contributions from friends such as a wall length bathroom mirror that just fell. I’ve used those pieces of that mirror for years. Old plates and platters, costume jewelry and seashells. I recently received, from two CAN members, a library of stained glass in every color of the rainbow. |
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Mosaics by Gabri'El Stollman
I didn't have formal training in art. I enjoyed putting objects together to form a pleasant and harmonious whole like table top arrangements, bowls of fruit, outfits and the like. Also, for no apparent reason, I liked collecting small things like buttons, single cuff links, china, shade pulls, acorns and rocks to mention a few. One fine day, at a Nyack street fair, many years ago, I found a mosaic teacher who was looking for students. I studied with her for a while and went on to learn about mosaic art from another gifted teacher who offered workshops with other teachers with different points of view. I was and am intrigued with this art form and am still on the lookout for treasures to make objects of interest. Putting together disparate elements to create a harmonious and beautiful object brings me joy. Is that not what we are called to do in our lives? |
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Photographs by Sally Savage
My career as a photographer in our tri-state area, has spanned over three decades and involved three related pursuits: free-lance photo-journalism assignments, teaching, and, throughout, exhibiting my own “pleasure photography” in solo and group art exhibits in (mostly) Rockland’s galleries, arts centers and libraries. My profession began with the notion that children and families are more comfortable being photographed in their own homes. I never had a studio - but of course a darkroom, since in the 1970s to 1900s I printed everything. Later I ran a 4-enlarger teaching darkroom in my basement, where I loved teaching black and white printing. The free-lance assignments became a rich and fun life, and included the inevitable weddings (even two in England), bar mitzvahs, and many Rockland events. |
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Arlene Leventhal, Painter
As a lifelong artist, craftsperson and art teacher, I have enjoyed many mediums. My most significant is watercolors, but I have done ceramics, stained glass, and different fiber arts. I plan to show just a quick sampling of paintings, beaded jewelry, and quilts. During the pandemic I was fortunate to have supplies and continue with my desire to work in a series in various media, keeping my creatives juices flowing, and my head together in a difficult time! I am happy to share a bit of my work. Over the many years, not only did my choice of art mediums change, go back & forth, as my life had changed, from teaching in a few states, and going from kindergarten to college, teaching in service art classes to the regular teachers , who, due to budget cuts, had to go without an art teacher coming into classrooms, and have to try to teach a decent art curriculum on their own! What also changed my art was going from abstraction to realism, and back, new techniques, inspiration – and now taking a more contemporary point of view in all my art & craft work. |
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Susanna Willingham, Paintings
I’m drawn to contrasts in the natural landscape: shadow against light, smooth against rough, movement against stillness, tension against release and life against death. Exploring how to create a visceral experience of these tensions, my work in oils is both structured and loose, representational and expressionist. I grew up in Bermuda surrounded by lush plant life and broad ocean horizons. The colors and textures of the island are at the heart of my sensory connection to nature. I see reflected in nature the dynamic tension and relief of my own life experience: how things are always changing and life and death, birth and decay are always with us. Pulling together the paintings I have chosen to share with CAN has been a rich and rewarding experience. I feel fortunate to be part of a community of those who are choosing to age creatively. |
Local Nonprofit and Volunteer Organizations Jan 28, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Rosemary Amabile organized this program highlighting some of the nonprofit organizations in our area that do wonderful work. Some CAN members have volunteered to tell us about an organization that is special to them.
New York State Surrogate Decision-Making Committee Donna Nye
Since 2015, I have been a member of the New York State Surrogate Decision-Making Committee overseen by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs in Schenectady. I am considered a New York State Public Officer. Each committee is comprised of an attorney, a doctor or nurse, and two advocates. Each committee has different members from all over the state. Our job is to make medical decisions for individuals who are unable to make their own choices. These people are almost always adults in group homes. Our job is to determine three things: does the person have the capacity to make decisions, is there a surrogate for this person, and will the medical procedure benefit the person. I have also been trained and taken part in several "end of life" decisions. To do this work, I am sent a packet of material to review before our on-line meeting about the individual.
I am very impressed with the care that is shown for each of these patients and the number of people involved. This has been one of the most meaningful volunteer opportunities I have undertaken because we make such important decisions for someone who is unable to do so.
For more information, contact Stephanie Deyo, Volunteer Training Coordinator at 518-388-1910. She can explain in more detail about qualifications and expectations.
The Historical Society of the Nyack Mimi Hoffman
The Historical Society of the Nyacks is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to researching, preserving and fostering appreciation of the history of the Nyack community. The Society accepts the donation of historical papers and artifacts related to the community, and will preserve them for future reference, research and exhibit use. The Society sponsors periodic meetings, programs, exhibits and trips to promote knowledge of, and interest in, local history.
Over time I have taken on a number of different roles with the organization, among them Trustee, Newsletter Editor/writer/admin, E-blast assistant, fundraising helper, docent, and coordinator of the upcoming Spring exhibition Children's Book Authors of Nyack. I got involved about 8 years ago because I wanted to volunteer for an organization that my husband was active in. My appreciation has evolved. The people I’ve gotten to know there (everyone is a volunteer) are special and great to work with. Especially now, with so many frightening issues confronting us, it is uplifting to be part of something that is for the most part positive. Its subject matter is always interesting. If you want to know more, you can reach me at [email protected].
Mike Hays is our new president. We are eager to grow our volunteer base. We are interested in getting to know volunteers who are curious about and interested in local history. We will help them determine ways to use their gifts to enhance HSN.
HSN isn’t a service organization. If someone needs information regarding an upcoming event, has a local history question, interest in adding to the collection, etc. go to www.nyackhistory.org or email [email protected]
Soup Angels Norma Wirkowski
Soup Angels, housed in the First Reformed Church of Nyack at 18 South Broadway, is in its 15th year of offering free, nutritious, freshly cooked meals to anyone who needs a meal, no questions asked. During the pandemic, Soup Angels continues to serve between 85-140 clients every Monday and Wednesday from 4:30-6:30. After Covid hit, we started offering groceries to help our clients feed themselves and their families.
I volunteer there every Monday. I generally work the 1 o’clock shift where all the food is sorted and wrapped, “bounty bags” are prepared and filled with dry goods like bagels and desserts, and groceries are organized on tables. Donations of food come from area restaurants and supermarkets and we are eternally grateful for their generosity.
Last winter we started a new initiative in response to a perceived need. We now distribute new and gently used winter coats, and new hats, gloves, socks and twin sized blankets. Bombas sock company kindly sends us hundreds of pair of socks annually to distribute to our clients.
I enjoy volunteering for Soup Angels and supporting their mission of feeding the hungry of Rockland County. It is wonderful to work in the company of such a kind and generous group of people.
We are always in need of donations. Anyone who would like to drop off any coats, blankets, etc. can do so by bringing them to the south side door on Church Street on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-6. You can make a cash donation online at www.soupangels.com.
To volunteer or find out more about Soup Angels, email [email protected]. For further information, contact or speak to Katherine Rife.\
Gabri'El Stollman
I enjoy volunteering for Soup Angels. The people are kind and friendly. Most of the tasks are repetitious, and there is a satisfaction knowing that a hungry person will be well fed.
Some of the jobs include wrapping dry food like bagels and baked goods and placing them in "bounty" bags, arranging pre-packaged foods on tables for guests to choose, examining produce and chucking the imperfects into the compost box. Repackaging eggs is not a favorite task as there are sometimes broken eggs and contact with gooey egg whites can be off putting. But I enjoy egg duty as the perfect egg is a beautiful form and offers specific important nourishment.
I receive so much in return when volunteering, such as the obvious satisfaction of giving, but I also benefit from a spurt of endorphins in reaction to my good deed.
Grace's Thrift Shop Nancy Waack
The Outreach Committee of Grace Episcopal church saw the need for a store in Nyack in which to purchase low priced clothing and household goods, so in 1986 Grace's Thrift Shop was established.
Its mission is three fold. The first mission is to supply the community with low priced clothing and household goods. From time to time it does participate in direct charity. It might be as simple as giving one of Nyack’s homeless a warm jacket. Sometimes it’s Social Service, or a volunteer who alerts us to the needs. This might involve providing clothing or even help in refurnishing an apartment for a family left with nothing as a result of a fire. One of the managers, Kickie or Theresa, is contacted, and they then arrange for clothing or “goods” to be gathered or arrange a time for the individual “to go shopping”.
The second mission is to distribute the profits earned to community organizations who feed the hungry, supply clothing, child care and housing to those in need. How they’re given is determined at our Annual Meeting each December where we volunteers socialize, eat lunch and vote to disperse the funds. The list of organizations is available at the check-out desk and includes Nyack Homeless, St. Dominic’s, Nyack Center, Helping Hands, Hi Tor Animal Shelter, and Grace Church. Volunteers may also bring additional worthy charities to the to the group’s attention for possible funding. All of the organizations receiving our donations are 501(c)(3) charities. This past year we donated $28,000 to organizations mostly in Nyack and a few in Rockland County.
The third mission is to provide the volunteers with a community that cares and supports each other. In addition, there is the ecological benefit that Grace Thrift Shop also provides the opportunity to recycle items no longer wanted or needed keeping them out of the trash. Needless to say, we would not survive without all the wonderful donations of clothing and “what nots”.
Sadly, due to Covid the days and hours that the Thrift Shop is open have had to be cut and volunteers are sorely needed. There are two types of jobs: FLOOR SHIFT WORKERS, that is, anyone who enjoys meeting people, talking and helping them as they browse in a retail setting; and/or PRICE MARKERS, those, who know, or would like to learn, the art/science of setting prices. Floor shifts are two and a half hours long. The shifts for the markers who price the clothing and bric-a-brac (all non-clothing) are determined by the marker and teacher and can be more flexible. Both those working the floor and pricing in the back are expected to work several shifts learning. Markers are especially needed. There are guides for the clothing, but leaning to price bric-a-brac, because of the variety of goods involved, needs more time to learn. This can take place during shop hours or at an agreed upon time. Please contact the co-managers Kickie Fulmor or Theresa Bergen at 845 358-7488
Due to the call for more volunteers and my desire to contribute while I am still able, I volunteer on Thursday and have found it an engaging two and a half hours. Every shift is different. Our customers, all hunting for bargains, range from the genuinely needy, to teenagers hunting for interesting clothing, to a couple shopping for vintage goblets for their party, to the young couple seeking affordable warm clothing for their move to Alaska, to a young man selecting a proper tie for a job interview, to resellers hunting for underpriced items on which they can make a profit – on and on. I am astounded by the variety of “stuff” that comes in, how we price it, and what people will buy. Now if only someone would buy that mink coat in the window. I am tired of getting it down and putting it back …
Rockland Conservatory of Music (RCM) Judy Gorman
RCM opened its doors in 1956 - so we are in our 65th year! Now located in Pearl River, NY, at 45 South Main Street, the Conservatory dedicates its resources to providing music education and experiences to anyone who desires that – helping people "one note at a time"!
RCM's vision is to:
Operating under a conservative budget, RCM's income is primarily from tuition and fundraising. As a member of the Board, part of my responsibility is to do just that: seek contributions from local organizations and individuals who treasure bringing music to people of every background, economic level, and passion.
I am also the Secretary of the Board, which puts me on RCM's Executive Committee and keeps me busy codifying meetings into succinct useful minutes.
Even during COVID, lessons and concerts have continued. Check out their website, https://rcmny.org/! Right now concerts are free. And even during "normal" times the ticket prices are low. The concert space is a small hall, named after Ed Simons, one of the founders of RCM, and, until recently, the oldest living conductor in the world! It is a delightful place to be, and RCM does everything it can to make the experience high quality and hospitable.
I am also the Director of The Main Street Singers, a chorus of wonderful people our age. We are not currently meeting because of Omicron, but if you want to sing, please contact me at [email protected].
One to One Learning Rosemary Amabile
One to One Learning, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, is a not-for profit out-reach organization founded by the Dominican Nuns of Sparkill.
Their “mission is to provide English classes and other supportive services for immigrants to empower them to reach their full potential and to lead meaningful lives in the communities in which they live and work.”
Both day and evening classes are offered. The students are given a test to assess their level of English proficiency. They work with a teacher and other students in small groups. This year there are approximately 200 students registered. Beside English classes, Citizenship and Computer classes are available. In addition, there is a program for children while the parents are attending class where the children can engage in a variety of activities including homework, reading and crafts.
This is my third year with One-to-One Learning. Originally, I taught in person, but during the Pandemic, I have been teaching remotely via Zoom. It is a meaningful experience to be able to help individuals who work hard to improve their situations. I am inspired by their dedication to come to class after a long day at work, often with young children. I am touched by their gratitude.
Most classes are held at the Marydell Faith and Life Center, 640 N. Midland Avenue, Nyack. Although most are Spanish speakers, students who speak other languages are welcome too.
Students and those interested in volunteering can go their website or contact Sr. Cecilia La Pietra, Director at 845-512-8176. Presently they need teachers who would be willing to teach in person at Marydell.
Literacy Solutions Jane Berkowicz
Jane was not with us at the meeting, but she sent in this description of her work:
I have been working with Literacy Solutions for years as a tutor for learning English (ESL). I have worked with beginners through advanced, and even now while I am in Florida I speak with 3 young women on Zoom. In addition to ESL, tutors can work with adults who wish to practice reading (literacy), and I have worked with students who want to pass the citizenship test which is now challenging and requires practice from a tutor.
I find this work very gratifying and the students are so appreciative. This is a great opportunity to do while staying indoors.
For those unfamiliar with Zoom, one of our county librarians is available over the phone for tutoring to get you up to speed. I have used this service and they were terrific.
If any CAN members are interested, here is the contact information:
Literacy Solutions
Christina Mandara
[email protected]
845 323 8541
Of course I would be happy to talk with anyone interested to share my experience over the years.
Jane Berkowicz
914 661 3480
[email protected]
New York State Surrogate Decision-Making Committee Donna Nye
Since 2015, I have been a member of the New York State Surrogate Decision-Making Committee overseen by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs in Schenectady. I am considered a New York State Public Officer. Each committee is comprised of an attorney, a doctor or nurse, and two advocates. Each committee has different members from all over the state. Our job is to make medical decisions for individuals who are unable to make their own choices. These people are almost always adults in group homes. Our job is to determine three things: does the person have the capacity to make decisions, is there a surrogate for this person, and will the medical procedure benefit the person. I have also been trained and taken part in several "end of life" decisions. To do this work, I am sent a packet of material to review before our on-line meeting about the individual.
I am very impressed with the care that is shown for each of these patients and the number of people involved. This has been one of the most meaningful volunteer opportunities I have undertaken because we make such important decisions for someone who is unable to do so.
For more information, contact Stephanie Deyo, Volunteer Training Coordinator at 518-388-1910. She can explain in more detail about qualifications and expectations.
The Historical Society of the Nyack Mimi Hoffman
The Historical Society of the Nyacks is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to researching, preserving and fostering appreciation of the history of the Nyack community. The Society accepts the donation of historical papers and artifacts related to the community, and will preserve them for future reference, research and exhibit use. The Society sponsors periodic meetings, programs, exhibits and trips to promote knowledge of, and interest in, local history.
Over time I have taken on a number of different roles with the organization, among them Trustee, Newsletter Editor/writer/admin, E-blast assistant, fundraising helper, docent, and coordinator of the upcoming Spring exhibition Children's Book Authors of Nyack. I got involved about 8 years ago because I wanted to volunteer for an organization that my husband was active in. My appreciation has evolved. The people I’ve gotten to know there (everyone is a volunteer) are special and great to work with. Especially now, with so many frightening issues confronting us, it is uplifting to be part of something that is for the most part positive. Its subject matter is always interesting. If you want to know more, you can reach me at [email protected].
Mike Hays is our new president. We are eager to grow our volunteer base. We are interested in getting to know volunteers who are curious about and interested in local history. We will help them determine ways to use their gifts to enhance HSN.
HSN isn’t a service organization. If someone needs information regarding an upcoming event, has a local history question, interest in adding to the collection, etc. go to www.nyackhistory.org or email [email protected]
Soup Angels Norma Wirkowski
Soup Angels, housed in the First Reformed Church of Nyack at 18 South Broadway, is in its 15th year of offering free, nutritious, freshly cooked meals to anyone who needs a meal, no questions asked. During the pandemic, Soup Angels continues to serve between 85-140 clients every Monday and Wednesday from 4:30-6:30. After Covid hit, we started offering groceries to help our clients feed themselves and their families.
I volunteer there every Monday. I generally work the 1 o’clock shift where all the food is sorted and wrapped, “bounty bags” are prepared and filled with dry goods like bagels and desserts, and groceries are organized on tables. Donations of food come from area restaurants and supermarkets and we are eternally grateful for their generosity.
Last winter we started a new initiative in response to a perceived need. We now distribute new and gently used winter coats, and new hats, gloves, socks and twin sized blankets. Bombas sock company kindly sends us hundreds of pair of socks annually to distribute to our clients.
I enjoy volunteering for Soup Angels and supporting their mission of feeding the hungry of Rockland County. It is wonderful to work in the company of such a kind and generous group of people.
We are always in need of donations. Anyone who would like to drop off any coats, blankets, etc. can do so by bringing them to the south side door on Church Street on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12-6. You can make a cash donation online at www.soupangels.com.
To volunteer or find out more about Soup Angels, email [email protected]. For further information, contact or speak to Katherine Rife.\
Gabri'El Stollman
I enjoy volunteering for Soup Angels. The people are kind and friendly. Most of the tasks are repetitious, and there is a satisfaction knowing that a hungry person will be well fed.
Some of the jobs include wrapping dry food like bagels and baked goods and placing them in "bounty" bags, arranging pre-packaged foods on tables for guests to choose, examining produce and chucking the imperfects into the compost box. Repackaging eggs is not a favorite task as there are sometimes broken eggs and contact with gooey egg whites can be off putting. But I enjoy egg duty as the perfect egg is a beautiful form and offers specific important nourishment.
I receive so much in return when volunteering, such as the obvious satisfaction of giving, but I also benefit from a spurt of endorphins in reaction to my good deed.
Grace's Thrift Shop Nancy Waack
The Outreach Committee of Grace Episcopal church saw the need for a store in Nyack in which to purchase low priced clothing and household goods, so in 1986 Grace's Thrift Shop was established.
Its mission is three fold. The first mission is to supply the community with low priced clothing and household goods. From time to time it does participate in direct charity. It might be as simple as giving one of Nyack’s homeless a warm jacket. Sometimes it’s Social Service, or a volunteer who alerts us to the needs. This might involve providing clothing or even help in refurnishing an apartment for a family left with nothing as a result of a fire. One of the managers, Kickie or Theresa, is contacted, and they then arrange for clothing or “goods” to be gathered or arrange a time for the individual “to go shopping”.
The second mission is to distribute the profits earned to community organizations who feed the hungry, supply clothing, child care and housing to those in need. How they’re given is determined at our Annual Meeting each December where we volunteers socialize, eat lunch and vote to disperse the funds. The list of organizations is available at the check-out desk and includes Nyack Homeless, St. Dominic’s, Nyack Center, Helping Hands, Hi Tor Animal Shelter, and Grace Church. Volunteers may also bring additional worthy charities to the to the group’s attention for possible funding. All of the organizations receiving our donations are 501(c)(3) charities. This past year we donated $28,000 to organizations mostly in Nyack and a few in Rockland County.
The third mission is to provide the volunteers with a community that cares and supports each other. In addition, there is the ecological benefit that Grace Thrift Shop also provides the opportunity to recycle items no longer wanted or needed keeping them out of the trash. Needless to say, we would not survive without all the wonderful donations of clothing and “what nots”.
Sadly, due to Covid the days and hours that the Thrift Shop is open have had to be cut and volunteers are sorely needed. There are two types of jobs: FLOOR SHIFT WORKERS, that is, anyone who enjoys meeting people, talking and helping them as they browse in a retail setting; and/or PRICE MARKERS, those, who know, or would like to learn, the art/science of setting prices. Floor shifts are two and a half hours long. The shifts for the markers who price the clothing and bric-a-brac (all non-clothing) are determined by the marker and teacher and can be more flexible. Both those working the floor and pricing in the back are expected to work several shifts learning. Markers are especially needed. There are guides for the clothing, but leaning to price bric-a-brac, because of the variety of goods involved, needs more time to learn. This can take place during shop hours or at an agreed upon time. Please contact the co-managers Kickie Fulmor or Theresa Bergen at 845 358-7488
Due to the call for more volunteers and my desire to contribute while I am still able, I volunteer on Thursday and have found it an engaging two and a half hours. Every shift is different. Our customers, all hunting for bargains, range from the genuinely needy, to teenagers hunting for interesting clothing, to a couple shopping for vintage goblets for their party, to the young couple seeking affordable warm clothing for their move to Alaska, to a young man selecting a proper tie for a job interview, to resellers hunting for underpriced items on which they can make a profit – on and on. I am astounded by the variety of “stuff” that comes in, how we price it, and what people will buy. Now if only someone would buy that mink coat in the window. I am tired of getting it down and putting it back …
Rockland Conservatory of Music (RCM) Judy Gorman
RCM opened its doors in 1956 - so we are in our 65th year! Now located in Pearl River, NY, at 45 South Main Street, the Conservatory dedicates its resources to providing music education and experiences to anyone who desires that – helping people "one note at a time"!
RCM's vision is to:
- Offer tuition assistance to qualifying low-income students
- Bring talented musicians and performers to the community
to educate and entertain - Instill a life-long love of the arts to our students and community
Operating under a conservative budget, RCM's income is primarily from tuition and fundraising. As a member of the Board, part of my responsibility is to do just that: seek contributions from local organizations and individuals who treasure bringing music to people of every background, economic level, and passion.
I am also the Secretary of the Board, which puts me on RCM's Executive Committee and keeps me busy codifying meetings into succinct useful minutes.
Even during COVID, lessons and concerts have continued. Check out their website, https://rcmny.org/! Right now concerts are free. And even during "normal" times the ticket prices are low. The concert space is a small hall, named after Ed Simons, one of the founders of RCM, and, until recently, the oldest living conductor in the world! It is a delightful place to be, and RCM does everything it can to make the experience high quality and hospitable.
I am also the Director of The Main Street Singers, a chorus of wonderful people our age. We are not currently meeting because of Omicron, but if you want to sing, please contact me at [email protected].
One to One Learning Rosemary Amabile
One to One Learning, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, is a not-for profit out-reach organization founded by the Dominican Nuns of Sparkill.
Their “mission is to provide English classes and other supportive services for immigrants to empower them to reach their full potential and to lead meaningful lives in the communities in which they live and work.”
Both day and evening classes are offered. The students are given a test to assess their level of English proficiency. They work with a teacher and other students in small groups. This year there are approximately 200 students registered. Beside English classes, Citizenship and Computer classes are available. In addition, there is a program for children while the parents are attending class where the children can engage in a variety of activities including homework, reading and crafts.
This is my third year with One-to-One Learning. Originally, I taught in person, but during the Pandemic, I have been teaching remotely via Zoom. It is a meaningful experience to be able to help individuals who work hard to improve their situations. I am inspired by their dedication to come to class after a long day at work, often with young children. I am touched by their gratitude.
Most classes are held at the Marydell Faith and Life Center, 640 N. Midland Avenue, Nyack. Although most are Spanish speakers, students who speak other languages are welcome too.
Students and those interested in volunteering can go their website or contact Sr. Cecilia La Pietra, Director at 845-512-8176. Presently they need teachers who would be willing to teach in person at Marydell.
Literacy Solutions Jane Berkowicz
Jane was not with us at the meeting, but she sent in this description of her work:
I have been working with Literacy Solutions for years as a tutor for learning English (ESL). I have worked with beginners through advanced, and even now while I am in Florida I speak with 3 young women on Zoom. In addition to ESL, tutors can work with adults who wish to practice reading (literacy), and I have worked with students who want to pass the citizenship test which is now challenging and requires practice from a tutor.
I find this work very gratifying and the students are so appreciative. This is a great opportunity to do while staying indoors.
For those unfamiliar with Zoom, one of our county librarians is available over the phone for tutoring to get you up to speed. I have used this service and they were terrific.
If any CAN members are interested, here is the contact information:
Literacy Solutions
Christina Mandara
[email protected]
845 323 8541
Of course I would be happy to talk with anyone interested to share my experience over the years.
Jane Berkowicz
914 661 3480
[email protected]
Planning for Your Future: Protecting Your Assets Feb 11, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
with Attorneys C. Boniface and J. Kiely
with Attorneys C. Boniface and J. Kiely
Our Presenters:
Courtney E. Boniface is the managing partner at Cane & Boniface, PC, a Nyack boutique law firm devoted to estate planning and settling estate. The firm was founded by Barbara Cane 30 years ago and Courtney joined her as a first-year law student 25 years. Between Courtney and her associates, they are admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida.
Their goal at Cane & Boniface is to help clients create plans to help take care of themselves and their loved ones, leave assets to beneficiaries of their choice, and save taxes and fees in the process. Each estate plan honors the client's individuality, encourages creative confrontation of mortality, and considers how to transfer values as well as wealth.
Courtney currently serves as a professional advisor to the Rockland Development Council, Baking Memories 4 Kids, and St. Thomas Aquinas College. She also serves on the boards of United Hospice and Nyack Rotary.
Courtney E. Boniface, Attorney at Law
Cane & Boniface, PC
62 Burd Street, Suite 1
Nyack, NY 10960
845-727-4000
fax 845-727-4023
www.caneboniface.com
Jessica Kiely is an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney located in Nyack. Practicing since 2006, Jessica’s entire career has been spent in the field of Estate Planning and Elder law, with the first 14 years working at a large regional firm. In 2020 she started her own practice, in which she works closely with individuals and families to create estate plans for death and disability, settle trusts and estates, and plan for long term care, including assisting clients in navigating the Medicaid process.
Jessica Kiely, Attorney at Law
Jessica Kiely, PC
Estate Planning and Elder Law
20 N. Broadway, Suite 3
Nyack, New York 10960
(845) 731-7100
[email protected]
Estate Planning
Courtney Boniface, Attorney at Law
I don’t have an estate, do I?
Regardless of age or the size of your bank account, everyone has an estate.
Estate Plan – a combination of documents, information, and beneficiary designations that are coordinated to take care of you during your lifetime and pass your assets to loved ones after you are gone. An Estate Plan will help you
Power of Attorney – single most important estate planning document.
Beneficiary Designations
_____________
Longterm Health Care:
Navigating the Medicaid Process
Jessica Kiely, Attorney at Law
Medicaid is a federal and state funded program that provides health care for those who are financially needy. With the average costs of Nursing Homes Care roughly $15,000 a month, it is also the program that pays for Nursing Home Care and Home Care for individuals who medically and financially qualify. In order to qualify for Medicaid coverage for care, an individual applying for Medicaid, an “applicant” and the spouse of the applicant can only have the following monthly income and value of assets listed below:
Medicaid Income Levels for 2022
Medicaid Asset Levels for 2022
Below are a few strategies used by Elder Law Attorneys to preserve or protect assets:
Spousal Refusal: If the spouse of the applicant has assets or monthly income that is over the allowable amount, then the spouse can file a “spousal refusal” in which the spouses refuses to use the excess funds to pay for the applicant’s care, and therefore, the applicant can still qualify for Medicaid.
Medicaid Asset Protection Trust : A type of Irrevocable Trust used to protect assets should you need to apply for Medicaid. The trust allows you to transfer your home and other assets out of your name to qualify for care without the property being considered your children’s property and therefore not subject to their divorce, lawsuits or income tax bracket. The trust is subject to the look back period so it must be created and funded 5 years prior to needing care to qualify for Medicaid.
Gift and Loan Strategy: If an applicant is in a nursing home and has not done any prior planning, there is crisis planning that can be done at the time care is needed where approximately half of the individual’s assets may be preserved using a gift and loan strategy.
Courtney E. Boniface is the managing partner at Cane & Boniface, PC, a Nyack boutique law firm devoted to estate planning and settling estate. The firm was founded by Barbara Cane 30 years ago and Courtney joined her as a first-year law student 25 years. Between Courtney and her associates, they are admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida.
Their goal at Cane & Boniface is to help clients create plans to help take care of themselves and their loved ones, leave assets to beneficiaries of their choice, and save taxes and fees in the process. Each estate plan honors the client's individuality, encourages creative confrontation of mortality, and considers how to transfer values as well as wealth.
Courtney currently serves as a professional advisor to the Rockland Development Council, Baking Memories 4 Kids, and St. Thomas Aquinas College. She also serves on the boards of United Hospice and Nyack Rotary.
Courtney E. Boniface, Attorney at Law
Cane & Boniface, PC
62 Burd Street, Suite 1
Nyack, NY 10960
845-727-4000
fax 845-727-4023
www.caneboniface.com
Jessica Kiely is an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney located in Nyack. Practicing since 2006, Jessica’s entire career has been spent in the field of Estate Planning and Elder law, with the first 14 years working at a large regional firm. In 2020 she started her own practice, in which she works closely with individuals and families to create estate plans for death and disability, settle trusts and estates, and plan for long term care, including assisting clients in navigating the Medicaid process.
Jessica Kiely, Attorney at Law
Jessica Kiely, PC
Estate Planning and Elder Law
20 N. Broadway, Suite 3
Nyack, New York 10960
(845) 731-7100
[email protected]
Estate Planning
Courtney Boniface, Attorney at Law
I don’t have an estate, do I?
Regardless of age or the size of your bank account, everyone has an estate.
Estate Plan – a combination of documents, information, and beneficiary designations that are coordinated to take care of you during your lifetime and pass your assets to loved ones after you are gone. An Estate Plan will help you
- plan for emergencies
- plan for the inevitable – the “when” not the “if”
- pass assets to loved ones in a smooth manner
- reduce taxes
- possibly include charities if you are so inclined
- Will and/or Trust
- Directs who will settle your estate
- Directs who will inherit your estate
- Directs how and when your beneficiaries will inherit assets - outright or in trust
- A will is a good, basic estate planning document that works well for most people. However, a will needs to go through probate upon your death in order for it to be useful.
- A revocable living trust allows you to maintain control of your assets while you are alive and allows your beneficiaries to avoid probate upon your death.
- Disposition of Remains – who is in charge at the funeral home and who will take care of disposing of your remains – do you want to be buried? Cremated and buried? Cremated and ashes scattered? A traditional religious service and burial? WRITE IT DOWN!
- Health Care Proxy, Living Will and HIPAA – the 3 key health care docs
- Proxy - Who makes decisions for you if you can’t
- Living Will - Who makes end of life decisions for you if you can’t
- HIPAA - Who has access to your medical information? Who can talk to the doctors? Who can talk to your insurance and medical billing departments?
- where are copies of these documents if you needed them in an emergency? Register them with AssuringYourWishes.org!
Power of Attorney – single most important estate planning document.
- Allows you to name agents to act on your behalf for nearly all matters other than making health care decisions
- File taxes
- Pay bills
- Deal with Insurance
- Sell/Buy property
- Medicaid planning
- Estate planning
- The list goes on and on
- Like insurance – you don’t need it until you need it and when you need it it’s too late to get it!
- Make sure it includes a gift rider for maximum flexibility
- If you haven’t updated your power of attorney in the last 3-5 years, now is the time.
Beneficiary Designations
- IRAs, 401ks, 403bs, annuities, Life Insurance
- Check your beneficiaries! Especially on tax deferred accounts
- IRA distribution rules changed in 2020 last year for most non-spouse beneficiaries
- NEVER name “my estate” as a beneficiary or have no beneficiaries listed. This will increase taxes and fees ~ better to leave your accounts to a loved one or charity, rather than Uncle Sam and your attorney
- Easy to fix errors now – virtually impossible once are deceased
- Do not keep your estate planning documents in a safe deposit box at the bank.
- These get sealed upon your death and additional court proceedings are needed to open them (additional time and legal fees)
- In an emergency, your family/agents can’t get to them. If the power of attorney forms are in the box, your agent can’t get into the box without those forms. It is like locking the keys in your car!
- Keep your documents in a secure place in your home and let someone you trust know the location
- Your attorney can also keep the original documents in his/her office.
- Review your documents – make copies so you can mark them up. Do not mark up your originals!
- Review who you named as your executors, trustees, agents, etc. ~ are these still the same people you would pick today?
- If you have a trust, did you ever transfer assets into it?
- Check beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, annuities, and life insurance.
- Does someone you trust know where you keep your document?
- Make a list of important contacts (including your attorney, accountant, financial advisor/banker, doctors, etc.) so your loved ones know who to call in an emergency.
- Keep a list of your assets and liabilities with your documents and update it from time to time.
_____________
Longterm Health Care:
Navigating the Medicaid Process
Jessica Kiely, Attorney at Law
Medicaid is a federal and state funded program that provides health care for those who are financially needy. With the average costs of Nursing Homes Care roughly $15,000 a month, it is also the program that pays for Nursing Home Care and Home Care for individuals who medically and financially qualify. In order to qualify for Medicaid coverage for care, an individual applying for Medicaid, an “applicant” and the spouse of the applicant can only have the following monthly income and value of assets listed below:
Medicaid Income Levels for 2022
- Applicant (Home Care): $934.00
- Applicant (Nursing Home): $50.00
- Spouse of the applicant : $3,435.00
Medicaid Asset Levels for 2022
- Applicant: $16,800
- Spouse of applicant: $74,820 -$137,400 (determined by the total value of assets)
- The residence is an exempt resource for the spouse of the applicant who resides in the home, up to a value of $955,000.00
Below are a few strategies used by Elder Law Attorneys to preserve or protect assets:
Spousal Refusal: If the spouse of the applicant has assets or monthly income that is over the allowable amount, then the spouse can file a “spousal refusal” in which the spouses refuses to use the excess funds to pay for the applicant’s care, and therefore, the applicant can still qualify for Medicaid.
Medicaid Asset Protection Trust : A type of Irrevocable Trust used to protect assets should you need to apply for Medicaid. The trust allows you to transfer your home and other assets out of your name to qualify for care without the property being considered your children’s property and therefore not subject to their divorce, lawsuits or income tax bracket. The trust is subject to the look back period so it must be created and funded 5 years prior to needing care to qualify for Medicaid.
Gift and Loan Strategy: If an applicant is in a nursing home and has not done any prior planning, there is crisis planning that can be done at the time care is needed where approximately half of the individual’s assets may be preserved using a gift and loan strategy.
Hospice: Four Perspectives March 11, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Hospice from Four Perspectives
Organized and presented by Martha (Marti) Gabriel
Our panelists represented four perspectives on Hospice Care: Nurse Mary Alice Barna about the nursing perspective; Mimi Hoffman spoke from a social work perspective; Sandy Rosoff from a volunteer perspective; and Kate Dash shared from the perspective of a family member/ care giver. Traditionally on hospice teams the leader is the hospice nurse. So we began this panel discussion with an introduction to hospice by nurse Mary Alice Barna.
Mary Alice Barna worked as a Hospice Nurse for several years.
As an RN, Mary Alice enjoyed many aspects the nursing field offers: Psychiatric Nursing, Community Mental Health, Medical Surgical Nursing, as well as taking care of patients in the ICU, CCU, and Cardiac Rehab. Her last area of nursing, Hospice Nursing, encompassed all she desired in a nursing career: providing symptom management, bedside nursing, offering physical, emotional, spiritual support and comfort to the patient and family.
Here is her presentation:
We begin with the Who, When, Where, and how of Hospice care:
WHO - The individual who has a terminal illness, and has been told there is no further treatment indicated for the disease, or who decides to stop treatment, is eligible for hospice admission.
WHEN - The time to come to hospice in my view is sooner than later, because of the many services that are offered.
WHERE - Hospice staff go to where the patient is, at their home, or nursing home, assisted living, a friend or relative's home, the Joe Raso Hospice Residence might be an option.
HOW - A referral is made by the physician, or the family seeking an admission. The hospice physician can admit the patient as well as the patient's own physician. The patient needs to have a prognosis of 6 months to be certified, if the disease continues along the expected time frame. Patients can be recertified as long as they meet the criteria.
The TEAM
Hospice is made up of a team of professional caregivers, the nurse, the social worker, the spiritual coordinator, the home health aide, the volunteer. Each person is specially trained in the care of the dying patient. Other benefits of the program include therapies such as massage, pet therapy, music therapy, P.T if needed, dietary.
My role as the hospice nurse was to assess the patient for symptom management. One important goal is comfort. The patient and the family goals were also explored as we developed the plan of care. The other team members added their goals and in the end we came up with the plan specific for each patient.
The most exciting part for me was the team! We were all on the same page and had unique gifts to offer the patient and family. The family members actually were a very important part of the team. Working together was a great joy for me. We were there for the patient and family to traverse the demands of attending to a declining loved one. We instructed the family in how to do their part, and they depended on us to guide and answer their questions. The team and the family needed each other. There were times of course, when it was very challenging. Not all family members would agree with hospice, some thinking the patient was giving up hope, or believing that morphine would kill the patient. (Let me divert a moment and inform all of you of a misgiving about Morphine. It does not kill patients. The disease kills a patient. Morphine is the gold standard in hospice care because it treats pain, difficulty breathing, and anxiety – three symptoms in one). The patient gets relief and can rest. It is a pet peeve of mine and so each opportunity I get, I like to inform people of what is true.
Hospice does its best to meet the needs of people at a scary, sad and anxious time in their lives. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance as a nurse to be there for them. There is an intimacy in working with the patient and family that is fulfilling on many levels for the hospice worker. It is profound work.
I love talking about hospice, so seek me out anytime. I recommend a wonderful book, Final Gifts, by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelly, two hospice nurses. Reading it is was what called me into the field.
Mimi Hoffman was a social worker and worked as Community Liaison with Hospice
Mimi Hoffman has been a social worker in Rockland County for over 50 years, working with individuals, groups, and organizations. Her last position was Community Liaison for United Hospice of Rockland. This position has enabled her to be a valuable resource to friends and family who are trying to navigate the complexity of a progressive, serious disease themselves for a loved one.
I will talk about how did I become familiar with Hospice Care, how did it inform my perspective and what did I do on staff?
In the early 1990s one of my Nyack neighbors and very close friends, Mary Mulhern, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and my brother-in-law was diagnosed with ALS. Both included me in the “family-friend” care team they needed, and I witnessed two very different “last chapters.” Chuck chose to be on a ventilator, a life sustaining practice which excluded him from hospice care, sadly, it also limited his contact with friends and family; it was hard for us to accept, because it was so hard on his family, but I came to appreciate it was what he needed and it was important to respect his wishes. Mary learned about hospice care when she was still functioning as a VP of Manufacturers Hanover, and worked with her oncologist to maximize her functioning, but also initiated a conversation about his helping her figure out when was it prudent for her to stop aggressive treatment and utilize the services of hospice to maximize her quality of life.
About 15 years later, I joined the staff of United Hospice of Rockland as their Community Liaison, in part a function of witnessing my father-in-law’s hospice care a few years before. During those years on staff my mother was under their care as was my sister-in-law – Chuck’s wife. As Community Liaison, my job focused on educating the community (health professionals, senior citizen groups, caregiver groups, in person and also writing articles for print, our website, etc.) about hospice care, especially its financial value as a Medicare benefit, and it requirement for care - a prognosis of approximately six months or less. Because I was also a social worker, I sometimes worked at the Help/Intake Desk where I saw the breadth of cases hospices handle and the crisis intervention role it sometimes plays. I was also involved helping families, face to face, come to a consensus about choosing (or not choosing) hospice care. It is not unusual for family members to have strong feelings about whether their loved one should or should not take this “giant” step. Many families, when they do take that step, regret that they hadn’t taken it sooner. Making the decision to use hospice before it becomes an absolute necessity definitely became my personal perspective, and what seems to me to be the better choice most of the time. But I never forgot what I learned from Chuck, the significance of his having lost so much, and needing to retain his agency.
Another big part of my job was helping the community understand the importance of Health Care Proxies, and publicizing Assuring your wishes*. To me there is a strong connection – being aware of the potential health trajectories you may be facing, having conversations with health professionals about their course, and conversing with trusted family and/or friends all along the way, about your wishes/their comfort in articulating them if you cannot, including the utilization of hospice care. I believe those actions drive a dynamic process that is so important to our own well-being and to that of our loved ones.
If you have questions about hospice, I would be glad to answer them to the extent I can. You can reach me at [email protected].
*Assuring Your Wishes provides a way for you, your family, and your doctor have access to your end of life directives such as your health care proxy and living will. It is a free service United Hospice of Rockland provides to anyone. Click on the link to learn more about this valuable service.
Sandy Rosoff served as a Hospice Volunteer
Sandy Rosoff was raised in Rockland County. She was a librarian for over ten years, working in children’s services and later, in adult reference. She later became a teacher of vocal music and drama as well as librarian at Rockland Country Day School, and finished her career at Elizabeth Morrow School in Englewood.
Many years ago, I flew to California with my Aunt Charlotte to visit her sister, my Aunt Edith who was dying of ovarian cancer. Edith was divorced, her children far flung, but she had many friends and she had hospice. California had many innovations before the rest of the country, and this was the case with hospice.
I was so impressed. The hospice team presented as an army of busy bees, tenderly seeing to her pain, nutrition, her comfort, her moods, in short all that we were doing, but more organized and professional. It was wonderful to know they would be there when we were not. I planned to be a volunteer in this organization one day myself.
I learned that a friend of mine, Carol Napier, was a member, and she got me stated as a volunteer.
People often ask, “Isn’t it unbearably sad?” No, it’s not. I’m not sure why, perhaps because when you are in the moment, practical matters take over. I am someone who is often too much in my own head. When you are a volunteer, you are focused on others. When you do focus on yourself, it’s often to reflect on the great privilege it is to be allowed to witness and assist people at the tenderest moments of their lives.
Kate Dash, Family Member of a Hospice Patient
Kate Dash has lived and worked in Nyack since 1979. She retired from Presidential Life/Athene in 2016 where she was Vice President of Client Services. She is currently on the Program Committee of Creative Aging in Nyack.
My experience with hospice was as a recipient, along with my husband, of the services provided by United Hospice of Rockland and with their Joe Raso Hospice Residence.
In November 2016 my husband was diagnosed with a rare terminal form of cancer. He was treated in Nyack Hospital and Sloane Kettering until December 2017. Shortly before Christmas, we were told that Gus’ treatment protocols had been exhausted and that with life extending oral chemotherapy he had a life expectancy of 4-6 months at best.
After sweet family Christmas, Gus took a turn for the worse on December 30th and his doctor recommended our bringing in Hospice. Hospice sent a nurse to our home to explain what Hospice was going to do for us going forward. She was so kind and forthright about what we were facing. She asked us about Gus’ wishes concerning burial, funeral arrangements and where he would like his care to be provided; at home or at Joe Raso Residence. Hospice conferred with Gus’ doctor regarding medications and became our contact resource for his care going forward.
Gus elected to stay at home; unfortunately, due to the New Year’s weekend we would not be able to receive the necessary equipment and drugs until January 2nd. On the early evening of January 1st, Gus experienced a quick turn for the worse and a call was made to Hospice. He was transferred to the Joe Raso Residence that evening. Upon intake, while they were getting Gus settled, they showed us the kitchen and where we could store food for meals, etc. The room had a pull out sofa and private bath for the family’s use.
Unfortunately Gus continued to fail and we were advised to tell him what we needed to and a priest was called in at 1am to give him last rites. Gus passed away peacefully shortly thereafter in the early morning hours of January 2nd. I cannot emphasize enough how the staff at Joe Raso provided Gus with a dignified death. The care and comfort they provided to him, me and our daughter was incredible and we are forever grateful.
Hospice support didn’t stop after Gus’ death. They reached out to me to check on my well-being and to provide bereavement and grief counseling which I did take advantage of, both individual and group sessions.
United Hospice of Rockland is a wonderful organization deserving of the community support it receives. They do not charge the families for the services provided. I have since made them one of the charities I regularly donate to and volunteered one year on their Annual Gala committee and formed a team for the annual Walk to Remember in 2020.
_____________
Many thanks to the members of our panel for taking the time to speak with us about their experiences with hospice, and to Marti Gabriel for her work in putting this program together.
Organized and presented by Martha (Marti) Gabriel
Our panelists represented four perspectives on Hospice Care: Nurse Mary Alice Barna about the nursing perspective; Mimi Hoffman spoke from a social work perspective; Sandy Rosoff from a volunteer perspective; and Kate Dash shared from the perspective of a family member/ care giver. Traditionally on hospice teams the leader is the hospice nurse. So we began this panel discussion with an introduction to hospice by nurse Mary Alice Barna.
Mary Alice Barna worked as a Hospice Nurse for several years.
As an RN, Mary Alice enjoyed many aspects the nursing field offers: Psychiatric Nursing, Community Mental Health, Medical Surgical Nursing, as well as taking care of patients in the ICU, CCU, and Cardiac Rehab. Her last area of nursing, Hospice Nursing, encompassed all she desired in a nursing career: providing symptom management, bedside nursing, offering physical, emotional, spiritual support and comfort to the patient and family.
Here is her presentation:
We begin with the Who, When, Where, and how of Hospice care:
WHO - The individual who has a terminal illness, and has been told there is no further treatment indicated for the disease, or who decides to stop treatment, is eligible for hospice admission.
WHEN - The time to come to hospice in my view is sooner than later, because of the many services that are offered.
WHERE - Hospice staff go to where the patient is, at their home, or nursing home, assisted living, a friend or relative's home, the Joe Raso Hospice Residence might be an option.
HOW - A referral is made by the physician, or the family seeking an admission. The hospice physician can admit the patient as well as the patient's own physician. The patient needs to have a prognosis of 6 months to be certified, if the disease continues along the expected time frame. Patients can be recertified as long as they meet the criteria.
The TEAM
Hospice is made up of a team of professional caregivers, the nurse, the social worker, the spiritual coordinator, the home health aide, the volunteer. Each person is specially trained in the care of the dying patient. Other benefits of the program include therapies such as massage, pet therapy, music therapy, P.T if needed, dietary.
My role as the hospice nurse was to assess the patient for symptom management. One important goal is comfort. The patient and the family goals were also explored as we developed the plan of care. The other team members added their goals and in the end we came up with the plan specific for each patient.
The most exciting part for me was the team! We were all on the same page and had unique gifts to offer the patient and family. The family members actually were a very important part of the team. Working together was a great joy for me. We were there for the patient and family to traverse the demands of attending to a declining loved one. We instructed the family in how to do their part, and they depended on us to guide and answer their questions. The team and the family needed each other. There were times of course, when it was very challenging. Not all family members would agree with hospice, some thinking the patient was giving up hope, or believing that morphine would kill the patient. (Let me divert a moment and inform all of you of a misgiving about Morphine. It does not kill patients. The disease kills a patient. Morphine is the gold standard in hospice care because it treats pain, difficulty breathing, and anxiety – three symptoms in one). The patient gets relief and can rest. It is a pet peeve of mine and so each opportunity I get, I like to inform people of what is true.
Hospice does its best to meet the needs of people at a scary, sad and anxious time in their lives. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance as a nurse to be there for them. There is an intimacy in working with the patient and family that is fulfilling on many levels for the hospice worker. It is profound work.
I love talking about hospice, so seek me out anytime. I recommend a wonderful book, Final Gifts, by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelly, two hospice nurses. Reading it is was what called me into the field.
Mimi Hoffman was a social worker and worked as Community Liaison with Hospice
Mimi Hoffman has been a social worker in Rockland County for over 50 years, working with individuals, groups, and organizations. Her last position was Community Liaison for United Hospice of Rockland. This position has enabled her to be a valuable resource to friends and family who are trying to navigate the complexity of a progressive, serious disease themselves for a loved one.
I will talk about how did I become familiar with Hospice Care, how did it inform my perspective and what did I do on staff?
In the early 1990s one of my Nyack neighbors and very close friends, Mary Mulhern, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and my brother-in-law was diagnosed with ALS. Both included me in the “family-friend” care team they needed, and I witnessed two very different “last chapters.” Chuck chose to be on a ventilator, a life sustaining practice which excluded him from hospice care, sadly, it also limited his contact with friends and family; it was hard for us to accept, because it was so hard on his family, but I came to appreciate it was what he needed and it was important to respect his wishes. Mary learned about hospice care when she was still functioning as a VP of Manufacturers Hanover, and worked with her oncologist to maximize her functioning, but also initiated a conversation about his helping her figure out when was it prudent for her to stop aggressive treatment and utilize the services of hospice to maximize her quality of life.
About 15 years later, I joined the staff of United Hospice of Rockland as their Community Liaison, in part a function of witnessing my father-in-law’s hospice care a few years before. During those years on staff my mother was under their care as was my sister-in-law – Chuck’s wife. As Community Liaison, my job focused on educating the community (health professionals, senior citizen groups, caregiver groups, in person and also writing articles for print, our website, etc.) about hospice care, especially its financial value as a Medicare benefit, and it requirement for care - a prognosis of approximately six months or less. Because I was also a social worker, I sometimes worked at the Help/Intake Desk where I saw the breadth of cases hospices handle and the crisis intervention role it sometimes plays. I was also involved helping families, face to face, come to a consensus about choosing (or not choosing) hospice care. It is not unusual for family members to have strong feelings about whether their loved one should or should not take this “giant” step. Many families, when they do take that step, regret that they hadn’t taken it sooner. Making the decision to use hospice before it becomes an absolute necessity definitely became my personal perspective, and what seems to me to be the better choice most of the time. But I never forgot what I learned from Chuck, the significance of his having lost so much, and needing to retain his agency.
Another big part of my job was helping the community understand the importance of Health Care Proxies, and publicizing Assuring your wishes*. To me there is a strong connection – being aware of the potential health trajectories you may be facing, having conversations with health professionals about their course, and conversing with trusted family and/or friends all along the way, about your wishes/their comfort in articulating them if you cannot, including the utilization of hospice care. I believe those actions drive a dynamic process that is so important to our own well-being and to that of our loved ones.
If you have questions about hospice, I would be glad to answer them to the extent I can. You can reach me at [email protected].
*Assuring Your Wishes provides a way for you, your family, and your doctor have access to your end of life directives such as your health care proxy and living will. It is a free service United Hospice of Rockland provides to anyone. Click on the link to learn more about this valuable service.
Sandy Rosoff served as a Hospice Volunteer
Sandy Rosoff was raised in Rockland County. She was a librarian for over ten years, working in children’s services and later, in adult reference. She later became a teacher of vocal music and drama as well as librarian at Rockland Country Day School, and finished her career at Elizabeth Morrow School in Englewood.
Many years ago, I flew to California with my Aunt Charlotte to visit her sister, my Aunt Edith who was dying of ovarian cancer. Edith was divorced, her children far flung, but she had many friends and she had hospice. California had many innovations before the rest of the country, and this was the case with hospice.
I was so impressed. The hospice team presented as an army of busy bees, tenderly seeing to her pain, nutrition, her comfort, her moods, in short all that we were doing, but more organized and professional. It was wonderful to know they would be there when we were not. I planned to be a volunteer in this organization one day myself.
I learned that a friend of mine, Carol Napier, was a member, and she got me stated as a volunteer.
People often ask, “Isn’t it unbearably sad?” No, it’s not. I’m not sure why, perhaps because when you are in the moment, practical matters take over. I am someone who is often too much in my own head. When you are a volunteer, you are focused on others. When you do focus on yourself, it’s often to reflect on the great privilege it is to be allowed to witness and assist people at the tenderest moments of their lives.
Kate Dash, Family Member of a Hospice Patient
Kate Dash has lived and worked in Nyack since 1979. She retired from Presidential Life/Athene in 2016 where she was Vice President of Client Services. She is currently on the Program Committee of Creative Aging in Nyack.
My experience with hospice was as a recipient, along with my husband, of the services provided by United Hospice of Rockland and with their Joe Raso Hospice Residence.
In November 2016 my husband was diagnosed with a rare terminal form of cancer. He was treated in Nyack Hospital and Sloane Kettering until December 2017. Shortly before Christmas, we were told that Gus’ treatment protocols had been exhausted and that with life extending oral chemotherapy he had a life expectancy of 4-6 months at best.
After sweet family Christmas, Gus took a turn for the worse on December 30th and his doctor recommended our bringing in Hospice. Hospice sent a nurse to our home to explain what Hospice was going to do for us going forward. She was so kind and forthright about what we were facing. She asked us about Gus’ wishes concerning burial, funeral arrangements and where he would like his care to be provided; at home or at Joe Raso Residence. Hospice conferred with Gus’ doctor regarding medications and became our contact resource for his care going forward.
Gus elected to stay at home; unfortunately, due to the New Year’s weekend we would not be able to receive the necessary equipment and drugs until January 2nd. On the early evening of January 1st, Gus experienced a quick turn for the worse and a call was made to Hospice. He was transferred to the Joe Raso Residence that evening. Upon intake, while they were getting Gus settled, they showed us the kitchen and where we could store food for meals, etc. The room had a pull out sofa and private bath for the family’s use.
Unfortunately Gus continued to fail and we were advised to tell him what we needed to and a priest was called in at 1am to give him last rites. Gus passed away peacefully shortly thereafter in the early morning hours of January 2nd. I cannot emphasize enough how the staff at Joe Raso provided Gus with a dignified death. The care and comfort they provided to him, me and our daughter was incredible and we are forever grateful.
Hospice support didn’t stop after Gus’ death. They reached out to me to check on my well-being and to provide bereavement and grief counseling which I did take advantage of, both individual and group sessions.
United Hospice of Rockland is a wonderful organization deserving of the community support it receives. They do not charge the families for the services provided. I have since made them one of the charities I regularly donate to and volunteered one year on their Annual Gala committee and formed a team for the annual Walk to Remember in 2020.
_____________
Many thanks to the members of our panel for taking the time to speak with us about their experiences with hospice, and to Marti Gabriel for her work in putting this program together.
Where to Live Next? Downsizing March 25, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Four of our members, Rosemarie Bone, Donna Budoff, Jan Jason, and Rosemary Amabile shared their experiences with downsizing and moving. After their narratives below, you will find a list of resources that Rosemary Amabile put together for you.
Rosemarie Bone's experience:
What made you decide it was time to downsize & move to a smaller place?
To paraphrase Bette Davis, Moving is not for sissies. I wanted to downsize and move when my husband Bruce and I were in good health and we could handle downsizing and moving physically and emotionally. We’d been in our house for 42 years, raised our children there, but we were only using half of the house. We really didn’t need the space.
We also wanted to take advantage of the hot real estate market. We were afraid that the market was “irrationally exuberant” and what goes up will come down.
What did you learn in the process of downsizing?
We learned that you can’t take it with you … at least not all of it. We were moving to a 2 bedroom apartment; we had to eliminate anything that wasn’t essential.
How did you decide what to keep, and what you would not keep?
It was very difficult to part with items that we rarely used but that had sentimental value. I was either smiling or sobbing as I went through those things. I tried to be ruthless but kept more than I should have. Once we started putting things away in our new apartment, we realized we didn’t have room for all we moved and we gave more things away.
What did you do with the things you did not keep?
Our kids took some of the stuff but not any furniture. Some we moved and a few large pieces the movers took to the dumpster. We were told by several antique dealers in town that there was no market for them.
We gave some things to our kids and family but most things we donated to Goodwill and The Grace Thrift Shop. In fact my husband made so many trips to Goodwill that the staff called him their new best friend. I did take most of the photos and I know I’ll have to go through them more carefully and discard some duplicates or give them to the kids.
What do you wish you had done differently?
I wish I had started the downsizing process the minute we decided to put our house on the market. Ten days before our move, I fell while ice skating and broke my shoulder. Luckily I didn’t need surgery but it certainly slowed me down. I would also have had the movers pack. They would have been more organized than we were.
What went better than you had anticipated?
The sale of our house and the move went smoothly. Both our realtors and movers were competent, professional and pleasant to work with.We’re happy that we moved and we’re comfortable with our apartment…. Now if only we could find our extra set of car keys! _______________
Donna Budoff's experience:
My name is Donna Budoff. I currently live in Nyack at the Pavion. I sold my house and downsized almost 2 years ago.
Most of the time, when it comes to the subject of real estate, I wear a very different hat. I have been a realtor with Coldwell Banker for 25 years. So I have helped other people achieve their real estate goals.
The thought of selling and downsizing is something that I had seriously considered for a while. My 3 children are grown and out of the house, so having a 3000 sq ft house (4200 including a finished basement) with only 3 or 4 rooms being used, did not make sense.
There were a couple of triggers in making the decision to move: 1. I had a steady pulse of the market and knew it was seller-strong. 2. My financial advisor, in one of our quarterly reviews, had me do a financial worksheet listing all my expenses, income, etc. When the form was completed and I saw all the house expenses clearly listed, I was struck by the high carrying costs of owning and maintaining a home.
My kids no longer had a strong attachment to the family home, but once I had decided to make the move, each had an opportunity to take what was meaningful to them. For all the house contents that nobody wanted to take, (and by definition with downsizing there is a lot) I hired someone I know from the industry to handle a garage sale. He sold what he could, I donated a lot, and he cleared out what was left. Having help with this aspect of the process was a huge relief!
My house had multiple offers quickly, and the next stressful step was finding a place. I was leaning toward renting, but because I had two big dogs, I did not think that would be a viable option. Then I discovered Pavion and I knew this was to be my next home. And I found the perfect quirky floor plan that allows me to live and work in the same space.
Answering the question about what went better than expected was easy! It is the community of woman I met at Pavion who have become friends and a very strong support system. I am so grateful to have landed where I did.
Also, a true eye-opener to me has been going through the buying and selling process myself rather than being the guide for my clients. The process has sensitized me to what it is like for them, how challenging and emotional it is, and I will hopefully use my own experience to better serve them going forward.
I am happy to say that I have not looked back for a minute, which for me, who obsesses and second guesses every decision, is amazing!
_______________
Jan Jason't experience
Hello Everybody, I’m Jan Jason and I’ve been a CAN member for less than a year. In the past 20 years, I have downsized or relocated 3 times as a single woman.
The first was definitely a downsizing experience as I moved from a 7 bedroom home on 25 acres in Orange County to a 3 bedroom condo in the same town, because life happens.
The second was a relocation to another 3 bedroom – a townhouse in New City. My youngest child was off to college and I wanted a shorter commute to where I worked in Pomona. I definitely accomplished my goal since instead of 45 minutes, my commute was then only 8 minutes, but I was having difficulty climbing up and down stairs, the parking was outdoors and a distant walk to my condo I got tired of cleaning snow off of my car in the winters, and of being responsible for maintenance issues in my townhouse.
The third move was to Nyack at the Pavion Apartments at Cedar Hill Avenue and South Franklin Street. I had some nonnegotiables for this last move. It had to be on one level (no stairs) and it had to have an elevator. I wanted a walkable community, underground or covered parking, and an in-unit washer/dryer. A friend mentioned that Pavion was being built and even though there were no interior walls when I came to see it, only framing, and I had to wear a hard hat – I knew this was the place for me. I left a deposit that day on a 1 bedroom with a large den that also serves as a second bedroom.
My townhouse sold immediately. Unfortunately, because of construction delays at Pavion and then due to COVID, I had to close on the sale and was exploring extended stay hotels or moving in with my daughter and son-in-law. Luckily, my friend asked me to housesit for her in Suffern for what was supposed to be 1 month – but turned into 5 months. I had only brought 2 suitcases and my dog with me. I had donated all of my New City condo furniture through word of mouth, and the housewares and clothing I no longer needed were picked up several times by Vietnam Veterans of America. I took photos of whatever belonged to my children, and when they said what they wanted to keep, I packed it up and sent it to them. The belongings I wanted to keep I packed into boxes and had them moved into a small storage unit. My life in boxes – in a box.
I’m not here to just give a chronology of my living situations, but to also tell you that although the moves were hard work, thankfully none of them was traumatic for me. I think that’s because I’m generally a positive, glass half-full kind of person, and I try to view each experience as an opportunity. I am not sentimental about possessions, but I do understand that many of you have lived in your homes for years and have collected a great number of meaningful objects which would be difficult to part with. I get that. However, in my case that hasn’t been an issue and I’ve been happy to have a fresh start whenever I moved.
Do I miss not having a larger place? Not really, except that I do miss having more kitchen counter space and a gas stove since I love cooking and baking. Do I miss being responsible for maintenance issues? That’s a definite no. I much prefer being able to call the maintenance staff or file an online work order. I definitely do not miss having to climb stairs, clean snow off my car, carry packages from the outside parking lot, or having to drive whenever I need to go to a pharmacy, restaurant, bank, library, nail salon, or shops.
A few of suggestions in addition to returning your family’s things to them:
_______________
Rosemary Amabile's experience:
Downsizing and moving can be discussed as two distinct but connected activities. If you are not moving, it is helpful to consider eliminating some of your belongings now. I learned the hard way that it is definitely better to do this task sooner rather than later. In a recent NY Times article (which Sally Savage shared) a key point is “we should have the courtesy to not burden our loved ones with a lifetime of clutter.” The article refers to the book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter. Contrary to its name this small book is not sad, but gives practical advice in a light hearted way. It is available through the library system.
For me, life changing events happened which caused me to take this journey of downsizing and moving with ups and downs along the way. When my husband passed away 5 years ago, we were living in a 2400 square foot home on ¾ of an acre. We had lived there for 32 years, moving only one other time in our 45 years of marriage. We had tinkered with the idea of downsizing after we officially became empty nesters, but we both knew that the chances of us moving were slim. Although we had gotten rid of things over the years, unfortunately, we never tackled the task of a major cleanout. After Joe’s death, I listened to the good advice about not making any major decisions for at least a year. However, after about six months, I realized that I was not going to stay and live alone in our house, but it would be almost 3 years before I actually moved. Our adult children were married and living in 3 different East Coast cities and they supported my decision to move to a smaller place. The major issue that helped me decide to move was taking care of the house. Besides the routine maintenance, there were major projects that had to be completed before I could put the house on the market. Then there was the wildlife – I loved looking at the deer in my backyard, but I was not happy with the woodchuck who felt quite at home under and ON my deck, but it was the flying squirrel who ended up in my bedroom that finally sealed the deal!
The next part of my journey was the most difficult – going through our possessions. In addition to all the household items, I needed to go through my husband’s personal belongings, and the hardest part was his art. Besides being an interior designer before he retired, Joe was an artist and our basement was his studio and our shed was his storage space. His focus was mixed media collage. He was an avid recycler and used all types of paper and found objects for his creations. I knew I could not accomplish this job by myself. My kids were terrific, my daughter, who is a fantastic organizer, cataloged all Joe’s pieces into online albums. My sons help with moving large items, and locating resources. They were respectful of my feelings especially by letting me work at my own pace. I was not going to rush this monumental, often emotional task.
With regards to the rest of the contents of the house, again our kids and extended family were my main support. I was happy to give them sentimental objects, heirloom pieces of furniture and some of Joe’s art work. There were many items that my children didn’t want so I donated to different places, such as Green Drop and Goodwill. I needed more help, so my real estate agent connected me with a person who organized a Mini Estate Sale. I wasn’t totally pleased with this process, but part of the agreement was that he would deliver any unsold items to Salvation Army.
The next big question was Where? I started by looking at locations basically in Bergen County NJ where I grew up and three of my siblings and their families lived. But for a number of reasons, I decided I wanted to stay in Rockland County. I went through the Buy or Rent debate too. It was helpful to talk with people I trusted, such as family, friends and my financial advisor. I actually learned about Pavion from a friend who told me about the apartments which were being built near where she lived. In July, 2019 I went to see the complex which was still under construction. It offered most of the things on my list such as: one floor living, an in- unit washer and dryer, a climate control on site storage unit and a walkable town. I submitted my application because I knew this was the right place for me!
I still wasn’t ready to move yet, so I didn’t mind when I was told the building wouldn’t be ready until October. It got a little complicated because, the building actually was not ready until April 2020. However, it worked out for me because I needed lumbar surgery in November 2019. I sold my house in December, but I ran into a problem with a permit that hadn’t been filed correctly with the town. Finally, everything fell into place, and luckily the buyers were willing to wait until April to move. When Pavion was ready, I was ready to move. By then we were in lock-down mode because of the Pandemic! Again, it turned out to be a positive for me, since I used time to unpack and settle in my new home. Despite the few bumps in the road, I am very pleased that I end my “Where’s Next” journey here in Nyack!
Books and Articles on Downsizing
Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life by Matt Paxton and Jordan Michael Smith - Feb 8, 2022
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson - Jan. 2018
Downsizing the Family Home – A Workbook (AARP Publication)
How to Cope with Down Sizing your Home (AARP Online) Aug. 2019
How to Discover the Life-Affirming Comforts of ‘Death Cleaning”
Local Resources for Dealing with Your Stuff
Grace Thrift Shop - https://www.gracechurchnyack.org/graces-thrift-shop.html
Green Drop - https://www.gogreendrop.com/
Goodwill - https://locations.goodwillnynj.org/goodwill-nynj-store-and-donation-center-f5375d99b10a
People to People - https://www.peopletopeopleinc.org/
Pick Up Please (An organization supporting veterans) - https://pickupplease.org/schedule-ppc/?outlet=rockland
R.Z.M. (Auctioneers & Appraisers) - https://rzmantiques.com/
Rockland Junk - https://www.rocklandjunk.com/
Salvation Army - https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/
Rosemarie Bone's experience:
What made you decide it was time to downsize & move to a smaller place?
To paraphrase Bette Davis, Moving is not for sissies. I wanted to downsize and move when my husband Bruce and I were in good health and we could handle downsizing and moving physically and emotionally. We’d been in our house for 42 years, raised our children there, but we were only using half of the house. We really didn’t need the space.
We also wanted to take advantage of the hot real estate market. We were afraid that the market was “irrationally exuberant” and what goes up will come down.
What did you learn in the process of downsizing?
We learned that you can’t take it with you … at least not all of it. We were moving to a 2 bedroom apartment; we had to eliminate anything that wasn’t essential.
How did you decide what to keep, and what you would not keep?
It was very difficult to part with items that we rarely used but that had sentimental value. I was either smiling or sobbing as I went through those things. I tried to be ruthless but kept more than I should have. Once we started putting things away in our new apartment, we realized we didn’t have room for all we moved and we gave more things away.
What did you do with the things you did not keep?
Our kids took some of the stuff but not any furniture. Some we moved and a few large pieces the movers took to the dumpster. We were told by several antique dealers in town that there was no market for them.
We gave some things to our kids and family but most things we donated to Goodwill and The Grace Thrift Shop. In fact my husband made so many trips to Goodwill that the staff called him their new best friend. I did take most of the photos and I know I’ll have to go through them more carefully and discard some duplicates or give them to the kids.
What do you wish you had done differently?
I wish I had started the downsizing process the minute we decided to put our house on the market. Ten days before our move, I fell while ice skating and broke my shoulder. Luckily I didn’t need surgery but it certainly slowed me down. I would also have had the movers pack. They would have been more organized than we were.
What went better than you had anticipated?
The sale of our house and the move went smoothly. Both our realtors and movers were competent, professional and pleasant to work with.We’re happy that we moved and we’re comfortable with our apartment…. Now if only we could find our extra set of car keys! _______________
Donna Budoff's experience:
My name is Donna Budoff. I currently live in Nyack at the Pavion. I sold my house and downsized almost 2 years ago.
Most of the time, when it comes to the subject of real estate, I wear a very different hat. I have been a realtor with Coldwell Banker for 25 years. So I have helped other people achieve their real estate goals.
The thought of selling and downsizing is something that I had seriously considered for a while. My 3 children are grown and out of the house, so having a 3000 sq ft house (4200 including a finished basement) with only 3 or 4 rooms being used, did not make sense.
There were a couple of triggers in making the decision to move: 1. I had a steady pulse of the market and knew it was seller-strong. 2. My financial advisor, in one of our quarterly reviews, had me do a financial worksheet listing all my expenses, income, etc. When the form was completed and I saw all the house expenses clearly listed, I was struck by the high carrying costs of owning and maintaining a home.
My kids no longer had a strong attachment to the family home, but once I had decided to make the move, each had an opportunity to take what was meaningful to them. For all the house contents that nobody wanted to take, (and by definition with downsizing there is a lot) I hired someone I know from the industry to handle a garage sale. He sold what he could, I donated a lot, and he cleared out what was left. Having help with this aspect of the process was a huge relief!
My house had multiple offers quickly, and the next stressful step was finding a place. I was leaning toward renting, but because I had two big dogs, I did not think that would be a viable option. Then I discovered Pavion and I knew this was to be my next home. And I found the perfect quirky floor plan that allows me to live and work in the same space.
Answering the question about what went better than expected was easy! It is the community of woman I met at Pavion who have become friends and a very strong support system. I am so grateful to have landed where I did.
Also, a true eye-opener to me has been going through the buying and selling process myself rather than being the guide for my clients. The process has sensitized me to what it is like for them, how challenging and emotional it is, and I will hopefully use my own experience to better serve them going forward.
I am happy to say that I have not looked back for a minute, which for me, who obsesses and second guesses every decision, is amazing!
_______________
Jan Jason't experience
Hello Everybody, I’m Jan Jason and I’ve been a CAN member for less than a year. In the past 20 years, I have downsized or relocated 3 times as a single woman.
The first was definitely a downsizing experience as I moved from a 7 bedroom home on 25 acres in Orange County to a 3 bedroom condo in the same town, because life happens.
The second was a relocation to another 3 bedroom – a townhouse in New City. My youngest child was off to college and I wanted a shorter commute to where I worked in Pomona. I definitely accomplished my goal since instead of 45 minutes, my commute was then only 8 minutes, but I was having difficulty climbing up and down stairs, the parking was outdoors and a distant walk to my condo I got tired of cleaning snow off of my car in the winters, and of being responsible for maintenance issues in my townhouse.
The third move was to Nyack at the Pavion Apartments at Cedar Hill Avenue and South Franklin Street. I had some nonnegotiables for this last move. It had to be on one level (no stairs) and it had to have an elevator. I wanted a walkable community, underground or covered parking, and an in-unit washer/dryer. A friend mentioned that Pavion was being built and even though there were no interior walls when I came to see it, only framing, and I had to wear a hard hat – I knew this was the place for me. I left a deposit that day on a 1 bedroom with a large den that also serves as a second bedroom.
My townhouse sold immediately. Unfortunately, because of construction delays at Pavion and then due to COVID, I had to close on the sale and was exploring extended stay hotels or moving in with my daughter and son-in-law. Luckily, my friend asked me to housesit for her in Suffern for what was supposed to be 1 month – but turned into 5 months. I had only brought 2 suitcases and my dog with me. I had donated all of my New City condo furniture through word of mouth, and the housewares and clothing I no longer needed were picked up several times by Vietnam Veterans of America. I took photos of whatever belonged to my children, and when they said what they wanted to keep, I packed it up and sent it to them. The belongings I wanted to keep I packed into boxes and had them moved into a small storage unit. My life in boxes – in a box.
I’m not here to just give a chronology of my living situations, but to also tell you that although the moves were hard work, thankfully none of them was traumatic for me. I think that’s because I’m generally a positive, glass half-full kind of person, and I try to view each experience as an opportunity. I am not sentimental about possessions, but I do understand that many of you have lived in your homes for years and have collected a great number of meaningful objects which would be difficult to part with. I get that. However, in my case that hasn’t been an issue and I’ve been happy to have a fresh start whenever I moved.
Do I miss not having a larger place? Not really, except that I do miss having more kitchen counter space and a gas stove since I love cooking and baking. Do I miss being responsible for maintenance issues? That’s a definite no. I much prefer being able to call the maintenance staff or file an online work order. I definitely do not miss having to climb stairs, clean snow off my car, carry packages from the outside parking lot, or having to drive whenever I need to go to a pharmacy, restaurant, bank, library, nail salon, or shops.
A few of suggestions in addition to returning your family’s things to them:
- As soon as you’ve made the decision to move, start going through your things and donate, use social media to sell or give away, or discard. Don’t wait until the last weeks or days.
- Keep the memories, lose the stuff, which is actually a book title.
- If you are selling, before you list your place, hire a highly rated home inspector. This is usually done by the buyer, but by identifying any issues that exist before your place is listed and choosing to repair some or all of them, you will be in a stronger position to get the best price because fewer of those issues will show up on the buyer’s inspection
_______________
Rosemary Amabile's experience:
Downsizing and moving can be discussed as two distinct but connected activities. If you are not moving, it is helpful to consider eliminating some of your belongings now. I learned the hard way that it is definitely better to do this task sooner rather than later. In a recent NY Times article (which Sally Savage shared) a key point is “we should have the courtesy to not burden our loved ones with a lifetime of clutter.” The article refers to the book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter. Contrary to its name this small book is not sad, but gives practical advice in a light hearted way. It is available through the library system.
For me, life changing events happened which caused me to take this journey of downsizing and moving with ups and downs along the way. When my husband passed away 5 years ago, we were living in a 2400 square foot home on ¾ of an acre. We had lived there for 32 years, moving only one other time in our 45 years of marriage. We had tinkered with the idea of downsizing after we officially became empty nesters, but we both knew that the chances of us moving were slim. Although we had gotten rid of things over the years, unfortunately, we never tackled the task of a major cleanout. After Joe’s death, I listened to the good advice about not making any major decisions for at least a year. However, after about six months, I realized that I was not going to stay and live alone in our house, but it would be almost 3 years before I actually moved. Our adult children were married and living in 3 different East Coast cities and they supported my decision to move to a smaller place. The major issue that helped me decide to move was taking care of the house. Besides the routine maintenance, there were major projects that had to be completed before I could put the house on the market. Then there was the wildlife – I loved looking at the deer in my backyard, but I was not happy with the woodchuck who felt quite at home under and ON my deck, but it was the flying squirrel who ended up in my bedroom that finally sealed the deal!
The next part of my journey was the most difficult – going through our possessions. In addition to all the household items, I needed to go through my husband’s personal belongings, and the hardest part was his art. Besides being an interior designer before he retired, Joe was an artist and our basement was his studio and our shed was his storage space. His focus was mixed media collage. He was an avid recycler and used all types of paper and found objects for his creations. I knew I could not accomplish this job by myself. My kids were terrific, my daughter, who is a fantastic organizer, cataloged all Joe’s pieces into online albums. My sons help with moving large items, and locating resources. They were respectful of my feelings especially by letting me work at my own pace. I was not going to rush this monumental, often emotional task.
With regards to the rest of the contents of the house, again our kids and extended family were my main support. I was happy to give them sentimental objects, heirloom pieces of furniture and some of Joe’s art work. There were many items that my children didn’t want so I donated to different places, such as Green Drop and Goodwill. I needed more help, so my real estate agent connected me with a person who organized a Mini Estate Sale. I wasn’t totally pleased with this process, but part of the agreement was that he would deliver any unsold items to Salvation Army.
The next big question was Where? I started by looking at locations basically in Bergen County NJ where I grew up and three of my siblings and their families lived. But for a number of reasons, I decided I wanted to stay in Rockland County. I went through the Buy or Rent debate too. It was helpful to talk with people I trusted, such as family, friends and my financial advisor. I actually learned about Pavion from a friend who told me about the apartments which were being built near where she lived. In July, 2019 I went to see the complex which was still under construction. It offered most of the things on my list such as: one floor living, an in- unit washer and dryer, a climate control on site storage unit and a walkable town. I submitted my application because I knew this was the right place for me!
I still wasn’t ready to move yet, so I didn’t mind when I was told the building wouldn’t be ready until October. It got a little complicated because, the building actually was not ready until April 2020. However, it worked out for me because I needed lumbar surgery in November 2019. I sold my house in December, but I ran into a problem with a permit that hadn’t been filed correctly with the town. Finally, everything fell into place, and luckily the buyers were willing to wait until April to move. When Pavion was ready, I was ready to move. By then we were in lock-down mode because of the Pandemic! Again, it turned out to be a positive for me, since I used time to unpack and settle in my new home. Despite the few bumps in the road, I am very pleased that I end my “Where’s Next” journey here in Nyack!
Books and Articles on Downsizing
Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life by Matt Paxton and Jordan Michael Smith - Feb 8, 2022
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson - Jan. 2018
Downsizing the Family Home – A Workbook (AARP Publication)
How to Cope with Down Sizing your Home (AARP Online) Aug. 2019
How to Discover the Life-Affirming Comforts of ‘Death Cleaning”
Local Resources for Dealing with Your Stuff
Grace Thrift Shop - https://www.gracechurchnyack.org/graces-thrift-shop.html
Green Drop - https://www.gogreendrop.com/
Goodwill - https://locations.goodwillnynj.org/goodwill-nynj-store-and-donation-center-f5375d99b10a
People to People - https://www.peopletopeopleinc.org/
Pick Up Please (An organization supporting veterans) - https://pickupplease.org/schedule-ppc/?outlet=rockland
R.Z.M. (Auctioneers & Appraisers) - https://rzmantiques.com/
Rockland Junk - https://www.rocklandjunk.com/
Salvation Army - https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/
Steps We CAN Take to Help the Environment April 8, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Presented by Judy Ryan, Harry Vetter and Connie Coker
Our presenters today are members of CAN and members of the Upper Nyack Green Committee, a grassroots organization dedicated to helping support and sustain our environment. Upper Nyack might be small, but the work of this organization has been powerful. Not only did they advocate for having Upper Nyack create the first Noise Ordinance law in Rockland, they were also leaders in developing Community Choice Aggregation for the communities in Rockland County. Because of Community Choice Aggregation, most of us now get our electricity from sustainable power sources such as wind and solar.
Judy Ryan
I’m Judy Ryan, a current member of the upper Nyack Green Committee. My husband and I are longtime Nyackers; we lived in South Nyack for 37 years, and downsized to Upper Nyack almost 8 years ago. Ann Morgan and I co-founded the Green Committee in 2018. I was a chair of the Green Committee for 2 years, while Ann turned most of her energy to founding and running your wonderful organization.
Thank you for asking us to talk with you about ways to contribute to a greener, healthier and more sustainable environment. We’d like this to be a conversation, with ideas and knowledge coming from you, not just from us.
Sometimes it seems overwhelming to make a dent in the ways our earth has been affected by fossil fuels, pesticides, plastic, livestock – the list is long, as we all know. But so is the list of ways any one of us can help. We can take into account our time, energy, living situation, and our particular interests and passions. We can choose what we do. A pebble tossed in any pond creates ripples.
If you wonder if you’re doing enough, try to keep in perspective that each of us – and each of us as we grow older – has challenges including health, family obligations, and financial pressures. We need friends and books and naps. We cannot change the world, or make it free of stress or strife for our grandchildren. But we can contribute.
I, like many of you, recycle, try to use less plastic, don’t use pesticides, take care when choosing cleaning products, eat less meat, and compost in my backyard. We don’t use gas leaf blowers on our property. I hope we’ll talk more about these things.
I want to focus as well on charitable giving. Our budgets vary, and the pressures on them are many. But if you are able to give money, a little or a lot, contribute to 350.org, to Sierra Club, to the World Wildlife Fund. The big organizations lobby our political leaders at every level, as well as developing grassroots projects worldwide. One of our Upper Nyack neighbors works for Solar Cookers International. You will see more information about that in the list below. You can find out more about any organization by going to Charity Navigator to see if the organization is doing a good job of carrying out its mission and spending its resources wisely. If all you have time to do is write a check, whether large or small, feel gratified that you’ve done something important.
I pay attention to my investments. If you have put money in stocks or mutual funds, you can choose not to invest in fossil fuels, but in solar companies instead. You can invest in socially responsible mutual funds. You don’t have to compromise financially. If you are an investor at any level, you can invest responsibly. Years ago I felt as if I was going out on a limb if I said no to fossil fuel investments, but no longer. Advisors and investment firms expect these requests, and take them seriously.
I drive a Prius Prime, which is fueled partially by electricity. Plugging it into a normal outlet in our home (a cord snaking out across the yard form our deck), I put 25-30 miles worth of electricity in my car in about 6 hours. This takes me on most of my local chores. Our son-in-law drives a Chevy Bolt, an all electric car, in which he commutes round trip 100 miles to his job. The amount of electricity when fully charged varies depending on temperature, less in cold weather. Buying an all electric or hybrid car is something to do IF you are in the market for a car, and IF it fits into your budget. These are generally not luxury cars, but they’re not the cheapest on the market.
Harry Vetter
I moved to Upper Nyack this month two years ago. In my prior life I was an executive with two major metal companies, and I traveled throughout North America and the world, mostly Asia and Europe. I had little understanding as to what’s Upper, Nyack, South, or Central Nyack. But I was drawn to the vibrancy of this community and the proximity to the beautiful river.
Both Ann and Susanna recommended me checking out the Upper Nyack Green Committee, because they knew I was green-minded — and I became a regular. Our group meets via zoom once a month and we will be taking a more visible approach in our communities.
One of my favorite activities involved the River Hook Preserve where a few dozen volunteers met in October 2020 to help clean up and help lay the groundwork with new seeding and planting for the native meadow restoration. I was never much of a gardener but this certainly piqued my interest. You don't need to live in Upper Nyack to become involved with River Hook and enjoy the Preserve.
Action of interest in the past two years involved:
Then there are vital public comment opportunities on major projects that have an environmental impact or involve our local water quality. I kind of delight in writing down and timing a response to an issue — they usually give you two minutes, maybe less — and I research and try to look at different angles so it won’t all sound repetitive. In the end a decision boils down to numbers, how many are for a project, how many opposed. And you can be part of a groundswell. Wow, that feels good. Of course sometimes “the opposition” is well organized, too, quite often funded by big money. The key, I found, is trying to take a personal interest in things, but not taking it personally if a decision doesn’t go our way — instead trying to devise new ways to bring an issue back to the forefront, again and again, if necessary, especially if it helps provide a reprieve for our warming planet in the long run. Because that’s what it’s all about.
Connie Coker
I am a current resident of Upper Nyack for the past two years with my husband, Erik Larsen. We had moved to South Nyack 36 years ago with our two very young daughters, Keah and Anika, because my husband was starting an Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx.
Erik and I had been environmental activists for many years starting while living in Ohio and continuing in New York. Having two daughters certainly reinforced our commitment to the future of our planet Earth. Adding to my concern was my work as a nurse and then becoming a Midwife with a private health practice and who took care of women of all ages. A primary focus was providing prenatal care to pregnant women and attending hundreds of births at St. Agnes Hospital and then pursuing my home birth practice in Rockland and Westchester Counties. When a woman pushed her newborn out of her body into my hands I certainly felt a deep connection to keeping the Mother/Baby healthy, as well as the neighborhood and the Earth where they live.
In 2006 I was recruited to run for Rockland County Legislator where I served until 2011. One of my assignments was as Chair of the Environmental Committee. This experience reinforced the importance of public policy and of choosing who is elected to office at every level including Village, Town, County, State, and National. I especially want those elected to office to commit to policies of groups such as the Sierra Club and the Rockland Water Coalition around the issues of clean air, pure water and prevention of climate change.
If you have environmental concerns, let your legislature know. Look on the Rockland Legislature website to know what issues are being decided. Contact your legislator or the chair of particular committees to let them know your thoughts. They do listen. When you educate yourself, you can then help educate our politicians. When you call a politician to express your opinion, you are casting your vote for that issue. Most of us live in District 17. James Foley is our legislator. Here is the link: http://rocklandgov.com/departments/county-legislature/
___________
More Steps We Can Take Now
Orangetown Composting Program
Orangetown is partnering with RocklandGreen to provide a food scrap composing program. The food scrap items that can be composted through this program are more extensive than the scraps you might put in your own backyard compost. If these scraps go to the dump they decay and release methane. By composting you can be a big help in reducing pollution! Be sure to read all about it at this website, and then give it a try! It is a way to change tons of food waste into clean dirt. https://www.orangetown.com/orangetown-food-scrap-recycling-program/
ReelPaper
Mary Loughran told us about this company that creates paper towels and toilet paper from renewable plant fibers, mostly bamboo, instead of from trees. That can be an important win. Check out https://reelpaper.com/
Bare Minimum Goods
Remember that Bare Minimum Goods on South Broadway in Nyack has many products for your laundry, kitchen and bath that will help you reduce plastic. Instead of using large plastic bottles of detergent, I now do my laundry with the refillable laundry egg filled with little black and white pellets that keep my laundry fresh and clean. I also use their shampoo bar instead of using a plastic shampoo bottle, and I find it is the best shampoo I have ever used.
Local Environmental Groups and News
Upper Nyack Green Committee
The website is full of information, including an archive of Green Newsletters. They are educational, offering specific ways to support our environment’s health. https://uppernyackgreen.com/educational-resources/
Marcy’s Green News
Marcy Denker is the former Sustainability Coordinator of the Village of Nyack. Currently she’s a very active citizen who puts together environmental news and possibilities for action from all the Nyacks and beyond. https://us19.list-manage.com/contact-form?u=94e5db1b9490906a0e6a03820&form_id=2af3c26db8ce549466d3f056a120dcdc
Earth Matters
Earth Matters is published in Nyack News and Views. Its column explores environmental issues of all kinds, including ways to live more sustainably.
https://nyacknewsandviews.com/category/earth-matters/
Nyack Parks Conservancy
The NPC was founded by a group of passionate citizens in 2005, and it is the only charitable organization designated to raise funds for Nyack’s Village-owned parks and public spaces.
https://nyackparks.org/history
Tree Project
A particularly interesting project, including free trees to homeowners.
https://nyackparks.org/nyacktreeproject
Friends of River Hook
River Hook Preserve is Upper Nyack’s new park, with a lovely walking path between Broadway and Midland Ave. THere’s an entrance on each avenue. Friends of River Hook need both donations and volunteers. There are opportunities to place memorial benches in the park. River Hook has begun to plant native trees and flowers, has a beekeeper and a sculpture garden.
https://riverhook.org
Sierra Club of Rockland County
Local environmental news, information about meetings and current objectives, as well as (non-monetary) ways to contribute. Peggy Kurtz is the leader of our local Sierra Club. She asked that we provide you with her contact information in case you want to reach out to her directly: [email protected] 845-709-0802
https://www.sierraclub.org/atlantic/lower-hudson/rockland-sierra-club
Rockland Water Coalition
“Working together to protect our drinking water, our river, our economy”
The Rockland Water Coalition is a partnership of many of the environmental and civic groups in Rockland County and the Hudson Valley. It was formed to take a critical look at the impacts of Suez / United Water’s proposal to build a desalination plant on the Hudson River and to advocate for sustainable water management policies, such as conservation, in Rockland County and the Hudson Valley. rocklandwatercoalition.org
Climate Action Council
This council holds hearings to develop plans for a carbon neutral New York State by 2050 based on 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
https://climate.ny.gov/CAC-Meetings-and-Materials
Peggy Kurtz, leader of Rockland Sierra Club asked me to give her contact information if people would like to contact her directly:
Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory
Education and information about ongoing research, educational lectures open to the public and other events, including the Lamont Open House for families. You can sign up for its newsletter. Financial contributions to Lamont lead directly to improved understanding of our planet’s past and present, and inform pathways to a sustainable future. https://lamont.columbia.edu
Charitable Organizations
Sierra Club Foundation
Comprehensive information about the Sierra Club Foundation: its mission, its projects, where donations go. It has a 4 star rating from Charity Navigator. See https://www.charitynavigator.org and https://www.sierraclubfoundation.org
350.org
An international organization addressing the climate crisis. Its stated goal is to end the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy by building a global, grassroots movement.[2]
350.org
Solar Cookers International
This organization supports expansion of effective, carbon-free solar cooking in world regions of greatest need. Solar cooking offers families freedom from the pollution of cooking fires, and lessens deforestation. It has a 4 star rating from Charity Navigator.
https://www.solarcookers.org
Riverkeeper
Riverkeeper seeks out polluters and teams with citizen scientists and activists to reclaim the Hudson.
https://www.riverkeeper.org
Our presenters today are members of CAN and members of the Upper Nyack Green Committee, a grassroots organization dedicated to helping support and sustain our environment. Upper Nyack might be small, but the work of this organization has been powerful. Not only did they advocate for having Upper Nyack create the first Noise Ordinance law in Rockland, they were also leaders in developing Community Choice Aggregation for the communities in Rockland County. Because of Community Choice Aggregation, most of us now get our electricity from sustainable power sources such as wind and solar.
Judy Ryan
I’m Judy Ryan, a current member of the upper Nyack Green Committee. My husband and I are longtime Nyackers; we lived in South Nyack for 37 years, and downsized to Upper Nyack almost 8 years ago. Ann Morgan and I co-founded the Green Committee in 2018. I was a chair of the Green Committee for 2 years, while Ann turned most of her energy to founding and running your wonderful organization.
Thank you for asking us to talk with you about ways to contribute to a greener, healthier and more sustainable environment. We’d like this to be a conversation, with ideas and knowledge coming from you, not just from us.
Sometimes it seems overwhelming to make a dent in the ways our earth has been affected by fossil fuels, pesticides, plastic, livestock – the list is long, as we all know. But so is the list of ways any one of us can help. We can take into account our time, energy, living situation, and our particular interests and passions. We can choose what we do. A pebble tossed in any pond creates ripples.
If you wonder if you’re doing enough, try to keep in perspective that each of us – and each of us as we grow older – has challenges including health, family obligations, and financial pressures. We need friends and books and naps. We cannot change the world, or make it free of stress or strife for our grandchildren. But we can contribute.
I, like many of you, recycle, try to use less plastic, don’t use pesticides, take care when choosing cleaning products, eat less meat, and compost in my backyard. We don’t use gas leaf blowers on our property. I hope we’ll talk more about these things.
I want to focus as well on charitable giving. Our budgets vary, and the pressures on them are many. But if you are able to give money, a little or a lot, contribute to 350.org, to Sierra Club, to the World Wildlife Fund. The big organizations lobby our political leaders at every level, as well as developing grassroots projects worldwide. One of our Upper Nyack neighbors works for Solar Cookers International. You will see more information about that in the list below. You can find out more about any organization by going to Charity Navigator to see if the organization is doing a good job of carrying out its mission and spending its resources wisely. If all you have time to do is write a check, whether large or small, feel gratified that you’ve done something important.
I pay attention to my investments. If you have put money in stocks or mutual funds, you can choose not to invest in fossil fuels, but in solar companies instead. You can invest in socially responsible mutual funds. You don’t have to compromise financially. If you are an investor at any level, you can invest responsibly. Years ago I felt as if I was going out on a limb if I said no to fossil fuel investments, but no longer. Advisors and investment firms expect these requests, and take them seriously.
I drive a Prius Prime, which is fueled partially by electricity. Plugging it into a normal outlet in our home (a cord snaking out across the yard form our deck), I put 25-30 miles worth of electricity in my car in about 6 hours. This takes me on most of my local chores. Our son-in-law drives a Chevy Bolt, an all electric car, in which he commutes round trip 100 miles to his job. The amount of electricity when fully charged varies depending on temperature, less in cold weather. Buying an all electric or hybrid car is something to do IF you are in the market for a car, and IF it fits into your budget. These are generally not luxury cars, but they’re not the cheapest on the market.
Harry Vetter
I moved to Upper Nyack this month two years ago. In my prior life I was an executive with two major metal companies, and I traveled throughout North America and the world, mostly Asia and Europe. I had little understanding as to what’s Upper, Nyack, South, or Central Nyack. But I was drawn to the vibrancy of this community and the proximity to the beautiful river.
Both Ann and Susanna recommended me checking out the Upper Nyack Green Committee, because they knew I was green-minded — and I became a regular. Our group meets via zoom once a month and we will be taking a more visible approach in our communities.
One of my favorite activities involved the River Hook Preserve where a few dozen volunteers met in October 2020 to help clean up and help lay the groundwork with new seeding and planting for the native meadow restoration. I was never much of a gardener but this certainly piqued my interest. You don't need to live in Upper Nyack to become involved with River Hook and enjoy the Preserve.
Action of interest in the past two years involved:
- Noise Law
- Water Quality
- Broken glass can make a good sidewalk
- Learning about composting and planting
- Reaching out to elected officials in village/town/state.
- Being Aware / Making Voices heard
Then there are vital public comment opportunities on major projects that have an environmental impact or involve our local water quality. I kind of delight in writing down and timing a response to an issue — they usually give you two minutes, maybe less — and I research and try to look at different angles so it won’t all sound repetitive. In the end a decision boils down to numbers, how many are for a project, how many opposed. And you can be part of a groundswell. Wow, that feels good. Of course sometimes “the opposition” is well organized, too, quite often funded by big money. The key, I found, is trying to take a personal interest in things, but not taking it personally if a decision doesn’t go our way — instead trying to devise new ways to bring an issue back to the forefront, again and again, if necessary, especially if it helps provide a reprieve for our warming planet in the long run. Because that’s what it’s all about.
Connie Coker
I am a current resident of Upper Nyack for the past two years with my husband, Erik Larsen. We had moved to South Nyack 36 years ago with our two very young daughters, Keah and Anika, because my husband was starting an Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx.
Erik and I had been environmental activists for many years starting while living in Ohio and continuing in New York. Having two daughters certainly reinforced our commitment to the future of our planet Earth. Adding to my concern was my work as a nurse and then becoming a Midwife with a private health practice and who took care of women of all ages. A primary focus was providing prenatal care to pregnant women and attending hundreds of births at St. Agnes Hospital and then pursuing my home birth practice in Rockland and Westchester Counties. When a woman pushed her newborn out of her body into my hands I certainly felt a deep connection to keeping the Mother/Baby healthy, as well as the neighborhood and the Earth where they live.
In 2006 I was recruited to run for Rockland County Legislator where I served until 2011. One of my assignments was as Chair of the Environmental Committee. This experience reinforced the importance of public policy and of choosing who is elected to office at every level including Village, Town, County, State, and National. I especially want those elected to office to commit to policies of groups such as the Sierra Club and the Rockland Water Coalition around the issues of clean air, pure water and prevention of climate change.
If you have environmental concerns, let your legislature know. Look on the Rockland Legislature website to know what issues are being decided. Contact your legislator or the chair of particular committees to let them know your thoughts. They do listen. When you educate yourself, you can then help educate our politicians. When you call a politician to express your opinion, you are casting your vote for that issue. Most of us live in District 17. James Foley is our legislator. Here is the link: http://rocklandgov.com/departments/county-legislature/
___________
More Steps We Can Take Now
Orangetown Composting Program
Orangetown is partnering with RocklandGreen to provide a food scrap composing program. The food scrap items that can be composted through this program are more extensive than the scraps you might put in your own backyard compost. If these scraps go to the dump they decay and release methane. By composting you can be a big help in reducing pollution! Be sure to read all about it at this website, and then give it a try! It is a way to change tons of food waste into clean dirt. https://www.orangetown.com/orangetown-food-scrap-recycling-program/
ReelPaper
Mary Loughran told us about this company that creates paper towels and toilet paper from renewable plant fibers, mostly bamboo, instead of from trees. That can be an important win. Check out https://reelpaper.com/
Bare Minimum Goods
Remember that Bare Minimum Goods on South Broadway in Nyack has many products for your laundry, kitchen and bath that will help you reduce plastic. Instead of using large plastic bottles of detergent, I now do my laundry with the refillable laundry egg filled with little black and white pellets that keep my laundry fresh and clean. I also use their shampoo bar instead of using a plastic shampoo bottle, and I find it is the best shampoo I have ever used.
Local Environmental Groups and News
Upper Nyack Green Committee
The website is full of information, including an archive of Green Newsletters. They are educational, offering specific ways to support our environment’s health. https://uppernyackgreen.com/educational-resources/
Marcy’s Green News
Marcy Denker is the former Sustainability Coordinator of the Village of Nyack. Currently she’s a very active citizen who puts together environmental news and possibilities for action from all the Nyacks and beyond. https://us19.list-manage.com/contact-form?u=94e5db1b9490906a0e6a03820&form_id=2af3c26db8ce549466d3f056a120dcdc
Earth Matters
Earth Matters is published in Nyack News and Views. Its column explores environmental issues of all kinds, including ways to live more sustainably.
https://nyacknewsandviews.com/category/earth-matters/
Nyack Parks Conservancy
The NPC was founded by a group of passionate citizens in 2005, and it is the only charitable organization designated to raise funds for Nyack’s Village-owned parks and public spaces.
https://nyackparks.org/history
Tree Project
A particularly interesting project, including free trees to homeowners.
https://nyackparks.org/nyacktreeproject
Friends of River Hook
River Hook Preserve is Upper Nyack’s new park, with a lovely walking path between Broadway and Midland Ave. THere’s an entrance on each avenue. Friends of River Hook need both donations and volunteers. There are opportunities to place memorial benches in the park. River Hook has begun to plant native trees and flowers, has a beekeeper and a sculpture garden.
https://riverhook.org
Sierra Club of Rockland County
Local environmental news, information about meetings and current objectives, as well as (non-monetary) ways to contribute. Peggy Kurtz is the leader of our local Sierra Club. She asked that we provide you with her contact information in case you want to reach out to her directly: [email protected] 845-709-0802
https://www.sierraclub.org/atlantic/lower-hudson/rockland-sierra-club
Rockland Water Coalition
“Working together to protect our drinking water, our river, our economy”
The Rockland Water Coalition is a partnership of many of the environmental and civic groups in Rockland County and the Hudson Valley. It was formed to take a critical look at the impacts of Suez / United Water’s proposal to build a desalination plant on the Hudson River and to advocate for sustainable water management policies, such as conservation, in Rockland County and the Hudson Valley. rocklandwatercoalition.org
Climate Action Council
This council holds hearings to develop plans for a carbon neutral New York State by 2050 based on 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
https://climate.ny.gov/CAC-Meetings-and-Materials
Peggy Kurtz, leader of Rockland Sierra Club asked me to give her contact information if people would like to contact her directly:
Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory
Education and information about ongoing research, educational lectures open to the public and other events, including the Lamont Open House for families. You can sign up for its newsletter. Financial contributions to Lamont lead directly to improved understanding of our planet’s past and present, and inform pathways to a sustainable future. https://lamont.columbia.edu
Charitable Organizations
Sierra Club Foundation
Comprehensive information about the Sierra Club Foundation: its mission, its projects, where donations go. It has a 4 star rating from Charity Navigator. See https://www.charitynavigator.org and https://www.sierraclubfoundation.org
350.org
An international organization addressing the climate crisis. Its stated goal is to end the use of fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy by building a global, grassroots movement.[2]
350.org
Solar Cookers International
This organization supports expansion of effective, carbon-free solar cooking in world regions of greatest need. Solar cooking offers families freedom from the pollution of cooking fires, and lessens deforestation. It has a 4 star rating from Charity Navigator.
https://www.solarcookers.org
Riverkeeper
Riverkeeper seeks out polluters and teams with citizen scientists and activists to reclaim the Hudson.
https://www.riverkeeper.org
Performing Arts: Music, Stories and Readings April 22, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
by CAN Members
by CAN Members
Donna Nye, Leontine Temsky, Jan Cohen, Gabri'El Stollman, Maxine Bernstein, and Anthony Fasano
Donna Nye started us off by singing two songs, Ghost Riders in the Sky, and You Ain't Goin Nowhere while accompanying herself on the ukulele. To find the lyrics for her songs, just click on the titles.
Jan Cohen read a story she had written, My First Cars. It's a cautionary tale about falling in love!
Gabri'El Alice Stollman then read her delightful memoir, The Perfect Lesson. As a teacher she beautifully deflected teasing about her date with a famous singer we all love, and turned it into a perfect lesson.
Both Jan and Gabri'El had written their stories as part of their work in the Older Writers' Laboratory (OWL). If you enjoyed their stories and think you would like to try writing within a small, very supportive community, note that there are openings for four new members. See the Announcements above.
Next Leontine Temsky read John of Gaunt's soliloquy from Act II Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's Richard II. This haunting speech with Gaunt's impassioned love for England resonates in the struggles Ukrainians are feeling in their present day struggles.
In a lighter tone, Maxine Bernstein gave us a wonderful performance of an except from Nora Ephron's I Feel Bad About My Neck.
Anthony Fasano read two poems written by Michael Whalen, a talented poet who is also a friend and former colleague of Anthony's. Michael Whelan, age 82, won first prize in the juried Leitrim Guardian 2012 Literary Awards. His poems have appeared in The Wallace Stevens Journal, The Healing Muse, and The Little Patuxent Review. His prose work has been published in The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, and online on the Irish Central site.
Michael’s spiritual memoir, After God, published in 2014, is a poetic story of a lifelong lover’s quarrel with God.
The poems Anthony read were "There Must Be Some Mistake" and "A Litany of Contradictions" from Michael Whelan’s unpublished collection, The Upside of Aging. If you like his poems, Anthony urges you to send an email to Michael telling him that you do, and perhaps urging him to publish his collection. His email is [email protected].
Eastern Medicine: Reiki and Chinese Medicine June 3, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Reiki: Energy Therapy For Health and Healing Dorothy Whitton
Dorothy Whitton is a Registered Nurse and Certified Reiki Master, and has mastered advance Holistic Health practices. Her website, https://earthswisdom.com contains noteworthy details on Holistic Health and Medicine. Today she will share information about Reiki and Healing Touch.
Reiki is a non-invasive hands-on approach modality used for Mind, Body and Spirit health, and for well-being. It's often used for whole body healing, along with our traditional medical model for health. When someone comes for a Reiki session, the person may be coming for emotional, mental or physical complaints. Someone may also come for relaxation. The practitioner will assess you for your concerns, and will ask appropriate questions as to your needs. She will then explain her approach to help in your healing process. The Reiki practitioner uses gentle touch with her hands on or just above your body to guide energy throughout your body.
Reiki is now used all over the world, including hospitals and hospices. Dr. Usui, from Japan, developed this form of energy healing in the early 1900's. Re, meaning universal and Ki meaning life force energy. It is believed that maximum healing takes place when the universal force of energy, along with your body's energy, harmonizes.
This energy force promotes relaxation, reduces stress, decreases pain, improves the immune system, and helps with healing from surgery and other invasive procedures. This same energy, within our body, starts the electrical impulse for your heart. Some people, during a treatment, will experience sensations such as heat or tingling, others do not feel any difference. It still works and people often feel greater relaxation after the treatment. There are no side effects. It is a gentle energy that is transmitted through the practitioner's hands.
Unlike traditional medical approaches, Reiki, treats the whole body, rather than symptoms. The practitioner is merely a tool through which energy is transmitted. It is this energy that makes us feel alive and energized. It is in every living thing. Dr. Candice Pert, in her book, “Molecules of Emotion” talks of her research findings that demonstrates before cells change or any organ symptoms appear, the energy centers show changes. Anyone can learn Reiki as a tool for healing.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Dr. Lauren Dulberg
Dr. Lauren Dulberg is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist as well as a Board-Certified Herbalist and Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and holds a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Dr. Dulberg holds a Doctorate of Acupuncture & Chinese medicine in Rockland County from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine where she was trained in Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Integrative Western medicine. Dr. Dulberg is the first of her profession to hold this level of degree in Rockland County, NY.
For the past decade, Dr. Dulberg has been specializing in Women’s Health, Internal Medicine and Emotional Health. Lauren’s mission is to help bring utmost health and wellness to her patients. Her other areas of focus include Pediatrics, Treatment of Psycho/Spiritual and Emotional Issues, Orthopedics, Cancer support, Auto-Immune disorders and Complex Internal Medicine cases. Lauren works with all issues following the unique wisdom of Chinese medicine and it’s all encompassing ability to treat any issue that arises in the physical or emotional body. Her desire is to create balance and health in any patient that seeks to create the same within their lives.
All modalities of Chinese medicine are used within her practice, including Acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas and Nutritional therapy as well as incorporating traditional wisdom from her background as a Yoga Teacher and lifetime student of Ethnobotany and Traditional Medicine.
Dr. Dulberg's practice is located at 265 N. Highland Avenue, Suite 105, Nyack. Phone 845-418-0809. Her website is www.tworiversacupuncture.com
Chinese medicine & Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complex system of medicine which dates back over 3,000 years and includes its own system of diagnosis and treatment.
TCM views the body as a true reflection of nature and focuses on cultivating true health and balance. The medicine itself was developed through observing nature and understanding there is no separation between our bodies and nature itself.
Traditional Chinese medicine uses Acupuncture, Herbology, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, Cupping and Dietary Therapy to attain and re-balance the body’s ecosystem.
Chinese herbal medicine is rooted in the concept of pattern differentiation. Pattern differentiation involves identifying a person’s head-to-toe collection of signs and symptoms.
We don’t treat diseases. We treat patterns and patients. Think about the many distinct habitats on our planet — the Sahara Desert, Florida swampland, Canada wilderness. We need to care for each habitat in its own way.
No matter how much herbicide we put in a swamp land, something will always be able to grow there because the environment is hospitable to it. Our bodies, too, have a distinct, internal environment requiring a unique approach. No matter how many antibiotics we give you — if your internal environment welcomes the problem, you will still have the problem. So we try to balance the body to create an environment that’s not hospitable to your health issues.
We also look at the body as a system of organ channels each with their own unique patterns associated and specific properties.
For example: The Spleen channel and the Spleen in Chinese medicine is considered a cold damp organ; it craves sweetness when it is out of balance, its imbalanced emotions are overthinking and over worrying, it holds the blood and makes the Qi.
Because this is such an important organ of the digestive system in TCM, nutritional therapy is very much based off of the concept of not consuming foods that are too cold or damp in nature. The typical Western healthy diet of salads, smoothies and juices is actually considered very unhealthy in TCM. It can promote damage of the spleen and affect the production of Qi and its job of holding the blood. Equally, too much overthinking and worry can also do the same thing.
What is Acupuncture
By inserting very fine, single use sterilized needles, no larger than a strand of hair, into specific acupuncture points, Qi is then stimulated allowing the energy to be coursed in its correct and harmonious way.
Acupuncture helps to regulate the body’s overall health – bringing what is out of balance into balance, nourishing what may be deficient and clearing what may be stuck which then may be resulting in pain or illness, as well as enhancing the body’s overall ability to heal itself.
The points, when stimulated by an acupuncture needle, act as a conduit sending electromagnetic impulses by way of the fascia into the body accessing the innate healing system of both the acupuncture channels and the body itself.
Studies have shown that in general, acupuncture
MRI studies have shown observable changes in the brain when performing acupuncture, while doppler ultrasounds have shown an increase in circulation as well as lymphatic fluid. There have also been studies that show that acupuncture actually allows muscles to release in a way that reduces tension on joints and bones. It is understood that the needles stimulate nerves and the nervous system in general, helping regulate in a relaxation response, which ultimately helps with overall healing, cellular generation and pain reduction.
“According to a 2021 World Health Organization report, acupuncture is the most widely used traditional medicine practice globally, and it’s gaining traction in the U.S. In 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services began covering acupuncture for the first time for chronic low back pain.” from Why Acupuncture Is Going Mainstream In Medicine - Time.com, April 29, 2022
Dorothy Whitton is a Registered Nurse and Certified Reiki Master, and has mastered advance Holistic Health practices. Her website, https://earthswisdom.com contains noteworthy details on Holistic Health and Medicine. Today she will share information about Reiki and Healing Touch.
Reiki is a non-invasive hands-on approach modality used for Mind, Body and Spirit health, and for well-being. It's often used for whole body healing, along with our traditional medical model for health. When someone comes for a Reiki session, the person may be coming for emotional, mental or physical complaints. Someone may also come for relaxation. The practitioner will assess you for your concerns, and will ask appropriate questions as to your needs. She will then explain her approach to help in your healing process. The Reiki practitioner uses gentle touch with her hands on or just above your body to guide energy throughout your body.
Reiki is now used all over the world, including hospitals and hospices. Dr. Usui, from Japan, developed this form of energy healing in the early 1900's. Re, meaning universal and Ki meaning life force energy. It is believed that maximum healing takes place when the universal force of energy, along with your body's energy, harmonizes.
This energy force promotes relaxation, reduces stress, decreases pain, improves the immune system, and helps with healing from surgery and other invasive procedures. This same energy, within our body, starts the electrical impulse for your heart. Some people, during a treatment, will experience sensations such as heat or tingling, others do not feel any difference. It still works and people often feel greater relaxation after the treatment. There are no side effects. It is a gentle energy that is transmitted through the practitioner's hands.
Unlike traditional medical approaches, Reiki, treats the whole body, rather than symptoms. The practitioner is merely a tool through which energy is transmitted. It is this energy that makes us feel alive and energized. It is in every living thing. Dr. Candice Pert, in her book, “Molecules of Emotion” talks of her research findings that demonstrates before cells change or any organ symptoms appear, the energy centers show changes. Anyone can learn Reiki as a tool for healing.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Dr. Lauren Dulberg
Dr. Lauren Dulberg is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist as well as a Board-Certified Herbalist and Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine and holds a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Dr. Dulberg holds a Doctorate of Acupuncture & Chinese medicine in Rockland County from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine where she was trained in Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Integrative Western medicine. Dr. Dulberg is the first of her profession to hold this level of degree in Rockland County, NY.
For the past decade, Dr. Dulberg has been specializing in Women’s Health, Internal Medicine and Emotional Health. Lauren’s mission is to help bring utmost health and wellness to her patients. Her other areas of focus include Pediatrics, Treatment of Psycho/Spiritual and Emotional Issues, Orthopedics, Cancer support, Auto-Immune disorders and Complex Internal Medicine cases. Lauren works with all issues following the unique wisdom of Chinese medicine and it’s all encompassing ability to treat any issue that arises in the physical or emotional body. Her desire is to create balance and health in any patient that seeks to create the same within their lives.
All modalities of Chinese medicine are used within her practice, including Acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas and Nutritional therapy as well as incorporating traditional wisdom from her background as a Yoga Teacher and lifetime student of Ethnobotany and Traditional Medicine.
Dr. Dulberg's practice is located at 265 N. Highland Avenue, Suite 105, Nyack. Phone 845-418-0809. Her website is www.tworiversacupuncture.com
Chinese medicine & Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complex system of medicine which dates back over 3,000 years and includes its own system of diagnosis and treatment.
TCM views the body as a true reflection of nature and focuses on cultivating true health and balance. The medicine itself was developed through observing nature and understanding there is no separation between our bodies and nature itself.
Traditional Chinese medicine uses Acupuncture, Herbology, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, Cupping and Dietary Therapy to attain and re-balance the body’s ecosystem.
Chinese herbal medicine is rooted in the concept of pattern differentiation. Pattern differentiation involves identifying a person’s head-to-toe collection of signs and symptoms.
We don’t treat diseases. We treat patterns and patients. Think about the many distinct habitats on our planet — the Sahara Desert, Florida swampland, Canada wilderness. We need to care for each habitat in its own way.
No matter how much herbicide we put in a swamp land, something will always be able to grow there because the environment is hospitable to it. Our bodies, too, have a distinct, internal environment requiring a unique approach. No matter how many antibiotics we give you — if your internal environment welcomes the problem, you will still have the problem. So we try to balance the body to create an environment that’s not hospitable to your health issues.
We also look at the body as a system of organ channels each with their own unique patterns associated and specific properties.
For example: The Spleen channel and the Spleen in Chinese medicine is considered a cold damp organ; it craves sweetness when it is out of balance, its imbalanced emotions are overthinking and over worrying, it holds the blood and makes the Qi.
Because this is such an important organ of the digestive system in TCM, nutritional therapy is very much based off of the concept of not consuming foods that are too cold or damp in nature. The typical Western healthy diet of salads, smoothies and juices is actually considered very unhealthy in TCM. It can promote damage of the spleen and affect the production of Qi and its job of holding the blood. Equally, too much overthinking and worry can also do the same thing.
What is Acupuncture
By inserting very fine, single use sterilized needles, no larger than a strand of hair, into specific acupuncture points, Qi is then stimulated allowing the energy to be coursed in its correct and harmonious way.
Acupuncture helps to regulate the body’s overall health – bringing what is out of balance into balance, nourishing what may be deficient and clearing what may be stuck which then may be resulting in pain or illness, as well as enhancing the body’s overall ability to heal itself.
The points, when stimulated by an acupuncture needle, act as a conduit sending electromagnetic impulses by way of the fascia into the body accessing the innate healing system of both the acupuncture channels and the body itself.
Studies have shown that in general, acupuncture
- Stimulates regenerative cellular growth
- Can repair nerves, tissues, organs and even bone
- Accesses the beta and theta waves of the body, putting the body into a deep state of relaxation and allowing the body to heal itself
- Reduces inflammation
- Stops pain by interfering with the pain signals of the brain
- Improves overall circulation
- Balances the body’s nervous system which inherently helps the overall biochemical balance of the body
MRI studies have shown observable changes in the brain when performing acupuncture, while doppler ultrasounds have shown an increase in circulation as well as lymphatic fluid. There have also been studies that show that acupuncture actually allows muscles to release in a way that reduces tension on joints and bones. It is understood that the needles stimulate nerves and the nervous system in general, helping regulate in a relaxation response, which ultimately helps with overall healing, cellular generation and pain reduction.
“According to a 2021 World Health Organization report, acupuncture is the most widely used traditional medicine practice globally, and it’s gaining traction in the U.S. In 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services began covering acupuncture for the first time for chronic low back pain.” from Why Acupuncture Is Going Mainstream In Medicine - Time.com, April 29, 2022
Better Home Energy at a Savings with July 15, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)
In November 2020, six Rockland communities – Nyack, Upper Nyack, South Nyack, Clarkstown, Orangetown, and Haverstraw – launched a collaborative municipal clean electrical energy program called Community Choice Aggregation. In our area, Rockland Community Power was created to negotiate with energy companies find the best very best fixed price for us. South Nyack is no longer an incorporated village, but instead is now an unincorporated hamlet within Orangetown.
This program applies only to the source of your electrical power. The more we can move toward using electricity to meet our energy needs, the less dependent we are on fossil fuels.
The Rockland Community Power program is a Community Choice Aggregation program (CCA). By helping entire communities make the transition to electricity powered by renewable energy, CCA programs work at a speed and scale that approaches what is needed in order to quickly and effectively reduce the carbon footprint of an entire community. Through this program, over 21,000 Rockland households have made the transition to renewable energy without raising their costs.
In fact, Community Choice Aggregation programs with renewable energy are actively promoted by New York State climate programs as among the most effective steps a municipality can take to reduce their local greenhouse gas emissions.
Through these programs, municipalities form a large buying group together with other municipalities, through which residents and small businesses may purchase electricity powered by renewable energy at competitive, fixed rates.
The Rockland Community Power program provides several key benefits to residents and small businesses:
Orange and Rockland
The program also protects consumers from volatile utility rates. While the O&R rate was highly volatile this year, the two rates within the program just keep on going at the same flat rates at the bottom of the slide.
Is it too late to join the program if I opted out initially? No, you can always opt in (or opt out) at any time and with no fees or penalties.
Does this program replace Orange & Rockland? No. Some years ago O&R decided to sell all of their power plants and just focus on delivering the electrical energy to the grid, and fuel to homes, maintaining and repairing the lines and equipment, and billing customers.
How will renewal work? We are now 20 months into a 24-month program. The current program ends October 31, and the new program should begin November 1. If the ten Rockland Community Power communities negotiate a new contract in August, all eligible households should receive an information packet in the mail in September, which will include the new rates. There are no contracts for consumers, and you can always opt out if you prefer.
Where can I see who my energy supplier is on my bill? On the new O&R bill, look on page 2 (the back of page 1). The top part of that page breaks down your electrical charges; the bottom part of the bill breaks down your gas or oil charges. Note that you have Supply Charges and Delivery Charges. We are talking only about the Electrical Supply Charges. If you are participating in Community Choice Aggregation and getting green energy, your supplier is Constellation New Energy CCA for Rockland Community Power. You can see what the cost per KWH is.
Can I participate if I chose an energy supplier (an Electricity Supply Company also known as an ESCO) on my own, and I have a contract? Yes, you can participate, but you will not get the packet in the mail. You would have to enroll in the program. If you are in a contract, you will find the name and the number for a third-party supplier on page 3 of your O&R bill. You should call to check whether your current contract includes exit fees. If you prefer to switch to the community program, tell the supplier that you want to end your contract – and then call the Rockland Community Power helpline to enroll: 845 859-9099, option 1.
I get mailings from energy companies. Are they part of this?
No, but some of them try to make you think that they are. The only notices you will get about Community Choice Aggregation will be from your municipality or from Orange and Rockland.
Do we need to do anything?
Be aware that all of our municipalities will have hearings about either renewing Community Choice Aggregation or joining the program for the first time. Go to the hearings and make your voice heard about what you would like to have happen.
I live in South Nyack. We are now unincorporated. What will happen to us?
You are currently getting clean energy through CCA, but when your contract expires, you will be under Orangetown rules, and last time Orangetown voted to join CCA, but they chose standard energy that includes fossil fuels. You could email the Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny and let me know what you would like Orangetown to do. The email is [email protected].
More information is available online at www.RocklandCommunityPower.com. You can also call me,Peggy Kurtz, the Community Coordinator, at 845 709-0802 or email [email protected]
This program applies only to the source of your electrical power. The more we can move toward using electricity to meet our energy needs, the less dependent we are on fossil fuels.
The Rockland Community Power program is a Community Choice Aggregation program (CCA). By helping entire communities make the transition to electricity powered by renewable energy, CCA programs work at a speed and scale that approaches what is needed in order to quickly and effectively reduce the carbon footprint of an entire community. Through this program, over 21,000 Rockland households have made the transition to renewable energy without raising their costs.
In fact, Community Choice Aggregation programs with renewable energy are actively promoted by New York State climate programs as among the most effective steps a municipality can take to reduce their local greenhouse gas emissions.
Through these programs, municipalities form a large buying group together with other municipalities, through which residents and small businesses may purchase electricity powered by renewable energy at competitive, fixed rates.
The Rockland Community Power program provides several key benefits to residents and small businesses:
- 100% renewable energy at competitive, guaranteed rates
- Strong consumer protection: no contracts for consumers, no exit fees, fixed rates
- More choice for consumers
Orange and Rockland
The program also protects consumers from volatile utility rates. While the O&R rate was highly volatile this year, the two rates within the program just keep on going at the same flat rates at the bottom of the slide.
Is it too late to join the program if I opted out initially? No, you can always opt in (or opt out) at any time and with no fees or penalties.
Does this program replace Orange & Rockland? No. Some years ago O&R decided to sell all of their power plants and just focus on delivering the electrical energy to the grid, and fuel to homes, maintaining and repairing the lines and equipment, and billing customers.
How will renewal work? We are now 20 months into a 24-month program. The current program ends October 31, and the new program should begin November 1. If the ten Rockland Community Power communities negotiate a new contract in August, all eligible households should receive an information packet in the mail in September, which will include the new rates. There are no contracts for consumers, and you can always opt out if you prefer.
Where can I see who my energy supplier is on my bill? On the new O&R bill, look on page 2 (the back of page 1). The top part of that page breaks down your electrical charges; the bottom part of the bill breaks down your gas or oil charges. Note that you have Supply Charges and Delivery Charges. We are talking only about the Electrical Supply Charges. If you are participating in Community Choice Aggregation and getting green energy, your supplier is Constellation New Energy CCA for Rockland Community Power. You can see what the cost per KWH is.
Can I participate if I chose an energy supplier (an Electricity Supply Company also known as an ESCO) on my own, and I have a contract? Yes, you can participate, but you will not get the packet in the mail. You would have to enroll in the program. If you are in a contract, you will find the name and the number for a third-party supplier on page 3 of your O&R bill. You should call to check whether your current contract includes exit fees. If you prefer to switch to the community program, tell the supplier that you want to end your contract – and then call the Rockland Community Power helpline to enroll: 845 859-9099, option 1.
I get mailings from energy companies. Are they part of this?
No, but some of them try to make you think that they are. The only notices you will get about Community Choice Aggregation will be from your municipality or from Orange and Rockland.
Do we need to do anything?
Be aware that all of our municipalities will have hearings about either renewing Community Choice Aggregation or joining the program for the first time. Go to the hearings and make your voice heard about what you would like to have happen.
I live in South Nyack. We are now unincorporated. What will happen to us?
You are currently getting clean energy through CCA, but when your contract expires, you will be under Orangetown rules, and last time Orangetown voted to join CCA, but they chose standard energy that includes fossil fuels. You could email the Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny and let me know what you would like Orangetown to do. The email is [email protected].
More information is available online at www.RocklandCommunityPower.com. You can also call me,Peggy Kurtz, the Community Coordinator, at 845 709-0802 or email [email protected]
The Long and Winding History of Nyack Brook July 29, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Michael Hays
President of the Historical Society of the Nyacks
President of the Historical Society of the Nyacks
Using maps and photographs, Mike Hays explored the history of Nyack Brook, Nyack’s central artery around which much of the village was built. The brook is mostly hidden from view today and enters our consciousness only when it floods, which it does frequently. In his discussion, Hays broke the brook into six distinct geographical segments and discussed how the brook was utilized by villagers over time. He used examples of buildings and businesses that once populated the brook.
Source – The Ice Pond
The original source of the brook was just east of Midland Ave. and north of Main Street. The source of the brook was altered to build an ice pond to harvest ice for refrigeration in the 1870s. Until the 1940s, the pond was also a popular skating pond for children and for races. In 1951 the pond it was filled in to accommodate having the Thruway pass over the site. West Gate Motel occupies the area where part of the pond once was.
In 1859 and again in 1876, water flowing to the Hackensack River was redirected to Nyack, and a reservoir was built to accommodate the growing population of the area because the area had no other fresh water source.
Main Street – Sawmill, Pavilion, and Old Village Hall
Downstream along Main Street was a sawmill built in the early 18th century at the foot of Mill St. The brook was dammed to create a millpond. Nearby was an early resort hotel called the Pavilion, a popular spot during the Gilded Age when Nyack was a summer resort.
Many businesses were built over the brook, partly because the brook was a source of water, and partly because the brook would carry waste away. Plumbing was not introduced to the area until the 1890s. Over the years, the brook became quite polluted as it carried everything dumped into it down to the Hudson.
You can still see a clean and clear Nyack Brook as it runs in front of Tappan Zee Florist and heads downhill. The brook flowed under the Old Village Hall that had been located on Main Street from the 1890s. Village administration was on the second floor, with the fire department on the first floor. After a fire set by an arsonist destroyed the firehouse portion, Jackson Hose moved around the corner to Park Street, the police department moved into the first floor. Since 1980, Old Village Hall has been the Hudson House restaurant.
The Bend – Onderdonk Row & Block
The brook makes a big bend to the south at Bridge Street. John Onderdonk created the street that bridges the brook when he built a row of commercial buildings on Main St. and residential cottages on Bridge Street.
Heading South – Opera House
At the corner of Franklin and Depew, Nyack's Opera House was built over the brook. The opera house was the site of most entertainment in the Gilded Age including the Nyack Philharmonic, vaudeville, and racist minstrel shows.
Bending East – Factory Zone
Many factories were built over time where the brook turns toward the river at Hudson Ave. First was the Wright Sleigh factory. Later a chemical company, the Aniline Dye Company, manufactured chemicals. A disastrous fire and explosion wrecked the building and killed several people. Much later in 1983 Stanley Acker’s cosmetic company, Pavion occupied the site until 1998. The 4-acre tract is now the home of Pavion apartments. In the center of the current Pavion, one can still see the brook as it passes near the swimming pool.
Deep Dive – Broadway, De Pew's Glen
The brook created a deep gulley where it crossed S. Broadway as it descended to the Hudson River. The gulley was in what was known as De Pew's Glen. On the map you can see that Broadway originally ended at the edge of the Glen. The brook passes under what is now the Strawberry Place and South Broadway. A millpond was once here as well. Much of the glen was filled in when the commercial brick buildings were put in on South Broadway.
Hudson River – Grist Mill, Shoddy Mill, Greenhouses
At the point where the Brook meets the Hudson River on the south side of Memorial Park was a gristmill and later several factories including one that made shoddy cloth from used wool. "Shoddy" once described the kind of cloth it was, but came to mean inferior fabric or goods. The factories were removed when Memorial Park was formed in 1920. Also, near here were the Depew Greenhouses that grew cut flowers for the NYC markets.
The Why & When of Floods
The Nyack Brook is largely underground now, but it makes its presence known most forcefully when the brook floods, as it has about every ten years. The most recent flood was in 2011 when water poured down Main Street. The Nyack Brook is very much still with us.
Source – The Ice Pond
The original source of the brook was just east of Midland Ave. and north of Main Street. The source of the brook was altered to build an ice pond to harvest ice for refrigeration in the 1870s. Until the 1940s, the pond was also a popular skating pond for children and for races. In 1951 the pond it was filled in to accommodate having the Thruway pass over the site. West Gate Motel occupies the area where part of the pond once was.
In 1859 and again in 1876, water flowing to the Hackensack River was redirected to Nyack, and a reservoir was built to accommodate the growing population of the area because the area had no other fresh water source.
Main Street – Sawmill, Pavilion, and Old Village Hall
Downstream along Main Street was a sawmill built in the early 18th century at the foot of Mill St. The brook was dammed to create a millpond. Nearby was an early resort hotel called the Pavilion, a popular spot during the Gilded Age when Nyack was a summer resort.
Many businesses were built over the brook, partly because the brook was a source of water, and partly because the brook would carry waste away. Plumbing was not introduced to the area until the 1890s. Over the years, the brook became quite polluted as it carried everything dumped into it down to the Hudson.
You can still see a clean and clear Nyack Brook as it runs in front of Tappan Zee Florist and heads downhill. The brook flowed under the Old Village Hall that had been located on Main Street from the 1890s. Village administration was on the second floor, with the fire department on the first floor. After a fire set by an arsonist destroyed the firehouse portion, Jackson Hose moved around the corner to Park Street, the police department moved into the first floor. Since 1980, Old Village Hall has been the Hudson House restaurant.
The Bend – Onderdonk Row & Block
The brook makes a big bend to the south at Bridge Street. John Onderdonk created the street that bridges the brook when he built a row of commercial buildings on Main St. and residential cottages on Bridge Street.
Heading South – Opera House
At the corner of Franklin and Depew, Nyack's Opera House was built over the brook. The opera house was the site of most entertainment in the Gilded Age including the Nyack Philharmonic, vaudeville, and racist minstrel shows.
Bending East – Factory Zone
Many factories were built over time where the brook turns toward the river at Hudson Ave. First was the Wright Sleigh factory. Later a chemical company, the Aniline Dye Company, manufactured chemicals. A disastrous fire and explosion wrecked the building and killed several people. Much later in 1983 Stanley Acker’s cosmetic company, Pavion occupied the site until 1998. The 4-acre tract is now the home of Pavion apartments. In the center of the current Pavion, one can still see the brook as it passes near the swimming pool.
Deep Dive – Broadway, De Pew's Glen
The brook created a deep gulley where it crossed S. Broadway as it descended to the Hudson River. The gulley was in what was known as De Pew's Glen. On the map you can see that Broadway originally ended at the edge of the Glen. The brook passes under what is now the Strawberry Place and South Broadway. A millpond was once here as well. Much of the glen was filled in when the commercial brick buildings were put in on South Broadway.
Hudson River – Grist Mill, Shoddy Mill, Greenhouses
At the point where the Brook meets the Hudson River on the south side of Memorial Park was a gristmill and later several factories including one that made shoddy cloth from used wool. "Shoddy" once described the kind of cloth it was, but came to mean inferior fabric or goods. The factories were removed when Memorial Park was formed in 1920. Also, near here were the Depew Greenhouses that grew cut flowers for the NYC markets.
The Why & When of Floods
The Nyack Brook is largely underground now, but it makes its presence known most forcefully when the brook floods, as it has about every ten years. The most recent flood was in 2011 when water poured down Main Street. The Nyack Brook is very much still with us.
The Learning Collaborative August 26, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
The History of the Learning Collaborative
Leontine Temsky
The Learning Collaborative in Rockland County exists today because of the efforts of Joan May, a resident of Nyack, who saw the need for a program for seniors which would be educational and informal, where students could actively participate and exchange ideas. She researched programs around the country and sought the help of local legislators, found a building which was used by Long Island University for its Rockland Graduate Campus and had classroom space available during the day. She organized a group of friends to form a board which met for several months to form our first program and located people who could teach the classes. The Learning Collaborative began in 1987 and has run fall and spring programs ever since. The Learning Collaborative has had many outstanding teachers in a variety of fields including Literature, Art, Science, Politics, Film, Biblical Studies and Bioethics.
My Experience as a Student and an Instructor
Arlene Leventhal
I took a Learning Collaborative class about writing and drawing with Bill Batson about 5 years ago, and I enjoyed it thoroughly – at a difficult time in my life. A few years later, after my Nyack move, I continued taking classes, and liked the scope and variety of classes as well as the opportunities to socialize with other students and to share lunchtimes together. Covid & Zoom classes followed. I found several of them were worth the time of taking the classes from home. Some of the instructors were renaissance types, knowledgeable in several fields!
This year I was asked to participate in a group of artist lectures. It was a great learning experience for me, doing Zoom and showing slides of my art work in many media. The large audience on Zoom was attentive and we made good connections. I am looking forward to the fall lineup!
From the Perspective of a New Board Member
Judy Gorman
I'd heard about The Learning Collaborative (TLC) within a year of retiring (2012). Howard Goldstein approached me with a request to lead a chorus jointly sponsored by TLC and the Rockland Conservatory of Music. He never finished his sentence.
Next, I helped Jim Evers with his course "Aging in Place" which was given at the LIU campus in Sparkill, assisting Sally Borgman for one session, and running the subsequent session to focus on a project I'd led that resulted in "A Simple Guide to Orchestrating Your Life As You Age." This was inspired by Atul Gawande's Being Mortal. The writing team consisted of members of the Rockland County Village Community.
I began signing up for courses (by then TLC was at the New City Jewish Center): Judith Rose's Movement Class, Interpersonal Communications with Jim Evers and Wally Glickman, Plato's Relevance Today with Howard Goldstein, Six Musicians hosted by Sally Borgman, The Psychology of Addiction with Stephen Levy, Estate Planning with Courtney Boniface, Positive Psychology with Debra Levin, The Immune System/The Battle to Maintain Health: Microbes vs. Immune System Defenses with Phyllis Citrin, Israel/Palestine with Leonard Grob, Ghandi with Akeel Bilgrami, and more.
I joined the Board of TLC in December 2020, almost 10 months into the pandemic. Prior to that, I was an interested student and a behind-the-scenes busybody, spending hours talking and brainstorming with Carol Baretz about the future of TLC, acknowledging that, in my humble opinion, it was the best-kept secret in Rockland County and the environs.
Moving into My Next Chapter with the Learning Collaborative
Sally Borgman
My friend, Gloria English, who had retired kept raving about the Learning Collaborative and always said to me, “When you retire, you should attend The Learning Collaborative; it is great.” So when I retired I took her advice and started taking classes. It was like going back to college. I spent my Tuesdays taking great classes, having stimulating lunch conversations, and seeing all my friends who had retired. The best part … no homework and amazing teachers who loved to teach.
But I realized very quickly this was much more than taking courses, it was about JOINING A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS, who believed we are truly life-long learners. All the teachers were committed and loved their topics. I was in heaven on Tuesday.
I took a course on Maximizing Your Brain. Sixty people were in the class, and Jim Evers was the teacher. It was a great class. For six weeks he lectured for 75 minutes and never had a note. At the end of the course he invited everyone to a gratitude breakfast on a Monday morning at 7:30 am!! From that group the Rockland County Village Community (RCVC) was born. After this Jim asked me to teach a class on Aging in Place at the Learning Collaborative. I was challenged, but did some research and discovered information I did not know.
Then I was asked to join the Board of the Learning Collaborative. What a terrific experience. Wonderful, smart, committed people who included Carol Baretz. I was on the Curriculum Committee. I developed a 6 week class on virtual tours given by artists discussing the meaning of their art work. Then I developed a 6-week class for musicians to talk about their craft and instrument. I met so many amazing people and realized how many gifted artists live in Rockland County, especially CAN’s own Arlene Leventhal who you just heard from.
I always tell people The Learning Collaborative is more than taking courses or a class. It is about entering a community of students, teachers and new friends, who are on a journey of fun, topics include opera, music, memoir writing, history, religion, improv, medicine, and even Carol Baretz's daughter zoomed in from Israel to teach a class.
The Learning Collaborative has expanded my world and I have met some amazing people, many of them like the people in CAN. So take a class this Fall. The registration starts September 19th, classes start October 25th. Join our community of Learners. Our program brings together people who have the time and freedom to take classes for fun and who enjoy the real pleasure of continuing to learn. The curriculum is patterned after successful national programs designed to meet the educational interests of the retired community. We will be presenting Zoom classes for you to take at home, and in-person classes at the NCJC in New City. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.
To learn more, go to www.learningcollaborativeny.org.
Leontine Temsky
The Learning Collaborative in Rockland County exists today because of the efforts of Joan May, a resident of Nyack, who saw the need for a program for seniors which would be educational and informal, where students could actively participate and exchange ideas. She researched programs around the country and sought the help of local legislators, found a building which was used by Long Island University for its Rockland Graduate Campus and had classroom space available during the day. She organized a group of friends to form a board which met for several months to form our first program and located people who could teach the classes. The Learning Collaborative began in 1987 and has run fall and spring programs ever since. The Learning Collaborative has had many outstanding teachers in a variety of fields including Literature, Art, Science, Politics, Film, Biblical Studies and Bioethics.
My Experience as a Student and an Instructor
Arlene Leventhal
I took a Learning Collaborative class about writing and drawing with Bill Batson about 5 years ago, and I enjoyed it thoroughly – at a difficult time in my life. A few years later, after my Nyack move, I continued taking classes, and liked the scope and variety of classes as well as the opportunities to socialize with other students and to share lunchtimes together. Covid & Zoom classes followed. I found several of them were worth the time of taking the classes from home. Some of the instructors were renaissance types, knowledgeable in several fields!
This year I was asked to participate in a group of artist lectures. It was a great learning experience for me, doing Zoom and showing slides of my art work in many media. The large audience on Zoom was attentive and we made good connections. I am looking forward to the fall lineup!
From the Perspective of a New Board Member
Judy Gorman
I'd heard about The Learning Collaborative (TLC) within a year of retiring (2012). Howard Goldstein approached me with a request to lead a chorus jointly sponsored by TLC and the Rockland Conservatory of Music. He never finished his sentence.
Next, I helped Jim Evers with his course "Aging in Place" which was given at the LIU campus in Sparkill, assisting Sally Borgman for one session, and running the subsequent session to focus on a project I'd led that resulted in "A Simple Guide to Orchestrating Your Life As You Age." This was inspired by Atul Gawande's Being Mortal. The writing team consisted of members of the Rockland County Village Community.
I began signing up for courses (by then TLC was at the New City Jewish Center): Judith Rose's Movement Class, Interpersonal Communications with Jim Evers and Wally Glickman, Plato's Relevance Today with Howard Goldstein, Six Musicians hosted by Sally Borgman, The Psychology of Addiction with Stephen Levy, Estate Planning with Courtney Boniface, Positive Psychology with Debra Levin, The Immune System/The Battle to Maintain Health: Microbes vs. Immune System Defenses with Phyllis Citrin, Israel/Palestine with Leonard Grob, Ghandi with Akeel Bilgrami, and more.
I joined the Board of TLC in December 2020, almost 10 months into the pandemic. Prior to that, I was an interested student and a behind-the-scenes busybody, spending hours talking and brainstorming with Carol Baretz about the future of TLC, acknowledging that, in my humble opinion, it was the best-kept secret in Rockland County and the environs.
Moving into My Next Chapter with the Learning Collaborative
Sally Borgman
My friend, Gloria English, who had retired kept raving about the Learning Collaborative and always said to me, “When you retire, you should attend The Learning Collaborative; it is great.” So when I retired I took her advice and started taking classes. It was like going back to college. I spent my Tuesdays taking great classes, having stimulating lunch conversations, and seeing all my friends who had retired. The best part … no homework and amazing teachers who loved to teach.
But I realized very quickly this was much more than taking courses, it was about JOINING A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS, who believed we are truly life-long learners. All the teachers were committed and loved their topics. I was in heaven on Tuesday.
I took a course on Maximizing Your Brain. Sixty people were in the class, and Jim Evers was the teacher. It was a great class. For six weeks he lectured for 75 minutes and never had a note. At the end of the course he invited everyone to a gratitude breakfast on a Monday morning at 7:30 am!! From that group the Rockland County Village Community (RCVC) was born. After this Jim asked me to teach a class on Aging in Place at the Learning Collaborative. I was challenged, but did some research and discovered information I did not know.
Then I was asked to join the Board of the Learning Collaborative. What a terrific experience. Wonderful, smart, committed people who included Carol Baretz. I was on the Curriculum Committee. I developed a 6 week class on virtual tours given by artists discussing the meaning of their art work. Then I developed a 6-week class for musicians to talk about their craft and instrument. I met so many amazing people and realized how many gifted artists live in Rockland County, especially CAN’s own Arlene Leventhal who you just heard from.
I always tell people The Learning Collaborative is more than taking courses or a class. It is about entering a community of students, teachers and new friends, who are on a journey of fun, topics include opera, music, memoir writing, history, religion, improv, medicine, and even Carol Baretz's daughter zoomed in from Israel to teach a class.
The Learning Collaborative has expanded my world and I have met some amazing people, many of them like the people in CAN. So take a class this Fall. The registration starts September 19th, classes start October 25th. Join our community of Learners. Our program brings together people who have the time and freedom to take classes for fun and who enjoy the real pleasure of continuing to learn. The curriculum is patterned after successful national programs designed to meet the educational interests of the retired community. We will be presenting Zoom classes for you to take at home, and in-person classes at the NCJC in New City. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.
To learn more, go to www.learningcollaborativeny.org.
Taking the Guesswork out of Medicare Sept 09, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Mark Brownstein is the Director of Medicare for Emerald Medicare with offices in Nyack and Stony Point and has lived in Nyack for 32 years. As a “trusted” advisor for decades, Mark specializes in Medicare protection. He is an independent agent and is dedicated to providing comprehensive Medicare solutions. Mark has extensive experience working with individuals, veterans, medical offices as well as tax and financial professionals to implement Medicare solutions to meet clients’ changing needs. He and his team of 5 are committed to service quality. Mark has provided Medicare solutions for over 1,100 clients and conducted educational workshops for over 3,000 clients and trusted advisors.
A Brief History of Medicare
In 1965 Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare into law. At that time it included only parts A: Hospital coverage and B: Medical insurance for doctors/all treatment outside the hospital. In 1970 through 1990 under Nixon, Bush, and Clinton, Medicare expanded to include the beginnings of part C: Allowing Americans to receive their Medicare benefits through private managed care companies. In 2003 – 2006 George W. Bush signed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act which introduced Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) and formalized Medicare Advantage plans.
The Basics of Medicare
Your Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A is your hospital coverage and pays for your room and board in the hospital, a skilled nursing facility or hospice care. Medicare Part A is free for most people, as long as you or a spouse have worked at least 10 years in the United States. Medicare Part B is your outpatient coverage and includes doctor visits, lab-work, imaging tests, surgeries, durable medical equipment, and even services like chemotherapy, radiation and dialysis. After a small deductible that you pay once per year, Part B will cover 80% of all these services for you and you pay the 20% coinsurance.
Once you have established Parts A & B, there are two choices available to you: Medicare Advantage plans (also called Medicare Part C) or a Medicare Supplemental plan (MediGap). Consumers are able to choose a private health insurance plan to either replace or supplement their Part B coverage to save money.
Part D is your prescription drug plan and is extremely important to have. This is will allow you to purchase your prescriptions at a much lower price than retail. MediGap plans do not include Part D covering the cost of prescriptions, so you also need to purchase a Part D plan. Check to be sure your medications are included in the Part D plan you choose. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, Part D is already included in your plan.
Medicare Supplemental Plan (MediGap) covers most or all of what Medicare pays. The intention of a MediGap plan is to help cover the 20% of healthcare not covered by Original Medicare. It is simple, can offer the most freedom, and has standard national coverage. You do need to choose from a range of MediGap plans, but once you choose, your plan plan will remain consistent. For example, if you choose Plan N, your plan will have the same coverage no matter where you live in the U.S. However, the companies offering the plan in your area, and the price of coverage will vary.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) are provided by private insurance companies, so there is a good bit of variety among the plans. They typically bundle Hospital, Doctor, and Prescription coverage in one plan. An important difference between Medicare Advantage Plans and MediGap plans is that more Medicare Advantage Plans usually require you to choose doctors who are in-network, while MediGap plans include all doctors who accept Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans differ from one another. Some have higher monthly costs, but low co-pays and lower deductibles, while others may have very low monthly fees, but higher co-pays and deductibles. Pricing and benefits can vary greatly by county! When comparing Medicare Advantage plans, be sure to check that each of your doctors is in the network for the plan you want. Since these plans include a prescription drug plan (Part D), take a good look at their Formulary to see if the medications you need are included and affordable. These plans often offer additional benefits such as gym membership, some vision, hearing or dental benefits, but these may be very limited.
If you are concerned that your coverage is not working as well for you as you think it should be, or you want to learn more and explore your options, you might begin by reviewing how much to utilize your current plan. Do you have a monthly payments? Do you have co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximum? Take a look at what you paid for medical last year and the year before.
Not all Part D plans are the same. The cost of your prescriptions will depend on the pharmacy you use, but what tier your medication is in.
Enrollment Periods
The Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 to December 7. That is the time to really explore your options if you are not satisfied with your current plan. January 1 to March 31 is the Open Enrollment Period when you can change back to your previous plan if you feel you made a mistake with your new plan.
Additional Help Covering Insulin Costs
In 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services introduced the Part D Senior Saving Model, in which Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes would pay no more than $35 per month for needed insulin. In 2022, this model has greatly expanded. In face, every U.S. citizen eligible for Medicare will have the opportunity to participate in this model. You can find a prescription drug plan that participates in the Part D Senior Savings model.
Mark Brownstein and Emerald Medicare
It can be difficult to understand all of the different plans that come with Medicare, but making the right decision is important to saving money and worrying less about your coverage. Contact Emerald Medicare for all your questions about Medicare. There’s absolutely no cost to you for our services. We are paid by the insurance companies, not by our clients. We are local, regional, dedicated licensed insurance agents who understand and educate on Medicare. Our team is here to help. Call 845-358-1220. We are located at 15 North Mill Street in Nyack. Our website is www.emeraldmedicare.com.
A Brief History of Medicare
In 1965 Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare into law. At that time it included only parts A: Hospital coverage and B: Medical insurance for doctors/all treatment outside the hospital. In 1970 through 1990 under Nixon, Bush, and Clinton, Medicare expanded to include the beginnings of part C: Allowing Americans to receive their Medicare benefits through private managed care companies. In 2003 – 2006 George W. Bush signed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act which introduced Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) and formalized Medicare Advantage plans.
The Basics of Medicare
Your Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A is your hospital coverage and pays for your room and board in the hospital, a skilled nursing facility or hospice care. Medicare Part A is free for most people, as long as you or a spouse have worked at least 10 years in the United States. Medicare Part B is your outpatient coverage and includes doctor visits, lab-work, imaging tests, surgeries, durable medical equipment, and even services like chemotherapy, radiation and dialysis. After a small deductible that you pay once per year, Part B will cover 80% of all these services for you and you pay the 20% coinsurance.
Once you have established Parts A & B, there are two choices available to you: Medicare Advantage plans (also called Medicare Part C) or a Medicare Supplemental plan (MediGap). Consumers are able to choose a private health insurance plan to either replace or supplement their Part B coverage to save money.
Part D is your prescription drug plan and is extremely important to have. This is will allow you to purchase your prescriptions at a much lower price than retail. MediGap plans do not include Part D covering the cost of prescriptions, so you also need to purchase a Part D plan. Check to be sure your medications are included in the Part D plan you choose. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, Part D is already included in your plan.
Medicare Supplemental Plan (MediGap) covers most or all of what Medicare pays. The intention of a MediGap plan is to help cover the 20% of healthcare not covered by Original Medicare. It is simple, can offer the most freedom, and has standard national coverage. You do need to choose from a range of MediGap plans, but once you choose, your plan plan will remain consistent. For example, if you choose Plan N, your plan will have the same coverage no matter where you live in the U.S. However, the companies offering the plan in your area, and the price of coverage will vary.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) are provided by private insurance companies, so there is a good bit of variety among the plans. They typically bundle Hospital, Doctor, and Prescription coverage in one plan. An important difference between Medicare Advantage Plans and MediGap plans is that more Medicare Advantage Plans usually require you to choose doctors who are in-network, while MediGap plans include all doctors who accept Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans differ from one another. Some have higher monthly costs, but low co-pays and lower deductibles, while others may have very low monthly fees, but higher co-pays and deductibles. Pricing and benefits can vary greatly by county! When comparing Medicare Advantage plans, be sure to check that each of your doctors is in the network for the plan you want. Since these plans include a prescription drug plan (Part D), take a good look at their Formulary to see if the medications you need are included and affordable. These plans often offer additional benefits such as gym membership, some vision, hearing or dental benefits, but these may be very limited.
If you are concerned that your coverage is not working as well for you as you think it should be, or you want to learn more and explore your options, you might begin by reviewing how much to utilize your current plan. Do you have a monthly payments? Do you have co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximum? Take a look at what you paid for medical last year and the year before.
Not all Part D plans are the same. The cost of your prescriptions will depend on the pharmacy you use, but what tier your medication is in.
Enrollment Periods
The Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 to December 7. That is the time to really explore your options if you are not satisfied with your current plan. January 1 to March 31 is the Open Enrollment Period when you can change back to your previous plan if you feel you made a mistake with your new plan.
Additional Help Covering Insulin Costs
In 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services introduced the Part D Senior Saving Model, in which Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes would pay no more than $35 per month for needed insulin. In 2022, this model has greatly expanded. In face, every U.S. citizen eligible for Medicare will have the opportunity to participate in this model. You can find a prescription drug plan that participates in the Part D Senior Savings model.
Mark Brownstein and Emerald Medicare
It can be difficult to understand all of the different plans that come with Medicare, but making the right decision is important to saving money and worrying less about your coverage. Contact Emerald Medicare for all your questions about Medicare. There’s absolutely no cost to you for our services. We are paid by the insurance companies, not by our clients. We are local, regional, dedicated licensed insurance agents who understand and educate on Medicare. Our team is here to help. Call 845-358-1220. We are located at 15 North Mill Street in Nyack. Our website is www.emeraldmedicare.com.
Aging in Place – Keri Heitzner Sept 23, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Kari Heitzner is the Director of Marketing and Community Relations for Home Helpers Home Care located in Allendale, New Jersey, providing home care throughout Bergen County. She runs a senior movie program in Bergen County, volunteers for Meals on Wheels, and loves to cook. Kari lives in New Jersey with her husband, 2 children and a their dog Kobe. She is also our own Paula Heitzner's daughter-in-law! Kari’s passion is keeping people happy, healthy, safe and independent wherever they call home.
Kari Heitzner
Senior Care Consultant
917-647-7331
__________
Recently AARP found that 87% people over 65 would like to stay in their homes, in their communities, in the place they have lived in for a long time, versus moving into a facility. Our goal as in-home care providers is to educate our clients on the services available to them to make remaining at home a reality for as long as possible.
The goal of home care should be to provide the services you need so that you feel happy, healthy, safe and independent. As you explore home care, keep those goals in mind.
Home care might be something you need for a few days after you come home from the hospital, or you might need home care for a longer term to help you be able to remain in your home. The amount of time needed might be only a few hours a week or it might be that you need 24-hour monitoring. It all depends on your needs and what will make it easier for you to be safe, as independent as possible, and able accomplish daily tasks.
In-home services available
Home care does not provide medical services which can only be offered by a license medical provider. It does provide in-home services for daily living to improve the quality of your life. These services include meal preparation, light cleaning, laundry, errands, personal care needs, transportation and other services customized to your particular needs and situation.
When to look for in-home care
Don’t wait for a crisis to happen. The time to explore in-home care is before you need it! Have a conversation with your family about what option you want to explore. Start slow. First, find the agency you’re comfortable with and trust.
When you connect with an agency, make sure they’re hiring the best caliber of people. Ask about the education requirement for their home care personnel. Ask about their retention rate. What services do they offer? You want to find an agency that you feel safe and confident so when you need assistance, you know who to call.
In-home care is patient centered
The care plans, schedules, and care needs should be tailored to the individual and can change as their needs change. In-home care needs to be flexible so that care can increase or decrease at any time.
Other ways to stay safe at home
Personal emergency response systems (PERS) provide caregivers and people peace of mind. These are the devices you can wear on your wrist or around your neck that connect to someone who can help you. They are non-invasive and can work anywhere. These devices are worn around your neck on a pendant, or on your wrist. They range in price from $20 a month and up. For less than a dollar a day, you have the peace of mind that someone is there at all times. Whether you don’t feel well, you are scared, or you need emergency assistance, a live person is there at a push of a button.
Medication reminders
Many people use manual medication reminders such as pill boxes with separate spaces for each day of the week. If you need more assistance to help you remember your medications, you might try an electronic device with a timer that will remind you. Explore your options. Some can be programmed to deliver the right medications at the right time.
Home modification
There are many modifications to make aging in place successful and safe. Make home modifications such as installing grab bars in the tub and shower areas; adding railings along steps outside your door; adding a transfer tension pole next to the bed to make it easier to get out of bed; installing ramps; widening doorways if you need space for a wheelchair to pass through easily; installing stair lifts if climbing stairs becomes too challenging. The modifications you need may change of time, but you want to stay a bit ahead of your needs.
During the question and answer period, Kari was asked if staffing levels for home care are still challenging as they had been since the start of Covid. Kari said that they have eased, and more people are coming into work in home care.
There is a wide range in the cost and quality of assisted living. You should not feel that you need to go through the maze of looking for care on your own.
Alternatives to Aging at Home
David Stanberg
David Stanberg is the owner of Senior Care Authority of New Jersey and of Rockland. After helping his own parents find the care that they needed, he was motivated to find a way to help others find the best care to match their needs.
David Stamberg
Senior Care Authority
(201) 564-7997
(201 581-7847
David spoke with us about how to manage the maze of choosing independent living, assisted living, or memory care. Independent living can be helpful for people who want to be part of a continuous care community, as well as benefit from educational programs and enjoy social activities. Assisted living provides three meals, cleaning, help with activities of daily living, and rehabilitation programs. Individuals are assessed before they come in to the facility to see if the level of serves provided will meet their needs. Over time the level of serves may change; some people improve with physical therapy and other rehab services, while other may have increased needs for services over time. Memory Care is for people with various forms of dementia who wander off, or for a range of reasons, are no longer able to live at home or in assisted living.
He explained that the laws governing care after hospitalization are different in New York than they are in New Jersey. In New York, if you have a high need, you must be in a nursing home. New Jersey has more flexibility, and often the rules around skilled nursing in New Jersey are better for patients than the rules in New York.
David's mission is to help us navigate our way through the maze of decisions. Like Kari, David urged us not to wait until there is a crisis to learn what options are available to us. His company, Senior Care Authority of Rockland, helps families made decisions about assisted living or other care options. The consultation is free. David and his colleagues are paid a referral fee by the communities and care homes, so the service is free to the client. For more information about services, see their website: www.seniorcareauthority.com
Kari Heitzner
Senior Care Consultant
917-647-7331
__________
Recently AARP found that 87% people over 65 would like to stay in their homes, in their communities, in the place they have lived in for a long time, versus moving into a facility. Our goal as in-home care providers is to educate our clients on the services available to them to make remaining at home a reality for as long as possible.
The goal of home care should be to provide the services you need so that you feel happy, healthy, safe and independent. As you explore home care, keep those goals in mind.
Home care might be something you need for a few days after you come home from the hospital, or you might need home care for a longer term to help you be able to remain in your home. The amount of time needed might be only a few hours a week or it might be that you need 24-hour monitoring. It all depends on your needs and what will make it easier for you to be safe, as independent as possible, and able accomplish daily tasks.
In-home services available
Home care does not provide medical services which can only be offered by a license medical provider. It does provide in-home services for daily living to improve the quality of your life. These services include meal preparation, light cleaning, laundry, errands, personal care needs, transportation and other services customized to your particular needs and situation.
When to look for in-home care
Don’t wait for a crisis to happen. The time to explore in-home care is before you need it! Have a conversation with your family about what option you want to explore. Start slow. First, find the agency you’re comfortable with and trust.
When you connect with an agency, make sure they’re hiring the best caliber of people. Ask about the education requirement for their home care personnel. Ask about their retention rate. What services do they offer? You want to find an agency that you feel safe and confident so when you need assistance, you know who to call.
In-home care is patient centered
The care plans, schedules, and care needs should be tailored to the individual and can change as their needs change. In-home care needs to be flexible so that care can increase or decrease at any time.
Other ways to stay safe at home
Personal emergency response systems (PERS) provide caregivers and people peace of mind. These are the devices you can wear on your wrist or around your neck that connect to someone who can help you. They are non-invasive and can work anywhere. These devices are worn around your neck on a pendant, or on your wrist. They range in price from $20 a month and up. For less than a dollar a day, you have the peace of mind that someone is there at all times. Whether you don’t feel well, you are scared, or you need emergency assistance, a live person is there at a push of a button.
Medication reminders
Many people use manual medication reminders such as pill boxes with separate spaces for each day of the week. If you need more assistance to help you remember your medications, you might try an electronic device with a timer that will remind you. Explore your options. Some can be programmed to deliver the right medications at the right time.
Home modification
There are many modifications to make aging in place successful and safe. Make home modifications such as installing grab bars in the tub and shower areas; adding railings along steps outside your door; adding a transfer tension pole next to the bed to make it easier to get out of bed; installing ramps; widening doorways if you need space for a wheelchair to pass through easily; installing stair lifts if climbing stairs becomes too challenging. The modifications you need may change of time, but you want to stay a bit ahead of your needs.
During the question and answer period, Kari was asked if staffing levels for home care are still challenging as they had been since the start of Covid. Kari said that they have eased, and more people are coming into work in home care.
There is a wide range in the cost and quality of assisted living. You should not feel that you need to go through the maze of looking for care on your own.
Alternatives to Aging at Home
David Stanberg
David Stanberg is the owner of Senior Care Authority of New Jersey and of Rockland. After helping his own parents find the care that they needed, he was motivated to find a way to help others find the best care to match their needs.
David Stamberg
Senior Care Authority
(201) 564-7997
(201 581-7847
David spoke with us about how to manage the maze of choosing independent living, assisted living, or memory care. Independent living can be helpful for people who want to be part of a continuous care community, as well as benefit from educational programs and enjoy social activities. Assisted living provides three meals, cleaning, help with activities of daily living, and rehabilitation programs. Individuals are assessed before they come in to the facility to see if the level of serves provided will meet their needs. Over time the level of serves may change; some people improve with physical therapy and other rehab services, while other may have increased needs for services over time. Memory Care is for people with various forms of dementia who wander off, or for a range of reasons, are no longer able to live at home or in assisted living.
He explained that the laws governing care after hospitalization are different in New York than they are in New Jersey. In New York, if you have a high need, you must be in a nursing home. New Jersey has more flexibility, and often the rules around skilled nursing in New Jersey are better for patients than the rules in New York.
David's mission is to help us navigate our way through the maze of decisions. Like Kari, David urged us not to wait until there is a crisis to learn what options are available to us. His company, Senior Care Authority of Rockland, helps families made decisions about assisted living or other care options. The consultation is free. David and his colleagues are paid a referral fee by the communities and care homes, so the service is free to the client. For more information about services, see their website: www.seniorcareauthority.com
Annual Meeting 2022 Sept 23, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Today was our fifth Annual Meeting! We began the program by presenting a donation of $500 to Edward Falcone, the Interim Director of the Nyack Library. Through the years the library has very generously allowed us to hold our meeting in the Community Room, and in return, we hope that our members will patronize the library and its events throughout the year. We are so grateful for this partnership and for all the wonderful people who work at the library who have been so supportive of us over the years!
Report of the Chair
Ann Morgan
Creative Aging in Nyack began in 2017 when a few of us gathered together because we all wanted to think deeply with each other about how we age in place. We felt that these years after retirement could be some of the best years of our lives. We wanted to live in the homes of our own choosing for as long as we could, and we wanted to see what we could do to have healthy, full lives. We wanted to turn the stereotype about aging on its head. Since we were all traveling along the same path of aging, we decided we wanted to be together on that journey.
Together we voted on a name for our group, we became incorporated as a nonprofit organization, and we created our mission statement:
Creative Aging in Nyack is a grassroots organization open to people 60 and older living in the 10960 zip code who want to lead vital, meaningful lives in our homes and community as we age. We share information and provide opportunities for social connections, volunteer services and support for our mutual benefit, so we may continue to learn, interact and contribute as we grow older.
That mission statement continues to shape everything that we do.
We are an all-volunteer organization and we all do the best we can to serve the members of Creative Aging in Nyack. You will hear more about what our volunteers do later today.
Board of Directors
Creative Aging in Nyack is led by our Board of Directors. We meet every month to think about all of you and how we can serve you. We discuss and decide policies based on our mission statement and our bylaws, review new ideas, and support the work of the standing committees. The Board members are motivated by a desire to have policies that serve the interests of all our members, and to move forward with positive, constructive plans and initiatives.
I want to thank the people who serve on the Board of Directors.
Debra Banks is our Secretary. She keeps track of everything the Board of Directors does, and that is no small task. She is a wonderful writer, and does a great job recording the minutes of our meetings. I appreciate her insights and her ability to convey the central points of our discussions.
Regina Kelly is our Treasurer. She keeps track of our money as it goes into and comes out of our bank account, and she creates clear monthly reports for us. She is also a fine thinker and is the key person to develop our annual budget.
Mary Loughran heads the Medical Volunteers and Certified Drivers. She works hard, and has a warm and willing heart. This year she did extensive research for us about local home care agencies, and that information is now available on our website.
Mary Mathews could not be with us today. Mary is Chair of the Membership Team and of the CAN Do Volunteers who offer to help our members in supportive, neighborly ways. Mary is creative, generous, and a wonderful colleague to us all.
Phyllis Eisenberg is our Director at Large, meaning that she is not in charge of any particular area. She is a wise woman who knows a great deal about how to keep organizations running smoothly. Her experience with nonprofit organizations is very valuable to the work of Creative Aging in Nyack.
I saved Susanna Willingham for last because she has chosen to step down from the Board as of today. Susanna is the Associate Chair. Susanna has chosen to step down from the Board after today. She was first elected in 2018, but really, she was there with me from the start in 2017, sharing her knowledge of incorporation and of becoming a nonprofit organization. She has been a wonderful colleague and has given generously of her time, creativity and support. I then presented her with a certificate of deepest appreciation.
Update on Membership
Some of our members left CAN this year because they moved out of the area or because the priorities in their lives meant they could not participate in CAN in the way they wished. But, as you know, our dear, joyful Carol Baretz died this year, and we still fee her loss.
They are:
Ellen Belitsky
Diane Deveau
Rita Falasca
Vicki Fiarman
Doug Kreeger
Wendy Kreeger
Dori LeCroy
Maureen Lester
Merrie Robin Monroe
Rochelle Musinger
Pat Opia
Janice Perlman
Maureen Rawding
Barbara Rosin
Jane Seamon
Marion Shaw
Britta Voss
Barbara Wright
We welcome you all! We are so glad you are now part of Creative Aging in Nyack!
Report of the Program Team
Rosemary Amabile
During the past year, our programs have reflected the key elements of our mission statement. As a new member of the planning team, I was impressed by the extensive involvement of the membership. More than half of the programs included our members who shared their talents, knowledge and creativity. In addition, we arranged for professionals from Nyack to provide interesting and important information.
In total there were 22 meetings; most in the library, and the rest on Zoom. Most of the programs focused on “ways we can help ourselves.” Some programs highlighted “things that brought us joy and creativity” and “how we can engage with our community.” Other presentations informed us about “services that are helpful to seniors.” Our Town Hall Meetings and today’s gathering help us “reflect on who we are as a group and what we want to accomplish.”
It is important to stress the valuable participation of our membership in last year’s remarkable and varied programs. Here is a sample: Many members participated in A Winter Solstice which was organized by Susanna Willingham. Marti Gabriel gave a beneficial presentation on Elder Fraud. Lee Temsky coordinated two special programs. First, members displayed and discussed their creative works of art via Zoom. Then in the library in April, a diverse and entertaining Performing Arts program was given by a number of our talented members. Another group of members shared their experiences with local volunteering opportunities. Paula Heitzner provided a Chair Yoga program. Two informative panels were given by members; one on Environmental Concerns and another on Hospice: A Team Approach.
I am a relatively new member of CAN and have only been on the Program Team for one year. My short time planning programs has been a learning experience and, like you, I have benefited from the programs. I am honored to be on this Team. Now I would like to recognize the team members and ask them to stand when I say their name. Ann Morgan, who guides us as Chair of CAN, Kate Dash, our secretary, Lee Temsky, our longest serving member, Marti Gabriel and our newest member, Jan Jason (who unfortunately is unable to join us today).*
Finally, during our planning sessions, we try to select programs which will benefit us all to achieve our goal of assisting each other so we are able to age in place while living vibrantly. We welcome your suggestions to help us develop programs because you are the Creative force of CAN. Thank you for your amazing contributions!
2022 Medical Volunteers and Certified Drivers Report
Mary Loughran
Creative Aging in Nyack is not only a very special all-volunteer organization but an incredibly well-run and super organized organization whose members really care for one another.
I am very proud to oversee two areas. First, I am the Chair for the Medical Volunteers which consists of the Care Coordinators and the Care Specialists, and second, the Certified Drivers.
This year, we received more requests than last year as COVID-19 is easing up a bit. Some examples of this assistance included taking a member to the ER, and helping a member when there was a huge plumbing disaster in her home. Many visits and follow up calls ensued. Another CAN member whose Care Specialist was Susan Travis. Susan supervised her needs for 3 months, but her situation still warranted continuing care. In the past, Creative Aging had limited the time a member could receive help from the Care Team to 3 month. This year, the Board voted to allow extensions on a month to month basis.
This year we revised the CAN Volunteer Handbook, which is now designed for both members and Volunteers. In addition, this team suggested “Can Do Cooks” which is now being supervised by Mary Mathews. Help in Medical Situations by Volunteer Specialists was also updated. At the request of the Board of Directors, I researched home healthcare agencies in our area. The resulting document, Caring for an Individual at Home, was approved by the Board and is now on our website. Members can access the article by logging into their CAN website accounts, and selecting the Table of Contents.
A special thanks to all of the Care Specialists who have been serving this year: Dorothy Whitton, Marie Thorpe, Gail Monaco, Susan Travis, Jane Berkowicz and Joan Golden. Thanks also to prior Care Specialists Nancy Waack, Anna Perry & Nora Olson. And of course, a special “shout out” to our Care Coordinators: Dorothy Whitton and Marie Thorpe.
Now, I would like to speak for a moment about our wonderful certified drivers. Donna Nye, who keeps track for us, recorded twenty-one trips. These trips include the following: picking up medications and or food, grocery shopping, P.T., MRI, MD, Eye & Surgical appointments, picking up a car at the auto shop, going to the V.A., and going to the Office of the Aging and cup of tea visits.
So, I would like to heartily thank the following drivers: Nora Olsen, Denise Hogan, Sandy Davis Pohl, Mary Mathews, Rosa Hudson, Tom Willingham, Larry Thorpe, Dorothy Whitton and Jane Berkowicz, and Gabri’El Stollman.
A formal thank you to all of our Certified Drivers was sent in April via email celebrating their compassion, energy and time. In addition to our Certified Drivers, the Office of the Aging has recently offered free taxi cab services to seniors if they get an ID card from their office and notify them 2 days in advance of their driving needs.
We revised our COVID-19 statement form of understanding in March, along with Guidelines for Certified Drivers.
Report of the Non-Medical (CAN Do) Volunteers and Membership Team
Mary Mathews, Chair
CAN Do Volunteers.
A group of CAN Do Volunteers provided cookies for our Winter Solstice Celebration in December. I am reluctant to name them for fear of missing some but here goes: Thank you to Mary Borkovitz, Rosa Hudson, Sherry Jackson, Diana Kriz, Sally Savage, Marie Thorpe and a huge thank you to Susanna Willingham who gave over her dining room to the rather large task of putting hundreds of goodies into small bags for our members to enjoy.
In February a new volunteer group was formed – the CAN Do Cooks – to provide meals for members who are home bound because of illness or other medical conditions. Eleven of our members promptly volunteered, and they were put to work almost immediately to help members in need.
In the spring as the threat of COVID seemed to be receding, a Volunteering Opportunities Assessment was sent out. Anyone who had signed up for any of the non-medical services that Creative Aging offers to its members were asked if they would like to continue with the activity or activities for which they had volunteered. The list of volunteers was adjusted accordingly, but most members kept their initial choices.
Membership Team.
The Membership Team consists of: Jane Berkowitz, Sandy Davis-Pohl, Denise Hogan, and Sally Minniefield. It is Co-chaired by Marie Thorpe and Mary Mathews and advised by Ann Morgan.
In December 2021 we received a request for Creative Aging members to visit one of our home bound members. Sally Minniefield took on the task of scheduling and coordinating these visits. They continue to this day thanks to our many “Friendly visit/ Cuppa Tea” volunteers and to Sally’s continued care and participation.
In January 2022 the team, under the guidance of Ann Morgan, put together a brochure for new members. It describes the mission statement of CAN, the many benefits of membership, and important contact information for both medical situations and non-medical services. The brochure has been given to every person who has joined since January first. If any member would like a copy of the brochure, just let me know. [Note from Ann: Mary Mathews has been too modest here. She was the one to initiate the idea of the brochure, and she created its design.]
Our Small Groups Coordinator, Norma Wirkowski, has assisted in the formation of a couple of new groups: The Shared Entertainment Group, and the Play Reading Group. These are added to the existing Walking and Lunch Groups and Potluck Meals. It must be noted that all of our groups were conceived and are headed by energetic and creative CAN members: Dorothy Whitton, Marie and Larry Thorpe, Janice Cohen, Jane Berkowicz, Maxine Bernstein, and Leontine Temsky, In addition Honey Jacobs and Mary Borkovitz started and lead the Book Group which went on hiatus for the summer. We are looking forward to the Book Group REFRESH soon! With the active participation of dozens of interested CAN members, our groups should continue and thrive.
In addition to her activities with the Play Reading Group and SEG, Jane Berkowicz coordinates the Potluck meals.
In March new members were invited to sit with the Membership Team at CAN’s meetings in the library. This personal contact furthered friendships that were kindled on our initial phone and email conversations with each new member. Everyone on the Membership Team participates in New Member Outreach.
We took New Member Outreach one step further in August when all who were new to CAN were invited to an orientation program. Members of the board as well as Care Coordinators and the Membership Team participated. This program was so well received that should we have another orientation, the entire membership will be advised and are welcome if they feel the need of a Creative Aging refresh.
Presentation of the 2023 budget
Regina Kelly then presented the 2023 budget. I am not including it here in because it was in the last issue of The Notes. The membership voted to approve a budget of $7,500 for 2023, with a one-time reduction in annual dues from $80 to $50. The proposed budget passed unanimously.
Election of Officers and Directors
The membership voted for three candidates. Ann Morgan was running for her third term as Chair of Creative Aging in Nyack. Mary Loughran was running for her second term as Chair of Medical Volunteers and Certified Drivers.Mary Mathews was running for her second term as Chair of Non-Medical (CAN Do) Volunteers and the Membership Team. All three were elected unanimously.
Our thanks to Susan Beckwith and Denise Hogan for collecting the ballots and tabulating the results.
Slide Show of our Members
Susanna Willingham then presented a delightful slide-show she had created from photos of CAN members that people had submitted to her. Thank you, Susanna, for that wonderful visual tribute to our members!
Thank you!
Our deepest thanks to everyone who participated in the meeting today, or who volunteered or helped out in any way with Creative Aging throughout the year. Creative Aging does not happen by magic. It continues to thrive because of the willingness of our members to contributions their time, kindness, creativity, talents, skills, and wish to connect. If you are interested in becoming more involved, contact me or any of chairs of our standing committees. We would love to hear from you!
Report of the Chair
Ann Morgan
Creative Aging in Nyack began in 2017 when a few of us gathered together because we all wanted to think deeply with each other about how we age in place. We felt that these years after retirement could be some of the best years of our lives. We wanted to live in the homes of our own choosing for as long as we could, and we wanted to see what we could do to have healthy, full lives. We wanted to turn the stereotype about aging on its head. Since we were all traveling along the same path of aging, we decided we wanted to be together on that journey.
Together we voted on a name for our group, we became incorporated as a nonprofit organization, and we created our mission statement:
Creative Aging in Nyack is a grassroots organization open to people 60 and older living in the 10960 zip code who want to lead vital, meaningful lives in our homes and community as we age. We share information and provide opportunities for social connections, volunteer services and support for our mutual benefit, so we may continue to learn, interact and contribute as we grow older.
That mission statement continues to shape everything that we do.
We are an all-volunteer organization and we all do the best we can to serve the members of Creative Aging in Nyack. You will hear more about what our volunteers do later today.
Board of Directors
Creative Aging in Nyack is led by our Board of Directors. We meet every month to think about all of you and how we can serve you. We discuss and decide policies based on our mission statement and our bylaws, review new ideas, and support the work of the standing committees. The Board members are motivated by a desire to have policies that serve the interests of all our members, and to move forward with positive, constructive plans and initiatives.
I want to thank the people who serve on the Board of Directors.
Debra Banks is our Secretary. She keeps track of everything the Board of Directors does, and that is no small task. She is a wonderful writer, and does a great job recording the minutes of our meetings. I appreciate her insights and her ability to convey the central points of our discussions.
Regina Kelly is our Treasurer. She keeps track of our money as it goes into and comes out of our bank account, and she creates clear monthly reports for us. She is also a fine thinker and is the key person to develop our annual budget.
Mary Loughran heads the Medical Volunteers and Certified Drivers. She works hard, and has a warm and willing heart. This year she did extensive research for us about local home care agencies, and that information is now available on our website.
Mary Mathews could not be with us today. Mary is Chair of the Membership Team and of the CAN Do Volunteers who offer to help our members in supportive, neighborly ways. Mary is creative, generous, and a wonderful colleague to us all.
Phyllis Eisenberg is our Director at Large, meaning that she is not in charge of any particular area. She is a wise woman who knows a great deal about how to keep organizations running smoothly. Her experience with nonprofit organizations is very valuable to the work of Creative Aging in Nyack.
I saved Susanna Willingham for last because she has chosen to step down from the Board as of today. Susanna is the Associate Chair. Susanna has chosen to step down from the Board after today. She was first elected in 2018, but really, she was there with me from the start in 2017, sharing her knowledge of incorporation and of becoming a nonprofit organization. She has been a wonderful colleague and has given generously of her time, creativity and support. I then presented her with a certificate of deepest appreciation.
Update on Membership
Some of our members left CAN this year because they moved out of the area or because the priorities in their lives meant they could not participate in CAN in the way they wished. But, as you know, our dear, joyful Carol Baretz died this year, and we still fee her loss.
They are:
Ellen Belitsky
Diane Deveau
Rita Falasca
Vicki Fiarman
Doug Kreeger
Wendy Kreeger
Dori LeCroy
Maureen Lester
Merrie Robin Monroe
Rochelle Musinger
Pat Opia
Janice Perlman
Maureen Rawding
Barbara Rosin
Jane Seamon
Marion Shaw
Britta Voss
Barbara Wright
We welcome you all! We are so glad you are now part of Creative Aging in Nyack!
Report of the Program Team
Rosemary Amabile
During the past year, our programs have reflected the key elements of our mission statement. As a new member of the planning team, I was impressed by the extensive involvement of the membership. More than half of the programs included our members who shared their talents, knowledge and creativity. In addition, we arranged for professionals from Nyack to provide interesting and important information.
In total there were 22 meetings; most in the library, and the rest on Zoom. Most of the programs focused on “ways we can help ourselves.” Some programs highlighted “things that brought us joy and creativity” and “how we can engage with our community.” Other presentations informed us about “services that are helpful to seniors.” Our Town Hall Meetings and today’s gathering help us “reflect on who we are as a group and what we want to accomplish.”
It is important to stress the valuable participation of our membership in last year’s remarkable and varied programs. Here is a sample: Many members participated in A Winter Solstice which was organized by Susanna Willingham. Marti Gabriel gave a beneficial presentation on Elder Fraud. Lee Temsky coordinated two special programs. First, members displayed and discussed their creative works of art via Zoom. Then in the library in April, a diverse and entertaining Performing Arts program was given by a number of our talented members. Another group of members shared their experiences with local volunteering opportunities. Paula Heitzner provided a Chair Yoga program. Two informative panels were given by members; one on Environmental Concerns and another on Hospice: A Team Approach.
I am a relatively new member of CAN and have only been on the Program Team for one year. My short time planning programs has been a learning experience and, like you, I have benefited from the programs. I am honored to be on this Team. Now I would like to recognize the team members and ask them to stand when I say their name. Ann Morgan, who guides us as Chair of CAN, Kate Dash, our secretary, Lee Temsky, our longest serving member, Marti Gabriel and our newest member, Jan Jason (who unfortunately is unable to join us today).*
Finally, during our planning sessions, we try to select programs which will benefit us all to achieve our goal of assisting each other so we are able to age in place while living vibrantly. We welcome your suggestions to help us develop programs because you are the Creative force of CAN. Thank you for your amazing contributions!
2022 Medical Volunteers and Certified Drivers Report
Mary Loughran
Creative Aging in Nyack is not only a very special all-volunteer organization but an incredibly well-run and super organized organization whose members really care for one another.
I am very proud to oversee two areas. First, I am the Chair for the Medical Volunteers which consists of the Care Coordinators and the Care Specialists, and second, the Certified Drivers.
This year, we received more requests than last year as COVID-19 is easing up a bit. Some examples of this assistance included taking a member to the ER, and helping a member when there was a huge plumbing disaster in her home. Many visits and follow up calls ensued. Another CAN member whose Care Specialist was Susan Travis. Susan supervised her needs for 3 months, but her situation still warranted continuing care. In the past, Creative Aging had limited the time a member could receive help from the Care Team to 3 month. This year, the Board voted to allow extensions on a month to month basis.
This year we revised the CAN Volunteer Handbook, which is now designed for both members and Volunteers. In addition, this team suggested “Can Do Cooks” which is now being supervised by Mary Mathews. Help in Medical Situations by Volunteer Specialists was also updated. At the request of the Board of Directors, I researched home healthcare agencies in our area. The resulting document, Caring for an Individual at Home, was approved by the Board and is now on our website. Members can access the article by logging into their CAN website accounts, and selecting the Table of Contents.
A special thanks to all of the Care Specialists who have been serving this year: Dorothy Whitton, Marie Thorpe, Gail Monaco, Susan Travis, Jane Berkowicz and Joan Golden. Thanks also to prior Care Specialists Nancy Waack, Anna Perry & Nora Olson. And of course, a special “shout out” to our Care Coordinators: Dorothy Whitton and Marie Thorpe.
Now, I would like to speak for a moment about our wonderful certified drivers. Donna Nye, who keeps track for us, recorded twenty-one trips. These trips include the following: picking up medications and or food, grocery shopping, P.T., MRI, MD, Eye & Surgical appointments, picking up a car at the auto shop, going to the V.A., and going to the Office of the Aging and cup of tea visits.
So, I would like to heartily thank the following drivers: Nora Olsen, Denise Hogan, Sandy Davis Pohl, Mary Mathews, Rosa Hudson, Tom Willingham, Larry Thorpe, Dorothy Whitton and Jane Berkowicz, and Gabri’El Stollman.
A formal thank you to all of our Certified Drivers was sent in April via email celebrating their compassion, energy and time. In addition to our Certified Drivers, the Office of the Aging has recently offered free taxi cab services to seniors if they get an ID card from their office and notify them 2 days in advance of their driving needs.
We revised our COVID-19 statement form of understanding in March, along with Guidelines for Certified Drivers.
Report of the Non-Medical (CAN Do) Volunteers and Membership Team
Mary Mathews, Chair
CAN Do Volunteers.
A group of CAN Do Volunteers provided cookies for our Winter Solstice Celebration in December. I am reluctant to name them for fear of missing some but here goes: Thank you to Mary Borkovitz, Rosa Hudson, Sherry Jackson, Diana Kriz, Sally Savage, Marie Thorpe and a huge thank you to Susanna Willingham who gave over her dining room to the rather large task of putting hundreds of goodies into small bags for our members to enjoy.
In February a new volunteer group was formed – the CAN Do Cooks – to provide meals for members who are home bound because of illness or other medical conditions. Eleven of our members promptly volunteered, and they were put to work almost immediately to help members in need.
In the spring as the threat of COVID seemed to be receding, a Volunteering Opportunities Assessment was sent out. Anyone who had signed up for any of the non-medical services that Creative Aging offers to its members were asked if they would like to continue with the activity or activities for which they had volunteered. The list of volunteers was adjusted accordingly, but most members kept their initial choices.
Membership Team.
The Membership Team consists of: Jane Berkowitz, Sandy Davis-Pohl, Denise Hogan, and Sally Minniefield. It is Co-chaired by Marie Thorpe and Mary Mathews and advised by Ann Morgan.
In December 2021 we received a request for Creative Aging members to visit one of our home bound members. Sally Minniefield took on the task of scheduling and coordinating these visits. They continue to this day thanks to our many “Friendly visit/ Cuppa Tea” volunteers and to Sally’s continued care and participation.
In January 2022 the team, under the guidance of Ann Morgan, put together a brochure for new members. It describes the mission statement of CAN, the many benefits of membership, and important contact information for both medical situations and non-medical services. The brochure has been given to every person who has joined since January first. If any member would like a copy of the brochure, just let me know. [Note from Ann: Mary Mathews has been too modest here. She was the one to initiate the idea of the brochure, and she created its design.]
Our Small Groups Coordinator, Norma Wirkowski, has assisted in the formation of a couple of new groups: The Shared Entertainment Group, and the Play Reading Group. These are added to the existing Walking and Lunch Groups and Potluck Meals. It must be noted that all of our groups were conceived and are headed by energetic and creative CAN members: Dorothy Whitton, Marie and Larry Thorpe, Janice Cohen, Jane Berkowicz, Maxine Bernstein, and Leontine Temsky, In addition Honey Jacobs and Mary Borkovitz started and lead the Book Group which went on hiatus for the summer. We are looking forward to the Book Group REFRESH soon! With the active participation of dozens of interested CAN members, our groups should continue and thrive.
In addition to her activities with the Play Reading Group and SEG, Jane Berkowicz coordinates the Potluck meals.
In March new members were invited to sit with the Membership Team at CAN’s meetings in the library. This personal contact furthered friendships that were kindled on our initial phone and email conversations with each new member. Everyone on the Membership Team participates in New Member Outreach.
We took New Member Outreach one step further in August when all who were new to CAN were invited to an orientation program. Members of the board as well as Care Coordinators and the Membership Team participated. This program was so well received that should we have another orientation, the entire membership will be advised and are welcome if they feel the need of a Creative Aging refresh.
Presentation of the 2023 budget
Regina Kelly then presented the 2023 budget. I am not including it here in because it was in the last issue of The Notes. The membership voted to approve a budget of $7,500 for 2023, with a one-time reduction in annual dues from $80 to $50. The proposed budget passed unanimously.
Election of Officers and Directors
The membership voted for three candidates. Ann Morgan was running for her third term as Chair of Creative Aging in Nyack. Mary Loughran was running for her second term as Chair of Medical Volunteers and Certified Drivers.Mary Mathews was running for her second term as Chair of Non-Medical (CAN Do) Volunteers and the Membership Team. All three were elected unanimously.
Our thanks to Susan Beckwith and Denise Hogan for collecting the ballots and tabulating the results.
Slide Show of our Members
Susanna Willingham then presented a delightful slide-show she had created from photos of CAN members that people had submitted to her. Thank you, Susanna, for that wonderful visual tribute to our members!
Thank you!
Our deepest thanks to everyone who participated in the meeting today, or who volunteered or helped out in any way with Creative Aging throughout the year. Creative Aging does not happen by magic. It continues to thrive because of the willingness of our members to contributions their time, kindness, creativity, talents, skills, and wish to connect. If you are interested in becoming more involved, contact me or any of chairs of our standing committees. We would love to hear from you!
The History of the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center Oct 21, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Tony Stimac
In 1983, I founded and was the Artistic Director of a not-for-profit theatre company in New York City called Musical Theatre Works. It was devoted to developing new musicals and new writers for the musical theatre. Audrey Leeds, one of my board members, said she was also on the board of the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center. She asked if I would be willing to meet with their board President, a man named Walter LeCroy. Walter and his fellow board members had been struggling for 17 years to revive the Tappan Zee Playhouse. Our first meeting went well and we continued to meet off and on for the next several months. At our last meeting Walter asked if I would be willing to take on the job of getting the theatre open. I agreed.
At the time, The Helen Hayes had no money in the bank and the Tappan Zee Playhouse had been partially destroyed in a fire and had suffered terribly from the weather.
Walter asked me, “Given our situation is there anything we can do to go forward?"
"Well, there is one thing we could do. We could choose three shows for a fall season. Send out a brochure and use the money from the subscriptions to start the project.”
With a gleam of hope in his eye he asked, “Is that legal?”
“It is if you do the shows.”
“What if you don’t do the shows?”
“Then you have to give the money back.”
“What about a theatre?”
“We’ll rent a high school auditorium.”
Entrepreneur that he was, Walter felt he had met a kindred spirit. He asked what return we could expect from the subscription mailing. I told him, “If we send out a million pieces of mail, we can expect a 1% return. That would be 10,000 subscriptions at $25 dollars each or about $250,000. But most subscriptions come in two’s so we only have to make 5000 sales.”
I was fairly certain that when the community actually saw something happening, they would rally and they did. I chose a three-play fall season, Abyssinia, an original musical. The entire cast was African American, sending a message that we were going to do shows that took risks. The other two shows were Angel Street and Forever Plaid a world-beater in regional theatre.
Walter paid for the printing. Marcia Glasser and her husband Marty owned a mailing house and contributed the cost of getting the lists, sorting and mailing them. The brochures went out and we got back $250,000. Now we had some money in the bank and a season. One day, one of our board members, Joe Lagana, came into my office and informed me that the local movie theatre was closing its doors. He asked me to look at it to see if it could be turned into a legitimate theatre. Our small, but intrepid staff, trouped up the street to see our possible new home.
It had no stage and no dressing rooms but it had 600 seats and loads of parking. The building had the additional advantage of having eight store fronts we could rent out to cover the cost of the theatre. Joe negotiated a long-term lease and we had a home.
By now, it was April, and we intended to open the following September. Our lease called for us to take over the property July 1st. We needed to start planning the renovations if we were to finish on time.
We put out the word we were looking for a General Contractor to do the work. In early May, I met with a man named Max Jacobs. He ran a small local contracting firm. We met for coffee at the Runcible Spoon, and he asked to see our plans. I pulled out a sheet of paper on which I had scribbled a sketch of the stage and dressing rooms.
He laughed, “These are the plans.”
“Yes.”
“Where are the drawings?”
“Well, we still have to create them.”
Perhaps because it was such a ludicrous prospect, Max said he would do it, and offered to contribute his services. Of course, we had to pay his crew.
Next, I went to a local architect, who was also a board member, Saul Silverman. With my sketch in hand, he drew plans and got all the local permits. This was easier than usual as the then Mayor, Terry Hekker, the head of the Chamber of Commerce Chuck Smith and most of the town Councilmen were solidly behind the project.
We got the keys on July 1st and that afternoon demolition began. The next 88 days were an absolute whirlwind of one miracle after another. We promoted over $750,000 worth of goods and services. Paint, lumber, hardware, sheet rock, steel, glass, tile, doors, mirrors, costume racks, labor, office equipment, carpeting, lighting and sound equipment all arrived as we needed them.
We had two mini front-end loaders digging out the orchestra pit and running up and down the aisles taking dirt out to the parking lot. One terrible day we found that a stream was running directly under the orchestra pit so we had to promote a large industrial sump pump to make sure the pit didn’t flood when it rained—and it did. Board members came in daily to see that after 17 years, they were finally going to have a theatre.
The days rushed by in a blur. As the deadline to complete the Helen Hayes approached, the crews had to work longer and longer hours. In addition to gutting and renovating the theatre we also had to build dressing rooms renovate the lobby build a box office, install new electrical service, and re-tar the roof. All of this while we were rehearsing our first show – and because we were a professional theatre, we also had to negotiate contracts with Actor’s Equity the actor’s union, the Musicians Union, USA the designer’s union, and SDC the director’s union, not to mention, build the sets lights, props and costumes and install the lighting and sound equipment for our first show and plan and prepare our opening night Gala. That all happened in 88 days. I have no idea what possessed any of us. Finally, the theatre was finished and we began to load in the sets and lights. When the first show came in to tech, the actors had to wear dust masks.
When opening night arrived, the paint on the walls was still wet. We had tented over the parking lot in front of the theatre and 600 people in black tie arrived for the event. Of course, it poured rain and everyone’s shoes were wet, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. The cast and the show received a standing ovation. Abyssinia was the story of triumph over tragedy set to rousing gospel music and the audience loved it.
Helen Hayes the First Lady of the American Theatre had said, “I always hoped to have a little theatre in Nyack named after me” and that night she got her wish. I had found a poem she recorded about planting a seed, which grew into a beautiful tree, and we played it for the audience. As her voice rang out in their new theatre tears were coming down the faces of many of the audience. It was a night to remember.
A fully professional, year-round performing arts center burst into being in September of 1996. It presented seven productions, sold a million dollars, worth of tickets, raised over half a million dollars, attracted over 75,000 people and to top things off, presented 31 different events in 31 days in August. We closed that season with an original musical, Topper.
The Second Season 1997/98 was financially successful due to stars in almost every show. The biggest hit of the season was Eleanor starring Jean Stapleton. We sold out the entire run. We followed that up with Grace and Glory starring Pat Carroll and Bonnie Franklin and a new play, Danny and Faye, starring Tony Award Winner, Tovah Feldshuh. By now, we were scheduling a commercial musical each Christmas. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was a huge hit due to Andrea McArdle who had originated the role of Annie on Broadway. We also started presenting events on dark nights and a popular children’s theatre series.
The Third Season 1998/99 opened with Jackie Mason. It was our biggest hit up to that time. We sold out every seat and had to extend the show twice. When Jackie arrived at the theatre for the opening, I asked him how much time he would need to tech his show.
He said, “a half hour should do it.” He tested his mike and checked the lights and 10 minutes later said he was good to go. There was no set and he brought his own clothes. He was as funny offstage as he was on. Once I got over being intimated by his acerbic wit, it was a delight to trade insults with him every night.
Billy Porter, who was unknown at the time, was superb in Jesus Christ Superstar. The director set the show in South Africa with Pontius Pilate and various high priests recast as apartheid oppressors and Jesus was reminiscent of Nelson Mandela. Half the critics raved about it and half hated it. Our audiences loved it.
We took Board members to area theatres so they could ask questions of the Executive Directors and Board Chairs. On one such trip to the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, Angelo Del Rossi, the Executive Producer, told us about a successful program called it the Star Awards. They sent judges to area high schools to view their spring musicals and nominated the actors and creative teams in the Tony Award categories. We all knew immediately it was a winner. One of our staff members, Danielle Rudess, coordinated 14 judges who went to 18 high schools to see their musicals over a three-month period. The first year, there were 143 nominations in 23 categories. The event sold out the first day. It was a huge success. Schools fought to win ‘the Helen’ and even hired professional directors, choreographers and musical directors to improve their chances of winning the Helen. Danielle is still running the program on her own to this day.
We called the program the High School Theatre Awards and we called the Award, ‘the Helen’. But at our event, real Tony Award winners or nominees presented the high school winners their awards. Presenters included, Tom Jones, Gwen Verdon, Tony Walton, Andre de Shields, David Shire, Didi Conn, Donna Murphy, Marvin Laird, Pat Birch, Don Pippin, Charles Strouse Jason Robert Brown, Barry Bostwick, Norm Lewis, Donna McKechnie Arlene Dahl, William Ivey Long and a host of others.
Hundreds of young theatre hopefuls have benefited from this program and many have gone on to professional careers in the theatre.
Ain’t Misbehaving was the opening show of the 1999/2000 season. A week before the opening — disaster struck. Hurricane Floyd struck Nyack and caused massive devastation. It hit in the evening. Rod Kaats our Artistic Director and I were in the office trying to save computers and files that were sitting on the floor. When the water got up to our knees, I said we had to get out or we could be trapped. Rod agreed and we ploughed our way to the door, which opened out. I pushed on the door but it wouldn’t budge. The force from the water coming in was too great. Rod and I both pushed as the water inched up to our waists. We began to panic. We knew we would only have one more chance. We both hit the door with everything we had and were able to open it enough to scrape through.
Dodging falling tree branches, we ran through the storm to the firehouse a block away. When we got inside, we begged a fireman to send people to help us pump out the theatre.
He looked at us and said, “Are you crazy? Go home. There are people trapped in their houses all over Nyack.” The next morning, we went to the theatre with our entire staff and viewed the devastation. The water had filled the orchestra pit and the auditorium up to the 10th row. There was a cello floating in the aisle. We mutely wandered through the destruction wondering where to begin.
We lost valuable lighting equipment, our large house speakers, draperies and other soft goods (including a large full-stage scrim) and much more. The offices were even worse. Walter had just given us the money to buy 15 brand new Dell computers. He sent a team to set them up and program them so that for the first time we were all on the same network. They were on the floor under each person’s desk. Every one of them was under three feet of water. It was a catastrophic loss. The fire department arrived and began to pump water out of the theatre. We began lugging over a ton of damaged material including a $17,000 copying machine. The drawers in people’s desks wouldn’t open and doors wouldn’t close. It was the single most depressing moment of my ten years at the Helen Hayes.But we had a show to open so everyone worked around the clock cleaning out mud and other debris and 72 hours later we began our tech and two days behind schedule we opened Ain’t Misbehavin.
There were a lot of heroes involved in that effort. In the end, the insurance covered all but about $20,000 worth of damages. We initiated a Helen VS. Floyd Disaster Relief Fund and raised $22,000.
When Ain’t Misbehavin opened, the audience greeted it with a standing ovation. We followed it with Scent of the Roses starring Julie Harris one of America’s greatest actresses.
The Third Season 1998/99 opened with Jackie Mason. It was our biggest hit up to that time. We sold out every seat and had to extend the show twice. When Jackie arrived at the theatre for the opening, I asked him how much time he would need to tech his show.
He said, “a half hour should do it.” He tested his mike and checked the lights and 10 minutes later said he was good to go. There was no set and he brought his own clothes. He was as funny offstage as he was on. Once I got over being intimated by his acerbic wit, it was a delight to trade insults with him every night.
Billy Porter, who was unknown at the time, was superb in Jesus Christ Superstar. The director set the show in South Africa with Pontius Pilate and various high priests recast as apartheid oppressors and Jesus was reminiscent of Nelson Mandela. Half the critics raved about it and half hated it. Our audiences loved it.
We took Board members to area theatres so they could ask questions of the Executive Directors and Board Chairs. On one such trip to the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, Angelo Del Rossi, the Executive Producer, told us about a successful program called it the Star Awards. They sent judges to area high schools to view their spring musicals and nominated the actors and creative teams in the Tony Award categories. We all knew immediately it was a winner. One of our staff members, Danielle Rudess, coordinated 14 judges who went to 18 high schools to see their musicals over a three-month period. The first year, there were 143 nominations in 23 categories. The event sold out the first day. It was a huge success. Schools fought to win ‘the Helen’ and even hired professional directors, choreographers and musical directors to improve their chances of winning the Helen. Danielle is still running the program on her own to this day.
We called the program the High School Theatre Awards and we called the Award, ‘the Helen’. But at our event, real Tony Award winners or nominees presented the high school winners their awards. Presenters included, Tom Jones, Gwen Verdon, Tony Walton, Andre de Shields, David Shire, Didi Conn, Donna Murphy, Marvin Laird, Pat Birch, Don Pippin, Charles Strouse Jason Robert Brown, Barry Bostwick, Norm Lewis, Donna McKechnie Arlene Dahl, William Ivey Long and a host of others.
Hundreds of young theatre hopefuls have benefited from this program and many have gone on to professional careers in the theatre.
Ain’t Misbehaving was the opening show of the 1999/2000 season. A week before the opening — disaster struck. Hurricane Floyd struck Nyack and caused massive devastation. It hit in the evening. Rod Kaats our Artistic Director and I were in the office trying to save computers and files that were sitting on the floor. When the water got up to our knees, I said we had to get out or we could be trapped. Rod agreed and we ploughed our way to the door, which opened out. I pushed on the door but it wouldn’t budge. The force from the water coming in was too great. Rod and I both pushed as the water inched up to our waists. We began to panic. We knew we would only have one more chance. We both hit the door with everything we had and were able to open it enough to scrape through.
Dodging falling tree branches, we ran through the storm to the firehouse a block away. When we got inside, we begged a fireman to send people to help us pump out the theatre.
He looked at us and said, “Are you crazy? Go home. There are people trapped in their houses all over Nyack.” The next morning, we went to the theatre with our entire staff and viewed the devastation. The water had filled the orchestra pit and the auditorium up to the 10th row. There was a cello floating in the aisle. We mutely wandered through the destruction wondering where to begin.
We lost valuable lighting equipment, our large house speakers, draperies and other soft goods (including a large full-stage scrim) and much more. The offices were even worse. Walter had just given us the money to buy 15 brand new Dell computers. He sent a team to set them up and program them so that for the first time we were all on the same network. They were on the floor under each person’s desk. Every one of them was under three feet of water. It was a catastrophic loss. The fire department arrived and began to pump water out of the theatre. We began lugging over a ton of damaged material including a $17,000 copying machine. The drawers in people’s desks wouldn’t open and doors wouldn’t close. It was the single most depressing moment of my ten years at the Helen Hayes.But we had a show to open so everyone worked around the clock cleaning out mud and other debris and 72 hours later we began our tech and two days behind schedule we opened Ain’t Misbehavin.
There were a lot of heroes involved in that effort. In the end, the insurance covered all but about $20,000 worth of damages. We initiated a Helen VS. Floyd Disaster Relief Fund and raised $22,000.
When Ain’t Misbehavin opened, the audience greeted it with a standing ovation. We followed it with Scent of the Roses starring Julie Harris one of America’s greatest actresses.
On Aging Well Nov 04, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
A few days before the meeting, I had asked members to reflect on what '"aging" means to them:
I hope you were at the meeting today to hear all the comments. I could capture only a few, but here they are:
Ideas for aging well:
Appreciate this time of life. Take time to reflect. Do things that will keep you young. Live on the positive side. Eat well. Take chances, Have courage, acceptance and resilience. Be flexible and adaptive. Let go of the voices in your head that tell you you can't do something. Just go ahead and try! It is helpful to stay present and have gratitude for aging instead of looking at it as if it is a curse.
Recognition of the difficulties of this time of life
Accept loss. It is a part of life. Denying it won't help, so look it in the face. There is sadness, but also poignancy and sweetness in the loss.
We may find we have less energy than we used to have, so we reprioritize our lives so that we can make the most of who we are now.
Some of us are care-givers. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve others or to care for a loved one, but care-givers also need their own self-care.
Some of our members sent me their responses ahead of time.
Here they are:
Mary Mathews
What does “aging well” mean to you?
I think aging well means staying healthy and alert. Although much may be taken out of our hands by accident or genetics, we can tip the scales in our direction by eating and sleeping well, keeping active, and being engaged politically and with the people and world around us.
What has surprised you about getting older?
That I don't feel old.
There are many stereotypes and assumptions about aging in our society. Think about the stereotypical picture of an “old” person. I don’t think that fits any of us. Which stereotypes have you found to be completely off-base? Please explain.
I used to think that as people aged, they grew more conservative in their tastes, politics, and interests - more set in their ways. I have found the opposite to be true in very many cases. I first saw this in my own parents who, while always rather liberal in outlook, turned downright radical! My mother, who was always shy and never put herself forward in public, spent her 70's and 80's marching against (various) wars and for abortion rights. We shared a seat on many-a-bus to DC and I marveled at her energy and focus.
What advice about how to grow old well, or about what it means to grow old would you give to the next generation?
Keep your eyes on the future - always. Spend as little time as possible looking backwards - unless it is to laugh at your own silliness.
––––––––––Ann Morgan
What does “aging well” mean to you?
Aging well for me means being able to remain physically and mentally fit and active, working to keep my bones strong, staying connected with friends and family, and continuing to learn and grow.
What has surprised you about getting older?
I am surprised that I do not feel old! I am surprised by how much I am enjoying this time of life. All of us have gained a lot from all those years of experience we have had. We become wiser as we get older, and we can be very good at problem solving.
I am far less anxious than I was when I was young. And I am much more able to live in the moment.
There are many stereotypes and assumptions about aging in our society. Think about the stereotypical picture of an “old” person. I don’t think that fits any of us. Which stereotypes have you found to be completely off-base? Please explain.
Our society projects a very negative view of older people as sad old folks only interested in reminiscing about the past. Older people are seen as dull, uninteresting folk who have nothing to say and nothing to contribute. We are often invisible. But the truth is that even when our bones ache, even when our short-term memories fade, the person we have always been is right here, active, caring, eager to help, eager to be seen.
What advice about how to grow old well would you give to the next generation?
My mother lived to be 98 years old, but she had never exercised, and she was not very careful about what she ate. She lived her last eight years in a nursing home, unable to walk, slumped over in a wheelchair. I would advise those younger than I am to greatly reduce red meat in their diets, cultivate a taste for whole grains and fresh vegetables, and be sure to exercise. Do what you can to stave off chronic diseases so that you have the health to be able to enjoy your days.
And don’t worry about getting old! It is so much better than you think!
––––––––––
Mimi Hoffman
What does “aging well” mean to you?
a) Initially it meant being healthy, being engaged in things that interested me, doing yoga frequently, coping with the ups and downs of everyday life with minimal need for stress reduction.
b) Since COVID, the dangers of climate change, the January 6th Insurrection, seeing how friends and family have to cope with big deal problems, I think aging well means finding ways to cope with a time in my life, and time in this world which is devastating, really getting it that a big deal thing could land on my doorstep too; finding ways to have fun, especially with others involves more effort. Wordle, SpellingBee, Letter Box provide some of that fun and validation.
What has surprised you about getting older?
I am surprised that my memory is a classic case of “normal aging” and it is really humbling - not finding words, thinking I have the right word and then finding I say another similar word, not remembering who I said what to, not remembering where I put something (this was exacerbated recently in dealing with mice and having to change up my pantry to make it mouse-free). It also surprises me that things that never got in the way of my “going with the flow” now sometimes stop me in my tracks. The really wonderful surprise was being the lead curator of the Storyteller exhibit at the HSN museum - every part of it was enriching, exciting, rewarding, etc.
There are many stereotypes and assumptions about aging in our society. Think about the stereotypical picture of an “old” person. I don’t think that fits any of us. Which stereotypes have you found to be completely off-base? Please explain.
Well, my mother lived to be 104, and until she was 102, she only required 3 hours of a home health aide to help her a week as well as some help from me. That is the “stereotype” I identified with, so the other stereotypes were irrelevant. But I watched her lose her sight, her hearing and her mobility. She had a lot of grace through that process, but I also saw how much it impacted the quality of her life, and how those kind of losses are to be expected during the aging process.
What advice about how to grow old well, or about what it means to grow old would you give to the next generation?
I am so worried about the next generation - my grandchildren, my children, the world they will live in. I think they see me as sort of a role model, I truly hope they grow old in a place that has adapted to and addressed the issues that is making these times so worrisome.––––––––––
Reflecting on This Time in My Life
Harry Vetter
I feel like a young old, even though looking in the mirror tells me otherwise.
Each life story is of course different; mine was shaped by a late divorce at 65 after twenty-eight pretty terrific years. Two years of learning life on my own again, I felt I could afford retirement. Those two events were the biggest change in my life, not growing “more mature”. I am blessed with lots of interests and hobbies and a son who cares. The proverbial what to do with my time was never an issue. Health so far is good; the bad back hasn’t flared up again thanks to better posture and memorized & applied physical therapy exercises when needed.
Covid meant more isolation, as it did for most. I always had the luxury of knowing to keep my creative and curious mind occupied. A dear friend who’s ten years older has the hardest time being without company or without the TV blaring every waking moment.
When I — coparent of five dogs over the years — applied for a little rescue from the South, second thoughts started stewing, as in: what are you doing, Harry, this’ll tie you down and steal away your freedom. But after a tedious approval process and the longest wait, I got a call I could go across the bridge to rescue a little 8-week-old. I went through with it. Lola’s a handful, but so much fun and reason to get my butt out the door a few times a day. What helps me and the dog is stick to a schedule, get up at the same time — slower for sure than my quick “rise, shower-and-run" when I was working. We have breakfast, we go for a walk, rain or shine, at roughly the same time, for about two miles. And it’s a true highlight not just for the canine. I have podcasts in my ear, exchange chats and friendly waves with neighbors and familiar faces, and feel strangely accomplished when we get back. An established routine, not rigid, but loosely structured, I find, offers an anchor for the senior in me.
Reflecting on my parents when they were my age, they seemed pretty old. Their life was harder, I acknowledge, postwar years, more physical work, my dad smoked for decades — it all took a toll. To the young ones now we’re old geezers, of course. That’s just how life rolls.
Being methodical, pacing yourself, taking a moment to enjoy a beautiful day, reading up on things, broadening my horizon, now that I find the time to do so, it all adds up to joie the vivre, enjoyment of life, no matter what the number of years. As long as health and awareness remain decent, you can’t ask for more.
One of my guilty pleasures is that I attend Indie Rock concerts in small venues, and since the Rolling Stones or the Who are not performing, I’m usually among the very oldest in attendance, a boomer enjoying a good guitar lick and a stirring beat. Few of the young ones at such concerts pay attention. But every so often I get a “look”, and I think to myself, Give it time, folks, give it time. Wish you luck.
––––––––––
The Unseen Generation
Marge Lipson
I am one of the lucky ones!
My daughter, who works in the Health Care industry, tells me that I am one of the “lucky ones”—White, middle class, English speaking, & college educated. “The perfect patient.” I am also fortunate in having a husband of 60 plus years with whom I am able to share “these golden years .“ As a result, I am not alone as I navigate from a healthy, active lifestyle to one with limited mobility due to arthritic knees and pain.
And yet, even with those advantages, I find the health care system, and just about everything else that surrounds me, overwhelming. Our current culture is not “user friendly “ for older adults, like myself. I find myself feeling totally overwhelmed by the paperwork, statements, phone calls, voicemails, & texts that I receive from the numerous, providers, technicians, and pharmacists & even “scam artists.” I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for someone who does not have the advantages that I do, to navigate our system of health.
Fortunately, for me, I have children who are patient, compassionate and smart and try to help me understand the complexities of the health care system & assist me in navigating it. This means they may make a phone call and raise questions about reports that I have received that are totally incomprehensible to a lay person. It means they may fill out complicated insurance forms that seem to pile up at one’s must vulnerable time. This means they will follow up with a doctor who is unavailable when a question needs a quick response.
Some of my friends tell me that doctors are extremely dismissive of them—spending very little time with older patients, not listening to their questions or needs & making them feel as though their presence is a waste of time—aren’t they going to die soon anyway? The waiting rooms & examining rooms are almost impossible for an older person to navigate. With arthritic knees & lower back pain, how can I “hop” onto an examining table or sit in a waiting room which has “boutique-y” chairs, designed to take up less space, for more people, and are low to the floor? They are not designed for old people who need help rising from those chairs in order to walk into the area to see their doctor. If I need a special procedure in my doctor’s office, it is not unusual to be sent to another area which is quite a walk, or in my husband’s case, who also uses a walker, an underground tunnel connecting the doctors’ offices to a blood center —1/2 mile round trip with his walker.
One of my doctors ordered a rollator walker when he noticed how unsteadily I was walking with a cane. This was extremely thoughtful. However, the walker was delivered in a huge box (5ft.by 5ft.) which had to be assembled by my husband and myself. Impossible to do for my husband who is visually impaired & myself who was not even strong enough to help drag the huge box into our apartment. Wouldn’t it have been so much better to have the walker already, assembled, delivered by a technician who could demonstrate how to use it?
It seems to me, as one ages, one becomes invisible. We are not seen; we are not heard! Is it because aging is an inevitable stage of life—if we are lucky—and we, as a society, do not like to look at what we may become in the future?!? We may look frail; we may walk slowly; we may speak loudly. But we are still here. We want to be heard ! We want to be seen!
Look at us! Listen to us! And maybe you will Respect us! We have a lot to offer! We have lived a long time and have accumulated some wisdom through the years. We can still be productive, — enriching our families and strengthening our communities!
- What does “aging well” mean to you?
- What has surprised you about getting older?
- There are many stereotypes and assumptions about aging in our society. Think about the stereotypical picture of an “old” person. I don’t think that fits any of us. Which stereotypes have you found to be completely off-base? Please explain.
- What advice about how to grow old well would you give to the next generation?
I hope you were at the meeting today to hear all the comments. I could capture only a few, but here they are:
Ideas for aging well:
Appreciate this time of life. Take time to reflect. Do things that will keep you young. Live on the positive side. Eat well. Take chances, Have courage, acceptance and resilience. Be flexible and adaptive. Let go of the voices in your head that tell you you can't do something. Just go ahead and try! It is helpful to stay present and have gratitude for aging instead of looking at it as if it is a curse.
Recognition of the difficulties of this time of life
Accept loss. It is a part of life. Denying it won't help, so look it in the face. There is sadness, but also poignancy and sweetness in the loss.
We may find we have less energy than we used to have, so we reprioritize our lives so that we can make the most of who we are now.
Some of us are care-givers. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve others or to care for a loved one, but care-givers also need their own self-care.
Some of our members sent me their responses ahead of time.
Here they are:
Mary Mathews
What does “aging well” mean to you?
I think aging well means staying healthy and alert. Although much may be taken out of our hands by accident or genetics, we can tip the scales in our direction by eating and sleeping well, keeping active, and being engaged politically and with the people and world around us.
What has surprised you about getting older?
That I don't feel old.
There are many stereotypes and assumptions about aging in our society. Think about the stereotypical picture of an “old” person. I don’t think that fits any of us. Which stereotypes have you found to be completely off-base? Please explain.
I used to think that as people aged, they grew more conservative in their tastes, politics, and interests - more set in their ways. I have found the opposite to be true in very many cases. I first saw this in my own parents who, while always rather liberal in outlook, turned downright radical! My mother, who was always shy and never put herself forward in public, spent her 70's and 80's marching against (various) wars and for abortion rights. We shared a seat on many-a-bus to DC and I marveled at her energy and focus.
What advice about how to grow old well, or about what it means to grow old would you give to the next generation?
Keep your eyes on the future - always. Spend as little time as possible looking backwards - unless it is to laugh at your own silliness.
––––––––––Ann Morgan
What does “aging well” mean to you?
Aging well for me means being able to remain physically and mentally fit and active, working to keep my bones strong, staying connected with friends and family, and continuing to learn and grow.
What has surprised you about getting older?
I am surprised that I do not feel old! I am surprised by how much I am enjoying this time of life. All of us have gained a lot from all those years of experience we have had. We become wiser as we get older, and we can be very good at problem solving.
I am far less anxious than I was when I was young. And I am much more able to live in the moment.
There are many stereotypes and assumptions about aging in our society. Think about the stereotypical picture of an “old” person. I don’t think that fits any of us. Which stereotypes have you found to be completely off-base? Please explain.
Our society projects a very negative view of older people as sad old folks only interested in reminiscing about the past. Older people are seen as dull, uninteresting folk who have nothing to say and nothing to contribute. We are often invisible. But the truth is that even when our bones ache, even when our short-term memories fade, the person we have always been is right here, active, caring, eager to help, eager to be seen.
What advice about how to grow old well would you give to the next generation?
My mother lived to be 98 years old, but she had never exercised, and she was not very careful about what she ate. She lived her last eight years in a nursing home, unable to walk, slumped over in a wheelchair. I would advise those younger than I am to greatly reduce red meat in their diets, cultivate a taste for whole grains and fresh vegetables, and be sure to exercise. Do what you can to stave off chronic diseases so that you have the health to be able to enjoy your days.
And don’t worry about getting old! It is so much better than you think!
––––––––––
Mimi Hoffman
What does “aging well” mean to you?
a) Initially it meant being healthy, being engaged in things that interested me, doing yoga frequently, coping with the ups and downs of everyday life with minimal need for stress reduction.
b) Since COVID, the dangers of climate change, the January 6th Insurrection, seeing how friends and family have to cope with big deal problems, I think aging well means finding ways to cope with a time in my life, and time in this world which is devastating, really getting it that a big deal thing could land on my doorstep too; finding ways to have fun, especially with others involves more effort. Wordle, SpellingBee, Letter Box provide some of that fun and validation.
What has surprised you about getting older?
I am surprised that my memory is a classic case of “normal aging” and it is really humbling - not finding words, thinking I have the right word and then finding I say another similar word, not remembering who I said what to, not remembering where I put something (this was exacerbated recently in dealing with mice and having to change up my pantry to make it mouse-free). It also surprises me that things that never got in the way of my “going with the flow” now sometimes stop me in my tracks. The really wonderful surprise was being the lead curator of the Storyteller exhibit at the HSN museum - every part of it was enriching, exciting, rewarding, etc.
There are many stereotypes and assumptions about aging in our society. Think about the stereotypical picture of an “old” person. I don’t think that fits any of us. Which stereotypes have you found to be completely off-base? Please explain.
Well, my mother lived to be 104, and until she was 102, she only required 3 hours of a home health aide to help her a week as well as some help from me. That is the “stereotype” I identified with, so the other stereotypes were irrelevant. But I watched her lose her sight, her hearing and her mobility. She had a lot of grace through that process, but I also saw how much it impacted the quality of her life, and how those kind of losses are to be expected during the aging process.
What advice about how to grow old well, or about what it means to grow old would you give to the next generation?
I am so worried about the next generation - my grandchildren, my children, the world they will live in. I think they see me as sort of a role model, I truly hope they grow old in a place that has adapted to and addressed the issues that is making these times so worrisome.––––––––––
Reflecting on This Time in My Life
Harry Vetter
I feel like a young old, even though looking in the mirror tells me otherwise.
Each life story is of course different; mine was shaped by a late divorce at 65 after twenty-eight pretty terrific years. Two years of learning life on my own again, I felt I could afford retirement. Those two events were the biggest change in my life, not growing “more mature”. I am blessed with lots of interests and hobbies and a son who cares. The proverbial what to do with my time was never an issue. Health so far is good; the bad back hasn’t flared up again thanks to better posture and memorized & applied physical therapy exercises when needed.
Covid meant more isolation, as it did for most. I always had the luxury of knowing to keep my creative and curious mind occupied. A dear friend who’s ten years older has the hardest time being without company or without the TV blaring every waking moment.
When I — coparent of five dogs over the years — applied for a little rescue from the South, second thoughts started stewing, as in: what are you doing, Harry, this’ll tie you down and steal away your freedom. But after a tedious approval process and the longest wait, I got a call I could go across the bridge to rescue a little 8-week-old. I went through with it. Lola’s a handful, but so much fun and reason to get my butt out the door a few times a day. What helps me and the dog is stick to a schedule, get up at the same time — slower for sure than my quick “rise, shower-and-run" when I was working. We have breakfast, we go for a walk, rain or shine, at roughly the same time, for about two miles. And it’s a true highlight not just for the canine. I have podcasts in my ear, exchange chats and friendly waves with neighbors and familiar faces, and feel strangely accomplished when we get back. An established routine, not rigid, but loosely structured, I find, offers an anchor for the senior in me.
Reflecting on my parents when they were my age, they seemed pretty old. Their life was harder, I acknowledge, postwar years, more physical work, my dad smoked for decades — it all took a toll. To the young ones now we’re old geezers, of course. That’s just how life rolls.
Being methodical, pacing yourself, taking a moment to enjoy a beautiful day, reading up on things, broadening my horizon, now that I find the time to do so, it all adds up to joie the vivre, enjoyment of life, no matter what the number of years. As long as health and awareness remain decent, you can’t ask for more.
One of my guilty pleasures is that I attend Indie Rock concerts in small venues, and since the Rolling Stones or the Who are not performing, I’m usually among the very oldest in attendance, a boomer enjoying a good guitar lick and a stirring beat. Few of the young ones at such concerts pay attention. But every so often I get a “look”, and I think to myself, Give it time, folks, give it time. Wish you luck.
––––––––––
The Unseen Generation
Marge Lipson
I am one of the lucky ones!
My daughter, who works in the Health Care industry, tells me that I am one of the “lucky ones”—White, middle class, English speaking, & college educated. “The perfect patient.” I am also fortunate in having a husband of 60 plus years with whom I am able to share “these golden years .“ As a result, I am not alone as I navigate from a healthy, active lifestyle to one with limited mobility due to arthritic knees and pain.
And yet, even with those advantages, I find the health care system, and just about everything else that surrounds me, overwhelming. Our current culture is not “user friendly “ for older adults, like myself. I find myself feeling totally overwhelmed by the paperwork, statements, phone calls, voicemails, & texts that I receive from the numerous, providers, technicians, and pharmacists & even “scam artists.” I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it must be for someone who does not have the advantages that I do, to navigate our system of health.
Fortunately, for me, I have children who are patient, compassionate and smart and try to help me understand the complexities of the health care system & assist me in navigating it. This means they may make a phone call and raise questions about reports that I have received that are totally incomprehensible to a lay person. It means they may fill out complicated insurance forms that seem to pile up at one’s must vulnerable time. This means they will follow up with a doctor who is unavailable when a question needs a quick response.
Some of my friends tell me that doctors are extremely dismissive of them—spending very little time with older patients, not listening to their questions or needs & making them feel as though their presence is a waste of time—aren’t they going to die soon anyway? The waiting rooms & examining rooms are almost impossible for an older person to navigate. With arthritic knees & lower back pain, how can I “hop” onto an examining table or sit in a waiting room which has “boutique-y” chairs, designed to take up less space, for more people, and are low to the floor? They are not designed for old people who need help rising from those chairs in order to walk into the area to see their doctor. If I need a special procedure in my doctor’s office, it is not unusual to be sent to another area which is quite a walk, or in my husband’s case, who also uses a walker, an underground tunnel connecting the doctors’ offices to a blood center —1/2 mile round trip with his walker.
One of my doctors ordered a rollator walker when he noticed how unsteadily I was walking with a cane. This was extremely thoughtful. However, the walker was delivered in a huge box (5ft.by 5ft.) which had to be assembled by my husband and myself. Impossible to do for my husband who is visually impaired & myself who was not even strong enough to help drag the huge box into our apartment. Wouldn’t it have been so much better to have the walker already, assembled, delivered by a technician who could demonstrate how to use it?
It seems to me, as one ages, one becomes invisible. We are not seen; we are not heard! Is it because aging is an inevitable stage of life—if we are lucky—and we, as a society, do not like to look at what we may become in the future?!? We may look frail; we may walk slowly; we may speak loudly. But we are still here. We want to be heard ! We want to be seen!
Look at us! Listen to us! And maybe you will Respect us! We have a lot to offer! We have lived a long time and have accumulated some wisdom through the years. We can still be productive, — enriching our families and strengthening our communities!
Healthcare Advocacy Nov 18, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Marti Gabriel and Marie Thorpe
Marti:
We as patients, as caregivers, and as advocates are in dire need of knowledge, understanding, support and sense of agency when making our journey into healthcare. This presentation is intended to provide information about healthcare advocacy and the role of a family/friend advocate.
Introduction
I now have the pleasure of introducing you to someone most of you know, a fellow CAN member and Co-Care Coordinator on the Care Team, Marie Thorpe. Marie grew up in Ireland, did nursing and midwifery training in England. Here in the US, she worked many different areas of health care: Intensive Care Units and Cardiac Care Units, and as Director of Residential Care for multiply handicapped young adults. Most recently she worked as a Hospice nurse and a Care Manager assisting patients and families. She has considerable experience as both a professional health care advocate and as a friend advocate.
Marie:
Today’s presentation will provide information about the role of the personal health care advocate that may motivate you to both secure an advocate for your health care journey and/or become an advocate yourself and aid a family member or friend. Let me begin by defining the current understanding of health care advocate. The advocate is intended to help the patient and patient’s family achieve a degree of empowerment, better health outcomes, save money, and reduce stress during the difficult medical journey. Our aim today is to provide some strategies to help when assisting a family member or friend navigate the health care system. Every situation is different. So, no doubt your interaction with the health care system left you with questions. We welcome your questions at the end of this program and would like to trouble shoot some situations with you.
Today we will not be focusing on professional health care advocates, the health care managers who are employed to provide this service. They are professionals usually with a social work or nursing background, trained at the master’s level.
Instead, we will focus on a family/friend patient advocate whose role it is to assist patients in communicating with health care providers by both providing and receiving crucial information needed by patients in making decisions about their health care. The clarity of the advocate’s role and function in the health care constellation is important since he/she is not in a decision maker, but a person with some capacity to interpret for the patient some of the information being presented and to advocate for their wishes. The advocate can be anyone of the patient’s choosing and every CAN member can – and many probably have been – advocates for family or friends. When selecting an advocate, it is suggested that you choose someone who knows you well and is a calming presence, organized, assertive and comfortable in asking questions. Of particular importance, is that the person selected is someone you trust and who is very well informed about your medical condition/s. A person who can paint a picture of who you are as a well person, since the health care team may perceive you exclusively as a “sick” helpless elder.
You may start by having your selected friend health care advocate accompany you to your annual physician visits helping you understand and feel supported by someone in addition to health care provider/s. That said, the time your need for an advocate is greatest is at the time of an Emergency Room visit and hospitalization. Early in the ER and on the inpatient service you will need to communicate in writing, if asked or not, that you have given permission for your medical information to be shared with your advocate, and that you are requesting that it be written in your chart. If you are the person’s Health Care Proxy as well, make sure that is also noted.
Once on an inpatient service, the stressors associated with hospitalization are multiple. There are the pressures for the patient to provide information to a host of different health providers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, discharge planners, and other hospital representatives. The advocate remains central in securing and communicating this needed information as well as making sure the patient is included in all these communications. Some of the more specific tasks the healthcare advocate may do on behalf of friend or family member at this point in the hospital experience includes clarifying and understanding all of the information being given, making sure the person understands tests procedures being discussed, asking about the patient’s comfort with treatment plan; assisting the patient in a discussion of options; helping in the co-ordination of the discharge plan. Posted in the hospital room are the names of the nursing assistant and the nurse assigned to the patient. From the nurse you can learn what tests are scheduled and when the patient may expect results. Armed with this information you and the patient will know when the doctor will interpret the results and the implications.
It is never too early to make a connection with the discharge planner. Planning for discharge starts the first day the patient is in hospital. It is the job of the discharge planner to establish what the patient’s needs will be after leaving the hospital, so the more the advocate knows and can communicate about the home situation, the better they can assist the patient.
At discharge it is important to identify how much help the patient will need and who is available to provide help. If the patient has been referred for home care, that means a visiting nurse will visit within 2-3 days and a Home Health Aide may be scheduled to assist with activities like bathing, dressing and meal preparation. The time that a Home Health Aide is in the home is very limited, usually under 2 hours, 2-3 days per week. If more help is needed and there is no family member or other person available, the hospital provides a list of caregivers and agencies. There is also a list of these agencies on the CAN website compiled by CAN member, Mary Loughran. There are many tasks at time of discharge that the family/friend advocate can assist with, like getting the prescribed medications from the pharmacy, making sure medical equipment is ordered and delivered, making follow up appointments and arranging transportation for these appointments. Many of these tasks can be delegated to friends or neighbors.
The role of a friend health care advocate is best illustrated through the following example:
Sam is in a NYC hospital for knee replacement. The surgery goes well. The surgeon visits post-surgery. All that Sam remembers is that he can go home the next day following physical therapy. When his good friend, Ed, visits that evening he asks Sam about pain medicine and about getting help at home. Does his doctor know he lives alone? Ed realizes that Sam, intent on getting home, has not made the necessary arrangements for good safe discharge so with Sam’s permission, he becomes Sam’s advocate. He meets with the discharge planner and requests some home care assistance; he arranges to be with Sam during physical therapy and clarifies the exercises permitted and the restrictions. He speaks with the surgeon and makes sure that Sam has transport for his follow up appointments. He gets Sam medication and arranges to be present at time of discharge. With Sam’s permission he contacted Sam’s nephew to ask if he could be with Sam overnight for the next couple of nights. And thanks to Ed’s intervention the hospital does order home care follow up, so the Visiting Nurse visited and arranged for a home health aide twice weekly for 2 weeks.
The major goal of health care advocacy is supporting the patient in advocating for themselves. When you are acting as an advocate, your primary commitment is to the person you are advocating for. When advocating for someone you are giving the gift of your time and commitment to their well-being. The person you are advocating for is giving you their trust at a time of great vulnerability.
Marti:
We as patients, as caregivers, and as advocates are in dire need of knowledge, understanding, support and sense of agency when making our journey into healthcare. This presentation is intended to provide information about healthcare advocacy and the role of a family/friend advocate.
Introduction
I now have the pleasure of introducing you to someone most of you know, a fellow CAN member and Co-Care Coordinator on the Care Team, Marie Thorpe. Marie grew up in Ireland, did nursing and midwifery training in England. Here in the US, she worked many different areas of health care: Intensive Care Units and Cardiac Care Units, and as Director of Residential Care for multiply handicapped young adults. Most recently she worked as a Hospice nurse and a Care Manager assisting patients and families. She has considerable experience as both a professional health care advocate and as a friend advocate.
Marie:
Today’s presentation will provide information about the role of the personal health care advocate that may motivate you to both secure an advocate for your health care journey and/or become an advocate yourself and aid a family member or friend. Let me begin by defining the current understanding of health care advocate. The advocate is intended to help the patient and patient’s family achieve a degree of empowerment, better health outcomes, save money, and reduce stress during the difficult medical journey. Our aim today is to provide some strategies to help when assisting a family member or friend navigate the health care system. Every situation is different. So, no doubt your interaction with the health care system left you with questions. We welcome your questions at the end of this program and would like to trouble shoot some situations with you.
Today we will not be focusing on professional health care advocates, the health care managers who are employed to provide this service. They are professionals usually with a social work or nursing background, trained at the master’s level.
Instead, we will focus on a family/friend patient advocate whose role it is to assist patients in communicating with health care providers by both providing and receiving crucial information needed by patients in making decisions about their health care. The clarity of the advocate’s role and function in the health care constellation is important since he/she is not in a decision maker, but a person with some capacity to interpret for the patient some of the information being presented and to advocate for their wishes. The advocate can be anyone of the patient’s choosing and every CAN member can – and many probably have been – advocates for family or friends. When selecting an advocate, it is suggested that you choose someone who knows you well and is a calming presence, organized, assertive and comfortable in asking questions. Of particular importance, is that the person selected is someone you trust and who is very well informed about your medical condition/s. A person who can paint a picture of who you are as a well person, since the health care team may perceive you exclusively as a “sick” helpless elder.
You may start by having your selected friend health care advocate accompany you to your annual physician visits helping you understand and feel supported by someone in addition to health care provider/s. That said, the time your need for an advocate is greatest is at the time of an Emergency Room visit and hospitalization. Early in the ER and on the inpatient service you will need to communicate in writing, if asked or not, that you have given permission for your medical information to be shared with your advocate, and that you are requesting that it be written in your chart. If you are the person’s Health Care Proxy as well, make sure that is also noted.
Once on an inpatient service, the stressors associated with hospitalization are multiple. There are the pressures for the patient to provide information to a host of different health providers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, discharge planners, and other hospital representatives. The advocate remains central in securing and communicating this needed information as well as making sure the patient is included in all these communications. Some of the more specific tasks the healthcare advocate may do on behalf of friend or family member at this point in the hospital experience includes clarifying and understanding all of the information being given, making sure the person understands tests procedures being discussed, asking about the patient’s comfort with treatment plan; assisting the patient in a discussion of options; helping in the co-ordination of the discharge plan. Posted in the hospital room are the names of the nursing assistant and the nurse assigned to the patient. From the nurse you can learn what tests are scheduled and when the patient may expect results. Armed with this information you and the patient will know when the doctor will interpret the results and the implications.
It is never too early to make a connection with the discharge planner. Planning for discharge starts the first day the patient is in hospital. It is the job of the discharge planner to establish what the patient’s needs will be after leaving the hospital, so the more the advocate knows and can communicate about the home situation, the better they can assist the patient.
At discharge it is important to identify how much help the patient will need and who is available to provide help. If the patient has been referred for home care, that means a visiting nurse will visit within 2-3 days and a Home Health Aide may be scheduled to assist with activities like bathing, dressing and meal preparation. The time that a Home Health Aide is in the home is very limited, usually under 2 hours, 2-3 days per week. If more help is needed and there is no family member or other person available, the hospital provides a list of caregivers and agencies. There is also a list of these agencies on the CAN website compiled by CAN member, Mary Loughran. There are many tasks at time of discharge that the family/friend advocate can assist with, like getting the prescribed medications from the pharmacy, making sure medical equipment is ordered and delivered, making follow up appointments and arranging transportation for these appointments. Many of these tasks can be delegated to friends or neighbors.
The role of a friend health care advocate is best illustrated through the following example:
Sam is in a NYC hospital for knee replacement. The surgery goes well. The surgeon visits post-surgery. All that Sam remembers is that he can go home the next day following physical therapy. When his good friend, Ed, visits that evening he asks Sam about pain medicine and about getting help at home. Does his doctor know he lives alone? Ed realizes that Sam, intent on getting home, has not made the necessary arrangements for good safe discharge so with Sam’s permission, he becomes Sam’s advocate. He meets with the discharge planner and requests some home care assistance; he arranges to be with Sam during physical therapy and clarifies the exercises permitted and the restrictions. He speaks with the surgeon and makes sure that Sam has transport for his follow up appointments. He gets Sam medication and arranges to be present at time of discharge. With Sam’s permission he contacted Sam’s nephew to ask if he could be with Sam overnight for the next couple of nights. And thanks to Ed’s intervention the hospital does order home care follow up, so the Visiting Nurse visited and arranged for a home health aide twice weekly for 2 weeks.
The major goal of health care advocacy is supporting the patient in advocating for themselves. When you are acting as an advocate, your primary commitment is to the person you are advocating for. When advocating for someone you are giving the gift of your time and commitment to their well-being. The person you are advocating for is giving you their trust at a time of great vulnerability.
Immigrant Stories Dec 02, 2022 Click here to open, click to close
Ich bin ein Immigrant
Harry Vetter
Growing up in Germany I always felt drawn to things American, be that, when very young, to favorite TV series like Fury, later in syndication here known as Black Stallion or the Western series Laramie. Then, as a 13-year-old or so, I started subscribing to Time Magazine to better learn the language and understand the culture. When a touring company of Hair made it to my small town, I was blown away by the music, the beat, the vibrancy, the blunt portrayal of injustice, the gutsy calls to action, to speak your mind, and learning to live with the consequences. I snuck in at intermission several times to experience the musical’s second act repeatedly, for free.
Fast forward. 22 years old. I’d moved to Duesseldorf, two hours by train from my small hometown. Office job in one of the country’s premier metal companies, international business, but mostly through letters and telexes. So I told my employer, a year and a half later, that I want to travel or will jump ship. Fairly blunt, but I figured if you want things to happen, you can’t be mum about them. They offered me to go to China twice a year to attend the preeminent trade conference in Canton (which is now Guangzhou) for six weeks each time, and I said yes. I got all kinds of shots. Unbeknownst to me a young colleague had been offered a 3-year-position in the US, but eventually bowed out because he was married and his wife was ineligible to find employment as a teacher in the US. Knowing no details, I immediately accepted when I was offered the position. I remember calling my mother and she was thrilled. She didn’t want to see me go, but knew what an adventure this could be.
As an aside, the young colleague took on the China gig, and eventually went for the company to Russia, too, for long stretches of time, not far from Chernobyl. He died of leukemia just years after the meltdown.
I’d only been on a handful of flights before my big one to JFK. I remember the pilot allowed me in the cockpit on the copilot seat for just a bit. Those were the days you could do that.
Landing in New York, what a thrill, office in Harrison, NY. I lived in Yonkers on the 20th floor on Central Park Avenue.
Being gay and in the closet overseas, I was stunned how much misguided individuals like Anita Bryant had brought the issue to the forefront in this country, how much animosity there was which triggered me to march in the streets for justice and join demonstrations reminiscent of what I felt when watching that rock musical many years earlier.
Something always told me, I love this country, and I want to stay.
When my 3-year-stint came to an end, my company directed me to move to Houston where they had established their headquarters during the oil boom, or — back to Germany. I was terribly upset about basically being ordered to leave thrilling, exciting, liberal New York, but over the next eight years, I learned to love Texas. Who’d’ve thought, y’all? I found Houston to be an exciting cosmopolitan place and learned to appreciate Southern foods and certain aspects of the lifestyle. Eventually I was thrilled I could transfer back to the New York/New Jersey region because I love seasons. I got “married” in church to a man I love, got legally married in Massachusetts the moment that was allowed for out-of-staters. We have a son who is now 23, but my spouse and I, sadly, got divorced after 28 years together.
In between, I finally got my Green Card in the late eighties, after paying lots in legal fees and not qualifying under Ronald Reagan for “Amnesty”, because I couldn’t prove I was ever ILLEGALLY in the US. What I had to prove was being a healthy individual who would not be a burden to Americans. Then in the early two thousands I became a citizen. I’m actually dual.
My parents, now passed, came over to visit several times, same as my brother and family. I visit Germany regularly, but there’s never been any doubt that America is where I feel I belong. I learned to appreciate the benefits and drawbacks of both worlds.
I moved to Upper Nyack in 2020 because I was seeking a welcoming community, and love the villages, its friendly people and attitude. Creative Aging is a wonderful resource for knowhow, a helping hand, an arena to find and explore new interests and to forge and deepen friendships. Having basically spent two thirds of my life in America, without ever purging my accent — this is home.
My Immigrant Story
Larry Thorpe
I graduated in electronic engineering in Dublin, Ireland, in early 1961. As there were few engineering opportunities in Ireland at that time, I had been interviewing in England during my final year. Two weeks following my graduation I had moved to London working in a broadcast television development lab for the BBC. This was a time when we Irish were not particularly popular in post-war Britain. However, I was politely welcomed by my engineering counterparts at BBC and ended up sharing a rented house with five of them. I was to remain with the BBC for the next five years.
London at that time was the epicenter of the “swinging sixties” – often described as the re-awakening after WW II and the grim years that followed. I certainly enjoyed all the fun and the freedom from an Ireland still dominated by a very strict Catholic church. Indeed, it was at a wild party in central London in 1963 that I met Marie and learned that she had emigrated from rural Ireland to the U.K. before I did – to study nursing. A year later, in March 1964, we married. We had a brief migration to Majorca, off the east coast of Spain, for our honeymoon.
Immigration soon came knocking on our doors once again. In 1965 the world-famous RCA Broadcast came to London seeking to recruit development engineers. This was driven by the fact that most American engineers were heading to Aerospace following the surge in space related activities spurred by the 1957 Russian launch of the Sputnik satellite. Marie and I both went for the interview and accepted the subsequent generous offer. Our plan was to have a couple of years adventure in America. Following six months of working with the U.S. consulate in London we finally got our green cards.
We arrived – with our 15-month-old baby, Helen – in Philadelphia in April 1966 and within a couple of days I started work with RCA across the river in Camden, NJ.
Within that first week I was obliged to register at the nearest military recruitment office as this was the height of the war in Vietnam and immigrants were obliged to accept any draft decisions. Fortunately, I was never called up. I later more fully realized my luck when I met a Welshman who was employed in another part of the BBC at the same time as myself and who also chose to emigrate to America – to work for CBS. He was called up within his first couple of months and served with distinction in Vietnam.
In those early days, we were immediately struck by the openness and friendliness of the many American people we encountered. In our time in that first hotel our baby was centerstage. Hotel staff and waitresses paid high attention to her. Staff within shops and malls seemed extraordinarily friendly – all this being in sharp contrast with our London parenting days.
RCA human resources spent some days showing us around apartments in the general area of RCA. However, Camden, NJ – and its environs – was not reflective of our dream of America so we finally rented a car and explored further afield. We ended up renting a log cabin on twelve acres some 30 miles away in Medford in the Pine Barrens of NJ. Our neighbor was a home builder and we became friendly. So friendly that a year later he was building us our first home where we would live for the next sixteen years. I later came to realize these were the halcyon days of the mid-1960’s for the American middle class – and we were happily riding that wave.
During the building of our home we learned first hand about American mass production – when Marie gave birth to twins – our daughter Lorna and son Brian.
In the mid 1960’s color television was booming. At RCA I was assigned to a design team to produce the next generation color television studio camera – a project that launched my life-long engagement in the rapidly evolving world of broadcast television.
In 1972 immigration loomed indirectly when I was assigned to a major RCA project in Vienna, Austria, for a year. We rented a house in that magical city and our small children went to the American school. Marie meantime mastered the German language.
The succeeding decades saw American opportunities that never ceased. I spent 16 years at RCA, followed by 22 years at Sony Broadcast USA (flying to Japan twice a year), and a final 17 years with Canon USA. My work expanded to an immersion in the development of HDTV, and digital cinematography (that entailed many flights to Hollywood). Our planned short stay in America fell victim to these preoccupations – as exemplified by my retirement only last year following a sixty-year professional career.
Two Times an Immigrant
Maureen Lester
Just as each life is unique I believe each immigrant experience is also unique. I have been an immigrant twice, first from England to Canada when I was 13, then to the U.S. after I married an American whom I met in college. Thus my experience is more a result of circumstance and decisions that were not totally within my control. That colors my perspective somewhat and is why my transition was perhaps a bit easier than that experienced by many others. The fact that I was English-speaking was obviously a huge advantage. But immigration brought out and formed aspects of my personality that lasted well into my thirties. I tried to lose my British accent immediately to blend into school in Canada. I didn’t try to determine life for myself but let others make decisions that moved me forward. I wanted to fit in so I conformed. I rarely rocked the boat or fully expressed by own desires or even really knew what those desires were. I’m sure others react differently to the immigrant experience but this was my way. My brother, who was 6 when we moved to Toronto, has definitely defined his life in a quite different way, so the age at immigration also affects one’s experience and reaction. Since my first immigration was a decision made by my parents, I need to go into the reasons behind their decision.
I was born in Torquay, in Devon, England. It’s about a 4 hour train ride south of London in an area known as the English Riviera. It was a beautiful place that many came to for vacations. Now they go to Europe for holiday, but then it was “the” place to visit. Agatha Christie was born there. And if you’ve ever seen the TV comedy Fawlty Towers, that series was filmed in Torquay. Located on the English Channel, it has beautiful beaches and seafront walks and is surrounded by gorgeous natural country as well.
You may ask, why would anyone emigrate from such a beautiful setting? The answer is that I was born six days after WWII began and, as across the world, that upset everything. My father left for the War before I was a year old and I didn’t see him again until I was almost 6. He had not had an easy life. He was born in the North Country but at age 11 his father died and the remaining family moved to Torquay because there was more work available for his sisters. He and another brother were put into a Catholic orphanage. He became a Catholic in the orphanage even though none of the rest of the family were. At 14 he left the orphanage to work as a journeyman baker. But his real passion and talent was for anything electronic. And it was that talent (and a recommendation from one of my mother’s relatives) that enabled him to join the Signal Corps during the War.
At the end of the War there were very few work opportunities in Torquay so we sold the house that my mother had inherited and bought another in South East London. My brother was born there when I was seven and my father found work installing burglar alarms. In fact I still have the card he used to install them in Windsor Castle. But my parents’ dream was to have their own business, what kind I’m not sure, but they sold the London house to get the cash they needed and we moved in with my father’s sister in the West of London. That was supposed to be a temporary move but then my father had a ruptured appendix and almost died. He was in the hospital for almost three months so the house money got used up. My brother was put in nursery school, my mother went back to work as a bookkeeper and I went to boarding school. Everything stopped moving ahead. The class system was still very much in play at the time and although my father was extremely capable in many aspects of technology, in order to get ahead you had to have the “papers.” My mother worked with a friend whose brother had moved to Toronto, Canada. He said in Canada it’s not ‘who’ you know but ‘what’ you know, and that did it. When I was 13 and my brother 6 we sailed across the Atlantic, a rather rough trip in November, and landed in Quebec. My father had preceded us by a couple of months and our friend’s brother helped him to find an apartment. My dad was hired by Westinghouse in the Service Department and his career started to take off.
It's funny how the little things that are experienced for the first time stay with you for the rest of your life. For instance, while sailing across the Atlantic, I heard of Kleenex for the first time, having had only linen handkerchiefs up until then. Likewise for Rice Krispies and peppermint Lifesavers. Once settled in our apartment at the east end of Toronto we were all shocked by the size of the local grocery store, having never seen anything like it before. We walked around in amazement and were so happy to have made the move.
I was then 13 and it wasn’t clear what grade I should be in, either 8th or 9th. I had already studied French, Latin and Algebra so 9th would have simply continued what I had been learning. But the school decided on 8th. In 8th grade the curriculum was very new to me. I had not yet learned grammar, decimals, and so much more. It was a struggle and I remember walking to school with a pit in my stomach for quite a while. However, my teacher, Mrs. Tunstall, helped me along and I will always be grateful for her kindness and patience which helped me to settle in. And I did make friends early on. But since I had been to five schools in England before that time due to our moves I was not very adept at socializing. That too became easier with time. And once I was in high school things became much easier, both academically and socially and my years in that Catholic girls’ school were happy and productive.
My brother’s experience at age six though was not quite as easy. I saw him crying at the fence between our schools one day during recess. When I went over and asked him what was wrong he said “They don’t even speak English here. All they say is Hi.” Unfortunately all he knew was “hello.”
But we did adjust. My mother got a job, and my brother and I learned to ice skate! By the time I was in 10th grade we moved into our own house in a suburb of Toronto. Part of my parent’s dream was definitely coming true. And throughout this time for me, during both high school and college, I experienced a stability I had never had in England. I had attended five schools before I turned 13, so few friends stayed through that time. Both my parents come from large families and I had many close cousins. That was my biggest loss, even though I am still in touch with some of them today. We didn’t grow up together or share experiences together which I think is one of the hardest parts of emigrating. That loss of close friends was duplicated when I moved to the U.S. Although you can maintain contact for a while eventually your lives move off in different directions. I often feel envious of friends I have now that have had close relationships with both friends and relatives all their lives. It is a frequent sore point in the life of an immigrant.
My second immigrant experience came when I married in 1960. We were married in Canada but immediately moved to South Bend, Indiana, since my husband had a full scholarship to Notre Dame to study for a master’s degree. When I hear of the difficulties people experience these days I feel that I was truly blessed. I was able to get work immediately. And we made good friends with other students. I certainly didn’t like South Bend as much as Toronto, mostly because they had no Eaton’s or Simpsons (lol). But I became pregnant very early and my first son was born in South Bend. Then it was time to move again, this time to Riverdale, NY where my husband had a teaching job at Manhattan College. More new experiences, but no longer really immigrant experiences, just the kind of moving that continues to this day with movement around the U.S. and the adjustments all of us make. It was definitely easier to keep in touch with my parents and my brother and his family than it was with my British relatives so that was not nearly as much of a loss as I had with family in England. And now my other son and my daughter are in California and Arizona. Would I like to have them closer? Oh, yes. But we remain close and I certainly have great places to visit.
I became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1967. I had never become a Canadian citizen. I don’t remember this as being a difficult decision or having any regrets at all at giving up my British citizenship. I was now an American, with three American children and I could vote. And I certainly have no regrets at this point either. For a time, whenever I would go back to England I would use my U.S. passport to leave and my British passport to enter England. But those days are past. My U.S. passport is the only one valid these days.
Funnily, as I was typing this, I started to say when I go home, rather than “back to England.” And the issue of “where is home?” has lasted for many years in my mind. I think it was finally solved by one of my favorite British authors, Doris Lessing, when she tackled the same question. It is internal, wherever you are. And I’ll end on this note of gratitude for my immigrant experiences. I came to Nyack in 1969 expecting that my husband’s teaching would take us elsewhere before too long. But here I am still. And how lucky I am to have been here for almost 54 years, with many long friendships, and surrounded by beauty. Torquay lives on in my heart and mind, but Nyack and the Hudson River exists there now too. I am home.
My grandparents, Immigrants from Hungary
Gabri'El Stollman
My paternal and maternal grandparents immigrated from Hungary to America in the 1920’s. Caroly (Charley) and Lena Spitz were my mother’s parents, and Sander (Alexander) and Denora (Mena) Fritsch were my father’s parents. They left their simple unadorned lives to escape antisemitism, overpopulation, oppressive legislation, and poverty. America offered hope for a better future.
The men came here first to create a safe haven for their families. They were usually sponsored by a relative or friend who offered some security and information for survival. Caroly sent for my grandmother, Lena, after a few years and she arrived with my mother, Laura, about 3 years old and son, Ben, who Caroly met for the first time. Caroly, Lena and family lived in a tenement basement and assumed the duties of superintendents. Caroly, up at 4 AM shoveled coal, took care of the garbage, and did general maintenance. Lena took in laundry and scrubbed the stairs and lobby as well as caring for her children and household. They had another daughter, Eti (Esther). Lena suffered three miscarriages. I don’t think she ever learned to read or write.
Caroly learned new trades, cobbler and furrier. Also, he made the time to go to classes to learn English. As his children grew up he told them to speak English, not Hungarian. “You are in America,” he said. As a furrier, my maternal grandfather felt privileged to belong to a furrier’s union and be protected by it. Nothing like that existed in Hungary, especially for Jews. In addition, another miracle occurred . . . Social Security . . . August 1935. He blessed President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
With his hard work and determination, and probably some help from relatives, Caroly afforded a two-family attached house on Ellis Avenue in the Bronx. With my father’s and Uncle Dave’s help they built a basement apartment. My grandparents lived there and rented the upstairs. They enjoyed a small front garden with a blue snowball (hydrangea) bush and a sidewalk compact umbrella tree which shaded them in the summer.
And what of their children? Laura, without much formal education, became a bookkeeper. Uncle Ben went to college and was a math teacher at the High School of Music and Art. Aunt Eti was a homemaker.
A dear memory I have of Caroly, with a full head of white hair and white mustache, is of him sitting in his chair next to his smoking table and puffing on a cigarette which was tucked into an Ivory cigarette holder.
A sweet memory of Lena was her smile and joy when as a teen. I gave her a manicure and set her hair in pin curls . . . and combed it out.
Sandor, my father’s father, was conscripted into the Hungarian army three times. He had had enough and ran away to America leaving his wife and son, George, behind for the time being. In America, he worked in a coal mine in Virginia. His situation was similar to an indentured servant. Most of what he earned went back to the company that provided dormitory living and food. “I owe my soul to the company store,” as the folk song goes.
Sandor ran away to New York where he worked as a sandhog creating tunnels under the East River. Working as a riveter on the 59th Street Bridge was another dangerous endeavor. A safer job as a house painter made him feel more secure, and he sent for Denora and George. In the following years Harry, Tommy and Marion were born.
After some experience mastering the business of house painting, Sandor opened his own house painting business employing his sons. My father, Harry, was taken out of high ranking Stuyvesant High School in the ninth grade to work in his father’s business. My grandfather became a citizen when my father was 16. He took his time.
The family lived in Yorkville, and when Sandor could afford it, he purchased an attached house on 24th Avenue in Astoria, Queens. At first, they lived in the basement and rented the upper floor. Later, the basement became Sandor’s man cave where he smoked, made wine and enjoyed Hungarian sausage which hung from overhead beams.
My grandmother was a homemaker . . . slave . . . and also worked as a dressmaker. And what of their children? George became a union representative, Harry became a gold badge NYC detective, Tommy remained in the house painting business, and Marion worked as an executive secretary.
My special memory of Sandor was his love of Hungarian\Rumanian music that inspired him to dance. He wound up the victrola, put on a record and sang and danced with joy.
My grandmother, Mena, had beautiful long white hair which she braided and crossed over the top of her head like a crown. She wove flowers through the crown and would do the same for me.
Surely, life was improved in America. If they had remained in Hungary, there would be no life at all.
Harry Vetter
Growing up in Germany I always felt drawn to things American, be that, when very young, to favorite TV series like Fury, later in syndication here known as Black Stallion or the Western series Laramie. Then, as a 13-year-old or so, I started subscribing to Time Magazine to better learn the language and understand the culture. When a touring company of Hair made it to my small town, I was blown away by the music, the beat, the vibrancy, the blunt portrayal of injustice, the gutsy calls to action, to speak your mind, and learning to live with the consequences. I snuck in at intermission several times to experience the musical’s second act repeatedly, for free.
Fast forward. 22 years old. I’d moved to Duesseldorf, two hours by train from my small hometown. Office job in one of the country’s premier metal companies, international business, but mostly through letters and telexes. So I told my employer, a year and a half later, that I want to travel or will jump ship. Fairly blunt, but I figured if you want things to happen, you can’t be mum about them. They offered me to go to China twice a year to attend the preeminent trade conference in Canton (which is now Guangzhou) for six weeks each time, and I said yes. I got all kinds of shots. Unbeknownst to me a young colleague had been offered a 3-year-position in the US, but eventually bowed out because he was married and his wife was ineligible to find employment as a teacher in the US. Knowing no details, I immediately accepted when I was offered the position. I remember calling my mother and she was thrilled. She didn’t want to see me go, but knew what an adventure this could be.
As an aside, the young colleague took on the China gig, and eventually went for the company to Russia, too, for long stretches of time, not far from Chernobyl. He died of leukemia just years after the meltdown.
I’d only been on a handful of flights before my big one to JFK. I remember the pilot allowed me in the cockpit on the copilot seat for just a bit. Those were the days you could do that.
Landing in New York, what a thrill, office in Harrison, NY. I lived in Yonkers on the 20th floor on Central Park Avenue.
Being gay and in the closet overseas, I was stunned how much misguided individuals like Anita Bryant had brought the issue to the forefront in this country, how much animosity there was which triggered me to march in the streets for justice and join demonstrations reminiscent of what I felt when watching that rock musical many years earlier.
Something always told me, I love this country, and I want to stay.
When my 3-year-stint came to an end, my company directed me to move to Houston where they had established their headquarters during the oil boom, or — back to Germany. I was terribly upset about basically being ordered to leave thrilling, exciting, liberal New York, but over the next eight years, I learned to love Texas. Who’d’ve thought, y’all? I found Houston to be an exciting cosmopolitan place and learned to appreciate Southern foods and certain aspects of the lifestyle. Eventually I was thrilled I could transfer back to the New York/New Jersey region because I love seasons. I got “married” in church to a man I love, got legally married in Massachusetts the moment that was allowed for out-of-staters. We have a son who is now 23, but my spouse and I, sadly, got divorced after 28 years together.
In between, I finally got my Green Card in the late eighties, after paying lots in legal fees and not qualifying under Ronald Reagan for “Amnesty”, because I couldn’t prove I was ever ILLEGALLY in the US. What I had to prove was being a healthy individual who would not be a burden to Americans. Then in the early two thousands I became a citizen. I’m actually dual.
My parents, now passed, came over to visit several times, same as my brother and family. I visit Germany regularly, but there’s never been any doubt that America is where I feel I belong. I learned to appreciate the benefits and drawbacks of both worlds.
I moved to Upper Nyack in 2020 because I was seeking a welcoming community, and love the villages, its friendly people and attitude. Creative Aging is a wonderful resource for knowhow, a helping hand, an arena to find and explore new interests and to forge and deepen friendships. Having basically spent two thirds of my life in America, without ever purging my accent — this is home.
My Immigrant Story
Larry Thorpe
I graduated in electronic engineering in Dublin, Ireland, in early 1961. As there were few engineering opportunities in Ireland at that time, I had been interviewing in England during my final year. Two weeks following my graduation I had moved to London working in a broadcast television development lab for the BBC. This was a time when we Irish were not particularly popular in post-war Britain. However, I was politely welcomed by my engineering counterparts at BBC and ended up sharing a rented house with five of them. I was to remain with the BBC for the next five years.
London at that time was the epicenter of the “swinging sixties” – often described as the re-awakening after WW II and the grim years that followed. I certainly enjoyed all the fun and the freedom from an Ireland still dominated by a very strict Catholic church. Indeed, it was at a wild party in central London in 1963 that I met Marie and learned that she had emigrated from rural Ireland to the U.K. before I did – to study nursing. A year later, in March 1964, we married. We had a brief migration to Majorca, off the east coast of Spain, for our honeymoon.
Immigration soon came knocking on our doors once again. In 1965 the world-famous RCA Broadcast came to London seeking to recruit development engineers. This was driven by the fact that most American engineers were heading to Aerospace following the surge in space related activities spurred by the 1957 Russian launch of the Sputnik satellite. Marie and I both went for the interview and accepted the subsequent generous offer. Our plan was to have a couple of years adventure in America. Following six months of working with the U.S. consulate in London we finally got our green cards.
We arrived – with our 15-month-old baby, Helen – in Philadelphia in April 1966 and within a couple of days I started work with RCA across the river in Camden, NJ.
Within that first week I was obliged to register at the nearest military recruitment office as this was the height of the war in Vietnam and immigrants were obliged to accept any draft decisions. Fortunately, I was never called up. I later more fully realized my luck when I met a Welshman who was employed in another part of the BBC at the same time as myself and who also chose to emigrate to America – to work for CBS. He was called up within his first couple of months and served with distinction in Vietnam.
In those early days, we were immediately struck by the openness and friendliness of the many American people we encountered. In our time in that first hotel our baby was centerstage. Hotel staff and waitresses paid high attention to her. Staff within shops and malls seemed extraordinarily friendly – all this being in sharp contrast with our London parenting days.
RCA human resources spent some days showing us around apartments in the general area of RCA. However, Camden, NJ – and its environs – was not reflective of our dream of America so we finally rented a car and explored further afield. We ended up renting a log cabin on twelve acres some 30 miles away in Medford in the Pine Barrens of NJ. Our neighbor was a home builder and we became friendly. So friendly that a year later he was building us our first home where we would live for the next sixteen years. I later came to realize these were the halcyon days of the mid-1960’s for the American middle class – and we were happily riding that wave.
During the building of our home we learned first hand about American mass production – when Marie gave birth to twins – our daughter Lorna and son Brian.
In the mid 1960’s color television was booming. At RCA I was assigned to a design team to produce the next generation color television studio camera – a project that launched my life-long engagement in the rapidly evolving world of broadcast television.
In 1972 immigration loomed indirectly when I was assigned to a major RCA project in Vienna, Austria, for a year. We rented a house in that magical city and our small children went to the American school. Marie meantime mastered the German language.
The succeeding decades saw American opportunities that never ceased. I spent 16 years at RCA, followed by 22 years at Sony Broadcast USA (flying to Japan twice a year), and a final 17 years with Canon USA. My work expanded to an immersion in the development of HDTV, and digital cinematography (that entailed many flights to Hollywood). Our planned short stay in America fell victim to these preoccupations – as exemplified by my retirement only last year following a sixty-year professional career.
Two Times an Immigrant
Maureen Lester
Just as each life is unique I believe each immigrant experience is also unique. I have been an immigrant twice, first from England to Canada when I was 13, then to the U.S. after I married an American whom I met in college. Thus my experience is more a result of circumstance and decisions that were not totally within my control. That colors my perspective somewhat and is why my transition was perhaps a bit easier than that experienced by many others. The fact that I was English-speaking was obviously a huge advantage. But immigration brought out and formed aspects of my personality that lasted well into my thirties. I tried to lose my British accent immediately to blend into school in Canada. I didn’t try to determine life for myself but let others make decisions that moved me forward. I wanted to fit in so I conformed. I rarely rocked the boat or fully expressed by own desires or even really knew what those desires were. I’m sure others react differently to the immigrant experience but this was my way. My brother, who was 6 when we moved to Toronto, has definitely defined his life in a quite different way, so the age at immigration also affects one’s experience and reaction. Since my first immigration was a decision made by my parents, I need to go into the reasons behind their decision.
I was born in Torquay, in Devon, England. It’s about a 4 hour train ride south of London in an area known as the English Riviera. It was a beautiful place that many came to for vacations. Now they go to Europe for holiday, but then it was “the” place to visit. Agatha Christie was born there. And if you’ve ever seen the TV comedy Fawlty Towers, that series was filmed in Torquay. Located on the English Channel, it has beautiful beaches and seafront walks and is surrounded by gorgeous natural country as well.
You may ask, why would anyone emigrate from such a beautiful setting? The answer is that I was born six days after WWII began and, as across the world, that upset everything. My father left for the War before I was a year old and I didn’t see him again until I was almost 6. He had not had an easy life. He was born in the North Country but at age 11 his father died and the remaining family moved to Torquay because there was more work available for his sisters. He and another brother were put into a Catholic orphanage. He became a Catholic in the orphanage even though none of the rest of the family were. At 14 he left the orphanage to work as a journeyman baker. But his real passion and talent was for anything electronic. And it was that talent (and a recommendation from one of my mother’s relatives) that enabled him to join the Signal Corps during the War.
At the end of the War there were very few work opportunities in Torquay so we sold the house that my mother had inherited and bought another in South East London. My brother was born there when I was seven and my father found work installing burglar alarms. In fact I still have the card he used to install them in Windsor Castle. But my parents’ dream was to have their own business, what kind I’m not sure, but they sold the London house to get the cash they needed and we moved in with my father’s sister in the West of London. That was supposed to be a temporary move but then my father had a ruptured appendix and almost died. He was in the hospital for almost three months so the house money got used up. My brother was put in nursery school, my mother went back to work as a bookkeeper and I went to boarding school. Everything stopped moving ahead. The class system was still very much in play at the time and although my father was extremely capable in many aspects of technology, in order to get ahead you had to have the “papers.” My mother worked with a friend whose brother had moved to Toronto, Canada. He said in Canada it’s not ‘who’ you know but ‘what’ you know, and that did it. When I was 13 and my brother 6 we sailed across the Atlantic, a rather rough trip in November, and landed in Quebec. My father had preceded us by a couple of months and our friend’s brother helped him to find an apartment. My dad was hired by Westinghouse in the Service Department and his career started to take off.
It's funny how the little things that are experienced for the first time stay with you for the rest of your life. For instance, while sailing across the Atlantic, I heard of Kleenex for the first time, having had only linen handkerchiefs up until then. Likewise for Rice Krispies and peppermint Lifesavers. Once settled in our apartment at the east end of Toronto we were all shocked by the size of the local grocery store, having never seen anything like it before. We walked around in amazement and were so happy to have made the move.
I was then 13 and it wasn’t clear what grade I should be in, either 8th or 9th. I had already studied French, Latin and Algebra so 9th would have simply continued what I had been learning. But the school decided on 8th. In 8th grade the curriculum was very new to me. I had not yet learned grammar, decimals, and so much more. It was a struggle and I remember walking to school with a pit in my stomach for quite a while. However, my teacher, Mrs. Tunstall, helped me along and I will always be grateful for her kindness and patience which helped me to settle in. And I did make friends early on. But since I had been to five schools in England before that time due to our moves I was not very adept at socializing. That too became easier with time. And once I was in high school things became much easier, both academically and socially and my years in that Catholic girls’ school were happy and productive.
My brother’s experience at age six though was not quite as easy. I saw him crying at the fence between our schools one day during recess. When I went over and asked him what was wrong he said “They don’t even speak English here. All they say is Hi.” Unfortunately all he knew was “hello.”
But we did adjust. My mother got a job, and my brother and I learned to ice skate! By the time I was in 10th grade we moved into our own house in a suburb of Toronto. Part of my parent’s dream was definitely coming true. And throughout this time for me, during both high school and college, I experienced a stability I had never had in England. I had attended five schools before I turned 13, so few friends stayed through that time. Both my parents come from large families and I had many close cousins. That was my biggest loss, even though I am still in touch with some of them today. We didn’t grow up together or share experiences together which I think is one of the hardest parts of emigrating. That loss of close friends was duplicated when I moved to the U.S. Although you can maintain contact for a while eventually your lives move off in different directions. I often feel envious of friends I have now that have had close relationships with both friends and relatives all their lives. It is a frequent sore point in the life of an immigrant.
My second immigrant experience came when I married in 1960. We were married in Canada but immediately moved to South Bend, Indiana, since my husband had a full scholarship to Notre Dame to study for a master’s degree. When I hear of the difficulties people experience these days I feel that I was truly blessed. I was able to get work immediately. And we made good friends with other students. I certainly didn’t like South Bend as much as Toronto, mostly because they had no Eaton’s or Simpsons (lol). But I became pregnant very early and my first son was born in South Bend. Then it was time to move again, this time to Riverdale, NY where my husband had a teaching job at Manhattan College. More new experiences, but no longer really immigrant experiences, just the kind of moving that continues to this day with movement around the U.S. and the adjustments all of us make. It was definitely easier to keep in touch with my parents and my brother and his family than it was with my British relatives so that was not nearly as much of a loss as I had with family in England. And now my other son and my daughter are in California and Arizona. Would I like to have them closer? Oh, yes. But we remain close and I certainly have great places to visit.
I became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1967. I had never become a Canadian citizen. I don’t remember this as being a difficult decision or having any regrets at all at giving up my British citizenship. I was now an American, with three American children and I could vote. And I certainly have no regrets at this point either. For a time, whenever I would go back to England I would use my U.S. passport to leave and my British passport to enter England. But those days are past. My U.S. passport is the only one valid these days.
Funnily, as I was typing this, I started to say when I go home, rather than “back to England.” And the issue of “where is home?” has lasted for many years in my mind. I think it was finally solved by one of my favorite British authors, Doris Lessing, when she tackled the same question. It is internal, wherever you are. And I’ll end on this note of gratitude for my immigrant experiences. I came to Nyack in 1969 expecting that my husband’s teaching would take us elsewhere before too long. But here I am still. And how lucky I am to have been here for almost 54 years, with many long friendships, and surrounded by beauty. Torquay lives on in my heart and mind, but Nyack and the Hudson River exists there now too. I am home.
My grandparents, Immigrants from Hungary
Gabri'El Stollman
My paternal and maternal grandparents immigrated from Hungary to America in the 1920’s. Caroly (Charley) and Lena Spitz were my mother’s parents, and Sander (Alexander) and Denora (Mena) Fritsch were my father’s parents. They left their simple unadorned lives to escape antisemitism, overpopulation, oppressive legislation, and poverty. America offered hope for a better future.
The men came here first to create a safe haven for their families. They were usually sponsored by a relative or friend who offered some security and information for survival. Caroly sent for my grandmother, Lena, after a few years and she arrived with my mother, Laura, about 3 years old and son, Ben, who Caroly met for the first time. Caroly, Lena and family lived in a tenement basement and assumed the duties of superintendents. Caroly, up at 4 AM shoveled coal, took care of the garbage, and did general maintenance. Lena took in laundry and scrubbed the stairs and lobby as well as caring for her children and household. They had another daughter, Eti (Esther). Lena suffered three miscarriages. I don’t think she ever learned to read or write.
Caroly learned new trades, cobbler and furrier. Also, he made the time to go to classes to learn English. As his children grew up he told them to speak English, not Hungarian. “You are in America,” he said. As a furrier, my maternal grandfather felt privileged to belong to a furrier’s union and be protected by it. Nothing like that existed in Hungary, especially for Jews. In addition, another miracle occurred . . . Social Security . . . August 1935. He blessed President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
With his hard work and determination, and probably some help from relatives, Caroly afforded a two-family attached house on Ellis Avenue in the Bronx. With my father’s and Uncle Dave’s help they built a basement apartment. My grandparents lived there and rented the upstairs. They enjoyed a small front garden with a blue snowball (hydrangea) bush and a sidewalk compact umbrella tree which shaded them in the summer.
And what of their children? Laura, without much formal education, became a bookkeeper. Uncle Ben went to college and was a math teacher at the High School of Music and Art. Aunt Eti was a homemaker.
A dear memory I have of Caroly, with a full head of white hair and white mustache, is of him sitting in his chair next to his smoking table and puffing on a cigarette which was tucked into an Ivory cigarette holder.
A sweet memory of Lena was her smile and joy when as a teen. I gave her a manicure and set her hair in pin curls . . . and combed it out.
Sandor, my father’s father, was conscripted into the Hungarian army three times. He had had enough and ran away to America leaving his wife and son, George, behind for the time being. In America, he worked in a coal mine in Virginia. His situation was similar to an indentured servant. Most of what he earned went back to the company that provided dormitory living and food. “I owe my soul to the company store,” as the folk song goes.
Sandor ran away to New York where he worked as a sandhog creating tunnels under the East River. Working as a riveter on the 59th Street Bridge was another dangerous endeavor. A safer job as a house painter made him feel more secure, and he sent for Denora and George. In the following years Harry, Tommy and Marion were born.
After some experience mastering the business of house painting, Sandor opened his own house painting business employing his sons. My father, Harry, was taken out of high ranking Stuyvesant High School in the ninth grade to work in his father’s business. My grandfather became a citizen when my father was 16. He took his time.
The family lived in Yorkville, and when Sandor could afford it, he purchased an attached house on 24th Avenue in Astoria, Queens. At first, they lived in the basement and rented the upper floor. Later, the basement became Sandor’s man cave where he smoked, made wine and enjoyed Hungarian sausage which hung from overhead beams.
My grandmother was a homemaker . . . slave . . . and also worked as a dressmaker. And what of their children? George became a union representative, Harry became a gold badge NYC detective, Tommy remained in the house painting business, and Marion worked as an executive secretary.
My special memory of Sandor was his love of Hungarian\Rumanian music that inspired him to dance. He wound up the victrola, put on a record and sang and danced with joy.
My grandmother, Mena, had beautiful long white hair which she braided and crossed over the top of her head like a crown. She wove flowers through the crown and would do the same for me.
Surely, life was improved in America. If they had remained in Hungary, there would be no life at all.