June - Hebrew Home of Greater Washington

Geriatricians:
Will there be
one for you?
Page 2
Planning
for our
100th
birthday
Page 3
Residents become
“senior rangers”
Page 4-5
June 2008/No.9
“Judy and the Boys” by Lida Moser, 1961
Moser’s World
By Emily Tipermas
Through the lens of a camera,
Revitz House resident Lida Moser
captured eminent Scottish poets and
authors; rural Quebec’s farmers, fishermen
and families; New York models and
skyscrapers; national politicians, and so
much more.
Universally respected as one of the
world’s most distinguished photographers,
Moser’s images splashed onto the pages of
Vogue, Look, Harper’s Bazaar and other
magazines, decorated book covers, and
appeared internationally in important
museum exhibitions. Her articles about
photography were featured in the New
Lida Moser, today, in her Revitz House
apartment and in 1979
“Waiting for the Queen, Edinburgh, Scotland”
by Lida Moser, 1949
York Times and her lively books exploring
photographic technique were invaluable to
aspiring photographers.
Lida Moser’s
remarkable artistry,
spanning a 60-year
period during which
she worked as a freelance
photographer
based in New York
City, was highlighted
this spring in a retrospective
at the
Fraser Gallery in
Bethesda. To mark
the occasion,
>> continued on page 3
HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON • SMITH-KOGOD & WASSERMAN RESIDENCES • LANDOW HOUSE
RING HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE • HIRSH HEALTH CENTER • RESEARCH INSTITUTE ON AGING

Generation to Generation
Geriatrician shortage on the horizon
Statistically, we Americans are on track to live very long
lives. That’s the good news. The bad news is that although the
current number of seniors is expected to nearly double by 2030, experts
consider our national healthcare system unprepared to meet the specific
medical needs of an aging population.
We’re not talking about the fierce debate surrounding healthcare insurance
coverage. We’re shining the spotlight on the looming shortage of
geriatric specialists trained to recognize and treat co-existing
chronic illnesses in ways appropriate to older patients.
The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies published
their assessment of the problem this spring. Titled “Retooling for
an Aging America: Building the Health Care Workforce,” the report
concludes that “the nation needs to move quickly and efficiently to
make certain that the health care workforce increases in size and
has the proper education and training.” Sounds straightforward, but
the challenges are complex. Let’s take a look at them.
The numbers
The American Geriatric Society states
that currently there is one geriatrician for
every 2,546 Americans 75 or older; by
2030, that figure is projected to drop to
one geriatrician for every 4,254 seniors.
Why? They point to two glaring factors
that offer some explanation: geriatricians
“earn significantly less and have
less predictable work schedules than
those in other medical and surgical specialties.”
A New York Times reporter adds
that geriatrics lacks the allure of “hightech
medicine.”
Passing on knowledge
Only nine US medical schools have
departments of geriatrics. Very few of the
rest even require geriatric courses. In
2007, barely half of all geriatric medicine
first-year fellowship slots were filled.
A similar percentage holds for geriatric
Hats off to Damien Doyle, M.D.(above), director
of the Hirsh Health Center and assistant medical
director of Charles E. Smith Life Communities.
Washingtonian Magazine included Dr. Doyle
on their 2008 Top Doctor list under gerontology
physicians.
psychiatry fellowships. If there are fewer
students choosing geriatrics, there will
ultimately be fewer experts available to
treat or teach the next generation.
Coordinated care
To “stave off the predicted deficit in
the field’s number of practitioners,” says
Washington Post writer Howard Kim, geriatricians
have “pushed hard to encourage
family doctors to get extra training in
caring for the elderly.” Unfortunately,
these days fewer physicians are attracted
to primary care. ■
Incentives
Charles E. Smith Life Communities is exceedingly
proud of its Hirsh Health Center, which is devoted
to providing the finest outpatient geriatric care to
residents on its campus and to the surrounding
community as well. Services include:
• Primary care appointments with three geriatric
physicians
• Medical receptionists and licensed nurses to
assist in care
• Physical and occupational therapy services
• After-hours and weekend coverage for medical
emergencies for established patients
• Medicare and most major insurance plans
accepted.
To learn more about the Hirsh Health Center
or to schedule an initial appointment, please call
301.816.5004, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to
4:30 p.m.
Perspectives
“Trained geriatricians can be more effective
primary care providers for frail older persons
with functional and chronic health care
problems. For these patients, geriatricians
are often able to manage their care in the
least resource-intensive settings such as in
a patient’s house, obviating the need for
more costly hospitalizations and nursing
home placements.”
— John R. Burton, M.D.,
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Page 2 | June 2008 www.smithlifecommunities.org LifeTimes

2008 honors at Annual Meeting
At the 98th Annual Meeting, Chair Hanita Screiber
spoke of the Home becoming a regional eldercare
organization and introduced its centennial logo.
Ralph H. Deckelbaum, 2008 Hymen Goldman Award
recipient
Ralph Deckelbaum became President of the Hebrew
Home in 1985, our 75th anniversary year. An attorney
who became involved in the development, ownership
and management of hotels, Ralph became active with
the Hebrew Home in 1970. Under his tenure as
President, the Congressional School project began; this
culminated in the opening of Ring House in 1989. A
native Washingtonian, he and his wife Vera continue to
actively support the Home – and root for the Redskins.
Phyllis Margolius, the granddaughter of
Hymen Goldman, presents the Hymen Goldman
Humanitarian Award to Ralph Deckelbaum.
Honoree Ralph Deckelbaum with
President/CEO Warren R. Slavin
Dr. Harold Hirsh, 2008 Chair’s Award recipient
Physician and attorney Harold Hirsh began
visiting the Hebrew Home at the age of 8, when
he would read tehillim to the residents, leaving
25 cents in the tzedakah box on his way out.
He has been a valued friend and supporter
now for three-quarters of a century.
In the 1950s, Dr. Hirsh was instrumental in
organizing a medical panel of physicians who
came to the Home on a rotating basis. He
chaired this panel for 19 years. Under the
stewardship of Charles E. Smith and Aaron
Goldman, Dr. Hirsh conceived of an outpatient
service for our campus, and the Hirsh Health
Center opened in 1991. Harold and Jane
Hirsh’s most recent pledges bring their total
giving to the Home to over $1 million. The
Hirshs and their daughter Evelyn Auerbach
have all received the Home’s top awards, and
we congratulate him on this latest honor. ■
Above - Dr. Harold
Hirsh, left, presents
a certificate to Dr.
Benjamin Newhouse
in 1954.
Left -Irving P. Cohen
presents the
Chair's Award to
Dr. Harold Hirsh
Annual Meeting Chair Alan M. Freeman with
Board Chair Hanita Schreiber
Moser’s World

Hebrew Home
Kids and seniors team up
in an intergenerational
activity to plant spring
flowers at the Hebrew
Home. Rosie Kemp helps
resident Dena Mann fill a
planter.
Landow House
Residents of Landow House and Ring
House are engaged in a Senior Rangers Pilot
Program with the Montgomery County
Parks Department. With the guidance of
park naturalist Geri Drymalski, our residents
have enjoyed amazing outings.
Through this program, residents have
learned how to make maple sugar and press
apple cider. They've gone boating on Little
Seneca Lake at Black Hills and they enjoyed
vegetarian chili made by the rangers as they
birdwatched from the visitors center in the
winter. They’ve visited Sugar Loaf Mountain
and its nearby winery, and traveled to
Brookside Gardens to enjoy chrysanthemum
and poinsettia displays. Other programs
included “tea with the birds” at Locust Grove
Nature Center, a visit to the National Capital
Trolley Museum, a tram ride through the
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and
lectures on local “birds of prey” and
“mammals of the night.” ■
News from
As part of Nursing
Recognition Week in May,
nurses paid homage to the
founders of their profession
by wearing their traditional
“whites.” Of the 1,174
employees at Charles E.
Smith Life Communities,
476 are in Nursing.
Who wants to be inside on
a gorgeous spring day?
Certainly not our Russian
residents. Thanks to Russian
program coordinator Sophia
Presman, Elia Miranski and
his wife Zila enjoy the fine
weather -- and each other’s
company -- on the Smith-
Kogod patio.
Landow residents enjoy a boat ride on Little Seneca Lake.
“That was our
favorite song when
we got married.”
Musician John Oliver
beams when he
hears this at Landow
House, where he
comes each month to
perform Broadway
show tunes. “Landow
residents are among
my best audiences,”
explains Oliver.
Page 4 | June 2008 www.smithlifecommunities.org LifeTimes

WANTED!
Students ages 12 and up are
needed this summer to assist in a
variety of projects at the nursing
home and in our senior living
residences.
You can escort residents to
therapy and activities, and you
may run activities. If you excel
at writing, you may be chosen to
work with our residents on writing
their “ethical wills.” Perhaps
you like to play chess, or card
games, or enjoy talking to people.
Or you may take pleasure in
entertaining our residents (piano,
violin, guitar, etc). You can do
these things, or just about anything
you enjoy, while helping
our 1,100+ residents.
Volunteering at the Charles E.
Smith Life Communities is a great
experience -- providing new skills,
an opportunity to explore career
options, and in some cases
enhancing self-esteem. You will
be treated like an adult. Try it –
every summer, students report
how much they like it, often,
much to their own surprise!
Call 301.770.8333 or e-mail:
volunteers@hebrew-home.org. ■
Revitz House
Ring House
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous
donor, over 130 residents from Ring
House, Revitz and Landow, families and staff
enjoyed a private showing of this year’s
hottest new documentary film, Young at
Heart, at the AFI Silver Theatre in Silver
Spring. The award-winning film chronicles a
senior chorus that has been performing contemporary
rock, punk and rhythm-and-blues
since 1989.
Ring House resident Hannah Krassner said
the chorus members inspired her because they
continue to do what they love despite the challenges
old age presents. Landow House resident
Walter Golman gave the film a thumbs-up, saying
“It was a good film; a real piece of work.”
Carol Cohen-Wolfe, vice president of housing
for Charles E. Smith Life Communities,
brought her 13-year old son Nathan,
and noted the film “really provoked a
great discussion on the way home
about how seniors can have the same
passions and zest for life that younger
people feel. The movie helped Nathan
realize that his love of music can be a
lifelong passion, and one he can share
with people of all ages.”
Many thanks to the AFI Silver
Theatre Director Murray Horwitz,
General Manager Joy Cooney, and the
whole crew for their gracious hospitality,
popcorn and soda. ■
Ring House residents on their
way to Sugarloaf Mountain,
with park naturalist Geri
Drymalski of the Maryland
National Capital Park and
Planning Commission.
Julien Sacks, Ring House resident,
shares a park bench with
a new friend on Sugarloaf
Mountain.
Florence Chan and her daughter Elaine Chan enjoy
the movie “Young at Heart” at the AFI Silver Spring.
Revitz House residents are quick to take
advantage of planned outings to Washington’s
tourist sites. Recently, they traveled down to the
Tidal Basin to view the season’s glorious cherry
blossoms along the famous Cherry Tree Walk.
They visited the Roosevelt Memorial and
enjoyed a lively discussion of FDR’s term as
President. To be sure, there was plenty of
reminiscing about their personal experiences
during that momentous period. ■
Revitz residents
join the bread
line sculpture at
the Roosevelt
Memorial.
From left,
Sidney Levy,
Miriam Rosen,
Golde Sambol,
Carl Smith, and
Morris Cohen.
www.smithlifecommunities.org June 2008 | Page 5

LifeLines
In Our Mailbox
Dear Mr. Slavin,
I am writing to you to tell what incredible care
Dr. Linda Benson gave to my mother while she was
at the Hebrew Home following a severe stroke.
The first day we met Dr. Benson we were surprised
by how much time and care she took with
my mother (and us!) while evaluating her and her
medical situation. She listened attentively to both
my mother and to me (and my sister) and gave us
all the assurance that she would monitor her and her
medicine very carefully.
For the following three weeks that my mother
was in Room 288, Dr. Benson proved to be incredibly
knowledgeable about all the different medicines and
when necessary she consulted with my mother's
cardiologist. She listened to our thoughts about my
mother's medical condition (and some reactions she
was having from medicine) - but just as important,
she took care of my mother with kindness, attention,
and a level of patience that was beyond any expectation.
She's not only a great doctor, she's a kind,
considerate, attentive and caring doctor. It's hard to
find that combination in my doctors.
While we were ready to leave the Home on
February 28, 2008 - we hated leaving her.
I wanted to share with you our experience, in the
unlikely event you didn't know what a gem you have
in Dr. Benson.
Thank you,
Miriam Lenett (Daughter of Helen Stern)
Alpha Omega Foundation, the
oldest international dental
organization, generously presented
the Hebrew Home’s
Dental Clinic with a gift of
$1,000. Kindness like this
facilitates the work of dentists
like Dr. Steven Keller, one of
the dental volunteers who
provides necessary care to
our residents.
Two grants announced
Two major improvements will take place during the second half of
2008, thanks to generous grants from the State of Maryland and from
Montgomery County.
Charles E. Smith Life Communities is very pleased to announce a
$760,000 grant from the State of Maryland, recommended by Governor
Martin O’Malley, to purchase two heavy-duty generators for the Hebrew
Home. This will complete a two-year, $2 million renovation and upgrading
of our kitchen, so that it can serve as a regional emergency feeding
center in case of a large-scale crisis such as a terrorist attack or severe
weather emergency.
The new generators will power both the new emergency response
kitchen and the air conditioning in the 556-bed Hebrew Home – a
critical function that was found lacking in many hospitals and nursing
homes in Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina -- and will also maintain
power to security doors and cameras. Susan Moatz, Director of
Development Operations and Major Gifts, navigated the legislative
process to a successful outcome with the invaluable help of the Jewish
Community Relations Council and the Maryland Jewish Alliance.
We are also pleased to announce a generous grant of $90,000 from
the Montgomery County Council, recommended by County Executive
Ike Leggett, to help fund a new emergency call system in our
Wasserman Residence. ■
Volunteer Award
When Sydell Rappaport retired as a New
Jersey Deputy District Attorney, she knew
that she wanted to do volunteer work, and
because her mother had spent 12 years at
the Jewish Home in the Bronx, Sydell decided
to volunteer at the Hebrew Home.
From helping at beading classes, bingo
Sydell Rappaport
games and current event classes, to directing
“Project Keepsake,” in which she and the volunteers she trained
helped 100 residents to create beautiful family histories, to helping
residents hone computer skills and orienting new volunteers, Sydell
has put her talents and interests to good use.
“The best part of volunteering here is meeting residents, understanding
their backgrounds and learning from them,” Sydell said.
“They have so much to offer.” The Kitty Davis Award will be
presented at a Volunteer Recognition program in June. ■
Page 6 | June 2008 www.smithlifecommunities.org LifeTimes

EventMakers
Photos by Randy Sager
Aunt Minnie Luncheon
Actress and comedienne
Susie
Essman, of HBO’s
hit series “Curb
Your Enthusiam,”
delighted more
than 500 guests at
the annual Aunt
Minnie Luncheon
that benefits the
Hebrew Home.
Early bird discount available
now for 2008 Home Run
Lace up those running shoes and join walkers and
runners for the annual Home Run 10k/5k and fun run
on Sunday morning, September 28. Building on the
success of last year, we have changed the course to start
and finish at Federal Plaza on East Jefferson Street.
Participants will be treated to a great finish-line party –
enticing food, drinks, prizes and entertainment – and
fabulous hi-tech running shirts. This year we are
delighted to have Harvey Goodman, President of
Goodman-Gable-Gould Adjusters International, and
his wife Shari Goodman co-chairing this event.
As we have over the past few years, we will
once again team up with Jewish Foundation for
Group Homes. Race proceeds benefit the residents of
both of these organizations.
Online registration is available for individuals and
teams at www.hebrew-home.org. The early bird discount
is available until September 8. ■
2008 Golf Invitational
Fore! Join co-chairs Marc Schlesinger and Michael
Meyer for the annual Charles E. Smith Life Communities
Golf Invitational. New location and new day! The event
will be held on Monday, September 22 at Lakewood
Country Club. We’ve added some fun contests to an
already action-packed day! Register online at
www.hebrew-home.org. ■
Attending this annual event is a treat for
campus residents. Benefactors Marilyn
Cohen and Linda Haft greet Larry Salkin,
Eleanor Kushner and Louis Taub.
A legacy of generosity
Beth Sloan, left, received the
2008 Aunt Minnie Goldsmith
Award for her outstanding
community service. Arlene
Friedlander graciously presented
the honor.
Julie Beiser and Marla
Caplan served as Women's
Auxiliary Committee
Luncheon Chairs for the
May 16 event.
Have current interest rates decreased your standard of living? Have
you really wanted to support the Hebrew Home, knowing you couldn’t
take the risk of giving up any assets? There is a way you can meet
your financial needs today and make an ultimate gift to the Home in
the future—with a Hebrew Home Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA).
Rates are based in part on your age; the older you are, the higher
the rate. If you are 75, the rate is 7.1%; at age 85, your rate is 9.5%.
This gift to the Hebrew Home guarantees regular payments to you for
the rest of your life.
Part of your gift is tax-deductible today and the payments you
receive are partially income tax-free, so your effective rate would be
even higher. Rates drop slightly on July 1, 2008, but you can lock in
today’s rates if you start an annuity by June 30.
Individuals who have generously included the Hebrew Home or
Charles E. Smith Life Communities in their estate plans or who have
created a legacy for the Home through a Permanent Fund are eligible to
join the Builders of the Future Society. Builders take action today to
brighten the future for those we serve.
If you have already included us in your estate plans, we would love to
hear from you. If you want to create your own legacy, our Director of Gift
Planning, Julia Pitkin-Shantz, CFP, can help you discover what is right
for you. Please contact her at 301.770.8342 or at pitkin-shantz@hebrewhome.org.■
www.smithlifecommunities.org June 2008 | Page 7

HEBREW HOME OF GREATER WASHINGTON
LANDOW HOUSE • RING HOUSE • REVITZ HOUSE
HIRSH HEALTH CENTER • RESEARCH INSTITUTE ON AGING
6121 Montrose Road • Rockville, MD 20852-4856
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit #2913
Rockville, MD
20850
Curious first graders from Charles E. Smith
Jewish Day School on a visit to Ring House
quizzed 101-year old Sandford Heller about life
back in his childhood. “Was Pluto a planet 100
years ago?” inquired one student. “I have to
assume yes,” said Sandford, with a grin. ■
How to
Reach Us
■ Hebrew Home
301.770.8476
www.hebrew-home.org
■ Hirsh Health Center
301.816.5004
■ Landow House
301.816.5060
www.landowhouse.org
■ Revitz House
301.881.7400
www.revitzhouse.org
■ Ring House
301.816.5012
www.ringhouse.org
■ Volunteer Programs
301.770.8333
www.smithlifecommunities.org
LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of Greater
Washington, Inc. The Hebrew Home is registered in Maryland as
a charitable organization. Documents and information filed under
the Maryland Charitable Solicitation Act may be obtained from
the Maryland Secretary of State, 410.974.5534. We are an equal
opportunity employer and we provide access to community
programs without regard to race, age, national origin, familial
status, religion, sex or disability. Our services and programs are
open to all in the community.
Hanita Schreiber, Chair
Warren R. Slavin, President/CEO
Marilyn Feldman, Editor
Nicholas Simmonds, Vice President,
Development and Public Affairs
© 2008 by The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852-4856
301.881.0300
Support the Hebrew Home through your gift to United Way ■✓Check 8111 or CFC ■✓ 49705.
CampusCalendar
Special Events
Every Monday
“Learn with Rabbi Scolnic,” 12:30–1:30 p.m. in the
Ring House social hall, with Rabbi Samuel Scolnic,
Rabbi Emeritus of Beth El Synagogue. Treat yourself
to lunch at the Ring House snack bar prior to the
program and to thought-provoking discussions.
Parking available across the street at Panera.
1 June
Community event celebrates
Israel@60 on the Mall.
22 September
Golf Invitational at Lakewood Country Club.
Register online at www.hebrew-home.org.
28 September
Home Run 5k/10k/fun run, culminating in a great
post-race celebration at Federal Plaza, benefits the
Home and Jewish Foundation for Group Homes.
Plan to join our growing numbers. Register online
now at early bird rates, www.hebrew-home.org or
call 301.770.8351.
Annual Report now available online at
www.hebrew-home.org
Save the Date
13 December
Starlight Ball
For more information about these upcoming events,
visit www.hebrew-home.org, Events page.
Family Support Group
Our support group is open to caregivers in the community
as well as Charles E. Smith Life Communities families.
Join us on the second and fourth Friday of each
month, 1 – 2 p.m. in the Smith-Kogod Residence
library. Contact Kerri Zwolak, LGSW, 301.770.8479.
Page 8 | June 2008 www.smithlifecommunities.org LifeTimes