Your Albany NNORC and The John J. Bach Branch of the Albany Public Library are pleased to announce the launch of Library Links, a library materials delivery service for seniors living in our neighborhood. Through this program, library materials can be delivered to NNORC residents who are permanently or temporarily homebound due to disability or health problems. Seniors who are unable to drive also qualify for this home delivery service.
Whether you like to read books and magazines, watch DVDs, or listen to “talking books” and music, the library will arrange to have items delivered to and picked up from your home by a corps of like-minded volunteer bibliophiles.
You can access this free service by contacting Jennifer Ward, the Bach Branch Adult Services Librarian, at 482-2154. You can request specific items or ask Jen for suggestions based on your interests. She will use your library card and arrange for the items to be delivered in your very own Library Links tote bag. And when you’re ready to return your items, just call Jen again. It’s that simple. No library card? No worries. Jen can help you get started.
We’d like to thank the following people to who invested time, energy, and dollars into this project: Jennifer Ward, Bach Branch Adult Services Librarian, and Jane Kriegler, library volunteer, for collaborating with NNORC staff for over a year to convert a good idea into a great program; Scott Jarzombek, Executive Director of Albany Public Library for his enthusiastic endorsement of the program; and the Albany Public Library Foundation for underwriting the cost of the Library Links tote bags.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead
JFS Staff Runs 5k for NNORC Resident Ida Leberman
Michelle Dannenhoffer-Cau and Ida Leberman
When the 9th Annual Cherry Blossom 5K Race for ALS was announced, Michelle made the decision to run the race in hopes of winning a medal for Ida. On April 30, 2017, Michelle met up with fellow runners at Congregation Gates of Heaven in Schenectady for this all-important race. The event raises money for St. Peter’s ALS Regional Center.
“The odds were stacked against me running competitively in this race for a couple of reasons. For one, my own physical issues kept me from running all winter. Also, the age-group divisions were divided into 10-year groupings, and I was three months shy of “aging out”; that meant I was competing against a lot of 40-something youngsters,” Michelle shared. But that didn’t stop her, before the race started, Michelle bowed her head, closed her eyes, and thought of how much affection and admiration she has for Ida, and said a little prayer to muster just enough speed to win a medal for her.
“Ida’s spirit must have been with me that day, because the run was surprisingly strong and effortless, leading to a good-enough time for an age-group medal. I think I was the most overjoyed and emotional I’ve ever been after a race. I literally felt like an Olympian on that podium receiving my medal, because I knew I would be passing it on to a woman who has modeled so much strength and courage in the face of her illness.”
JFS Raises $23,000 Honoring Amy Klein from Capital Roots and Fred Erlich from Living Resources
On October 19, 2017 JFS honored Amy Klein and Fred Erlich for their outstanding contributions to making our world a better place.
JFS demonstrates and embraces the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world—in all our community based work. Our Annual Celebration recognized the commitment of our honorees to serve humanity with humility and to act as role models for future generations. They will be presented the Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award.
Fredrick Erlich is founder and CEO of Living Resources, a not-for-profit health and human services agency that serves more than 2,000 people across 14 programs throughout the Capital Region.
“I am honored to receive the Jewish Family Services Community Builder Award. As a previous board member, and passionate advocate for individuals and families, the mission and work of JFS speaks to my heart, said Fred Erlich. “I am deeply humbled by this award and recognition. Anschell Weiss was a friend, colleague and fellow Rotarian who was a consummate professional and demonstrated the highest ideals. May we all continue to repair the world, serve with humility, embrace our differences, and build vibrant communities, he added.
Amy Klein is CEO of Capital Roots, which works to reduce the impact of poor nutrition on public health the Capital Region through community gardens, access to healthy foods, nutritional and horticultural education and urban greening programs.
“It is humbling to be recognized with the Anschel Weiss Community Builders Award. I consider it a great honor to serve the community each day through my work at Capital Roots, helping to make our neighborhoods and families healthier. As Anschel has, I hope that I can inspire others on their paths to create change in our world,” said Amy Klein.
Corporate Sponsors
We are grateful for the support and generosity of this year’s corporate sponsors:
The Massry Family — TriCity Rentals
The Mortimer and Barbara Klaus Family Foundation
Living Resources Coporation
Albany ENT & Allergy Services, PC
Fact Finders Inc.
Jessica L. Richer Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker – Howard Hanna Commercial
Shenker Russo & Clark, LLP
Colonial Cleaners
Our Annual Celebration was held at Shabbos House and catered by Raizy Rubin. Her ability to prepare delicious, creative food is unsurpassed! We are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Shabbos House.
NNORC Wellness Wednesday Presents… Taking Charge of Your Health
Students and Faculty from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) will again be providing important health information and screening opportunities for the Albany NNORC.
Take advantage of some, or all of the following options:
- “Script Your Future” – Talk one-on-one with Pharmacy students and faculty about your medications. Receive valuable tips on how to maximize the health benefits of your prescriptions.
- CaRE – Screenings and information on Heart and Kidney health.
- Epilepsy Project – Educational information from the Northeastern Epilepsy Foundation designed to build awareness of epilepsy and seizures, current research in control and treatment, and ways to assist those experiencing a seizure.
- Blood Pressure Checks
- Blood Glucose Screenings
All screenings and information are offered free of charge, and are completely confidential. Invest in your Health – it is your most important asset!
DATES: Wednesday, November 15
TIME: 1:30 -3:30 p.m.
PLACE: Congregation B’Nai Sholom (420 Whitehall Road, Albany).
RSVP: Pre-registration is suggested. Please RSVP at 518-514-2023
NNORC Breakfast Club Discusses Winter Driving
Do you worry when you have to drive in the winter? We all know that the snow will arrive at some point. Please join us with Roger Dames, the Driver Fitness Center Coordinator at Colonie Senior Services. He will discuss how to drive safely under hazardous winter conditions.
Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Place: Albany JCC (340 Whitehall Road, Albany)
RSVP: Please RSVP to NNORC at 518-514-2023
*Save the date for the next Breakfast Club. Mary Brummagyn, Albany Health Department, will present on Wednesday, December 13 on “What you need to know to stay healthy in the Winter.”
Getting the Most From Medicare: Demystifying the System
Are you enrolled in Medicare but still have questions about
your coverage options? Will you soon be 65 and wonder how
Medicare works? NNORC is again offering a program designed to give
you a better understanding of your options and obligations regarding Medicare.
In this two-session workshop, we will:
- Define Medicare Parts A & B
- Explain what Medicare pays for and what you pay for
- Discuss prescription insurance
- Define Medigap insurance and how it helps you
- Help you understand the doughnut hole
- Discuss whether you should think about joining an Advantage Plan
Date: Thursday, November 9
Time: 1:00- 2:30 p.m.
Place: B’Nai Sholom Reform Congregation, 420 Whitehall Rd, Albany
RSVP: Reservations are required. Please reserve your space by calling 518-514-2023 (class is limited to 25 people)
Fee: Free
Date: Thursday, November 16
Time: 1:00- 2:30 p.m.
Place: B’Nai Sholom Reform Congregation, 420 Whitehall Rd, Albany
RSVP: Reservations are required. Please reserve your space by calling 518-514-2023 (class is limited to 25 people)
Fee: Free
Free Medicare Counseling Sessions
After our initial enrollment in Medicare, many of us would prefer to never have to think about our health insurance again, but we may be doing ourselves a disservice. After all, our health status can change at any moment—we can be diagnosed with a chronic disease, which has us making frequent visits to a new specialist and taking expensive medications. Also, Medicare health and drug plans often change from one year to the next—whether it’s a change in coverage, premium, or which providers and pharmacies participate in their networks.
Luckily, the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) gives Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to review their health care coverage each year and make changes to better suit their current needs. Because we know that can be a daunting and confusing endeavor, we’ve invited Krista Harbacz, HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program) Coordinator from Senior Services of Albany to the NNORC to conduct free and confidential one-on-one counseling sessions to help you make the right decision for yourself during Medicare’s open enrollment season.
DATE: Wednesday, November 15, 2017
PLACE: Site will be announced at the time of registration
RSVP: Call NNORC at 518-514-2023 to reserve your hour-long appointment time with Krista.
Don't Miss NNORC Night at the JCC
Come out for another NNORC Night at the JCC. They will be serving up a delicious dinner featuring honey chicken, along with good conversation and fun! NNORC night is always a good time to catch up with friends and make new ones. There will also be a short presentation during dinner by EPIC, a senior discount prescription medication plan. We look forward to seeing you there!
DATE: Monday, October 23, 2017
TIME: 4:45 p.m.
PLACE: The Albany JCC (340 Whitehall Road, Albany)
RSVP: Please call Claire Sigal at 518-438-6651 to make your reservation by 9:30 a.m. on October 23
FEE: The suggested donation is $5
NNORC & The College of Saint Rose Offer Caregiving Program
Caregiving: Using your Strengths to Turn Challenges into Successes:
Are you a caregiver to a loved one, such as a spouse, parent, or adult child? If so, NNORC has a unique workshop you will want to attend. Sara Powers, Ph.D., a gerontologist at the College of Saint Rose, will be leading a workshop examining positive aspects of caregiving and how to turn caregiving challenges into successes using a strengths-based approach. The workshop is designed to help caregivers engage in positive reappraisal of the emotional side of caregiving, increase confidence in their capabilities, and give caregivers a sense of appreciation for all that they do and give of themselves. Attendees will receive handouts to take home including helpful resources and activities to help stay positive. As this is a highly participatory workshop, space will be limited. Light refreshments will be served.
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: Albany JCC Senior Center (Room 2), 340 Whitehall Road, Albany
RSVP: Please register today by calling NNORC at 518-514-2023
NNORC Offers "Savor the Season" Cooking Class
Would you be interested in learning what foods are in season in the late fall? Join us as we Savor the Season with Cornell Cooperative Extension for this hands-on cooking class. Cook and sample healthy and delicious recipes made from local and seasonal foods. Learn how to use the fruits and vegetables in season now, and where to find them.
DATE: Tuesday, November 28, 2017
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: First Congregational Church, 405 Quail Street, Albany
RSVP: Please reserve your spot with NNORC at 518-514-2023
FEE: $4.00.