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Pesach 2020

Jacqui Dinor Corry and Jenny Meltzer, Emmy volunteers, were part of our bushfire relief effort.

Volunteer bus driver Ray and Emmy resident Bob handed over boxes of care packages to Operation Angel founder Jacqueline Pascarl.

Volunteer Taryn Dickman and children helping to compile packs for school children in East Gippsland.

ALL HANDS ON DECKIn January, with bushfires still raging out of control throughout Victoria and New South Wales, the Emmy community did what it does best – support others.

Like many during this time, we were keen to offer our help to those in great need. We liaised with Melbourne charities Operation Angel, Terry Floyd Foundation and BK 2 Basics, as well as Clifton Creek Primary School in East Gippsland to determine what practical items we could collect and send to those affected.

The response from our community was unbelievable. Over a few weeks we were inundated with donations and collected thousands of items. We had to call on our volunteers to help sort through the donations. We hosted volunteers and family members at Emmy to assemble the donated items into three different packs: one for firefighters, another for school children and an essential relief pack for families in need.

The vibe in the room on packing day was remarkable – residents, children and community members from near and far chatting together as they packed relief bags and making room for some local MP’s and the Mayor of Glen Eira to lend a hand at the tables. Children decorated cards showing their support and sympathy to those affected by the bush fires.

In all, we assembled more than 400 packs. These have since been distributed across Victoria to those in need.

It was heart-warming to see so many people generously contributing items or their time to support our initiative. Without the commitment and hard work of our staff, volunteers and family members, we would not have been able to have made such a positive impact – thank you.

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEOWe have certainly witnessed a tumultuous start to the year – unprecedented weather conditions have caused destruction to our precious land and wildlife and hardship for thousands.

Despite these catastrophic circumstances, the kindness shown by Australian and international communities has been a shining beacon during dark days.

I was immensely proud to see our Emmy family rally together and offer support for those affected by bushfires in Victoria. Impressive teamwork from our residents, families, volunteers and staff meant we could prepare hundreds of care packages for those in need. We were also honoured to have MPs and the Mayor of Glen Eira join us on our packing day.

This year on International Holocaust Remembrance Day we commemorated the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. I am thankful for our strong connection with the Jewish Holocaust Centre, it is vital that their valuable work educating and preserving memories from the past continues.

We finished 2019 on a high with a beautiful Chanukah experience. Our Chanukah Family day was celebrated with multiple generations coming together to light candles, sing songs and share stories. This festival is such a great example of our close community, with partners, staff, families and volunteers all sharing in the spirit of Chanukah.

Our Emmy Awards Night was a wonderful way to wrap up 2019. We celebrated our teams’ achievements and paid tribute to some special team members for their excellence. For the first time, a CEO Award was introduced, which recognises the unwavering dedication and exceptional talent of one of our team. I am continuously inspired by the calibre of staff we attract; their teamwork and positive outlook allows us to offer exceptional care and services for our seniors.

We had another exceptional Purim experience, a highlight on our calendar and now preparations are well underway for Pesach. Our kitchen and Felder Family Café will soon be Kosher L’Pesach and ready for some authentic, family inspired Seder meals. As always, we invite you to join your loved ones and share in meals at Emmy.

I look forward to seeing you all during the festive period and wish you all a Chag Pesach Kasher V’Sameach.

Tanya Abramzon, CEO

Lending a hand to our bushfire relief packing day: Jane Rapke, representative of David Southwick, Member for Caulfield; Joe Krampel AM, President; Dr Katie Allen, Member for Higgins; Councillor Margaret Esakoff, Mayor of Glen Eira; George Greenberg, Board Member; Tanya Abramzon, CEO; Valerian Zaitsev, representative of David Southwick, Member for Caulfield.

Rosa Krakowski and her daughter Rhonda Lipschutz with Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill and David Southwick, Member for Caulfield.

6O SECONDS WITH RESIDENT ROSA KRAKOWSKITell us about your family. I have two children, three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. All my great grandchildren are boys – we call them the ‘magnificent seven’ just like the movie! I love my family; they fill me with so much naches.

We understand you contribute greatly to our community; can you tell us a bit about your volunteer work over the years? For more than 20 years I have given weekly guided tours of the Holocaust Museum, telling people my own story. Now that I am less mobile, I sit down and share my own experiences with people as they make their way around the museum. I have lots of people come up to me and ask me questions about my life and the Holocaust.

What is a memorable moment in your volunteering history? There have been many special moments throughout my time volunteering. I was recently a guest of honour at the CSG lunch, where I sat next to the Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill, David Southwick MP and my daughter Rhonda. I’ve also received quite a few letters, flowers and accolades over the years, which are all very special to me.

What do you feel is an important message to pass on to the next generation? Be honest, family-orientated and nice. And to my great-grandsons, I’d tell them to be a good husband and father!

Rhonda – what benefits do you see from your Mum continuing her volunteer work? Volunteering with the museum has been incredibly rewarding for Mum. It certainly has given her an extra sense of worth and purpose. After the passing of her husband, Mum was very upset and grief-stricken. Volunteering eased this pain and helped her overcome the sadness by giving her something to look forward to each week.

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CHANGING FACES OF EMMY’S BOARDIt has been said that a not-for-profit organisation is only as strong as its board. Likewise, the strength and success of Emmy Monash can be attributed to the effective and committed Board of Directors that have served over the years.

The Board’s valuable role is to manage risks and drive innovation. Together with President Joe Krampel AM, they work closely with CEO Tanya Abramzon and her Leadership Team to ensure our strategic objectives are achieved, while also keeping abreast of changing times and industry challenges.

The importance of maintaining currency in this climate of a Royal Commission and intense media scrutiny is something CEO Tanya Abramzon says cannot be underestimated, “our Board must be reflective of our wider community to effectively meet the challenges we face today”.

Naturally, a degree of change and turnover is necessary for boards – to lay the foundations for new perspectives, innovative ideas and organisational growth.

The inevitable coming and going of board members creates opportunities to celebrate the contributions and loyalty of those who have guided our organisation for many years, as well as embrace change. In the last two years, we have welcomed three new members, Rod Nirens, Vice President, Danny Lustig and Joel Beebe, each bringing unique skills to complement our board.

At the 2019 Annual General Meeting we paid tribute to two of our Directors who announced their retirement from our Board – Bruce Joske and Frank Tisher OAM.

Frank served on the Emmy Monash Board for 26 years, including seven years as President. He is widely known for his expertise in property law, and also for his unwavering charisma, loyalty and genuine passion for community organisations close to his heart, such as Emmy. During his presidency, he led Emmy through the construction of 526 Dandenong Road, and his wise legal counsel has been an invaluable resource throughout his membership.

Frank’s leadership enabled Emmy to achieve the vision of its founders in fostering a sense of belonging and community for those in need, and his wide network was integral to securing some of our generous benefactors.

Bruce Joske joined the Board in 2003, however he was part of Emmy’s building committee prior to this and was instrumental in growing its capacity to 90 beds. Over the last twenty years, Bruce’s expertise in construction and project management has played a very important role in the expansion of our buildings and he was heavily involved in the planning and construction of Gandel House.

Both Bruce and Frank have been truly significant in Emmy’s development as an aged care facility of choice for Melbourne’s Jewish community and their knowledge and guidance throughout the years has been greatly appreciated. Without them, Emmy wouldn’t be the wonderful place it is today.

We wish Frank and Bruce all the best in their future endeavours and are thankful for their lasting impact. We are appreciative of their respective legacies, and excited for the new ideas and growth arising from these changes to the board.

Celebrating Frank Tisher OAM and Bruce Joske on their retirement from the board in November 2019. Pictured with Tanya Abramzon and Joe Krampel AM.

Bruce Joske inspecting the progress of the Gandel House build with Tom Gorog and Tanya Abramzon.

Frank Tisher OAM with his wife, Dr Miriam Tisher at the launch of the Presidents Lounge.

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The final Bridging the Gap gathering for 2019. This program creates lasting friendships and memories for residents, Mount Scopus Memorial College school students, staff and volunteers.

The Hetty Kate Trio performed courtesy of Melbourne Recital Centre’s Music Always program.

Safta Esther visited Mount Scopus kinder students at Gandel Besen House and toured their garden through the Safta Program.

emMYworld

COMMEMORATING THE PAST This year on International Holocaust Remembrance Day we marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

This ceremony at Emmy is a respectful and solemn opportunity for residents and their families, staff and volunteers to remember the six million Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust. We have a number of Holocaust survivors among our residents, two of whom continue to be volunteer guides at the Jewish Holocaust Centre – Rosa Krakowski and Tuvia Lipson.

Michael Cohen, Jewish Holocaust Centre and Emmy Monash volunteer, led the commemoration service which included candle lighting by the residents and the recital of the Memorial Prayer.

We are very proud of our thriving partnership with the Jewish Holocaust Centre and this year we again welcomed Lisa Phillips, Director of Education, to the event. Lisa spoke about the importance of continuing to educate all people, especially our future generations. Lisa’s words united us all and served as a reminder of the importance of sharing and protecting the stories from our past so that we may continue to preserve the legacy.

Never forget.

Lina Olshina and Celia Lederman lit a candle together to honour those who perished in the Holocaust.

Back row: Maureen Shulsinger, Michael Cohen and Michael Stronmenger. Front Row: Tuvia Lipson, Rosa Krakowski and Lisa Phillips.

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CELEBRATING THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTSThe lights really shone bright at Emmy during Chanukah. Residents and their families, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and community partners enjoyed songs and Jewish traditions across eight days of candle lighting.

Special moments were had as residents lit candles for loved ones past and present. At Emmy, the festival kicked off with our Chanukah Family Day – a day full of excitement, noisy fun, good food and Jewish spirit.

Both the Central Shule Choir and performer Paul Glass delivered brilliant performances, singing traditional songs that embraced the spirit of Chanukah. A delicious afternoon tea offered a chance to indulge in ponchkes, latkes and other favourite festive foods. Children were treated to an upbeat performance by entertainer Paul Jamieson, residents and grandchildren sung and danced together in the Felder Family Café.

How wonderful to see the beaming smiles, happy laughter and infectious joy at this special time of year. There’s no doubt that these shared traditions have created lasting memories for us all.

EMMY IS ‘STILL FIRING’ The highly successful Duldig Studio program, Still Firing: Sculpture Journeys in Clay returned to Emmy Monash in 2019, delivering an expanded creative and sensory program for residents and our community.

The award-winning Still Firing program is celebrated for enabling creativity and self-expression among our residents, specifically its ability to involve residents with wide ranging abilities. This year the program engaged not only residents but Club L’Chaim community members and Bialik College students. The program is unique in its ability to cross intergenerational boundaries as well as physical and cognitive limitations. In fact, some residents had the opportunity to sculpt alongside their grandchildren, making the experience even more meaningful.

With highly skilled artists and professionals guiding them, participants learned new skills and expanded their

creative outlet, all while meeting new people and building friendships.

Special guests Patron Pauline Gandel AC and Eva de Jong – Duldig, founder of Duldig Studios attended the exhibition of artwork in December; residents, family members, school children and special guests admired the artworks on display, and left feeling inspired having celebrated the beauty and power of art.

We are extremely grateful for the continued support of Gandel Philanthropy who provide funding to Duldig Studio for this program. The rewards are treasured by all those who take part. We hope to continue this program into the future having seen the positive impact it has on all those involved.

Ursula Flicker enjoying the festivities with her granddaughter, Rachel Forgasz.

Duldig Studio founder Eva de Jong-Duldig sharing a treasured family artefact with resident Carmel Tofler.

The talented Central Shule Choir delivered an impressive performance.

John Kraus shared candle lighting with his family and Rabbi Stern.

Luisa Machlin and Bialik College students enjoyed their sculpting sessions during the Still Firing program.

Alex Grossman with his daughter Helen Gelber, granddaughter Shoshi Freeder and great granddaughters Liora and Gila Kremnizer.

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Peter Lewinsky, Marcia Krampel and Diane Lewinsky enjoyed the night.

Emmy staff walked the red carpet to celebrate a successful year of team achievements at the Emmy Awards.

President Joe Krampel AM celebrated Georgina Thompson’s fifteen years of service at Emmy.

Tanya Abramzon CEO with Tomasz Tokarzewski, recipient of Most Valuable Team Member award, and Inna Snetkova, recipient of CEO award.

The Emmy AwardsLast year, we combined our 2019 Emmy Awards Night with our End of Year Celebration at the stylish Sandringham Yacht Club. The Emmy team came together to celebrate another year of hard work, while recognising those special individuals who have made outstanding contributions. It was also an opportunity to honour the team members who have been a part of Emmy Monash for many years.

Awards were presented for Years of Service, Most Valued Team Members and Resident Choice Mensch. Excitingly, a CEO Award was introduced for the first time. Chosen by the CEO, the award is designed to commend unwavering dedication and exceptional talent at Emmy. Although there could only be one winner for each category, you could hear the joy of acknowledgement for all the finalists, with the entire audience clapping and cheering as each name was announced.

The night was filled with dancing, mingling and laughter from all tiers of the organisation; a testament to Emmy’s unique workplace culture, where people are genuinely enthusiastic about their work. One of the things that makes the Emmy team special is its family-like culture, cultivating a sense of warmth and inclusion into the organisation.

Visit our website to view the video we made to celebrate our team www.emmymonash.asn.au

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Club L’Chaim member Helen Jacobs was overjoyed to join Emmy’s Safta Program.

6O SECONDS WITH TOMASZ TOKARZEWSKITomasz Tokarzewski has worked as a Catering Assistant serving meals to residents within the Bierman Unit for nine years.

What do you enjoy most about your role? I love being around the residents and interacting with them at mealtimes. I ask them to tell me stories about their lives and I often share my favourite jokes with them. I’m always looking to make mealtimes fun and meaningful.

What have you learned from working at Emmy Monash? I’d say that the most valuable thing I’ve gained from working here is learning more about people who live with dementia. I have become much more aware and familiar with the condition, and I’ve become more understanding and attentive to their everyday needs.

How did you feel about being awarded the Most Valuable Team Member recently? I couldn’t believe it at first! It’s one thing to receive a nomination but being named the Most Valuable Team Member really surprised me because there are so many deserving people here at Emmy. It certainly felt good inside and I am so glad that my team appreciates me.

When you are not working, what are your hobbies? When I have the time and energy, I do enjoy carpentry work from time to time. I also love seeing friends, travelling and watching a few episodes of House Rules.

CLUB L’CHAIM CONTINUES TO GROWOur community group Club L’Chaim was hugely successful in 2019, and promises continued growth for 2020.

Members loved having the opportunity to participate in our popular Safta and Duldig programs, as well as attend the yoga and movie sessions we held. Starting the new year on a high after hosting a delicious luncheon, Club L’Chaim has lots of exciting activities in store this year.

Celebrating active senior living, members can take part in an array of cultural events, activities and outings. It’s a fantastic way to connect with like-minded seniors, build meaningful friendships and have fun!

If you are interested in joining Club L’Chaim or would like more information about activities on offer please contact Maureen Shulsinger, Culture Community & Wellbeing Manager on 8508 9300.

Club L’Chaim members enjoying a relaxing yoga session at Emmy. Emmy Monash Catering Assistant, Tomasz Tokarzewski.

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Pesach 2020

“ The services, programs and facilities at Emmy are above and beyond what we expected from an aged care facility. As a result, we wanted to donate to ensure they can continue their good work” – EUGENE & ALEX, FAMILY MEMBERS

We need your support too.

Your generous donation allows us to continue offering personalised holistic care through unique and meaningful programs.

Donate today, every dollar counts.

THE EMMY FAMILY WISHES YOU

George Greenberg, Board member, accepting a donation from Patricia del Solar, Consular Official (Consulate of Chile) and Chris Hendricks, Vice President Rotary Club South Melbourne.

GIVING BEGETS GIVING It’s been ten months since Emmy’s Maintenance team joined forces with Rotary Donations In Kind volunteers to coordinate the donation and delivery of hospital beds to underprivileged Chilean patients undergoing palliative care.

Board Member George Greenberg heard first-hand at a recent Rotary Club meeting how our donated hospital beds and laundry equipment are making a positive impact to the lives of those in Chile. The Rotary Club of Port Melbourne acknowledged and thanked Emmy for providing tremendous support for their Don Orleones Chile Project and, in appreciation, contributed a generous donation to Emmy.

This monetary support will help us continue delivering the highest quality services and programs to our residents. We are humbled and grateful to have contributed to such a worthy cause and look forward to continuing our association with Rotary International in the future.

I/we would like to make a donation of $All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Please find a cheque attached (made payable to Emmy Monash Aged Care)

Or, please debit my credit card: VISA Mastercard

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Mail to: Emmy Monash Aged Care, 518–526 Dandenong Road, Caulfield North VIC 3161

Donations can be made online via our website www.emmymonash.asn.au

Yes, I would like to support Emmy Monash Aged Care

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