End of Life Concerns Club

Welcome Spring and our new President, Jim Greenberg

Jim Greenberg as President of End Of Life Concerns Club



In the summer of 2020, in the midst of the Covid pandemic, I moved to Rossmoor from Pittsburgh, PA where I had retired from a pediatric anesthesiology practice a couple of years earlier. My wife had passed away, and a close friend introduced me to a wonderful woman who was to become my life partner and just happened to live in this vibrant, natural setting for “active seniors.” This, of course, was Bess Chosak. Enter Cassie Tzur whom I met while strolling around the golf course hoping for bird sightings. Seeing the binoculars around my neck, she introduced herself as not only a fellow birder but the president of the End of Life Concerns Club. Once she learned of my medical background and Bess’ experience as a hospice nurse and bereavement counselor, she invited us to become the Death Café facilitators once it started up after Covid. 

Fast forward to today, and our club’s activities have become more formalized with topical films and informational programs offered regularly to a community for which their focus is particularly relevant. I’m currently in the process of combing through the meticulous records President Cassie passed on to me. I was especially interested in the beginnings of the club, which apparently originated in embryonic form around 2010. From what I can determine, I am the club’s fifth president. I am learning about room reservations, contracts, bank accounts, community resources, and the ins and outs of interacting with the many arms of the Golden Rain Foundation.

I am grateful to Cassie, who built the club into a solid resource for our neighbors in Rossmoor and to the bright, caring, and talented board members who contribute so significantly to the ongoing success of our club. 

I look forward to seeing you at our gatherings during the coming year and to listening to your contributions and concerns as we go forward.

Jim Greenberg: vapormedix@GMAIL.COM (412) 736-2317

JIM GREENBERG AND BESS CHOSAK, CO-FACILiTATORS

The Rossmoor Death Café will meet on Friday, April 11, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Vista Room at the Hillside Clubhouse. Though not a grief support or therapy group, our Death Café offers a safe place to discuss such end-of-life issues as advance healthcare directives, discussing final plans and wishes with your family, and other late life concerns.

We had a full circle of participants when the Death Cafe met in March. Memories and feelings were readily shared after this opening poem recited by Richard Naegle:

SOMETHING I'VE NOT DONE

Something I've not done

is following me

I haven't done it again and again

so it has many footsteps

like a drumstick that's grown old and never been used

Late in the afternoon I hear it come closer

at times it climbs out of a sea

onto my shoulders

and I shrug it off

loosing one more chance

Every morning

it's drunk up part of my breath for the day

and knows which way

I'm going

and already it's not done there

But once more I say I'll lay hands on it

tomorrow

and add it's footsteps to my heart

and it's story to my regrets

and its silence to my compass

By W.S. Merwin

Update: As many of you know, our co-facilitator, Bess Chosak, has sustained a recent fall which is going to take some months to recover from. She is currently being transferred from John Muir to a skilled nursing care facility to continue her Physical and Occupational Therapy. 

Bess is working hard at regaining her mobility and hopes to be home as soon as possible. She wants you to know that she has been following all of our activities and as soon as she can walk comfortably with a walker she will return to the Death Café. In the meantime, Bess wants to thank everyone who has reached out and sent encouraging notes and messages.

GLORIA GLUSKIN, FILM CHAIR

FILMS

Our March film, "Tuesdays with Morrie" was well attended. Many of you contributed to our donation baskets, so a big "Thank you" for your support of our club. Watch for upcoming details of the next club film presentation in the Peacock Theater.  

For any questions or suggestions about films that you might like to recommend please contact Gloria Gluskin at ggluskin1@gmail.com or text to: (407) 415-8682.

Marcia Liberson, Program Chair

For many of us there comes a time that we can no longer live in our Rossmoor unit, either due to increased frailty, medical needs, or decreased ability to perform activities of daily living. Even with the assistance of a spouse/partner, the cost of hiring caregivers may make continued living in Rossmoor unfeasible.

Although the best time to discuss options is when you are not in crisis or under pressure to choose, it often happens that quick decisions are made because of sudden changes in health or reduced capabilities.

The Rossmoor End of Life Concerns Club (EOLCC) presents:

“When You Can No Longer Live at Home” 

April 21, Monday, 1:00-3:00

Club Room, Creekside building. 

Speakers:

David Cohen, CEO, "Exceptional Senior Placement Services"

TBA, Assisted Living and Memory Care

Ana Blaj, Owner, "Moraga Retreats" (Board & Care home)

Valerie Haak, Moderator and EOLCC Board Member

Q&A will follow these presentations which will be moderated by Valerie Haak. We welcome all residents and guests.

Valerie Haak, April PROGRAM Moderator

"WhenYou Can No Longer Live at Home"

Community resource will be offered at this presentation. All residents and guests are welcome. For more information contact Marcia Liberson, Program Chair at bubbe2799@gmail.com

Cassie Tzur saying "Goodbye" as President of EOLCC

MARLEY MIDDLEBROOK, MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

In March, we celebrated Cassie's four years of leadership at a goodbye luncheon and welcomed in Jim Greenberg.

Thank you to new and renewing members for supporting our work at the End of Life Concerns Club.

If you have not yet renewed, you may do so at the next Death Cafe, or drop off a check to the Gateway mailbox. Membership is $20 per year and is a great way to be involved in the community.

Contact Marley Middlebrook at marleypsyd@me.com or (925) 385-0336

Jim Greenberg, President

vapormedix@gmail.com

(412) 736-2317