The Heyman Interages®Center is a program
of JCA® - Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington.
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THE INTERAGES CONNECTOR
STAYING CONNECTED WHILE STAYING HOME
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Featuring Richard Burger, Recipient of the 2022 Austin Heyman Volunteer Award
Richard Burger began volunteering at JCA in 2018, after he retired from the government. Richard’s first assignment was as an assistant in a 1st-grade class at Harmony Hills Elementary School, where most of the students spoke English as a second language. He jokingly said that his responsibilities were " whatever the teacher told him to do.” He continued with this half-day-a-week commitment until the pandemic hit in 2020, when he pivoted to working with students via Zoom. Richard worked with students in schools, but he also was involved in other JCA volunteer activities. In addition to his volunteering in schools, Richard has participated in JCA’s Share From a Distance Program, exchanging messages with an 11th-grade pen pal passionate about debate, as well as working via Zoom with adults with memory loss in the Interages/Kensington Club’s Music and Art Therapy Program. Outside of his volunteer work for JCA, Richard uses his handyman skills to “fix things” for his synagogue, and he spends a lot of time with his grandson. JCA Programs have benefited tremendously from Richard’s unique combination of energy, optimism, and tireless creativity.
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Featuring Fernanda Arber, Recipient of the 2022 JCA Heyman Interages Youth Volunteer Award
In 2020, Fernanda Arber, a senior at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, started looking for a fulfilling volunteer experience where she could engage with seniors through music. This search led her to the Interages/Kensington Club’s virtual Art and Music Appreciation Program for older adults with memory loss. After her initial training, Fernanda became a regular in weekly group Zoom sessions with the seniors, engaging them in exercises, group games, art and music therapy, and discussions. These virtual group sessions often prompted the seniors to reminisce with each other about the past. Fernanda, a violinist, also got a chance to perform for the group members. Fernanda enjoyed getting to know the seniors and learning about their interests. She showed exceptional initiative to learn about memory loss and the therapies available to people with dementia.
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Featuring Dr. Debra Weinstein, 2022 Recipient of the Margaret Cutler Volunteer Award
In October 2019, Debra Weinstein began volunteering through JCA as an in-person teacher assistant and math and reading tutor to struggling students in a 4th-grade classroom at a Gaithersburg elementary school. Debra, who throughout her career has developed best practices for teaching skills in many areas, including technology and writing, loved using her many talents to help children learn. By providing one-on-one academic support to the children, she played a critical role in ensuring that the students had access to resources and support that could help them succeed. The children really responded to Debra’s upbeat nature, her dedication of time, and her ability to make any task fun. They provided feedback indicating her impact and made cards showing their appreciation. Once Covid hit, it became clear that JCA tutoring in math and reading would have to be virtual. Debra began offering workshops on how to use Zoom to JCA volunteers. These workshops were so successful that she formed her own non-profit, Tech and Talk (www.techandtalk.org), where she volunteers to provide tech support for individuals in exchange for contributions to charity. Debra, your generosity means the world to the people we serve. Thank you.
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These segments highlighting this year's JCA Heyman Interages awardees were written by JCA young journalist, Andy, who is a 9th grader. He diligently interviewed each volunteer. He crafted these words about the volunteer's activities and expressed the JCA collective thanks. Andy earned Service Learning Hours. Thank YOU, Andy. The Interages Connector editorial team considered Andy a contributing member and subjected his work to the same standards it applies to its own writing.
In this picture, Andy is delivering meals to older adults through a JCA program called "Mitzvah Meals" held during the summer of 2020.
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MCPL Offers Cartooning Course for Those 50+
This April/May, Montgomery County Public Libraries is offering a five-session virtual Cartooning class designed for residents 50+. The virtual five-session class is scheduled from 10-11 am, Fridays, April 22, 29, May 6, 13 & 20. The class is facilitated by cartoonist, illustrator, and animator Leila Cabib. It’s free and a lot of fun! An art supply kit is provided to registered attendees. The supply kit needs to be picked up from the Wheaton Library before the first session on April 22.
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“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
– Benjamin Franklin
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For your convenience, past issues of the JCA Interages Connector are available on the JCA Interages website.
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Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington
"Jewish Council for the Aging," "JCA," "Helping All Seniors Thrive" and "Interages" are registered trademarks of the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington, Inc. Visit us at AccessJCA.org.© 2022 Jewish Council for the Aging® All rights reserved.
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