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2221 N. Rosemont Boulevard
Tucson, Arizona 85712 (520) 322-7035
Inside this issue:
CEO’s Welcome
2
Photos from the
Grand Opening
3
Chairman’s Message
4-5
Tenured Employee
Dinner
5
Fall Birthdays
6
November Luncheon
6
Murals by Jos
7
Volunteer Recognition 7
Adventure Bus and
Adult Day Programs
8
Handmaker Kosher
Catering
9
Holiday Memories
10-11
Post-Hospital Rehab
12
A Quarterly Publication  December 2014
Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging
The Grand Opening
of the Kalmanovitz
Elder Care Center
On Monday, October 27th, approximately 200 guests attended the Grand
Opening of the Paul and Lydia
Kalmanovitz Elder Care Center.
Among the guests were many donors
whose pledges helped make this dream
of a world-class dementia, Alzheimer’s
and geriatric-psychiatric care center
become a reality. Dignitaries, such as,
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, Congressman Ron Barber, and the co-chairs of
the Kalmanovitz Campaign, Lowell
Rothschild and Dr. Hirsch Handmaker,
were present and among the speakers
at the dedication.
The schedule of events began with a
lovely reception of cocktails and entrée
stations on the first floor. Harpist,
Christine Vivona, played beautifully in
the background as guests enjoyed
dinner and socializing.
After dinner, everyone moved to the
second floor to be seated for the
dedication. Rabbi Thomas Louchheim
gave a beautiful opening prayer. Terry
Perl, Chairman of Handmaker’s Board
of Directors, was the Master of Ceremonies. The following were among the
speakers: Mayor Jonathan Rothschild,
Lowell Roth sch ild, D r. Hir sc h
Handmaker, Michael Duran, Congressman Ron Barber, and Art Martin.
Rabbi Samuel M. Cohon performed the
mezuzah dedication and gave the
closing prayer. Returning downstairs,
guests indulged in dessert and coffee.
Photo by Angela Salmon
The Kalmanovitz Elder Care Center
Frederick Clark Photography
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild &
Alice Baker, among top donors, led in
the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Frederick Clark Photography
Art Martin, Handmaker President & CEO,
honoring the donors of the
Kalmanovitz Elder Care Center.
www.handmaker.org
Page 2
HANDMAKER
Message from Handmaker’s CEO
Thanksgiving always gives me time to pause and reflect on the
positive things I encounter. One of the most positive things I regularly
experience is the benevolence and generosity of those who are
philanthropic towards Handmaker. In October Handmaker held a
ribbon cutting event for our new Kalmanovitz Elder Care Center and
honored all the donors that made this project happen. While I am of
course thankful for all of our donors, one of the major gifts holds a
story that is worth telling.
Steve Ohren was born and raised in Hawthorne, California and went
on to become highly successful in the commercial real estate business
in the Los Angeles area. He remained devoted to his parents, Anne
and Harvey, as well as his siblings Mike and Lynn, in addition to
being a loving uncle to their children. Steve was a lifelong member at
Temple Beth Torah and was noted for being a loyal and supportive
friend. Steve loved to travel and was also noted for his fun and elegant parties.
Sadly Steve passed away in 2008 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Before his death Steve created his own charitable foundation and chose several of his closest friends to
run it. After his death his friends elected to continue operating the Foundation in his name and to
foster projects to keep Steve’s memory going. That his friends would do this tells all of us the type of
person Steve was. Part of the Ohren Foundation’s mission is to help the elderly and particularly those
of Jewish descent. Little did we know one of the Foundation’s trustees lived in Tucson and our project
had been brought to her attention. After visiting Handmaker, and learning the details of the
Kalmanovitz project, the trustees decided naming a floor of the building after Steve was one of the
ways they wanted to keep his name alive.
What is the take away from this? I would say it is that there are indeed angels amongst us and we
never know when one will cross our path.
Art Martin
President & CEO
The Grand Opening of the
Paul and Lydia Kalmanovitz Elder Care Center
was made possible through the generosity of the following:
 LJ Kivel Holdings, LLC  Martha and Terry Allen Perl
W.E. O’Neil  Frederick Clark Photography  Frank Mascia
Jane Kivel
The Jewish Community Foundation
www.handmaker.org
A Quarterly Publication
Grand Opening of the
Paul and Lydia Kalmanovitz
Elder Care Center
Photos by Frederick Clark Photography
Rabbi Thomas Louchheim giving the Opening Prayer
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, Congressman Ron Barber
& Art Martin, Handmaker President & CEO
Guests admiring the murals on the 2nd floor
One of the generous sponsors of the event, Jane Kivel,
and her sister, Patricia Ballard
Allison Wexler and Jodi Bain, co-chairs of the event,
Guests enjoying coffee & dessert
www.handmaker.org
Page 3
Page 4
HANDMAKER
Message from Handmaker’s Chairman
I am honored and pleased to accept the chairmanship of the board of
Handmaker. During the years that I have been involved with this wonderful
organization, the only truly not-for-profit continuing care facility in our
community, I have learned what an important resource Handmaker is to our
Jewish community and greater Tucson. Under the leadership of my
predecessors, along with the commitment of our dedicated staff, Handmaker
continues to grow into a vibrant resource for older adults and persons with
disabilities.
In response to unmet needs, we recently dedicated the only geriatricpsychiatric unit in Southern Arizona to help those seniors with dementia
who can benefit from intensive hospital based therapy to overcome behaviors
that threaten their ability to live in less restrictive settings. Working together
with Tucson Medical Center, this resource will be a valuable addition to the
therapeutic milieu available to seniors with severe cognitive and behavioral challenges. Planning,
fundraising and construction of the new Kalmanovitz building involved many volunteers and
professionals. Special recognition is due to former board chairpersons Mel Cohen, Myles Beck and Brent
Davis as well as our CEO, Art Martin, who provided direction throughout this project. Without the
leadership, guidance and tenacity of Lowell Rothschild and Hirsh Handmaker and the generosity of our
individual and institutional donors, funds for the construction of this center of excellence would never have
been secured. We are especially grateful to Lou Girardo of the Kalmanovitz Foundation, as well as Alice
and Paul Baker, Steven Ohren Foundation, Milton & Tamara Maltz Foundation, Mel & Enid Zuckerman
Foundation, Joan & Donald Diamond Family Foundation, and Jane & Rabbi Lee Kivel for their generous
support.
So what’s next? We cannot rest on our laurels.
During the coming year Handmaker will continue to grow and improve in response to the changing and
increased needs of seniors and persons with disabilities in our community. In order to identify the most
important areas on which to expend our efforts and resources we will be asking you, our stakeholders, to
help us prioritize those components of our strategic plan upon which we should focus. Beginning in
January 2015, with the aid of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, we will be surveying our
residents; conducting focus groups of other seniors and their families; and meeting with clergy and other
engaged professionals to gather information from the Jewish community and as many interested parties
as possible. At the conclusion of our data gathering we will share what we have learned with you and the
entire community through a series of town halls for staff and involved parties. Our objective is to be as
responsive as possible to our various stakeholders so that when one thinks of adult day care, post hospital
care, assisted living or skilled nursing, one thinks of Handmaker!
During the second half of 2015 we will begin the judicious implementation of those physical plant and
operational changes that you have helped us prioritize. This initiative will be funded in part by the
refinancing of our long term debt at more favorable interest rates and the continued support of you and
www.handmaker.org
A Quarterly Publication
HANDMAKER
others in our community. Our goal is to maximize these resources so that we may continue to improve
and enhance the opportunities we provide for our seniors and others in Tucson who rely on Handmaker
for care, now and in the future.
I hope that we can continue to count on you and supporters like you, to help us achieve these ambitious
goals. Your involvement is critical to the success of this endeavor.
The board of Handmaker joins me in wishing you and yours the happiest and healthiest of holiday
seasons.
Terry Perl
Chairman of the Board
Tenured Employee Dinner
On November 6th, we held our annual tenured
employee dinner. This year marked a total of 61
employees who have been working at Handmaker
for five years or more, with one employee who has
been with us for 36 years. Among those who were
awarded, two employees received their 30 year
pins. Photo (upper right): Laura Foley, LPN; Anne
Gary Lochowitz, Administrator,
and Art Martin, President and
CEO, received their 10 year pins.
Lopez, Assisted Living Manager; Amy Gauthier,
RN; Lillian Flemons, Unit Clerk; and Mary
Villafane, Unit Clerk, enjoying the fine dinner
prepared by the Handmaker chefs. Photo (lower
right): Delicious fruit tart centerpieces made by
Pastry Chef, Barbara Peterson. The person who
had the most seniority at each table went home
with the gorgeous fruit tart.
Chris Maybin, Cook, and guest
Guest and Isle James, Food
Server
Pat O’Connell, Receptionist; Nahid
Nematohalli, Activities; and guest
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Page 6
HANDMAKER
Fall Birthday Parties
Every month, we have a birthday
celebration in the Grand Foyer.
Dr. Lois Wilde, who donated the
baby grand piano and has been
coming to Handmaker for several
years, plays an array of music from
classical pieces to popular show
tunes. The residents and their
loved ones sing and clap along to
the songs while eating birthday
cake and fresh fruit.
This fall, we celebrated the
birthdays of several residents;
including, Gertrude Shankman
who turned 100. An apple cake
baked by our pastry chef, Barbara
Peterson, was enjoyed by the
guests. Rabbi Richard Safran said
it was the best cake he had ever
eaten!
November Family Luncheon
On November 16th, the residents and their
loved ones congregated in the Great Room
to enjoy live piano music and a delightful
lunch. The Handmaker chefs prepared
salmon with hollandaise sauce, rice pilaf,
roasted fingerling potatoes, fettuccine
alfredo with roasted red & yellow bell
peppers, and mixed vegetables. Nearly
everyone indulged in the display of
delicious desserts!
HANDMAKER
EMPLOYEE
APPRECIATION
Andrea Ramirez (Volunteer Coordinator),
Carmeen Arias (Adult Day Program
Coordinator), Karren Jakimowich (RN Case
Manager) & Keith Presley (Environmental
Services Manager)
FUND
A GREAT WAY
TO SAY THANKS!
For information on making
a contribution, please call
Colleen Kulpa at (520) 322-3622
www.handmaker.org
A Quarterly Publication
HANDMAKER
Residents & Participants Admire the Murals by Jos Villabrille
After the October “Art” Gallery residents
meeting, Anne Lopez, Assisted Living
Manager, and Cydney Turner, Admissions
& Marketing Coordinator, led the residents to see the finished murals in the
new Kalmanovitz Elder Care Center.
Everyone was in awe over the murals,
noticing all the details; like, how the artist
incorporated the fixtures into the murals.
Tucson Medical Center wanted a mural
for their new geriatric-psychiatric center,
located on the second floor of the
Kalmanovitz building. They were looking
for an artist to paint a mural that would
create a sense of healing. Jos Villabrille
was the chosen artist among 59 artists
who submitted their work to be considered for the project. Jos, who has been
commissioned to paint murals for hotels,
shopping centers, restaurants, casinos,
and private homes, here and in other
parts of the world, painted a beautiful
southwestern courtyard scene on two
adjacent walls. After seeing his amazing
work, Art Martin commissioned Jos to
create a southwestern desert scene on the
first floor, Handmaker’s dementia and
Alzheimer’s care center.
Frederick Clark Photography
Photo by Angela Salmon
Participants in our Adventure Bus outreach program also had the chance to see
the murals during one of their culturally
themed programs.
Photo by Angela Salmon
Photo by Angela Salmon
Photo by Angela Salmon
Photo by Angela Salmon
We Appreciate Our Volunteers!
The Adventure Bus group
celebrating Bruce’s birthday
this past September.
Bruce Pitz is one among 65 continuing
volunteers at Handmaker. He had lived in
Tucson about 29 years ago, and moved
back a year and a half ago. He has been
coming to the campus almost twice a week,
for the last year as a volunteer for
Adventure Bus. The participants of the
program appreciate his warmth, kindness,
and witty sense of humor. Everyone in the
program is grateful for Bruce’s presence,
and he is also thrilled to be a part of their
lives. He enjoys listening and sharing
stories with them, assisting in the arts &
craft projects, and making sure everyone
is safe and comfortable during day trips.
Bruce repeatedly says, “I do more
laughing on Adventure Bus program days
than I do all week!” Thanks for all you
do, Bruce!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Andrea Ramirez,
Volunteer Coordinator
(520) 547-6050
www.handmaker.org
Page 8
HANDMAKER
Handmaker Presents
Bird watching & Nature walk
“Adventures to Remember”
We launched an outreach program called Adventure
Bus four years ago. The program serves people with
early to mid-stage diminished memory capacity. The
participants enjoy getting together twice a week, while
offering a needed respite for the caregivers. Once a
week, a culturally themed program is held on the
Handmaker campus. During these Inside Days, the
participants do various activities; like, arts & crafts,
exercise, music therapy, play games, eat snacks and
enjoy a delicious lunch. All the while, they share stories
and laughter. And, once a week, participants board the
Handmaker bus to take trips to local places of interest;
such as, museums, nature and science centers, craft
studios, bowling, and movie theaters.
This fall, the 10-week session started on October 1st and
will end on December 19th. The program is taking
advantage of the cooler days, therefore, many of the trips
are outdoors; like, bird watching, the Reid Park Zoo, the
Desert Museum, Old Tucson Studios, and several other
outdoor destinations.
Historic tour by horse-drawn carriage
The Winter 2015 session will begin January 7th. There
are wonderful trips and cultural themes planned.
For more information, or to arrange for a
pre-screening interview, call Angela Salmon,
program coordinator, at (520) 547-6007 or
email: [email protected]
Halloween Party
Clients and staff members of the
Adult Day Programs spent the
sunny Halloween morning playing
games and face painting in the
Leroy and Charlotte Kendis
Intergenerational Garden. What
fun they have, five days a week!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE
ADULT DAY PROGRAMS
Contact Veronica Borquez-Bernal,
Adult Day Programs Case Manager
(520) 547-6037
www.handmaker.org
A Quarterly Publication
Page 9
May this holiday season be filled with love &
laughter for you and your family.
Warm wishes for a
happy, healthy
and successful
2015.
Happy New Year!
Handmaker Kosher Catering
Simply the Best!
Events
Breakfast
Parties
Brunch
Meetings
Lunch
Conferences
Dinner
Your place or ours!
For more information, please call Alan Sanchez,
Director of Food Services at (520) 322-3639
www.handmaker.org
A Quarterly Publication
HANDMAKER
Winter Holiday Memories
from the Residents
Betty Light grew up in Denver, Colorado. She had two older
sisters, an older brother and one younger sister. Each night of
Hanukkah, she and her siblings would take turns lighting the
candles then they would have a wonderful family dinner. She
remembers that after dinner, her grandfather and her dad
would play Chess while she, her mom, and her sisters would
do the dishes. This year, Betty is looking forward to spending
the first night of Hanukkah with her children, grandchildren
and great-grandchildren who live here in Tucson and Phoenix.
Her family who live in California will be with them in spirit!
Brayton Person grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His home
was always filled with music and literature. His mother
played the organ, his father and older brother played the
violin, and he loved to sing. He remembers one particular day
before Christmas, when he was in about 8th or 9th grade. A
few neighbors were over and everyone was playing an
instrument and singing. A classmate stopped by to drop off a
textbook to him, and she was in awe over what she saw and
heard through the doorway. Brayton took it for granted that
not everyone grew up in a home like his, where music was
always played and literature was read aloud.
Peggy Sweetman grew up on a farm in a small town called
Delhi in central New York. Her grandparents lived three
miles away in another small town. She had an older sister and
brother. She remembers that everyone did their part for the
family Christmas celebration. The men chopped the firewood.
She and her siblings decorated a real tree. Eggs were collected
from the chickens and the cows were milked. Everyone took
part in the cooking and baking, They would eat and sing songs
together then afterwards, everyone went to church.
Since then, she has created many more Christmas
Day memories with her five children, grandkids, and
great-grandkids.
www.handmaker.org
A Quarterly Publication
Page 11
Winter Holiday Memories
from the Residents
Brian Litwak has fond memories of the Christmas Eve parties
he threw every year, for about 20 years, in Los Angeles,
California. Friends would start arriving at 4 o’clock in the
afternoon, bringing various dishes to be shared with everyone.
His favorite desserts to make were trifle and holiday pudding,
a New York recipe. He had a huge punch bowl that he never
used, but every Christmas Eve, it contained his delightful
trifle. His holiday pudding was always a hit, and no one could
believe that it was made from vegetables, spices and rum steamed for 3 hours. He and about 30 friends would eat,
drink, sing, and tell stories and jokes. At the end of the night,
his foster son would help him clean up.
Gertrude Shankman has celebrated Hanukkah many times in
her 100 years! A special memory that she wanted to share was
about the 15 years she worked as a volunteer in an elementary
school in Palm Beach, Florida. Because she worked with nonJewish children, she enjoyed introducing them to the Jewish
holidays through food. At Hanukkah, she would make 100
silver dollar-size pancakes (potato latkes) then bring them
along with apple sauce to school. The teachers would bring
jelly. She would tell the story of Hanukkah then give each
student a pancake and a shiny nickel as gelt. To this day,
Gertrude feels that Happiness is in the Giving. Even now,
every beautiful item that she knits is given away.
Years ago, Nathan Shapiro, his wife, and his grandson,
Jordan, who was 9 years old at the time, attended a Hanukkah
dinner at Congregation Anshei Israel. Each table had dreidels
and coins for guests to play. They were seated opposite from
three elderly ladies. One of the ladies had a difficult time
spinning the dreidel. The second lady had a difficult time
reading what was on the dreidel. And, the third lady couldn’t
understand the meaning of the symbols on the dreidel. His
grandson stood up and walked around the table. He spun the
dreidel for the ladies and read the meaning of the
symbols to them. Nathan says it was the best
Hanukkah he had ever attended because he watched
his grandson bond with these elderly ladies.
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NON PROFIT ORG
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PAID
TUCSON, AZ
PERMIT #486
2221 N. Rosemont Boulevard
Tucson, Arizona 85712
Phone: (520) 322-7035
Fax: (520) 547-6053
www.handmaker.org
ARIZONA
CHARITABLE
TAX CREDITS
Charitable Tax Credits will either
decrease the total Arizona state
income tax you owe or increase the
refund you receive, dollar-fordollar—up to $400 for couples or
$200 for individual filers. It is a
great way to direct a portion of your
tax dollars to organizations you
believe in most rather than leave the
decision to the state.
A ZERO NET COST TO YOU!
GIVE THE GIFT THAT
COSTS NOTHING AND
MEANS EVERYTHING!
For more information,
call Collen Kulpa at (520) 322-3622
* Handmaker Foundation is a 501 (c)(3)
“Qualifying Charitable Organization”
under ARS Title 43-1088. Ask your
financial advisor how you can put
your tax dollars to work in this truly
meaningful way.
Handmaker’s Post-Hospital Rehab
is now accepting a broader range of insurance

Medicare

Humana

Health Net

Mercy Care

CareMore

Bridgeway

United Healthcare

Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Our rehabilitative team has received excellent ratings
over the years. We specialize in orthopedic & geriatric
rehab: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and
Speech Therapy. We accept admissions every day. For
more information, or a tour of our facility, please call the
Admissions Department at 322-7035.
For over 50 years, we have provided the
very best in rehabilitative services, skilled
nursing care, assisted living, memory
care, and adult day programs.
2013/2014 State Survey=100 points
Excellent rating!
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