Jewish Federation names Eisenman Award recipients; local woman in need of liver

CLEVELAND, Ohio — It was too difficult to choose just one, so the Jewish Federation of Cleveland went with all three.

The federation announced this week that the staffs of Cleveland Clinic, The MetroHealth System and University Hospitals have been named the 97th recipients of the Charles Eisenman Award, the federation’s highest civic honor for outstanding contributions to the community.

The federation bestowed the honors at its 117th annual meeting on Wednesday (April 21).

“Cleveland has been able to successfully navigate its way through the COVID-19 pandemic in large part due to Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth and University Hospitals’ willingness and ability to collaborate,” the federation stated in a release.

“From the moment this deadly virus arrived in Northeast Ohio, their coordinated response to the crisis not only helped save lives, but positioned the region for a healthy future.”

Over the past year, the federation states, the Cleveland community has witnessed these three healthcare systems work to keep the community safe, healthy and informed.

“They have dedicated themselves to not only provide top-quality care for patients, but also generously give their time to offer guidance to businesses, organizations and schools, sharing their expertise on community webinars and more.”

The award was presented to the full systems, including doctors and researchers, as well as janitorial and food service staff.

“We called on Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth and University Hospitals to help educate our community,” J. David Heller, Jewish Federation of Cleveland board chair, said in that release. “We knew we were calling them amid sleepless nights, but every time we called on these three institutions, they said: ‘Here I am. How can I help? What can I do?’”

“They didn’t see their responsibility and their job to the community as stopping at the real estate door where their institutions are located,” added Gary L. Gross, the federation’s Coronavirus Response Distribution and Oversight Committee chair. “Words cannot properly express our appreciation for what the hospital systems have done during the pandemic.”

In addition to the presentation of the Charles Eisenman Award, the annual meeting featured remarks by David Makovsky, Ziegler Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute, as well as an address from Board Chair Heller and an election of federation trustees.

School seeks help in saving grandparent’s life: The Mandel Jewish Day School in Beachwood has put out the word that Joan Horowitz, a grandmother of two of the school’s second-grade students and a school volunteer, is fighting for her life.

Horowitz, Mandel JDS’ Grandparent of the Year Award winner in 2019, is in need of a liver transplant.

Horowitz is now surviving on 23 pills per day and, a school release states, her only hope to stay alive is a liver donor. The donor must be under the age of 60 and have O-positive blood type. The donor would need to donate 1/4 of his or her liver, which would grow back within six months.

If you are able to be a potential donor or you think you may know someone who could help Horowitz, contact her directly at [email protected].

On behalf of her granddaughters, Sydney and Sammy, and her entire family, the school thanks you in advance for your help in its effort to try and save Horowitz’s life.

Heights Libraries happenings: Here is a look at what online events are upcoming, courtesy of the Heights Libraries.

“Braiding Sweetgrass: A Book Discussion with Green Noble,” will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. May 9. All are invited to join the Green Noble group as it discusses Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, “Braiding Sweetgrass.” In the book, Kimmerer combines her background in botany with old-fashioned indigenous wisdom to help readers reconnect with the natural world. This discussion is part of Heights Libraries’ Adult Summer Reading Program. No registration is needed. For more information, call 216-932-3600.

Also, “PowerPoint, Part 1,” for adults, will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. May 11. Register here.

There are also some in-person events scheduled.

“Outdoor Tai Chi and Qigong” will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. May 7, 8, 11 and 12, weather permitting, at the Coventry Village branch, 1925 Coventry Road.

“Spread Out Games,” for children and families, will happen at the same branch from 3 to 4 p.m. May 6. Registration is not required for either Coventry branch event.

If you’re a teen who is looking for something fun to do, the Lee Road branch, 2345 Lee Road, is offering Spring Activity Packs all day May 7. Stop by the Lee Road branch at the beginning of every month to pick up an activity pack. You’ll get a fun, age-appropriate pack that combines DIY crafts and other activities for those 13-18 years of age. New packs, while supplies last, will be available on the first Friday of each month during spring.

And, let’s not forget that an “Outdoor Superhero Scavenger Hunt” will take place all day May 8 at the Noble Neighborhood branch, 2800 Noble Road. Families with children of all ages are invited to participate in an outdoor superhero scavenger hunt. Wear your favorite superhero costume and hunt for the heroes of spring and some of your favorite superhero characters. Stop in at the children’s desk to get started.

Ballpark memories: As the baseball season gets going, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering a chance for people with dementia to remember the sights and sounds of the ballpark.

The song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” with its “one-two-three strikes you’re out” lyric will, it is hoped, trigger positive memories during a free virtual program called Baseball Memories, which will be offered at 2 p.m. Tuesday (April 27) in partnership with the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR), Jack Graney Chapter.

The program is open to people with mild to moderate memory loss, along with their caregivers.

Mary Ertle, program manager for Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter, said that short-term memory is lost first with dementia, and this program will help bring out long-term memories, through baseball.

“Hopefully, it will spur discussion,” she said in a news release, “as it creates good social interaction and brings up positive memories for participants to talk about with others.”

The one-hour program includes musical components, while SABR presents information about going to the ballgame and about famous players in baseball history.

Joe Shaw, president of SABR Cleveland, Jack Graney Chapter, said baseball research can have a variety of uses, such as helping people with memory loss.

“The program will provide an opportunity for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers to create interaction, conversation and hopefully stimulating some good memories” he said.

“I have personal ties to both Alzheimer’s and baseball,” Shaw said, “so when I was asked to assist with the program, there was no need to ask me twice.”

Shaw lost his mom to Alzheimer’s and understands the difficulties it can bring to people who suffer and their caregivers. He believes programs like these truly help people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Baseball Memories is a program started in a Houston Alzheimer’s Association chapter six years ago that has had success in Los Angeles recently, as well. The program will be presented via Zoom. Ertle said she hopes Baseball Memories will become a monthly program.

Pre-registration is required and limited space is available. To register, contact Ertle at the Alzheimer’s Association at [email protected] or 216-342-5607.

One in three seniors dies from Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Shaker Heights High annual flower sale: The Shaker Heights High School Annual Flower Sale will take place May 14 and 15 at the school, 15911 Aldersyde Drive.

Offerings will include flats of geraniums, begonias, New Guinea impatiens, petunias and verbena; 12-inch patio pots for both sun and shade; and a wide variety of hanging baskets.

The sale will include curbside pickup at the school for all non-delivery orders. Customers will be notified by email by May 11 with a timeframe when your order will be available for pickup and where to pick it up at the high school. Delivery is available for an extra charge, but only to Shaker Heights addresses.

To order, complete a form. Completed order forms are due by 11 p.m. May 3. Order forms are available at SHHS PTO Annual Flower Sale 2021 site at formsite.com.

If you have questions, send an email to [email protected].

Stop the Hate finalists announced: The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road in Beachwood, has announced the 2021 cohort of Northeast Ohio students and schools competing as finalists in its 13th annual Stop the Hate Youth Speak Out & Youth Sing Out Contest, in which…