2013 Annual Report
www.mrhsny.org
Morningside Retirement and Health Services
Tuttle Center
100 La Salle Street, #MC, New York, NY 10027
www.mrhsny.org
Board of Directors
Major Supporters
Rita Marie Pullium, President
Eileen Canty, Vice-President
Kate Dunn, Secretary
Margaret Johnson, Treasurer
Amy Berg
Barbara Clark
Michael S. Davidson
Beatrice Hawkins
Maureen Knapp
Melinda Moore
Audrey Platnick
Victor Quintana
Marion Rothenberg
Neil Rothfeld
Angela Schramm
Government
(212) 666-4000
Individual
New York City Department for the Aging
New York State Office for the Aging
Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President
Robert Jackson, City Council Member
Daniel O’Donnell, State Assembly Member
UJA-Federation of New York
Rona Jaffe Foundation
Metzger-Price Fund
Morningside Heights Housing Corporation
West Harlem Development Corporation
Time Warner Cable
Columbia Community Services
Columbia University Office of Government
Relations and Community Affairs
Students, Faculty and Staff of Jewish
Theological Seminary
Residents and friends of Morningside Gardens
Other
Elders Share the Arts
Foundation
Corporate
Academic
Staff
Ronald Bruno, LMSW
Joanna Stolove, LCSW
Paul Nikolaidis, LMSW
Alan Stricoff, CPA
Laura Avila, Ariel Kaplan
Jeffrey Chow, Mukaddes Uzumcu
Marie Phillips, RN, BSN, MPH
Karen Morris, Jennifer Paul
Dr. Anna Costakis
Dr. Jessica Petilla
Margaret Bianchi
Executive Director
Assistant Director
Social Worker / Development Officer
Comptroller
Social Work Interns
Occupational Therapy Interns
Geriatric Nurse/Coordinator of Health
Care Services
Home Health Aides
Consulting Psychiatrist
Consulting Geriatrician
Office Manager
The 204 people who volunteered services to MRHS in 2013 are listed towards the back of this
report.
Background and History
of the MRHS Program
Morningside Retirement and Health
Services (MRHS) was founded in 1966 on
two principles: self help for older adults and
neighbors helping neighbors. The founders
were a group of residents in Morningside
Gardens, a middle-income cooperative
housing complex in Morningside Heights.
The apartment complex was constructed
with government assistance and opened for
occupancy in 1957 to house approximately
2,000 individuals. A group of forwardthinking older residents organized MRHS
nine years later to serve those elderly
residents who needed assistance in order to
continue to live comfortably and safely in
their homes.
For the first 20 years of the program, MRHS
was staffed and run by older residents,
working as volunteers. But by its twentieth
year of service, the MRHS Board of
Directors recognized that many of the
original volunteers had “aged in place,” and
themselves needed assistance. Morningside
Gardens had become a “NORC” —
Naturally Occurring Retirement Community
— with more than half of the apartments
occupied by residents over the age of 60. In
order to address the multitude of problems
elderly residents were facing, professional
support was needed to guide and supplement
the work of volunteers. Several MRHS
volunteers formed a committee to raise
funds for this purpose, and in 1986 the first
professional social worker was hired.
Since that time, the program – still governed
primarily by Morningside Gardens residents
– has assisted and enriched the lives of
hundreds of older residents. Working sideby-side with the professional staff, 204
volunteers offered their time and expertise to
MRHS in 2013.
All of these changes and additions have not
altered MRHS’s fundamental commitment
to its mission: 1) to help frail and at-risk
elderly residents of Morningside Gardens
remain in their own homes; and 2) to
provide programs which promote health and
provide opportunities for education,
socialization and recreation for older adults.
MRHS was one of fourteen programs
designated by New York State in 1995 as a
NORC program. As a consequence of this
status, MRHS qualifies for state funding to
provide social and health care services. In
1999, New York City created its own
funding stream for existing and new NORC
programs. MRHS was one of the programs
chosen to receive city support and was
selected in 2006 and, now again, in 2014
after a Request for Proposals (RFF) was
issued by the city.
Through these special contracts and with
foundation support, in 1995 MRHS began
providing healthcare services for older adult
residents of Morningside Gardens. These
services include on-site nursing, personal
care, psychiatric services, health education
and health care screenings, and a Doctors
Home Visiting Program for homebound
residents. MRHS has been able to enhance
the medical care provided to residents
thanks to an arrangement with St. Luke’s
Hospital for the placement of a medical
office on the premises of Morningside
Gardens, which opened in November, 2000.
As older adults at Morningside Gardens
continue to age, MRHS has experienced
increases in the use of its services. There
were 2,028 social work contacts in 2013 and
1,859 health care contacts. The total
number of professional contacts by our staff
in 2013 was 4,510. Total attendance at
MRHS programs in 2013 was 6,352, an
increase of more than 3% from one year
ago.
Mission of MRHS
MRHS Renovation
The Mission of MRHS is twofold:
1) to help frail and at-risk elderly residents
of Morningside Gardens remain in their
own homes comfortably, safely, and
with as much independence as possible
for as long as they can; and
2) to provide programs which promote
health and provide opportunities for
education, socialization and recreation
for all older residents of Morningside
Gardens, with particular attention to the
special needs of the infirm, homebound,
and isolated.
MRHS will soon be undertaking a major
renovation of its program and office space.
The renovation will consolidate our existing
space in Building I, #MC with our new
space in #MB, creating one cohesive center
that we believe will become a community
beacon. We believe the upgrades from the
renovation will increase MRHS’s capability
to deliver quality programs and services to
our residents and clients.
Values of MRHS
The board, staff, and volunteers of MRHS
are committed to offering services that
enable older residents of Morningside
Gardens to remain in their own homes by:
 Promoting a caring community and
enriching community life;
 Preserving the dignity and human rights
of older people;
 Promoting and supporting independence
by actively involving individuals in
managing their own care;
 Preventing isolation by keeping older
residents connected to the larger
Morningside Gardens community; and
 Reflecting integrity, professionalism,
responsibility, warmth and respect, and a
commitment to diversity.
MRHS will be working with the
architectural firm, HWKN, a pioneering
firm in the field of aging that shares our
vision of what aging programs can look like
in the future. Our goal is to create a space
that demonstrates our commitment to our
own Morningside Gardens community and
that serves as a model for the design of
spaces for other aging but vital
communities. We expect construction to
begin in 2014.
Productive Aging
NORC Contract Awarded
In October, 2013, MRHS presented a special
series called “Explore Your Future.” This
program was a continuation of the
Productive Aging project that was first
introduced at MRHS in 2012. Productive
Aging is a concept that focuses on younger
seniors, recent retirees and those who want
to jump-start their retirement years.
Productive Aging suggests that with longer,
healthier life-spans, older adults have an
opportunity to plan for their later years with
fulfilling and constructive activities.
MRHS was again awarded a NORC
Program contract from the NYC Department
for the Aging. The six-year contract will
begin on July 1, 2014. Currently in the final
year of its contract with NYC, the new
contract will enable MRHS to continue its
program and services at current levels.
This year’s Productive Aging project was
offered in partnership with Coming of Age
NYC, which tests and administers the
“Explore Your Future” series nationally.
The four facilitated interactive workshops
assisted individuals who are over fifty in
envisioning their next phase of life.
Social Services

NORC Case Management,
Counseling, and Direct Services

MRHS offers a comprehensive array of
professional social services as well as group
activities, and serves a community of more
than 600 older people. In 2013, the people
served ranged in age from 60 to 101, and
included those seeking assistance in finding
suitable home care as well as those who
were without family or other social contacts.
MRHS social workers respond to a range of
needs, supporting those providing care for a
dependent relative, those unable to shop and
cook for themselves, and others afflicted
with dementia, isolation, illness, depression,
and loss. Total social work case contacts
numbered 2,028.
At MRHS, social services are initiated with
a request for assistance from the individual,
a neighbor or friend, family member,
physician or hospital social worker, housing
staff, or any other concerned person. The
first step is an assessment, which is done
usually at the resident’s home. Follow-up
NORC services include:
 planning for care at home, including
coordination of discharge planning from
hospitals and rehabilitation facilities
 collaborating with family members and
friends regarding care for the individual
 providing daily money management,
including bill paying, check balancing,
and mail sorting
 counseling about benefits, such as
Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Part D
 supportive counseling services
 advocacy on behalf of MRHS clients
 managing health insurance problems and
planning for long-term care

information, referral, and coordination of
community services, such as Meals on
Wheels and home health care
consulting with medical and legal
experts on an individual’s behalf
providing friendly visitors
The MRHS social work staff consisted of
three social workers and two social work
interns from the Columbia University
School of Social Work.
Group Work
In 2013, MRHS continued to offer its
program for older adults who are
experiencing memory problems, called The
Memory Tree. The program is presented by
staff from the Early Alzheimer’s
Foundation, working alongside MRHS staff.
The Memory Tree program works from the
principle that memory loss affects everyone
in a family and includes caregiver support as
part of the program. Total attendance in
2013 for the program was 982.
MRHS offered one new support groups in
2013: TimeSlips. TimeSlips is a nationally
acclaimed storytelling method for people
with dementia that “swaps the effort to
remember with the freedom to imagine.”
MRHS was awarded a grant from UJA
Federation of NY to carry out the ninesession project in collaboration with Elders
Share the Arts (ESTA). The project
concluded with a public celebration and a
printed book with the stories and images
used throughout the program. Total
attendance for the program was 92.
MRHS also continued to offer its support
group for residents who have low-vision
problems. This group meets every two
weeks and is led by social work interns.
New technology and guest speakers are
brought in to expand the resources available
to participants. Total attendance was 43.
Health Services
MRHS provides healthcare services
including nursing services, home care
assistance, psychiatric consultations, and a
Doctors Home Visiting program. Under a
subcontract with our new health care
partner, Jewish Home Lifecare (JHL),
MRHS has a full-time nurse to provide and
coordinate health care for older residents of
Morningside Gardens.
With a team of health and social service
professionals, MRHS utilizes
interdisciplinary collaboration to target
services to meet individual resident needs.
The MRHS Nurse has been Marie Phillips,
RN, MPH, for the past fifteen years. Ms.
Phillips brings more than twenty-five years
of clinical and managerial experience to the
job. There were 1,859 health care contacts
made in 2013.
Nursing Services
Nursing services include healthcare
management, physical assessments, home
evaluations, and consultations with families,
neighbors, and hospitals to coordinate care.
The nurse is able to work closely with a
resident’s personal physician to develop a
plan of care and to help the resident follow
up on doctors’ orders and monitor
medications. The nurse also supervises a
part-time Certified Home Health Aides,
employed through Home Assistance
Personnel Inc. (HAPI).
Home Care Assistance
MRHS’S Home Health Aide provides shortterm help with laundry, shopping and
personal care for older residents unable to
manage such tasks on their own. Jennifer
Paul has been providing home care at
MRHS for sixteen years. In 2013, 523 units
of home health services were provided, an
increase of 1% from one year ago.
St. Luke’s Community Care
Through the efforts of MRHS, St. Luke’s –
Roosevelt Hospital Center located a primary
care office on-site at Morningside Gardens
in 2000. The office provides older adult
residents of Morningside Gardens access to
on-site medical care, which is particularly
valuable to those frail elderly residents who
have difficulty traveling distances. Services
are also available to the younger residents of
the Gardens, as well as to the nearby Grant
Houses residents. The attending physician,
Dr. Michael Correa, works closely with
MRHS and has also provided health
education programs at the Tuttle Center.
“She [Mary Thompson] was so proud of all
that MRHS represents.” --- note from the
niece of Mary Thompson
Doctors Home Visiting Program
MRHS operates a Doctors Home Visiting
Program through the Division of Geriatric
Medicine of St. Luke’s - Roosevelt Hospital
Center. MRHS doctors make home visits to
evaluate, diagnose and treat elderly residents
of the Gardens who are homebound or who,
for other reasons, such as cognitive
impairment that limits decision-making,
have little or no access to health care. To
residents and their families, this is like a
return to the days when doctors routinely
made house calls.
Psychiatric Consultation
Older adults are subject to a range of mental
and emotional difficulties, from Alzheimer’s
disease to depression and anxiety. MRHS’s
consulting psychiatrist, also from nearby St.
Luke’s, provides evaluations, prescribes and
monitors medications, and consults with
family members and the MRHS staff.
Thanks to a grant, MRHS is able to provide
this service at no cost to the patient. There
were 87 psychiatric visits made in 2013,
more than double from the prior year.
Health Promotion
Programs
Health Education Workshops
Mental Health. MRHS’s new consulting
psychiatrist, Anna Costakis, made a
presentation called How To Stay Well in
Stressful Times. Dr. Costakis discussed the
impact that public events, such as the
violence that had recently taken place at the
Boston Marathon, might have on people.
The program also served as an introduction
of Dr. Costakis to the community, as soon
thereafter she began seeing patients for
MRHS.
Take Charge of Your Health. Led by
MRHS nurse Marie Phillips, the group
meets once a month to discuss various
health-related topics of interest to
participants. Total attendance in 2013 for
the program was 40.
Hypertension Screening
On alternate Wednesdays, MRHS provides
blood pressure testing and monitoring for
older residents of Morningside Gardens.
This program is staffed by volunteers who
are older adults themselves. The volunteers
received training from the city’s Department
for the Aging, which monitors the program.
During 2013, MRHS volunteers provided a
total of 153 blood pressure screenings.
Occupational Therapy Program
Two Occupational Therapy interns from
Columbia University, Jeffrey Chow and
Mukaddes Uzumcu, provided one-to-one
training for caregivers who are providing
help for people with dementia. The training
offered suggestions for improving
communication, as well as activities, when
caring for someone with dementia,
Flu Vaccinations
MRHS held two sessions of seasonal flu
shots this year, with the MRHS nurse
coordinating distribution with St. Luke’s
Hospital. Eighty-seven (87) individuals
were immunized at no cost by the teams of
providers. According to the United Hospital
Fund’s Health Indicators project, a great
majority of MRHS clients receive a flu shot
(83%) and a majority (65%) also have
received a pneumonia shot, considerably
higher than city-wide levels for this age
group. MRHS received clearance from St.
Luke’s to invite residents of the nearby
Grant Houses as well. Working with
community leader Sarah Martin, flyers were
posted at Grant informing residents of the
opportunity to receive free flu shots.
Music Therapy —
the MRHS Sing-Along Chorus
The MRHS Music Therapy program began
in 1992 and continues to draw a variety of
older people to the center. The therapist
brings guitar and customized songbooks,
emphasizing favorite music from the 1920’s
and 30’s and folk songs from the 1940’s and
50’s. Rhythm instruments are offered to
those who are shy about singing aloud but
enjoy the music and the company. Studies
have demonstrated that music can reduce
stress levels and make new cognitive
connections in people of all ages, but
particularly in the elderly population.
Often, the music stirs poignant memories
and lively exchanges, creating new
friendships among the participants. The
Music Therapy program also builds selfesteem among participants when they
discover their own talents and creativity. In
2013, attendance at this program was 339.
Exercise and Stress
Management
Exercise programs have grown rapidly at
MRHS in recent years, both in number of
offerings and in attendance. The importance
of exercise in preserving a high quality of
life in older adults has been amply
demonstrated in the healthcare literature.
Not only does exercise improve balance,
strengthen muscles, preserve bones and
lessen the likelihood of falls and accidents –
exercise programs have been demonstrated
to reduce the incidence of emotional illness,
particularly depression, in the older adult
population. The exercise programs also
have a social benefit, producing a sense of
fellowship among participants.
“Fortunately, I live in Morningside Gardens
where we have MRHS – a service I took for
granted, until I needed it.” --- note from an
older resident of Morningside Gardens
Stretch and Tone
Led by trained volunteer and longtime
Morningside Gardens resident, Lucienne
Yoshinaga, this popular group provides an
opportunity for those unable to do vigorous
exercise to use their muscles and stay
limber. Ms. Yoshinaga received her training
from the Health Promotion Unit of the New
York City Department for the Aging. In
2013, attendance was 563, which makes this
our most popular class!
DanceFit
Taught by certified personal trainer and
Gardens resident Suzy Frazer, there are two
levels of class, one for the more sedentary
and the other more vigorous. Classes
include stretching, weight bearing work,
balance, posture and alignment, and a dance
combination. Total attendance in 2013 was
367, an increase of 9% from last year.
Qigong
Taught by Morningside Gardens resident
Marjorie Nissen, this class combines stretch
and toning up with Qigong, using gentle
movements and working with energy. The
exercise enhances the immune system and
the meditative aspect calms the nervous
system. In 2013, total attendance was 168.
“Just a note of how much I appreciated help
from Marie and Paul… Both of them were
generous with their time and resources…”
--- note from an older resident
of Morningside Gardens
Breath Awareness Meditation
Led by Morningside Gardens resident,
Gregory Darling, meditation brings
awareness, centering, and a feeling of peace.
Total attendance for the year was 135, an
increase of 37% from the prior year.
Monday Night Yoga
Using an instructional video coordinated by
Gardens resident Shuli Wu, this class is
designed for those who need a more gentle
Yoga. Total attendance for the year was
120.
Almost Chair Yoga
Taught by long-time Yoga teacher and
Morningside Gardens resident, Jana Titus,
this class offers yoga, meditation, and
directed breathing. In 2013, total attendance
in this class was 83, an increase of 26%
from the prior year.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a body movement system that
helps you achieve the goal of graceful
movement. Carl Jones, a Morningside
cooperator, teaches Yang style Tai Chi
Chuan. Total attendance in 2013 was 76.
Education, Instruction,
and Communication
Monday Night Discussion Group
Led by Morningside Gardens resident, Mary
Davidson, and other members of the MRHS
Program Committee, MRHS introduced a
new program in November, 2013, called the
Monday Night Discussion Group. This
group focuses on a particular topic for
discussion and participants are encouraged
to share their own memories, feelings and
reflections on the topic. In 2013 the topics
were immigration and “Home for the
Holidays” and total attendance for the two
groups and a follow-up film was 32.
MRHS techNet
Led by Morningside Gardens resident,
Michael Davidson, this group is open to
anybody who has an interest in learning
more about technology. Discussions during
the year included using E-books from the
New York Public Library, selling on eBay to
raise funds for MRHS, unveiling the new
MRHS website, using the Android phone,
and then concluded with some holiday fun
called “Favorite Apps and favorite Desserts.”
Total attendance for all sessions in 2013 was
107.
Circle of Hands
Led by Morningside Gardens resident, Mary
Davidson, Circle of Hands is for those who
like to crochet, knit, embroider, needlepoint,
quilt or appliqué, and enjoy sharing their
skills, designs and techniques with others.
The group meets weekly. Finished items
have been donated to MRHS and other
social service organizations in the
community. Total attendance for the group
was 159.
Chinese Language Class
Morningside Gardens resident, Shuli Wu, a
native speaker with experience in teaching
languages, provided Mandarin (Pu-tonghua) instruction in 2013, using the Pin-yin
system. Total attendance for the class was
126, an increase of 73% from one year ago..
MRHS Book Club
Led by volunteers, this group reads and
meets to talk about contemporary novels and
other literature. Total attendance for the
group in 2013 was 93, an increase of 3%
from last year.
Spanish Class
Led by Morningside Gardens resident and
filmmaker, Luis Argueta, MRHS offers
Spanish language instruction and practice.
Mr. Argueta, who is a native Spanish
speaker from Guatemala, utilizes handouts
from Spanish-language periodicals and
articles to assist his students. In 2013, total
attendance was 147, an increase of 10%
from one year ago.
Great Decisions
This series of programs provides
participants with an opportunity to discuss
critically important foreign affairs issues.
MRHS volunteers coordinate the series, with
Morningsiders, Ken and Peggy Thomas,
facilitating the discussion. Resource persons
are enlisted from within the Gardens
community to provide their expertise.
Participants are provided with a briefing
manual. The manual outlines eight timely
thematic topics of global concern. The
materials are written by experts and include
discussion tips for leaders. Total attendance
for all sessions in 2013 was 117.
Writing Workshops
Art Workshop
In conjunction with Elders Share the Arts
(ESTA), MRHS offered two writing
workshop series in 2013. Taught by Susan
Willerman, Writing From Life Experience
utilizes each participant’s experiences to
encourage and inspire their written work. In
2013, total attendance for the class was 159,
an increase of 3% from last year. The group
maintains a blog called Get Your
WordsWorth! Participants are able to post
their stories online for all to read.
Taught by artist and instructor Francine
Perlman, this six-week art workshop focused
on drawing, using charcoal, pastels, and
pencil. Ms. Perlman has taught art at City
College, where she earned her MFA degree
in 2002. Ms. Perlman’s drawings and
sculpture have been shown at many
exhibitions and galleries, including the
Ceres Gallery in Chelsea. The challenging
program generated a lot of excitement
among participants.
At the end of the spring workshop series,
MRHS hosted a public reading on May 24.
This year it was again a dramatic reading
event. Members of the group shared their
writings with the 26 residents of the
community who attended, from a stage in
the Morningside Gardens Recreation Center.
TimeBanksNYC
Reading History
The group uses a text to explore history,
usually an aspect of history that is not very
well known. Led by author, historian, and
Morningside Gardens resident Bea Gottlieb,
the group studied The Art of Memory by
Frances Yates, a challenging text that deals
not so much with memory per se but with a
significant if obscure period in the history of
Western Thought. Total attendance was 92.
Later Life Transitions
Led by Gardens resident Hardison Geer, this
group meets monthly to discuss issues of
aging and includes refreshments and
socialization. In 2013, total attendance for
the group was 41, an increase of 11% from
the previous year.
“Sincere appreciation and warmest thanks
to all of you, for your kindness and gestures
that show that someone cares…”
--- note from an older resident
of Morningside Gardens
MRHS provide two orientation meetings
with representatives from TimeBanksNYC,
one in March and one in April, 2013.
TimeBanksNYC is a free resource available
to people who live or work in New York
City. For each hour a TimeBanksNYC
member spends providing a service or
sharing a skill with another member, they
earn a “time credit” for the exchange. This
“time credit” can then be redeemed for a
service from another member in the
network. MRHS volunteers are able to
receive service credits for the volunteer
work they are doing by joining
TimeBanksNYC.
Then in May, TimeBanksNYC provided an
opportunity for Gardens residents to be a
volunteer reader to children waiting to see
physicians at Metropolitan Hospital Center’s
pediatric clinic. Transportation was
provided to the hospital.
Computer Help
Two high school students provided older
adults at Morningside Gardens with
computer help during the summer of 2013.
A total of 32 one-to-one sessions took place,
as older adults learned more about
technology and students gained valuable
experience providing help in a workplace.
Speakers and Forums
Annual Meeting
MRHS presents a broad range of educational
and informational programs. These
programs provide a forum for speakers to
present on topics of interest to residents. In
2013, programs included presentations by
Morningside Gardens residents and others.
MRHS held its Annual Meeting on March
27. After Board President Rita Pullium
welcomed the attendees and offered her
opening remarks, Ms. Pullium introduced
the chair of the Nominating Committee for
the presentation of new board members to
the community. The Treasurer’s report and
the Executive Director’s report followed,
which outlined highlights from 2012. Then
committee reports were presented by the
chairs of the various MRHS committees.
In January, led by Gardens resident Robin
Berson, forty residents attended a viewing
and discussion of the memorial quit created
in honor of the victims of the Triangle
Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911. Also in
January, resident John Seaman discussed his
new memoir, Bloody But Unbowed and
resident filmmaker Luis Argueta hosted a
screening and discussion of his new film,
abUSed: ThePostville Raid. In March,
resident Stuart Auslander led a presentation
through photographs that was A Virtual Tour
of Morningside Heights. In April resident
Dina Hampton spoke about her new book,
The Little Red School House. Also in April,
Ray Henri, a Certified Financial Planner,
spoke on the topic, Managing Health and
Investment Risks in Retirement. MRHS and
the Elder Law Section of the New York
State Bar Association held Decision-Making
Day in May, providing important
information about Advance Directives. In
July, a program on Medicare Fraud was
presented by the AARP New York
Volunteer Fraud Fighters.
In October, Certified Financial Planner Ray
Henri returned to lead a workshop on Five
Ways to Improve your Retirement and
Health Care Planning. And in November,
filmmaker Luis Argueta returned to screen
the trailer and to talk about his new film
Abuelos Y Nietos Juntos: Two Generations
Together, the inspirational journey of a
group of children who travel from the US to
Guatemala to meet their grandparents for the
first time.
Among the highlights mentioned was the
acquisition in 2012 of Apartment #MB in
Building I, our beginning usage of the new
space, and MRHS’s new 30-year lease with
MHHC. The formation of the MRHS
Transition Committee to guide the
acquisition and subsequent renovation was
also described.
Newsletter
MRHS publishes and posts online a monthly
Newsletter that includes a schedule of
MRHS events and activities. The
Newsletter, along with flyers that MRHS
posts each week in the six Gardens
buildings, is an important facet of the
MRHS outreach plan to residents.
The Newsletter regularly contains
information about the range of NORC
programs and services that are available
from MRHS. The Newsletter also provides
information on other community services,
cultural events, government entitlements,
and various health and safety issues. There
are regular contributions from MRHS staff
and residents of Morningside Gardens.
More than 1,000 copies of the Newsletter are
distributed each month. The Newsletter
plays an important role in keeping older
residents of Morningside Gardens connected
to the community.
Social and Recreational
Programs
Tuesday Lunch
This is MRHS’s “oldest” group, dating back
47 years. Every Tuesday at noon, a group of
residents gather for a brown bag lunch.
Coordination of the Tuesday luncheon and
birthday program is performed by a team of
volunteers and staff, which plans, organizes,
and leads the weekly events. The team
provides coffee, tea, and dessert; group
members provide the company and
conversation. In 2013, 264 guests came to
the Tuesday lunch, an increase of 25% from
one year ago.
Birthday Parties
MRHS began celebrating member birthdays
in November, 1993, on the third Tuesday of
each month. A volunteer sends a birthday
card, which includes an invitation to the
party, to each person whose birthday falls in
that month. Then the volunteer calls each
birthday person a day or two before the
party as a reminder. MRHS supplies a
birthday cake and everyone sings. In 2013,
137 guests came to the parties.
Winter Celebration
MRHS held its annual holiday party, the
Winter Celebration, on December 11. More
than 100 residents stopped by to join in the
good cheer, neighborliness and
refreshments. This year a silent auction was
held at the party as well, raising more than
$700 for MRHS. MRHS makes a special
effort to create an intergenerational
atmosphere at the party, with children from
the community in attendance. Music and
singing was provided by Vocal Ease, a
troupe of professional entertainers who
volunteer their time to perform at nonprofit
functions.
Saturday Afternoon Videos
Many older adults at Morningside Gardens
find it difficult to use the city’s public
transportation system. Weekend video
shows were initiated in the 1980’s to
provide entertainment for Gardens residents
who could not get out to the movies. Every
Saturday afternoon, a dedicated group of
volunteers shows a video in the MRHS
Tuttle Center on our high-definition screen,
equipped with Blu-Ray technology and
closed captioning for the hearing-impaired.
The committee of volunteers schedules the
movies, and shares the task of setting up the
Center as a theater for the afternoon and
running the video. In 2013, the committee
selected a few films that would be of interest
to children and provided popcorn at those
screenings. Total attendance for 2013 was
524, an increase of 22% from the prior year.
“I will always be humbled by your kind and
thoughtful outreach to my aunt, and
ultimately, to me.” --- note from the niece
of a former MRHS client
Supper Club
This is a group that was founded and led by
volunteers, as a way to bring socialization
and stimulation to residents’ dining
experience. MRHS staff re-started the
Supper Club in 2006, providing organization
and coordination of activities. Every other
month, participants choose one of the many
ethnic restaurants in the neighborhood as the
provider of the evening meal. Dinner is
delivered to the Tuttle Center at MRHS, or
else the group heads out to the restaurant
together. The Supper Club provides an
opportunity to meet neighbors and to try a
new dish. It has been particularly successful
with residents who were accustomed to
dining out occasionally, but have become
unable to do so because of disability or
frailty. In 2013, total attendance was 37.
Flea Market and Holiday Bazaar
Special MRHS Events
From November 15 to 17, MRHS held its
Annual Fall Flea Market and Holiday
Bazaar. More than 60 volunteers gathered,
organized, and priced hundreds of items,
staffed tables, and worked as cashiers.
People from the surrounding community, as
well as Gardens residents, enjoyed the
bargains. The 2013 Flea Market, including
items sold on eBay prior to the event, raised
more than $8,266 to support MRHS. MRHS
also held a holiday fair of items hand-made
by NORC residents, which raised an
additional $700 for programs.
Black History Month
Bus Trips
In 2013, MRHS organized trips throughout
the area. Total attendance on MRHS bus
trips was 157. The theme for this year’s
trips was visiting special cultural sites in the
five boroughs and Yonkers, and then having
lunch at a nearby restaurant. Highlights
included a trip to the Queen’s Museum of
the Moving Image, which included a guided
tour called “Behind the Screen” and lunch in
Astoria at a well-known Greek restaurant
called Stamatis; and a trip to the Hudson
River Museum for a tour of the Museum’s
Permanent Collection and lunch at Harvest
on the Hudson restaurant.
Another highlight (for sports fans) was a trip
to Yankee Stadium for a guided tour of the
stadium including the Yankee Museum and
Monument Park. Following the tour, lunch
was served at the famous Mario’s Restaurant
on Arthur Avenue.
Storytelling Project
MRHS social work intern Laura Avila
wanted to learn more about the stories of
Morningside Gardens residents. She
organized this project because she “wanted
to know: what keeps the members of this
community young at heart.”
On February 13, 2013, MRHS presented a
special program for our annual observance
of Black History Month. More than fifty
Morningside Gardens residents were in
attendance. Called “Echoes of Our
Ancestors: African-American History &
Song” the program presented teaching artist
Tami Tyree. The program paid special
musical tribute to the 150th anniversary of
The Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th
anniversary of The March on Washington.
Ms. Tyree performed “victorious songs of
the African American experience from
slavery into the 21st century."
MRHS continued its observance of Black
History Month in February with a bus trip to
the Brooklyn Museum for a guided tour of
the first solo exhibition in a New York
museum by the globally renowned African
contemporary artist El Anatsui. Then in
May, a follow-up series of sessions on
African-American music led by Ms. Tyree
attracted 52 attendees.
Grandparents Day
While MRHS has always emphasized an
inter-generational approach in fulfilling its
mission, this year we invited the community,
especially children, to celebrate
Grandparents Day with us. Gardens
residents were encouraged to bring their
grandchildren to celebrate Grandparents Day
on Saturday, September 7 with a special film
called A Summer at Grandpa's, followed by
Cream Puffs and Magic with entertainer
Randy Masters. More than thirty Gardens
residents and friends of all ages attended.
MRHS also encouraged residents to
participate in the NYC Department For The
Aging’s Walk Through Time on Sunday,
September 8 at Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
MRHS in the Community
NORC programs are meant to operate as a
hub of services for older adults.
Consequently, MRHS works closely with a
number of service providers in the
community.
St. Luke’s - Roosevelt Hospital Center
provides the physicians who make house
calls and coordinate health care with MRHS
for frail, homebound elders at Morningside
Gardens. In 2009, MRHS and St. Luke’s
made an arrangement for mental health
support services, in the form of weekly visits
from a hospital psychiatrist to homebound
Morningside Gardens elders. St. Luke’s Roosevelt has hosted health fairs at MRHS,
and has provided health care screenings and
health promotion events. Staff from the
hospital held two sessions of distributing
seasonal flu shots in the fall of 2013,
inoculating more than 80 older adults.
MRHS has also worked with St. Luke’s Roosevelt in developing grant proposals for
new and innovative programs to serve the
community.
MRHS works with Isabella Community and
Home Care to coordinate the provision of
case management and meals-on-wheels
services to residents of Morningside
Gardens. The goal of this arrangement is to
avoid duplication of services. MRHS is now
able to “turn on” meals-on-wheels for
residents of the Gardens.
As a site for interns from the Columbia
University’s School of Social Work and for
Occupational Therapy interns from the
College of Physicians and Surgeons, MRHS
works alongside leading practitioners in the
field. MRHS also works with cultural
organizations such as Elders Share the Arts,
the New York Council for the Arts, the New
York City Department of Cultural Affairs,
and the New York Historical Society.
As a member of the West Side Inter-Agency
Council for the Aging, the Council of Senior
Centers and Services, the Non-Profit
Coordinating Committee of New York, and
the Human Services Council, MRHS meets
regularly with representatives of other
community agencies. The MRHS Executive
Director is co-chair of the NORC Directors
meetings, held at the United Hospital Fund.
Jewish Home Lifecare
MRHS established a new health care
partnership with Jewish Home Lifecare
(JHL) in 2013. JHL not only brings a
wealth of experience and resources in
working with the aging population to
MRHS, but they made it possible for us to
maintain the same health care staff (Marie
Phillips, RN, MPH, and Jennifer Paul, CNA)
that has been working with Gardens
residents for fifteen years. We look forward
to a long, productive relationship with our
new health care partner, Jewish Home
Lifecare.
SNAP Program
It has been well documented that many older
adults must decide whether to pay for
medication or for food. Starting in August,
2013, in partnership with the New York City
Department For The Aging and the Council
of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS),
MRHS has provided special help to
Morningside Gardens residents in applying
for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food
Stamps.
Assistance has been made available in
English and Chinese on two Tuesdays of
each month, providing information, as well
as direct help with the application process.
MRHS has also reached out to the Grant
Houses, to enable seniors living there to
have access to this service.
Community Outreach
Renovated MRHS Website
MRHS has renovated its website to make it
more user-friendly, attractive and
interactive. There are now forum and blog
sections, which invite participation by
Gardens residents and others, providing
opportunities to follow up, for example, with
comments on programs held at MRHS. We
also maintain an active Facebook page. The
goal is to use social media and the MRHS
website to become another community
“meeting place,” especially for those frailer
residents who have difficulty attending
MRHS programs in person.
Partnership Committee
The goal of the MRHS Partnership
Committee is to establish ties with the wider
community beyond Morningside Gardens.
The committee seeks to solicit input from
the wider community regarding MRHS
programs and services and to establish
linkages that are mutually beneficial to
MRHS and community organizations,
merchants, and other stakeholders. In 2013,
the committee added the following
community representatives: Pamela Nichols
from the New York City Department for the
Aging, Grant Houses community leader
Sarah Martin, and former MRHS VicePresident, Carla Slomin.
MRHS Legacy Society
Membership in the MRHS Legacy Society is
open to anyone who establishes a planned
gift for the benefit of MRHS, including
those who have made a bequest to MRHS in
their will. In 2013, MRHS received a
bequest from the estate of Moira
Whittington. The total received from
bequests in 2013 was $90,000. We want to
thank those who have remembered MRHS
in their wills.
We are happy to announce that in 2013
Gardens resident Marie Ledoux and former
MRHS Vice-President Eileen Canty became
Legacy Society members. In addition to
Marie and Eileen, we would like to thank
the following Legacy Society members who
have given MRHS permission to list their
names: Rita Pullium, Kay Murray, Florence
Keller, Leila Lieberman, Mary Murphree,
Odete Bigote, and Lydia LaFleur, as well as
our anonymous members.
Ice Cream Social
MRHS hosted its third ice cream social for
Morningside Gardens residents on the early
summer evening of June 26. This was a fun
intergenerational event, providing
community outreach to all residents of the
NORC. One hundred, eighteen (118)
residents were in attendance, along with
MRHS Board members and staff.
MRHS Ice Cream Social, June 26, 2013
Spring Recognition Luncheon
On June 13, MRHS hosted its Twentieth
Annual Spring Recognition Luncheon, held
at Columbia University’s Pulitzer World
Room to honor the 216 volunteers who
contributed to the program in 2012. Special
recognition was given to three volunteers
who have contributed extraordinary service.
Mary and Michael Davidson were
recognized, a senior couple who have been
working on various committees and projects
at MRHS for many years, including leading
the TechNet group (Michael) and the Circle
of Hands group (Mary). Robert Komatsu
was recognized for his outstanding work
during the 2012 MRHS Flea Market. Also
recognized were two home health aides,
Jennifer Paul and Karen Morris, who have
been providing “Cluster Care” services at
MRHS for fifteen and fourteen years
respectively.
A total of sixty-nine (69) volunteers
attended and were treated to guest speaker
Mary Murphree, who is a Senior Research
Analyst at the Center for Women and Work,
and is a Morningside Gardens resident.
Entitled “Volunteerism 2013: What It Is &
Why It Works,” Mary spoke of the benefits
of volunteerism to the volunteer as well as to
the recipient. It was an inspiring and
entertaining presentation.
Members of the MRHS Legacy Society,
residents who have included MRHS in their
wills, were also recognized at the Luncheon.
Guests were treated to refreshments and to
music provided by performers from the
nearby Manhattan School of Music. The
event was made possible with the help of the
Columbia University Office of Public
Affairs.
(Copies of the MRHS Financial Report are available at the MRHS Office, 100
LaSalle Street, #MC, New York, NY.)
Volunteers in 2013
Judith Anderson
Luis Argueta
Stuart Auslander
John Beard
Amy Berg
Bob Berson
Robin Berson
Ruth Bendersky
Jacques Bendersky
Vivian Bergman
Odete Bigote
Anne Boggan
Alan Borthwick
Mary Borthwick
Brenda Breckman
Turkeshia Bridgewater
Marianne Brinigar
Anne Burley
Marion Butler-Mills
Eileen Canty
Sharon Carr
Sharon Lockhart Carter
Kyle Cassava
Rani Chaudhary
Barbara Clark
Marcia Clarkson
Diane Cook
Joy Cooke
Anisa Costa
Len Costa
Carlotta Damanda
Phyllis Darby
Gregory Darling
Mary Davidson
Mike Davidson
Roy Davidson
Lionel Davis
Michael De Borja
Ralph Della Cava
David Dewey
Nick Donaldson
Kate Dunn
Sarah Eggleston
Sandy Elkind
Lucy Ellis
Iretha Fletcher
Quentin Fletcher
Tova Francus
Suzy Frazer
Deanna Gates
Hardison Geer
Conchita Gonzalez
Tom Goodridge
Bea Gottlieb
Joyce Gottlieb
Alexis Greene
Delores Gruber
John Halborg
Dina Hampton
Eleanor Haray
Cynthia Harris
Peggy Haskins
Beatrice Hawkins
Paula Herz
Eleanor Hill
Kathy Hinton
Susanna Horng
Ann Jackson (deceased)
John Johnson
Margaret Johnson
Phyllis Johnson
Carl Jones
Kamu Kamadoli
August Kaapacke
Karen Kaapcke-LePique
Sherry Kane
Joanna Kapner
John Kapner
Florence Keller
Margaret Ketley
Leslie Kiss
Maureen Knapp
Susan Kohn
Robert Komatsu
Shirley Korn
Marilyn Kroop
Lydia LaFleur
Albertina Lal
Mary Lanning
Marie Ledoux
Tiana Leonard
Elinor Levin
Joan Levine
Norman Levine
Alice Lilly
Boyd Lowry
Mary Lowry
Chuck MacDonald
Jad Malaeb
Joan Mansoury
Robert Marcus
Rachel Martin
Volunteers in 2013 (continued)
Sarah Martin
Aliza Mazor
Jean McCardell
Mary McDonald
Allen Mellen
Liz Mellen
Erich Meyerhoff
Dana Minaya
Frank Minaya
Gregory Minaya
Melinda Moore
Gabriella Mora
Joan Morford
Anne Moses
Mary Murphree
Kay Murray
Audrey Muscat
La Asha Nelson
Velia Neri
Marjorie Nissen
Barbara O’Farrell
Benjamin Ojeda-Feinstein
Chris Pawelski
Mary Ellen Peinelt
Patricia Pell
Annie Petrus
Edna Philiba
Audrey Platnick
Ivy Polk
Rita Marie Pullium
Victor Quintana
Donna Quiros
Betty Reardon
Lisa Redd
Paula Rezende
Cecilia Ridette
Lex Riffaterre
Cynthia Rock
Jean Rooks
Leah Rose
Marion Rothenberg
Neil Rothfeld
Mildred Roxborough
Mary Lou Russell
John Ryan
Michio Ryan
Laura Brown Sands
Dorothy Savage
Angela Schramm
John Seaman
Maggie Sears
Surendra Sharma
Kismet Sheldon-Collins
Merryl Sheldon
Sundari Sheldon-Collins
Iris Shen
Reynaldo Silva
Doug Simmons
Gwen Simmons
Jill Simmons
Mytri Singh
Irene Silver
Carla Slomin
Alene Smith
Dilia Solorzano
Aidan Stack
George Stack
Will Stack
Elaine Steele
Valerie Stewart
Lotte Strauss
Alan Stricoff
Amy Stricoff
Jerry Tenenbaum
Maria Teusaba
Ann Tholfsen
Hilah Thomas
Ken Thomas
Peggy Thomas
Karl Tiedemann
George Todd
Kathleen Todd
Ramsey Togo
Usa Ungsunan
Jessica Van Tuyl
Kristina Vician
Sydney Weinberg
Eva Welch
Susan Wersan
Lorraine Wilbourne
Ruth Williams
Audraine Wilson
Janet Wise-Thomas
George Wu
Shuli Wu
Thisbe Wu
Marion Yeh
Margaret Yi
Lucienne Yoshinaga
June Zaccone
Linda Zehnder
Sally Zen
Statistics for 2013
Number of Seniors Provided Casework
Units of Social Work Care Management
Units of Health Care Management
Psychiatric Sessions
Doctors’ Home Visits
Units of Home Health Care
Total Professional Contacts
283
2,028
1,859
87
13
523
4,510
Program Participation
Educational and Social
Groups
Health Promotion
Memory Tree Program
982
Special Events/Guest Speakers
702
Stretch and Tone exercise class
563
Weekend Video program
524
Music Therapy
339
Lunch Club
284
Yoga Classes
269
Spanish Conversation
147
Hypertension monitoring
153
Trips
157
DanceFit Classes
367
Birthday parties
137
Health Promotion Events
152
Reading History
92
Low Vision Support Group
Qigong
43
168
Writing from Life Experience
185
Great Decisions Discussion
Group
117
126
Later Life Transitions
41
Chinese Language
Instruction
Tai Chi
76
Art Program
33
Take Charge of Your Health
40
Book Club
93
Breath Awareness
TimeSlips
135
TechNet Group
107
92
Circle of Hands
159
Supper Club
37
Monday Night Discussion
32
Total Program
Attendance
6,352
President’s Report, Treasurer’s Report
and Committee Reports
President’s Report: Change and Continuity
On the surface, 2013 might have looked like a quiet year -- the hubbub of the new space
acquisition had quieted down, the predicted increase of baby boomers turned seniors was
now expected as a matter of course. On closer look, however, it was a very busy year for
MRHS – lots of hard work and decision-making highlighted by several fulfilling and
dramatic moments. One dramatic moment took place after a summer of proposal
preparation and months of nail-biting suspense, when we heard that MRHS had been
awarded another six-year contract from The Department of The Aging, a contract that
would enable MRHS to continue its work on a similar scale for six more years. Another
important moment came after a year of intensive discussion, research and consultation,
evaluation of proposals and interviews of architects by the Real Estate Transition
Committee. Upon the recommendation of this committee, the Board unanimously voted
to select HWKN (Hollwich Kushner Architecture) to carry out the renovation that would
upgrade and unite the two wings of office space. Further preparation and actual
construction will take place this year.
Several firsts took place in 2013: Bonding for staff involved in Daily Money
Management casework, MRHS’ first Interactive website and blog, MRHS first
celebration of Grandparents Day, the first Credit Card transaction (better late than
never!), and the first working arrangement with the Jewish Home Lifecare.
Several innovative programs started in 2013: Explore Your Future served as sequel to last
year’s Productive Aging Program. Some of those who discovered their calling as parttime entrepreneurs have volunteered to help with MRHS’ Ebay project, selling donated
items on Ebay. Monday Night Discussion Group focused on important events in the
nation’s collective experience that provoke reminiscence, reflection and sharing. A
special grant made possible Timeslips, a creative group story-telling approach that
brought out memories and camaraderie among the cognitively impaired.
One significant step the Board took was to use a simpler form of strategic planning to
cope with rapid change. The process includes envisioning scenarios, identifying key
issues (needs, challenges, opportunities), and creating a strategic action plan using a oneyear time frame. The progress of this plan is reviewed twice before the final deadline; it
is likely that several actions will become permanent in future years – e.g. better
cooperation with MHHC through quarterly reports, letter to welcome new residents,
Grandparents Day celebration.
A healthy organization embraces both change and continuity. Amid new space, new
programs, new partners, and some new ways of doing things at MRHS, there is
nevertheless an unmistakable sense of continuity. MRHS exists to fulfill the same
mission -- helping older residents remain in their homes, providing programs that
promote health and provide opportunities for education, socialization and recreation. My
sincere thanks to staff, board, volunteers, and community for their commitment to this
mission!
Rita Pullium, President
Treasurer's Report
The responsibilities of the MRHS Treasurer include reviewing the monthly cash report
and quarterly financial statement prepared by our comptroller; reporting on the
organization’s financial status at board of directors meetings; inspecting the annual audit
and tax returns, checking account statements; and signing checks. In addition, the
Treasurer is a member of the Finance, Transition and Daily Money Management
committees.
In fiscal year 2013, MRHS received support from the New York State Office for the
Aging (SOFA) and the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) as well as
Columbia University, The Metzger Foundation, the Rona Jaffe Foundation, UJA
Federation of New York and the West Harlem Development Corporation. I am pleased to
report that MHHC maintained their annual pledge this year. MRHS is additionally
supported by contributions to our annual fund from the Morningside Gardens community.
Other sources of revenue include the proceeds from our annual November flea market, a
silent auction, and bequests to MRHS from members of our Legacy Society.
This year the MRHS budget had a surplus at the end of the year, owing to generous
contributions by members of the Legacy Society. Combined with the 5-year grant
renewal from DFTA, the MRHS operating budget enjoys continued solvency.
The MRHS budget covers the professional staff, a full-time nurse working through our
partnership with Jewish Home Life Services of New York, and a wide range of
educational, social and therapeutic programming. Morningside Gardens is fortunate to
have this resource for our NORC community. The percentage of our budget applied to
programming, as opposed to administrative expenses, is particularly high due to the
number of volunteers who donate their time and energy to offer services and
programming.
The renovation of old and new spaces at MRHS will be challenging and rewarding. We
are excited about this exceptional opportunity to embrace innovative and creative
potential in our physical space to promote the goals of progressive aging. Possibilities for
grants to help cover the substantial expense are being explored, in addition to our existing
resources.
I am proud to be of service as the Treasurer for MRHS.
Thank you,
Margaret Johnson, Treasurer
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is composed of two members namely, Melinda Moore and
Beatrice S, Hawkins. Originally, Eileen Canty, vice chair of the Board, was a member,
but recently resigned.
We were informed by the Board that there were three vacancies to replace. On January 8,
2014 the committee met and at that time, we already had recruited two nominees who
agreed to serve the board. The Board was helpful in recommending other possible
nominees; and as a result, we were successful in recruiting our third nominee. All
nominees were briefly informed of the responsibilities of MRHS, the expectations
of Board members and the satisfaction that result from serving on the board.
2014-2017
The following nominees have agreed to serve on the Board.
1. Anne Burley
2. Sharon Lockhart-Carter
3. Luis Sousa Campos
2014-2015
The following board officers have agreed to serve:
President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Rita Pullium
Maureen Knapp
Margaret Johnson
Kate Dunn
Beatrice S. Hawkins, Chair
Ad Hoc Technology Committee
The Ad Hoc Technology Committee is comprised of the Chair, Michael S. Davidson,
Ron Bruno, MRHS Executive Director, Marcia Clarkson, Tiana Leonard and Robert
Marcus, MG Co-operators. In addition, Barbara O’Farrell is a volunteer who performs
data entry for our database projects.
The Technology Committee focuses on three general areas. The first, through our
“techNet” component, is to teach how to use and appreciate computers, tablets, phones
and other devices. The second is to be involved in the selection of technology
components for the MRHS offices; and the third is to develop databases for use in
Annual Fund analysis, program attendance analysis and other related matters.
1.
“techNet”
During the past year “techNet” sponsored formal presentations on such topics as EBooks, Databases, Cyber Security, the new MRHS website, the Android phone and ended
the year with a combination party and presentation called, “Favorite Apps and Favorite
Desserts.”
In addition, members of the Technology Committee, MRHS staff, interns and work-study
students, provided individual instruction on both Apple and PC devices.
2.
Selection of technology components
There were no new technology component selections that the Committee was involved in
purchasing this year. However, DFTA (Department for the Aging) provided a new
database called STARS (Senior Tracking, Analysis, and Reporting System) for MRHS
and computers for the staff. In addition, the Technology Committee will have a
significant role in choosing technology components for our revised office space.
3.
Data Base Development
The Committee completed its second full year of collecting Program Attendance data and
its 3nd year of Annual Fund data. This information provides MRHS with useful material
for subsequent planning. In addition, the Committee has been able to provide MRHS
with data for the quarterly DFTA Reports.
Overall, the 2011 Technology Committee and its "techNet" offshoot continue trying to
unlock the mysteries of technology and make its use fun and pleasurable for the older
adult.
Michael S. Davidson, Chair
Program Committee
The charge of the Program Committee is to develop and promote existing programs that
support the goals and objectives of MRHS. The committee meets monthly. In 2013 the
programs included the following:
Black History Month: On 2/13 Tamie Tyree, singer and teaching artist presented a
program entitled “Echoes of our Ancestors”. Fifty-two people attended the program
which was so well received that Ms Tyree was asked to follow up with two interactive
workshops which were held in May and June.
Annual Recognition Luncheon: The Twentieth Annual Recognition Luncheon was held
on June 13th at Columbia University in the Pulitzer World Room of the School of
Journalism. The Luncheon honors the 216 volunteers who contributed their
considerable time and efforts to MRHS throughout the year. The Luncheon also
recognized the valuable support of members of the Legacy Society. There were sixtynine attendees. Our speaker was Mary Murphree, Senior Research Analyst at the Center
for Women and Work, whose presentation was entitled “Volunteerism 2013: What It Is
and Why It Works”. Special recognition was given to volunteers Mary Davidson and
Mike Davidson for their work on a variety of important programs, Eileen Canty and
Robert Komatsu for their work on the Flea Market and also to our long term home health
aides Karen Morris and Jennifer who provide much needed services to many of our frail
residents.
Winter Party: This annual event was held on December 11th. More than 108 residents
attended, partaking of refreshments, conversation and enjoyment of the music and
singing provided by Vocal Ease, a group of professionals who perform at nonprofit
functions. The Winter Party is an intergenerational event with children from the
community present.
The Program Committee, spear-headed by Mary Davidson developed a new series, “The
Monday Night Discussion Group” to be held monthly. “Coming to America:
Immigration” was held on November 18th followed on November 20 with Burt Wolf’s
film on Immigration. In December the topic was “Home for the Holidays: Family
Traditions. The attendance averaged 11 persons which allowed for discussion and
sharing. The Monday Night Discussion Groups will continue into 2014.
Program Committee Members: Barbara Clark, Mary Davidson, Bea Hawkins, Angela
Schramm, Marion Rothenberg.
Barbara Clark, Chair
Development Committee
Highlights of the past year include:
Legacy Society
The Development Committee continues work toward building a more robust Bequest
program, for which we believe MRHS is well-positioned, as a 501c3 mission driven
organization. We have been developing strategies for encouraging members of the
MRHS community to consider joining the Legacy Society. Members of the Legacy
Society are recognized at the annual Volunteer Recognition Lunch, and listed on a plaque
in the Tuttle Center. This past year, MRHS received one bequest in the amount of
$90,000. Two estates are still to be settled. The Development Committee would like to
thank all members of the Legacy Society, whose generous legacies will undergird the
ongoing work of MRHS for years to come.
Electronic Payments: This past year, MRHS realized a goal set by the Development
Committee when it acquired the ability to accept payments by Credit Card Processing,
which involved set up and utilizing of iPad, Square and Verizon Network. This new
service has been helpful for the MRHS office, as well as in fundraising events like the
Flea Market, and Circle of Hands sale.
MRHS Ice Cream Social: MRHS sponsored its third annual Ice Cream Social for the
MHHC community on June 26, 2013 in the newly reopened courtyard between Buildings
1&2. Many thanks to Melinda Moore for acquiring a donation of numerous tubs of
delicious Haagan-Dazs ice cream. Residents of all ages participated in this fun
community-building event.
Flea Market: This year’s Flea Market raised $8266, compared to $9114 in 2012.
However, 2012’s total included $1206 that was raised from EBay sales, which are now
being handled separately. Once again, many thanks to the energetic leadership of Dana
Minaya, many tireless volunteers, and great efforts of MRHS staff, particularly Paul
Nikolaidis and Margaret Bianchi, for the success of this year’s November Flea Market.
For the first time this year, Board Members took shifts overseeing the Flea Market, and
some board members (Margaret Johnson, Angela Schramm) devoted their entire weekend
to supporting the Flea Market. The development committee continues to work toward
building a more robust Bequest program, for which we believe MRHS is well-positioned,
as a 501c3 mission driven organization.
EBay: Under the guidance of Paul Nikolaidis, MRHS has been laying the foundation for
an EBay program that will train volunteers to sell items on EBay with proceeds going to
MRHS. In addition to creating a source of funding, this venture will also train residents
to become entrepreneurs, with the ability to sell items on EBay for their own benefit.
Board member Angela Schramm will be overseeing the EBay venture in 2014. Stay
tuned.
Silent Auction at Winter Holiday Party: The Silent Auction, held for the first time
during the Winter Party, raised $700.
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Annual Fund Drive: The 2013 Annual Fund Drive raised $39,076 from a total of 248
different donors.
Gift Acceptance Policy: The Development Committee has identified the need for a Gift
Acceptance Policy, which has currently been drafted and is in the review stages. This
policy will clarify what gifts MRHS will and will not be able to accept.
Development Committee Members: Kate Dunn, Lydia LaFleur, Elinor Levin, Melinda
Moore, Rita Pullium. Many thanks to Victor Quintana, Mary Murphee, Mytri Singh, and
Maureen Knapp for sharing their wisdom with the committee, and to our wonderful staff
support, Ron Bruno and Paul Nikolaidis.
Kate Dunn, Chair
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee had a productive year. The members of the Personnel
Committee this year were Amy Berg, Eileen Canty and Audrey Platnick.
Personnel Committee Projects for 2013
Benefit Allocation
The committee continued to evaluate the benefits allocations for the 2014 calendar year
to maximize allocation toward the retirement fund.
Annual Performance Evaluation of the Executive Director
The Chair of the committee assessed the Executive Director's accomplishments for 2013
and reviewed objectives for 2014. All objectives from 2013 were met including hiring
the architect for the renovation, submitting and being awarded the DFTA NORC grant
and operating MRHS at full capacity during the Assistant Director's leave.
Annual Raises
The Committee discussed and made a plan to implement the changes in determining staff
raises mandated by new federal non-profit law. In the future the committee will make
recommendations to the finance committee as the budget is being developed.
Staff transitions
The Committee assisted with planning the family leave of the Assistant Director, Joanna
Stolove, to ensure a smooth transition and complete coverage of responsibilities.
Respectfully submitted by:
Amy Berg, Chair
Finance Committee
The 2013 Finance Committee was made up of four official members and two Ex Officio
members. Official members were Michael Davidson, Chair, Margaret Johnson, Treasurer,
and Maureen Knapp, all of whom were from the Board of Directors. In addition, Lenel
Hickson, a resident of Morningside Gardens, was an official voting member. The Ex
Officio members were Ron Bruno, Executive Director of MRHS and Alan Stricoff,
Controller.
According to the MRHS by-laws, the Finance Committee is charged with carrying out
three basic functions. The first is to propose a budget for approval by the Board. The
second is to propose policies governing finances of MRHS; and the third is to review all
audits or contracts and respond in writing, subject to the approval of the Board, to such
audits. This typically includes a response to the Auditor's Management Letter, which
accompanies the Audit.
1.
Budget
The Finance Committee reviewed in detail the 2014 Budget presented by the Executive
Director. There were no major changes from the 2013 figures. The Committee
unanimously approved this document and subsequently presented it to the full Board of
Directors where it was unanimously accepted.
2.
Policies
There were no major policy changes during 2013. However, the Committee did evaluate
two different methods for using credit charges, which resulted in adopting the Square
method and the purchase of equipment necessary to carry out the process. The method
was used quite successfully at the 2013 Flea Market.
As a result of recommendations by our auditors, the Committee continued to make the
finances of MRHS as transparent as possible and to involve the Board in all relevant
actions. In addition, the IRS Form 990, which reports in detail the finances of MRHS as
a non-profit organization is available to the public either by request or online at
Guidestar.
3.
Audit Review
The Finance Committee received the Audit Report for 2012 from Mr. Eisenkraft, which
included the Independent Auditor’s Report, Statement of Financial Position, Form 990 –
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, and New York CHAR500 – Tax
Summary. Subsequent to this, we also received the Auditor’s Management Letter.
Mr. Eisenkraft states in the Report that,
“In my opinion, the financial statements …… present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Morningside Retirement and Health Services, Inc., as of
December 31, 2012, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then
ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.”
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The Management Letter has a series of administration suggestions relating to Segregation
of Duties, Control of Cash, completion of various employee forms and the bonding of
employees. As of this date, all employees are now bonded, all necessary forms have been
placed in employee files and the Finance Committee is developing its written response to
the Letter.
In order to make sure that the Board was fully cognizant of the Auditor’s Reports, Mr.
Eisenkraft came to the Feb. 2013 Board meeting to explain and discuss the financial
statements.
4.
Review of Investment Returns from New York Community Trust (NYCT)
The Finance Committee regularly reviews both the NYCT's monthly and yearly reports
for their total investments as well as the Quarterly Reports specific to MRHS. According
to a Report from NYCT by the MRHS Controller, our investments as of Dec. 31, 2013
were valued at $785,820, up from $704,137 in 2012, an increase of $81,683. Reviews of
monthly statements from NYCT, which only provide information on the overall values
and asset allocations, continue to compare favorably with their standard benchmarks.
Since the NYCT does not permit any withdrawal flexibility under normal circumstances
(we can withdraw only our entire investment or none at all), the Finance Committee has
discussed engaging a 2nd investment concern for major donations received in the future.
However, until such time as we complete the planned renovations to the MRHS offices,
we do not anticipate making major investment changes.
Overall, I would conclude that MRHS is in excellent financial health and I would like to
thank all members of the Committee for their dedication, friendship and time in serving
MRHS during this period.
Michael S. Davidson, Chair
Daily Money Management Oversight Committee
In 2013, the Daily Money Management Oversight Subcommittee of the MRHS Finance
Committee, transitioned from Carla Slomin’s leadership and was now chaired by Neil
Rothfeld with Margaret Johnson (MRHS Treasurer) and new Board member Angela
Schramm providing excellent support.
This year, the Board adopted the Committee’s recommendation that all MRHS
employees who work with DMM clients be bonded. Insurance coverage has been
obtained and such a policy protects MRHS and its clients.
The Committee expanded its oversight role by increasing its DMM Review from
once a year to a semi-annual review format. This change was warranted by the number
of cases in the DMM program, now totaling fourteen.
In February, 2013, the Committee met with Paul Nikolaidis, social worker in
charge of the DMM program and reviewed anonymous case files. In November, 2013,
the Committee met again with Paul, as well as Joanna Stolove, MRHS’ Assistant
Director, who also handles some cases. We found that all of the record keeping was in
order, including necessary signatures from family members and powers of attorney.
The Committee concluded that the Daily Money Management program was being
handled very well, especially given the increasing complexity of some cases.
Neil Rothfeld, Chair
Real Estate Transition Committee
The Real Estate Transition Committee is made up of MRHS Committee Chairs, the
Executive Committee and the Executive Director including:
Amy Berg – Chair – Personnel
Ron Bruno – Executive Director
Michael Davidson –Chair – Finance, Technology
Kate Dunn – Secretary and Chair – Development
Bea Hawkins –Chair – Nominating Committee
Margaret Johnson – Treasurer
Rita Pullium – President
In addition, until her recent surgery, Eileen Canty was a member of the
Committee.
The task of the Transition Committee is to oversee the integration of Apt. MB with the
present suite of offices. The full Committee met formally 12 times during 2013 and
several members met informally throughout the year.
The first major task of 2013 was to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP). This RFP was
based on a sample from the American Institute of Architects as well as suggestions from
people knowledgeable about developing such proposals. The final RFP included an
MRHS Concept Statement, Proposal Requirements, Conceptual Plan and Executive
Summary. In addition it included Special Design Concerns, Construction Costs, Legal
Concerns and a variety of other important elements.
The Committee reached out to individuals experienced in finding architects and selected
15 different firms to review, and possible bid, on our RFP. Five firms responded in the
affirmative.
The Executive Director and the committee Chair subsequently met with each of the five
firms so that they could see the MRHS spaces and have an opportunity to ask questions
about the RFP. Following this step, the five firms submitted their proposals.
The Committee reviewed the five proposals and asked four of the firms to make formal
presentations. After the four presentations were completed, the Committee also met with
a consulting architect. Throughout this process, the Committee extensively evaluated all
aspects of the RFPs and the formal presentations. It ultimately chose Hollwich Kushner
Architecture DPC (HWKN) as the prime architect. While all of the presenting firms
showed considerable expertise and ingenuity, the decision to hire HWKN was ultimately
based on their substantive interest and experience in the field of aging.
At this point in 2014, the contract is in the hands of our Lawyer’s Alliance attorney
awaiting final review.
Overall, this entire process continues to be challenging and rewarding, and we look
forward to the next tasks of securing funding and construction of the project. My special
thanks go to all the members of the Committee who have worked so diligently to get to
this point of our responsibilities.
Michael S. Davidson, Chair