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Gift engages CSP elders in hands-on music

BY SYDNEY CLEVENGER hand out the drums and shak-
Drumming can be beneficial ers, and a Portland State Uni-
to seniors because of the mental versity music education major
focus and physical movement offers instruction.
required. And now, thanks to a The drumming begins slowly
generous gift from the wife of and softly and builds up to a
a former Adult Day Services louder, steadier sound. Shakers,
participant, Cedar Sinai Park’s some in the shape of lemons,
hallways are alive with the others with handles, accom-
sound of drums on Fridays. pany the drums; there are also
“The steady sound of drum- drumheads to beat. Heckler
ming can be likened to a heart- occasionally accompanies the
beat,” says Adult Day Ser- drumbeat on the piano.
vices Director Nancy Heckler. “It’s a very comforting sound
“Drums are hands on, sensory for this population,” says Heck-
and helpful for seniors, especial- ler. “Some folks just want to
ly those with Parkinson’s and relax, and you see others really
cognitive challenges. We are so concentrating. Each person gets
grateful to offer our participants Participants in Cedar Sinai Park's Adult Day Services have fun to engage in the music in their
this special experience.” making music with drums and other percussion instruments own way.”
The gift of 20 drums and per- recently donated to the program along with music lessons. “That was terrific, just won-
cussion instruments, along with derful!” says Sharon, while
a handful of visits from a music instructor, is from Sherril Gelmon, keeping time with a shaker and taking a break from singing along.
doctor of public health, whose husband, Philip Kreitner, Ph.D., had “When I go to bed, I’m going to dream about this sound,” says
a long journey with Alzheimer’s and began participating in the Adult Stan.
Day Services program in 2018. Phil passed away in August of 2021. “That’s the magic of music,” PSU Instructor Ash Phillips tells the
“I’m very happy to contribute to Adult Day Services with this group. “This is all about trying new things.”
gift,” says Sherril. “Nancy told me that Phil loved the music ses- With prior experience in teaching young people, Phillips “didn’t
sions. Phil would have loved the drums, and he probably would know what to expect” when he visited CSP for the first time.
have wanted to be the one playing the loudest and making the most “I was a little afraid, but these folks are the best,” says Phillips.” I
noise! I only wish he were here to enjoy them, too.” can’t wait to come back. It’s truly the highlight of my day.”
On Friday afternoons, participants in the Adult Day Services Cedar Sinai Park’s Adult Day Services are open to senior mem-
program (which includes seniors from the community, along bers of the community, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am
with residents from Rose Schnitzer Manor and the Harold to 6 pm, on a flexible basis. Contact Nancy Heckler for more
Schnitzer Center for Living) assemble for a drum lesson. Staff information: Nancy.Heckler@cedarsinaipark.org.
EJC gets “Manna from Heaven”

The Eastside Jewish Commons and more The only catch was it all had to be moved
than a dozen nonprofits recently received immediately, as in two days later. Cara
some “manna from heaven.” hired a moving company. She, Amelia,
EJC Executive Director Cara Abrams Mia, Shir Tikvah’s Katie Schneider and
recently received an intriguing email con- Mervin Kurkawian, along with the teen
necting her to the CEO of a downtown crew from Tivnu (the Jewish gap-year pro-
company. His company was closing an of- gram), all lent their muscle to moving stuff
fice, and he was looking to donate to a Jew- in and out. While they were at the EJC, the
ish charity. When Cara called, he asked, Tivnu crew also disassembled old, ener-
“Does the EJC need any office furniture?” gy-hogging lights and helped with painting
Did it ever! as part of interior upgrades.
For weeks, founding board chair Mia Birk The incredibly generous furniture dona-
had been telling people that EJC was looking tion was even more than EJC needed, so
to upgrade furniture. A priority was standing they paid it forward.
desks for their office spaces. (Current occu- As of mid-March, 14 of EJC’s community
pants are TischPDX, OneTable and Co/Lab partner organizations benefited from new
PDX, with room for more.) Not only had 27.5-inch monitors. Three additional non-
Eastside Jewish Commons co-working EJC been seeking desks, but couches and profits and numerous individuals received
space now has standing desks and oth- chairs for the lounge, tables for the atrium their older furniture.
er new furniture thanks to an anonymous and numerous pieces of equipment. The generous CEO has chosen to remain
donor. EJC has many options available for Cara and Amelia Schroth of Congregation anonymous. What a mensch!
community members looking for co-work- Shir Tikvah, with offices in EJC, sprang For more information about EJC’s office
ing, office or flex space on a regular or drop- into action. Arriving at the company, they spaces or spaces for activities and events,
in basis. To learn more, visit ejcpdx.org/ found the furniture was beautiful – exactly or to participate in a wide variety of pro-
new-page-1 or email info@ejcpdx.org. what EJC needed and so much more. gramming, visit ejcpdx.org.
Jewish Review March 16, 2022 9