Bronx, NY, January 23, 2008 -- In commemoration of Black History Month, the Parkchester Enhancement Program for Seniors (PEP for Seniors) and the NY Public Library are joining together to present “Portraits of Our Past: Celebrating Influential African Americans,” an art exhibit featuring hand painted portraits by talented Parkchester seniors.  Community members are invited to view the exhibit beginning Thursday, January 31, 2008 at the Parkchester Branch of the NY Public Library located at 1985 Westchester Avenue.    PEP’s art class will showcase portraits of distinguished African Americans with corresponding biographies. The contributing artists are local Parkchester seniors who are members of PEP for Seniors, a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) – Supportive Service Program (SSP) led by Beth Abraham Health Services.  PEP’s otherpartners include Bronx Jewish Community Council, Jewish Association of Services for the Aged, the Parkchester Preservation Company and Management. For more information, please click here to view our press release.

Portrait of Josephine Baker, painted by PEP participant Rosalie Schneider

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 Music and Dance Legends Lend Talent to Raise Awareness and Funds for Music Therapy Programs and Research Initiatives

 Music Icon Odetta and Broadway Star Geoffrey Holder
Help Raise More Than $120,000 at the 2008 Music Has Power Awards
benefiting the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function.

NEW YORK, NY, October 9, 2008 – Nearly a hundred people gathered at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency – The Nightclub of New York for an unforgettable evening of music and dance benefiting the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF).  Guests at this year’s Music Has Power Awards enjoyed intimate performances by multi GrammyÒ nominated singer/songwriter Odetta and Tony Award®-winner and acclaimed dancer Geoffrey Holder.  The event, honoring Holder and esteemed neurologist Gottfried Schlaug, MD, PhD, helped raise more than $120,000 to support funding for patient care, education and training in music therapy and scientific research initiatives of the IMNF.

“We thank Odetta and our honorees, Mr. Holder and Dr. Schlaug, for sharing their time and talents to help raise awareness about the power of music to awaken, inspire, and heal,” states IMNF Executive Director, Dr. Concetta Tomaino, “This year’s Music Has Power Awards Benefit has proved to be another resounding success – we are also grateful to our many supporters for their commitment to helping bring the healing power of music toindividuals in need.”

A member of the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, the IMNF’s groundbreaking and internationally recognized programs use music therapy to assist in the “awakening and healing” of individuals with a wide-range of neurological conditions including strokes, trauma, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases.  For the past eight years, The Music Has Power Awards has served as an opportunity to celebrate the visionary spirit and pioneering mission of the IMNF while honoring those individuals whose work contributes to the advancement of vital, often groundbreaking music therapy research, development and programs.   

The 2008 Music Has Power Awards was sponsored by The BNY Mellon Wealth Management with additional support from Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, Steinway and Sons, and Ketel One.  Previous recipients of the Music Has Power Awards include Dr. Oliver Sacks, Mickey Hart, Remo Belli, moby, and Henry Z. Steinway.

About the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF)

The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and a member of Beth Abraham Family of Health Services.  Founded in 1995, the IMNF is driven by 35 years of clinical observations on the actual effects of music on different types of physical and neurological trauma.  Directed by renowned music therapist Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino, with medical guidance from distinguished neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks, its distinctive setting allows researchers to not only apply their theories, but to follow patient rehabilitation in the long term.  

The Institute actively collaborates with researchers and practitioners at other leading organizations to advance world progressin understanding and applying the power of music to promote healing and wellness.  Some of the Institute’s most promising research has been in the areas of music and language, memory, and recovery from nerve injury – leading to groundbreaking discoveries as to how music therapy can heal. For more information about The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, visit us at www.imnf.org.

About Beth Abraham Family of Health Services

The Beth Abraham Family of Health Services is a national leader in providing and coordinating residential, home and community-based long term care for chronically ill and disabled adults throughout the New York metropolitan area.  Its continuing care services include residential health care, subacute medical care, rehabilitation, home care, HIV/AIDS home care, comprehensive care management, adult day health care and independent housing facilities for the elderly and disabled.  For more information about the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, visit us at www.bethabe.org.

About Feinstein’s at Loews Regency

Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, the Nightclub of New York, was named “Best of New York” by New York Magazine and heralded as “an invaluable New York institution by the New York Post. The club was created by Michael Feinstein and the Tisch family to provide an elegant return to the classic eraof New York nightlife.  Since opening in 1999, the club has presented jazz stars like Rosemary Clooney, George Shearing and Dame Cleo Laine; Broadway royalty like Chita Rivera, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Patti LuPone; pop/country artists like Glen Campbell, Crystal Gayle and Jimmy Webb; and celebrities like Tony Danza, Susan Lucci and Peter Gallagher.

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Mastercard VP Jean Brewster
Named to CCM Board of Directors

BRONX, NY September 23, 2008 – MasterCard Worldwide Vice President Jean Brewster has joined the Board of Directors of Beth Abraham Family of Health Services’ Comprehensive Care Management (CCM), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing and coordinating health and related services that enable medically frail, chronically ill and disabled adults to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. A veteran financial services industry professional, Mrs. Brewster will contribute her considerable experience, strategic planning abilities, insight and counsel to the Board’s efforts.

“Jean Brewster brings a level of personal interest and commitment to the mission that CCM performs for our community and our ever growing elderly population,” states Michael S. Fassler, president and CEO, Beth Abraham Family of Health Services.   “Her financial, management and detailed analytical expertise will be a great asset to CCM and ultimately, of great benefit to the people we serve.”

A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Jean Brewster was raised inYonkers, New York.  Educated through High School in the public school system, Jean earned a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Hofstra University on Long Island and a Masters of Business Administration in Corporate Strategy and Finance from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. She is also a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York. 

“From the beginning I was impressed with the work that CCM does with and for its aging constituency, particularly those among the often overlooked inner city and minority communities,” states Ms. Brewster.  “I am delighted to contribute my skills to help maintain and hopefully enhance these extraordinarily important efforts.”

Presently the Vice President of Competitive Analysis at MasterCard Worldwide, Brewster joined the company in 2005 to lead the strategic planning and business development activities of its Risk Management group.  Prior to joining MasterCard, she worked at American Express where, among her other responsibilities, she provided consultative financial management and analysis to various business units.

 

A passionate and involved member of the Westchester community, Jean Brewster also serves on the Board of Directors of Girls Inc. of Westchester County, a non-profit organization serving girls and young women, ages 6 to 18.

 

An admitted food enthusiast (or “foodie” for short), Jean has a passion for cooking, travel and family.  She resides in White Plains, NY with her husband and two children.

 

Comprehensive Care Management (CCM), a member of the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, is nationally recognized for the scope and innovation of its comprehensive long-term care services for chronically ill and disabled adults. It includes CCM PACE, the nation’s largest Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which integrates medical care, social day care and supportive care for the frail elderly, including physicians, nurses, rehabilitation therapy, social work services, hospital care, 24-hour emergency medical services, medications, home care and nursing home care, among others; CCM Select, a Medicaid Managed Long Term Care Program; and CCM Direct, Medicare Advantage Programs. CCM is dedicated to offering high quality, compassionate care and a broad range of long-term care options, with caregivers who are fully committed to meeting the needs of our patients and their families.

 

Beth Abraham Family of Health Services is a voluntary, not-for-profit health care organization providing a full range of continuing care services to the frail elderly and chronically ill in the New York metropolitan area. These services include residential health care, subacute medical care, rehabilitation, home care, HIV/AIDS home care, managed care plans, adult day health care and independent housing for the elderly and disabled.

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Legendary Singer/Songwriter Odetta Headlines
the IMNF 2008 Music Has Power Awards Benefit
at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency

Institute for Music and Neurologic Function Honors Film and Broadway Star Geoffrey Holder
and Renowned Neurologist Gottfried Schlaug, M.D., Ph.D. 
for their Contributions to Music &  Healing

August 7, 2008 (New York, NY) – The healing power of music and the helping power of musicians come together September 8^th when beloved three-time GrammyÒ nominated singer and songwriter Odetta headlines the 8^th Annual  Music Has Power^TM awards benefit at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency – The Nightclub of New York.  Known for her power and versatility, Odetta’s legendary musical legacy spans six decades and musical genres from traditional, folk and spirituals to blues and jazz.  

The Music Has Power awards are presented annually by the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), to honor those individuals in the arts, sciences and business communities whose work contributes to the advancement of vital, often groundbreaking music therapy research, development and programs.  

Honored for their contributions to music and healing are Tony Award®-winning director, actor, dancer, choreographer and painter Geoffrey Holder; and Gottfried Schlaug, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Music, Neuroimaging, & Stroke Recovery Laboratories at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the IMNF Scientific Advisory Board.

“We are proud to honor Geoffrey Holder and Dr. Gottfried Schlaug for their life’s work and for bringing attention to the important and inspirational role music can play in the science of healing,” states states IMNF Executive Director, Dr. Concetta Tomaino.  “Music Has Power is more than a fund raising event for our programs; it is a vital tool in raising awareness and spotlighting the value of music therapy and the effect of music on the human brain and mind.

A member of the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, The IMNF’s groundbreaking and internationally recognized programs use music therapy to assist in the “awakening and healing” of individuals with a wide-range of neurological conditions including strokes, trauma, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases.  The IMNF plans to expand its work in music therapy for childhood developmental conditions including autism.

The 2008 Music Has Power Awards event starts at 6PM and also features pianist Seth Farber and a special performance by honoree Geoffrey Holder.

Once dubbed the "Queen of American Folk Music" by no less a fan than the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Odetta was awarded the 1999 Presidential Medal of Arts by President and Mrs. Clinton.  One of the most influential artists of the last century, Odetta’s 1956 album, “Odetta Sings Ballads &
Blues,” was cited as the inspiration for the late Janis Joplin to become a singer and for icon Bob Dylan to pick up an acoustic guitar and make his way in the folk music world.  The first solo woman performer singing blues, folk, work and protest songs to record and tour, Odetta was also among the first group of artists to be honored with the Duke Ellington Fellowship Award.

The 2008 Music Has Power Awards is sponsored by The Bank of New York Mellon Wealth Management with additional support from Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, Steinway and Sons, and Ketel One.  The Music Has Power Awards was established eight years ago to celebrate and recognize the significant accomplishments of the men and women who have supported and brought new understanding to the use of the power of music to awaken and heal.  Through this celebration, funds raised will support music therapy programs, along with clinical and scientific research.  Previous recipients of the Music Has Power Awards include Dr. Oliver Sacks, Mickey Hart, Remo Belli, moby, and Henry Z. Steinway.

For tickets or sponsorship information please contact: Teresa Simonetti at (718) 519-5880, fax (718) 519-4240 or e-mail tsimonetti@bethabe.org.

About the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF):

The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and a member of Beth Abraham Family of Health Services.  Founded in 1995, the IMNF is driven by 35 years of clinical observations on the actual effects of music on different types of physical and neurological trauma.  Directed by renowned music therapist Dr. Concetta M. Tomaino, with medical

guidance from distinguished neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks, its distinctive setting allows researchers to not only apply their theories, but to follow patient rehabilitation in the long term. 

The Institute actively collaborates with researchers and practitioners at other leading organizations to advance world progress in understanding and applying the power of music to promote healing and wellness.  Some of the Institute’s most promising research has been in the areas of music and language, memory, and recovery from nerve injury – leading to groundbreaking discoveries as to how music therapy can heal.

For more information about The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, visit us at www.imnf.org.

About Beth Abraham Family of Health Services:

The Beth Abraham Family of Health Services is a national leader in providing and coordinating residential, home and community-based long term care for chronically ill and disabled adults throughout the New York metropolitan area.  The network’s continuing care services include residential health care, subacute medical care, rehabilitation, home care, HIV/AIDS home care, managed care plans, adult day health care and independent housing facilities for the elderly and disabled.  For more information about the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, visit us at www.bethabe.org.

About Feinstein’s at Loews Regency

Feinstein’s at Loews Regency, the Nightclub of New York, was named “Best of New York” by New York Magazine and heralded as “an invaluable New York institution by the New York Post. The club was created by Michael Feinstein and the Tisch family to provide an elegant return to the classic era of

New York nightlife. Since it opened in 1999, the club has presented jazz stars like Rosemary Clooney, George Shearing and Dame Cleo Laine; Broadway royalty like Chita Rivera, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Patti LuPone; pop/country artists like Glen Campbell, Crystal Gayle and Jimmy Webb; and celebrities like Tony Danza, Susan Lucci and Peter Gallagher.

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Schnurmacher Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Staff

Gives Gift of Caring, Wrapped in Foil

June 11, 2008 (White Plains, NY) – If you ever want inspiration on how seemingly small actions can make a big difference, think about how the food services staff at Schnurmacher Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, a member of the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services (BAFHS), turned empty pie plates into nutritious meals to feed an entire family for years to come.  

Led by Colin Aitchison, assistant director of food services, with support from Gail Adams, director of food services, the staff gathered soda cans, pie pans and foil at the end of each day. For a period of nine months, they collected 295 pounds of aluminum, which Aitchison sold to a recycler. The proceeds were donated to Heifer International, and the money was used to provide a goat to a poor family somewhere around the globe.

“We are so inspired by your recent donation which you have designated for purchase of the gift of a goat!” said Claudia Best of Heifer International in a letter to Aitchison. “The recycling effort is such a thoughtful and creative way to help reduce environmental waste while providing resources to help end hunger and poverty. The desire to help others shown by you and your co-workers has made a difference in the lives of a family in need of income and food as well as passing on the gift of hope and life.”

The gift of a dairy goat can supply a family with up to several quarts of nutritious milk a day - a ton of milk a year. Extra milk can besold or usedto make cheese, butter or yogurt. Families learn to use goat manure to fertilize gardens, and because goats often have two or three kids a year, Heifer partners can lift themselves out of poverty by starting small dairies that earn money for food, health care and education. In addition, recipients sign a contract for “Passing on the Gift,” which means that some of the goat’s offspring are donated to a different family, and so forth.

“Everyone at Schnurmacher is proud of Colin and the food services staff for what they have accomplished,” said Linda Murray, executive director. “Their dedication not only to providing high quality service to our residents but also to finding creative ways to help others is truly inspiring.”

Schnurmacher is a leading not-for-profit 225-bed skilled nursing facility offering short-term and long-term care. Through a special clinical alliance, it collaborates with Burke Rehabilitation Hospital to provide unparalleled quality in rehabilitative care.

Beth Abraham Family of Health Services is a leader in providing residential, home and community-basedlong-term care for the frail elderly, chronically ill and disabled residents throughout the New York metropolitan area. For more information, visit www.bethabe.org.

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Beth Abraham Family of Health Services Honors
Clifford P. Case III, Esq at 9th Annual Golf Classic, July 14

June 9, 2008 (Bronx, NY) – Beth Abraham Family of Health Services invites the community to its 9^th Annual Golf Classic on Monday, July 14, 2008 at Century Country Club & Brae Burn CountryClub in Purchase, NY.  Co-sponsored by Amalgamated Bank and Roosevelt & Cross Incorporated, this year’s Golf Classic will honor Clifford P. Case III, partner and co-director of environmental practice at Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP.

“The Beth Abraham family is pleased to have Cliff Case as our 2008 Golf Classic Honoree,” said Michael S. Fassler, president and CEO of Beth Abraham Family of Health Services. “We commend Cliff for his invaluable leadership and appreciate the contributions he has made to our community, as well as the environment.”

A friend and supporter of the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services for more than a quarter century, Case is a partner in the prestigious Wall Street law firm Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP, where he provides corporate, real estate and financing advice to for-profit and non-profit clients.  A member of the firm’s executive committee, Case is also the co-director of CL&M’s environmental practice group, which encompasses litigation and regulation, as well as due diligence aspects of corporate and real estate transactions.

In addition to his long-standing relationship with the Beth Abraham Foundation, Case is a member of the Board of Directors of the Beth Abraham affiliate Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, whose work in music therapy continues to break new ground in the treatment and rehabilitation of people with neurological conditions.  Case also serves on the Board of Directors and chairs the finance committee of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.

A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Case lectures and writes frequently on a variety of legal issues.  Respected and sought after for his expertise in environmental law, Case was tapped to serve on the federal advisory committee established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to recommend new standards for the investigation of contaminated sites, which recently took effect.

Case currently represents the non-profit organization set up to assist the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, an effort by ten northeastern states to limit greenhouse gas emissions from electrical generating plants through a regional cap and trade system.  He also led the CL&M team, representing the City of Newburgh, New York, that won the largest jury verdict on record in a manufactured gas contamination case.

 “Working with and supporting the mission of the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services to provide compassionate, high quality, person-centered care is one of my most worthwhile endeavors,” said Case. “I am privileged to be their 2008 honoree and look forward to being a part of the community for years to come. ”

This annual event raises funds for renovations and expansion of services throughout the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services.  Forsponsorship or ticket information for the Beth Abraham 9^th Annual Golf Classic, or to make a contribution to the Beth Abraham Foundation, please contact Arnold H. Goldstein at (718) 519-4274 or e-mail: agoldstein@bethabe.org.