Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

  The arrival of daylight savings time signals longer days and the promise of spring, but for many seniors, the shift in time can be disruptive. Losing an hour of sleep may seem small, but it can impact energy levels, mood, and overall well-being – which is especially true for older adults who thrive on routine. At Lester Senior Living, we understand how important it is to support our residents through this transition. From gradual schedule adjustments to ensuring a restful sleep environment, our  assisted living caregivers in Whippany  are here to help residents embrace the time change with ease. Smooth Transitions One of the best ways to adjust to daylight savings time is by easing into the new schedule gradually. Instead of shifting bedtime and wake-up time by a full hour overnight, making small adjustments of 15 minutes each day in the week leading up to the change can make a significant difference. This helps the body’s internal clock slowly adapt, reducing feelings ...

  Purim is a time of joy, storytelling, and celebration, and at Lester Senior Living, we believe that crafting should be part of the festivities! While a delicious feast is often at the heart of the holiday, crafting also plays a significant role in bringing the Purim spirit to life. Our residents love engaging in hands-on projects that not only celebrate the holiday’s themes, but also provide a fun and social way to embrace Purim. From lively noisemakers to colorful masks and decorations, here are a few DIY Purim crafts that keep the creative juices flowing for our  active seniors in Morris County . Recycled Noisemakers One of the most classic symbols of Purim is the noisemaker, which is called a ra’ashan in Hebrew or gragger in Yiddish. This noisemaker is used to drown out the name of Haman during the reading of the Megillah. There’s no need to buy a new one this year when you can craft your own from everyday household items! Materials Needed: 2 plastic cups (clear or colore...

  It’s not Purim without the delicious treats! While  hamantaschen are the traditional go-to Purim cookie  filled with sweet munn (Yiddish for poppy seeds), we’re putting a delightful twist on tradition. This is a new recipe for thin, crisp, and flavorful Munn cookies provided by our culinary trained chefs at the JCHC senior communities. These light and zesty cookies offer a unique way to enjoy the classic poppy seed flavor, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festivities. Ingredients for Munn Cookies To bake these deliciously crisp Munn cookies, you’ll need: 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ cup poppy seeds 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened ( or substitute with ½ cup butter and ½ a softened banana for a lighter version ) ? cup white sugar ( or raw sugar ) 1 large egg, separated 2 tablespoons lemon zest ¼ cup lemon juice ? cup granulated sugar for decoration Directions to Bake Munn Cookies Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lin...

  Being a “Knit Wit” is a badge of honor at Lester Senior Living! Our resident knitting club, lovingly known as the  Knit Wits , gathers regularly to knit everything from cozy scarves to intricate quilts — all while enjoying great conversation and laughter. More than just a hobby, their work has a lasting impact, as many of their handmade pieces are donated to local charities. Recently, the Knit Wits took on an especially meaningful project: a large quilt dedicated to veterans. Over two months, they carefully stitched together each panel, crafting a beautiful and heartfelt piece that would eventually find a home at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Among the dedicated members of the club was Madeline Johnson, a proud veteran herself, who put extra love and effort into ensuring the quilt was special. Her one request? That it be given to another veteran who would appreciate its warmth and care. We were honored to make that wish a reality. This project is just one example of ho...