Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

  One thing in life is certain: our needs are constantly evolving. And as we age, companionship and emotional support becomes an increasingly evident need. Especially for seniors who reside in assisted living communities, the presence of therapy dogs like Harmony at Lester Senior Living in New Jersey can make all the difference. Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, has gained recognition for its indisputable benefits in settings, including hospitals, schools, and senior living communities. But what exactly makes therapy dogs like Harmony so special, and how do they contribute to the happiness and health of seniors? Let’s take a closer look: Help eliminate feelings attributed to loneliness. The companionship provided by therapy dogs can combat feeling lonely and isolated, which are feelings that are all too common to the senior population. As individuals age and life circumstances change, they may find themselves spending more time alone, particularly i...

  With spring in full force and summer just around the bend, we can declare that it’s officially salad season. There is just nothing like eating a crisp salad for lunch on a beautiful sunny day. Plus, there are so many different salad combinations to experiment with. Not a salad person? We’re going to change your mind with this refreshingly light beet and citrus salad provided by our very own Stacey Wilbur of the JCHC! Note: the beets need plenty of time to roast, so we recommend starting this recipe well ahead of when you’d like to serve it. Beet and Citrus Salad Ingredients: Red beets (2 roasted and peeled) Golden beets (2 roasted and peeled) Blood oranges (2 peeled) Oranges (2 peeled) Avocadoes (2) Roasted pistachios (¼ cup) Fresh basil Extra virgin olive oil Coarse sea salt flakes How to Make Beet and Citrus Salad: First, you have to roast the beets! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grab a small, oven-safe baking dish and lather the beets in extra virgin ol...

  Join the Jewish Community Housing Corporation (JCHC) for a night of elegance and celebration at The Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ on May 15th, 2024, as they honor and applaud visionary Founding President, Arthur Schechner! Prepare to be captivated by an unforgettable program, hosted by charismatic CBS2 News Anchor, Chris Wragge! Indulge in an abundant cocktail dinner reception and mingle with esteemed guests, all while enjoying a sensational live performance from Broadway star, Karen Mason!  Help make a difference in the lives of our beloved senior residents, and the communities in which they live, by supporting the ongoing Lester Senior Living Capital Campaign . Your generosity will allocate funds towards vital building renovations, enriching community activities, and healthcare advancements for all JCHC senior residents! Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful. Contact Amy Epstein, JCHC Director of Developmen...

  Meet the lovely and musically-talented mother and daughter duo, Sue and Lorraine! They have been living in a two-bedroom apartment at Lester Senior Living in Morris County for over three years now and really enjoy their time here. Stephen, Lorraine’s brother and Sue’s son, actually was the one to introduce them to what their lives could be like at the JCHC. We were happy to interview both Sue and Lorraine in honor of Mother’s Day as they both think the world of one another and cherish their relationship as mother and daughter.  Choosing Motherhood Above All Else Sue’s devotion as a mother was evident through the story she told us behind the scenes about how she chose being a mom over a life in the limelight. Back in the day, Sue was attending back to back auditions while studying with leading industry talents like composer, Estelle Liebling and chorus master, Kurt Adler. When she finally got a call back by Max Rudolf, a famous German orchestra conductor, to tour and perform...

  Are you visiting your loved ones at Lester Senior Living and wondering what nearby activities you can enjoy together? Look no further! As the weather continues to warm up, the opportunities for fun outings multiply. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or simply to savor a delicious meal, there’s something for everyone near our  senior living facility in Morris County . Let’s take a closer look at what exactly there is to do near our community, based on you and your loved one’s interests.  For nature enthusiasts,  Morris County offers beautiful parks and scenic trails just waiting to be explored. Take a leisurely stroll around Loantaka Brook Reservation, where serene ponds and lush greenery provide the perfect backdrop for a peaceful afternoon. This is a great opportunity to pack a picnic basket and sprawl out a blanket in an open field to just enjoy company with a view. For those craving a bit more adventure, the trails at Lewis Morris Park offer miles of h...

  Gardening holds a special place in the hearts of many seniors, and for good reason. It’s not just about cultivating plants, it’s a pathway to a healthier, more fulfilling life. At Lester Senior Living in Morris County, we recognize the profound wellness benefits that gardening offers to our residents. Here, we’ll dive into the physical, mental, and social advantages of gardening for seniors, along with some handy beginner tips for those eager to embark on this wellness journey. Physical Benefits of Older Adults Who Garden Engaging in gardening tasks requires seniors to get moving and keep moving! From tending to soil to watering plants, every action contributes to enhanced physical well-being. By embracing gardening, seniors can bolster physical independence, stave off conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease, and even mitigate the risk of Type II diabetes and certain cancers. Positive Mental Aspects of Seniors Gardening Nurturing a garden is a breeding ground for p...

  Passover is coming up very quickly! If you haven’t started thinking about what to serve your guests this year, try out our tzimmes with carrot and ginger recipe as a side dish. It’s a little sweet, a little spicy and a whole lot of delicious! Not to mention, it complements the traditional matzah we know and love very well. Without further ado, here is the signature tzimmes recipe provided by the  chefs at Lester Senior Living in Morris County . Ingredients for Tzimmes with Carrot and Ginger Carrots (1 lb. cut into ½” rounds) Onion (sliced into thin strips) Sweet potato (peeled and chopped into ½” pieces) Pitted prunes (½ lb. coarsely chopped) Orange juice (½ cup) Fresh ginger (grated, approximately 3 tbsp.) Honey (3 tbsp.) Lemon zest (1 tsp.) Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp.) Kosher salt Red pepper flakes (a pinch, or more depending on your spice preference) Fresh parsley (chopped) Directions to Make Tzimmes with Carrot ...