A Word From Shane
JCA is Ready for Today’s Challenges

During this season of gratitude, we reflect on the people and the moments that brought us joy during the past year. JCA is thankful for you, our community of supporters, volunteers, and donors who make our work possible. From those who drive older adults to appointments to those mentoring students through our intergenerational programs—your time, talent, and generosity help us grow stronger and make a meaningful impact together.

In this issue, we spotlight the contributions of some JCA’s dedicated volunteers. JCA is guided by the wisdom of our outstanding board of directors, and our Career Gateway, Kensington Clubs, Senior HelpLine, SHIP, transportation and Interages® programs all rely on volunteers to achieve their goals. We could not do this essential work without them.

With every ride, every question answered, and every hand extended in friendship, our volunteers brighten someone’s day. Their kindness reminds us that through service and compassion, we lift one another up and strengthen connections.

As we gather with beloved friends and family this Thanksgiving, JCA is thankful for you. Your commitment to our mission to help older adults and their families sustains and inspires us.

With warm wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving,

Shane

December 2, 2025, is Giving Tuesday, the annual global day of generosity. It is a movement to encourage people to give back through acts of kindness, donations of time or money, or by giving voice to causes they care about. You will certainly see many requests for donations from a variety of organizations.

As we see challenge upon challenge strain the residents of the Greater D.C. area, please keep our older neighbors in mind. Their resources are being pushed to the limit, sometimes to the point of collapse.

Your donation can help a Medicare recipient maximize their healthcare benefits, guide a jobseeker through the job-search process, and connect older adults and their caregivers with local resources.

As part of National Caregiver Month, Montgomery County dedicated a newsletter to caregiver stories. One care partner reflected on Kensington Clubs:

“I care for my mother who lives with us. We are so lucky to have learned about the Kensington Club, run by the Jewish Council on Aging.  My mother has been attending the Kensington Club twice a week for several years.  This is such a joy for her to have a community of people with whom she spends time and enjoys such a variety of activities each session.  We are deeply grateful to the professional staff who treat my mom with such care and respect.”

People can show their generosity in a variety of ways on GivingTuesday⁠⁠ and year-round. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes, everyone has something to give, and every act of generosity counts. JCA is deeply grateful for our many volunteers and their invaluable contributions.

It is hard to say who benefits the most from all Vickie Witkin has done for the Jewish Council for the Aging. Since 2014, she has been a mentor to older adults seeking jobs, a support to students of all ages working on their reading skills, and a valued member of our Board of Directors.

Vickie was scrolling through a Montgomery County website to check out volunteering options when she saw that JCA was holding an open house.

She was immediately interested in JCA’s Career Gateway program as it suited her area of expertise. She soon began conducting mock interviews, reviewing resumes, and even helping update Career Gateway’s curriculum. She was also a moving force in JCA’s 50+ Employment Expos.

Then, she decided to check out Heyman Interages Center and began mentoring second graders as they worked to improve their reading skills. She next started helping middle and high schoolers as well through Interages’ many programs.

The Rockville resident joined JCA’s board in 2019, sitting on the fundraising and programming committees. In 2018, JCA honored Vickie with our Jacqueline Unger Community Service Award.

“In a nutshell, I believe in serving my community. That’s been my driving force.” She called JCA a great fit for her, noting the organization “is unique. I think they make a difference in people’s lives.” JCA “is a needed organization for people in transition.”

Beverly Rollins quickly discovered her happy place at the Jewish Council for the Aging when she was looking for volunteer opportunities.

She had seen a video by former JCA Board Member Howard Gleckman, who was talking about his role as a long-distance caregiver, and she thought, “I have been in his shoes.” That led her to the Senior HelpLine, and she soon began returning calls from people wondering where to turn for housing, caregivers, and many other topics.

Then she heard about JCA’s Kensington Clubs social day programs and began volunteering at the Germantown KC every Thursday. “I love working with the members. They are just so sweet.”

The next thing she knew, she had agreed to become a JCA board member. “I just enjoyed working here. It’s just out of love,” said Rollins, who has a certificate in gerontology and spent many years working with the Social Security Administration and the Montgomery County Commission on Aging.

Sue Kirchhoff retired after working for 15 years at the Library of Congress and has 10 years’ experience working on Medicare Part D policy. Sue enjoys helping SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) provide community outreach in Montgomery County through presentations at public libraries.

Sue commented that “Most people really want to know the facts and how the plan they are choosing applies to their circumstances. Timing is crucial because when you first enroll in Medicare, in some instances, if you don’t understand your options, you can make poor decisions.”

Mary Woods is a retired healthcare administrator and served as Vice President at the Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Program. Mary enjoys her weekly volunteering with SHIP. She says that JCA provides 40 hours of excellent training to all the SHIP volunteers, most of whom already come with great experience. They are constantly upgrading their skills with monthly training.

Mary says, “It is so fulfilling to be able to help older adults and their families when they call SHIP. It is also very important for callers to know that when they call JCA with a myriad of questions about Medicare, they can rely on the expertise and insights they receive.”

Ann Poritzky, a professional resume writer and career coach, volunteers with the Career Gateway and 50+ Employment Expos. She offers resume advice to jobseekers, and trained other reviewers who volunteer with the Career Gateway.

Ann has always enjoyed career services and helping others find work. She especially likes meeting the jobseekers and using a gentle approach to guide them and prepare them for the job search process. She says about

being unemployed, “it’s an uncomfortable situation, and I try to simplify the process and make it as easy as possible.”

Ann presents workshops on resume writing, interviews, and the new reality of AI interviewing for the expos. Ready to jump in when needed, she contacted JCA when the federal layoffs began, “We have to do something to help,” she said.

Ann Jackman began volunteering with Heyman Interages Center in 2013 and has been guiding students ever since. “I love the fact that you can develop a relationship and see their progress. All of a sudden, you notice their eyes light up when they come into the room. It’s lovely to have a relationship when you know you can help.”

One of Ann’s students with Grandreaders – the Interages program for second graders designed to build literacy skills and relationships

through shared books – was so self-conscious about a speech impediment that she covered her mouth every time she spoke. It took that student a few months to gain the confidence to speak out. It happened slowly, but it happened, Ann said.

Ann also volunteers with the Interages’ middle school virtual book club, a partnership with the Montgomery County Public Library system. The book clubs meet weekly for a month, four times a year. She loves to see what the students come up with at the end of the session for their reflection piece. Rather than writing a book report, the students present something about the book. Some students design book covers, others write letters to authors, and some do research on a topic or issue from the book.

Volunteer Emily Harris participates in the Interages Thriving Germantown program, which focuses on students and their families who need extra support. Emily bonds so well with her students that she often continues to see them even when their time in the program ends. “I love kids,” and prefer working in small groups. With Thrive, Emily can reach students one-on-one without the chaos of a whole classroom. “I just feel like every kid deserves a good education,” she said.

A music lover, Emily sometimes entertains students while playing the ukulele or guitar and dancing. She also enjoys volunteering with Reader’s Theater and watching 2nd-5th graders bring stories to life during performances for kindergarten and first graders. The support she provides is as important as the education. “At least I feel like somebody cares. Sometimes that’s all kids need to know, someone cares about them.”

This month marked the 5th year JCA has been delivering challahs once a month to local adults with physical, cognitive, and or emotional challenges. We are blessed with a small team of dedicated volunteers who make this mitzvah possible.

Eli’s Loaves of Love has delivered belonging, blessings and bread to many doorsteps since launching in November of 2020.

The program makes monthly challah deliveries to senior adults and takes its name in memory of Eli Fatow, who spent years distributing challahs to hospitalized patients each Friday morning. In addition to bringing the traditional Shabbat food, volunteers have a chance to chat with isolated older adults.

Thank you to all who support Eli’s Loaves of Love. We think the late Eli Fatow would be so proud to know that we were carrying on his work in our community.

Open Enrollment for Medicare Drug Plans

Take the opportunity to save money from October 15th through December 7th.

Even if you are happy with your current Medicare drug plan, check to see if you could save money by switching plans. Montgomery County SHIP

can compare your current Medicare drug plan to other plan options for 2026 to find the best value for your specific needs.

SHIP is hosting two information sessions at Montgomery County libraries in December:
Understanding Your Medicare Choices at Aspen Hill Library on Dec. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Understanding Your Medicare Choices at White Oak Library on Dec. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m.

SHIP is a free service. Visit the SHIP website or call 301-255-4250 to request an unbiased drug plan comparison. The 2026 plan comparison request form is now available on the SHIP website.

JCA Gorlitz Kensington Clubs and Heyman Interages Center are seeking volunteers for the upcoming OMA program, Friday mornings, January 23 through March 6, at JCA headquarters.

Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) is designed to provide older adults with early-stage memory loss opportunities for creative self-expression and social engagement. Volunteers support participants as they create abstract art projects that engage their minds and break through cognitive barriers. Volunteers are required to attend training, all art sessions, and art show.

Contact rlanman@accessjca.org to volunteer or learn more.

November Senior Resources Guide: Navigating Life with a Digital Assist

Baby boomers feel more comfortable shopping and doing tasks in person, but they are using digital media more and more every day. They may not check their smartphones as frequently as their younger counterparts, but many are checking their phones when they first get up and are quickly overcoming screen time anxieties.

Older adults are also turning to the digital world to monitor their health and make life more convenient, from ordering groceries

online to scheduling rides. They are emailing family and friends and playing free video games. And yes, they are scrolling social media, although they are much more likely to check out Facebook than Instagram.

According to a survey of more than 2,000 people aged 59 to 77 by AddictionResource.net, 35% of respondents are using their smartphones one to three hours a day, and another 30% are using them three to five hours a day. Half of the respondents said they check their phones within an hour of waking up.

While they may not spend hours on TikTok or Instagram, it is no longer true that older adults shy away from new technology and the digital world in general. This Senior Resources Guide, which is written by the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington, is designed to show that it is no longer true that some people are just too old to use the internet or even send email. It will also provide examples of technology geared specifically for those who did not grow up with а smartphone or tablet in their hands.

Read the full guide.

Explore Your Charitable Giving Options

Strategic tax planning can save a significant amount of money, but many options must be implemented before December 31. This year brought major changes to the tax law, adding both complexity and opportunities for smart planning. If you regularly donate or are charitably inclined, there are several ways to maximize tax benefits. Two popular options are:

This month marks 10 years since Montgomery County joined the World Health Organization and AARP’s Age-Friendly Communities Network. Since 2015, Montgomery County and its partners have inspired investments that enhance livability and quality of life.

To better understand their current and future needs, residents are invited to complete the Age-Friendly Community Needs Assessment survey. Resident input is crucial for guiding positive changes to public spaces, policies, and programs.

In November, the JCA blog covered a variety of topics.

Concerns about stretching Social Security dollars in retirement are on many people’s minds. You can protect those payments and your investments by being vigilant about scams. What will you do in retirement? How about going (back) to college?

Do your best to stay healthy this season with a

vaccination against RSV. It is important for you and those you care for. If you find yourself with increasing physical limitations as you age, recognizing and speaking up about them can bring helpful accommodations, improve care, and provide community. If you are in a caregiving role, understanding the stages of the caregiving journey can guide you and smooth the path.

Add a little humor to your day with a bit by Josh Johnson, a young comedian who is already feeling some aspects of getting older.

If you are a caregiver for an older adult, or you know one, check out the KC Blog as well.

Abbey Alpern in memory of Edna Hendler to Kensington Clubs and Kesher Café
Arden Baker in memory of Dr. Ellen S. Baker
David Gamse in memory of Marvin Schneider to Kesher Café
Mitchell & Judy Glassman in honor of Roberta Roffe
Nina, Sammy, & Alexis Gurman in memory of Marvin Schneider to Kesher Café
Barbara & Andrew Hutter in memory of Marvin Schneider to Kesher Café

Nancy, Paul, & Meredith Kay in memory of Barbara Spector
Bill Kelvie in memory of Barbara Levin Spector to Kensington Clubs
Elizabeth Klein in memory of Barbara Spector
Mauri Osheroff in memory of Lilli Green
Donald Siegel in memory of Bette Siegel to Kensington Clubs
Polly & Paul Sherard in memory of Simon and Ruth Dancyger

You can multiply the impact of your investment in our work with a monthly gift. You support as a sustaining donor helps us meet ongoing needs and plan for the future.