With special thanks to the Auxilians who made it all possible

1899-2003

From early Colonial times to the present, Jews have played an important role in the life of Baltimore. Whether in business, the arts or in public service, there was always the undercurrent of caring for the community, a sensitivity for those in need that became the catalyst for today�s Levindale Auxiliary.

The Jewish population in the 1880s increased as immigrants sought to escape the persecution of their native European lands. Although the Hebrew Benevolent Society saw to the needs of a few, it was soon apparent that a new agency was needed to cope with the growing numbers, and in 1890, a small group established the Hebrew Friendly Inn, on Harrison Street near Fayette. When larger quarters were needed, in 1892 it moved to 1153 E. Lombard Street. As some elderly Jewish residents became destitute, several rooms were put aside for their care.

With increasing volumes, volunteers were needed to help with the care of the residents of the Inn. And so, here is how the Auxiliary began, over a hundred years ago.

1899-1910

Presidents: Mrs. Paul S. Levy, Mrs. Selig Seidman, Mrs. Harry B. Wolf

On November 13, 1899, the Ladies Auxiliary Society of the Hebrew Friendly Inn at Lombard Street was organized. They supplied clothing, bed and table linens, dishes and kitchen utensils for the residents� use.

The Friendly Inn moved again in 1904, this time to Aisquith Street. The Auxiliary was very active in raising funds to finance the purchase, with strawberry festivals and whist parties. The dedication of the Home culminated in a grand ball with entertainment to honor the Ladies Auxiliary Society. Caring for the old was now a permanent policy, and the name was changed to the Hebrew Friendly Inn and Aged Home.

In 1908, Jewish institutions and charitable organizations in East Baltimore consolidated as the United Hebrew Charities. Auxiliaries of the various organizations also consolidated and raised large sums of money for each of the agencies with a large and successful Purim ball at the Fifth Regiment Armory.

1910-1930

Presidents: Mrs. Moses Rubin, Mrs. Getzel Levenson, Mrs. D. Glyder, Mrs. Wolf Becker, Mrs. William Ribakow, Mrs. Herman Puretz

A separate auxiliary for the institution was again deemed advisable, and was organized under the leadership of Mrs. Moses Rubin. As adjoining buildings of the Inn were acquired to accommodate the sick and chronically ill, that part became the Hebrew Home for Incurables, with its own ladies auxiliary and Mrs. William A. Ribakow as its president. Mrs. Wolf Becker was president of the Hebrew Home for the Aged.

In time, with some of the buildings that housed the aged, infirm and "incurables" deteriorating, consolidation of the two institutions became necessary, and the residents were moved to the current Levindale site at Belvedere and Greenspring Avenues. Both auxiliaries were merged and became known as the Ladies Auxiliary of the Hebrew Home for the Aged and Infirm at Levindale. Its first president was Mrs. Herman Puretz.

1931-1940

Presidents: Yetta Stein, Rosa Legum, Sophie Dopkin

In addition to continuing its former activities of supplying kitchen and household necessities and clothing, the Auxiliary was now involved in occupational therapy (with training received at Sinai Hospital), recreation and patient welfare. ­ Occupational therapy included knitting, weaving mats and making baskets. ­ Recreational activities included lay and professional entertainment and festivals. ­ Patient welfare included interior decorating, enhancing patient rooms, arranging weekly outings and making personal contact with the residents.

1940-1949

Presidents: Lillian Goldstone, Rhea Offit, Peppy Weiner, Flo Fineman

The Auxiliary furnished the newly decorated Macht Nurses Home. ­ Mrs. Goldstone began the Retention Dues Committee and earned an outstanding record for collecting past dues. ­ World War II created personnel shortages, and 60 to 70 Auxiliary women became Volunteer Nurses Aides. ­ Refurnishing the Home was a major project.

The Auxiliary president was invited to participate in Levindale Day ceremonies. ­ War efforts continued, with donations of packages to USO and Volunteer Nurses Aides. ­ Levindale residents harvested a Victory Garden. ­ An office for the Auxiliary was opened, and residents published a newsletter.

The Auxiliary completely furnished an Occupational Therapy Department. ­ Musical therapy and a resident-operated tailor shop were introduced. ­ The Nurses Home got its first TV set. ­ The Auxiliary president instituted weekly tours for Auxiliary officers to establish personal contact with residents in the Home.

1949-1959

Presidents: Lucille Colliver, Ruth Thomas, Etta Hornstein, Teresa Snyder, Margery Singer Dannenberg

A mobile library cart was started, and the first Occupational Therapy course sponsored by the Auxiliary began. ­ The Auxiliary hired its first full-time secretary. ­ A residents� beauty parlor was established. ­ The group joined the Maryland Association of Hospital Auxiliaries. ­ The Candy Kitchen opened. ­ The Auxiliary funded a ceramics program and equipment for Occupational Therapy. ­ The Sewing Committee took special orders for maids� aprons.

The Ladies Auxiliary took over the Men�s Board Visiting Committee and expanded the service to include all residents. ­ Funding activities began for remodeling the synagogue. ­ The Candelabra Room was dedicated. ­ Straw hats were worn at the Village Fair for the first time. ­ The Baking Group was added to the Candy Kitchen. ­ Auxiliary volunteer pins were designed and presented for the first time. ­ The first director of Volunteers was hired.

The new synagogue was dedicated. ­ The Welcoming Committee was established as a branch of the Visiting Committee. ­ Monday night Bingo for Infirmary patients and live Wednesday night entertainment pleased the residents.

The Junior Volunteer Program was established, and the first issue of the Levindale Light was published. ­ Advice columnist Ann Landers was the guest for a paid-up membership meeting.

1959-1969

Presidents: Sylvia Bear, Ethel Weiss, Frances Schwartz, Gloria Harris, Sue Kohn

The Special Feeding Committee helped residents unable to feed themselves. ­ Distinctive gift cards were printed for the first time in 1959, using sketches designed and donated by local artists. ­ Auxiliary volunteers staffed the canteen in the Klaff Recreation Room.

The Burk Building was dedicated in 1962. ­ Volunteer smocks were changed to pinafores. ­ Boxes of artificial greens were placed in various areas throughout the Home. ­ It rained both years of the Village Fair during the presidency of Ethel Weiss, necessitating a Herculean move indoors.

The Volunteer Bake Shop was in full operation with large chocolate cakes going for $2.25. ­ A membership drive yielded 300 new members. ­ Pearls were added to the volunteer pins, indicating hours of service. ­ The Village Fair became an all-day affair, attracting husbands and children. ­ New member orientation meetings were held. ­ Levindale staffers and Men�s Board members were invited to speak at Auxiliary board meetings. ­ The Sheltered Workshop was started in 1964.

Membership totaled 4,500 women. ­ "Friend Raising Tours" were given to outside groups in order to showcase Levindale. ­ The Auxiliary published Relatively Speaking for families of residents. ­ Volunteers led discussion groups. ­ The 1968 Village Fair raised $12,350. ­ The Store, later renamed The Gift Shop, was stocked and staffed by the Auxiliary.

1969-1979

Presidents: Trudy Magarill, Barbara Sussman, Frances Goldstein, Carole Fradkin, Eunice Heyman

Dial-A-Member effort brought in 500 new members. ­ The Auxiliary refurbished the Kahn and Stein Buildings, and donations brought in new hospital beds, furniture, wallpaper, and other items. ­ With 7,500 members, the Auxiliary became the largest organization in the Maryland Association of Hospital Auxiliaries ­ The Village Fair had over 500 volunteers and 3,000 attendees.

The Auxiliary funded an outdoor patio and built-in grill, fans and window air conditioners. ­ The Multi-Purpose Room on the Aged side was refurbished and refurnished.

Lobby and executive offices were redecorated. ­ Hurwitz House opened and was decorated by the Auxiliary and staffed by volunteers. ­ Professional beauticians staffed the beauty shop.

The Auxiliary office moved from the Kahn-Levy Building. ­ The Bake Shop, the Levindale Sewing Ladies and the Junior Volunteers were very active. ­ The first Adult Day Care Center was established at Levindale.

The name was changed to Levindale Auxiliary, and men were now allowed to join. ­ Levindale celebrated 50 years at its present location. ­ Chocolate cakes were now $3.25. ­ A car was donated and raffled for a profit of $21,000.

1979-1988

Presidents: Louise Leibowitz, Janet Feinberg, Alice Goodman, Sharan Kushner, Ina Feldman

The Levindale Cookbook was printed. ­ Funding for activities continued. ­ Residents attended ball games, theaters and concerts.

The synagogue in the Stein Building was refurbished. ­ "Aloha Levindale," a three-day Hawaiian vacation, came to Levindale. ­ The Levindale Village Fair was replaced with "The Fair, Fashion Show and Luncheon."

The Auxiliary furnished a family room for the Hospice Program. ­ A tapestry, designed by Sadye Sklar and handcrafted by Auxiliary members, was dedicated. It took six years to complete and was hung in the Schwaber Multi-Purpose Room.

The Gift Shop was updated and became profitable with a paid part-time manager. ­ The Auxiliary donated its first specially equipped bus. ­ The Auxiliary president began to attend monthly Levindale staff meetings.

The Thrift Shop, previously for residents only, increased the Auxiliary�s income by opening its doors to the community. ­ Mezuzahs were placed on each doorpost in the Belvedere Building.

1988-1999

Presidents: Marcia Narun, Wendy Branoff, Irene Sherman, Catherine Max, Linda A. Hurwitz, Linda S. Elman, Elissa B. Ness

"Shop �Til You Drop" was introduced as a successful fundraiser. ­ The Welcoming Committee was re-established and a new fund for the Large Print Library was established. ­ The Auxiliary made plans to provide Levindale Hospital with a $100,000 gift on its 100th Anniversary, in 1990. ­ The Auxiliary donated a second specially equipped bus.

The new Levindale facility opened in November 1990 and the Auxiliary moved to new, larger quarters. ­ The Gift and Thrift Shops moved to more prominent locations off the new lobby. ­ The Auxiliary became incorporated and new by-laws were written. ­ The Auxiliary donated the third specially equipped bus.

"Adventures in Literature," a book club with residents and Auxiliary members, was initiated. ­ The Auxiliary donated the fourth specially equipped bus. ­ The Auxiliary Ad Pad was developed and became a profitable fundraising tool.

The Auxiliary began its Cooperative Activities Program bringing together Auxiliary members and their families with residents and their families. ­ The annual "Face-to Face" event was initiated, as was the "Thanks-for-Giving" program. ­ The highly successful spring fundraiser, "A Night at the Races," maximized profits as a result of the Weinberg Matching Challenge Grant.

The Auxiliary office was totally computerized with state-of-the art technology. ­ Life Memberships were offered fort the first time and 112 Charter Life Members were honored in the Schwaber Multi-Purpose Room. ­ Levindale and Sinai Hospital merged. ­ Mezuzahs were placed on every door at Levindale.

The Junior Membership Program was initiated. ­ Levindale became part of LifeBridge Health, and the Levindale Auxiliary began joint ventures with the Sinai and Northwest Hospital Auxiliaries.

A "Won-to-Won affair for former Levindale board chair and Auxiliary financial officer, Betty L. Waghelstein, garnered over $20,000 to benefit Levindale residents. Highlights included a dinner, basketball sensation Tamir Goodman, Spinny Johnson and sessions with pros in personal training, Tae Bo exercise, golf and ping-pong. The event was held at the home of Linda and Steven Hurwitz.

2000-2004 - Amy Sloane, Eve Vogelstein

Our new millennium continues on with the introduction of "Companion Radio" . Thanks to the $25,000 gift from the Auxiliary presented during the Auxiliary�s Annual fundraiser, Levindale and JC&NH residents are now enjoying the music and comedy shows of their youth whenever they please. The radio provides four stations of programming for residents, 24 hours a day. Our "Wine and Dine for Levindale" was a smashing success honoring John Abosch, immediate past Chairman of the Board of Levindale. Spinny Johnson from the Harlem Globetrotters entertained our residents and Junior Auxiliary with his dynamic ball spinning and trick shot artistry. Passover was enjoyed with our Auxiliary families at the child-conducted Seders. "Pets on Parade" was started. Animals of all sizes came to parade around the halls to entertain the residents. A horse, goat and many large dogs visited the JC&NH as well as Levindale. Five new beautiful contribution cards were designed to update our fundraiser. Beautiful scarves and hats were distributed to the residents at Levindale and JC&NH for Chanukah. A $25 gift certificate was also presented to all the employees during holiday time. The Annual Face-to-Face Carnival was started. Popcorn, snowballs, cotton candy, carnival games, caricatures, prizes and large stuffed animals were enjoyed by residents, families and Auxiliary members. Eve�s daughter, Claire, made videos to showcase the Auxiliary events. The spring "Ways of Pleasantness" fundraiser honoring the memory of Rabbi Jacob Pearlmutter and Kathy Shapiro was held at beautiful Alto Dale. A chance to win one million dollars was offered at their casino night. The event raised $68,000. The Auxiliary collected over 1000 Rosh Hashanah cards that were made by children in the community. The cards were distributed to all the residents as well as the kosher meals on wheels. The Levindale Auxiliary web page was born and email correspondence begun.

The aged, infirm and sick will still need the love, nurturing and support that the Auxiliary has continued to provide for a century. And we will be there. Our dedication is there for as long as the need is there!

Here is a chronological look at our Past Presidents and their accomplishments!

1931-1936 - *Yetta Stein

The first President of the Levindale Auxiliary as we know it today helped increase the scope of Auxiliary programs. Many new activities were introduced directed toward Occupational and Recreational Therapy as well as patient�s welfare. Great gains were made in membership.

1936-1939 - *Rosa Legum

Gift card information was diligently taken by Mrs. Legum�s maid, Mary, as there was not yet an Auxiliary office. Mrs. Legum arranged for rides for residents in private cars through her many friends before the introduction of bus rides.

1939-1940 - Sophie Dopkin

Regularly scheduled bus rides for residents were instituted during Sophie�s presidency. Occupational Therapy reached new peaks of popularity with the residents, but there was no professional Occupational Therapist. The Auxiliary selected appropriate furnishings for the new Annie and Ephraim Macht Nurses Home.

1940-1943 - *Lillian Goldstone

The Macht Nurses Home was dedicated at this time and the new furnishings completed by the Auxiliary. Mrs. Goldstone began the Retention Dues Committee and earned an outstanding record for collecting all past dues.

1943-1945 - Rhea Offit

War years brought shortages of personnel and the Auxiliary women became Volunteer Nurses Aides. Between 60 and 70 women gave long hours of active duty in many areas of the Home. Refurnishing the Home became a major project. Mrs. Offit was the first Auxiliary President to participate in Levindale Day Ceremonies.

1945-1947 - Peppy Weiner

War efforts continued with donations of packages for U.S.O. and Volunteer Nurses Aides. There was also a victory garden on the ground of Levindale and the residents "put up" the vegetables grown there. The Auxiliary office was established and residents published a newspaper.

1947-1949 - *Flo Fineman

The Auxiliary furnished a complete Occupational Therapy Department. Musical Therapy and a tailor shop operated by the residents were introduced. The first TV set for the Nurses Home was purchased. Mrs. Fineman instituted the policy of having Auxiliary Officers take weekly tours through the Home in order to establish personal contact with the residents.

1949-1951 - *Lucille Colliver

A Mobile Library was established and the first Occupational Therapy Course sponsored by the Auxiliary was initiated. The Auxiliary hired a full time secretary for the office. The Beauty Parlor for the residents was started.

1951-1953 - Ruth Thomas

The Auxiliary became a member of Maryland Association of Hospital Auxiliaries. The Candy Kitchen was opened. A new program of ceramics was started in Occupational Therapy and the Auxiliary furnished all necessary equipment. The Sewing Committee began taking special orders for maid�s aprons.

1953-1955 - Etta Hornstein

The Visiting Committee was taken over by the Auxiliary from the Men�s Board and expanded to include all residents. Reconstruction and remodeling of the Synagogue began and the Candelabra Room was dedicated. Straw hats for the Village Fair were worn for the first time. The Baking Group was added to the Candy Kitchen and wares were more publicly promoted.

1955-1957 - *Teresa Snyder

The new Synagogue was officially dedicated. Volunteer pins, designed exclusively for the Auxiliary, were presented for the first time. The Auxiliary employed a Director of Volunteers for the first time. The Welcoming Committee was established as a branch of the Visiting Committee. Monday night bingo for Infirmary Patients and "live" Wednesday night entertainment pleased the residents.

1957-1959 - Margery Singer Dannenberg

The Junior Volunteer Program was established and the first issue of the Levindale Light was published. Ann Landers was our guest for a Paid-Up Membership meeting and so great was the response that an 11th hour change of location was necessary in order to accommodate the crowd.

1959-1961 - Sylvia Bear

The Special Feeding Committee started for those residents unable to feed themselves. Our distinctive gift cards were first printed in 1959. Local artists generously gave us sketches for this purpose. The canteen, staffed by Auxiliary volunteers, opened in the Klaff Recreation Room.

1961-1963 - *Ethel Weiss

The Burk Building was dedicated in 1962. The "smock" of the Levindale Volunteer was changed to the more fashionable pinafore. The Home, too, became a more fashionable with flower boxes of lovely artificial greens placed in various areas. The gigantic feat of moving the Village Fair because of rain befell Ethel both years of her presidency.

1963-1965 - Frances Schwartz

The Village Fair was extended to an all day affair, from noon until 8 p.m. attracting husbands and children. New Member Orientation Meetings were instituted and members of the Levindale staff and Men�s Board were invited to be guest speakers at Auxiliary Board Meetings. The Sheltered Workshop was started in 1964.

1965-1967 - Gloria Harris

The Bake Shop was in full swing -large chocolate cakes sold for $2.25. A membership drive was held yielding 300 new members. Pins and pearls were given to volunteers for the volunteer services.

1967-1969 - Sue Kohn

At this time, 451 women joined the Auxiliary. "Friend Raising Tours" were given to other organizations to showcase Levindale. The Auxiliary published "Relatively Speaking" - a newsletter mailed to families of residents. Volunteers led discussion groups. The 1968 Village Fair raised $12,350.00. "The Store" was the precursor to the Gift Shop and was stocked and staffed by the Auxiliary.

1969-1971 - Trudy Goldman Magarill

Dial-A-Member format brought over 500 new members. The Auxiliary refurnished and refurbished the Kahn and Stein Buildings. This included new hospital beds, furniture, wallpaper�everything! Many items were donated by businesses. Levindale Auxiliary had the largest membership in the Maryland Association of Hospital Auxiliaries - 7,500 members. The Village Fair had more than 500 volunteers and 3,000 people attended.

1971-1973 - Barbara Sussman

An outdoor patio and built-in barbeque grill were constructed for the residents. To beat the neat of the summer months, fans and window air conditioners were purchased. The Auxiliary also refurbished and refurnished the Multi-Purpose Room on the aged side. The Village Fair continued to be a success.

1973-1975 - Frances Goldstein

The Ladies Auxiliary redecorated the lobby and executive office. The Hurwitz House opened and was decorated by the Auxiliary and staffed with volunteers. Professional beauticians were hired for the Beauty Shop.

1975-1977 - Carole Fradkin

The Auxiliary office was located in the Kahn-Levy Building. The Bake Shop and Sewing Ladies were very busy. Preparation was made to move to the Belvedere Building. Junior volunteers were active. The first Adult Day Care Center was established at Levindale. Nineteen residents were invited to Carole Fradkin�s home for a luncheon.

1977-1979 - Eunice Heyman

Women�s liberation came to the Auxiliary; men were allowed to join. The name changed from Ladies Auxiliary to Levindale Auxiliary. Levindale celebrates fifty years at its present location. Chocolate cakes now cost $3.25! A car was donated and raffled for a profit of $21,000.00

1979-1981 - Louise Leibowitz

The Levindale Cookbook was printed. The Auxiliary continued to provide funding for activities. Residents attended ball games, the theater and concerts.

1981-1983 - Janet Feinberg

The Auxiliary refurbished the Synagogue in the Stein Building. "Aloha Levindale," a three-day Hawaiian vacation came to Levindale. The annual fundraise had changed. It was the end of the Levindale Fair and the beginning of "The Fair, Fashion Show and Luncheon."

1983-1984 - Alice Goodman

The Auxiliary furnished a family room for The Hospice Program. A tapestry designed by Sadye Sklar and handcrafted by members of the Auxiliary was dedicated. It took six years for completion and now hangs in the Schwaber Multi-Purpose Room.

1984-1986 - Sharan Kushner

The Gift Shop was updated and became profitable. A paid part-time manager was hired. The Auxiliary donated the first specially equipped handicapped bus. It was the Auxiliary�s 55th Anniversary. For the first time, the Auxiliary President attended monthly Levindale Staff Meetings.

1986-1988 - Ina Feldman

The Auxiliary operated Thrift Shop previously established to serve the residents only, became a source of income for the Auxiliary by opening its doors to the community. Mezuzahs were placed on each doorpost in the Belvedere Building.

1988-1990 - Marcia Narun

The Auxiliary became computerized. The addressograph machine became an antique. A new fundraiser, Shop �Til You Drop, proved to be successful. The Welcoming Committee was re-established. $100,000.00 was given in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Levindale. A new fund for the Large Print Library was begun. The Auxiliary donated the second specially equipped bus.

1990-1992 - Wendy Branoff, Irene Sherman

The beautiful new Levindale facility opened in November 1990. The Auxiliary moved to a new, large office. Gift Shop and Thrift Shop moved to prominent locations in the new building. The Auxiliary incorporated and new by-laws were adopted. The Auxiliary donated the third specially equipped bus. The most profitable fundraiser to date was held. Sadie finally married Seymour.

1992-1994 - Catherine Max

"Adventures in Literature," a book club with residents and Auxiliary members was initiated. The fourth specially equipped bus was donated by the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary Ad Pad was developed, and became a profitable fundraising tool.

1994-1996 - Linda A. Hurwitz

The Auxiliary began its Cooperative Activities Program, bringing together Auxiliary members and their families with residents and their families. The annual "Face-To-Face" event was initiated, as was the "Thanks-for-Giving Program." The highly successful spring fundraiser, "A Night at the Races," maximized profits as a result of the Weinberg Matching Challenge Grant.

1996-1998 - Linda S. Elman

The Auxiliary office was totally computerized with sate-of-the-art technology. Life Memberships were offered for the first time, and 112 Charter Life Members were honored in the Schwaber Multi Purpose Room. Levindale and Sinai Hospital merged. Mezuzahs were placed on every door at Levindale.

1998 -2000 - Elissa Ness

The Levindale Auxiliary Junior Membership Program was initiated. Levindale became part of LifeBridge Health. A "Won-On-Won" affair for former Levindale Board Chair and past Auxiliary financial officer, Betty L. Waghelstein, garnered over $20,000 to benefit Levindale residents. Highlights included a dinner, basketball sensation Tamir Goodman, Spinny Johnson and sessions with pros in personal training, Tae Bo exercise, golf and ping-pong. The event was held at the home of Linda and Steven Hurwitz. On May 7, 2002, at the Auxiliary�s spring fundraiser, Remembering the Past, Building the Future," a check was presented to Ron Rothstein, President & COO of Levindale, in the amount of $100,000 to benefit the Eden Alternative Program at Levindale.

2000 � 2002 Amy Sloane

The "Companion Radio" was introduced. Thanks to the $25,000.00 gift from the Auxiliary, Levindale and JCNH residents are enjoying music and comedy shows of their youth whenever they please. Our "Wine and Dine for Levindale" Fundraiser was a huge success. Spinny Johnson, from the Harlem Globetrotters, entertained residents and visitors at our Annual Face-To-Face Event. Passover was enjoyed with residents and Auxiliary families at the child conducted Seders.

2002 � 2004 - Eve Vogelstein

New contribution cards were designed to update our fundraiser.  The Eden Alternative opened doors for the exciting Pets on Parade�. Claire Vogelstein made videos to showcase the Auxiliary events.  The spring Ways of Pleasantness� fundraiser event raised $68,000.  The Auxiliary and children in the community made 1000 Rosh Hashanah cards for the residents and kosher meals on wheels.  The Annual Face-to-Face Carnival was started. The Levindale Auxiliary web page was born and email correspondence begun.

*Deceased Past Presidents

Reprinted from past issues of The Light.