Levindale Auxiliary

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

Presidents: Amy Sloane, Eve Vogelstein, Laura Poliakoff, Rina Janet, Barbara Hyatt, Sora Greenlinger, Betsy Narrow
Our new millennium continued 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 were able to enjoy the music and comedy shows of their youth whenever they please. The radio provided four stations of programming for residents, 24 hours a day. 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. 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 Jewish Convalescent and Nursing Home 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, grandparents of Eve Vogelstein. Kathy Shapiro was honored and the event 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 under the tutelage of Eve Vogelstein and email correspondence begun.

Presidents: Ellie Kagan, Esther Jacobson, Marcia Bornfriend, Rochelle Bohrer, Iris Miller