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SWERDLOFF In The Know
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DECEMBER 2017
CELEBRATING HANUKKAH AND CHRISTMAS
What traditions does your family have? When my boys were younger, we would celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah at home, with many presents and delicious food. When I was a kid, as I’ve told you, we would celebrate Hanukkah and incite jealousy into all the kids at school when we compared our seven days’ worth of presents to their one day. But why seven days, with a candle for each night? As I think about the history of Hanukkah, I find myself remembering bits of what I learned in school or church and the traditions my parents passed on to me. Hanukkah usually comes around in December, but because it’s based on the lunar calendar, it doesn’t have a set date like Christmas does. It can come as early as late-November, and as late as just after Christmas. Occasionally, Christmas and Hanukkah will happen in the same week, which is a bonanza for kids like us who had openhearted parents. Based on a victory celebration of the Maccabees, Hanukkah goes way back to Roman times. Romans destroyed the main temple in Jerusalem during an epic battle in old Israel, and with it, they extinguished the eternal light that burned inside, which was supposed to remain lit 24 hours a day. As the rabbis were clearing the rubble of this temple, they found a vial of oil. Now, there wasn’t very much oil left in the vial, just enough to keep the light burning for one day. But incredibly, the oil lasted for a whole week. That is the miracle of Hanukkah and why we celebrate today by lighting seven
candles, one for each night that the eternal light burned.
a tradition we’ve carried forward and still practice today. Latkes usually go with dinner, though sometimes we add applesauce, sugar, and spices for a tasty dessert. Next year, my first granddaughter arrives, and I’m looking forward to sharing Hanukkah traditions with her. Like the rabbis who discovered the oil in the temple ruins, life comes with unexpected blessings. We never know what is in store for us. Thank you all for trusting me on this journey with you; it’s an honor. Have a happy Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year! I’ll see you in 2018!
Food is part of the tradition, of course, and I looked forward to the latkes — potato pancakes — that my mom made. She got so excited as the holiday approached and put up many decorations, like the electric candelabra, an illumination of crepe paper and ribbons. Mom was a piano player, and we had one at home, so each Hanukkah, she would haul out her music books and make selections while we sang along to traditional melodies, like the one about the dreidel.
Our holiday was spent with festive songs, cookies, hot chocolate, and latkes. That’s
–Arthur J. Swerdloff
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THE BENEFITS OF RIDE-SHARING for Older Adults
Last month, we welcomed Nikki to the team. Now, she’s back to share some of her recommendations for enjoying the natural beauty of California. I’ve enjoyed the outdoors since I was a child. Probably thanks to my dad, who came home every day to played baseball, basketball, and football with me. Ever since, I’ve looked for healthy ways to get my endorphin fix. My favorite outdoor hobbies include hiking, backpacking, and camping. Santa Monica provides a rich landscape for hikers, and every Friday, a group of us head out after work to enjoy it. Each week, we pick a different trail. Sullivan’s Canyon and Will Rogers State Park are just a couple we’ve explored. Most of the hikes are close enough that you can hop in your car, go for a hike, and be back in under two hours. According to the Community Transportation Association, 26 million older adults rely on others for transportation. Between the lack of autonomy and the fear of being a burden, this dependency often leads to a decreased quality of life. Most seniors don’t want to call a loved one every time they need a ride, and public transportation is often a hassle at best. Recently, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have offered older adults an alternative way to get where they want to go. If you’ve never tried ride-sharing before, here’s how it works. Using an app on your phone, you set a pick-up and drop-off location. In just a matter of minutes, a driver is at your door, ready to travel to your destination. Payment is automatically linked to your phone, so you don’t need to worry about having cash on hand. If you need help setting up the app, reach out to a tech-
savvy friend or family member. Odds are they’ve used these services themselves.
and efficiency, which far outweighs most other transportation alternatives.
are beautiful even in the rain, when the drops add a beautiful layer of “crystals” to everything they fall on. In our dryer areas, you’ll see no trees, but huge, gorgeous, red rocks instead. Head to the Painted Canyon in Palm Springs for a glimpse of this. Without foliage, it showcases another kind of beauty thanks to the multicolored rocks. One of my favorite parts of hiking is listening to the wildlife around me. I listen for crickets, owls, and once, even heard a rattlesnake nearby. We knew it was time to move on and stay out of its way! Despite a few dangerous animals living in our area, they mostly aren’t interested in hurting anyone. It’s important to remember we’re in their home and must proceed with caution when we see or hear them. Like most of us, I’m always on a tight schedule, between working and taking care of my teenage daughter, so I find refuge in nature. I keep a pair of boots and If you need help getting in and out of the vehicle, Uber even offers a special service called uberASSIST. Drivers in this program have special training and offer door-to-door assistance. Newer companies designed specifically for seniors, like SilverRide and Lift Hero, are expanding into new regions all the time. Ride-sharing offers a number of benefits to older adults who don’t want to rely on a friend or loved one for transportation. Have a medical appointment? Getting there has never been easier. Looking to take a walk somewhere that requires a short drive? You can ride-share there and back. Going out for a bite to eat? With the touch of a button, you’ll soon be on your way. Ride-sharing offers increased independence, security,
You might think of mobile technology as an industry aimed largely at younger generations who live their lives on their phones. Ride-sharing services, however, can offer just as much benefit to you as to those rowdy 20-somethings. If you need a quick, affordable ride, give these apps a shot.
GETTING OUTSIDE IN SANTA MONICA Recommendations FromOur Client Services Director
an extra pair of pants in my car so that wherever I am, I can get outside. I believe in the work-hard, play-hard mentality, and is there anything better than playing in nature? There’s something truly special about being outdoors, enjoying God’s creations. I hope you find time to get outside and enjoy it, too. –Nikki Harjo
We’re lucky to live in a place where it’s warm enough to hike year round. The trails
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: The Importance of a Go Bag
DOCUMENTATION Make a photocopy of any and all critical documents you have and store the copies in a watertight container (such as a freezer bag) in the go bag. Include your birth certificate, driver’s license, and Social Security card. You may also want to include a copy of any Medicare cards, insurance information, your will (along with any powers of attorney), and some proof of address. Some people even include marriage, adoption, and naturalization certificates. CASH Store enough small bills to get yourself through five to seven days. On top of the small bills, coins are just as important, particularly quarters.
Natural disasters happen all the time. From hurricanes and tornadoes to wildfires and earthquakes, our homes are never entirely safe from potential hazards. While natural disasters aren’t an everyday worry — and the 2017 hurricane and fire season is finally behind us — nothing is better than being prepared. You need a go bag! A go bag is something you can keep by the door in case of any kind of emergency. With essentials at the ready, you eliminate the possibility of a last-minute scramble. Here are the most critical items to include.
them every three months. You want to ensure they are functioning and at full capacity so you can rely on them if the time comes. FIRST-AID KIT You can find well-stocked first-aid kits online (including on Amazon.com) that are packed to the brim with most or all of the essentials. You may want to include baby wipes and a multi-tool in the kit, as well. MEDICATIONS When it comes to go bags, medications can be tricky, but they are necessary. Include a supply of any medications you take (anywhere from a week’s to a month’s supply) and be sure to rotate them out on a regular basis. This ensures that any prescription medications are up- to-date and that there is no risk of potential expirations.
BATTERIES AND FLASHLIGHTS Not only do you want a selection of
standard batteries for your devices, but you also want portable lithium-ion batteries to charge your cellphones and other mobile devices. Additionally, after you’ve packed these items, be sure to check
Recipe inspired by PinchofYum.com.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS!
Scrambling to find something for the holiday potluck? This fondue is sure to impress! CHEESE FONDUE EASY HOLIDAY PARTY
Ingredients
Instructions • ¾ cup dry white wine • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1 (8-ounce) package sliced Swiss cheese 1. In a large bowl, whisk together wine and cornstarch. 2. Chop cheese slices into small, uniform pieces. 3. Rub clove of garlic all over the sides and bottom of a heavy- bottomed pot, then discard. 4. Heat wine mixture over medium- low heat in the pot until thick and
• 1 clove garlic • Salt to taste • Foods to dip (apple slices, bread cubes, roasted vegetables, etc.) bubbling. Add some cheese and slowly whisk. When nearly smooth, add more cheese and whisk gently. Repeat until all cheese is melted. If mixture seems too tight, add 1 tablespoon wine. 5. Season with salt and serve immediately. Keep pot on low heat to keep the fondue dippable.
Scott Durrett Cambry Linville Ronald Reitshtein Mark Hooker Dan Henrickson
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INSIDE
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A History of Swerdloff Holidays
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The Benefits of Ride-Sharing for Older Adults Nikki’s Picks Why You Need a Go Bag Easy Holiday Party Cheese Fondue
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Step Aside, Balto
TOGO THE SLED DOG Saves an Alaskan Town
In the winter of 1924–25, the Alaskan town of Nome suffered a deadly outbreak of diphtheria. Facing an epidemic, with no medicine on hand, the entire population of Nome and the surrounding areas could’ve been wiped out. The doctor sent a plea to the U.S. Public Health Service in Washington, D.C., for help. Due to the harsh Alaskan winter, ships couldn’t reach the Nome port, and it was too
were the only method of transportation available. They decided to send a shipment of serum by train to Nenana, Alaska. The serum was then transported to Nome by sled dog. The fastest trip from Nenana to Nome was nine days. Due to the brutal conditions, the serum could only last six days before it would expire. What followed was the Great Race of Mercy — a desperate relay to deliver the serum 700 miles across northern Alaska. Twenty mushers and 150 sled dogs participated in the relay, but most historians agree one hero stood out above the rest: Togo, lead dog of renown musher Leonhard Seppala, who crossed the longest and most dangerous leg of the relay. Togo’s 91-mile race crossed the frozen Norton Sound, where unstable ice could break apart and claim the lives of a
musher and their dogs. But this route saved a day of travel, and Seppala and Togo carried on. In a whiteout blizzard, with temperatures at -85 F and winds up to 65 mph, Togo’s incredible stamina and ability to sense danger led his team across safely. Thanks to their bravery, the serum arrived in Nome in 5½ days. The official death toll for Nome and the surrounding Native Alaskan encampments was less than 100 — far below the 100,000 predicted. Today, a statue of Balto, the lead dog of the relay’s last leg, stands in Central Park, New York City, though it’s worth mentioning the award on the statue was not actually given to Balto, but to Togo. As Seppala said himself, "I never had a better dog than Togo. His stamina, loyalty, and intelligence could not be improved upon. Togo was the best dog that ever traveled the Alaska trail.”
dangerous for planes. Sled dogs
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