Physician Turned Author is Writing Life's Newest Chapter at Prospect Park Residence

 

New York, NY (1888PressRelease) October 16, 2010 - Dr. Eugene Straus' remarkable life and career could fill many more books than he has already written himself. A noted physician, teacher, researcher and author, Straus was recently honored by Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn as a distinguished student and faculty alumnus for his long career in medical research and teaching. Today he is finding time between activities at Prospect Park Residence to work on a historical novel based on his own family.

"I've written short stories, plays, a novel and non-fiction," said Dr. Straus, a Brooklyn native who moved to the senior living community in April. "My current project is set in 1905 Europe, with characters based on my grandparents and their experiences in Czarist Russia and beyond." The story of his heroic grandparents and their struggles provide a wealth of plot lines for his book. Straus' family, which includes political activists, union organizers and respected New York City doctors, provide colorful figures for many more tales.

Straus' son Alex, with whom he co-wrote the book "Medical Marvels: The 100 Greatest Advances in Medicine," said that although his father spends time alone with his writing, "he now spends a lot of time socializing with other people and developing new friendships at Prospect Park Residence."

"I've always been a fan of science and really enjoy our conversations," said Kathy Azbell, Director of Community Outreach for the senior living community. "In addition to meeting neighbors, Dr. Straus is enjoying the community's independent lifestyle and activities in between his writing sessions."

A Life Story Fit for a Novel

Straus' own story is in itself material for a novel. A gastroenterologist by training, Straus had a notable career as a biomedical researcher, working alongside Rosalyn Yalow, Ph.D., about whom he wrote a biography entitled "Rosalyn Yalow, Nobel Laureate: Her Life and Work in Medicine." Yalow was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in medicine. Together, the team worked on groundbreaking clinical research into gastrointestinal peptide hormones, and developed techniques in radioimmunoassay, a key tool for the research they conducted and the basis for medical research in other fields. Straus also developed a test for tuberculosis which is used around the world. He taught for several decades at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, where he is a tenured professor after attending Downstate Medical Center, which houses the country's largest medical school. A chapter about Straus' life and accomplishments will be included in a book being compiled about the distinguished Downstate alumni.

Straus' successful medical career also included stints as the co-chair (with Yalow) of the department of clinical sciences at Albert Einstein; chief of digestive diseases at Downstate Medical Center; and co-chair of Downstate's department of medicine. But he found it difficult to stay away from the research lab and continued his work on digestive and other hormones with radio isotopes for nearly two decades. In fact, although he did not do a fellowship in endocrinology, the Endocrine Society made him an honorary member because of his advances in that field.

Coming Home to Brooklyn

Aside from his medical and research careers, Straus' life has been filled with adventure, such as playing football at Brown University and raising a family on New York's vibrant Upper West Side. Family life also included a vacation home in Carmel, New York, where Straus enjoyed riding motorcycles and horses. Son Alex tells the story of his father trading a motorcycle for a horse he admired on the spot; he soon became an equestrian and horse owner, and was a familiar sight in town riding in a surrey pulled by one of his horses.

For his life's latest chapter of semi-retirement, Straus returned to Brooklyn. Alex said that the family looked at other communities but that Prospect Park Residence stood out for its quality of staff and its location. "One of my sisters and I live in Brooklyn and are able to visit Dad frequently," he explained. "Prospect Park Residence is a fantastic place with fantastic people, an excellent staff from the top down," he added.

Dr. Straus seconds his son's enthusiasm about the community's staff as well as the programs. He particularly enjoys the News & Schmooze current events discussion group and spending time outdoors on the rooftop garden. "The activities here are very good and the community provides outstanding services to the residents," he noted, pointing out that "the people who work here are all extraordinary. I grew up in Brooklyn, so this is a wonderful return to my old stomping grounds."

Prospect Park Residence is located at One Prospect Park West at Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope and features independent studio and one-bedroom apartments, inclusive of housekeeping, laundry and linen service; restaurant-style dining, a rooftop garden and easy access to all that Park Slope has to offer. The community also offers on-site licensed home care as needed and Essentia?, a program that provides support and assistance for memory-impaired residents by specially trained staff members. For more information, visit http://www.prospectparkresidence.com/ or call (718) 622-8400.

Arlene Rubinson Raises the Bar for -Active Retirement- at Heritage Pointe of Teaneck

 

New York, NY (1888PressRelease) October 26, 2010 - Arlene Rubinson used to spend her free time creating watercolor paintings, some of which hang in her sunny apartment at Heritage Pointe of Teaneck , the full-service rental retirement community she moved to in May 2009. At Heritage Pointe, however, Rubinson has found a number of additional activities to enjoy as well, and her lifestyle embodies the term "active retirement."

"My goal is to stay active which is easy to do here," said Rubinson, who takes advantage of the many recreational, cultural, and educational programs offered at Heritage Pointe, from lectures to the community's walking club.

Rubinson has always been an avid proponent of exercise. She walked all the time with her husband, friends, and walking groups during her years living in Fair Lawn, where she raised two children after moving from Brooklyn. "We walked in town, in the malls, at the gym and on the treadmill," she explained.

"Walking has always been my daily medicine, and now I enjoy doing it here at the Teaneck Creek Conservancy." The Conservancy's 46-acre woodlands border Heritage Pointe, and many resident apartments, including Rubinson's, overlook the park, offering scenic views and abundant natural light.

Rubinson is a founding member of Heritage Pointe's walking club, which hikes the Conservancy's trails twice a week. When not walking with the group, she joins fellow resident Bill Rini, a nature enthusiast who is the club's guide. "Bill and I walk nearly every day together and he tests my knowledge of the plant life along the way."

When her children were growing up, Rubinson was active in the community - volunteering as a Cub Scout den mother for her son's troop, serving on the PTA, and working with her synagogue's sisterhood on programs and fundraising efforts. "People knew I was an artist so I was in charge of creating the centerpieces for fundraising dinners," she said.

Of her artwork, Rubinson said that "I always liked sketching, drawing and color. When my children got older, my husband encouraged me to take art classes at Fair Lawn's community center. I studied there for three or four years, concentrating on watercolors," because the medium allowed her freer artistic expression. "With watercolors you literally go with the flow more; it's less structured than oil painting." When the art school exhibited the students' works at the Fair Lawn Public Library one year, three of her pieces were displayed. "Visitors were impressed, and I really enjoyed having my artwork on display," she said.

Rubinson is now looking forward to painting again when the colder weather arrives this winter. "I have plenty of room in my apartment for an easel, and lots of light thanks to the large windows." Rubinson noted that she would likely paint differently today than she did when she was younger, with a freer style.

In addition to her art and community work, Rubinson also stayed busy as a member of the senior group at the YJCC in Washington Township. "We would attend programs and luncheons there and work out in the gym. I've always enjoyed that kind of activity, and still do at Heritage Pointe."

Aside from her daily walks, Rubinson enjoys many of the weekly outings to area points of interest, and attends various cultural programs offered at Heritage Pointe. "The lecturers offer such diverse programs each week," she noted. "I attend the discussions on literature, popular music, art, opera, and enjoy the current events programs, too." Rubinson cited game hours as another activity she enjoys with other residents, and said she is expressing her creativity in weekly beading classes.

"There's so much to do here and it's great to realize that you can still learn and do new things regardless of your age," Rubinson said.

Heritage Pointe of Teaneck is located at 600 Frank W. Burr Boulevard, near Interstates 95 and 80 and near Route 4. The full-service retirement community offers spacious rental apartments, fine dining, distinctive amenities and a wide range of programs for active retirees. It also offers on-site wellness programs through its partnership with Holy Name Hospital, and home health services when needed. For more information or to arrange a tour, call (201) 836-9260 or visit http://www.heritagepointeofteaneck.com/.

Avid Readers at Prospect Park Residence Enjoy Sharing Insights at Monthly Book Club

New York, NY (1888PressRelease) October 12, 2010 - Every month, a group of avid readers at Prospect Park Residence in Park Slope gathers to discuss the books they have read as members of the Prospect Park Residence Book Club. The club is moderated by Director of Activities Theresa Hines, herself a voracious reader.

"We talk about what we've read, discuss the author, and share our opinions about our books," explained Hines. "We explore other novels by the same author, writing style and content in our discussions. Residents enjoy fiction and non-fiction: mysteries, biographies, historical novels, romance, and science fiction."

A number of residents participate regularly in the book club including Ruth Willig,
Eleanor Greif, Lillian Marks and Mildred Blechman. "Anyone who lives here and loves to read or discuss books is invited to participate," said Hines.

According to Hines, Book Club members read at their own pace, and some finish more than one book in between meetings. Others drop in just to listen and hear about what residents are reading, which also provides opportunities to socialize and connect to the world of literature. Hines helps by distributing a current bestseller list to book club members to spark ideas on what to read.

Eleanor Greif is currently reading "Sotah," by Naomi Ragen, a story concerning the world of strict Jewish orthodoxy and the issue of infidelity. "I've read a few of this author's books, and they've all given me something new to think about, although sometimes they have been somewhat disturbing," said Greif. She explained that she particularly enjoys historical novels that weave facts into great story telling. "I like to read novels that have a good story and provide me with something new to learn."

Ruth Willig prefers historical novels and books about people from other cultures. Recent favorites are: "The Space Between Us" by Thrity Umrigar about an illiterate domestic servant in India and her relationship with the upper-class family for whom she works;

"The Kitchen House" by Kathleen Grissom, set in the 1800s, about a young Irish girl who ends up living with an African-American slave family in the antebellum South; and "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay, a story of a young woman's journey from France to Nazi concentration camps and back.

"I also enjoy Batya Gur's murder mysteries very much," said Willig, "as well as Mitch Albom's books and anything by Anna Quindlen, whose stories I followed when she was writing for the New York Times and Newsweek. She's a very good writer."

"The book club is just one way our residents come together to share interests, exchange ideas, and develop relationships," said Hines. "Our art appreciation series, concerts and current events discussion groups all provide additional opportunities for residents to engage in enriching activities."

Prospect Park Residence is located at One Prospect Park West at Grand Army Plaza, directly across the street from Prospect Park. It offers gracious apartment living with a range of upscale amenities, restaurant-style dining, and activities that foster an active lifestyle for independent older adults. On-site supportive health services are available when needed 24 hours a day. Prospect Park Residence also offers Essentia?, a secure therapeutic program specially designed for residents coping with memory impairment issues. For more information about the community, visit www.prospectparkresidence.com or call (718) 622-8400.