Anyone deserving of an ‘Honorable Menschen,’ can contact Howard Berger via his e-mail: Howardberger9798@aol.com or by fax: 822-3670.

There are many local Jews with children and family members living in Israel, and except for Cantor Emeritus Ed Kulp (Beth Judah-Ventnor) and his wife, Linda Kulp, and myself and Charlotte, we are unaware of others belonging to Parents of North American Israelis (PNAI). So HM is taking a first time poll to determine if other parents in our circulation area are parents of children residing in Israel. Belonging to PNAI keeps us in touch with life in Israel related by our children. So let HM know if you are a member – and if not, think about joining. My email is listed in the column and if you don’t have email fax me at 822-3670.

RABBIS GELLER AND KRAUSS INVOLVED IN INTERFAITH CLERGY THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION

Another Interfaith Clergy of Absecon Island Thanksgiving celebration service is set for Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew by the Sea Church and again taking part as they have for many years will be Temple Emeth Shalom’s Rabbi Gordon Geller and Beth El Synagogue’s Rabbi Aaron Krauss and their Christian clergy colleagues. The church is located at 936 Baltic Ave. in the new sanctuary, which for many years was located at Mchigan and Pacific avenues opposite the AC Medical Center. The gathering is a time for prayer and ecumenical fellowship (with refreshments) sponsored by Atlantic City’s Covenant House. A big thank you, from Covenant House to our area community for helping to keep its doors open for 20 years to help less fortunate children and adults turn their lives around.

PROMISE BY STEVE LEIBOWITZ, BOOK ON STEEL PIER NOW PUBLISHED

My 18 years working for WFPG-AM-FM on the Steel Pier was an exciting time, and on the 100th anniversary of the famed landmark in 1998, I met Steve Leibowitz who promised a book on the pier. He kept his promise and the 260-page volume with over 200 prized photos is a “done deal,” with the help of AC’s dedicated local historian Alan “Boo” Pergament. The book, “Steel Pier, Atlantic City: Showplace of the Nation,” published by Down-The-Shore, was the subject of a recent Pinky Kravitz Show on Channel 40 with Leibowitz and Pergament.The book debut took place this week at the Garden Pier Historical Museum with Mayor Lorenzo Langford. I know HM readers will want to buy the book as it covers everything the pier had to offer and is filled with lots of memories. We’re sure George Hamid, Jr. will be pleased; it conjures up his many memories.

IT’S A GOLD MEDAL FOR HOWARD BANK AND TEAM IN NJ SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOCCER TOURNEY

To play soccer you have to have strong legs and be in good shape, which are the two essential physical elements which propelled Howard Bank and his team to a gold medal recently for a Special Olympics victory. And to add a feather in his cap, Howard struck gold with his first goal of the tourney. And to end his recent summer experiences, Howard met his cooking mentor,

Emeril Lagasse. The two enjoyed some memories and became fast friends. “All I can say is that Emeril is quite a Mensch,” declared Howard, son of Beth El (Margate) Office administrator Joyce Bank and Sheldon Bank. “We are very proud of our son,” said the Banks. “He adds gold to our lives.”

MEDICAL ADVICE FROM DR. IRA STEIN AND A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE FROM MICHAEL WEINRAUB

Atlantic City’s Rosin Senior Center Medical Director Dr. Ira Stein says there’s still time to get a flu shot, although the flu season is well underway, and if your physician recommends it, obtain a swine flu inoculation. “Don’t take any chances,” Stein advises senior citizens, and as a board certified geriatric physician, he is qualified to offer this advice. Meanwhile, on the legal side of older American issues, Ventnor-based attorney

Michael Weinraub, an elder law expert, reminds our area’s older American population that spending on health care is rising and threatens them, especially low or moderate income seniors. There are several reasons as to why health care costs are rising precipitously. Weinraub’s Elder Law Report has the full story, so contact his office at 823-4900 or use his email Mike@ElderLawyerForYou.com. It’s a worthwhile effort.

AGING MENTOR, OSCAR ERNST: ENJOY FAMILY THANKSGIVING BUT THINK SOC.SEC ONLINE

Over 25 years ago, Social Security District Manager Oscar Ernst became my mentor into the field of aging and I’ve never regretted his help, which led to my current full-time occupation as an advocate for the aged and Title 5 position in Atlantic County. Oscar is an All- American man and urges us to enjoy a family Thanksgiving, thanking God for our spiritual and culinary bounty. Still, his other and professional focus is his work with the district’s population to benefit from Social Security while the system is in the black. His major advice to beneficiaries is to make good use of your computer mouse by going online “to conduct your Social Security business.” Ernst asked HM to pass this advice to my HM readers noting that 35 percent of retirement claims in our area were filed online. You can start with www.ssa.gov.