Behind the Scenes in Peabody!

As the weather outside got cooler in November and December, activities were heating up inside Kaplan Estates and the Brudnick Center for Living. For example, when DJ and trivia expert Barry Scott performed a medley of top 40 hits from the past, every resident was singing along. Barry truly understands resident participation and engagement. After the game, it became clear that our residents knew their trivia. They answered every question correctly!

To usher in the Thanksgiving holiday, Activities Assistant Jenn Derome rode in on a “turkey” at Jimmy Honohan’s Thanksgiving week concert. It was a fun start to a festive weekend.

We celebrated an incredible milestone in December. Kaplan resident Rose Regis turned 109! Residents and staff sang and toasted the “birthday queen” with cake and ice cream. Rose, who has always had a spunky spirit, was smiling from ear to ear.

Individuals from the dietary and activities teams got together for two fun “Girls Nights Out,” visiting the Off Cabot Comedy club and well as Lebelle’s Winery Holiday Lights and Dinner. The staff obviously enjoy seeing each other at work and after work.

The talented North Shore Dance Company, run by Tammy Bolduc, performed on the Peabody campus. Tammy has been coming to entertain our residents with her “Goodwill Ambassadors “dance students, who range in age from 5-17, since 2016. Over 60 residents from BCL, Kaplan Traditional and Kaplan Legacy enjoyed the student performance.

Students from Ner Tamid, along with their Educational Director Alyssa Pesaroff Kishel, visited Kaplan residents in mid-December, singing Chanukah songs, playing Dreidel and enjoying refreshments. Additionally, North Suburban JCC (NSJCC), Congregation Sons of Israel (CSI) and CJL Peabody Campus held a joint Chanukah Party on Sunday, December 10. Over 60 people joined together for the celebration, enjoying latkes, Sufganiot, and lively music by Bill Sokolow.

Over 80 residents attended our New Year’s Party with entertainment from Siggy Moller. The Dietary Department did a terrific job of providing us with colorfully decorated parfaits. It was obvious from the animated conversations and wide smiles that everyone enjoyed ringing in 2024.

Last, but certainly not least, we bid farewell to one of our all-time favorite staff members. Ellen Gordon, who has been the Director of Resident Life for Peabody for the past 12 years, has provided our campus with wonderful programming and activities. Ellen is retiring but leaving us in the very capable hands of Barbara Lee (Kaplan) and Nancy Bekel (Brudnick). Residents, staff, and friends gathered together for Ellen’s retirement party in late December. It was a special afternoon; Ellen is much loved by all. Ellen, we will miss you. Please come back and visit often!