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January 9, 2025
Dear Residents and Families,
I am hopeful everyone enjoyed the holiday season. As we embark upon 2025, it is fitting to reflect and set goals for the year ahead. Although it is customary to make resolutions for a new year, it is also acceptable to be less formal and simply reflect on the prior year as well as make plans for how you would like to spend the coming year.
Coming off a busy time of year, it is important to schedule in time for self-care. Make sure you eat healthily, exercise, rest and stay properly hydrated. We are in the midst of flu and cold season, so please be sure you are up to date with your recommended vaccinations, including your flu shot. And please stay home if you are feeling unwell. These preventive measures help keep our community safe and healthy.
We are wrapping up the final stages of our construction project at the Leonard Florence Center. The Perlman household will be able to accommodate 10 new ventilator dependent residents starting in February! We are very excited about this as the renovations allow us to further our mission at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2025!
All the best,
Megin
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December 13, 2024
[Photo Left to Right: Betsy Mullen, COO Chelsea Jewish Lifecare; Karen Flam, Chair of the AJAS Awards Committee; Barry Berman, CEO Chelsea Jewish Lifecare; Ruth Katz, President & CEO AJAS]
It was a special day when Mr. B. received the notable 2025 Dr. Herbert Shore Award of Honor from the Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS). This award, which is the highest award given by AJAS, is presented to the outstanding executive professional who best exemplifies the goals and ideals of AJAS as well as service to older adults and severely disabled individuals.
Karen Flam, Chair of the AJAS Awards Committee and past recipient of the award, drove to Chelsea from Montreal to surprise Barry with the award. Berman was sitting in the lobby of the Leonard Florence Center with Ruth Katz, President & CEO of AJAS, when Karen suddenly appeared and announced that Barry was this year’s Award of Honor recipient. Karen was surrounded by Chelsea Jewish Lifecare staff, residents and Barry’s family members.
“I am surprised and overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Berman immediately after Karen presented him with the award. “I have known about the AJAS Award of Honor throughout my entire career, but I never imagined I would be the recipient of this important honor. The fact that my peers are the ones who voted for me means more than I can say.”
Barry Berman has devoted his career to building the long-term care community in Chelsea and surrounding areas by developing innovative models of care. He has been the CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare for 47 years. Mr. Berman is a past board member of the Chelsea Soldier’s Home and has served on the Massachusetts Governor’s Council of Assisted Living, as well as on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Assisted Living Facilities Association, the Massachusetts Aging Services Association, LeadingAge Massachusetts and the ALS Association Massachusetts Chapter.
“I was so happy to be with everyone at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare to honor Barry where he ‘lives,’ said Flam. “Barry Berman exemplifies what it is to lead with a heart and a brain. He so deserves this recognition!”
Mr. Berman is also a past recipient of the “Leaders of Tomorrow” award from McKnight’s Long Term Care News, the “Award of Honor” from LeadingAge for his work in expanding the world of possibilities for aging services and the “Changemaker Award” from the Center for Innovation.
“Barry demonstrates for all of us – every day – that it is possible to bring mission, vision, and humanity together to always do the best for residents,” said Ruth Katz. “He supports residents in living their best lives. The Dr. Herbert Shore Award of Honor is AJAS’s most prestigious award and we are thrilled to present it to Barry Berman. It is an honor to count Barry and Chelsea Jewish Lifecare among our members.”
The 2025 Award of Homor will be presented to Mr. Berman at the AJAS Annual Conference in Buckhead, Atlanta on April 1. This year’s conference, entitled “Igniting our Future Together” will bring together leaders from Jewish aging services organizations throughout North America.
Congratulations Mr. Berman! This award is a fitting tribute to you and everything you have done for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. It is truly well-deserved!
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January 22, 2025
As fall turned into winter, residents and staff stayed busy amidst a flurry of activities and events.
One of the main highlights of the last three months was our Staff Appreciation Lunch. Amidst delicious food, lively conversation and lots of laughter, the assisted living residences honored their amazing employees. Catered by Panera Bread, the luncheon was a way to honor staff and thank them for all that they do. “I am so proud of our loyal, dedicated and passionate staff,” said Executive Director Kristen Donolly. They work tirelessly, day in and day out, to make our assisted livings a place are residents are proud to call home.”
The holidays brought many fun and festive celebrations to the Estates on Admiral’s Hill. Here are some of the highlights:
Annual Holiday Lights Tour
Residents enjoyed our annual tour of the holiday lights. The beautiful displays brought smiles to everyone’s faces as we drove through the streets of Revere, Malden and Saugus. We drove by so many spectacularly lit homes with elaborate holiday decorations. Hot cocoa and snowflake cookies were the perfect way to end the night.
Golden Moments
Our furry friends from Golden Moments Golden Retrievers visited to the delight of residents and staff. Myles, the adorable Golden Retriever, performed some tricks while wearing his Hannukah headband and played a game of “find it.” He never fails to find the treats.
Party Time
At our Elijah Society get together, schmoozing and kibitzing were the order of the day. We made Hanukkah crafts, played “Heads Up” and danced the night away. The Mensch was certainly “off the bench” as he danced with the residents at the annual Hanukkah party! For New Year’s Eve, residents and staff ushered in 2025 with delicious food, festive decorations and well-intended resolutions.
Holiday Events for Staff
Our staff had a blast participating in a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. It was a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Staff searched to find the “frostiest” figurine. In total, 33 statues were found! Our hot chocolate bar was a hit. Staff members enjoyed a variety of toppings and flavors. How sweet it was!
Santa for Seniors
Home Instead brought us lovely gifts for selected residents. What a thoughtful way to get into the holiday spirit.
In Other News
We explored our creative side in January with the much-anticipated Paint Day. Florence and Chafetz residents painted a cherry blossom tree while CFLE residents replicated a cherry tree on a hill. There’s a huge amount of talent among our residents!
Last, but certainly not least, Florence & Chafetz held a birthday celebration for a very special resident. Viginia Fiske turned 106! Virginia celebrated with her son Lou, her sister Grace, friends, family members, residents and staff. Happy Birthday Virgina. You are an inspiration to us all!
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January 16, 2025
As we embark upon 2025, let’s take a quick look back at the last few months of 2024. Here are some of the highlights:
2024 was a presidential election year, and our residents made sure their voices were heard. Voting through absentee ballots enabled them to exercise their minds. Many sported “I Voted by Mail” hand signs. For a few residents, it was their first time voting since casting their vote for Harry S. Truman in 1950.
Staff and residents welcomed Katzman Center for Living’s new Executive Administrator Ginny Person. After Ginny introduced herself, she danced for residents and staff during one of Jimmy Honohan’s lively musical concerts. Welcome aboard Ginny. We are thrilled to have you here!
Celebrating Hanukkah throughout its eight days, our residence was filled with music, games, religious services led by Sidney Zimmerman, and, of course, the traditional holiday treat everyone loves – jelly donuts! Other celebrations included an evening bus tour to view the spectacular lights displayed all around the city. Hot chocolate and donuts made it even better. Thanks to Ray Cavicchio for an enjoyable performance during our New Year’s celebration!
New beginnings are in store for Jeremy, MDS Director and Jen, PT Assistant, who celebrated the birth of their first child. Congratulations Jeremy and Jen! A big thank you to receptionist Marisol for continuing to bring her cats, Gilbert and Zucchini, to KCL. They bring smiles to our residents’ faces.
To kick off 2025, Chef Chuck Magno, has implemented his “International Lunch” series. Each month he will pay tribute to a different country, serving a traditional meal that best represents the featured country. Malaysia is the theme for January. Also on the food front: Ice cream sundaes! Residents love creating their own concoctions. And “Make Your Own Pizza” days have become very popular lately. The undisputed winer: mushroom, black olive and ricotta!
Even though our beloved Patriots are not competing in this year’s Super Bowl, our annual party will still be an exciting event. Sports are all about camaraderie and we intend to throw a great Super Bowl Party! Hot dogs, chicken wings and beer will set the stage for a fun-filled afternoon.
Here’s to making 2025 the best year ever!
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January 13, 2025
The Leonard Florence Center for Living has been taking center stage these last few months with numerous awards and world-wide recognition! Mr. Berman and Mrs. Mullen were honored by the Center for Innovation with the prestigious “2024 Changemaker Award” in November. Please read the full story here.
Making international news: Steve Saling and Barry Berman’s presented at the 2024 ALS Alliance Meeting, which was held in December in Montreal. Their session, entitled “Quality of Care Leads to Quality of Life Which Leads to Quantity of Life,” provided an in-depth look at LFCL, how residents are able to enjoy a higher quality of life and why they are living longer. Steve created a beautiful video specifically for the presentation. Needless to say, they were the shining stars at the conference.
On the activities front, we have been busy with a slew of activities, including movies, holiday parties, concerts, pet visits and Paint the Town events. Also, thanks to some of our residents’’ loved ones, we have been able to host e Christian services in our chapel on a monthly basis. Resident Louise J. and her family are hosting services (in English, French and Kreyol) and resident Francis C. and his family host services as well in Spanish & English. Thank you for making this possible.
You can also read in this newsletter about a very well-deserved honor for a remarkable man. Our very own Mr. Berman received the prestigious 2025 Dr. Herbert Shore Award of Honor from the Association of Jewish Aging Services (AJAS). This is the highest award given by AJAS. It is presented to the outstanding executive professional who best exemplifies the goals and ideals of AJAS as well as service to older adults and severely disabled individuals. Congratulations Mr. B! We are so proud of you!
There’s no doubt that our residents, staff and families are the reason the Leonard Florence Center stands out. You are the reason our residence is so very special!
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January 13, 2025
Admissions Director at Leonard Florence Center For Living
Chances are that when you enter the Leonard Florence Center for Living, you’ll find Joyce Agri front and center, interacting with residents and families in the highly acclaimed skilled nursing facility. Joyce, who has been the Admissions Director at LFCL since 2015, started her career in nursing. “I wanted to be a nurse ever since I was a little girl,” explains Joyce. “It was my lifelong dream.”
Joyce grew up in Chelsea and attended Bay State College after high school, graduating with an Associate of Applied Science medical degree. Marrying shortly after graduation, Joyce decided not to pursue nursing for financial reasons. Instead, she worked in a lab in Cambridge before landing a medical assistant job at Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary for Dr. William Montgomery, a world renowned otolaryngologist who specialized in vocal cords. Joyce enjoyed the fast-paced and fun environment. “During my years working for Dr. William Montgomery I was able to meet many well-known musicians,” says Joyce. “It was not unusual to have Jack Klugman, Whitney Houston, James Taylor and Billy Joel on the patient schedule!”
In 1992, Joyce pursued her dream by attending the Somerville Hospital School of Nursing due to the generosity of a very “special” person. She worked as an RN while busy raising three children: son Eddie, now 29 and a graduate of Salem State University with a degree in computer science; daughter Theresa, who is 27 and a graduate of Salem State University with a BSN and currently working in the Vent House at LFCL; and daughter Savannah, 20, who joined the family from China in 2011. Savannah will be graduating from Bunker Hill Community College this year with an associate degree in culinary arts. The family now includes two dogs, Duncan and Jax, and Smoochie, the cat, Duncan was the dog of a hospice patient; Jax was a rescue; Smoochie also belonged to a LFCL resident.
When Joyce entered the long-term care field in 2013, she knew she had found her calling. She became the Admissions Liaison at the local hospitals for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. The rest is, as they say, history. Joyce relished the work and from there it was a natural progression to be named Admission Director for the Leonard Florence Center. It is a role she loves and appreciates every single day.
For Joyce, the most gratifying part of her job is helping people. “It is so rewarding being able call a family member and tell them we have an opening,” explains Joyce. “We have a very lengthy waitlist for our ventilator unit and when I can call with a bed offer, the joy it brings me is overwhelming.”
The people at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare are a large part of why Joyce loves her job. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work for this absolutely amazing organization,” reflects Joyce. “Chelsea Jewish Lifecare works from the heart. We always put our residents and families first. I see how much Mr. Berman cares about our residents and our employees. He is a remarkable individual.” Joyce also expressed her admiration for Adam Berman. “I have such admiration for Adam. He is Intelligent, kind and is always willing to listen.” Joyce credits Betsy Mullen as being her true mentor.“ I have learned so much from Mrs. Mullen,” says Joyce. “She is always ready to help in any way she can.”
When asked about the organization’s culture, Joyce was quick to point out that she shares the same philosophy. “The Chelsea Jewish way aligns perfectly with my beliefs, values and morals,” said Joyce. “Actually, working at LFCL puts everything in my life in perspective. Now I don’t sweat the small stuff.” Adds Joyce, “I love where I work, who I work for and who I work with. It really is a perfect fit.”
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November 21, 2024
[Photo: L-R: Barry Berman, Chelsea Jewish Lifecare CEO; Susan Ryan, Center for Innovation CEO; Betsy Mullen, Chelsea Jewish Lifecare COO]
At the Center for Innovation’s (CFI) annual conference, sponsored by the Green House® Project and Pioneer Network communities, Chelsea Jewish Lifecare CEO Barry Berman and COO Betsy Mullen were presented with the esteemed “2024 Changemaker Award,” which reflects their strong leadership style as well as their passion for serving others.
Each year CFI honors leaders who have made indelible contributions to the field of eldercare improvement with the “Changemaker Award.” This annual award recognizes the champions of culture change who have paved the way for more dignified and empowering models of care and support, setting bold new standards for older adults and people living with disabilities.
“Barry Berman and Betsy Mullen embody the spirit of bold and uncompromising change, refusing to accept the status quo and working diligently to provide the highest quality of life for people regardless of their physical and cognitive changes.,’ said Alex Spanko, Director of Communications and Marketing at the Center for Innovation. “They are shining examples of how strong leadership and a passion for serving others can overcome any obstacle on the road to true culture.”
The CFI annual conference, held this year in Grand Rapids, Michigan, focused upon a “Grow Bolder” theme. Barry and Betsy also gave a 90 minute presentation about life enrichment and the quality of life at the Leonard Florence Center for Living. Their presentation revolved around the unique Outward Bound program, which enables ventilator dependent, ALS and MS residents to experience and enjoy life by participating in activities outside of skilled nursing home environment.
The CFI staff put together a wonderful video to pay tribute to these two inspiring individuals. There were photos spanning many important milestones in CJL’s long and impressive history.
Congratulations Mr. Berman and Mrs. Mullen. We are so very proud of you both!
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