Message from Adam Berman, CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare

March 14, 2022

Dear Residents and Families,

With Omicron’s peak behind us, we look forward to spring with great anticipation and optimism. COVID arrived in Massachusetts two years ago, and while it is not going away completely, we are hopeful that so long as cases remain low and generally mild that we will be given permission to further ease restrictions in the weeks and months ahead.

On a separate, and much more somber note, I cannot write this message without acknowledging the crisis in Ukraine. Our priority as an organization is ensuring that our staff whose families and friends are impacted by the invasion have the support that they need. The people of Ukraine are in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. We fervently hope this situation is peacefully resolved soon.

Warmly,
Adam

Adam Berman
CEO
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare

Behind the Scenes at Leonard Florence Center for Living

March 10, 2022

It’s been a busy but very enjoyable month at Leonard Florence Center. On March 8, residents and staff celebrated International Women’s Day with creative decorations and lively discussions about what the day means to each person. Residents decided that the day is synonymous with tenacity, determination, perseverance and survival, focusing upon the achievements of women throughout the world. Each resident was also given a succulent plant, which was very appropriate as succulents remind us that we are stronger than we realize and can deal with even the most arduous situations.

Purim festivities will be in full swing on March 16 and March 17. One of the happiest Jewish holidays, the Center will be beautifully decorated in purple, green and gold. Traditional holiday foods such as kreplach and hamantashen pastries will be offered to residents and guests. We will also hold a Purim concert to celebrate this most joyous holiday.

We’ve started a new tradition by holding “Smoothie Socials” on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays before our morning exercise program! These social gatherings definitely help residents focus more on exercise, which is a “win-win” situation for all. And Trivial Pursuit, back by popular demand, is starting again on Thursdays.

It’s a wonderful feeling to celebrate birthdays in person again! Jimmy Honohan led a spirited concert in the café on March 14, honoring the following residents for their birthdays. Wishing you all a very happy birthday!

March Birthdays:

Allayne C: March 10
Ina R: March 14
Jonathan B: March 15

Look What’s Happening at Cohen Florence Levine Estates and Florence & Chafetz

March 10, 2022

Things are revving up in Chelsea now that many in-person activities have resumed for our residents. For example, the festive birthday party celebration with Joey Barilone and the tea party celebration with Patty Vellucci were immensely enjoyed by all. For the restaurant outings, residents dined at the popular Jimmy’s Steer House, Polcari’s and Su Chang’s. They indulged in a variety of delicious menu items.

Our residents are excited to welcome our new residents and are doing a tremendous job to make them feel right at home. They put together special welcome packages for residents moving in and take pride in helping them settle into our building. We even have two residents who play the piano when someone moves in while others sing along to the music! Such gestures truly make our new residents feel special by welcoming them into our assisted living family.

On March 17 we will hold our annual Purim party, which is always a festive occasion. Residents will celebrate this joyous holiday with a Megillah reading, traditional dessert favorites such as kreplach and hamantashen, music by Jimmy and Shellie and a spirited game of Rummikub. Purim is definitely one of the most beloved holidays!

Over at Florence & Chafetz, residents are very happy that the pandemic restrictions are being lifted. Clearly, they are keeping busy with Bingo, exercise, family feud, arts and crafts and bowling. And what better way to celebrate than with a lively concert with song master Jimmy Honohan? Staff and residents sang, danced, and clapped to the music. It was obvious from their smiles that a wonderful time was had by all.

Behind the Scenes at Katzman Center for Living

March 8, 2022

We are finding our way back to holding communal events and for that both residents and staff are very grateful. There really is no substitute for in-person interaction.

Residents were excited to gather together for a jewelry making activity. Many got very creative with their earrings, necklaces and bracelets. In fact, Lillian Katz couldn’t wait to wear the earrings she made!

In observance of the Catholic holiday Ash Wednesday, resident Mary Carroll had her son, Father Micheal Carroll distribute ashes for her and fellow residents. We all appreciate his good will.

Fellow resident Charles Paul loves playing the harmonica and eagerly joined Jimmy Honohan during one of his recent concerts. She even performed a solo! It was a very impressive performance.

Milestones are great to achieve —as in the case of Rosalie Sussman, who recently celebrated her 101st birthday with residents, staff members and entertainer Patty Vellucci. Rosalie noted that she’s most grateful for her “great health and wonderful family and friends.” Definitely one of the key factors to living a long life. Happy Birthday Rosalie!

Get to Know Mary Grimm, Chief Financial Officer

March 7, 2022

Married for almost 23 years to Brad, a “die-hard” Pittsburg fan, Mary Grimm readily acknowledges that her family’s loyalties are divided between Boston and Pittsburgh when it comes to sports teams. According to Mary, her two daughters, Sofia (19) and Elizabeth (16) have been completely “brainwashed” into rooting for Pittsburgh. “Fortunately for me,” said Mary with a laugh, “the Pittsburgh Pirates are in the National League and are very not good, so the girls are allowed to be Red Sox fans.” It is a lively household indeed, especially with the family’s newest addition – Franklin, a beautiful six-month old West Highland White Terrier.

By way of background, Mary, who grew up in Stoneham and now lives in Reading, MA, moved around quite a bit between college and motherhood – including years spent living, working, and studying in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. A graduate of Harvard University, Mary majored in Government and planned to become a lawyer. Instead, she decided to pursue an MBA at University of Pennsylvania after working for several years as a budget analyst for the U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development. It was there Mary learned the impact and importance of financial analysis. Ultimately, Mary returned to Massachusetts, working for M&T Bank in Boston where she served as the primary relationship manager for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. The rest, as they say, is history!

Although Mary’s job is all-encompassing, leisure time is also important to her. “I enjoy spending time outside – even in the winter – especially such activities like regular weekend runs with a close group of friends and taking walks through the snow in the woods behind my house with Franklin,” stated Mary. She enjoys singing, having performed in various musicals and choral groups in college and graduate school. In fact, Mary is a registered Music Together Teacher and taught early childhood music classes when her daughters were very young. “These days, I love going to concerts with my husband and watching my daughters’ performances,” said Mary. “Sofia is a wonderful dancer and Elizabeth excels at figure skating competitions and exhibitions.”

When asked what her biggest professional challenge has been, Mary was quick to respond. “This job,” she said with a smile. “It’s big! But I appreciate the challenge.” Mary believes our organization is unique because we focus on making our residences home-like as well as providing special benefits to our employees like the grocery “stores.” Unequivocally, Mary’s favorite part of the job involves the people within the organization. They are a huge reason why she enjoys her job so much. “I am deeply appreciative for the extraordinary talent and commitment of my staff and colleagues,” remarked Mary.

People often assume that working with numbers can be rather tedious, but for Mary Grimm, the financial word is an exciting place. “In truth, I hate to file and organize things,” admitted Mary. “I strongly prefer the strategic and creative side of corporate finance!” From all indications, Mary’s financial expertise is a huge asset for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare.

First Department Learning Summit Focused on Activities

March 3, 2022

What happens when a group of activity directors get together to discuss their roles and exchange ideas? As one would imagine, the end result is a lively and animated gathering. At the recent Department Learning Summit held at Ruth’s House in Longmeadow, activity heads from the entire organization came together to share ideas, strategies and stories. The group also took part in comprehensive training and development sessions.

“There was a huge amount of shared energy and excitement around the day,” remarked Claire Massero, director of analytics and performance improvement at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare and JGS Lifecare. “In person face-to-face time is so important for us all, along with the opportunity to tour a campus and get to know one another.” The sessions, led by both Claire and Melissa Kershaw, director of organizational development for the organization, provide an opportunity for leaders of specific departments to meet, build connections, and exchange information.

Prior to the actual sessions, activities leaders got to know one another after arrival. A sense of camaraderie quickly developed as individuals with like minds and similar positions shared their experiences. In addition to the training, the group worked through action and communication plans, focusing on strategic goals for 2022.

Going forward, these annual half day sessions will be held for a variety of departments. Training, educating, and exchanging ideas is an effective way to keep up the momentum on each campus. Follow-up check-in meetings will help staff members use the tools learned in the Department Summit.

In terms of feedback from the participants, one sentiment was voiced by everyone in attendance. All agreed that a huge advantage of this program is the opportunity to meet other individuals who have the same positions, share ideas, and tour a different campus.

Jimmy Honohan, recreational programming director for Cohen Florence Levine Estates, Florence & Chafetz, and Leonard Florence Center for Living, described the Learning Summit enthusiastically. “The day was a success on so many levels,” stated Jimmy. “On the ride to Longmeadow we had four Activity Leaders in the same car and we talked non-stop about our jobs. We never even put on the radio!”

For Jimmy, the shared experiences, exchange of information and brainstorming sessions created a sense of camaraderie. “I had an idea of what it was like in the locker room of the New England Patriots,” he said with a laugh. Added Honohan, “Claire and Melissa did an outstanding job making us feel comfortable and engaging us throughout the entire presentation. It became obvious that everyone in the room was passionate about our residents and our positions.” Jimmy summed up the day perfectly. “We all came away with a new perspective, knowing we can bring so much more to our departments. That’s a wonderful feeling.”