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

A Busy Time on the Peabody Campus!

March 8, 2022

Residents and staff alike look forward to Sweethearts Day at Kaplan Estates every year. In February, residents enjoyed a medley of live songs by Howie Conley and the Memory Laners. Following the musical performance, residents sampled delicious delicacies from the “sweet table” to top off a perfect day!

Volunteer extraordinaire Deb Eskanazi worked with the residents in Kaplan’s Legacy program to create gorgeous flower arrangements. Deb, who volunteers twice a month, helps residents from Kaplan Traditional, Kaplan Legacy and Brudnick Center for Living put together artistic floral arrangements that are bright and beautiful.

As an aside, Deb worked with Ellen Gordon, Chelsea Jewish Lifecare’s beloved Director of Recreational Activities, when they were both teaching in the local public school system. Once Ellen began working at the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare Peabody campus, she contacted Deb about bringing in special needs students as interns to interact with the residents. It was a valuable program for the students as well as our residents. When Deb retired a few years ago, she did not hesitate to offer her services as a volunteer at both the skilled nursing home and assisted living. As Ellen Gordon explains, “Deb is such a wonderful asset to our campus. She’s creative, warm, patient, and vibrant. How lucky are we to have her here?”

Staff and residents shared warm memories and laughs during the farewell party for Marisa Waters, Director of Marketing for the Peabody campus. Marisa was a popular team member and we wish her well. She promises to visit frequently, so we are sure to see her smiling face again soon.

Kaplan residents enjoyed a sing-along recently, which is a favorite pastime at the assisted living, but were not allowed during the pandemic. Zumba classes also resumed in March, with residents participating in Dance Zumba Parties. It’s an excellent form of exercise, in addition to being enjoyable. We are all very glad these activities are back!

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.”