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April 17, 2023
Dear Residents and Families,
I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. Across our residences, these past few weeks have been full of celebrations and fun activities as we continue to get back to traditions that were paused due to COVID-19.
At Florence & Chafetz, residents and staff dazzled in beautiful gowns, suits, and jewelry with the return of the annual fashion show. Everyone in attendance including other residents, families, friends, and staff smiled, laughed, and danced to the music. It was wonderful to hear the shouts and laughter as they cheered on their loved ones strutting down the red-carpet runway.
Across Chelsea Jewish, April has also been a busy time as we prepared to celebrate Passover. Residents created murals and flower arrangements to display during the eight days of Passover. The dietary staff also engaged in a version of spring cleaning, removing all leavened foods from the pantries and replacing all the cookware, plates, and silverware. The main celebration was the Seder, an extravagant feast held the first night. During the Seder, residents, families, friends, and staff shared stories, blessings, and a delicious meal of traditional foods. We especially thank the dietary team for their hard work in preparing for this holy holiday.
I invite you to read more and view the photos of these events and other happenings in our residences in this newsletter and on our website.
Now that spring has arrived, our residents are eager to spend more time outdoors. The maintenance team has been working to set up our outdoor seating areas in the courtyards and patios. We really hope to see you around enjoying our gardens and flowers in our residences soon.
All the best,
Kae
Kae Santos
Regional President, Chelsea
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare
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April 9, 2023
March Madness may be over, but it’s still a really busy time on our campus with all the Passover preparations. In fact, April Madness might be a better way to describe it! There is a great deal of planning involved probably, more than any other Jewish holiday. Fortunately our dietary and activity teams excel in holiday logistics, so it’s truly a labor of love.
This year, the eight days of Passover begin at sundown on April 5 and end at sundown on April 13. The holiday marks not only the arrival of springtime but it also celebrates liberation, which is why Passover is also called the “Festival of Our Freedom.”
On Passover, family and friends gather together for an elaborate feast known as the Seder. We will hold Seders on the first night of the holiday, with residents, families, staff, and friends sharing stories, blessings, rituals, and a delicious meal.
“We finally feel that we can have a true holiday celebration again after the pandemic,” said Michael Millard, Food Service Director at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “Changing the dishes, koshering the kitchen and the fact that we will be having guests again is the most rewarding aspect of all.”
Preparing for Passover is quite extensive and our organization begins weeks, even months, before the holiday. Traditionally, we engage in a kind of spring cleaning, removing all leavened foods from the household and using only Passover pots, plates, and silverware.
“The most difficult aspect is getting the products in our kitchens while also operating non-kosher for Passover simultaneously,” remarked Millard. “The two days before are especially hectic as we have to make sure to prep with only kosher for Passover products. Keeping in mind the 24 /7 needs of our residents, we try very hard to create a seamless transition to the best of our ability.”
It’s a great deal of work for the team, but everyone agrees the end result is well worth it. Passover provides us with the opportunity to get together with family and friends and rejoice in holiday traditions. What could be better?
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April 13, 2023
Passover is an important Jewish holiday, and the residents spent many hours discussing what Passover means to each individual. We shared personal stories, traditions, and favorite foods in our talk group sessions. It’s a really nice way to usher in a holiday. We also showed Passover movies like, “The Messiah: Prophecy Fulfilled,” “The Ten Commandments” and the “Son of God.” Residents enjoyed discussing the movie afterwards.
The high point of the holiday, of course, were the Passover Seders that were held on Wednesday, April 5th, and Thursday April 6th in Betsy’s Bakery-café. Everyone was invited to enjoy this beloved Passover ritual.
In honor of Patriots Day, our very own Jimmy Honohan hosted a lively Patriots Day concert, Residents and staff showed up wearing all variations of patriotic red, white, and blue!
Activities assistant Sandie C. will start going around different houses on Wednesday afternoon’s with “Sandie’s Cart & Goodies.” Sandie will encourage all residents to come out to common areas to color, play board games, listen to music, and sing songs. Goodies from her cart, filled with delicious treats, will be available.
Coming up: Trivia & Tunes, which will have lots of prizes. We will have a restaurant outing to the popular Route 1 Grill House. The sizable menu offers something for everyone!
Special wishes to our residents celebrating birthdays in April. Hope you all have a wonderful day!
- Joann L: April 1
- Lynda K: April 13
- Filomena R: April 19
- Mavis B: April 25
- Prudence H: April 27
- Thomas C: April 29
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April 11, 2023
No doubt about it, the “Snowball Fashion Show” was a highlight of the month. Take a look at the story and photos in this newsletter. Not sure who had more fun—the staff or the residents!
In other news, the March book club discussed “The Affair” by Danielle Steel. The book drew rave reviews, as did the hot fudge sundaes served during the meeting. Up next month is “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” We have amazing conversations during these book clubs
With spring upon us, we have some terrific lined up. Earlier in the month, Cohen Florence Residents enjoyed trips to the Dollar Tree, where our residents always find amazing bargains. We also have Applebee’s and a Mystery Ride on the agenda for April.
Our flower arranging class resulted in beautiful centerpieces for Passover. Residents put together colorful seasonal flowers in very artistic ways.
Wishing the following residents a very happy birthday!
- Norma Frank: April 3
- Edward Quinn: April 4
- Andrew Thuerson: April 7
- Esther Fich: April 22
- Maria Smith: April 23
- Diane Weinstein: April 11
- Francesco D’Amico: April 22
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April 11, 2023
This year Passover was a memorable occasion at Katzman Center. Take a look at the wonderful photos to get a sense of just how much residents, family members and staff enjoyed the holiday. The festival’s highlight is the Passover Seder, which was officiated by Rabbi Sidney Zimmerman.
Prior to the holiday, residents created artistic murals that were displayed in the hallways. Two striking pieces of art: a beautiful mosaic mural featuring the Star of David and a life-like mosaic image of a seder cup. The murals got rave reviews from everyone who saw them. What a talented group we have!
On Palm Sunday, Father Hilario from St. Rose Church graciously presented the blessed palms, were distributing them to our Catholic population. Father Carroll, always a welcome visitor, made the rounds and performed communion.
Our skilled therapeutic 3rd floor residents kept busy with a number of games and projects. Residents also participated in lunch outings to the popular Continental restaurant and The Marina by the Wharf. The food was delicious and the company was even better!
March came in like a lion … but thankfully went out like a lamb. We’re looking forward to a glorious spring!
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March 30, 2023
Decked out in stylish clothes, jewelry, and accessories, Florence & Chafetz residents strutted down the runway as if they had been doing it all their lives. At the very first Snowball Fashion Show, held on March 23, residents modeled one chic outfit after another amidst cheers, whistles and clapping from the beaming audience. There were smiles all around as residents, staff, family members, and friends enjoyed a wonderful afternoon.
Our very own Jen Fazekas, festive in red, acted as emcee, offering fashionable commentary and quips throughout. Jen provided biographical information on each model, presenting facts into each model’s family, career, hobbies, and accomplishments.
“The residents absolutely had the time of their lives,” remarked Jen Fazekas, Director of Marketing at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “We had so much fun getting ready beforehand, and the actual show was even better than we ever imagined with dancing, singing and much laughter. Truly, it was a day I’ll always remember.”
Residents and families donated beautiful dresses, gowns, suits, and accessories for the event. The result was a dazzling array of colors, styles, and materials. A huge thank you to Everett High School is in order. The students helped the residents get ready by doing their hair and makeup.
“This event was such a hit largely because of our remarkable staff,” commented Kristen Donnelly, Executive Director of the assisted living. “In particular, Nadia, Cathie and Marie A. put their heart and soul into making this fashion show a huge success.”
In addition, Ansu Kinteh, Jimmy Honohan and Shellie Honohan went above and beyond, spending countless hours of time planning the myriad of details as well as providing enthusiasm, encouragement and support. All three were, not surprisingly, impeccably dressed for the occasion. No doubt about it, Florence & Chafetz is trending—on and off the runway!
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