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April 22, 2025
Dear Residents and Family Members,
April marked a variety of important holidays for our residents. I hope everyone who celebrates enjoyed the rituals of Purim, Easter, and Passover.
Spring brings new beginnings and is a prime time to get your house in order. It is also a good opportunity to stay up to date on annual medical appointments, commit to some type of exercise and enjoy the outdoors. After a cold and snowy winter, let’s take advantage of the nice weather!
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare VNA now has a special space in Kaplan Estates in Peabody for the residents who live there and have rehab needs. The new Wellness Center, as described in this newsletter, features state-of the art equipment and a talented, skilled staff.
Over at Katzman Center for Living, room refurbishments are about to begin. We look forward to seeing the updated changes.
Here’s to a busy and fun spring season!
All my best,
Megin
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April 22, 2025
The spring season has been chock full of milestone events! Resident Rose Quarato recently celebrated her 104th birthday. What a wonderful accomplishment! Activity Director Roy Roldan kicked off the celebration by honoring Rose’s request: She asked Roy to have the first dance! Rose performed effortlessly. Clearly, all the time she devoted to physical therapy really paid off!
Mary Vensel and Anna Bellino also celebrated important birthdays; they both turned 102 and were surrounded by family, friends and staff. In even more birthday news, Tosca Tassinari and Fiorina Ristaino turned 100! Longevity abounds at Katzman Center. Congratulations to all!
Our staff was recognized for their commitment to upholding exemplary standards. Iris Lizano was awarded “Employee of the Month” and Marie Letan was chosen by her peers to become Katzman Center’s “2024 Employee of the Year.” You both do a wonderful job for our organization!
For the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat, our residents participated in the traditional practice of planting seedlings in honor of giving back to the community and respecting nature. These plantings are on display in our sunny café and will soon be transplanted to the flower beds in our courtyard.
Purim and Passover are always joyous holidays at KCL and the same held true this year. Our annual Purim Party featured games, face painting, balloon art, gift bags and musical entertainment. Rabbi Baron and his children gave the traditional reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther) alongside Henry Hall and Rona Margolis, who being chosen as this year’s “King and Queen of Purim.” Services were led by Sydney Zimmerman, who has officiated at holidays on our campus for the past 35 years.
The Catholic High Holidays were also observed for those who wished to celebrate these important days. Services were held in honor of Good Friday, Palm Sunday and Easter.
Ginny Pearson, administrator at KCL was honored during Executive Administrator Week and we paid tribute to Vicky Tran in celebration of Licensed Clinical Social Workers Month. Thank you both for all your hard work and dedication.
Keeping up with the latest medical standards, Katzman’s professional staff participated in CPR recertification. This training is very important because it ensures that our staff stays up to date with the latest guidelines and techniques. Thank you to all who participated. You help our residents stay safe!
With Spring upon us, it’s been exciting see nature in all its glory. The tree leaves are sprouting, the birds are chirping and the flowers are bursting with color. Now all we need is an abundance of warm weather to enjoy our many outdoor activities. Summer 2025 is on the horizon!
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April 18, 2025
Spring at CFLE and F&C was a time for joyous celebrations. Our annual Purim party was a huge hit with decorative masks, creative costumes and the exchange of mishloach manot. Resident Allen Winecor was crowned King and Sandra Maddeford was named Queen. They presided over the room with grace and good humor. The story of Purim is special to the Jewish people because it emphasizes courage, unity, and the triumph of good over evil.
Rabbi Sruli Baron, who brought along three of his four children, read from the Megillah and explained the meaning of Purim. The event also included many creative costumes, dancing to live entertainment provided by Recreational Director and emcee Jimmy Honohan, singing, face painting and, of course, eating the traditional hamantaschen made the day special.
Residents also enjoyed birthday parties, mystery rides, concerts, restaurant outings and tea parties. Seems like there is always something happening on Admirals Hill! Residents of Florence and Chafetz were treated to a delicious Italian Pasta Bar. The group kicked off the event by singing Dean Martin’s Amore. A perfect choice indeed! Chef Richard prepared a feast with ravioli, spaghetti, baked ziti, and gnocchi, all accompanied by a choice of puttanesca, marinara, white wine and Alfredo sauces.
Helping the local community is an important initiative for residents and staff. To that end, an evening activity involved knitting and crocheting hats, scarves and blankets, which were donated to area shelters. And you don’t have to knit to attend! Many residents come to share stories and socialize. It’s therapeutic either way.
To prepare for Passover, the Elijah Society and residents of Cohen Florence Levine made beautiful Passover plates with Rabbi Sruli. And as always, our Passover seders were a terrific way to bring residents and families together. Wayne Friedman began the seder by explaining the story of Passover.
A festive meal followed, with traditional matzo ball soup, tender beef brisket and honey tzimmes.
The past few months have been a mix of cultural celebrations, culinary adventures, and varied activities. Thank you to our wonderful activities team, especially Jimmy Honohan, Shellie Honohan and Cathie Messina. We are so lucky to have you on our side!
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April 17, 2025
The last few months have been busy at the Leonard Florence Center as we transition from winter to spring. Our Red Sox home opener party in the café, always a much-anticipated event, did not disappoint. Of course, there was an abundance of food and drinks, but the sense of camaraderie and spirit that prevailed is really what made the day so special.
In February, our Second Annual VENTalines Day Party was held in honor of our vent dependent residents. One highlight included a karaoke party where different residents and staff sang to our vent dependent residents. There was a great deal of talent in the room! Resident Yvette J. summed up the day perfectly: “I really enjoy these kinds of activities. It’s fun to do something out of the norm.”
The café at Leonard Florence Center became the site of a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception in late March. Take a look at the story and photos elsewhere in this newsletter. Congratulations to Maria and Stanley! You make such a beautiful couple.
Residents continue to enjoy a variety of activities, including bingo, Family Feud and Wheel of Fortune, arts & crafts, paint days, restaurant outings, socials, concerts and much more. On the food front, residents are savoring the cookie decorating program. Daniela Purcell, our baker extraordinaire, helps residents create beautiful and delicious cookies. As resident Bernice F. explains, “Cookie decorating is so much fun. We get to be a bit creative with our designs, flavors and colors. The best part of all: we get to eat them!”
At our annual Purim party, residents, families and staff joined together for a festive afternoon which included singing, face painting, ballon art and goodie bags for the kids. The famed “T-Tones” band provided lively music to set the tone. Passover was also a joyous occasion for both our Jewish residents and our non-Jewish residents with traditional seders. Prayers, songs, rituals and delicious foods brought everyone together.
Residents Steve Saling and Patrick O’Brien recently experienced a night they will remember forever. They attended a live performance of Saturday Night Live in New York City with guest hosts Jon Hamm and Lizzo! You can read all about it in this newsletter. Thank you to the amazing LFCL staff members who made the trip possible.
As April comes to a close, we are all looking forward to warm weather, outdoor activities and the time to relax with staff, families and friends. Here’s to Summer 2025!
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April 16, 2025
Steve Saling and Patrick O’Brien had one of their lifelong dreams come to fruition on Saturday, April 14. As part of the Outward Bound program, the two Leonard Florence Center for Living ALS residents traveled to New York City with staff and Chelsea Jewish Lifecare CEO Barry Berman to attend the taping of Saturday Night Live (SNL), the iconic late-night live sketch comedy variety show on NBC that is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Both Steve and Patrick are huge fans of SNL. Although tickets are almost impossible to get, Barry Berman arranged for Steve and Patrick, both of whom are on ventilators, to attend the April 14th episode. Nighttime Emmy Award winner Jon Hamm was the guest host, and the incredibly talented Lizzo served as the musical guest. Critics have said it was the best show of the season.
Patrick, who himself is an award-winning filmmaker and DJ, acknowledged that being at SNL, and especially meeting Lizzo, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “Hearing Lizzo say ‘I love you, Patrick’ was totally amazing,” said Patrick. He added, “Lizzo is a truly beautiful person.”
The SNL team was so welcoming and gracious,” said Barry Berman. “To see the looks on Steve and Patrick’s faces brought us so much joy. It truly was a memorable night for all.”
Bringing residents on ventilators to an out-of-state event is no small feat—it requires an extraordinary level of coordination, expertise, and care. From dedicated respiratory therapists who ensure each resident’s breathing support is continuously monitored, to a registered nurse who provides critical medical oversight throughout the journey, every detail matters. A specially equipped vehicle and trained driver are essential for safe and comfortable transport, offering the necessary environment and stability these residents need.
Steve Saling agreed that it was a night to remember. “Wow, SNL was an experience of a lifetime. We were treated like VIPs and got a meet and greet with Lizzo before the show,” said Steve. “It was super cool to see how they put together the show. Good times.”
Many Leonard Florence Center staff members made it possible for Steve and Patrick to attend the show. Recreational Programming Director Jimmy Honohan drove the organization’s van, accompanied by staff members Shelly Scarpa, Amalia Almeida, Paula McKay, Darly Charles, and Ruth Gonzales. This incredible effort simply wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our donors. Their contributions make these meaningful experiences a reality.
Way to go Steve and Patrick!
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April 14, 2025
[L-R Kim Yannetty Pires, Derek Pires, Nancy Pires, Mary Ann Pires seated]
When Mary Ann Pires first started work at Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home in 1962, she never imagined her job would continue for 63 years, or that she’d still be working at age 83, or that two of her sisters and one of her brothers would be longtime employees as well. Today, the four siblings hold a variety of roles within the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare (CJL) organization.
The story starts with Mary Ann. She began her career as a nurse’s aide, then worked in PT, food service and the dietary department. Starting each day at 5am, Mary-Ann still works full-time as the adored receptionist at Cohen Florence Levine Estates Assisted Living. “I was 21 when I started this job,” recalls Mary Ann. “At that time there was only one building with 65 beds on Lafeyette Avenue. How we have grown!”
Mary-Ann loves the fact that residents ask for her on her days off. “It makes me feel good to know they miss me,” said Mary-Ann. “I’m always excited to come to work and see the residents, their families and our staff members.”
Nancy Pires has been at Katzman Center for Living, formerly Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home, for 28 years. She started in the Dietary Department and then worked as a Nurse’s Assistant. Nancy vividly recalls how the wellness spa came into being. “One day Mr. Berman was brainstorming ideas for new services and mentioned that he wanted to build a spa at KCL. I loved the idea!” exclaimed Nancy. “Residents look forward to coming to the spa for a beauty day. It makes them feel good.” Now a nail technician, Nancy interacts with residents each and every day. “What I like best about my job is that we make the residents happy. I love seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter,” said Nancy.
Nancy remembers one resident in particular. Years ago Teresa L. made Nancy a beautiful paper flower that Nancy, to this day, keeps displayed in her office. She thinks of Terri every time she looks at the flower. “I will always remember her kindness.”
Derek Pires, 67, has been with CJL for almost 50 years. He started out washing floors when he was 18 years old and worked his way up through the organization, including stints in maintenance, dietary and food service. Today, as Director of Operations, Derek has played an integral part in opening every single building on the Chelsea campuses.
For Derek, it’s the people at CJL who set the organization apart. “I feel fortunate to have established many close relationships with both staff member and residents,” said Derek. He noted the camaraderie that exists among the employees. “We are like one big family.”
Kim Pires Yannetty, 65, began helping out in the kitchen at the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home when she was in high school. For the last 23 years she’s been at Cohen Florence Levine Estates, first as a nurse’s assistant in assisted living and memory care. Currently she’s a vital part of the front desk team. It’s such a happy place to work,” exclaimed Kim. “Residents feel comfortable here. I especially like that the staff work together seamlessly.”
“Over the years, the Pires family has become indispensable to our organization,” said Barry Berman, CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “They each have different positions and strengths. Mary Ann, Kim, Derek and Nancy are loyal, talented, professional and, above all, have a genuine respect for our residents.”
The siblings agree that the leadership at CJL is what makes the organization so special. “Mr. Berman and Mrs. Mullen are truly remarkable,” said Nancy, “ They inspire. They listen. They put residents, family and employees first. That is huge.”
Although two of the Pires’ siblings, Lisa and John, are not involved with the organization, they visit the two Chelsea campuses frequently. It is a unique experience for the entire family — one that is filled with warmth, compassion and, of course, humor.
“I always joke that our family should write a book or make a movie about our experiences,” remarked Derek. “Actually, we could make a great sitcom. There’s a lot of laughter at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare.”
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April 1, 2025
[L-R: Maria, Catalina, Omar and Stanley]
The café at the Leonard Florence Center for Living, part of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, was transformed into a beautiful wedding venue when Maria Acosta married fiancé Stanley Emerson on March 25. Maria’s dad, Omar Acosta, an ALS ventilator dependent resident at the Leonard Florence Center, always dreamed of being at his daughter’s wedding. As a result, the staff and Omar’s family joined together to coordinate holding the wedding at the Leonard Florence Center.
Forty family members, friends and Chelsea Jewish Lifecare staff attended the emotional ceremony and reception. Omar, 43, was diagnosed with ALS in 2015. At the time, he was given six months to live. He moved into the Leonard Florence Center on February 12, 2025; he and his family quickly became part of the Chelsea Jewish family. Omar mentioned his daughter was getting married and that it was his lifelong dream to attend her wedding. The staff knew then that they wanted to turn Omar’s dream into reality and began planning a March wedding.
Omar’s four children, ranging from 4 to 22, were all in attendance. The ceremony took place in the Center’s café, complete with a white velvet runner, vibrant spring flowers, bridal décor and traditional wedding songs. Chelsea Judge Maria Eugenia Antonetti married the couple, performing the ceremony in Spanish.
“We were thrilled to be able to host such a joyous celebration,” said Barry Berman, CEO of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “It was so important to Omar that he be a part of Maria and Stanley’s wedding. The staff was excited to pull together the logistics. Our goal is to help residents lead full, independent lives.”
Maria and Stanley reside in Chelsea, less than two miles from the Center. They, along with their two children and other family members, visit Omar on a daily basis. Maria noted how fortunate the family feels to have Omar reside at the Leonard Florence Center. “Honestly, I feel very grateful that my father lives here,” said Maria. “The entire team checks on him throughout each day, making sure he is as comfortable, talking to him and helping him live as independently as possible. He couldn’t be in better hands.”
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March 27, 2025
[L-R: Karen Madrid Clinical Director, Legacy Lifecare VNA & Hospice, Chrissy Riley Rehab Manager, Physical Therapist]
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare Northshore announced the opening of its brand new Wellness Center in the Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates assisted living residence. The Wellness Center offers a variety of state-of-the art exercise equipment including the highly touted NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainer, the Omni-Cycle and the OmniVersa Ultrasound/Electrotherapy System. Additionally, the Wellness Center is stocked with a variety of therapy tools such as dowels, yoga balls, dumbells, balance boards, Therabands and Theraputty.
“We wanted to create a Wellness Center that truly encompasses the health and wellbeing for the Kaplan Estates residents,’ explains Jennifer Ferringo, OTA & Community Liason Legacy Lifecare VNA & Out-Patient Therapy. “By incorporating traditional exercise with preventative education, we will provide our residents with the tools and strategies to stay fit and healthy.”
The two machines reflect an advanced therapeutic exercise system. For example, The Nu-Step Recumbent Cross Trainer features a comfortable wheelchair height seat that swivels and allows users to access and transfer onto the seat from any angle, with 10 levels of resistance. The Omni-Cycle machine uses biofeedback to provide upper and lower-extremity driven exercise options in three different modes for patients with varying physical limitations. Lastly, the OmniVersa Ultrasound/Electrotherapy System is a modality that combines electrotherapy and ultrasound, which will help identify and reduce chronic pain, as well as treat various conditions.
Ferringo noted that a key benefit of the Center is that it gives the Legacy Lifecare VNA staff an opportunity to get to know each resident on a more personal level. “We truly enjoy working with each resident and helping them live their best life at Kaplan Estates!”
We hope residents and family members will stop by and see, firsthand, all the Center has to offer.
For more information about Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates assisted living, please contact Jill Hemeon at 857-337-8850 or jhemeon@legacylifecare.org.
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March 20, 2025
Jill Hemeon has an affinity for the elder generation. “I never had the chance to meet all four of my grandparents as they unfortunately passed away before I was born. As a result, I have always had an appreciation for the senior population,” remarks Jill. “My close friends actually tease me that I treat their grandparents like my own. I love talking to them and hearing their stories. Guess I’m just an old soul at heart!”
Growing up in Danvers, Jill was the youngest of three children. Today her loving, close-knit family all live near one another and Jill’s parents still reside in the family home that she grew up in! Currently Jill and her boyfriend, Matthew, live in Medford. The couple met in college and reconnected a few years later. The rest, as they say, is history.
Jill began her career working for experience alongside studying Hospitality Management at the University of New Hampshire. It was a logical choice as she enjoyed talking to people and helping them navigate their travel plans. She flourished working in the hotel industry until Covid hit and travel basically became nonexistent. In retrospect, the pandemic ended up shaping the course of her Jill’s career. She applied for a variety of jobs and after a few different opportunities, she found her niche: working with seniors and their families while guiding them through the transition to senior living communities. Jill joined the Legacy Lifecare family in 2021 as the Director of Community Relations at Edelweiss Village Assisted Living, an affiliate of Legacy Lifecare.
In her current role as Area Director of Community Relations, Jill works closely with the organization’s Marketing and Communications team, assisting all communities within Legacy Lifecare. Jill feels fortunate to be part of the Legacy Lifecare organization. “I have worked at other senior living companies, but I can honestly say there is something different and very special about Legacy Lifecare,” said Jill. “Perhaps it is because we are a nonprofit. In any event, it’s obvious that Legacy Lifecare truly cares about its residents, staff, family members and community partners. My role enables me to visit all the different campuses and see, firsthand, how many lives are touched each and every day.”
Residents and family members make a huge impact on Jill. “I really like interacting with seniors and hearing their stories. Each one is so unique. There is a wonderful 104-year-old woman at Harriett & Ralph Kaplan Estates who encourages me to take the stairs instead of the elevator,” said Jill. “She insists it will keep me young!” Another family member greets Jill with a big hug every time he sees her. “He tells me how grateful he is for helping his family explore long-term care at the German Centre Home and how they can sleep at night knowing their mother is well-cared for in a safe environment.” Adds Jill, “This is what inspires me to do my job!”
In her spare time, Jill enjoys trying new restaurants and cuisines. “I am definitely a foodie!” Puzzles are also a passion. “You can always find a 1000-piece puzzle being worked on in my home,” said Jill. As both Jill and Matthew grew up with dogs, they plan on getting one of their own as soon as their life calms down a bit and they have the time needed to become dog parents. Meanwhile, Jill’s role as “Auntie” to her four beautiful nieces (two who are twins) brings her countless hours of fun and surprises. “The girls are an absolute joy.”
When asked what she likes best about her job, Jill is quick to respond. “It is so rewarding to help individuals, and their family members make the transition to senior living, especially when it is what’s needed for a higher quality of life. There is nothing better than seeing a resident settle in their new home. In fact, I never tire of hearing a family member tell me they can’t get in touch with their loved one because they are too busy socializing at an activity or up walking with physical therapy working on gaining strength back. That is music to my ears!”
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February 11, 2025
On Friday, February 7, 2025, Andrea Hillel, Executive Director of Harriett & Ralph Kaplan Estates, along with staff and residents, showed their support by wearing red for National Wear Red Day. This event helps raise awareness about heart health as well as supports women’s health in general. A blood pressure clinic and cardiovascular education, hosted by Jennifer Ferringo, Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA & Community Liaison at Legacy Lifecare VNA and staff members, emphasized the healthy heart theme.
Attendees embraced the day by wearing a sea of bright red. Also known as “Don’t Forget to Wear Red Day,” the event is a wonderful way to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.
Launched in 2004 by the American Heart Association, the annual Go Red for Women movement focuses upon a woman’s greatest heath threat — cardiovascular disease. Today, Go Red for Women not only advocates for the health of all women, funds lifesaving research and educates women across the United States and around the world but is committed to removing the unique barriers women face to experiencing better health and well-being. Cardiovascular disease impacts some women at higher rates than others, but the simple truth is that most cardiovascular diseases can still be prevented with education and healthy lifestyle changes.
“We were thrilled to see our staff and residents come together in support of this initiative,” said Andrea Hillel. “They understand that heart disease can be prevented and how important it is to be up to date with one’s medical appointments and annual check-ups.”
Take a look at the photos of staff and residents “going red.” What an inspiring sight!
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