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July 24, 2025
Dear Residents and Families,
Happy Summer! I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather and all the outdoor spaces our campus’ have to offer.
We are looking forward to the staff appreciation parties beginning in July and continuing into August. Chelsea Jewish Lifecare’s employees are the absolute best and it’s important to let them know how much we appreciate them.
In May we had three staff members graduate from the LeadingAge Leadership Academy: Eleanor Langstaff (Director of the Adult Day Health Center, Peabody), Kitabou Minteh (Director of Nursing, Leonard Florence Center for Living, Chelsea) and Jennifer Fazekas (Director of Marketing, Chelsea). You can read about the program and these outstanding individuals elsewhere in this newsletter.
Sally Little, Food Service Manager in Peabody, is in the news. Sally, who was asked back to the LeadingAge Leadership Academy as a Teacher’s Assistant, is also a recent recipient of the 2025 Dining Distinction Award. Congratulations Sally!
Last, but certainly not least, we held a birthday “high tea” celebration on July 17th for six Kaplan Estates residents who are turning 100 this year. They range in age from 100 to 111! These centenarians are an inspiration to us all.
My best,
Megin
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July 9, 2025
[L-R: Eleanor Langstaff, Kitabou Minteh, Jennifer Fazekas and Sally Little]
Congratulations are in order for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare staff members who recently graduated from the 2025 LeadingAge Massachusetts Leadership Academy. This is an incredible accomplishment for all!
Graduates include Eleanor Langstaff LICSW, Executive Director, Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Day Health Center, Peabody; Kitabou Minteh, RN BSN, Director of Nursing, Leonard Florence Center for Living, Chelsea; Jennifer Fazekas, Director of Marketing, The Estates on Admiral’s Hill, Chelsea. Additionally, Sally Little, Food Service Manager, Peabody, a past participant in the program, was asked back this year to be a Teacher’s Assistant, which is an impressive tribute.
“Being selected to take the Leadership class with LeadingAge was a true honor,” said Jennifer Fazekas, Director of Marketing for the Chelsea Campus. “The class strives to have each participant grow into their best selves, so they may further the aspirations of their organizations in the field of aging services.”
Jen noted that the program was important to her professional growth.” As a participant, I felt like this was a deep dive into myself, which in turn opened my mind to see things in a different light. I now have a deeper understanding of how to navigate difficult conversations, conflicts, and resolutions. The tools that this class has provided me with have allowed me to further build trust with colleagues and customers, moving towards the ultimate goal of enhancing our organization’s mission to better serve the aging population.”
The LeadingAge Massachusetts Leadership Academy is a powerful, nine-month experience that cultivates connection, insight, and personal transformation. It is unique in terms of training programs as it is designed specifically for aging services professionals. Specifically, the Academy helps participants uncover their unique leadership strengths, deepen emotional intelligence, and develop the tools to lead with purpose and impact.
Eleanor Langstaff, Executive Director, Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Day Health Center, remarked how valuable the leadership program was for her. “I learned a lot about myself and ways to improve my leadership style,” explained Langstaff. “The biggest takeaway was the importance of keeping the big picture in mind of providing the best care for our day center participants when addressing difficult situations. The course also reinforced for me the importance of working as a team, reinforcing one of my favorite sayings: ‘Teamwork makes the dream work!’ Added Langstaff, “I am very grateful to Legacy Lifecare for the opportunity to attend the Academy.”
Megin Hemmerling, Regional President Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, congratulated the graduates and remarked upon the program’s long-term impact. “We are so proud of you all for completing this prestigious program,” said Hemmerling. “Your commitment to leadership and growth strengthens our entire organization. We can’t wait to see the impact you will continue to have in our organization!”
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July 28, 2025
Charley Kanter, a beloved resident at Cohen Florence Levine Estates Assisted Living, was recently honored at the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) Excellence Awards Dinner. Kanter received the Resident Spirit Award, which is presented every year to a resident who embodies the heart and soul of their assisted living community. The award highlights residents who are actively engaged, supportive of others, and who make a meaningful impact on the lives of their fellow residents.
“We are all thrilled that Charley Kanter was recognized by Mass-ALA,” said Kristen Donnelly, Executive Director of Cohen Florence Levine Estates Assisted Living. “He’s such a cherished member of our community, helping with activities and bringing joy to residents and staff alike. Charley lights up a room the moment he enters.”
Charley, a young 100, was born and raised on a farm in Connecticut and settled in Springfield, MA with his wife and two daughters. Charley made his living selling and distributing eggs. At 65, he retired to Florida, soaking up the sun until, at age 90, he moved back to Massachusetts. Today, a resident at Cohen Florence Levine Estates Assisted Living, Charley is fond of saying,” I am now living the best part of my life!”
Donnelly echoed the sentiments of everyone in the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare/Legacy Lifecare organization. “Watching Charley accept this award and receive a well-deserved standing ovation was truly inspiring,” said Donnelly. “We feel so fortunate to have him live in our community.”
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July 24, 2025
The temperatures may be heating up outside, but residents and staff are staying cool with celebrations, activities, and awards. Summer at KCL is a time to relax and enjoy being with each other, our staff, and our families.
We are proud to have received a Deficiency-Free Survey! It is a terrific accomplishment, and we want to thank each and every employee who helped make this possible. Please read the full story elsewhere in this newsletter.
Recently we held our annual Bazaar Sale, which raised money for the annual ALS & MS Walk for Living on Admiral’s Hill. This year the Walk for Living will be held on October 6. Hoping everyone can support this worthwhile event!
Residents and staff have been busy with summer concerts, gardening, BBQ’s, Ice cream socials, arts and crafts, movies, paint nights, boat cruises, trivia games and spending time on the outside patio. Our “Potluck” get-togethers continue to get better and better! The staff brings in dishes representative of their country and we get to sample a variety of delicious cuisines. Another highlight: the children from camp Yavneh stopped by to sing and dance. Our residents really enjoyed having the younger generation around!
Our annual CPR Training is an important part of staff training. This program ensures that staff can provide immediate care in emergency situations, which leads to a prepared, safe, and responsive environment.
Last, but certainly not least, we are proud to recognize Ena Brito and Roberto Boesch as our Employees of the Month! Ena and Roberta’s passion for enriching the lives of our residents shines every day. Both go above and beyond and exemplify the very best of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. Congratulations Roberto and Ena!
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July 23, 2025
As warm weather abounds, residents, staff and families are enjoying numerous activities both inside and out. The patio is the site of many social gatherings, with food, dancing, singing and of course, much laughter. As always, our summer concerts are a huge hit. Indoors, residents compete in spirited games of bingo, trivia, Family Feud and Wheel of Fortune, among others.
Congratulations are in order to staff members Marie Renard and Marilu Torres for celebrating milestone anniversaries. Marie has been at LFCL for 10 years and Marilu just celebrated her 15th year. Thank you both for all you do.
This summer, our talented baker Dani has been organizing fun baking activities with delicious concoctions. From ice cream sandwich decorating to baking and decorating elaborate cookies, residents and staff are indulging in the fruits of their labor. How sweet it is!
Our highly acclaimed 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, is in full swing this summer. Residents have enjoyed trips to Ogunquit Maine with family and friends; Castle Island in South Boston; a Boston Pop concert as well as one at Symphony Hall; Fenway Park, a perennial favorite and even more exciting this summer as the Red Sox are having a strong season; and a lively concert at House of Blues. Take a look at the pictures from this inspiring group.
We are gearing up for the annual ALS & MS Walk for Living on October 6. This is the 17th year for the Walk, and it keeps getting bigger and better. It is Chelsea Jewish Lifecare’s major fundraising event of the year; every single dollar raised goes directly back to patient care and programs for ALS and MS residents. To register, please visit the Walk for Living website. Hope to see everyone there!
Our staff and residents go all out when welcoming new residents to the Leonard Florence Center and the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare family. We want to make residents truly feel at home. This strategy is working, as evidenced by a comment from new resident Beverly A., who recently made the move. “I’ve only been here a few months,” said Beverly, “but I’m so happy to live at the Leonard Florence Center. The transition has been very smooth for me and for my family. I love it here!”
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July 23, 2025
Summer is in full swing, and residents and staff have been busy with a myriad of activities. Please read the story in this newsletter about “Derby Day” and take a look below at other highlights. It’s a busy and fun time of year!
A Sweet Taste of Summer at Wilson Farm
Residents enjoyed a delightful trip to Wilson Farm, savoring just-picked fruits and learning about local produce harvested within hours of sale. The afternoon wrapped up with a classic New England treat—homemade whoopie pies. Not surprisingly, there were smiles all around.
Happy Nurses Day
Our nurses are the heartbeat of our campuses, with their skill and compassion defining our standard of care. Our celebration was just one way to honor these remarkable individuals. Thank you for all that you do.
Golden Moments
Residents at Florence & Chafetz were treated to an uplifting visit from Jeff Cohen and Phoenix through the Golden Moments program. It’s amazing how a dog’s visit can bring comfort, laughter, and joy to so many.
Straight from the Runway!
Our annual fashion show was a tremendous success. Residents from Florence and Chafetz, decked out in their finest ensembles, looked beautiful as they walked down the runway. Staff were in attendance, and many brought their children as well. Thank you to Cathie Mesina and Nadia Chery, both of whom worked tirelessly to make it a day to remember.
Lighthouse Gazing
CFLE Estates residents thoroughly enjoyed a trip to the iconic Nubble Lighthouse—officially Cape Neddick Light—brilliantly perched on a rocky islet off Sohier Park in York. Built in 1879 and automated in 1987, it’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in New England.
After the lighthouse tour, residents enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Weathervane. This beloved seafood shack serves traditional New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, and haddock sandwiches to name a few. To wrap up the day, the group stopped at Hodges Ice Cream in Amesbury. The creamy, classic flavors were the perfect ending to a memorable day.
Summer Camp
Every year our residents look forward to welcoming Camp Yahvneh, an overnight summer camp located in Northwood, New Hampshire for kids between the ages of 7-15. We hosted a group of approximately seventy campers. After a wonderful dance performance, all enjoyed lunch and stimulating conversation afterwards. Such positive energy!
Games Galore
There is no shortage of spirted games and events at both CFLE and F&C. Bingo, paint bucket drumming, book club, corn hole, concerts, bowling, walking club, birthday parties, restaurant outings and holiday celebrations are all popular activities. No doubt about it, our resident and staff are enjoying the “lazy days of summer!”
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July 7, 2025
We are pleased to announce that Sally Little CDM, CFPP, Food Service Manager, received the prestigious 2025 Dining Distinction Award from the Association of Nutrition & Food Service Professionals. The award was presented at the Annual Conference & Expo in Bloomington, MN.
“We are thrilled that Sally Little is the recipient of such a notable award,” said Megin Hemmerling, Regional President of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “Sally is an integral part of our organization; her energy, leadership, and unwavering positivity make her a true asset to the field—and a most deserving recipient of this award.”
Little joined Chelsea Jewish Lifecare in 2005 and has held various positions within the Dietary Department. Little holds an associate’s degree in culinary arts/chef training from Norh Shore Community College and is a Certified Dietary Manager and Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP). With more than 22 years of experience in senior nutrition and foodservice, Sally combines culinary expertise with a deep commitment to resident-centered care.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Chelsea Jewish Lifecare for their unwavering support and commitment to excellence,” said Little. “It is a privilege to be part of an organization that values innovation, compassion, and quality.” She added, “This recognition honors an incredible team that strives every day to provide exceptional dining experiences while inspiring us to keep raising the standard for nutrition and food service excellence.”
Sally, along with her husband and two children, reside in southern New Hampshire. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, playing softball, and creating new recipes in her kitchen.
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June 19, 2025
The widely anticipated Derby Day included a unique blend of excitement, tradition, spirit, and Southern charm. Residents were decked out with elaborate fascinators and colorful hats. What a fashionable crowd!
Our very own Cathie Mesina emceed the event, motivating the attendees with her descriptive play-by-play. Six races were held in total, all featuring staff members as jockeys. A roll of the dice dictated how many steps each horse would take. The group gave the horses highly creative names: Girl on Fire, Justify, Monarch, Destiny, Zanyatta, and Pop Smoke. Monarch won two races. Of course, the residents loved the opportunity to bet on their favorite jockey!
It was a fun competition, complete with Mint Julips and cinnamon pecan rolls – classic Southern fare. The five winners each received a luxurious bath soap. Kristen Donnelly, our fabulous Executive Director, was the only staff member not to win a race. She took it in stride, saying, “There’s always next year!”
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May 28, 2025
Executive Director of Cohen Florence Levine Estates and Chefetz & Florence Home for Specialized Care
Kristen Donnelly knew she chose the right career path after speaking with one of her assisted living residents. “This is the best time of my life!” exclaimed 100-year old Charlie Kanter. For Kristen, it was the ultimate reward. “There is nothing better than knowing our residents are happy and fulfilled,” remarked Kristen.
After graduating from Westfield State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Kristen embarked upon a teaching career but quickly realized it was not the right choice for her. She explored different options, ending up in the fundraising department of the ALS Association. While there, Kristen met Barry Berman and Judy Mastrocola (a former longtime LFCL staff member) and the three stayed in touch. Kristen worked for a year at the Muscular Dystrophy Association and then found her professional home at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. She joined the organization as Walk Director for the ALS/MS Walk for Living, transitioned to CFLE Marketing Director and then became Executive Director.
Growing up in Boston’s western suburbs, Kristen split her time between Newton and Natick after her parents separated when she was young. “The divorce worked to my benefit because I hit the jackpot with an amazing stepmom and stepdad!” said Kristen. She and her husband Alan grew up a few streets apart from each other, first crossed paths in middle school and started dating at age 15! After marrying in 2010, the couple embarked upon building a life together. First came Lily, a beautiful black lab, who lived to the age of 14, passing away just last year. Kristen and Alan have two amazing boys, Sean (10) and Tommy (7). Both play elite club hockey as well as baseball. It is a very busy, sports-oriented household!
The residents are a key reason why Kristen loves working at the at The Estates on Admiral’s Hill. “I truly enjoy sitting down with the residents and talking about everything,” said Kristen. “Plus, they always give me great advice!” She also believes the environment in the Chelsea assisted living is unique. “When you enter CFLE, you will often hear the staff singing and the residents laughing. There is a lightness about the staff here that I believe is rare. Most importantly, the quality of care is exceptional. Our staff takes the best care of the residents. They are family.”
Reflecting on which individuals had the biggest impact upon her career, Kristen was quick to mention staff members. “Judy Mastrocola, who I worked with for many years on the Walk for Living, taught me early on just to be myself. Megin Hemmerling showed me the realities of being an Executive Director and how to incorporate balance into my life. Last but certainly not least, Mrs. Mullen set a wonderful example for me on how to lead with heart.” Kristen is also grateful to the Bermans. “I feel blessed to work for Mr. Berman and Adam,” said Kristen. “They have given me such wonderful opportunities. I am just thankful that they have believed in me!”
In her spare time, Kristen and her husband can be found at her sons’ games, which usually involve a hockey rink. An avid reader, Kristen read 65 books last year and is currently on number 30 this year. Most days she makes time for Pilates. “It keeps me sane,” said Kristen with a laugh. Family and friends are important to Kristen. “I love spending time with my with my family and cherish the friends I grew up with. These relationships mean the world to me.”
As Executive Director, Kristen’s goal is, quite simply, to keep the residents happy. “I want our residents to feel like they are living life to the fullest,” explained Kristen. “Health and longevity are my passion. Studies have shown that ‘blue zones’ – areas where people live exceptionally long lives – can be attributed to a sense of community. More than anything, I want to give my residents the community that they need to thrive and live long, beautiful lives.”
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May 12, 2025
Skilled Nursing Residence Receives Deficiency-Free Survey!
Click below to read the story in various publications!
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May 2, 2025
[Photo caption: Staff at Katzman Family Center for Living Celebrate Achieving Deficiency-Free Survey!]
The Katzman Family Center for Living recently achieved a deficiency-free survey. This designation, conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, means that the skilled nursing residence adheres to the highest standards of care, safety, and quality, with no violations or deficiencies.
“We are so pleased to have earned a deficiency-free survey,” said Ginny Person, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator at Katzman Family Center for Living. “This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication, and loyalty of every single person on our staff. The survey highlights our commitment to providing exceptional, high-quality care to our residents.”
Person noted that the survey is a valuable tool for prospective residents and families. “Receiving a deficiency-free survey means individuals can expect the highest level of care,” explained Person. “This is an important consideration when choosing short-term rehab, long-term care, and memory support.”
Katzman Family Center for Living, the flagship property of Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, was founded to create individualized care in a real home setting. After undergoing a dramatic $16 million renovation, the skilled nursing residence reflects the Green House® model of care, with an abundance of open spaces, natural light, and kitchens on every floor.
Congratulations to everyone at Katzman Family Center for Living. Your dedication, hard work and attention to detail made this significant achievement possible!
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