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October 14, 2025
Dear Residents and Families,
As we welcome fall, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the beauty that surrounds us. The leaves are especially brilliant this year, and the crisp autumn air has made it a spectacular time of year. Whether it’s a walk through the gardens or simply sitting by the window, I hope everyone is enjoying the change of seasons.
We wish our Jewish residents, families, and staff a very happy and healthy New Year. We also hope you enjoyed Sukkot and the beautifully decorated sukkots on our Chelsea and Peabody campuses.
Our community proudly participated in the 17th ALS/MS Walk for Living on October 5. It was a glorious day, which you can read about elsewhere in this newsletter. Please know that it’s not too late to support this important cause. Donations are still being accepted, and every contribution makes a difference to our ALS, MS and ventilator dependent residents.
Our winter menus will soon be in effect. Residents can look forward to heartier soups and stews as well as comforting seasonal favorites—perfect for the cozy days ahead.
Let’s not forget to set our clocks back on November 2 as daylight saving time ends. While the days grow shorter, enjoy the season and everything it has to offer.
Lastly, a reminder to schedule your flu shots and any other vaccinations recommended by your doctor. The health of our residents is our top priority!
All the best,
Megin
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October 22, 2025
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, our communities at Brudnick Center for Living and Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates have fully embraced the fall season with heartwarming events, fun activities and a great deal of laughter!
Take a look at a few highlights:
Lobster Lunch at Brudnick: A Craft-Fair-Funded Feast
Residents at Brudnick Center for Living were treated to a decadent lobster lunch, made possible by the proceeds from last year’s resident-led craft fair. This special meal was the final of three major events funded by their hard-earned efforts, a delicious reminder of the creativity and generosity that thrives within our walls.
Ballroom Magic with “Steps in Time”
Kaplan Estates welcomed back Michael and Sierra from “Steps in Time,” whose graceful ballroom dancing brought joy and nostalgia to the community. Residents were invited to join in—whether standing or seated—and the room came alive with classic dance numbers, handmade outfits, and cherished memories. We’re already counting down to their next visit!
Horticulture Club: Planting Purpose and Connection
This summer, the Horticulture Club blossomed on our Legacy unit, thanks to a collaboration between LLVNA’s Jennifer Ferringo and Activities Assistant Madison Muszynski. Residents planted, nurtured, and harvested with care, culminating in a Farm-to-Table celebration led by Jennifer and Laurie Faria. From garden to plate, residents enjoyed fresh appetizers and desserts, all grown with love. The garden also served as a therapeutic space, enhancing cognitive and motor skills while fostering a sense of community.
Rock Painting Art
Residents from both the Traditional and Legacy units joined LLVNA and the Kaplan Estates Activities team (Madison Muszynski, Stacey McDonald, and Ellen F.) for a joyful rock painting event. These colorful creations now brighten our gardens, each one a small testament to the creativity of our residents.
Assisted Living Week: Campfires, Ice Cream, and Celebrations
Assisted Living Week was packed with fun—from campfire s’mores and ice cream socials to scavenger hunts and daily raffle prizes for the staff. Residents and team members alike shared in the joy, laughter, and camaraderie that make our community so special.
Italian Indulgence from Petrillo’s
Another craft-fair-funded treat arrived in the form of a delicious Italian lunch from Petrillo’s. Residents savored every bite, knowing their own creativity helped make it possible.
Pumpkin Florals & Apple Cake: Welcoming Fall and Rosh Hashanah
To mark the arrival of autumn and the sweetness of Rosh Hashanah, residents created festive pumpkin floral arrangements and enjoyed homemade apple cake. The scents of cinnamon and fresh blooms filled the air, ushering in the season with warmth and tradition.
Dance Delight at Brudnick
Northshore Dance Academy brought their talent and energy to Brudnick, captivating residents with a lively performance. The joy in the room was palpable, and the applause said it all—thank you for sharing your talent with us!
Pain Management Education
Kaplan Estates residents also benefited from an informative presentation on pain management, led by Legacy Lifecare VNA and Hospice. The session offered valuable strategies to reduce discomfort and improve mobility, empowering residents to take charge of their wellness.
Second Annual Crafts Fair
This year’s Craft’s Fair was a huge success. Please read all about it elsewhere in this newsletter. Thank you to Nancy Bekel and Sally Little. Your hard work, dedication and flair for the creative made the day absolutely perfect!
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October 21, 2025
[Pictured: Nancy Bekel and Sally Little]
A Day of Creativity, Community & Shopping!
The Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living was bustling with people, laughter, and creativity on Sunday, October 19 at the Second Annual Crafts Fair—a now-beloved tradition that brought together residents, families, staff, and the local community for a truly special day. Approximately 500 people attended this year’s event!
The fair highlighted the incredible talents of 30 local vendors. All were eager to participate; vendor slots sold out in just two weeks. The best news of all: the fair raised over $5,000, which goes directly back to resident care and activities.
A Showcase of Local Talent
From cozy crochet hats and shawls to custom wooden creations, hand-poured candles, crocheted items, 3D printed art, lace villages, and homemade baked goods, the fair had something for everyone.
Attendees could also shop for holiday wreaths, felt flowers, tote bags, jewelry, tumblers, centerpieces, and whimsical stuffed animals crafted by hand. Many vendors were local artisans, BCL staff, or family members of residents, making the fair a true community celebration.
A Day to Remember
While the crafts were the stars of the day, the true heart of the fair lay in its mission: raising funds for resident life enrichment activities. In 2024, the fair raised over $3,000, which went toward unforgettable events like a Chinese Hawaiian Luau, a catered Italian dinner, and even a lobster roll luncheon—a rare and special treat. The remaining funds were donated to a local assisted living community that had experienced a devastating fire—an initiative inspired by the residents themselves.
“The Crafts Fair is a great way to showcase Brudnick Center for Living,” said Nancy Bekel, Brudnick Center’s for Living dedicated Activities Director, who coordinated the event with Sally Little CDM/CFPP, Food Service Manager for the Peabody Campus.
“Our residents and families really look forward to this event,” said Little. “They love being part of something so lively and meaningful.” She expressed gratitude to the participating vendors. “They truly helped make the fair a resounding success.”
This year’s fair created a festive, welcoming atmosphere throughout the building. Residents could be seen browsing booths with family members, chatting with vendors, and savoring the many treats.
“Families enjoy seeing their loved ones shopping and smiling,” said Bekel. “We are so pleased this event has grown significantly since last year. In fact, we are already planning for 2026!”
Participating Vendors in the 2nd Annual Brudnick Center for Living Crafts Fair
Thank you to all of the vendors. We could not have done it without you!
- Morrigan’s Walk
- Homemades by stacy
- Paula Harris
- Ashlynne McNally
- Mary Zaluski
- Lorna Gobbi
- Kawaii Flowers
- Kimberly Lindfield
- Sew 4 life
- The Recycled Lobster
- Sharon Silvonic
- Malayah’s maple minis
- Spong creations
- Stacey Connor
- Melissa Luden
- Crafts by erica
- Crazy Lasagna creations
- Sally Little
- Bridget Summers
- Callies creations
- Sandy’s Crafts
- Grace Blouin
- Crafts Plus
- Danielle Parent
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October 10, 2025
Featured in the Chelsea Record! Click here to read the story.
Watch the event on Chelsea Community Cable’s YouTube Channel here.
The 17th Annual ALS & MS Walk for Living, held on a spectacularly beautiful early October day, paid tribute to the amazing residents and staff at the Leonard Florence Center for Living. Over 800 walkers, which included residents, families, staff and supporters from Chelsea, Peabody and surrounding communities, participated in the two-mile, dog friendly walk. It was a day to remember! After walk activities included a BBQ hosted by Chili’s, face painting, live dance performances and petting zoo.
As the country’s first urban model Green House® skilled nursing facility, the Leonard Florence Center provides a level of independence not typically found in other skilled nursing facilities. The Center takes care of more individuals living with ALS than any place else in the world.
This year, the Center’s award-winning Outward Bound program was a focal point. Outward Bound enables residents to enjoy events outside the skilled nursing home environment. Bringing residents, some on ventilators, to an out-of-state event is no small feat—it requires an extraordinary level of coordination, expertise, and care. These outings are a way for our residents to participate in activities that were part of their lives before they became disabled as well as make new memories.
For example, when residents Steve Saling and Patrick O’Brien moved into the Leonard Florence Center for Living in 2010, they never imagined that 15 years later they’d be sitting side-by-side in front row seats at a Saturday Night Live (SNL) taping after hanging out with music superstar Lizzo. But that’s exactly what happened this past spring.
“SNL was the thrill of a lifetime,” said Steve Saling. “We were treated like VIPs and got a meet and greet with Lizzo before the show. It was super cool to see behind the scenes and how they put the show together.”
The 2025 ALS & MS Walk for Living honored John Carroll, a resident of Beverly, MA. Carroll, Managing Principal at The B.C. Group Private Wealth Management, has been an active supporter of the Leonard Florence Center and its residents. Each year John and his team proudly donates an All-Inclusive Boston Celtics Suite Experience to a group of ALS, MS and vent dependent residents and their families. “Sharing is caring,” explains Carroll. “The residents of the Leonard Florence Center inspire me every day with their courage, determination, humor and zest for living.”
To date, the 2025 walk for Living has raised over $80,000, with donations still coming in. It’s not too late to contribute; simply go to the Walk for Living website and click on Donate. Every single dollar raised goes directly back to patient care and programs for the ALS and MS residents. All donations are tax deductible.
Take a look at the photos from this special day. The smiles on everyone’s faces says it all!
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September 29, 2025
[L-R: Alan Bolotin, Phyllis Bolotin and Barry Berman]
Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to honor Phyllis and Alan Bolotin. The Swampscott couple donated $25,000 to the Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living. This major donation kicked off Chelsea Jewish Lifecare’s “Next Generation” capital campaign, a key initiative for the organization.
“We are thrilled and extremely grateful to Phyllis and Alan Bolotin for their enormously generous gift,” said Chelsea Jewish Lifecare CEO Barry Berman. ”This donation will help the Susan and Jeffrey Brudnick Center for Living continue to provide the highest caliber of care to our residents. The Bolotin family recognizes the importance of helping seniors in our community.”
After refreshments and a speaking program, attendees visited the skilled nursing households where Barry Berman and the Bolotins cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque engraved on the front door of the Ipswich House.
“Phyllis and I are so pleased to receive this plaque from Chelsea Jewish Lifecare,” said Alan Bolotin. “We have been involved with the organization for many years and see, firsthand, the exceptional care provided to the residents. We hope this donation raises awareness and funds for this deserving nonprofit.”
As long-time residents of the North Shore, Phyllis and Alan are active in the local community and are well-known for their generosity, passion, and dedication. “We feel truly fortunate to have them as friends and supporters,” concluded Berman.
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September 29, 2025
[L-R: Betsy Mullen, Samantha Andler, Marc Andler, Beth Andler and Barry Berman]
Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to honor Beth and Marc Andler. The Swampscott couple donated $25,000 to the Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living. This major donation kicked off Chelsea Jewish Lifecare’s “Next Generation” capital campaign, a key initiative for the organization.
“We are thrilled and extremely grateful to Beth and Marc Andler for their enormously generous gift,” said Chelsea Jewish Lifecare CEO Barry Berman. ”These donations will help the Susan and Jeffrey Brudnick Center for Living continue to provide the highest caliber of care to our residents. The Andler family recognizes the importance of helping seniors in our community.”
After refreshments and a speaking program, attendees visited the skilled nursing households where Barry Berman and the Andlers cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque engraved on the front door of the Gloucester House.
Marc Andler noted that Chelsea Jewish Lifecare is a highly respected leader in healthcare. “Beth and I are proud to support an organization that values excellence and truly cares about its residents and staff. They lead by example.”
As long-time residents of the North Shore, the Andlers have been very involved with the local community and are well-known for their generosity, passion, and dedication. “We feel truly fortunate to have them as friends and supporters,” concluded Berman.
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September 25, 2025
Adult day services: A lifeline for caregivers and seniors
By Amanda Lurey
National Adult Day Services Week is Sept. 21-27, and Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Day Health Center Executive Director Eleanor Langstaff emphasized the importance of adult day services.
“We’ve all heard of caregiver burnout,” she said. “It can even lead to medical conditions, so for the family to get that relief, get that break, even if it’s just six hours a few times a week, that’s huge.”
She added, “We’ve had families come to me beyond burnt out, and their loved one starts coming, and the family feels so much more relaxed. They’re sleeping better, and they can go back to work, you know, they can start taking care of themselves because they’ve put that off for so long (while) taking care of their loved ones. So it’s really beneficial, not only to the folks who come here, but also to the caregivers.”
Langstaff said that, since there are medical staff present at the Center, “We’re able to administer medications, including injections… so any medicine that they (attendees) need during the hours that they’re here, the nurses are allowed to give.”
She added, “We also monitor vital signs, weights, at least once a month, so if we notice any significant changes, we’re able to communicate that to the family and the primary care physician.”
According to Langstaff, Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Day Health Center’s goal “is to keep people both physically and mentally active (and) engaged for as long as, you know, to kind of slow the progression of the disease so that they’re able to stay living in the community at home for as long as possible.”
Langstaff said this goal is actively being met due to the various activities the Center has available for its attendees, including word games, bingo, and musical performances. She added that there is even one attendee who has a green thumb, and he has been helping in the garden outside in one of the Center’s two patios.
While the Center has the medical facilities necessary to care for its attendees, it has a very “homey” feel, and there is even artwork up on the walls that attendees have created themselves. She added that the Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Day Health Center allows people to have an “environment to socialize.”
Activities Assistant Maggie Anderson has been working at Shapiro-Rudolph Adult Day Health Center since 2006, and she mentioned that her mother Marilyn Anderson was an attendee for almost 11 years. She said, “our clients become an extended family.”
“Everybody here is treated with the same respect. We try to engage each person. We celebrate their birthdays. We commiserate their losses. When we lose the client, it is just as heartbreaking for us as it is the families,” she said.
When asked how to emphasize the importance of Adult Day Services Week, Anderson said:
“What I would like the world to know is that, unfortunately, when we tend to look down on elders… Why can’t we be patient with those who were patient with us when we were little? It’s the great circle of life. We have to give back. We have to ease them into the end of life the way they ease us into life… No matter what their cognitive ability, their physical ability, their emotional ability, everybody deserves to be seen.”
Anderson joked, “I’m probably going to end up being a client here down the line. I hope I get the same care I’m trying to give.”
Click here to read the story on the Peabody Weekly News website.
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September 15, 2025
Our annual Resident Satisfaction Survey is now underway, and we are hoping each of our residents and families will participate again this year. Your feedback is so important to us.
Please note there are only six days left to complete the survey! The survey, which is completely confidential, began on October 20 and will end on November 3.
“Our residents and families are our best resources to assess the level of care we provide on a daily basis,” explained Melissa Kershaw, MPT, Director of Organizational Development for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. “These survey results help us provide the highest caliber of care and services by letting us know how we are doing as well as address areas for improvement.”
This year we have once again partnered with Activated Insights, a nationally recognized research firm. Residents and families should have received an email or text invitation from Activated Insights with a special link to the survey which can be accessed via a smart phone, computer, or tablet and is compatible with all devices and web browsers. It takes approximately ten minutes to complete the survey. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to your Executive Director.
Kershaw stressed the importance of the survey. “This survey provides us with a wealth of valuable information. Your participation really does make a difference!
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