communities since 1979 The Seats for Seniors Project ... 2016 Newsletter.pdf · she is a native of this town. She was recently married and in her free time she enjoys spending time

community’s needs for decades to

come.

CESI sends its deepest gratitude

to the Charles H. Farnsworth

Trust for its commitment to pro-

moting the whole health of at-risk

seniors and adults with disabilities

in the greater Boston area. And

keep your eyes open for the new

tables and chairs that will begin to

arrive in CESI’s centers soon!

CESI has kicked off a capital cam-

paign to replace all participant ta-

bles and chairs at each of CESI’s five

centers. The goal of the Seats for

Seniors Project is to raise funds to

purchase 130 chairs and 35 tables.

The campaign is off to a great

start thanks to the generosity of the

Charles H. Farnsworth Trust! The

Farnsworth Trust has granted CESI

$39,800 to fund the project at

CESI’s Arlington, Concord and

Groton Centers.

CESI’s new tables and chairs will:

—Keep participants more

comfortable and safe

—Ensure that participants are able

to actively engage in all activities

and mealtimes

—Increase the amount of time

CESI staff spends directly engaging

with participants

—Improve the efficiency with

which CESI staff sanitized the

centers.

The Seats for Seats Project will

also ultimately improve the long-

term sustainability of CESI’s cen-

ters. According to a study com-

missioned by the Massachusetts

Senior Care Association, demand

for adult day health services is

expected to grow by 70% over the

next 15 years. CESI is committed

to conducting projects to ensure

that CESI will be able to meet the

As the end of 2016 ap-

proaches, we at CESI are

taking the time to reflect on

the past year and look toward

what’s ahead. After securing

licensure from the Depart-

ment of Public Health (DPH)

in late 2015, CESI began the

year with exciting opportuni-

ties along with new challeng-

es. We have continued to find

new ways to serve our communi-

ty, launching our second Memory

Café, in Groton, and hosting the

Forum for Family Caregivers in

Concord.

CESI has simultaneously adjust-

ed to the challenge of maintaining

our high-quality, affordable pro-

gramming in the face of rapidly

rising costs resulting from new

DPH regulations. As the year

comes to a close, CESI’s Board

of Directors is leading staff

through a strategic planning

initiative to guide future growth

and ensure sustainability. I look

forward to reporting in 2017 on

the impact this process will

have on ensuring that CESI

remains our community’s trust-

ed provider of adult day health

services.

Wishing you a happy holiday

season,

Erica Johnson

The Seats for Seniors Project: Improving CESI Facilities,

Improving Quality of Care

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Memory Cafés 2

Outreach at

CESI

2

Arlington 3

Burlington 4

Concord 5

Groton 6

Milton 7

About CESI 8

Donations 8

A Message from the Executive Director

Administrative Office:

9 Meriam St.

Suite 28

Lexington, MA 02420

Fall/Winter Newsletter 2016 Serving more than 50

communities since 1979

Abby Ferreira–

Operations and

Outreach

Coordinator at CESI

P A G E 2

Outreach at CESI

A Day at CESI

Memory Cafés Join CESI for our monthly Memory

Cafés, where those impacted by memory

impairment are gaining much-needed sup-

port, stimulation, and education. CESI’s

Memory Cafés gather individuals living

with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms

of dementia-along with their caregivers– in

a relaxed, stigma-free environment to

experience a sense of community and

enjoy activities tailored to their interests

and abilities.

CESI currently runs two Memory Cafés:

Lexington meets on the third Wednesday

of each month from 9am-11am; Groton

meets on the fourth Thursday of the

month from 10am-12pm. Each café fea-

tures a performance or activity– such as

dance/movement therapy, sing-alongs,

ukulele lessons, art education and dis-

cussion– meaningful conversation, edu-

cation and resources on memory impair-

ment, and coffee and refreshments.

In the words of a caregiver who

recently attended a CESI Memory Café,

“It was a great opportunity to get out in

a social fashion...I feel really good about

giving my parents the chance to have fun

and socialize.”

These Memory Cafés are made possi-

ble through generous grants from the

Dana Home Foundation and Middlesex

Savings Charitable Foundation. For fur-

ther information, please call Abby

Ferreira at 781-863-1166 ext. 104.

ties, spreading the word about all

that CESI has to offer. She is also

the Director of the Lexington

Memory Café and helped launch

our newest café in Groton. These

programs have been instrumental in

representing CESI in the communi-

ties we serve and have been a key

resource for caregivers and those

experiencing memory loss.

Most recently, Abby coordinated

CESI’s transition to a centralized

referral system. Beginning this past

July, Abby now receives and

processes referrals, in order to

ensure caregivers and prospective

participants are directed to the

program that will be the best fit

for their needs.

For further information regarding

CESI’s programs you may contact

Abby at 781-863-1166 ext. 104 or

[email protected].

Meet Abby Ferreira, the

Operations and Outreach Coordi-

nator for CESI. Abby has been with

the agency for over nine years,

serving as the Activity Director for

our Concord program for many

years in addition to working at our

Burlington and Arlington Centers.

Abby most recently joined CESI’s

administrative team in January 2016

in the new role of Operations and

Outreach Coordinator.

As the Outreach Coordinator

Abby spends time in our communi-

C O O P E R A T I V E E L D E R

S E R V I C E S , I N C .

F A L L / W I N T E R N E W S L E T T E R 2 0 1 6

9:00 Arrival

9:30 Coffee/Social Hour

(Coffee, tea, juice and toast served)

10:00 Morning Stretch, Chair Dancing, and Fit-for-Life Exercise Programs

11:00 Current Events, Reminisce and Small Therapeutic Group Activity

12:00 Lunch—Full Hot Meal Served

1:30 Entertainment, Special Events, Bingo, Music, and Seasonal Activities for all participants, followed by an afternoon snack

3:00 Departure

Fall painting class at the

Lexington Café

Music therapy at our Groton

Café

Participants enjoy a visit from

“Creature Teachers” at the Burlington Center

P A G E 3

Saturday program– Every

Saturday, volunteers from Boston

Cares, the largest volunteer mobi-

lizer in the Boston area, offer a

wide variety of programs for our

participants. The volunteers have

led unique arts and crafts, reminis-

cence, and other creative projects.

The partnership is enjoyed by all

and we are thankful for their ser-

vice!

Veterans Day Luncheon–

Veteran’s Day at our Arlington

Center is a special occasion. Every

year we hold an honorary lunch and

ceremony to celebrate each one of

our Veterans. This is our way of

saying thank you for all they’ve done

to serve our country!

November– We look forward to

the return of Nashoba Valley Tech-

nical High students for the second

year. They will help us to prepare for

Thanksgiving with special crafts and

baking classes. We are grateful for

this collaboration and all they have

done to enrich our program!

Melissa McCormick, RN, is the most recent

addition to our Arlington team. She has been working in

the nursing field for over 10 years. Although Melissa is

new to Adult Day Health, she is excited to continue her

work with the geriatric population, with which she has

spent the majority of her career.

Melissa is not a newcomer to the Arlington area, as

she is a native of this town. She was recently married

and in her free time she enjoys spending time with family

and friends. She also has a passion for the arts. She

loves crafts and sewing, which keep her rather busy.

Melissa, we are so happy to have you join our team!

Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Some of Jean’s favorite activities at

CESI include singing along to her fa-

vorite tunes, putting together jig-saw

puzzles, and socializing with her many

friends here. She attends the program

5 days a week and always looks for-

ward to her time at CESI.

Jean is loved by all and we wish her

a happy 22nd year with CESI!

Jean Cunningham- We are

pleased to spotlight a longtime partici-

pant at CESI’s Arlington Center: Jean

Cunningham! Jean has been an active

part of our program for 22 years.

(Since 1994, when a gallon of gas cost

$1.09 and a movie ticket was only

$4.00.)

Jean is an energetic and peppy 85

year old woman. She is also proud to

tell you that she is a HUGE Red Sox

fan and loves to sing the classic: “Take

Staff Highlight

— ARLINGTON — Program Highlights

37 Broadway

Arlington, MA 02474

Program Director: 781-641-1070 ext. 200

Donna Landino

Nursing Dept: ext. 202

Helen Marsh, Melissa McCormick

Social Services: ext. 201

Amy DeAngelis

Transportation: SCM 617-625-1191 ext. 1

Newlex 617-590-5090

Participants enjoying a

summer craft

December- Holiday season is

almost here! We will be busy

getting ready with seasonal pro-

jects, tasty cooking classes, and

holiday word games. Together we

will assemble our annual ginger-

bread house which will be dis-

played for everyone to enjoy.

Also be sure not to miss the trim-

ming of the tree and our annual

holiday party!

Thank you- Many thanks to Jean

Gedies for sharing her talents,

which include quilting, making

homemade blueberry cake, and

other unique programs. Jean’s

contributions truly enhance our

activities at the Arlington Center.

Participant Spotlight

Directory

W W W . E L D E R D A Y S E R V I C E S . O R G

P A G E 4

“We would like to

introduce to you a

familiar face at

CESI Burlington:

Joan Yutkins.”


— BURLINGTON — Pie Tasting Contest–

On the first day of Fall, Septem-

ber 22nd, staff baked home-

made apple pies. Participants

enjoyed tasting samples of each

and then were asked to cast

their votes for their favorite pie.

Donna Bradley, one of our be-

loved Program Aides, came out

on top with the most delicious

pie. Congrats Donna! Everyone

was then served a slice of this

homemade goodness with some

vanilla ice cream. Nice way to kick

off first day of fall.

Halloween Party– On October

31st everyone came in decked out

in their best costumes. We held a

variety of entertaining games in-

cluding Guess the Candy Corn in

jar for a special prize. We also

awarded prizes for most creative,

scariest, and unique cos-

tumes!

Holiday Party– Don’t

miss our annual holiday

celebration on December

14th. “Joey Beebop” will be

entertaining us as we sing

along to our favorite holiday

carols and enjoy a fantastic

spread of festive treats.

37 B Street

Burlington MA, 01803


Sheila Place

Program Coordinator: ext. 210

Joan Yutkins

Nursing Dept: ext. 212 Doreen Gilligan,

Christine Granata

Social Services: ext. 211 Dianne Luther

Transportation:

Newlex: 617-233-9379,

Gentle Arms 978-809-0033

biles and was thrilled when the

spouse of a staff member brought

one for everyone to see.

Some of Richie’s most favorite

things to do are spending a day at

the beach, and enjoying fried

clams for lunch. That is his favor-

ite meal!

Richie also enjoys playing the

harmonica. Occasionally he

brings it to the Burlington Center

and plays some special

songs for everyone. Richie is well

loved by all at CESI Burlington.

Richard (Richie) Bryson

Richie has been attending the

Burlington Center since 2000.

Richie attends five days a week

and greatly enjoys his time at

CESI. He loves to share with

new participants his long history

at the Burlington Center.

Richie loves taking part in

many of the activities provided at

CESI’s Burlington Center. In

particular, he loves old automo-

Joan Yutkins, Program Coordinator. We would

like to introduce you to a familiar face at CESI in Burlington:

Joan Yutkins. Joan has been with us for 5 years now. She

first joined CESI as a Program Aide and most recently moved

into the role of Program Coordinator last November. Joan

is the one who “runs the show” at our Burlington Center

and we couldn’t be happier to have her in this new position.

Joan has plenty of administrative experience under her belt

in addition to spending time caring for her father. She re-

ports that she always enjoyed working with people and for

this reason loves working at CESI. As a Program Aide,

Joan loved leading special arts and crafts projects, cooking

classes, and reminiscing with our participants. Now in this

new role, she can combine her administrative duties with her

activities experience. Joan we are so fortunate to have you

with us!

Directory

Program Highlights

Staff Highlight




— CONCORD — P A G E 5

Olympics- If we needed one

word to summarize the summer in

Concord it would be CELEBRA-

TION! We celebrated the Olym-

pics with a full week of games, com-

plete with a medal ceremony and

education of the host country Bra-

zil.

Rock and Roll Party- The

party continued with us boogying

down for Buddy Holly’s birthday!

Sara Angus, Program Aide If the paint brushes

are out and instrumental music is playing, you can be sure

that Sara is leading a creative workshop. Sara Angus, a

Program Aide with CESI since 2007, has always been in

roles where she could couple her creative energy with

educating others. Sara’s background includes early child-

hood development, working for Head Start, and eventual-

ly took on the role as a social worker in nursing homes.

Outside of work, Sara’s interests are varied. She is

involved in her local church, is an active member in the

choir and has a passion for creative dance and classical

music. As a native New Englander, she enjoys gardening,

walks outside, and exploring nature. These interests

permeate her programs here at CESI which focus on

culture and arts.

“Having a license for the organization to try new things,

being creative in my work,” she says, “this is where I

enjoy coming every day.”

“After I put in my time, I went to

San Jose State for college courses,”

he remembers. “I always had a

knack with electronics, and eventu-

ally that took me to the Bulova

watch company.”

Bill says everything with a smile,

and it was no different when asked

what he thinks of coming to CESI.

“This place is different. The rest of

your life is hectic, when you’re

working or in the service,” he ex-

plains, “but here you get

to choose. And the people? You

can ask anyone here for anything,

and they will go out of their way to

figure it our for you. It’s fantastic.”

Another person walks through

the door and pats Bill on the back

as they walk by. They smile, ex-

change hellos. “I’m trying to enjoy

life,” he says, “and I’m doing a good

job of it.”

William Carnes

You would be hard pressed to find

more of a people-person than Bill.

William “Bill” Carnes has been com-

ing to CESI in Concord, and the

Arlington Saturday program, for

about a year now and is the unofficial

front door greeter. “Hey, how are

we doing?” he asks everyone coming

through.

Bill grew up on Long Island and is

an ardent Jets fan. After high school

he enlisted into the armed services

and entered into the Korean War.

Program Highlights Rock and Roll favorites filled the

afternoon and we were all up and

dancing!

Poetry and Baking- With the

weather cooling down and the leaves

changing we will be welcoming Au-

tumn with poetry focused on the

season, as well as baking pumpkin

dessert bars.

Holiday Celebrations- We are

already looking forward to the holi-

Medal ceremony at our

Summer Olympics in

Concord.

days here in Concord! We will

discuss the various holidays like

Hanukah and Christmas, we’ll share

family traditions, and memories of

winters past.

New Years Eve- We’ll ring in

2016 with programming focused on

resolutions: why do we make them,

what are some common resolutions,

and what changes would we like to

make in our lives this coming year.


7 Chamberlin Drive

Concord, MA 01742


Michelle Holmberg

Program Coordinator: Laura Erb

Nursing Dept: ext. 222 Linda Fields,

Diane Cerretti, and Karen Brown


Courtney Koumjian

Transportation:

Gentle Arms 978-244-0199

Staff Highlight Directory


P A G E 6

“Since Kathy’s

own son was

deployed to Iraq in

2003, she was

inspired to

celebrate our

veterans each

year.”

Participants enjoy an

Ice cream social!


Staff Highlight

— GROTON — Summertime in

Groton– Spring and Summer

were filled with recognition of all

of our clients. Whether through

our own Academy Awards,

Mothers Day and Fathers Day

celebrations or monthly birthday

celebrations, our participants

were constantly the focus of

celebration. Summer brought

with it Ice Cream Parlors, Indoor

picnic, and Annual Beach week.

Chef Rick of Rivercourt Resi-

dence has been instrumental in

providing quality summertime

“musts” like potato salad, burg-

ers, lemonade, and watermelon!

Thank you Rick!!

The Musical Medic– We

are very excited as we look

forward to performances by

“The Musical Medic”! Musician

Brian Saulnier “answers the call”

by sharing his vocal and guitar

accomplishments here in

October and December.

Brian comes highly recom-

mended!

Other highlights- Along

with entertainment by pianist/

vocalist Steve Staines, and the

talents of musicians Bruce

and Elijah Pratt, our Fall/

Winter months will be filled

with joy and warmth!

8 West Main St. Suite 2

Groton, MA 01450

Program Coordinator: 978-448-1400 ext. 230

Jean Mello

Nursing Dept: ext. 232

Lilla DiTullio and Mary Ellen Roy


Nancy D’Agostino

Transportation:

CareRide: 603-759-3994; Alter-Ride 978-758-9490

Newlex: 671-233-9379

work for all to enjoy at CESI,

Groton. Thank you, Mr.

Martino!

Al also recently celebrated

his 92nd birthday on October

4th with his many friends at the

Groton Center. The day was

complete with cake, ice cream,

and a round of singing “Happy

Birthday” and warm wishes for

the upcoming year.

Al Martino

Meet Al Martino, a well

loved participant since January

of 2015. Al attends the pro-

gram 3 days a week and loves

his time at CESI!

Al is an accomplished oil

painter having studied at the

Museum of Fine Arts and

Umass, Lowell. Al has kindly

shared and displayed his art-




Kathy Langone, Program Aide

Staff member Kathy Langone of Townsend

has been an integral part of CESI Groton for 15

years! One of Kathy’s many contributions has

been our annual Veteran’s Day breakfast. Since

Kathy’s own son was deployed to Iraq in 2003,

Kathy was inspired to celebrate our veterans

each year. This celebration included partici-

pants and staff sharing photos and medals from

their service to our country. This recognition is

a great reminder of the pride we all feel in our

veterans. Thank you for this Kathy and every

thing else you contribute to make our Groton

Center so great!

Directory

Program Highlights

— MILTON — P A G E 7

Garden Club- After such a hot

summer, the crisp, cooler air of fall

is a welcome relief. It’s harvest

season! The Garden Club picked

the last of the tomatoes and basil.

A wonderful tomato salad was pre-

pared and enjoyed by all. Also, fall

flowers have been planted in beauti-

ful orange, burgundy and yellow.

Participants voted on a new fall

welcome flag which was put up by

participants to welcome all to CESI

Milton!

Please join us in welcoming two new staff to our Milton

team!

Donna Martin, RN, joins us as a part time nurse on

Thursdays and Fridays. Donna worked for Brigham &

Women’s Hospital for many years as a Day Surgery Unit

Nurse, Operating Room Nurse and Medical Surgical

Nurse. Donna also has experience in alternative therapies

and brings with her a passion for providing the best

quality care.

Taneka Baker, Program Aide, joined our team in

August. She is a CNA with both nursing and activity ex-

perience in the long term care setting. She has quickly

won the hearts of our participants and staff. Taneka

brings with her a sincere interest in caring for others

with warmth and dignity.

Donna and Taneka are both welcome assets to our grow-

ing team!

loads pictures off the internet

which he uses as a base for his art

work. He is a self taught artist

never having taken any formal art

classes. Milton is honored to have a

sample of Danny’s art work dis-

played at our center. Although

these pieces are on loan, Danny has

graciously donated a drawing which

is now permanently displayed in

our Activities Room. Thank you

Danny for this wonderful gift.

Danny is a fan of science fiction and

horror movies. One

of his favorites is Alien!

Danny also enjoys participating

in our exercise program, trivia and

word games, card games, and

crossword puzzles. But he particu-

larly enjoys playing Boggle. Danny

is well liked by participants and staff

alike. Thank you Danny for enrich-

ing our program with your partici-

pation. We are so happy to have

you!

Danny has been coming to the

Milton Center three days a week

since July of 2013. He is currently

living in Mattapan where he has lived

all his life. Danny has fond memories

of growing up as a middle child, very

spoiled by his 4 sisters and parents.

It must have been a lively household!

Danny attended B.C. High School

and earned a B.S. degree in Market-

ing from Suffolk University. He

worked for Bank of New England

and Morgan Memorial.

Danny loves to draw and down-

Program Highlights Flu Clinic- The Milton site hosted

a flu clinic on Wednesday, October

26th, Thank you to Walgreens for

assisting with this clinic.

Halloween Party- In Celebration

of Halloween, CESI hosted a Hallow-

een Party on Monday, October 31st.

Lots of pumpkins, goblins and goodies

were shared by all.

Farewell Eunide! At the end of

August we said goodbye to Program

Aide Eunide Guillet who went to

work at CESI’s Groton and Con-

cord Centers. Eunide was a delight

to have in Milton and is missed by

participants and staff alike. Good

luck in your new location and in

your pursuit of a nursing degree.

We miss you!


1200 Brush Hill Road

Milton, MA 02186


Sheila Place

Program Coordinator: ext. 240

Peggy Coles

Nursing Dept: ext. 242 Ellen Kitchen,

Donna Martin


Peggy Coles

Transportation: Newlex: 781-233-9379

Staff Highlight Directory


At Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. (CESI) we take a holistic approach to supporting the health of at-risk seniors and

adults with disabilities, empowering our participants to age-in-place and providing caregivers with the resources they need

to care for themselves and their loved ones.

Looking for ways to celebrate or remember loved ones?

CESI has a new website! Visit us at

www.ElderDayServices.org

to see monthly activity calendars, menus, and updates

on CESI news and events.

promote the health and wellness of at-risk

seniors and adults with disabilities.

Please mail donations to CESI’s adminis-

trative offices at 9 Meriam Street, Suite 28,

Lexington, MA 02420. If you would like

CESI to send a letter notifying someone

that your gift was made in his/her honor,

please include a note with that person’s

contact information.

A tribute or memorial donation is a mean-

ingful way to honor someone special in your

life while supporting adult day health ser-

vices in our community.

Please consider donating to CESI in

memory/honor of someone special, or to

celebrate a special occasion or achievement.

All donations to CESI are 100% tax de-

ductible and support local efforts to

CESI provides participants with an environment that

supports their whole health; one in which they can:

- Socialize with peers

- Participate in meaningful activities

- Exercise their minds and bodies

- Learn to manage their chronic diseases

- Maintain compliance with physicians’ orders.

CESI was founded in 1979, and currently serves 550

at-risk seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregiv-

ers, who reside in 54 cities and towns in the greater Bos-

ton Area.

CESI’s adult day health centers are staffed by licensed

nurses, geriatric care and Alzheimer’s specialists, service

coordinators, and program aides, with regular consulta-

tion by an Occupational Therapist and a Registered

Dietician.

For more information, please call 781-863-1166 ext. 104

or visit www.elderdayservices.org.

Documents

communities since 1979 The Seats for Seniors Project ... 2016 Newsletter.pdf · she is a native of this town. She was recently married and in her free time she enjoys spending time