Lewis Mall

 

News from Lewis Mall

Most Recent Dance Demo at Lewis Mall? The Hula!

The latest visitor to the Elder Service Plan’s Lewis Mall PACE Center was a hula dancer! Dancer Patricia Vero of Hula Aloha Dancers lived in Hawaii for nine years and is experienced in belly dancing as well as the hula. Her grass skirt received lots of attention and compliments from center participants. Both participants and staff were invited to join in the dancing, and the show certainly put everyone in the mood for summer fun.

 

Smokey (the dog) Comes Calling at Lewis Mall

Recreation assistant Maria McCracken brought her dog, Smokey, to visit the Elder Service Plan’s Lewis Mall PACE Center recently. Center participants loved petting Smokey and giving him hugs—and, with a smile, Smokey soaked up all the attention! Smokey’s visit was a treat for everyone at Lewis Mall. He was a model guest.

According to information from the Centers for Disease Control, owning and loving a pet can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, while reducing depression, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Maria plans to bring Smokey to visit more often!

Irish Dancers Visit Lewis Mall

The Elder Service Plan's Lewis Mall PACE Center recently had the pleasure of hosting dancers from the O'Shea-Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance. Elder Service Plan participants and staff much enjoyed the dance performances by these talented young dancers, and were intrigued by the many steps, costumes, and hairstyles!

The dancers who visited from the Academy ranged in age from 11 to 15 years old, and all have been dancing since the age of 4. In addition to the many competitions in which they participate, the girls perform throughout the year at various locations, traveling across the country and overseas to participate in parades, festivals, weddings, and other special events. Some of the most memorable dance performances have been at Boston Celtics basketball games and at First Night Boston celebrations. 

 

Lewis Mall Library Committee

The Lewis Mall PACE Center is pleased to be forming a Library Committee. The committee is organizing a kickoff celebration to dedicate the library to Rosa Kouyoumjdian, whose family has generously funded our new library in Rosa’s memory. Our new library will substantially increase our collection of reading materials. If you have books to donate, please let us know. Eileen Zaino is the contact for book donations; she may be reached at zainoe@ebnhc.org. We have collected 50 paperback and hard cover books so far. Magazine subscriptions will also be ordered.

Local Artist Opens Doors to Self-Expression

Jason Fitz-Gerald, an East Boston painter and multimedia artist, began offering art classes at the Elder Service Plan Lewis Mall PACE Center earlier this summer, which culminated in an art show on July 24, 2009. Everyone has enjoyed working with Jason (pictured at right) and we’re so pleased to have him! Read all about Jason's important program here.

A Matter of Balance

Twelve of our Elder Service Plan Lewis Mall participants graduated from our Matter of Balance class, a 6-week program that promotes a healthy attitude toward exercise and activity while reducing falls among older adults. Class instructors are Pat Bellone, Activities Assistant, and Janice Capozzi, Rehab Aide.