Winthrop

 

News from Winthrop

 

Arthritis Foundation graduation

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is a group recreational exercise program designed specifically for people with arthritis and related diseases. The program uses gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion, maintain muscle strength, and increase overall stamina. Class members receive diplomas at the end of the 5-month program to acknowledge their participation. The most recent class at the Winthrop PACE Center, pictured below, graduated in September 2009. In addition, Elder Service Plan staff members Patricia Diaz and Diana Bacigalupo recently became certified instructors for the class. Nice work, everyone!

Did someone say "cheese"?

Yes, but it just so happens that our crew is always smiling here at the Winthrop PACE Center. Each member of the Winthrop team has their own special reason for choosing to work at the East Boston Elder Service Plan. Pictured below in the back row, on the left, is Judy Puopolo, an EBNHC employee for 30 plus years. When asked why she remains here, Judy's answer is simple: “I love the work and we at the reception desk are often the first contact that our participants have. It is important to me that the elders we care for always have a smiling, friendly person to help them out. I just feel good about that. And believe me, 30 years is a long time to still be feeling good about a job!”

Judy shares that feel-good attitude with fellow co-workers, pictured here. Front row left to right: Carolyn Flaherty, Carolina Cordano, and Claudia Velasquez. Back row, left to right: Judy Puopolo, Sharon Marinello, Lisa MacPhail, and Charlene Broock.

 

Martha and Lopez

Elder Service Plan participant Severiano Lopez, who prefers to be called Lopez, recently enjoyed a visit with Martha Frost, LICSW, and her dog, Ellie Mae. Lopez visits the Winthrop Adult Day Health Center several days a week with his wife, Dianelee Holden. Lopez is known for enjoying long walks around Chelsea. He is originally from Puerto Rico, but after 53 years in the US considers Chelsea his home. He and Diane have three children, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

Martha Frost's dog, Ellie Mae, was originally from Hickory, NC. She narrowly escaped death before being rescued. She has been with Martha for four years and will be six in September. Ellie Mae had eight puppies that were all adopted before she was driven north to her new home. She joins Martha at the Winthrop center on Fridays, and loves visiting with participants and having them feed her string cheese.

Celebrating Milestones

In early summer 2009, the Winthrop PACE Center celebrated the first anniversaries of our Diabetic Support Group and our Beat Blues Support Group for those experiencing depression. We're also proud to announce the recent certification of Jeanne Whynot, our dietician, as a Certified Diabetic Educator.

That Sounds Great!

Jamie Taylor, son of Dr. James Taylor, Chief Medical Officer of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, visited the Winthrop PACE Center on June 3, 2009, to provide a bit of fun and musical entertainment. At right, Jamie plays guitar while Elder Service Plan participant Dolores Christoforo sings. What a duo!