Winthrop

 

News from Winthrop

Goodbye Philip!

Recently, participants and staff of the Elder Service Plan PACE Centers said a sad farewell to discipline leader of social work, Philip Fleisher. Philip is moving on, but a celebration to honor him and his contributions was enjoyed by many participants and colleagues. Poems, gifts, and cake were shared and savored. Best wishes to Philip, with his band and in all of his future endeavors.

 

By the Sea

On a recent warm September day, participants at the Winthrop PACE Center enjoyed an ocean-side cookout. Participants and staff shared barbecued food and savored the perfect weather. To view an online album of photos from this event, click here.

 

 

Winthrop Art Show Picture-Perfect

The Art Viewing Party held recently at the Winthrop PACE Center was a terrific success. Cosponsored by the PACE Center and the Art Connection, the show featured many lovely pieces of art and attracted an appreciative audience. Click here for a full album of photos from the event. Click here to read more about the art-based relationship between the Winthrop PACE Center and The Art Connection.

Happy Birthday, ESP!

Participants at the Winthrop PACE Center celebrated the Elder Service Plan’s 21st birthday in early June. Delicious cake and refreshing ice cream were enjoyed by all as participants talked about their own milestone birthdays.

Spring sing-along

On a recent spring day, Bill Burke entertained Winthrop PACE Center participants and Winthrop Place residents with a variety of musical numbers. He performed songs by Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, impersonating the artists and making several costume changes. Bill also dressed himself head-to-toe in green and led a St. Patrick’s Day sing-along. A favorite of Winthrop participants, Bill encourages everyone to get up to dance and sing. Participants and staff got a bit of a workout while strolling down memory lane with some favorite tunes.

Sharing information about diabetes

Recently, the Elder Service Plan marketing team, along with members of the EBNHC Chronic Disease Education and Management (CDEM) program, helped spread awareness about diabetes. Many people stopped by the display area to complete a short quiz to assess diabetes risk—and to help themselves to a free apple! We were pleased to distribute so many of our diabetes education handouts, available in both English and Spanish.

Clickety-clack: knitting for a wonderful cause

Knitters at the Winthrop PACE Center are busier than ever this spring producing caps, blankets, mittens, and scarves in small sizes. The knitting group was recently inspired by author Debbie Macomber’s request to her readers to celebrate the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday by participating in KNIT1, BLESS2, Macomber’s Mother's Day initiative. The Mother’s Day project benefits three national charities, Project Linus, Newborns in Need, and Binky Patrol, all of which provide handmade garments and blankets to infants and children in need.

Knitted items continue to be sent to Boston Medical Center’s pediatric unit as well. Winthrop PACE Center knitters are thrilled to expand the reach of their generosity, and really enjoy the feeling of doing for others in need.

Spring is in the air

Although a glance outside confirms that spring has not arrived yet in Massachusetts, at the Winthrop PACE Center it certainly seems like it has! Participant Elmira LeBlanc is pictured here with a unique rendition of “spring.” Elmira hand-decorated her own walker with a beautiful array of silk flowers to celebrate the imminent arrival of the season. This happy photo reminds us that it will not be long until the crocuses, daffodils, and tulips pop up for all to enjoy.

Dance the Day Away

The Winthrop PACE Center celebrated the fall with a ballroom dancing demonstration by Nancy and John Sumares on November 18, 2010. The Sumareses are well-practiced ballroom dancers who give lessons in various locations and who entertain at adult day health centers and nursing homes. The participants at the Winthrop Center enjoyed the demonstration and accepted invitations to get up and do some dancing with Nancy and John! It was amazing to watch as participants remembered steps and enjoyed the fun.

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. 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.