Warming Hearts and Spirits: A Vibrant Time at JGS Lifecare
The last three months at Leavitt Family Jewish Home and Ruth’s House have been a hub of warmth, laughter, and enriching experiences. Our dedicated Live Enrichment teams arranged a diverse array of activities, ensuring our residents stay active, stimulated, and connected.
Our centennial celebration of Irene Peros’s 100th birthday on January 20th was indeed a special event. The community gathered to honor Irene, marking this incredible achievement with joy and well wishes. The celebrations continued into April with another remarkable 100th birthday, this time for Mary Negrucci, who was born on April 4th.
Over twenty members of Mary’s family joined in the festivities, making it a truly uplifting occasion. Both Irene and Mary received special citations recognizing their remarkable milestones from the offices of Senator Jake Oliveira and Representative Brian Ashe, adding a touch of official recognition to these joyous events.
February brought a delightful intergenerational experience with our annual Senior Prom. Students from Longmeadow High School graced us with their youthful energy, joining our residents for an early evening of singing, dancing, and joyful celebration, all set to the timeless tunes of Irving Lewis. The highlight of the afternoon was the crowning of David and Sharon Aminia as King and Queen of the Senior Prom. Their beaming smiles radiated the love and pride they felt, creating a magical atmosphere.
At Ruths House, we are harnessing the benefits of technology for our residents. Our Sensory Room now features a cinematic projector showcasing calming visuals and stimulating movies. The staff are enjoying it too! And in our Garden Level, residents have access to Virtual Reality Fun, showcasing a virtual walk through and experience of an aquarium.
As March arrived, so did the joyous and festive holiday of Purim. Our staff members brought the biblical story of Queen Esther to life with a spirited reading of the Megillah, each donning colorful costumes to recount the tale of the Jewish people’s salvation in ancient Persia. Residents enthusiastically followed the dramatic narrative, celebrating Queen Esther’s bravery in thwarting Haman’s wicked plot. The celebration wouldn’t have been complete without the traditional and delicious hamantaschen cookies, their three corners playfully symbolizing Haman’s hat. Beyond the merriment, Purim’s emphasis on community, generosity, and helping those in need resonated deeply. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the talented Laura Wetzler graced us with a beautiful musical performance, filling the room with delightful melodies.
April ushered in the spring season, and with it, much joy! Volunteers and staff at Ruth’s House enjoyed planting bulbs and flowers with our memory care residents. At the Leavitt Home, residents enjoyed a heartwarming visit from some adorable puppies. These furry bundles of joy were passed around, eliciting smiles, hugs, and gentle kisses from everyone. The pure affection of these little creatures brought so much joy and warmth, proving that sometimes, the best medicine comes with four paws and a wagging tail!
Over at Ruth’s House, residents welcomed spring with a visit to the 12th annual Festival of Flowers at the Springfield Museums. Talented florists and garden club members creatively interpreted objects in the art, science, and history museums. Our residents enjoyed seeing the beautiful displays and were delighted with the colors and fragrances!
The month of April also encompassed the significant holidays of Passover and Easter, bringing opportunities for reflection and spiritual connection. Cantor Elise Barber led meaningful Seder services at both the Leavitt Family Jewish Home and Ruth’s House, guiding residents through the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Cantor Barber eloquently shared, “Not only do we read about escape from freedom thousands of years ago, we are taught to see ourselves in the story. By putting ourselves in the story, we become more compassionate and empathetic to others, and we can be inspired to help everyone on Earth to be free. That is what we do here at JGS Lifecare. We do what we can to see beyond a cursory view of someone. We take deeper looks, trying to see each other for who we truly are, listening to stories, getting to know people’s needs, and learning each other’s passions. We do this for our residents, for our colleagues, and hopefully, for ourselves.”
Following Passover, our residents came together for Easter Services, led by Reverend Doug Bixby from The First Church of Christ in Longmeadow. The service, held in a full house, offered a time for reflection, joy, and renewed faith, acknowledging Jesus’ victory over death and the promise of eternal life for believers.
Our vibrant tapestry of activities truly exemplifies our commitment to enriching the lives of our residents. From celebrating personal milestones, engaging in cultural traditions, enjoying intergenerational connections, and experiencing the simple joy of animal companionship, these activities strengthen the community within our home. We look forward to providing more meaningful experiences for our residents in the months to come!
