Message from Rob Whitten, President of JGS Lifecare

October 14, 2025

Dear Residents and Families,

I would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year. Now that the fall season is upon us, I hope you enjoy the festive and colorful sukkah during the eight days of Sukkot.

The JGS Annual Meeting, which took place on Thursday, October 9, was a great success. Attendees heard updates and presentations from our Board Chair Stuart Anfang as well as Adam Berman, President & CEO of Legacy Lifecare.

We are so pleased to share that this year’s Chair’s Service Award was presented to Rabbi Devorah Jacobson. After 24 years of service as the Director of Spiritual Life at JGS Lifecare, Rabbi Jacobson retired in December 2024. She led Jewish and interfaith programming and chaplaincy services for our residents, families and staff throughout our campus of care. Always with a smile on her face, Rabbi became a friend and confidant to all. It was an absolute pleasure to work with her.

In closing, I would like to congratulate Ruth’s House Assisted Living on reaching a 100% occupancy in September. The team at Ruth’s House has worked incredibly hard over this past year. I’m so proud that they accomplished their goal of a full community.

Warm regards,

Rob

Rabbi Devorah Jacobson receives the 2025 Chair’s Service Award at JGS Lifecare’s Annual Community Meeting

October 23, 2025

David and Ruth Katz Honored for their Longstanding Leadership & Support

JGS Lifecare celebrated its 2025 Annual Community Meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The event brought together close to 100 supporters to acknowledge recent accomplishments, discuss future plans, and honor the contributions of longtime Director of Spiritual Life, Rabbi Devorah Jacobson.

Rabbi Jacobson retired in December 2024 after serving the JGS Lifecare community for 26 years. “Rabbi Devorah led Jewish and interfaith programming and chaplaincy services with compassion, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the well-being of residents, staff, families and volunteers,” remarked Stuart Anfang, JGS Lifecare Chair. “Her inclusive approach, deep empathy, and unwavering presence touched countless lives, and earned her recognition as a “Healthcare Hero” by Healthcare News and Business West during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am delighted to honor her this evening with the Chair’s Service Award, as we celebrate her legacy and her profound contributions to the spiritual well-being of our community.”

Also recognized at the meeting were David and Ruth Katz, longtime leaders and supporters of JGS Lifecare, for their extraordinary generosity and support. “David served as president of JNH from 1980-81, helped sponsor the development of Genesis House, chaired the 1996 Regeneration Campaign which raised over $7.5 Million to renovate the nursing home and build Ruth’s House, and served as a voice of candid wisdom on our Board and committees for many years,” remarked Anfang. “He was the recipient of the Chair’s Service award in 2006. David and Ruth have been exceptionally generous and devoted supporters with their time, talent and treasure. JGS and our community seniors have so been blessed by your loving support and we look forward to your friendship for many years to come.”

Ruth’s House is named in honor of Ruth Katz and her sister-in-law, Ruth Webber, who together with their husbands, David and Ralph, were instrumental in creating the vision of Ruth’s House. In 1998 they provided foundational funding to make Ruth’s House a reality. Ruth’s House stands as a lasting legacy to the Katz and Webber families for their leadership support.

Other highlights of the meeting included remarks by Cantor Elise Barber, Director of Spiritual Life at JGS Lifecare; Robert Whitten, President of JGS Lifecare; and Adam Berman, CEO of JGS Lifecare and Legacy Lifecare.

In her acceptance speech, Rabbi Jacobson reflected, “Spirituality is alive and well at moments and places like these. And we do our best to look and listen in a particularly mindful way, so that the resident’s medical needs and care of their physical bodies does not cause us to overlook their spiritual needs, the joys and the sorrows of their soul. Every day, the mysteries of Life and Death surround us here and I believe that we serve our residents best when we stay open and deepen in our reverence for those mysteries.”

She continued with inspiration words from Albert Einstein, words she shared every year with the devoted JGS volunteers at the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon:

“We are here to do good,” he wrote. “It is the responsibility of every human being to aspire to do something worthwhile, to make this world a better place than the one we found. Life is a gift and if we agree to accept it we must contribute in return. When we fail to contribute, we fail to adequately answer why we are here.”

Rabbi Jacobson concluded with words of gratitude for having been given the opportunity to serve the JGS Lifecare community. “As we make our way in this new year, may the Source of all life bless us and all our dear ones. And despite the unprecedented challenges of this time, may we continue to serve critical organizations like this one, and find ways to offer our world more deeds of kindness and more acts of justice.”

Thank you, Rabbi Devorah, for your dedication, loyalty, passion and guidance. You have had a profound influence on all of us! Thank you, David and Ruth, for your longstanding leadership and support!

Summer Activities Make Way for Fall Holidays and Celebrations

October 23, 2025

As summer makes its way to the beautiful fall, we look back on warm memories and fun activities that kept our residents entertained and engaged, Our Life Enrichment team made sure there was plenty of fun to go around, both indoors and out. And the fall weather has been beautiful!

Here’s are highlights from the last few months:

Corn Shucking and Baking Cookies

Our Annual August Corn Shucking festivity was another hit. Our residents at the Home spent a morning shucking the corn and enjoyed hot buttered corn at an afternoon corn on the cob social. Residents were smiling ear to ear!!

Homemade cookies were also in demand. Baking cookies from scratch brought back so many wonderful memories for everyone. The sweet aroma of freshly made cookies in the oven was simply irresistible.

Monthly Veteran’s Gatherings Continue

Each month our resident Veterans gather with Veterans from the community, for a morning of socialization and camaraderie. Our residents cherish these moments to deepen friendships and share new stories each month.

Annual Hawaiian Night Luau a Festive Celebration

Our Annual Hawaiian Luau was a high point of the summer. Residents donned festive attire, enjoyed Hawaiian-themed foods and decorations. For music, everyone sang along to the lively tunes of Irving Lewis. A great time was had by all! Many thanks to our Board members who joined us in the festivities!

Labor Day Brought a Sweet Surprise

On Labor Day our residents at The Home and Sosin Center for Rehabilitation enjoyed red, white and blue Strawberry/Blueberry Yogurt parfaits. What a sweet and patriotic way to celebrate the many achievements of American workers.

Rosh Hashanah Brings Families Together to Celebrate the New Year

Rosh Hashanah services were live streamed from Central Synagogue in New York City. Our Rosh Hashanah dinner was a beautiful celebration of the New Year. Services were led by Reverend David Aminia, at the Home and Ruth’s House. Reverend Aminia blew the shofar, a ram’s horn, to awaken people’s spiritual reflection. Family members joined with loved ones to reflect on the past and celebrate the coming year.

Music Feeds the Soul

Musical entertainment is a mainstay at JGS, lifting spirits and feeding the soul. We continued to enjoy the beautiful duets of Lisa Pernice and her husband Dave. Residents loved singing and clapping along. Other performers included Jimmy Mazz and Irving Lewis. We were thrilled to bring the high-spirited music of area performer Sarah the Fiddler to the Gloth Family Auditorium! Michael Leidwig offered a beautiful evening piano concert at Ruth’s House that was enjoyed by all! And Ruth’s House resident, Johnny Scalia, better known as “Johnny Rocket” continues to act as DJ and put on musical concerts for the residents at Ruth’s House! Johnny’s passion for music is not only a personal source of joy but also a gift he shares with fellow residents, creating a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere. We are looking forward to having him come to the nursing home and entertain our residents!

Ruth’s House Celebrated Assisted Living Week

Between September 8-12 Ruth’s House was alive celebrating with different activities each day of the week! Monday was “50’s Day” with music performed by Freddie Marion. Tuesday was “Ice Cream Truck Day”. Wednesday was “Popcorn and Candy Day”. Thursday was “Massage Therapy Day”. And Friday culminated with the “Resident Choice Awards”. Residents were engaged and expressed their gratitude for Ruth’s House and its community of caring.

Annual Meeting honors Rabbi Devorah Jacobson with Chair’s Service Award and Recognizes the Longstanding Support of David and Ruth Katz

Over 100 people gathered for our 2025 Annual Community Meeting on Thursday, October 9th, to acknowledge recent accomplishments, discuss future plans and honor the contributions of Rabbi Devorah Jacobson, our former Director of Spiritual Life. David and Ruth Katz were also honored for their extraordinary leadership, generosity and support. Please read about the meeting elsewhere in this newsletter.

Sukkot

We wish to thank the students from B’nai Torah who visited along with Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe, to help us decorate our beautiful sukkot at the Home and at Ruth’s House. At Ruth’s House, The Michele and Stuart Anfang Sukkot was abuzz with activity, as residents, families and staff enjoyed meals in the sukkot and activities, as well as moments of quiet contemplation.

Rays of Hope – Fundraising and Friendraising

JGS Lifecare is a longstanding supporter of The Rays of Hope Walk and Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer. Our own Cheryl Gumlaw, Director of Life Enrichment at the Home, chaired this year’s volunteer initiative. To help raise funds for the effort Cheryl and her Life Enrichment Team, together with members of our Staff Morale Team, baked goodies and held a bake sale enjoyed by residents and staff alike. Through the sale of cupcakes, cookies and treats of all shapes and flavors, together with t-shirt sales, a quilt raffle, and sponsorship commitments – over $3,500 was raised by the JGS community! Thank you, Cheryl and your team, for raising so much awareness and support! And congratulations to our raffle winner Katie Morneau! We hope you enjoy the beautiful quilt made by Gabrielle Thomes, social worker at the Home.

As fall unfolds, we eagerly anticipate the season of Thanksgiving. There is so much happening at JGS Lifecare that we are thankful for, and we look forward to creating new and enriching experiences for our residents!

Pedals, Wind & Smiles: A New Adventure with Western Mass Wheelers

October 22, 2025

At the Leavitt Family Jewish Home, Ruth’s House Assisted Living and the Wernick Adult Day Care, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting new activity: bike rides! Thanks to our partnership with Western Mass Wheelers, our seniors can now recapture the thrill and freedom of riding a bicycle. The response has been nothing short of ecstatic!!

Volunteers from Western Mass Wheelers come to our campus with specially adapted e-bikes (electric bicycles) designed for individuals who cannot pedal independently. They help our seniors climb aboard, helmet up, adjust for comfort (they bring blankets and hats!), and then together they head out for a ride. Bikes go through the neighborhood, past dog-walkers and waving neighbors. Many of our staff have joined in the fun as well.

One of our Ruth’s House residents, Helen Hart, summed it up beautifully, “Who would have imagined that I could ever ride a bicycle again? I felt like I was eight years old again. I loved every minute!”

Delila Jones, Life Enrichment Director at Ruth’s House, noted, “Our residents are transformed by these rides. They bring back so many wonderful memories of their childhood and the feeling of freedom as they ride down the road with the wind blowing in their hair. Our residents return from the ride rejuvenated and happy!”

Our nursing home residents are equally as enthused! Irene Dansereau, exclaimed, “It was truly exhilarating.” And Brian Davignon added, with great enthusiasm: “I felt like I was flying – just like the scene in the Titanic movie.”

“It’s amazing to witness the exhilaration that our memory care residents experience from these rides. The experience unlocks deeply rooted memories of their childhood, and the joys of riding a bicycle. Their smiles and laughter are contagious,” said Cheryl Gumlaw, Director of Life Enrichment at the Leavitt Home.

It’s precisely these kinds of experiences that plays a role in our new partnership. The goal is to unlock the ‘thrill of movement” and create a sense of freedom. Plus, reconnecting with community is a powerful lure.

A little about Western Mass Wheelers: this nonprofit organization is dedicated to “providing free, safe, and enjoyable bike rides across Western Massachusetts on specially adapted tricycles for individuals unable to pedal on their own.” Their mission gives people of all ages that “wind in their hair” moment, regardless of physical limitations. We are honored to bring that mission to our campus.

The Wheelers visit our campus on a weekly basis, as weather permits, and the fall rides have been beautiful! There will be a winter pause, and we look forward to picking up again in the spring when the weather warms up and the roads are clear. If you are interested in supporting this program, please contact Susan Halpern at shalpern@jgslifecare.org or 413-567-3949, ext. 3533.

We Want to Hear from You!

September 15, 2025

Our annual Resident Satisfaction Survey is now underway, and we are hoping each of our residents and families will participate again this year. Your feedback is so important to us.

Please note there are only six days left to complete the survey! The survey, which is completely confidential, began on October 20 and will end on November 3.

“Our residents and families are our best resources to assess the level of care we provide on a daily basis,” explained Melissa Kershaw, MPT, Director of Organizational Development for JGS Lifecare. “These survey results help us provide the highest caliber of care and services by letting us know how we are doing as well as address areas for improvement.”

This year we have once again partnered with Activated Insights, a nationally recognized research firm. Residents and families should have received an email or text invitation from Activated Insights with a special link to the survey which can be accessed via a smart phone, computer, or tablet and is compatible with all devices and web browsers. It takes approximately ten minutes to complete the survey. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to your Executive Director.

Kershaw stressed the importance of the survey. “This survey provides us with a wealth of valuable information. Your participation really does make a difference!

Andrea Bates, Director of Community Relations, Celebrates 15 Years at JGS Lifecare!

September 9, 2025

Andrea Bates recently celebrated a huge career milestone: 15 years at JGS Lifecare! As Director of Community Relations at Ruth’s House, Andrea works closely with residents and their families as they make the transition to assisted living. According to Andrea, fate played a role in how she ended up in the assisted living arena. “Actually, assisted living found me!” said Andrea. “I began my journey with an internship in nursing home administration during college, and soon after graduation, I accepted my first full-time role in an assisted living community. From that moment on, I knew I was where I was meant to be. What started as a steppingstone quickly became a lifelong passion!”

Growing up in Feeding Hills, MA, Andrea enjoyed the family-friendly community, so much so that she still lives there today with her husband Josh, son Trenton (14), stepson Jackson (14) and daughter Aislynn (7). Her home is also filled with love from the family’s two Bernedoodles, Tuukka and Bailee, as well as their cat Allie. “My children are the heart of my purpose, joy, and motivation,” said Andrea. “Being their mom fills me with a deep sense of meaning that influences every part of my life—from the choices I make in my career to the ways I grow personally. Their love is my greatest source of strength and resilience.”

A graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Andrea holds a BA in Health Care Management from Elms College. She searched for a job in healthcare and when she started working in activities for memory care residents at JGS Lifecare, she knew she had found her calling! After a stint in memory care, Andrea became the Assisted Living Life Enrichment Director and was named Director of Community Relations in 2022, a position she thoroughly enjoys.

“I love building relationships with residents and families, forming bonds and listening to their life stories,” explained Bates. “I strive to make a difference by improving their quality of life, even in small, everyday ways while also sharing joy, laughter and even tears. For me, I value the wisdom they share, learning from their experiences and unique perspectives. Most importantly, I aim to provide comfort and companionship by being a steady and caring presence in their lives.”

Supporting the families and residents through life’s transitions is extremely gratifying to Andrea. “Moving into assisted living is a significant life change—often emotional and overwhelming for both the resident and their loved ones,” explained Andrea. “I find deep fulfillment in guiding families through this journey, offering reassurance that they’re making the right choice and that their loved one is now in a safe, caring and fun environment!”

Andrea mentioned that laughter plays an important role in her daily interactions. “One of my most memorable—and definitely funniest—moments were during my time as the Life Enrichment Director. We were always up to something fun, whether it was turning the dining room into Fenway Park or convincing residents to ride on the rubber duck float that went down the water slide. Laughter was an integral part of the job description!

Andrea’s family is a wonderful support system for her. “From the very beginning, my dad has been my biggest champion—always by my side, guiding me, believing in me, and wanting nothing but the best for me,” said Bates. Her mom is also involved in healthcare and, in fact, has worked at Ruth’s House for five years and loves it. Andrea looks forward to seeing her every day on campus. Last, but certainly not least, Andrea’s husband, Josh, is always on her side. “His unwavering belief in me and constant encouragement goes far beyond what I could ever ask for. He always wants the best—not just for us as a couple, but for me as an individual

Colleagues have both guided and inspired Andrea throughout her time at JGS Lifecare. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with a few truly exceptional bosses at Ruth’s House who not only trained me with care and dedication but also believed in my potential and pushed me to grow. Their encouragement and mentorship have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today, both personally and professionally.

Andrea’s professional accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Last year Andrea won the prestigious MASS-ALA Sales and Marketing Award. It was a wonderful yet unexpected surprise. “I am still in awe! This recognition truly means the world to me. I am grateful for the amazing team, residents, and families who make my work so meaningful.”

In her spare time, Andrea enjoys early morning spin and weight classes, traveling, beach days, shopping, concerts (such as the amazing Taylor Swift one) and hanging out with friends and family. She is also passionate about sports, noting that she has “a strong competitive streak.” That’s not really surprising given that she’s a “natural” in sales at JGS. Andrea Bates is definitely competitive— in all the right ways.

Congratulations Andrea on 15 years at JGS Lifecare. You are a tremendous asset to our organization!