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Assisted Living Residences are arranged in a way that lines up perfectly with the sun’s trajectory during the solstice. People travel from all over to observe the sun on this short, cold day. In China, Taiwan and other East Asian countries, families gather to honor their ancestors and feast on Tangyuan (glutinous, multi-colored rice balls) and jiuniang (rice wine). is is one of the most important celebrations of the year, known as the Dhongzhi Festival. Around the 3rd century, the Roman Emperor Constantine established the official date of Christmas to coincide with the winter solstice. According to the Roman calendar, December 25th was thought to be the shortest day and longest night. e newly converted Constantine thought it would be a fitting date for the new Christian holiday. Whether you view this pivotal day as a strictly astronomical curiosity, an occasion for spiritual renewal, or a little of both, we wish you a happy winter solstice and a healthy winter! On Friday, December 21st, all who dwell in the Northern Hemisphere will experience the shortest day and longest night of the year–– the winter solstice. Also known as “midwinter” and “Yule,” this day has long been an occasion for worldwide celebration. For generations, people have interpreted the solstice as a symbol of hope and rebirth, and scheduled holidays and celebrations to coincide with the day. Although officially the first day of winter, the solstice also begins the gradual lengthening of days in the buildup to spring. What makes this day so short? During the solstice, the North Pole is tilted at its furthest distance from the sun, at 23.5 degrees. Around midday, the sun appears at its lowest point on the horizon all year. People near the North Pole will have no sunlight at all, while people close to the South Pole will enjoy 24 hours of sunlight. Different cultures have their unique ways of acknowledging the solstice. In the west, one of the most famous celebrations occurs at Stonehenge. e mysterious pillars of Stonehenge, constructed around 2000 BC, Celebrating the Winter Solstice December 2018 Resident and Family Holiday Party ursday, December 6 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Celebrate the holiday season with family, friends and staff.

December 2018 Celebrating the Winter Solstice · holidays and celebrations to coincide with the day. Although officially the first day of winter, the solstice also begins the gradual

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Page 1: December 2018 Celebrating the Winter Solstice · holidays and celebrations to coincide with the day. Although officially the first day of winter, the solstice also begins the gradual

Assisted Living Residences

are arranged in a way that lines up perfectly with the sun’s trajectory during the solstice. People travel from all over to observe the sun on this short, cold day.

In China, Taiwan and other East Asian countries, families gather to honor their ancestors and feast on Tangyuan (glutinous, multi-colored rice balls) and jiuniang (rice wine). This is one of the most important celebrations of the year, known as the Dhongzhi Festival.

Around the 3rd century, the Roman Emperor Constantine established the official date of Christmas to coincide with the winter solstice. According to the Roman calendar, December 25th was thought to be the shortest day and longest night. The newly converted Constantine thought it would be a fitting date for the new Christian holiday.

Whether you view this pivotal day as a strictly astronomical curiosity, an occasion for spiritual renewal, or a little of both, we wish you a happy winter solstice and a healthy winter!

On Friday, December 21st, all who dwell in the Northern Hemisphere will experience the shortest day and longest night of the year–– the winter solstice. Also known as “midwinter” and “Yule,” this day has long been an occasion for worldwide celebration. For generations, people have interpreted the solstice as a symbol of hope and rebirth, and scheduled holidays and celebrations to coincide with the day. Although officially the first day of winter, the solstice also begins the gradual lengthening of days in the buildup to spring.

What makes this day so short? During the solstice, the North Pole is tilted at its furthest distance from the sun, at 23.5 degrees. Around midday, the sun appears at its lowest point on the horizon all year. People near the North Pole will have no sunlight at all, while people close to the South Pole will enjoy 24 hours of sunlight.

Different cultures have their unique ways of acknowledging the solstice. In the west, one of the most famous celebrations occurs at Stonehenge. The mysterious pillars of Stonehenge, constructed around 2000 BC,

Celebrating the Winter Solstice December 2018

Resident and Family Holiday PartyThursday, December 6 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PMCelebrate the holiday season with family, friends and staff.

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The StockyardWednesday, December 5Depart: 11:00 AMReturn: 2:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchJoin us for a jaunt to Brighton’s famous Stockyard and let your stomach do your ordering for you! The lunch menu includes crowd-pleasing appetizers, light salads, the famous sirloin Stockyard burger, a selection of seafood entrees and much more.

Jimmy’s Steer HouseWednesday, December 19Depart: 11:30 AMReturn: 3:00 PM Cost: $ for lunchA neighborhood favorite, Jimmy’s Steer House serves up prime rib and high quality steaks, as well as delicious potatoes, burgers, swordfish and more.

Like Us On FacebookVisit our Facebook page any time for updates, photos, videos and more. When you “like” us on Facebook, we will send you updates and links to our most recent news. Just search for Youville Assisted Living on Facebook and click “like.” See you on the web!

Holiday MealsPlease remember to make meal reservations for your holiday guests. Dining Room reservation forms are available at the Reception desk.

If you are planning to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal with guests at Youville Place, please complete the form in your mailbox and we will reserve a table for you. We always welcome guests in the Dining Room, and encourage families and friends to stay for lunch or dinner when they visit. Please provide advance notice so we can accommodate all of our residents and guests.

Merry Christmas!Celebrate with Pianist Neil GreenMonday, December 25 at 2:00 PMEnjoy a wonderful concert following the Christmas meal.

Community OutingsMusic & PerformanceClassical Pianist MinKyung OhSunday, December 2 at 2:00 PMMinKyung Oh has won numerous awards and competi-tions in Korea, Europe and the United States. At the age of 15 she performed as a soloist with the Seoul Sympho-ny Orchestra and had performances broadcast on televi-sion and radio in Korea. She earned her BM and MM with Distinction in Performance from New England Conservatory and a Doctor of Musical Arts from Boston University. Her recordings have been praised by Steve Reich as “a beautiful addition to piano literature.” Ms. Oh currently teaches at the Rivers School Conservatory.

Holiday Special with Nancy Day & John GeorgesTuesday, December 18 at 2:00 PMAn accomplished pianist, singer and composer, Nancy Day consistently thrills audiences with her dynamic performances and infectious optimism. Her vocals have been described as “soaring with emotional brilliance” and her piano playing as “strong, clear and decisive.” This month, Day teams up with drummer John Georges for a special holiday performance! Georges’ style has been ranked with the likes of Stan Kenton and Buddy Rich. Together, the two will perform a selection of popular Christmas songs, carols and more, along with their usual cross-genre mixing of jazz, ragtime, musical theater, country and enchanting love songs.

Happy Birthday!Loyola C. December 1Louise D. December 4Dolores D. December 8Joan M. December 8Carol F. December 11Peter B. December 18 Residents born in December are invited to lunch in the Private Dining Room to celebrate on Friday, December 21 at 12:00 PM.

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Principles of World Religions with Professor Jason GiannettiFriday, December 14 at 2:00 PMProfessor Giannetti will examine the underlying similarities between apparently disparate religions. The lecture/discussion will explore Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Professor Giannetti received his B.A. degree from Binghamton University, a Master’s of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, and a Master’s of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University.

Silent Movie with Richard HughesSaturday, December 15 at 1:30 PMMaster pianist and movie expert Richard Hughes takes you back to the magical era of silent movies. It was a time when films flickered in black and white on the big screen and the action unfolded in pantomime, accompanied by dramatic “mood music” performed live on an upright piano. These vintage films were full of personality, charm and hilarity. In this signature presentation, Mr. Hughes provides live musical accompaniment to a handpicked silent film.

Jazz Talks with Peter GerlerThe Roots of American SwingMonday, December 17 at 2:00 PMMost people think of “Swing” as the musical era or movement associated with Big Bands. In this presentation, we will find that swing rhythm can be found in all styles, from the physical actions of plantation work songs and religious celebration to the blues. As Duke Ellington quipped, “it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.”

Acrylic Painting with Eddie BrucknerFriday, December 21 at 2:30 PMThis 1.5 hour class will guide participants through a traditional landscape painting. Working with acrylic paints, instructor Eddie Bruckner will demonstrate different techniques during hands-on painting such as the preparation of materials, color mixing and specific brush techniques.

A Blundering Generation: 1846-1861Lincoln! Lincoln! Lincoln!with Professor Gary HylanderSaturday, December 1 at 2:00 PMDuring the election of 1860, the Democratic Party split into warring factions. Lincoln maintained that, if elected president, he had no intention of abolishing the “peculiar institution.” Rather, the Republican Party contended that as long as slavery was not allowed to expand beyond the boundaries of the fifteen slave states, slavery would eventually “wither on the vine.” However, shortly after his election, seven slave states led by South Carolina seceded from the Union and created the Confederate States of America.

Broadway Seated Dance with Phyllis RittnerWednesday, December 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 9:30 AMBroadway Seated Dance is a music and dance program for older adults who love the upbeat tunes from movie musicals, Broadway and the popular performers dazzling audiences between the 1930s and 1960s. This program includes a gentle warm up, easy-to-follow body movements and a relaxing cool down. The exercises are designed to improve cardiovascular function, range of motion, muscle tone, posture, circulation and flexibility. Be sure to join us on Wednesday mornings!

ArtMatters Presents . . . Mother & ChildTuesday, December 11 at 2:00 PMArtists have long been fascinated by the bond between mother and child. Their works throughout the ages have depicted this timeless relationship with stunning variety, nuance and innovation. Join us for a look at some of his-tory’s most celebrated works featuring the bond between mothers and their children.

Seasonal Songbook with Jack CraigThursday, December 13 at 1:30 PMSing along to the traditional carols and lighthearted favorites that are central to our celebration of the winter holiday season. Jack Craig will lead the sing-along and share the fascinating stories behind the songs we’ve sung for generations. We will sing carols, secular songs and standards of the season.

Monthly Highlights...

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9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Advent w/ Mark11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 1:00 Blood Pressure Clinic 2:00 ArtMatters presents... Mother & Child 3:15 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: Parental Guidance

9:30 Stretch & Flex 10:30 Advent w/ Mark10:30 Chaplet of Divine Mercy11:00 Confessions 2:00 An Afternoon of Music w/ Nancy Day & John Georges 3:15 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: The King’s Speech

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:30 Centering Prayer 2:00 Christmas Reflections w/ Kathleen 7:00 Documentary Movie: Ancient Mysteries: Mystical Monuments of Ancient Greece

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:30 Centering Prayer 11:30 Lunch Trip: Jimmy’s Steer House 2:00 World Chocolate Trends w/ Cocoa Beantown 7:00 Documentary Movie: Pope Francis: A Man of His Word

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Nurse’s Chat 1:30 Songs of the Season w/ Jack Craig 4:00 Celebrate Hannukah @ Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Cinderella

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Lexington Stop & Shop10:15 Picture Poetry 2:00 Fit for Fall Movement w/ Liz 3:15 Black Jack 7:00 Movie: Spider-Man

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Bedford S & S12:00 Birthday Luncheon 2:00 Principles of World Religions w/ Jason Giannetti 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Bedford S & S10:30 Current Events w/ Pam 1:30 Caring Canines 2:30 Acrylic Painting Class w/ Eddie Bruckner 7:00 Movie: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Cooking with Christie 12:00 Computer 101 with Riya 1:30 Silent Movie w/ Richard Hughes 3:00 Winter Warmers w/ Girl Scout Carolers 7:00 Movie: The Nativity Story

9:30 Balance Challenge10:15 Connecting with Nature: Dipped Pinecone Ornaments 2:00 Jazz Talks: Roots of American Swing w/ Peter Gerler 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: Slumdog Millionaire

10:00 Stretch & Flex10:45 Black Jack 2:00 Classical Pianist MinKyung Oh 3:15 Sip & Sit Social 7:00 Classic Movie: The Red Shoes 10:00 Stretch & Flex10:45 Black Jack 2:00 Student Recital 3:15 Sunday Sundaes 7:00 Classic Movie: The African Queen

10:00 Stretch & Flex 10:45 Black Jack 2:00 Student Cello Recital 3:15 Sip & Sit Social 7:00 Classic Movie: Three Coins in the Fountain

Country StoreHours

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

9:30 Balance Challenge 9:30 Shopping Trip: Christmas Tree Shop 2:00 Drumming Circle w/ SoulWorks Rhythm 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: Hidden Figures

December 2018

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9:30 Stretch & Flex10:15 Advent w/ Mark11:00 Chaplet of Divine Mercy 2:00 Christmas Tree Decorating 3:00 Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward 7:00 Movie: The Inn of the Sixth Happiness

9:30 Stretch & Flex 1:00 Trans. to Lexington Ctr. 2:00 Forever Fit! 4:00 North Pole Happy Hour 7:00 Movie: White Christmas

9:30 Stretch & Flex11:15 Trip: Reagle Players 1:30 Celebrate Hanuakkah w/ Alan Pearlmutter, piano & Linda Poland clarinet 7:00 Movie: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance10:30 Centering Prayer 11:00 Lunch Trip: The Stockyard 2:00 A Christmas Bouquet w/ Character Actor Stephen Collins 7:00 Documentary Movie: Landmarks of Western Art:

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9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 Programs Planning Mtg. 1:00 Trans. to Lexington Ctr. 2:00 Music & Musical Film: Les Miserables 5:00-7:00 Resident & Family Holiday Party

9:30 Stretch & Flex11:00 Fatima Rosary Group 2:00 A Blundering Generation: Lincoln! Lincoln! Lincoln! w/ Gary Hylander 3:00 Winter Warmers 7:00 Movie: Miracle on 34th Street

PS Salon HoursThursday & Friday 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

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9:30 Balance Challenge 2:00 Christnas Trivia & Stories 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: A Christmas Carol

10:00 Stretch & Flex10:45 Black Jack 2:00 Painting with Breanna 3:15 Sunday Sundaes 7:00 Classic Movie: TBA

Manicures w/ JoanneMonday, December 10 & 17

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Transportation HoursMonday through Friday

8:00 AM- 2:00 PM

Merry Christmas 2:30 Celebrate Christmas w/ Pianist Neil Green 7:00 Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life

9:30 Balance Challenge10:30 Low Vision Support Group 2:00 The Lives & Times of Biblical Women Series w/ Rabbi Natan Margalit 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Movie: The Hundred Foot Journey

9:30 Broadway Seated Dance 10:30 Centering Prayer 2:00 December Jeopardy Trivia 3:15 Winter Warmers 7:00 Documentary Movie: Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas

9:30 Balance Challenge 2:00 Let’s Talk Food 1:30 Bonus Bingo 3:15 Flower Arranging 7:00 Movie: Victoria & Abdul

9:30 Stretch & Flex 10:30 Coco & Conversation 2:00 Forever Fit! 4:00 Best of 2018 Spectacular Happy Hour 7:00 Music & Musical Film: Shall We Dance

9:30 Stretch & Flex10:30 A Morning at the Spa 1:30 Bonus Bingo 1:30 Matinee Movie: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker 3:00 Winter Warmers 7:00 Movie: Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

On Site Dental TBA

On Site Hearing ScreeningsFriday, December 149:00 AM - 3:00 PM

1:30 Matinee Movie: When Harry Met Sally 7:00 Movie: When Harry Met Sally

9:30 Balance Challenge 2:00 Wordathon 3:30 Bingo 7:00 Comedian Mel Smons

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The Tree that Keeps GivingOn Tuesday, November 20, a 46-foot tall white spruce arrived at Boston Common on the back of a truck from Nova Scotia. A town-crier from Nova Scotia was there to present the tree as workers hoisted it off the truck and trimmed the base of the trunk for fitting into a hole dug into the ground.

The tree was not the only cargo delivered by the Canadian emissaries. A bundle of letters arrived from elementary students in Halifax. The addressees of these letters were on site to receive them – fourth grade pen pals from an elementary school in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

As Chris Cook, Boston’s parks commissioner remarked to the Boston Globe, “You have these two cities, two different locations, two different ountries, and you have the spirit of unity and connection bewteen them. I just think it’s symnbolic of the best we can be.”

The BackstoryOn December 6, 2017, a massive explosion ripped through Halifax after a ship carrying explosives collided with another vessel in the harbor. Known as The Halifax Explosion, it destroyed virtually every building within a half-mile radius and shattering windows five miles away. Some 1,800 people died, and hundreds more were injured.

As news spread of the disaster, Boston sent a trainload of rescue workers, doctors, volunteers and relief supplies up north. By the time the train reached Halifax, the crew from Boston was able to provide much needed relief that would prove critical to Halifax’s recovery.

As an expression of gratitude, Nova Scotia has donated and delivered a prize tree to Boston every year since 1971. Standards for selecting the tree are high: it must be between 40 and 50 feet tall, symmetrical, “attractive,” and either a white spruce, balsam fir or a red spruce. Nova Scotians consider it a great honor to have their tree selected and even compete for this privilege.

The Celebration of Hanukkah in AmericaHanukkah has become one of the most anticipated holidays for Jewish American families - especially those with children. From a purely religious point of view, this winter celebration pales in comparison with the High Holy Days and Passover. Nonetheless, the celebration of Hanukkah has great cultural significance, largely because of what it tells us about the the complicated experience of being a Jewish American in the 20th century. When the first wave of Eastern Jewish immigrants came to America in the early 20th century, they encountered Christmas, a relatively new phenomenon that had risen to popularity during the Victorian era. Many Jewishimmigrants were probably encountering the seasonaltrappings of wreaths, ornaments and gifts for the first time. While these festivities seemed harmless enough, the celebration as a whole was distinctly Christian.How could Jews assimilate to this American “holiday season” while remaining true to themselves? A renewed cultural emphasis on Hanukkah, a holiday that usually occurs close to Christmas, proved to be the answer. Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabean rebellion of the second century B.C., an important military victory in which the Jews persevered against their Greek oppressors and recovered their basic religious and culturual freedoms. This ancient story resonated with the Jewish Americans of the 20th century, for whom religious intolerance was often a menacing reality.Hanukkah became a modern symbol of cultural perseverance. The celebration of Hanukkah affirmed Jewish identity in America while at the same time establishing a place for the Jewish community in the holiday season. The exchanging of gifts, not originally a part of Hanukkah, became a common feature of the holiday. Hanukkah starts this year on Sunday, December 2 at sundown. On Saturday, December 8, Alan Pearlmutter and Linda Poland will perform traditional Jewish music on piano and clarinet to celebrate the holidays. On Thursday, December 13, we will celebrate Hanukkah during a special afternoon Happy Hour.

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Grow as a Person Opportunities

The Lives and Times of Biblical Womenwith Rabbi Natan MargalitMonday, December 3 at 2:00 PMWhat kind of woman was Sara, the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac? Or Rebecca, Isaac’s wife? Or Miriam, the sister of Moses who is called a prophetess? Or Ruth? In this series, Rabbi Margalit will lead discussion about biblical and non-biblical oral traditions passed down about these women and how we as readers can benefit in our own lives from their powerful stories. In addition to the literary and historical components, this series incorporates musical interludes and moments for collective spiritual reflection.

Cocoa Beantown Chocolate Lecture SeriesThe Cocoa Tree: Fruit of the GodsWednesday, December 19 at 2:00 PMHow was chocolate first discovered? Where does it grow and how is it processed? We will learn more about the cocoa tree and how its bitter, pulp-covered pod innards are transformed into delicious sweets, as well as how growing conditions, topography and climate change affect the bean.

Lexington Center / Walgreen’sThursday, December 6 & 20Time: 1:00 PM Return: 2:30 PM

Lexington Stop & ShopFriday, December 14Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AM

Bedford Stop & ShopFriday, December 28Time: 9:30 AM Return: 11:00 AM

Shopping Trips

Christmas Traditions from Around the World

From its earliest beginnings, Christmas has had amulticultural flavor. When Emperor Constantine first established the holiday in the Roman Empire, itcoincided with another Roman winter celebration, Saturnalia, in which Romans exchanged gifts, practiced charity, feasted, and decorated their homes withevergreen trimmings. Constantine may have wanted to integrate customs from both holidays so that moreRomans would feel comfortable converting toChristianity. Since its multicultural beginnings, world populations have continued to express the Christmas spirit in a variety of colorful ways. In Columbia and Venezuela, children give Santa credit for making their gifts, but belief that the infant Jesus is the one who delivers them. In Scandinavia, children leave shoes, not stockings, on the hearth. This tradition can be traced to legends about Saint Nicholas. One legend tells of three poor sisters who could not marry because they had no money for a dowry. To save them from being sold by their father, St. Nick left gold coins for each of the three sisters. One coin went down the chimney and landed in a pair of shoes that had been left on the hearth. Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we know it in the 16th century, when devout Christians decorated trees in their homes. It is believed Martin Luther lit the first tree by attaching candles to the branches.In the 1840s, Queen Victoria and her German-born husband, Prince Albert, popularized the custom of bringing an evergreen tree inside and decorating it with lights. An engraving of the royal Christmas tree published in the Illustrated London News was the first time many British citizens had ever heard of the idea. As we approach the Christmas Holiday, it’s important to note that our holiday traditions are not only steeped in history but handed down from cultures all over the world. This makes our customs and traditions all the more rich as we continue to share them with family and friends.

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Save the Dates...Programs Planning Meetingw/ Lead Programs Assistant, Simona GranfoneThursday, November 1 at 10:30 AM

Resident Management Meetingw/ Youville DirectorsWednesday, November 7 at 2:00 PM

Nurse’s Chatw/ Director of Wellness, Kathryn CarlinoThursday, November 8 at 10:30 AM

Blood Pressure ClinicWednesday, November 14 at 1:00 PM

Let’s Talk Foodw/ Director of Dining Services, Dan MacRaeTuesday, November 27 at 10:30 AM

Country Store Store HoursMonday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMWednesday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AMFriday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Store Volunteers: Sr. Theresa R., Sr. Dolores B. & Brigid S.

Transportation ServicesTransportation HoursMonday through Friday8:00 AM - 2:00 PMThe fee for transportation is $10.00 for Lexington and $20.00 for surrounding communities. Please see the Programs Department with any questions. We will make every effort to accommodate your wishes, but please understand that no transportation can be guaranteed with less than 48 hours notice.

Programs / Menu Hotline...Have you ever wondered whether your favorite program is on the schedule for the day? Would you like to know in advance what the daily menu choices are? Now you can hear a recorded list of the daily programs as well as the menu for lunch and dinner at Youville Place. Simply call (781) 761-1334 directly, or call the Reception Desk and the receptionist will connect you.

Youville Place Management Team

Nicole Breslin CEO & PresidentJoanne Scianna COO Tom Landry Director of Human ResourcesKathleen Kelleher Director of Mission & Spiritual CarePaula Desmond-Wallace Regional ControllerKatie Blanchard Director of Programs Susan Snow Director of MarketingKathryn Carlino, RN Director of WellnessDan MacRae Director of Dining ServicesBob Salamanca Director of Environmental ServicesVirginia Ellis Director of Community Life Maria Benoit Director of the Courtyard

Mission We are a Catholic health ministry, providing

healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our HeritageYouville Assisted Living Residences are communities grounded in the spirit of

St. Marguerite d’Youville, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, “Grey Nuns.” Trusting in

God’s love, each community serves all those in need with compassion and respect.

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Spiritual

Physical

Cognitive

Nutritional

“Our personal challenge is always the same: to be a prayerful presence and transformative, prophetic witness whenever human needs are being neglected.” -The Grey Nuns

On Sundays, most staff members and managers at Youville Assisted Living have the day off; the usual weekly bustle of vendors, deliveries, phone calls, visitors and visiting nurses is nowhere to be seen or heard. The lobby and most other communal spaces are peaceful and quiet.

For Kathleen Kelleher, Sunday can be the busiest day of her week. As Youville’s new Director of Mission and Spiritual Care, Kelleher brings an inspiring energy and sense of purpose to her role in the community. She begins her Sundays celebrating Mass with residents at Youville Place in Lexington and then makes her way to celebrate mass again at Youville House in Cambridge. Each day, she makes herself available to anyone who wants to talk. A board certified chaplain, she is acutely aware of the significance that every little act of attention can have in the life of an older adult.

“When I’m in a hurry to be somewhere and a resident stops me in the hall to have a ten minute conversation, those ten minutes could be the most important ten minutes of my day,” she says. “Regardless of how important I think whatever I have on the horizon is.” Kelleher’s ability to prioritize human-to-human interactions is one of her greatest assets in a role that also involves much planning and coordinating. She is equally responsive when new needs arise. In the wake of the October mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Kelleher organized an impromptu gathering to help residents process their feelings. It was a moment that transcended religious denominations, bringing Christian, Jewish and religiously unaffiliated residents together to mourn as a community. The residents shared feelings, participated in a reading from the Book of Lamentations and observed a moment of silence.

“I’ve always had bi-vocational career interests,” Kathleen likes to say, “As a community de-velopment practitioner I was trained to make things better, and as a hospital chaplain I was clinically and theologically trained to accompany.”

Kelleher struck out on both paths – spirituality and community development – nearly simultaneously. After college, she moved to Chicago to volunteer with the Claretian Missionary Fathers, where she wrote grants to fund affordable housing and learned how to

December 2018Carrying on Tradition of Grey Nuns, Kathleen Kelleher Brings Fresh Energy to Youville’s Spiritual

continued

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©

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Youville House • 1573 Cambridge Street • Cambridge, MA 02138 • 617.491.1234Youville Place • 10 Pelham Road • Lexington, MA 02421 • 781.861.3535 • www.youvilleassistedliving.org

Assisted Living Residences

move a project from a concept through the pre-development phase to a built home. Kelleher went on to earn two Masters Degrees – in Divinity, from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and in Urban Planning & Policy, from University of Illinois at Chicago. Eventually she moved back to Boston to work as a consultant for a community development firm writing HUD funded block grants and administering them to support low and moderate income home owner housing rehabilitation.

Then, as she puts it, “I started getting the ministry itch again.”

After attending evening sessions for the Archdiocese program Visiting the Sick and Homebound, she became interested in pursuing Clinical Pastoral Education for chaplains. Some 1600 supervised hours later, she was again bi-vocational, working three days a week for her old firm and two days a week as a hospital chaplain.

At Youville, Kelleher brings aspects from both vocations to her work with older adults. The project manager in her is there to troubleshoot for residents, plan programs and think up creative ways to be available and build community. The chaplain in her is there to listen, walk and accompany.

Ahead of the holiday season, Kelleher presented “Holiday Preparedness 101: Reflecting on what the Holidays Bring to Our Lives.” For many older adults, the holiday season comes with mixed emotions, evoking warm memories as well as painful reminders of loss. Kelleher saw her holiday program as “a way to help residents hold all that has been given to them but also as a way to recognize what has been taken.” As a chaplain, I am not here to ‘fix’ nor do I bring God into a room; God is already there. I am here to be with residents in times of loneli-ness and times of joy, to ask each person what is most important to them and to walk with them on their journey.”

It is refreshing for residents to have access to a chaplain that brings emotional honesty to their lives and is willing to experience those emotions along with them. For Kelleher, these shared experiences are part of who she is: someone who has always wanted to make the world a better place for those who most need it to be better.

Balance Challenge Broadway Seated Dance Forever Fit Stretch & Flex Yoga w/ Nicole

Yellow squash is high in vitamins A, B6 and C, folate, magnesium, fiber, riboflavin, phosphorus, potassium and manganese. That is an impressive bundle of nutrients!

Catholic Mass The Lives & Times of Biblical Women w/ Rabbi Natan Margalit Principles of World Religions w/ Jason Giannetti

The Cocoa Tree: Fruit of the Gods w/ Cocoa Beantown Lecture: Lincoln! Lincoln! Lincoln! w/ Professor Gary Hylander Jazz Talks: Roots of Swing with Peter Gerler

ArtMatters Presents . . . Mother & Child Classical Pianist MinKyung Oh An Afternoon with Stephen Collins Steps in Time: Ballroom Dancing w/ Michael Winward

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©