the brookhaven buzz

Welcome to the Buzz. Just when we thoughtwinter wouldquietly turnto spring,February hitus with all itsmight and

our community pulled together inan impressive way. I want to thankall of the staff and the residents whohelped us through the storms. Manystaff members stayed overnight,away from their own homes, to behere during the blizzard. Otherswalked or drove in spite of thedriving ban, (essential health careworkers were exempted) to provideessential services for our residents.Residents were very gracious ifservices fell a little short andseveral residents volunteered toserve the buffets.

I was not surprised at the staffresponse during the weekendstorms. This past January, I had theprivilege of attending the EmployeeAnniversary Breakfast, acelebration of employees who havereached the 5, 10, 15 and 20 yearmilestone of service at Brookhaven.I celebrated 20 years of service,along with many of our dedicated

staff members who carry outBrookhaven’s Core Values each andevery day to help make Brookhavena special place for our residents.

Resident volunteers do their part to enhance Brookhaven’s active,stimulating environment. Soon we will see the results of residentinput on the refurbishedCommons and the re-purposedGreenhouse. One volunteer groupspent many hours selecting carpet,fabric and paint for the commons;we think it will look terrific.Another volunteer group developeda new concept for the greenhousespace. Their hope is that therefurbished space will provide both a quiet refuge for residents to read, talk, or meditate and acomfortable work space for theresidents who create beautifulflower arrangements for our dining tables and common areasand tend the plants along theGreenhouse corridor.

Our programming is also enrichedby resident participation,particularly our learning partnershipwith Tufts Osher LLI. Residents areactive on the Osher CurriculumCommittee and a spot for an “atlarge” member of the Osher LLIExecutive Board has recently

opened up for a Brookhavenresident. Brookhaven opens its doors selectively to many outsidegroups such as the South LexingtonCivic Association, Tufts Osher LLI,and the Bentley Service-Learningstudents. On some days ourcommon spaces are very busy. On these occasions it is importantfor us to remember thatBrookhaven is a charitableorganization and that we all benefit from this tax exempt status.

This spring we will recognizeresident and trustee contributions to strategic planning, operationsand programming, which havecreated the unique community we call Brookhaven. The annualVolunteer Appreciation Luncheon will be held April 12.Volunteers will be invited to join us for this celebration and show of appreciation.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Buzz.

Jim FreehlingPresident & CEO

The Buz z a t B rookha ven 1

The BrookhavenBuzz

Winter / Spring 2013

A Newsletter For Residents, Employees and Friends of Brookhaven at Lexington

Programs & Operations

According to Ken, the Chef’s Table will provide another opportunity for Dining Services staff to get to knowtheir customers and for newer residents to get to know the staff. Brookhaven already has a very effectiveDining Services Committee which has recently worked to bring about the addition of the Sunday Brunch andthe upcoming enhancements to nutritional information. With their encouragement we are adding anotheropportunity to obtain feedback from residents on the dining experience at Brookhaven.

Brookhaven officially inaugurated the Chef’s Table thisFebruary. Resident guests included Jack and CatherineHorner, Jacqueline Villars, Diana Bailey, and AnitaKunhardt. Going forward, Ken DeRoeck, Director ofDining Services, and Chef Phil Proulx will host a table inthe Dining Room or the Bistro each month and invite fiveresidents for a complimentary dinner and discussion onresident dining expectations.

Changes in the GreenhouseRecently, a group of residents, many of whom are also members of the GGG Committee, met to discussrepurposing the Greenhouse so more residents can enjoy the space. The group wanted to retain some of thecurrent functionality that supports the work of our resident volunteer flower arrangers and horticulturists and also create some lounge space for residents to relax, meditate, or just observe nature through the glass wall.Brookhaven staff is supporting these efforts by working with professionals on a refurbishment plan that willinclude refreshing countertops, updating lighting and HVAC, and removing the shelving in the windows to bring more light into the space.

DD Abeles, Eleanor Baldwin, Ellen Fobert, Joy Gilbert, Helen Healy, Nancy Hubert, Joyce Ketcham, EleanorLane, Betty Law, Charna Levine, Joanne MacDonald, Jean Olson, Helen Pounds, Neva Reiner, Anne Smiddy, Lu Theriault, Sue Wilson.

Here are some of the ideas:• Create a welcoming space for residents and guests to sit and enjoy the

flowers and plants within the Greenhouse and the view of the courtyard.• Add comfortable chairs and small tables for reading, quiet conversation

or thought.• Maintain the functionality needed for residents’ current endeavors

such as the sink, storage and counter space for flower arranging and potting plants.

• Replace current benches with fewer, updated, smaller, lighted planting benches for seed germination and herb growing.

Win t e r / S p r i ng 20132 The Bu z z a t B rookha ven

T A B L EChef’s

P

Due to residents’continuing interest,

a Mindfulness

Meditation Class will be offered onMondays from

3:00PM to 3:45PMin the

Aerobics Studio.


Programs & Operations

Commons Refurbish ComingSoon…Please pardon our appearance.Please remember to thank our resident volunteer designteam along with staff Lynne Romboli, Director ofCommunity Outreach and Mike Brennan, Director ofPlant Maintenance, and our design professional, NicoleHathaway of DiMella Shaffer - Architecture | InteriorDesign | Planning. Miriam Landau, Beverly Weinstock,Nan Wessel, Eleanor Lane, Lorraine Campbell, ShirleyDuff, Mary Webb, Mary Lou Touart.

Introduction to Mindfulness MeditationThis January, Brookhaven invited Donna Rubenoff tointroduce the concept of Mindfulness Meditation toresidents. Mindfulness Meditation is a practice designedto develop your innate ability to pay attention to whateveris happening in your life with acceptance, patience, andcompassion. It is the art and science of being present andwakeful in the moment, and uses simple techniques todevelop your ability to focus and increase awareness.Research suggests that practicing mindfulness meditationregularly may decrease stress, improve mood, boostimmune function, lower blood pressure, and relieve pain.We frequently hear from residents that Brookhaven offerstoo many events; this is your opportunity to slow downand take a quiet moment to reflect.

The instructor, Donna Rubenoff, facilitates meditationgroups throughout the Greater Boston area, includingBrookline Community and Adult Education, TempleOhabei, and the Providence House for Senior Living Community.

NEW WELLNESS CLASS

Brookhaven’s Above and Beyond Award

Employee News

4 The Bu z z a t B rookha ven W in t e r / S p r i ng 2013

Jocelyn Pierre

The Above and Beyond Award recognizes employees who have made a difference to co-workers and residentsby reaching beyond normal responsibilities and expectations to ensure employee and resident needs are met.The most recent recipients are Isaiah Owumi and Jocelyn Pierre.

Congratulations Isaiah and Jocelyn!Cathy Woodward, Vice President, Human Resources

Isaiah Owumi

Isaiah Owumi: Isaiah is a Certified Nursing Assistant who has worked inGardenview for 19 years. He was nominated by several of his co-workersand his supervisor. Isaiah can always be counted on to go the extra step.He truly believes that every resident and family member is his customerand he is continually finding ways for residents to feel better and enjoytheir daily routines. Isaiah received the Above and Beyond Award for hiscalm and professional demeanor, his customer service skills, his positiverelationship with his peers, his supervisors, residents and visitors, and formaking a meaningful difference in the daily lives of Gardenview residents.

Jocelyn Pierre: Jocelyn has worked in the Dining Services Department asa Utility worker for 6 years. He was nominated by his co-workers andsupervisor. Jocelyn carries out his daily duties at a high level and uses hisproblem solving skills to fix anything in the kitchen that needs a creativesolution. He approaches large projects with enthusiasm and offers ideas tomake things more efficient. He also gets along exceptionally well with hisco-workers. Jocelyn received the Above and Beyond Award for hiscreative problem solving ability, his work ethic, and for the high level ofrespect he has earned from his coworkers.

On January 17th, staff members who celebrated 5, 10,15 and 20 years at Brookhaven in 2012 were honoredwith a breakfast in the Living Room. Dedicatedemployees make Brookhaven an exceptional place towork and live. Employees Who Celebrated 2012Anniversaries: 20 Years: Etta O’Donnell, DorothyBowles, Jim Freehling. 15 Years: Marylou Colozzi,Kwabena Frimpong, Regina Frimpong, RoselineLagene, Edna Frullo. 10 Years: Miliene Sainvil, Sherly James, Evelyn Cezar, Priscilla Williams, Diane Merrill,Evita Cherubin, Jonathan Hirl, Saramma Jose. 5 Years: Anita Ranjitkar, Maria Woods, Joseph Borzor, CarolineObi-Ngo, Mburu Ruguru, Cindy Boyle, Nicole Galante, Alberto Sosa, Jennifer Ponciano.

Employee Idea Award


Employee News

Jennifer Ponciano received the Idea Award for her idea to promote ourTeamwork Core Value by allowing wait staff to taste new menu items toenhance their ability to describe these menu items to residents. Her idea willpromote Brookhaven’s Teamwork Core Value by providing cooks with theopportunity to share information on new menu items with the wait staff whoare serving our residents. Jennifer is a Waitress in the Dining ServicesDepartment and has worked at Brookhaven for 5 years.

Carrissa Lebel received the Idea Award for her idea to promote ourPrograms and Services Core Value by ensuring new residents completethe resident interest survey and that it is forwarded to our CommunityLiving and Community Outreach departments for follow up. Her idea willhelp acclimate new residents to our community by sharing this informationwith appropriate staff and resident interest group chairs who will makedirect contact with new residents. Carrissa is an Executive Assistant andMove Coordinator who has worked at Brookhaven for 7 years.

Jennifer Ponciano

Carrissa Lebel

Brookhaven recognizes that the best ideas often come from those closest to the task and has implemented theEmployee Idea Award as a way for employees to share ideas on how to maintain or improve our focus on CoreValues. Winners receive $150 and have their idea shared with management. The most recent awards focused onTeamwork and Customer Service.

Congratulations to Jennifer and Carrissa!Cathy Woodward, Vice President, Human Resources

Ken DeRoeck, Dining Services Director and Chef Phil Proulx on Phil’s graduation from LeadingAge Massachusetts’ Leadership Academy.

TUpdate From the Development Committee

Fundraising Update

Brookhaven Giving

Employee Scholarship FundThe ever popular Employee Scholarship Fund received a boost this yearfrom some particularly generous donors. The growing balance of thefund prompted the committee to recommend to the Board an increase inthe scholarship amount for degree programs from $1,000 to $1,500 andan increase in the scholarship amount for certificate programs from $500to $800. Additionally, the committee voted to create an opportunity forfour scholarship recipients to apply for a second scholarship duringcalendar year 2013.

We are proud that we can provide even stronger support for theeducational and professional endeavors of our staff.


Brookhaven Giving At 2/28/2013 Donations Fund Balance

J. Keith Butters Benevolent Fund $24,600

Brookhaven Match $24,600

Total J. Keith Butters Benevolent Fund $49,200 $1,240,882

Brookhaven Employee Scholarship Fund $8,962 $61,363

Brookhaven Fund $1,387 $10,081

Nature Trail Fund $1,000 $4,243

Total Giving $109,749

Year To Date

The Development Committee,comprised of trustees,management and residents, is aBoard Committee charged withoverseeing fundraising atBrookhaven. Members areappointed by the Chair of theBoard. The primary responsibilityof the Committee is creatingawareness of Brookhaven’s fundswhich include the J. Keith ButtersBenevolent Fund, the EmployeeScholarship Fund, the BrookhavenFund, and the Nature Trail Fund.The Committee also evaluatesresident fundraising initiatives forthe Brookhaven Fund which wasestablished to support innovativeprograms and services, specialtyequipment and other “extras” thatmay not be in the budget but areof special interest to residents.

Our efforts remain focused on the development of the J. KeithButters Benevolent Fund, whichwas established at Brookhaven’sinception to assist residents whooutlive their resources. The fund is available to a resident who hasbeen approved for a subsidy of the monthly service fee drawingon the 90% entrance fee refundand has subsequently exhaustedthe refund.

This year, the committee is aimingfor community-wide participationand reminds residents that allcontribution amounts arewelcome. Giving to the JKBBenevolent Fund supports ourmission to provide life care toresidents. Since the last edition of the Buzz, a new milestone of

$2 million was established for theJKB Benevolent Fund, effectiveOctober 2012. The premise forthe $2 million goal is that at leasttwo residents can be supportedsimultaneously by the fund’searnings if needed, without

drawing on the fund’s principal.The Board will continue to matchup to $50,000 each year; and allcontributions, plus the match, will be restricted for the futurecare of residents

Harry G. Foden, ChairRobert CohenRalph DunhamMarilyn Dunn

Jim FreehlingJoy GilbertNancy HubertSue Kirkpatrick

Sally Lupfer Kathryn McCarthyWilliam PoundsCathy Woodward

Thank you from the Brookhaven Development Committee:

Community Outreach

A Look Ahead to Summer (1st two weeks in June)

Top 10 Tips for Taking Better Photos led by Osher LLIDirector David Fechtor.

Taking top-notch pictures doesn’t require expensiveequipment. Discover the tricks that professionalphotographers use to turn everyday snapshots into eye-catching masterpieces.

The World in a Glass: Wines from Around the WorldDo you know what a French sparkling Blanc de Blanc has in common with a “stickie”dessert wine from Australia? Or how a South African Shiraz differs from a Hermitagefrom the Northern Rhone region of France? Taste your way around the world in this armchair exploration of wines from all four corners of the globe.

Special Summer Study Groups offered by Brookhaven residents:

• Smile, Chuckle, Laugh? Grimace? Timeless Issues inDrama with Elaine Reisman

• The Americanness of American Art with Hildy Cummings

• The Spud (otherwise the Potato): An Underground Education with Nancy Hubert


OSHER LIFELONGLEARNING INSTITUTEAT TUFTS UNIVERSITY

RReports from participants in the Osher LLI2013 Winter Session were that the Anatomyof a Symphony study group was outstanding!Registrations are rolling in for the SpringSession, which begins mid-March. Study groups include three offered byBrookhaven residents:

● T. S. Eliot’s Four Quartets: A Reading &Exploration with Charles Ketcha (NEW)

● Andiamo Al’Opera: Mostly Mozart with Eleanor Lintner (by popular demand)

● Fiction into Films: 20th Century America with Eugenia Kaledin (NEW)

The United States Department of Statesponsored a tour of Internationalreporters; the tour included a visit toBrookhaven for a lesson in grass rootscampaigning from the founders ofGrandmothers for Obama.

Save the Date!

Sarasa Ensemble

Dvorak piano quartets & otherfolk-inspired music Friday, May 17, 2013, 7:30 pmL T

Community Outreach

1010 Waltham Street, Suite 600Lexington MA 02421-8052www.brookhavenatlexington.org781-863-9660


WORLD WAR II REMINISCENCESBOOK PROJECT

The resident editorial and design team for this historically significant project has been busy over the past few monthscollecting and assembling over 40fascinating stories from residentcontributors. We are eagerly anticipatingpublication of this volume of wartimereminiscences later this year.

The LEXINGTON CHORALE isplanning several off-site concerts for their spring season. Performances will bepresented at the Bedford Senior Center,The Gables in Winchester, and theLexington Senior Center, in addition totheir June concert at Brookhaven.

BENTLEY UNIVERSITY SERVICE-LEARNINGResidents continue to enjoy working one-on-one with student computer tutors whovolunteer their time through the BentleyUniversity Service-Learning Center. Thereare requests now to learn about everythingfrom computer basics to iPads, eReadersand all kinds of apps!

Bentley students will be branching out tohelp with work along our Nature Trail inApril as they participate in a “CommunityService” day. Brookhaven has been aCommunity Partner with Bentley Service-Learning for over 10 years.

Read The Buzz online at www.brookhavenatlexington.org

GIRL SCOUTS

The Junior Girl Scouts who meetregularly at Brookhaven enjoyed a recentafternoon working on their Dance Badgerequirements. The girls performed severaldance routines for residents, followed bya ballroom dance demo by Phyllis andHoward Okoomian. To their delight,Phyllis also taught the girls an Armenianfolk dance!

The Brookhaven Friends of Music(BFM) is in its fifth season, supportingmusical involvement and producing aweekend concert series. The group hasconnected with musical institutions, suchas the Rivers School Conservatory andthe Longy School of Music, who sendfine musicians. Artists range from giftedstudents to world-class professionals. In February, internationally acclaimedpianist Ya-Fei Chuang gave a stunningperformance as a run-through rehearsalfor a major concert at BostonConservatory. Brookhaven enjoys areputation as an excellent concert venuebecause of the Steinway B piano and anenthusiastic, committed audience. InMay, BFM will welcome a piano quartetfrom Sarasa, for their second five-dayresidency. They will move in a historicalpiano, suitable for Dvorak’s era, andinternational London-based pianistMaggie Cole will fly in to rehearse and perform with the quartet.

the brookhaven buzz

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