Led by a very energetic New England Conservatory student conductor Andres Lopera, participants had the chance to get an upper body workout, spend time with neighbors and enjoy timeless, beautiful music.

How was it received? Tremendously, judging from the many smiles and the intensity in the room as participants meticulously worked to match their movements with the music. Here are some of the comments that were overheard at the close: "brilliant idea", "ingenious", "great workout", "amazing music.'

Hang on to your batons - there will be more G CLEF sessions ahead!

Toby is prepared with bikes, scooters and helmets for the boys. Bella is also ready. When she spends time with the Kumins each month, she enjoys hosting snack time. Today she brings applesauce and cookies. The boys ride their bicycles near the bench where Toby and Bella are chatting while attentively watching the kids. Each child eagerly shows his biking prowess. Toby and Bella are a receptive audience, shouting out words of encouragement as the boys speed by.

Watching the relaxed interactions, it is easy to surmise that they are a three-generation family enjoying a favorite outing. However, the Kumins and Bella met just 18 months ago and have enjoyed monthly gatherings ever since. Toby had sought out a ‘friendly visitor’ relationship so that her boys could connect with the senior generation.  Noah, who is four and a half, and his three-year-old brother Jesse have close relationships with their grandparents but geographic distance keeps them apart. Connecting with Bella fills a gap. 

Bella too had found something missing from her life. She has a very full and active life at JCHE. But with her adult sons and their families out of state, she has only limited opportunities to be with family. Like Toby, she too raised two sons. Spending time with the Kumins gives her a chance to enjoy these youngsters while reflecting on many wonderful memories.

Bella was initially concerned that the children would not understand her. Born in the former Soviet Union, her English speaking skills are relatively newly acquired. Luckily, the boys are very comfortable interacting with her.  In fact, on a previous visit, Noah pointed out numerous objects and asked Bella to name them in Russian as he attempted to echo her.  Rather than viewing the unfamiliar language as a barrier, Noah is curious and wants to know more.

Toby is very pleased with how the relationship has grown. She has watched as her sons increasingly reach out to Bella to play a game, answer questions or show her a treasure. Their level of ease with older adults is apparent as they walk through JCHE’s corridors. The residents light up as the boys approach and the boys happily respond to the attention. 

Even after the Kumins and Bella say good-bye for the day, the boys are still thinking about the experience.  They ask Toby questions: why do the seniors live in this building; what is their life like; what are their favorite activities? Toby finds that they are gaining so much. “It’s great exposure for them to see how people can age gracefully and with joy with lots of friends around.”

The 40 Shillman House residents, who served as the official judges, compared a flourless, pureed recipe (David's) to Jen's flour and hand-grated version. The latkes were passed around on different color plates so that judges did not know if they were eating David's (red plate) or Jen's (blue plate). And of course, because potato pancakes are best with toppings, residents enjoyed them with sour cream and applesauce.

These were obviously great latkes. Participants requested seconds and thirds, and close to 200 were consumed before the event ended.

A very contented group of judges gave David's batch the top vote but Jen's were voted a very close second.

The MetroWest Daily News was there to cover it so, no doubt, the buzz in MetroWest today is that Shillman House has the best latkes in town!

Elaine Winterhalter brought a sampler while Sunny Lait came with oil painting.

Golda Meir House is a JCHE community.

Judith, who also serves as a member of JCHE's Board, described the work that she, Alan and Arnold did. "We were really teaching aculturation, American and Jewish, and teaching English through this vehicle. The focus was language in the beginning, but our goal was to let them see how Americans think and feel. The concepts of choice and possibilities were what we hoped to impart." This was tremendously challenging, at least initially, since the recent arrivals did not know English and the volunteers did not speak Russian!

Overall,the resettlement effort helped thousands of Russians settle in the Boston area and make the United States their home.

According to Polina Volovich, the resettlement efforts were invaluable. "We anticipated a very difficult move to the United States," she said. "We imagined ourselves alone and lonely. But instead we made wonderful friends and they helped us every step of the way."

Polina and her husband are among those in this group who now live at JCHE's Brighton campus. They enjoy their new home and are pleased that their neighbors include some who they've come to know so well.

As this was a Hanukkah party, Polina was reflective about the meaning of the holiday. Pointing to her friends she commented that they are all living a miracle. This is a poignant connection at this season as the story of the Hanukkah miracle is retold.

Polina Volovich (second from the left) and friends who live at JCHE.

Photos: (above): Helene Diamant and her lovely Homage to Chagall; (below left) Bea Goodfader, a prolific artist, with several of her works; (below right) Art Instructor -- and artist -- Edith Green thanking the residents who participated in the art show.

A few months ago, artist Tova Speter attended one of their sessions and initiated an innovative art project. Together, the participants created a stunning mural comprised of individual tiles that was recently mounted on the walls of the Genesis House program center.

Like any art installation, a ribbon cutting was in order. Sofia Routenbourg was given the honors at a recent celebratory gathering. Some of the artists were in attendance, happily looking for their tiles while admiring the work of others.

The theme of the mural is Tikkun Olam or repairing the world. A collection of tiles in the center of the mural has a Tree of Life, which Tova describes as representing “History, life and wisdom.” Surrounding this section is a rectangular border of tiles of hands. Tova explains that these are the artists’ interpretation of Tikkun Olam as they “literally used their hands.” The tiles depict the participants’ view of what is needed to fix the world including education, racial harmony and environmental awareness.

Sarah Green Vaswani, Resident Service Coordinator who organizes the sessions at JCHE, told the group that “healing the world starts at home so it is very fitting that this mural be located in the home of the JCHE participants.” Ashleigh Jaffee, a member of YLD, spoke about the important relationship between CJP and JCHE that this mural represents. “Whether it is the Senior Prom that we hold once a year, or working on a large mural that will last for generations, we continue to treasure the experiences that we have here throughout the year.”

Enjoy more photos of "Art bridges generations and culture" at jche.org/voices of jche/photo gallery.

Dining Services Director David Seltzer and his very talented crew prepared a beautiful and very traditional feast. Members of JCHE's staff and board brought the food to the tables with style. The mood was joyous, the food delicious food and the music so lively that it inspired some to head for the dance floor. 

A wonderful day -- and so much to be grateful for today at JCHE. 

David Seltzer, Director of Dining Services, faced Mara Klein Collins, Marketing Manager. They are each formidable cooks, using their favorite recipe (their mothers' of course!) Clearly this was going to be a stiff competition.

The major differences between David's and Mara's versions: technique and ingredients. David went the traditional route, using a meat grinder and schmaltz (chicken fat). Mara used a Cuisinart and olive oil.

Over 30 residents were then put to the taste test. Many had grown up eating it at family gatherings. One resident, however, had a first taste of chopped liver at the Cook-Off. "I didn't grow up with this but it is so delicious." A veteran chopped liver eater said: "Not quite my mother's but very close." A greater compliment is not possible!

After very careful deliberations, the tasters made a decision -- but it was very close. Mara was chosen as the cook-off winner by one vote!

Next up -- David Seltzer will face Resident Service Coordinator Jen Miller at the Latkes Cook-Off. Stay tuned!!

In other Fitness & Wellness news, Francine and Maya were recently certified by the Arthritis Foundation to reach specialized exercise classes for older adult with various types of arthritis. Maya will start teaching a specialized class in 2012 in Russian for Russian speakers.This has all been made possible through an Arthritis Foundation grant funded through Springwell.

Francine and Maya were also certified to teach Zumba Gold (designed for older adults) and first level Zumba last week. Residents are very excited about the prospect of taking Zumba at JCHE.

The average age at Golda is 84, and many challenges of aging are evident, including impaired vision, mobility and cognition. Yet, during the weekly music session, walkers are pushed aside, daily ailments are forgotten, and residents sing, dance, drum, and laugh together with a renewed sense of vigor and energy. 

At this last session, one resident remarked, “I wasn't going to come down, but then I said to myself, 'hey, I don't want to miss out!’" Another succinctly stated that when she attends the session, “all the bad things melt away.”

In upcoming weeks, all the music program songs written at each of the three participating JCHE sites will be compiled on a CD, and each participant will receive a copy. Below are the lyrics written to describe how residents feel about their life at Golda - sung to the tune of There’s No Business like Show Business.

Aging with Sunshine and Happiness

There's no age like this age-it's the only age we have!
We sing and dance, the sun is shining brightly!
Happiness it makes us feel alive!
We have our special entertainment nightly-
We feel so sprightly 'till nine o five.

Refrain:
There's no time like this time,
The only time is now,
Get up each morning, make the most of your life,
get involved each day without any strife,
music, laughter, artistry are such delights,
Let's all take a big bow!

There's no day like this day-just one day at a time.
With all the friendships we have made at Golda,
With all our canes and walkers we'll get by!
It doesn't matter that we're getting oldah,
So here's my shouldah and do not cry....

Refrain

The successful event was covered by Boston.com and Newton PATCH. Check out photos and story here. The fashion show, organized fully by Golda residents under the leadership of Shirley Goldsmith and Natalie Chase, included a raffle to raise funds for transportation vouchers for residents

According to Zack, a medical student, the program was important because it gave students the chance to work closely with people who are so different from themselves. The challenges posed by cultural, language and age differences provide excellent training for future doctors. Alicia described her work with JCHE residents as 'an honor.' Another student, Jaime, thanked the seniors for begin patient as the students stumbled around until they were able to speak comfortably and ask the right questions. This was a refreshing role reversal considering how often the younger generation is called upon to be 'patient with their elders'.

Med student Beth spoke openly about what she learned. Before the program, she had been told her that "older people can be annoying." She was delighted to discover that this was far from true. She told JCHE's residents that they were "way more interesting than any of us!" (One of the measures of success for any intergenerational program is to help participants dispel stereotypes. Clearly this program succeeded!)

Mr. Han and his wife, residents of Leventhal House, chose to join because as seniors they felt a responsibility to help train future doctors. Years ago in China, a friend's daughter had been psychologically bruised by a doctor's insensitive remark. They participated in the Tufts program with the hope that these mistakes will not be repeated.

Audrey, who lives in Genesis House, has participated in the program all three years. As a former physician from Shanghai, she enjoys the connection to the young future doctors. Sharing her thoughts during the celebration, Audrey commented that "now that I am older and myself a patient, I really understand the value of being a doctor."

At the close of the gathering, each JCHE participant was awarded a certificate from Tufts thanking him/her for serving as a Volunteer Educator.

Enjoy more photos in our photo gallery: Celebrating a Successful Program with Tufts Medical students

My name is Betty Franklin. Thank you for asking me to speak this evening.

It's been almost 21 years since I got the long awaited call that I could have an apartment at Coleman House. I was elated and what a blessing it was. Little did I know what was ahead for me. Making so many new friends in my senior years ... so many caring people.

The staff ... Robin, Elizabeth, Sasha, Vicki. I thank them for all the compassion and respect and interest they have shown me. Their devotion is wonderful.

The security has been so reassuring, with Tom, and Donna and Tito, taking care of us when there's a problem. It's a comforting feeling for both me and my family.

The activities at Coleman House offer something for everyone. What to do? Just pick something: brunches, entertainment, movies, computers, lectures, exercise, current events, holiday parties, planned trips or shopping in our JCHE van. What more could we ask for?

To have affordable housing and everything else is something we should all be thankful for. Although I have had my share of health related issues, and my family has had their share of health related issues, I keep a positive attitude. When I was hospitalized, I came home to services that helped me get back on my feet. Because I keep busy volunteering at Coleman, and because I take part in many activities, I know that my mental and physical health have benefitted.

There is no better place to live.

Thank you very much.

Golda's Knitting Group created over 30 colorful blankets that were delivered to Children's Hospital last week. The hospital staff, acknowledging the quality of the blankets and the generosity of Golda residents, will distribute them to young patients as an expression of community caring and support. In a few weeks, a colorful collection of hats, mittens and scarves will be delivered to local shelters and schools in and around Boston to make the winter warmer for many children. Each of these lovely pieces comes with a not attached from the knitters: "Made with loving care for you to enjoy by a tenant of Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly."

In Brighton, an enthusiastic and dedicated group of knitters assembled 21 priceless bags brimming with handmade blanket, hats, socks and mittens. These gifts will be distributed by the Allston-Brighton Family Network. They present these one-time celebratory gifts to low-income families with newborns. JCHE has partnered with the Family Network for many years.

JCHE residents are proud of their work and delighted to be helping families in the community. Donations of yarn are always welcome -- and always put to great use! If you have yarn to donate, please contact Jessica Hamermesh, Director of Generations Together, at 617-614-5246.

In winning this award, Gaye was cited for her willingness to advocate for her staff and her deep commitment to offering them extensive professional development opportunities. She is valued for "her dedication to her students and staff, the depth of her experiences and her ability to share what she has learned with all who have been extremely lucky to work with her."

Read Gaye's nomination narrative here.

Photos(top): Gaye Freed(center) shown with Paul Hollings, LeadingAge officer, and Elissa Sherman, LeadingAge Executive Director;

Photo (Bottom right): Gaye shown with JCHE colleagues Sheila Ardery, Amy Schectman, Caren Silverlieb, Sarah Green Vaswani, Victor Louis.  JF&CS's Marsha Frankel is standing behind Gaye.

With the help of her Rabbi in Florida, Sylvia put together a book of speical prayers in English and Hebrew.  To make it particularly meaningful, Sylvia brought the wine cup and candlesticks that had been in her family for decades so that she could lead the ritual blessings.

Many who live at Coleman helped to make the evening a success. The tables were set with fresh flowers, round Challah (the traditional holiday bread), wine, grapes and honey (for a sweet new year). One neighbor sponsored the coffee and cake which were served following the service.

Sylvia was very pleased that over 50 Coleman House residents were in attendance. One resident's reaction was particularly touching. Before the service began, he mentioned to Sylvia that he was attending only at the request of his wife. When the evening was over, however, he let Sylvia know how much he had sincerely enjoyed being a part of the event.

To see more photos from this event, check out our photo gallery.