Assisted Living Residences

It is important to note that masking is still mandatory in assisted living residences, even if you are fully vaccinated. Baker’s order states that “face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.”

State regulations for assisted living residences have not changed since March 17 and we are hopeful that we will see restrictions lifted early this summer. Over the past few months, we have made great progress as a community on the COVID-19 front. It has been wonderful to be able to allow visitors into Youville once again, to welcome residents back into the dining room and of course, to start spending more time outside as summer arrives. Our progress would not have been possible without your cooperation and adaptability.

There is an ancient saying: “The only constant in life is change.” It is attributed to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who was interested in the shifts of history and vacillations of fortune he saw all around him. On the same topic, he wrote another famous quote: “You can’t step into the same river twice.”

As summer returns, it is both with welcome familiarity and a dizzying sense of the changes taking place in our world. There are an array of promising developments on the COVID-19 front, including increased availability of vaccines, declining transmission rates and shifting public health guidelines.

Last month, the Center for Disease Control abruptly lifted its masking recommendations for vaccinated Americans, with state and local governments scrambling to make sense of the updates. Individuals young and old were just as confused about how to react to the news.

On May 29, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is set to lift state masking regulations in accordance with the CDC guidelines. How will this affect life at Youville?

June 2021

Making Sense of Changing Regulations

Note: These programs will be live-streamed for a small audience and require advance sign-up with the Programs Department. If attendance is full residents with computers or tablets may participate remotely from their apartments via Zoom. Simply ask the Programs Department to email you the access information.

Art Matters Presents . . . Women Artists II Thursday, June 3 at 1:30 PM In the 20th century, women artists continued to defy conventions and challenge boundaries in a male-dominated art world. Even as the women’s rights movement helped women gain a foothold in the art establishment, new modern obstacles have arisen. This presentation will explore the plight of women artists in the 20th century and pay tribute to their enduring achievements.

Music & Dance Thursday, June 10 at 1:30 PM The human brain has an amazing capacity for multi-sensory interplay. An evocative image can enter the retinas and conjure sounds, tastes, feelings of memory and even movement. In this lecture we will engage in art that depicts scenes of dance and music and discuss how the images make us feel - join us for some “sensory recall” as we reconnect to our own lives and memories through these amazingly evocative works and our own powerful senses.

American Watercolors Thursday, June 17 at 1:30 PM Most people think of watercolor as a simple painting medium. In fact, watercolor is extremely difficult to master as a means of realistic expression. Some of the most successful watercolorists happened to be Americans. This presentation will examine the impressive history of watercolor art by American artists. We will look at the work of some great American watercolorists including John James Audubon, Winslow Homer, and John Singer Sargent.

The Richard Travers Music Lecture Series Ragtime Wednesday, June 2 at 1:30 PM At the turn of the century, the piano was the primary source of popular entertainment. A new genre of piano music emerged with composers such as Scott Joplin, Zez Confrey and Jelly Roll Morton pioneering a lively, syncopated sound and bringing African American music to the mainstream. This lecture will examine the influence of the ragtime composers, performers and ensembles that defined early 20th century music.

Nordic Composers Wednesday, June 9 at 1:30 PM This lecture traces the rich musical history of the Nordic countries. Mr. Travers will concentrate on classical music by Scandinavian composers such as Jean Sibelius, Edward Grieg and Anders Nilsson.

Latin Music Wednesday, June 16 at 1:30 PM This lecture will focus on the wide world of Latin music. We will encounter influential performers, ensembles and composers from a broad swath of Latin countries and cultures that includes Mexico, Brazil and Spain. Bring your dancing shoes to this lecture as we listen to and learn about the many different aspects of Latin Music.

Opera Verdi Wednesday, June 23 at 1:30 PM Along with Wagner, Giuseppe Verdi is considered the preeminent opera composer of the 19th century. Opera houses throughout the world continue to perform his emblematic works such as Aida, Macbeth, Rigoletto, La Traviata and Nabucco. This multi-media presentation will explore Verdi’s brilliant career as well as his life and times.

The Life & Music of Stephen Sondheim Wednesday, June 30 at 1:30 PM This lecture will delve into the musical catalog and creative process of award-winning composer Stephen Sondheim. Mr. Travers will survey his beginnings in the classic West Side Story and continue through his later musicals such as Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George.

Virtual Programs in June

Old GloryUnderstanding America’s Most Enduring Symbolwith Rick TulipanoMonday, June 28 at 3:00 PMThis presentation begins with a brief history of flags and their role as identifying symbols for humans. Mr. Tulipano will then delve into the history of the United States flag: how and why did it come into existence? Who created the stars and stripes motif and what led to its variations over the centuries? What controversies surround the United States flag in the modern era? This multi-media program will feature photos, art-work and maps, and will include time for discussion and a Q & A session.

Celebrating Flag Day* Monday, June 14When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army—a unified colonial fighting force—with the hopes of more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.

For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts towards creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

*Originally published on www.History.com

Opera Lecture Series with Erika Reitshamer Great Opera Moments Monday, June 7 at 3:00 PM This presentation will focus on the great arias and choruses in operatic history, with scenes from Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Bizet’s Carmen, Puccini’s Tosca, Verdi’s La Traviata and many more!

Scandinavian Opera Houses & Great Nordic Opera Singers Monday, June 28 at 3:00 PM This program considers the many great opera singers who have hailed from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Prepare to be immersed in the rich Scandinavian tradition of great opera.

The Presenter:Erika Reitshamer is a life-long opera lover and lecturer who was a founding member of the Boston Lyric Opera Company more than 40 years ago. She has served as vice president of the Boston Wagner Society for many years, is a board member of the New England Opera Club, a member of the Sudbury Opera Lovers Organization and teaches opera appreciation at Regis College.

Controlling The Image: US Propaganda During the Second World Warwith Paolo di Gregorio Monday, June 14 at 3:00 PMDuring World War II, governments on all sides of the conflict used propaganda to glorify their own cause and vilify their enemies. As the United States entered the conflict in December of 1941, the government created an agency, the Office of War Information, to shape American public perception of the war efforts. In this talk, Professor Paolo di Gregorio examines the different propaganda themes that were used to unify the nation during World War II.

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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.

Happy Birthday!Gloria F. June 5June K. June 7John F. June 8Jill C. June 18Joan-Marie S. June 25

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.

Shopping RequestsYouville offers concierge service for your shopping needs every Tuesday. Shopping forms are available at the Reception desk. A surcharge of $5.00 will be charged for requests exceeding five items.

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 Yanira Burgos Director of Community RelationsMal Allard Interim Courtyard Director

Outdoor Concert Series The Modernistics Tuesday, June 15 at 1:30 PMThe Modernistics are Ted Powers (guitar, ukelele, percussion, tap and vocals), Pamela Powers (tap and vocals), Peter Bloom (flute), Mark Leighton (guitar) and Dave Zox (double bass). The group performs upbeat shows with music and dance from the Great American Songbook, including crowd-pleasing favorites by Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Irving Berlin, Dorothy Fields and other master tunesmiths. In 2020, the Modernistics began a new show to usher in the new decade: the Roaring Twenties, featuring hit tunes like “Blue Skies,” “Stardust,” “Bye Bye Blackbird,” “Crazy Rhythm,” “Let’s Misbehave,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and the Fats Waller tune “Squeeze Me.”

Spiritual

Physical

Cognitive

Nutritional

“Do you always watch for the longest day in the year and then miss it? I always watch for the longest day in the year and then miss it.” –Daisy Buchanan, from The Great Gatsby

On Sunday, June 20, the sun will rise at 5:07 AM to begin a 15.3 hour journey across the skies of Greater Boston, making for the longest day of the year. Unlike Daisy Buchanan, we will be sure not to miss it: not only does this year’s summer solstice coincide with Father’s Day, but it is also the day that people across the country will join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

The Longest Day is an annual, nationwide event organized by the Alzheimer’s Association on the summer solstice. Participants are encouraged to engage in fun and fulfilling activities to raise money for Alzheimer’s research and awareness. These activities are often summer-related, held outdoors (but don’t have to be - especially in the event of rain!), and can be virtually anything, from selling lemonade, hosting a party, exercising, organizing a group run, biking, making art, etc.

Staying Active To Fight Alzheimer’sAlthough there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, study after study has shown that staying active and engaged with a variety of interests, physical exercise and social connections can help protect against the disease. Many of the activities that people engage in on The Longest Day are not just ways to raise money, but also examples of the things we can all do to promote cognitive wellness.

• Regular exercise is a great way to reduce your risk for heart disease and to keep your brain healthy. Exercise also may also play a therapeutic role for those suffering from Alzheimer’s- related depression and irritability. The brain is full of arteries, capillaries and other vessels, and there is evidence that poor cardiovascular health may lead to poor brain health over time. By reducing your risk for heart disease, you may also be doing your brain a good turn.

• Researchers believe that a life of learning and intellectual curiosity smight provide an additional buffer against Alzheimer’s by keeping neural connections alive. Activities like reading, playing a musical instrument, drawing, playing games and doing crossword puzzles are great ways to keep your brain limber - not to mention great things to do on The Longest Day!

June 2021Taking a Stand Against Alzheimer’s Disease on The Longest Day

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Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©

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

• Social interaction has long been thought of as a key lifestyle factor that can keep dementia at bay, because interacting with others stimulates neural connections and keeps us cognitively engaged.

If you are interested in joining Team Youville to raise money on The Longest Day, or if you would like to donate to a member of Team Youville, visit The Longest Day website at https://alz.org/thelongestday and search for “Team Youville!” Our team members will be responsible for organizing their own activities individually, so feel free to get creative. If you are an avid walker, plan to go for a beautiful walk and invite others to join or donate to you via the Team Youville page. If you have questions or need help, just ask a member of the Programs Department. All proceeds from The Longest Day will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

About The Alzheimer’s AssociationThe Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

According to the Alzheimer’s Assocation:

• Approximately six million Americans and 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s, with the number of global cases set to hit 82 million by 2030.

• In the United States, Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death, killing more people annually than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined.

• More than 11 million family and friends provide care for a loved one living with dementia in the United States.

• In 2020, unpaid caregivers provided an estimate 15.3 billion hours of care, valued at over $256.7 billion. In 2021, Alzheimer’s disease will cost the United States $355 billion.

Dance is one of the few cardiovascular workouts that enables you to connect physically with music in a structured setting. Regular dancing strengthens bones and tones muscles throughout the body.

Dark leafy greens are a rich source of vitamins C, K, E and B, as well as iron, calcium and fiber, which are essential for good health.

Meditation and prayer are arguably the two most common spiritual practices in the world. These practices not only connect us with faith traditions, but engage the spark of life at the center of our being.

Even with a lifetime of facts and impressions crammed into our brains, we always have the ability to learn new things. The brain retains what is called “neuroplasticity” in later life, the ability to make new neural pathways.

Crafts such as knitting, crocheting,

painting, cooking, woodworking or gardening offer a unique mix of experiences that promote mental and emotional wellness, and may even protect against age-related cognitive decline.

Get fit. Stay sharp. Age well.©