Our director, Arlene Richman, shares her thoughts on life at Kittay House

Life at Kittay – May 14, 2009
We are proud to announce that the works of eight Kittay House artists were selected for recognition in The NYAHSA annual art contest.

Art works by tenants Julius Horowitz, Edward Martin, Margo Rice, Marianne Ultmann, Budd Williams, and art teacher Lucy Degidon will be included in the traveling art show. Artwork by Charlotte Parker and Jean Sneddon received Staff Choice award. Photo shows artists receiving certificates at reception held in their honor.

Also shown in photo is Amy Gruszewski creative arts leader who played a major role in submitting entries. Congratulations to all.

Arlene

Life at Kittay – December 16, 2008

As Director of Kittay House I am always excited to be part of such a vibrant community. Kittay’s tenants never stop growing and learning and I never stop learning and growing from their example.

As we move into the New Year, the Kittay community enters a busy schedule of holiday activities and cultural events. Our weekly cooking class is going strong, giving the diverse Kittay staff and tenant population an opportunity to sample each other’s cultures. Check out some of the recipes using the links below:

Hungarian Spread Recipe
Sofritos Recipe
Apple Crisp Recipe

Kittay tenants are donating their skills and experience to a “Seniors helping Seniors” career development program. As part of Jewish Home Lifecare’s career geriatric career development program, Kittay seniors are working with NY City high school seniors, helping to prepare them for health care careers. Kittay tenants are tutoring students in skills such as English, Social Studies and American Sign Language. In addition, students are participating in a variety of Kittay events, becoming a part of the Kittay community — Seniors and Seniors, learning from each other and building relationships and lasting influences.

I sometimes find myself writing something like “Kittay tenants stay active to stay healthy.” But the truth is Kittay tenants are active because that’s who they are — I couldn’t stop them from being active if I tried. A few of the many ongoing volunteer efforts Kittay tenants have organized are:

• Collecting donations from tenants and visitors for donation to City Harvest food pantries as the economic situation creates greater need for food relief
• Supportive visits to elders in short stay rehabilitation care
• Organizing a drive to send holiday cards to US soldiers recovering from injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center

One of the highlight upcoming events for the politically active will be a January 20th celebration of the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Kittay tenants will watch (and no doubt comment on) the inaugural speech and will have their own inaugural ball.

Best wishes for the Holidays and the New Year from all of us at Kittay House.

Life at Kittay – November 3rd, 2008
The change of seasons brings some beautiful Autumn weather to Kittay House, infusing our community with new energy and a sense of anticipation. As Director of Kittay House, I’m pleased to introduce our new Web site and take the opportunity with this letter, to share with you some of the latest news about our community and tenants.

In September and October, Kittay House tenants celebrated the arrival of the Jewish New Year with meals, services and a renewed commitment to the spirit of the “Days of Awe.” A highlight of the season was the well-attended concert “Cantorial Highlights of the Days of Awe,” perfomed in the week before Rosh Hashanah and open to the public.

September is the start of the new school year, and that means Kittay tenants get a boost of energy on Wednesdays when they are visited by sixth graders from nearby PS 86, who come with their teachers to Kittay for our Intergenerational Program. Students and tenants work together on activities such as flying kites, teaching each other card games and of course, music.

As Election Day draws near, the campaign is on the minds of Kittay tenants and oft-discussed around campus. Sid Kronish, one of Kittay’s resident scholars and a retired Professor of Economics, is presenting a series of lectures before the election on related economic issues, specifically: the national health plan, globalization, and the tax system. Also, tenants are looking forward to watching the election returns on election night as a community.

The community at Kittay House flourishes not only because of the endless variety of social, spiritual, health, and educational opportunities, but also because of the unique spirits and personalities of everyone who lives and visits here. In the words of one of our accomplished tenants, Edna Nelkin, “Kittay offers the connections to the good life.” We hope you’ll join us!