A center where people rejoice, laugh, dance, and forget about illnesses

A center where people rejoice, laugh, dance, and forget about illnesses
It was truly a pleasure to spend time with the visitors and staff of the Bainbridge Center at the wonderful three-year celebration of the Health Day Care program located at 3093 Ocean Ave, 2nd floor, which houses both the medical program and the home care agency.
Special thanks for the invitation go to renowned social worker and program director Raisa Ross, her wonderful colleagues, and Health Insurance Brokers representative Anna Entelnik. It was thanks to their dedicated work that the event became truly warm, heartfelt, and meaningful for Russian-speaking seniors. Raisa Ross is a licensed social worker and talented radio journalist, whose invaluable advice has been listened to with interest for many years. She always looks impeccable, remaining an example of vitality, wisdom, and generosity. People turn to her for advice in the most difficult life situations—and she truly helps, offering precise, knowledgeable, and heartfelt recommendations.
On behalf of Senator Steve Chan, Senator Ari Kagan, General Counsel, congratulated the Bainbridge ADCC Health Care program and its participants, presented honorary certificates from the Senate to the caring and professional staff, and wished everyone good health and longevity. Certificates of appreciation were also presented by representatives from the offices of Mikhail Novakhov, Alec Brook-Krasny, City Council Member Inna Vernikova, and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spantom. A special thank you goes out to distinguished guests Teresa Scavo and a representative of Health Insurance Brokers. This is a center where people truly forget about illness and learn to enjoy every day. A video about the center, published on YouTube by Canal Lagunova News, consistently receives thousands of views. And it's no wonder! The center attracts people of golden age, including centenarians. They sing, dance, and perform skits, as if on a theatrical stage. Laughter, music, and good company—all of this prolongs life and becomes an inspiration for everyone who crosses the threshold of the center.
Amazing people meet here—those who once mentored generations of students, who set an example both professionally and personally. And now they create an atmosphere of genuine warmth, support, and joyful fellowship. The center's greatest achievement is its staff's ability to foster optimism, a desire for new knowledge, and a love of life in every visitor, which is especially important for those who have experienced difficult life experiences. It's no secret that children and grandchildren are often very busy, and the center's staff takes on a small part of their care, sometimes becoming true friends, almost like family. Bainbridge visitors feel part of a friendly, responsive, and family-like community.
The center features a gym and exercise bike area, supported by the Department of Health. It's the only center with a gym equipped with modern exercise machines, treadmills, and arm and leg exercises—essential for older adults, many of whom suffer from arthritis. In an interview, one visitor offered some sage advice for my readers:
"Don't sit idle—move, walk, dance. With life expectancy increasing, 100 will soon become the middle age."
It is a pleasure to thank Susan Methal, Corporate Director, and the friendly, professional team:
Elena Fitterman (community relations),
Mikhail Britgolts (Program Manager),
Natalia Bulakh, Zhanna Litvinskaya, Irina Pelekh and Olga Mardito SNA, Vasily Kolkhidashvili and other wonderful employees.
Every day at the center is an example of how to live a vibrant and fulfilling life, imbuing it with meaning, creativity, and kindness. The staff does a tremendous, noble job, and it's no wonder people come here with joy. Here, they make new friends, learn to dance, study English, master computers, draw—and simply live a full, beautiful, and happy life.
Marina Lagunova