Life Enrichment Team Fights Pandemic Boredom Together

When the coronavirus outbreak first hit, the Kingsley Manor life enrichment team knew they had to quickly find ways to help residents stay engaged and connected while following important safety measures. "We had to hit the ground running right away to find innovative ways to do things we used to do in-person but now, needed to be done virtually or socially distanced," said Raymond Ruiz, Kingsley's life enrichment director. "That's where my team shined. We put our heads together and came…

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Versatile Skyroom Patios are Resident Favorites

For more than a decade, these lovely gathering spots have played host to numerous social events, exercise classes, dances and concerts. The views are spectacular and the company is even better. "Our Skyroom patios are the social hubs of our community," said Kingsley Manor Life Enrichment Director Raymond Ruiz. "Residents love being there. The spaces are so versatile and the views are spectacular." Located on the rooftop of Kingsley's Leitzel Hall, a six-story building on the west end …

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Love of art brings Sheldon Edelstein new friends and time for reflection

Boredom. It's a feeling that Sheldon Edelstein does not like. So when the retired interior designer decided to move out of his house to a senior apartment complex he thought he would have a more active life. "Was I wrong," Sheldon said. "Although I had neighbors, we were all isolated. There were no organized activities and I didn't interact with my neighbors much. Everyone did their own thing. Then my son, who lives in the Los Angeles area, suggested Kingsley Manor. Living here changed my l…

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Parkinson’s Won’t Keep Kingsley Manor Stand-Up Comedian Down

"Did you hear the one about the man who robbed the bank in a wheel chair? He made an easy escape because the security guard jumped up to hold the door open for him."  From anecdotes about bank robbers who slide past bank security in their wheelchairs to observations on by-stander's reactions when one takes an unexpected fall, comedian and Kingsley Manor Retirement Community resident Mark Siegel has an unusual, and possibly unique, source for much of his stand-up routin…

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Longevity of Kingsley Staff Reflects Culture of Community

More than two dozen employees have served residents for over two decades The year was 1984 and Los Angeles was in the middle of hosting the summer Olympics, when Jeannie Weber, who had just moved to town, took a part-time job as the Kingsley Manor receptionist on the night shift. Thirty-five years later, Jeannie, who long ago migrated from the front desk, is the director of sales and marketing. "Kingsley has become my second home," she smiles, looking over at the rose bushes outside h…

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Lewis MacAdams: Always Searching for the Impossible

"If it's not impossible, I'm not interested." It's a phrase that Lewis MacAdams, poet, journalist, filmmaker and activist has become known for over the years. Often repeated by friends and fans, it's made its way on to tee-shirts and is now forever etched in the base of a seven-foot sandstone sculpture of him overlooking the Los Angeles River – his muse and mission for more than 40 years.   Lewis' relationship with the LA River dates back to 1985 when an impromptu stro…

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