Chris Widdess Joins EngAGE Heartland Team

Posted on September 6, 2018 by EngAGE

EngAGE is pleased to welcome to the team
our new EngAGE Heartland Interim Executive Director

Chris Widdess

Tim Carpenter, CEO/Founder of EngAGE, comments, “We are excited to have Chris join the EngAGE Heartland team, bringing with her an amazing set of skills, passion for our work, and deep local connection to the Twin Cities community. We couldn’t be more pleased and look forward to learning from her.”

Chris Widdess, EngAGE Heartland Interim Executive Director – Chris is a proven change agent with 45 years of experience in strategic realignments, new market development, special projects and campaigns for nonprofit companies in all phases of their evolution. She has strong relationships in the Twin Cities arts and funding communities, having served as the Managing Director of Penumbra Theatre (2004-2015), and currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board and Chair of the City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR board. At 69 years of age, Widdess sees EngAGE Heartland as an opportunity to create her future community.

 

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News from Flower Park Plaza: Grand Opening

Posted on September 5, 2018 by EngAGE

With close to 100 residents in attendance, EngAGE introduced themselves to this new CCH property in Santa Ana, CA. A full meal was followed by live DJ and a handful of dancers, then surveys of interest were shared and discussed. Because most residents don’t speak English, EngAGE staff came up with an effective way to find out their interests: a survey in pictures! Residents were shown photos of activities such as yoga, working with computers, cooking, making art, and much more, so they could choose the ones that were appealing to them. The results were then tallied so that programming could be tailored to the preferences of the residents. Very clever and fun for all!

Thanks to EngAGE PD Meloney Morse and EngAGE RAD Amie Mack for a great event.  And thank you big time to CCH staff Abigail and Arun for your help and support!

Preparation for the big event!

A large turnout of enthusiastic residents!

The visual survey in action!

EngAGE embraces a whole-person approach to creative living, providing college-level programs in the arts, wellness, and lifelong learning.

~ Nancy Goodhart, EngAGE COO

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News from Long Beach Senior Arts Colony: Moves and Grooves

Posted on September 4, 2018 by EngAGE

It was a magical day at LBSAC in Long Beach, CA! Just take a look at twenty-five smiling seniors as they learn how to Move and Groove in their first class with Maha and student instructors from Maha & Company. Many thanks to The NAMM Foundation for this wonderful opportunity!

Research demonstrates that participating in arts activities improves the health and quality of life of older people.

~ Helene Weinberg, Program Director

NAAM Foundation

 

 

 

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News from Metro Compton: Meet & Greet + Birthday Celebration

Posted on September 3, 2018 by EngAGE

There was a big turnout for the recent monthly social event at The Metro at Compton Senior Apartments in Compton, CA. It was a combination Meet & Greet and birthday celebration. EngAGE staff welcomed new residents to the building and explained all of the programming that is offered to them free of cost. New residents introduced themselves to long-time residents, and everyone enjoyed delicious food, light refreshment, cake, music, and raffles, all provided by EngAGE.

EngAGE changes lives by transforming affordable senior and multigenerational apartment communities into vibrant centers of learning, wellness, and creativity.

~ Sandra Vargas, Program Director

 

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Labor Day

Posted on September 2, 2018 by EngAGE

Labor Day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. You can learn about the history of Labor Day here.

 

 

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News from Buckingham/Metro Chinatown/Metro Compton/Vermont: Food Forward and LA Kitchen

Posted on September 1, 2018 by EngAGE

EngAGE has two important partners in the effort to make certain our residents have access to healthy food.

FOOD FORWARD

The Food Forward Program provides fresh produce on a monthly basis to many EngAGE communities. Food Forward staff and volunteers rescue 353,000 pounds of surplus produce each week from fruit trees, farmers markets, and the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market. 100% of these fresh fruits and vegetables are donated to over 575 hunger relief agencies across eight counties in Southern California and distributed to folks like our low-income residents.

The Metro at Compton Senior Apartments

The Metro at Compton Senior Apartments

The Metro at Chinatown Senior Lofts

Vermont Family Apartments

Vermont Family Apartments

Vermont Family Apartments

Buckingham Senior Apartments

L.A. Kitchen

In collaboration with L.A. Kitchen, we are bringing residents a once a month healthy meal demo plus a complimentary meal to take home. L.A. Kitchen does a full presentation demo of one meal and residents get to taste the results. Residents then go home with an individual meal prepared by L.A. Kitchen plus a box of fresh produce.

Buckingham Senior Apartments

The Metro at Compton Senior Apartments

EngAGE changes lives by transforming affordable senior and multigenerational apartment communities into vibrant centers of learning, wellness, and creativity.

~ Sandra Vargas, Program Director

 

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News from The Huntington: Gardening and Craft

Posted on August 31, 2018 by EngAGE

At The Huntington in Morgan Hill, CA, residents enjoy tending their beautiful garden and exploring their creativity in Crafts Class by making some lively 4th of July decorations!

 

EngAGE changes lives by transforming affordable senior and multigenerational apartment communities into vibrant centers of learning, wellness, and creativity.

~ Robbin Johnson-Perez, Program Director

 

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