Did you  know Rhode Island’s coast was a haven for pirates? In the 1600s of course, but it’s still pretty interesting! Join EPOCH in Providence for a presentation on piracy in RI, and keep reading for more events this week and next at EPOCH communities across Massachusetts.

Ranger discusses history of piracy in RI (March 9)

PROVIDENCE—John McNiff, a ranger at the National Park Service, will deliver a presentation at EPOCH Senior Living on Blackstone Boulevard entitled “Piracy along the RI coast” on Friday, March 9, at 3 p.m. Rhode Island was a haven for pirates during the 1600s and early 1700s. This presentation is free and open to the public. EPOCH is located at 353 Blackstone Blvd. For more information, call 401-273-6565.

Derek Gentile talks diabetes, humor at EPOCH (March 14)

Susan Perewitz is an assistant director of life enrichment at EPOCH, and has been a team member here for a year and a half. We sat down and talked with Susan about her work at EPOCH, and why she wakes up with a smile on her face every morning.

Tell us a bit about what you do and why you enjoy it.

“I work as the assistant director of life enrichment, and I also fill in where needed – I’ve worked as a server in dining and also at the front desk. I really love what I do. Every day, I’m eager to get to work. There’s no frowning or grumping in the morning. And mainly that’s because the people here, the residents, are amazing.”

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

We love the interesting people who visit us at EPOCH. They come as guests, volunteers, even performers and educators. They teach us so much. We just learned that Dr. Ed Iannuccilli, a retired prominent figure in Rhode Island, will visit our EPOCH on Blackstone Boulevard community in March. He will come to talk about his new book, “What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner?” Dr. Ed, as he goes by, has extensive experience in academics, management, governance and entrepreneurial endeavors. Former Chairman of the Board at Rhode Island Hospital, he was a Clinical Professor Emeritus at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University. But now Dr. Ed is devoted to traveling, writing books and a blog called “Italian-American Writer.” He wrote his first book, a memoir called “Growing up Italian; Grandfather’s Fig Tree and Other Stories,” at age 68. The success of his book has resulted in invitations to speak throughout the United States and internationally about his heritage and Italian immigration.

We salute Dr. Iannuccilli and other seniors who reminder that no matter what age, we can contribute so much. If you’d like to hear his talk at EPOCH Senior Living on Blackstone Boulevard, it will be held March 28 at 2:30 p.m. Please call 401-273-6565 to R.S.V.P.

Got plans for Mardi Gras? Interested in learning more about Abigail Adams, wife of 2^nd President John Adams? How about a workshop designed to help seniors gain strength and fitness? Or maybe you’re just looking for a relaxing Jazz performance. Take your pick – EPOCH’s got a lot of stuff happening this week, so keep reading for details!

EPOCH on Blackstone hosts Dixieland band for Mardi Gras (Feb 21)

PROVIDENCE —Larry Perlman and his Dixieland band will perform at EPOCH Senior Living on Blackstone Boulevard on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 3 p.m. as part of the community’s Mardi Gras party. Perlman is a jazz pianist who entertains audiences in Providence and the surrounding areas. EPOCH Senior Living is located at 353 Blackstone Blvd. This event is free and open to the public. To R.S.V.P. or for more information, call 401-273-6565.

We have piano performances, Medicare lectures, art receptions and more at EPOCH this week. Stop by EPOCH in Pittsfield for a reception of the community’s art on Wednesday, or if you’re in the Brookline neighborhood, join us for a discussion about accountable care organizations and Medicare changes at EPOCH of Chestnut Hill. Keep reading for more info!

EPOCH welcomes classical pianist Rich Scalise (Feb. 7)

CHESTNUT HILL – Popular performer Rick Scalise, a talented classical pianist, will entertain audiences at EPOCH Assisted Living at Boylston Place, 615 Heath St., on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. This event is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP to Julie Bolt at 617-879-2589. For more information about EPOCH, call 617-244-6400.

ACO and Medicare lecture at EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Chestnut Hill (Feb. 8)

CHESTNUT HILL – EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Chestnut Hill will host a discussion about changes in Medicare, the new accountable care environment, and what it means for you and your loved ones on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. We’ll welcome Dr. Virginia Cummings and Alice Smith, EPOCH’s Medicare expert, for this talk. Light refreshments will be served. EPOCH is located at 615 Heath St. Call 617-243-9990 for more information.

EPOCH Assisted Living hosts reception for featured artists (Feb. 8)

PITTSFIELD—EPOCH Assisted Living at Melbourne will host a reception in the community’s art gallery on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m. for resident, staff and family artwork. This reception is free and open to the public. EPOCH is located at 140 Melbourne Road. The gallery exhibit will include photos, pastels and more, and will appear in EPOCH’s gallery throughout the month. Visitors are welcome between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the reception, call 413-499-1992.

Shabbat with Rabbi Kivman at EPOCH (Feb. 10)

NORTON – Rabbi Yossi Kivma will visit EPOCH Assisted Living of Norton, 190 Mansfield Ave., on Friday, Feb. 10 at 10:30 a.m. for Shabbat. EPOCH is located at 190 Mansfield Ave. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 508-285-3355.