|
Mother’s Day isn’t just for mothers. It’s for anyone who has, in some way,
positively impacted the life of a child.
At Villages of Westland, that includes everyone!
The CareSync Solutions enhanced living staff at Villages of
Westland recognized all these amazing women with a beautiful Mother’s Day
tea.
Eighteen residents attended, and one brought her own daughter.
Caregivers served an assortment of teas, and homemade small bites
including diabetic-friendly miniature cupcakes, salted caramel & raspberry
mini cheesecakes, chocolate chip cookies, and a watermelon & blueberry
salad with lemon agave dressing, as well as rosemary crackers with garlic cheese
spread. Yummy!
Participants shared stories about their children and other relatives they love. Each received a purple tulip and Hershey kisses as a
little parting gift.
The lovely group of women who reside at Villages of Westland have
lived amazing lives, and continue to contribute in selfless ways.
The afternoon tea was just a small way to thank and celebrate these
beautiful women on a special day.
On May 1st, 2016, Karl Senft, a resident at
Sanctuary at Bellbrook in Rochester Hills, turned 100 years old.
Karl was born in Floss, Germany and moved to the US in 1956. He and his wife had one son and two grandchildren.
Karl has resided at Bellbrook for 14 years.
He is active in the community and swims at a local pool four times a week.
Karl's family and the Bellbrook community
celebrated in a big way by honoring his heritage. Children from the Carpathia Club (a local
German club) performed some traditional German dances for Karl and his guests
and an accordion player topped off the afternoon with waltzes and polkas. Some of the residents joined in on the
dancing! The celebration was a huge
success and was enjoyed by the entire community. Happy Birthday Karl! What a milestone!!
Goldie and Stanley Carnes celebrated their 74th
wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends at Ashford Court in
Westland, where they’ve lived for the past year. The Homestead staff and Life Enrichment team
decided to pull out all the stops to give them a party to remember. As many as 20 family members came from near
and far. There was cake, balloons and
dancing. Entertainment was supplied by
“Family Affair,” a church group band of musicians, all over 70 years old.
Goldie and Stanley were married on April 25, 1942. They met when Stanley was a taxi driver and
Goldie stepped into his cab for a ride.
As they say, the rest is history. They were married in their home in
Kentucky in a small ceremony that was officiated by Goldie’s uncle who happened
to be a judge. She was 17 years old and
he was 19. Together they have seven
children, 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. They lived in Taylor, Michigan most of their
lives.
Goldie remains involved with the activities and fundraising projects at Ashford Court.
Congratulations to Goldie and Stanley on their 74th anniversary!
A MAN AND HIS DOG
Mr. Gretsinger is an 88 year old resident at Henry Ford Village in Dearborn, who hasn't seen his beloved dog, Robbie, in two years. Robbie was given to a friend of Mr. Gretsingers who lived almost two hours away. Mr. Gretsinger receives home care and Life Enrichment services from Homestead Home Health Care. Staff knew that he was so fond of his beloved Robbie and missed him very much, so they planned a surprise. Mr. Gretsinger celebrated his birthday in April, and the guest of honor was Robbie! Staff planned a party with his family and caregivers. He enjoyed pizza, cake and gifts. But the best gift of all was his best friend, Robbie (who is 91 in human years!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. GRETSINGER
 |
| Mr Gretsinger with his care staff: Shanelle, Shaniqua and Tiarra |
It's Fun Work!
For over 2 years, residents at Westhaven Manor and volunteers from Bridgepointe A Life Celebrated, have been getting together to make sandwiches for the local homeless shelter. Over 2000 sandwiches have been made and donated to the cause. The group enjoys the opportunity to help others. Sometimes PB and J is more than just a sandwich!
On December 17th, Andy
Labick, a resident at Ashford Court, was treated to a day of
reminiscence by the Life Enrichment staff. Andy was chosen because
he volunteers as an artist and is involved with many of the residents
there.
Andy was a Metallurgist at Ford Motor
Company and taught at Henry Ford Community College. When asked what
he would love to do, he requested to go to the Henry Ford Museum
because he hadn’t been there since he was a child.
The plane he flew and worked on as an
aviation specialist while in the Marines was on display there, as
well as many of the automobiles he worked on while at Ford. He was
treated to lunch and all the exhibits at the Museum. Andy’s day
was one he said he would always remember and he truly appreciated the
experience to see it again!
On September 3, 2014, Hector "Bill" Duthie, a resident at Sanctuary at Bellbrook, took flight in a B-25 aircraft at Willow Run Airport.
Bill is a veteran pilot of WWII who flew the B-25 during the war. A Life Celebrated was determined to give Bill and his family the opportunity to have that experience again. After many months of waiting, Bill was able to "take flight".
Bill, known to staff and friends as "The Mayor", is a distinguished member of the Bellbrook community. He has acted as President and Vice President of the apartment association, volunteers for many functions within the community and leads a men's group on the memory care unit where his wife once lived.
"Here's to you Bill, for your service during the war and your continued service within your community!"
 |
Judy and Marty
|
 Judy and Florian were NOT going to be
alone for the holiday. Marty, an active Bridgepointe A Life
Celebrated volunteer, knew that she could not enjoy the holiday
knowing that others would be alone Thanksgiving without a good meal
to enjoy. So, Marty, with a little help from Clove Catering, shared a
turkey dinner with Judy and Florian, two Westhaven Manor residents and enjoyed Thanksgiving
together. Marty also decorated each apartment for the season. Thanks Marty for
making this a holiday to remember for Judy and Florian.
 |
| Florian and Marty |
Betty
Wills found family, happiness and a real home.
 |
| The day that Betty has been waiting years to arrive |
Betty's
life was frequently a struggle. She had an unstable background
including “surviving foster care since the age of four years old”.
Throughout her lifetime, she worked odd jobs and made ends meet
however she could. She resided in both the United States and Canada.
It was a hard life and there were always many challenges, and she had
managed for 85 years without asking anyone for help.
 |
| Betty officially becomes a U.S. citizen |
Three
years ago, at age 85, Betty was scheduled to be placed in a homeless
shelter. She had no identification, no income and no health
insurance. The Bridgepointe A Life Celebrated team heard about her
and took action. Volunteers wrapped Betty in love and kindness and
gave her an opportunity to thrive.
Betty
moved to the Village of Westland Senior Living Community and received
care from the Homestead Home Health Care team. Bridgepointe
volunteers continued to help her overcome some major challenges, like
obtaining a birth certificate, U.S. Citizenship, and a Michigan I.D.
Card. These basics were needed to take the next steps, such as
establishing an income and signing up for Medicare. She opened her
first bank account and wrote her first check. Betty was filled with
gratitude for the loving care and support she received.
Betty
flourished. She had nutritious meals, many friends and a purpose in
her life. You could see her every morning in exercise class, or on
Sundays doing 'hall check'. She was a part of many committees and was
selected to be an “Ambassador”, part of a special team to welcome
new residents. Her caregivers and her new friends were her family –
her only family. She spent each Thanksgiving and Christmas at the
home of one of her favorite caregivers. Her birthday was celebrated
by all her “girls”. Every day, she knew she was loved. She
repeatedly said “These have been the best three years of my life.”
Late
in 2013, Ms. Wills passed away at the age of 88. Hers is truly a life
worth celebrating!She has been a pleasure to know and to love. She
will always be remembered for her zeal for life, her kindness to
others and her gratitude.
October 28, 2013 was Tom's day!
 Tom Rowell is a nine-year resident at Franklin Terrace in Southfield, MI. Since his first day in the building, he has been kind and generous to everyone. The Bridgepointe volunteers wanted to show their appreciation for Tom and honor him in a special way.
Tom does more for everyone than we can list so we wanted to give back in a small way and show him our appreciation. Greeting cards were donated and every resident, staff member and volunteer had the opportunity to sign their own birthday card for Tom.
Tom received over 75 cards that day along with a cake and many personal birthday wishes! Thank you to Tom for all that you do!!
 |
Ruth Ann Floyd, Steve Farrand. Jewell Jackson, William
Stewart, Tom Powell, Jasmine Charles and Neal Bush |
  Connie
LOVES the movies and she doesn't really like to leave her apartment!
So, it was time for the Bridgepointe volunteer team Westhaven Manor to find a way
to motivate her!
Madison, a Bridgepointe volunteer,
arranged a special Thursday movie day in the theatre room showing her
favorite movie “Gone with the wind” and her favorite snack...
Cannoli's!! She was so happy!! Her special day turned into a
special day for everyone.
 |
| Carla, Cindy and Wilhelmina |
 |
| Cindy, Linda and Carla |
Carla is a retired art teacher from the Dearborn School System and was a new resident at Franklin Terrance. Carla taught art classes for many years and spent much of her time painting for enjoyment. Art was her passion! When Carla recently lost her home, most everything that was in it including all her art supplies and many of her paintings, were lost as well. Her adjustment to her new residence was difficult without the opportunity for artistic expression.
The Bridgepointe volunteer team wanted to provide an opportunity for her to enjoy the things she loves most. A trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts was planned and the care staff from Franklin Terrance sprang into action to make it happen! Carla spent the afternoon with the bridgepointe volunteers and her friend Cindy, another resident at Franklin Terrace. They enjoyed the various exhibits, a special lunch and were blessed with a beautiful day for the outing!
 March 25th was officially Mary's day! Helena and a group of Bridgepointe volunteers at Woodhaven Senior Community in Flint wanted to do something really special for Mary, a long time resident. This special lady needed a day just for her. The group decided to coordinate a day of beauty and a special luncheon for Mary. Escape Salon & Spa was ready to help and graciously donated a manicure, pedicure, and hair style.
After Mary felt as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside, she was surprised by her family and friends at a surprise luncheon held in her honor. The surprise guest was... a dog! Mary had put her dog, Bailey, up for adoption when Mary first moved to Westhaven Manor. Mary cried and hugged Bailey the whole time. In Mary's words “It was a lovely day”.
The attached photographs speak louder than words. Her stunning smile remained for days afterward.
Bonus! The care team, her family and friends reported they had a great experience too and everyone had a wonderful day!
Virginia had been through some tough times! She was referred to A Life Celebrated from a local agency that had worked to protect her from harm.
A Life Celebrated volunteers worked on Virginia's behalf to move her to a Senior Community where she would be able to live independently, with home healthcare and chore services, in a secure environment.
 As Virginia settled into her new home her care givers became like a family to her. When they learned that Virginia had never taken a trip outside the state of Michigan they realized the perfect opportunity to create excitement in Virginia's life, while also providing her with a purpose.
Virginia began planning her ideal trip - a cruise to the Caribbean!
 Virginia was accompanied by 2 ALC volunteers on her trip. She could not have been more pleased with the cruise. She experienced sights and sounds she never dreamed possible – she was even invited to have dinner at the Captain’s table!
Virginia’s celebration is an example of ALC’s efforts to provide a meaningful life event to a deserving person, while her ability to live independently is a result of true advocacy on her behalf.
 Imagine a 70-year-old woman buying a new dirt bike. That was Shirley, always on a quest for adventure even into her nineties. Shirley along with her sons are motorcycle enthusiasts, and Shirley enjoyed riding into her seventies.
 In October of 2009, Shirley was all set to turn 90. She had become more withdrawn in the months and years leading up to her ninetieth birthday. Even though she was turning ninety, she still dreamed of going for rides on her son’s motorcycle. With her growing weakness, however, that just didn’t seem possible. Her nurse came up with the idea of taking her on a ride in a motorcycle sidecar. “That would be cool!” Shirley said with a smile.
A Life Celebrated found a local businessman on Facebook who had a motorcycle and sidecar. Along with 15 American Legion-Michigan riders, he escorted Shirley on a motorcycle ride along the neighboring roads. Lori Morrison, owner of Ribar Flowers, donated flowers for the event and recruited a professional photographer to donate her services.
At the end of the ride Shirley was asked what she liked most about riding in a motorcycle. “The speed - there’s no time for worrying!” she said, grinning.
Peg was 90 years old when she was no longer able to live alone and moved into a senior community. Peg graduated from the University of Michigan before it was common for women to go to college. She was a pilot all of her adult life, again not a common pursuit for women at that time. Peg truly lived a remarkable life.
Peg was struggling with memory-loss and she was longing for the sense of achievement that had inspired her to lead such a fulfilling life. Upon hearing Peg’s story, we at A Life Celebrated thought that revisiting experiences from the past might allow her to find herself in a lost memory. Our wish-makers took Peg to the airport hangar that she had used throughout her days as a pilot. During the car ride Peg was able to remember the hangar’s number: “Fifty-two, fifty-two!” she said over and over until she arrived.
It was Peg’s good friend Jim, also a former pilot, who volunteered to take her for a ride. When she got in the airplane Peg put on her headset and began going over the pre-flight checklist for Jim without missing a beat. Her dream was to fly one last time, and A Life Celebrated helped make her dream a reality.
How do you celebrate the life of an 94 year old jazz enthusiast whose memory is failing, but who wakes every morning with a song on her lips? You create an evening of music and dancing, with dress and décor from a decade of her youth.
 The 1940’s Sweetheart Swing Ball was the brainchild of A Life Celebrated co-founder Traci Rusk. It is she who sings with Eve in the morning, and Traci wanted to create an evening that would potentially spark some wonderful memories for Eve. "With memory loss does not come the loss of enthusiasm for life,” explained Traci. “Memories of the past can be recreated to bring back the excitement of yesterday, and this is exactly why this wish is being brought to life for Eve."
The evening was amazing – with beautiful decorations and swinging music. Residents of the senior residence where Eve lives were decked out in vintage clothing provided by A Life Celebrated. A Life Celebrated volunteer Audry Schieble pounded the pavement night and day to find the clothing. “Finding enough dresses was the biggest challenge,” said Schieble. “We just had to go from shop to shop looking for clothing in the right sizes.” Audry said that they first tried sending letters to area vintage clothing shops asking for donations, but when they got very little response she headed right out to make some deals!
 The highlight of the evening was the arrival of Dorothy Waddell, a hospice nurse who played the role of Billie Holiday for the evening. She sang “Moonlight in June,” and other Holiday favorites. Near the end of the evening she invited Eve to sing with her – the same song that Eve sings each morning as she wakes: “Summertime.”
Oakland University graduate Paul Carryer was the DJ for the evening, and he brought along dancers from the Detroit Swing Club. As with most partners of A Life Celebrated, Traci found Paul on Facebook.
Backdrops were researched and made with the help of senior residents. One backdrop included a wooden crescent moon behind a bench – creating the illusion that they were sitting on the moon! There was popcorn provided by the Detroit Popcorn company and raffle prizes donated by Patricia Vergelt, a Mary Kay cosmetics representative.
 Although she poured her heart and soul into the Swing Ball, Traci admitted that the event wouldn’t have been possible without Audry. “Audry is a joy to work with…just give her the spark and she sees every task to completion!” When asked how she became involved with A Life Celebrated, Audry explained that she was inspired by the Shirley’s 90th Ride celebration. “We were chasing after the motorcycle riders and seeing how happy Shirley was – what a great feeling!”
|
|
|