CommunityA M AG A Z I N E f rom UMRC

FALL 2017

GIVINGTHANKS

Giving BACK

Learn more inside about how UMRC is giving back in the

communities it serves.

Andrea Vernon-Coleman, CNA provides care at Thome PACE to older adults like Bev.

The UMRC Foundation received a grant of $1 million from Maryland-based funder, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc. This one-year capital grant will support a new addition to double the size and capacity of the existing Huron Valley PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) Day Health Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Weinberg Foundation,” says UMRC Foundation President, Wendy Brightman.

“The Weinberg Foundation is known nationally and internationally as a champion for vulnerable older

adults. The support of the Weinberg Foundation highlights the important

work UMRC and Huron Valley PACE are doing to increase the

number of seniors we can serve and to broaden the services we provide

for low-income older adults in Washtenaw, Monroe, and surrounding

counties.

Huron Valley PACE Executive Director Rick Bluhm says, “Since opening in 2014, Huron Valley PACE has grown from seven initial participants to over 160 today. As the population of older adults continues to grow, it is critical that we increase access to the highly coordinated and comprehensive services PACE offers, helping them to live independently in their own homes and communities. We are grateful to the Weinberg Foundation for helping make this possible.”

Wendy adds, “With everything that PACE offers to its participants, who pay nothing out-of-pocket, it also saves the State of Michigan approximately 40% over traditional nursing home care. It is truly a win-win for older adults and our communities.”

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The Colleen Dolan-Greene and Trey Greene Story

Huron Valley PACEWeinberg Foundation Grant for Expansion

Thanks to the Weinberg Foundation Grant, Huron Valley PACE will Double in Size.

Huron Valley PACE Helps Older Adults Be Independent

Tom and Debby McMullen

In 1972, University of Texas graduate student Colleen Dolan-Greene accepted a summer internship at Oakland University. Her assignments: help write the university’s affirmative action plan and participate on its bargaining team. This internship was the beginning of her career in human resources and labor relations; meeting her husband, Trey, a third generation Detroiter; and falling in love with the city she now calls home. She and Trey married in 1976 and bought a house in the historic Boston-Edison neighborhood.

Colleen and Trey have long been members of the Detroit Rotary. Rotary is how Colleen learned about UMRC and its partnership to develop Rivertown, providing Detroit’s first and only affordable assisted living options for low-income older adults. The couple experienced first-hand the challenges of senior care in Detroit when Trey’s mother was diagnosed with dementia. “She was very unhappy she couldn’t stay in the city where she had lived,” says Colleen. Because of Colleen's expertise and passion for Detroit, she was invited to join the UMRC Board in 2012 and help make the Rivertown concept a reality. Colleen says “UMRC’s great range of services for older adults” convinced her to accept.

As Rotarians, Colleen and Trey got in the habit of making monthly gifts, a habit they embrace with their giving to the UMRC Foundation.

The Colleen Dolan-Greene and Trey Greene Story

"It’s a painless way to give," says Colleen, "and your giving accumulates while you’re not

thinking about it. We find we can make a much more significant gift

that way."”

Colleen Dolan-Greene and Trey Greene

Meet Our DONORS

Photograph courtesy of Eleanor Oakes for TBD Magazine

To Learn More

about the UMRC Foundation’s Monthly Giving program, contact Lisa French, Director of Communications and Annual Giving, at 734-433-1000 ext. 7426 or by e-mail at

lfrench@umrc.com.

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Claudius

Mitsi

Arlene Morris moved to CRC’s Garden Apartments last spring with her Maltese, Buffy. “I’ve had dogs all my adult life. I’d be lost without her!”

Mitsi is Jerry Murray’s first cat. He got her from the Humane Society eight years ago. “She’s a dandy! She is great company, and a lot of people stop by to visit us.”

Maggie Boyd says, “I grew up with house cats and barn cats on the farm. When I decided to move to CRC, I didn’t want to leave my cat, and I’m so glad I didn’t have to. I’m so glad UMRC understands that that little bit of companionship fills a niche.”

Buffy

Residents and Pets

Kate Collins says UMRC has cared for many important people in her life. “My grandmother lived here, and my mom will soon be moving to the new Prairie Cottages,” one of many projects near and dear to Kate’s heart as UMRC’s Vice President for Project Development. In her 25th year working at UMRC, Kate’s decision to include the faith-based nonprofit organization in her estate planning was an easy one. “This is a very special place to me."

In 2005, Kate and her husband, Erich Klun, an engineer, began their estate plan when they adopted their daughter, Coco, from China. Now that Coco is 13, Kate says she and Erich decided it was time to review and update their estate plan – something she would encourage everyone to do – and decide where they want

their assets to go, while also caring for their family. “We each chose a charity that means a lot to us – for me that is the UMRC Foundation.”

For Coco as well. “Coco has virtually grown up on this campus,” says Kate. “She is very proud of her volunteering and is very fond of the people here.”

“I have personally seen the benefit of bequest gifts on the well-being of our residents,” Kate adds. “These gifts to the UMRC Foundation are so important and keep the momentum of UMRC going into the future. I hope our gift can be used for a building project someday and make possible something on the ‘dream’ list.”

For more information on how you can include the UMRC Foundation in your estate plan, contact Shane Williamson, Major Gifts Officer, at 734-433-1000 ext. 7397 or by e-mail at swilliamson@umrc.com.

Planned Giving is a Family Affair for Kate Collins.

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Kate Collins' Grandmother and Mother Kate, Coco, and Erich

Hazel Mead, Life Enrichment Coordinator for Independent Living at Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), wanted to involve residents in a community project. Then she found an idea on Facebook: crocheting sleeping mats made from plastic shopping bags.

It was a perfect fit for CRC’s socially minded residents. Each mat requires 500 to 700 bags, meaning fewer shopping bags in the landfill, and the mats would be used by Detroit’s homeless to provide a protective layer between the cold, damp ground and their sleeping bag.

About 50 residents started the project last March with a goal of making ten mats, each 6’ x 3’ in size. The project soon grew, with the group meeting every week and some even working on the mats in their apartments in the evenings. “The mats were great because they involved residents who could help in a variety of ways,” says Hazel. “In addition to crocheting, people were needed to smooth and cut the bags, tie them into loops, and roll them into balls of ‘plarn’ or plastic yarn. An array of patterns could be made by alternating the colors of the bags.”

The project meant a lot to the residents who participated, including Carol Mills who completed four mats. “It was very satisfying to know that the end result would help someone,” says Carol. CRC neighbors Rose Daub and Rosemary Blakeman also worked on the project. “Rose would hang her finished balls of plarn on my door for me to crochet,” says Rosemary who made three mats. Long-time knitter and centenarian Al Wooll crocheted two mats. “I thought I would be 105 before I finished my first one,” Al jokes.

In June, Hazel and the residents made a road trip to Detroit to deliver twelve mats to the Neighborhood Service Organization’s (NSO) Homeless Recovery Services program, a nonprofit serving homeless men and women. “We were very impressed with the wonderful quality of mats and immediately put them to use,” says NSO Operations Manager James Carey. “It was clear this was a labor of love.”

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Labor of LOVE How Chelsea Retirement Community Residents are Giving Back

Carol Mills Crochets One of Four Mats

In June, Hazel and the residents made a road trip to Detroit to deliver twelve mats to the Neighborhood Service Organization’s (NSO) Homeless Recovery Services program, a nonprofit serving homeless men and women. “We were very impressed with the wonderful quality of mats and immediately put them to use,” says NSO Operations Manager James Carey. “It was clear this was a labor of love.”

Ann Rogers Concentrates on her Stitch

facebook.com/UnitedMethodistRetirementCommunitiesAlso, look for our blog, umrc.com/blog, and our Instagram UMRC.MI

STAY CONNECTED

Psalm 107: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever…

Retired pastor from Midland First United Methodist Church, Rev. Brent McCumons and his wife, Marlene, a teacher, are thankful for the supportive community they have found at Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC):

"As a pastor and former UMRC Board member, Marlene and I always knew we would someday make CRC our home. When we learned of the new Prairie Cottages project underway, we decided the timing was right.

We wanted to develop a faithful community together, so, as we age, we’ll have that support. It’s comforting for us, and reassuring for our children, to know CRC’s continuum of care is available. Already, I’ve been able to take advantage of physical therapy here, and the coming McMullen Wellness and Aquatic Center is very exciting!

We are extremely impressed with The Prairie Cottages, including the caring staff and opportunity to choose the design and details we wanted for our cottage.

We are grateful for our many friends here who are former pastors and spouses, and for new friends, too. We love being closer to family and recently hosted our annual Grandkids Camp here in our new home! God is good!"

Rev. Brent McCumons, Retired United Methodist Pastor.

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Labor of LOVE

UMRC’S FOCUS ON FAITH

Faith, Love and Tradition

UMRC Foundation’s 8th annual Garden Party, its signature fundraising event, was one of the most successful – and most fun – yet! Michael and Ann Feeney chaired this year’s Garden Party on July 11 at The Cedars of Dexter campus. Guests, including event sponsors, residents, and friends of the UMRC Foundation, enjoyed a beautiful evening complete with food trucks, music, and decadent desserts.

Wendy Brightman, UMRC Foundation President says, “We are so blessed to have the support of so many generous donors and corporate sponsors who helped make this year’s Garden Party one of our best ever!”

Proceeds of this year’s event topped $110,000 from sponsorships, ticket sales, and other gifts, to help create the Heart of the Home model of care at UMRC’s Kresge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center (Kresge Center).

“Through this person-centered care model, households will be created within the Kresge Center that feel more like home for our residents, enabling staff to better meet their needs, develop closer relationships with residents and their families, and improve our already outstanding care for older adults,” explains Jena Wisely, Administrator for Kresge Center.

Kresge Center recently received a 5-Star Rating from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for excellent quality and patient experience, ranking Kresge Center in the top 10% of skilled care facilities in the United States.

For more information about the Kresge

Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, call

734-475-7310.

Seeds for the Future Planted at7TH ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY

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8th Annual Garden Party Delights Guests

Michelle and Jim Henderson The Cedars Provided the Perfect Setting

Odie Elden and Nancy Wiley

Rivertown Assisted Living resident Warner Greene remembers his grandmother told him, “Don’t frown or it will stick on your face.” This warning clearly made an impression on Warner, whose cheerful motto is “to keep a smile on my face and love in my heart.”

On September 14, Huron Valley PACE held an Open House to celebrate the first ever National PACE month and, in particular, the important role transportation plays in the program. Huron Valley Ambulance provides this service for Huron Valley PACE.

“Transportation is a vital part of every PACE program, delivering door-to-door service for participants between home and the PACE Day Health Center and ensuring they get the care and services they need to live independently in their own homes and communities,” says Gretchen Sanewsky, Director of Community Outreach and Enrollment.

Transportation Coordinator Vikki Kleiner shares how important the drivers are to each participant’s

overall care at PACE. “The driver is the first and last person our participants may see that day. For our participants who may not have any other means of transportation, the PACE bus is their outlet to experiencing life outside their home. Our drivers really get to know the older adults we serve and are an integral part of the PACE interdisciplinary team.”

Huron Valley PACE:Open House

All Smiles at Rivertown

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A former baker and auto mechanic, Warner has six children – five sons and one daughter, or as he describes them, “a basketball team and one cheerleader.” All but his youngest live out of state, but he enjoys their calls, as well as visits from his youngest son and nephew who live in Detroit.

Eight years ago, Warner had a stroke. Today, he strives to be as active as possible. He enjoys exercise classes at Rivertown, reading science fiction, and attending church at Spiritual Israel and Its Army Temple in Detroit. He also enjoys going to nearby Belle Isle to watch the animals and the birds. “People should enjoy things while they’re still breathing,” says Warner.

Warner loves his Rivertown apartment and is grateful that he doesn’t have to worry about anything. “Julia (Rivertown Assisted Living Executive Director Julia Szuper) and the staff are tremendously nice and always ask if there is anything else I need. They take good care of me.”

Warner moved to Rivertown last year after learning about it from the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. He was living in an “old place that wasn’t up to par.” Now at Rivertown, Warner says, “I couldn’t be in a better place. I’m so thankful.”

Warner Greene

PACE Participant Nancy and Gretchen Sanewsky

Together, we can create a Rivertown Assisted Living Resident Services Fund to help provide life-changing basics not covered by any other means. Contact the UMRC Foundation at 734-433-1000 ext. 7502 or visit www.umrc.com/give-to-umrc/.

Recently, a UMRC caregiver contacted the UMRC Foundation office. An unexpected medical issue had caused her to miss work for three weeks. This may not seem like a tremendous amount of time, but, for many of our staff, a few weeks out of work can result in a financial emergency for their families.

I am very happy that the UMRC Foundation was able to help through our Employee Emergency Aid Fund. The UMRC Foundation designed this program to assist our hardworking staff at a time of crisis causing a temporary financial hardship. This may include a medical emergency, not covered by insurance or other means; the death of a family member; disasters such as a fire or car accident; or other unforeseen circumstances that create a financial crisis. Assistance of up to $1,000 may be granted to our UMRC employees. All requests for aid are completely confidential and are reviewed only by the Employee Emergency Aid committee.

Thanks to the generosity of so many, the UMRC Foundation has been able to help 42 employees with a total of $39,646 in Emergency Aid since we began the program four years ago. It is an honor to serve an organization that cares so much about its staff.

Employee Emergency Aid Fund

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- Wendy Brightman, UMRC Foundation President

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

All Saints ServiceChelsea Retirement

CommunityJoin us for a service of

remembrance and celebration of residents who have passed

away during the previous year.

A Holiday TraditionThe Tree of Life

With your gift of $35 or more to the UMRC Foundation, an ornament will be placed on the tree in honor or memory of a special person you designate. All proceeds support UMRC’s Benevolent Care Fund.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28

Giving TuesdayVisit umrcfoundation.com to make a

donation and a difference in the lives of older adults!

UPCOMING UMRC EVENTS

Thome PACE in Jackson Makes a Difference for its Participants and their Families

Learn More About PACE

Huron Valley PACE, Ypsilanti734-572-5777

Thome PACE, Jackson517-768-9791

Senior CommUnity Care of Michigan, Lansing517-319-0700

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Bob Russell and his wife, Ann, have been married for 58 years. But most days she doesn’t know his name. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Ann moved to Towsley Village in 2015. Bob says it was “a major lifestyle adjustment” for both of them. “The first year was hard.”

Ann is in a wheelchair, has diminished ability to communicate, and gets easily agitated. But then Bob and Towsley Village caregiver Christina Miskowski discovered the power of music to brighten Ann’s mood. “It was like a light bulb went on,” says Bob. Christina, Ann’s caregiver since she moved in, began playing country music on the radio for Ann in the mornings as she helped Ann get ready, which helped to calm her.

Through the Music and Memory program, Ann received an iPod Shuffle that plays music she likes, including “You are my Sunshine,” sung by Gene Autry which is her favorite. Several renditions of this song are included on her specially tailored iPod playlist, created by CRC’s Music and Memory volunteers, so Ann hears it frequently. Recently, Bob also got an Amazon Echo for his wife which is audio-activated and doesn’t require recharging like the iPod.

Christina says that music makes Ann happier and gives her a way to communicate. “When it’s a song Ann likes, she sings along,” says Christina. “If there is a rhythm, Ann can sing to me what she needs.”

Bob usually doesn’t know what Ann is thinking. But sometimes, when he’s holding her hand and they listen to music together, as the song fades away, she’ll say,

For more information about Towsley Village and the Music and Memory program, contact Deborah Stone, Assisted Living Administrator, at 734-433-1000 ext. 6551 or by e-mail at dstone@umrc.com.

The Story of Bob and Anna Russell

"Oh, Bob! Do you remember that

one?" And, in that moment, says Bob,

two things happen: "she remembers

the song, and she remembers me."

Music and MemoryBob and Ann Russell

Ann Russell and Christina Miskowski

w w w.umrc.com 805 W. Middle Street, Chelsea, MI 48118

U M R C F O U N D AT I O N B O A R D U M R C B O A R D O F T R U S T E E S

Jane Banaszak-Holl

John W. Boyse, Ph.D.

Peg Bravo

Rich Brown

Christine Cigolle M.D., M.P.H.

Colleen Dolan-Greene

Michael Fritz

Kathleen Griffiths

Rev. Dr. Matthew Hook

H. Russell Ives

Sheryl Laughren

Dick Lundy

John Nixon III

Edward Southworth

Rev. Mark Spaw

Sandra Wisnewski

John Thorhauer UMRC President & CEO

Karen Andrews

Marianne Conner

Rev. Dr. Joe Conte

Gwen Dunlap

Stephen Fetyko

Lisa Herrick

Margaret Leary

Chad Losey

Tom McMullen

John Nixon III

Mark Ouimet

Henry L. Paulson, M.D., Ph.D.

Steve Sarns

Edward Southworth

John Thorhauer UMRC President & CEO

Wendy Brightman, CFRE, CFRM UMRC Foundation President

Communities in HarmonyChelsea Retirement Community805 West Middle StreetChelsea, Michigan 48118P: 734.433.1000

The Cedars of Dexter411 Cedars LaneDexter, Michigan 48130P: 734.792.9702

The Pines325 Wilkinson StreetChelsea, Michigan 48118P: 734.433.9130

Silver Maples of Chelsea100 Silver Maples DriveChelsea, Michigan 48118P: 734.475.4111

The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood250 McDougall AvenueDetroit, Michigan 48207P: 313.567.8045

Huron Valley PACE2940 Ellsworth Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197P: 734.572.5777

Thome PACE2282 Springport RoadJackson, Michigan 49202P: 517.768.9791

Senior CommUnity Care of Michigan 1921 East Miller RoadLansing, Michigan 48911P: 517.319.0700