PVM Graceful Living Draft

Inside: Autumn garden care, Alzheimer’s Awareness, staying fit in Michigan’s beautiful outdoors, and more

Join Us as We Thrive + Shine + Flourish

Graceful Living is a quarterly magazine produced by Presbyterian Villages of Michigan and reflects our primary mission of serving seniors and their communities.

Michigan’s natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich history, and vibrant neighborhoods make it a wonderful place to retire.

Graceful Living explores the abundance of our state through the singular lens of those 55 and older. Each season, we’ll share stories from our senior living communities, provide updates on upcoming events and festivals, ask experts to give their advice on topics important to seniors, and more.

We hope that you find Graceful Living to be a valuable resource that helps you make the most out of living in Michigan.

GRACEFUL LIVING

Issue 23.1 | Autumn 2023

PVM Executive Team

Lynn Alexander

Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

Bruce Blalock

Senior Vice President of Finance and Obligated Group

Operations

Brian Carnaghi, Senior Vice President of Facilities Advancement and Business Development

Jessica Gross

Administrator of The Village of Rosebush Manor

Kahlia Harper

Executive Director of McFarlan Villages

LaDonna Holley

Senior Vice President

Editor

Lynn Alexander

Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

Presbyterian Villages of Michigan

26200 Lahser Road, Suite 300 Southfield, Michigan 48033-7157

(248)281-2020 | pvm.org

Mark Kronner

Chief Technology Officer

David Miller

Executive Director of The Village of East Harbor

Paul Miller

President of the PVM Foundation

Roger Myers

President and CEO

Katrina Summersett

Director of Risk Management & Quality and Corporate Compliance Officer

Ian Wiesner

Vice President of Facilities

Development

Barbara Woodward-Boonstra

Executive Director of Perry Farm Village

Contributors

Jean Barnas

Director of Program Services, Alzheimer’s Association

Greater Michigan Chapter

PACE

PACE

Detroit

• Delta Manor

• Hartford Village

T he Thome Rivertown

Neighborhood

T he Village of Bethany Manor

• T he Village of Brush Park Manor Paradise Valley

• T he Village of Harmony Manor

• T he Village of Oakman Manor

The Village of St. Martha’s

• T he Village of University Meadows

• T he Village of Woodbridge Manor

Alpena

• Alpena Pines

Battle Creek

T he Village of Mill Creek

Bay City

T he Village of Hampton Meadows

Chesterfield

The Village of East Harbor

Clinton Township

T he Village of Peace Manor

Flint

McFarlan Villages

Fort Gratiot Township

T he Village of Lake

Huron Woods

Gibraltar

T he Village of Gibraltar Manor

Harbor Springs

T he Village of Hillside

Perry Farm Village

Holly

T he Village of Holly Woodlands

Jackson

• T he Village of Spring Meadows

Kalamazoo

• T he Village of Sage Grove

Onaway

Lynn Street Manor

Pontiac

T he Village of Oakland Woods

Redford

• T he Village of Redford

Rosebush

• T he Village of Rosebush Manor

Warren

T he Village of Warren Glenn

Westland

T he Village of Our Saviour’s Manor

T he Village of Westland

* Some villages and programs are in collaboration with other organizations

** In collaboration with Henry Ford Health

*** In collaboration with Michigan Masonic Home

The PACE model for vulnerable older adults centers around the belief that it is better for people to be served and cared for in their community whenever safely possible.

There are 15 independent PACE organizations in 25 Michigan locations providing comprehensive services for seniors in partnership with a team of health care professionals. All PACE organizations share the goal: improve the health and maintain the independence of older adults while honoring their desire in their community.

Easy Livin’

Fragrant Fall Foliage

This Michigan native plant gives your garden a splash of Autumn color.

Do you have some space around your garden or patio that you’d like to infuse with a little bit of color? Consider planting a native shrub such as the Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica), which features verdant green leaves for most of the year before bursting into bright red foliage in the fall.

Choosing native plant species for your yard and garden is a

simple way that you can help enhance our local ecosystem. Unlike ornamental plants that are imported from other regions, native plants provide habitat and food sources for native pollinators and wildlife, as well as support natural systems such as limiting erosion or flooding.

They also mean less maintenance for you! Native plants have adapted to our unique climate and so are much more resilient. That means they can handle our wild Michigan weather fluctuations with less upkeep on your end.

Fragrant Sumac, Rhus aromatica

Nurturing Your Garden’s Nature

Plan for Spring by tending to a few tasks this Fall.

Leave Those Leaves

During our freezing winter months, leaves are an important source of nutrients for our local flora and fauna, and can even help insulate your garden beds. Instead of raking them up and carting them away, consider mulching them!

After a few cool and dry days, knock any leaves off of perennials and set up your lawn mower to mulch (no bag!). Simply run or ride your mower over the leaves multiple times, which will chop them into smaller and smaller pieces. You can use a blower to move them to the edges of your yard or bed, and to help these tinier leaf particles filter down to the base of your plants and grass.

What We’re Reading

Looking for your next good read? Here are a few recommendations from the community. Have a favorite book that you’d love to share? Let us know! Send the title, author, and why you like it to gracefulliving@pvm.org

Care and Clean-Up

Take a look at your plants and remove any that show signs of disease; these are the only organic materials that you want to get rid of! Take deadheaded flowers and any weeds and add them to your compost pile. If possible, leave any seed tops in place, as these are an important source of food for small birds during winter.

Landscaping with Native Plants of Michigan

Lynn M. Steiner

Plan your native garden redesign with Steiner’s comprehensive guide to local plants!

Learn about Michigan’s native species, get tips on selecting and caring for plants, and gain insight into designing a native plant landscape that offers year-round beauty.

Plant Bulbs

Plan for an impressive Spring garden by planting flower bulbs now, selecting varieties that will bloom from early Spring through next Autumn. Plus, planting alliums like garlic, onions, and shallots in containers means you can easily bring them indoors during any particularly frigid cold snaps, and enjoy delicious fresh crops in the late Spring and early Summer.

Radical Curiosity: My Life on the Age Wave

Dr. Ken Dychtwald

Considered one of the world’s experts on longevity and aging, Dr. Dychtwald uses his personal experiences in self-discovery and the aging process as a lens through which to explore how to create a meaningful life, at any age.

My Reluctant Journey: Lessons Learned on the Path to Retirement

Dr. Edy Stoughton PhD

As Perry Farm Village board member

Dr. Stoughton regarded her future retirement after a successful career, she didn’t find a lot of guidance for professional women making this transition. Learn helpful tips and ideas that can help smooth your path.

Don’t rake up those leaves! Consider mulching them instead.

Mind + Body

An Apple a Day

From Kalamazoo to Harbor Springs, it’s Apple Season in Michigan!

With nearly 15 million apple trees on almost 800 family-run farms, there are endless opportunities to enjoy one of our state’s most delicious bounties this Fall. Rich in fiber and antioxidants, eating apples is linked to a reduced rate of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

Exploring Michigan in Autumn

It’s not time to hibernate quite yet! Here are a few ways that you can enjoy the outdoors this Fall.

Public Golf

Golfing is a great way to get in your steps, work on your balance and range of motion, and catch up with old friends. With many public courses around the state, you don’t have to be part of the club to play with clubs.

• Chandler Park Golf Course Detroit MI | chandler.golf

• Swartz Creek Municipal Golf Flint MI | flintcitygolfllc.com

• Oak Ridge Golf New Haven MI | oakridgegolf.com

Cider Mills

Sure, it may still be Construction Season for a few more weeks, but no Apple Season is complete without a visit to one of our state’s many cider mills and apple orchards. This time of year, they often have corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and more!

• Pond Hill Farm Harbor Springs MI | pondhill.com

• Dexter Cider Mill Dexter MI | dextercidermill.com

• Yates Cider Mill Rochester Hills MI yatescidermill.com

Local Hikes

Is there anything better than leaf peeping on a crisp, cool, Autumn day? Enjoy some casual cardio while exploring some of these cool Michigan trails.

• Onaway State Park Loop Onaway MI | Route on AllTrails

• Alpena Island Park Loop Alpena MI | Route on AllTrails

• Hines Drive Ramble Northville MI | Route on AllTrails

Enjoy Michigan’s apple bounty with this simple and delicious treat:

Baked Apple with Oatmeal Crunch

1 baking apple (ex: Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious)

1 tbsp walnut pieces

• 2 tsp dried tart cherries or raisins

¼ tsp cinnamon

1 tsp brown sugar

• Pinch orange zest

• 2 tsp rolled oats

• ½ tsp unsalted butter

½ cup apple cider or orange juice

• Greek yogurt (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F

2. Prepare the apple: peel skin off top 3; remove stem and core with a small spoon or melon baller and create a shallow 2-inch divot for the topping. Place in a small baking dish.

3. Mix walnuts, cherries/raisins, cinnamon, brown sugar, and zest; stuff the apple with half of the nuts and all of the cherries/raisins.

4. Add oatmeal and butter to the remaining nut mixture; work the butter until the mixture is crumbly and just barely holds together. Spoon this over the other mixture and pat it in to seal in the filling.

5. Pour cider or juice into baking dish; cover loosely with foil, and bake until apple is nearly tender (about 30 minutes).

6. Uncover apple and continue to bake until tender when pierced with a knife and oatmeal is

browned and crisped (about 20 more minutes). Baste the top once and baste the sides frequently with the juice from the dish.

7. You can serve it warm, room temperature, or cool. Top with Greek yogurt if you like! Enjoy.

Source: Cooking for One, Mark Erickson & Lisa Erickson

We’d love to feature your favorite recipe! Share it with us via email at gracefulliving@pvm.org .

Featured Villages

Northern Michigan Villages

Enjoy a rich, fourseason lifestyle! Winter Wonderland, Spring Sipping, Summer Sand, and Fall Foliage.

Featuring much of the same beauty as the U.P. but a little more accessible, Northern Michigan offers year-round activities that celebrate the region’s stunning natural landscapes.

From Sleeping Bear Dunes to Boyne Mountain, living in Northern Michigan offers you endless opportunities to explore and engage as much as you’d like—from reading next to a cozy

fireplace in winter to making sandcastles with your grandkids on a hot summer day.

We’re excited to share four of PVM’s beautiful Villages in Northern Michigan with you. Interested in learning more?

Live at Your Own PACE

New PACE of NE Michigan services coming to Alpena in 2024!

As we age, we often need a helping hand and medical assistance. PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) understands this and provides a welcomed alternative to nursing home care for participants. The PACE model of care allows seniors aged 55+ to remain independent in their homes and communities while receiving the integrated social, wellness, and medical care services aging adults require.

The new PACE of NE Michigan will serve seniors and their communities in Alpena, Presque Isle, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Alcona counties. To learn more about their available services and determine if they’re a fit for you or your family, please visit pacemichigan.com

Overlooking magnificent Little Traverse Bay, Perry Farm Village offers dynamic Independent Living as well as Adult Foster Care with memory support, and Respite Care at The Birches. Our 40-acre campus features three distinct styles of Independent Living—including cottages, apartment condominiums, and studio apartments—and a suite of community amenities, including:

Wellness center, dining room, library, game room, outdoor patio, and sitting room

Management and maintenance of all common spaces, including landscaping, snow removal, trash, and recycling services

Priority access to future care should you require additional support

Barbara Woodward-Boonstra Executive Director

4241 Village Circle Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Call: (231) 526-1500

Fax: (231) 526-6462

perryfarmvillage.org

With 17 stunning acres for you to enjoy, Lynn Street Manor is secluded yet situated close enough to downtown Onaway to make life a little easier. Our cozy apartments are part of a tight-knit, pet-friendly community that gives you the opportunity to shine on your own terms. Group cookouts or movie nights? You’re on. Quiet night in with a good book? You got it! Community features include:

• Piccoa Senior Center next door

• Pool table, exercise equipment, dining and gathering rooms, laundry facilities, and raised vegetable gardens

• Income-based rent, all utilities included

• On site coordinator to facilitate grocery or prescription delivery services and more

Monica Voigt, Administrator

4255 South Lynn Street Onaway, MI 49765

Call: (989) 733-2661

pvm.org/locations/ lynn-street-manor

Steps from the gorgeous shores of Lake Michigan, The Village of Hillside enables access to affordable senior living in one of our state’s thriving resort destinations. This 62+ independent living community features a bustling community center, library, fitness center, computer room, and Friendship Center that’s always busy with planned social events.

Kesha Akridge, Interim Administrator

305 West Main Street Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Call: (231) 526-7108

Fax: (231) 526-6970

pvm.org/locations/hillside

Looking for a retreat-like atmosphere where you can truly flourish? Alpena Pines is tucked away in a serene forest, yet still close enough to shopping, dining, and other amenities. This independent living community is pet-friendly and features one- or two-bedroom apartments, relaxing common spaces, community garden, and fun group activities.

Kristin Roznowski, Administrator

202 Woods Circle Alpena, MI 49707

Call: (989) 278-4250

Fax: (989) 278-4249

pvm.org/locations/alpena-pines

Savoring Michigan’s Seasons

Is there anything better than picking up fresh produce and treats from your local farmers market? Michigan’s thriving agriculture means that there seems to be at least a seasonal farmers market in every town! As we move into the close of the growing season, here are a few of our favorite markets that offer year-round, local produce, gifts, and food.

Alpena Farmers Market

Fresh produce, baked goods, poultry, artisan breads, and more are offered weekly yearround; Winter Market moves indoors from Oct. through May.

Flint Farmers Market

Considered one of America’s Best Places, you can pick up local goods three times a week in this indoor, year-round market.

Upcoming Michigan Events:

Oct. 20 th –Feb. 25th 2024

Forest of Dreams:

Contemporary Tree Sculpture

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Parks, Grand Rapids

Through Oct. 28th

Fall Chairlift Rides

Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville

Nov. 3rd –5th

Treetops Trifecta

Treetops Resort, Gaylord

Royal Oak Farmers Market

Another indoor, year-round market, this large warehouse space features local vendors with handmade products and produce.

Nov. 24th

Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration

Downtown Charlevoix

Nov. 25th

Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair Frankfort

Dec. 2nd

Christmas in the Village Roscommon

Onaway State Park Loop

This easy hiking trail is a little over a mile and is dog-friendly (on a leash!)

Pond Hill Farm

This full service farm offers year-round fun and activities!

Alpena Farmers Market

This year-round fresh produce and food market moves indoor during the winter.

Mackinac Bridge

Campus Martius Park, Detroit

Ask the Experts

November is Alzheimer’s Disease

Awareness Month, so we reached out to our friends at the Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to share their insights.

Q. What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior and is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. The symptoms gradually worsen over time and most individuals live 4 to 8 years after a diagnosis.

Q. What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

Alzheimer’s is a specific disease, whereas dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Q. What are the warning signs of Alzheimer’s?

Some warning signs include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, and difficulty completing familiar tasks.

Q. How can I reduce my chances of getting Alzheimer’s or dementia?

There is growing evidence to suggest that adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce the risk

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of people nationwide living with Alzheimer’s will increase from 6.5 million today to nearly 13 million in 2050. Here are answers to a few of the common questions the Association receives.

of cognitive decline. Recommendations include eating a heart healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying cognitively and socially engaged.

Q. What should I do if I have concerns about memory and thinking for myself or a loved one?

If you, a family member, or friend has problems remembering recent events or thinking clearly, talk with a doctor. Learn more at alz.org or by contacting our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or helplinegmc@alz.org.

You Can Help End Alzheimer’s Disease

Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Detroit

October 28th

Join us at the Detroit Zoo as we raise funds for Alzheimer’s research.

Learn more and register

Compassionate Memory Care at The

Part of Northern Michigan’s preeminent senior living community Perry Farm Village, The Birches is a neighborhood specifically designed to provide quality, compassionate, and professional residential care to loved ones who are experiencing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

ground-level suites with an open floor plan, wide walkways, electronic security measures, and access to an enclosed outdoor garden courtyard.

caring support while enjoying the beauty of Northern Michigan? Contact us at (231) 526-1500 to learn more.

Presbyterian Villages of Michigan’s Resources and Tips for the Caregiving Community, with your host, Lynn Alexander. In this podcast series, Lynn draws upon her deep experience in caregiving, senior living, and respite services to engage with expert guests

Sponsored By Presbyterian Villages of Michigan

SOUTHEAST PERSPECTIVE elaine • keiser ,i•�u, r,

The Birches

Roger L. Myers

Graceful and Grateful

I’m very pleased to introduce you to the first issue of our new quarterly magazine, Graceful Living. Autumn is a season of reflection and gratitude, so it feels particularly fitting that we share this important new resource at a time when we have so much to be grateful for as a mission focused non-profit organization.

In each issue, we’ll work with our communities and programs across Michigan to highlight our State’s natural beauty, fun activities and events, seasonally-inspired recommendations, helpful tips from experts on everything from aging well to smart technology, and more.

For our first issue, we’re highlighting our independent living communities in Northern Michigan. We chose Alpena Pines, Lynn Street Manor, Hillside, and Perry Farm Village because they’re located in an area of Michigan that is especially gorgeous during Autumn. Our team has curated some excellent recommendations for outdoor activities and events in the Northern Michigan area that we hope will help you and your loved ones make lovely seasonal memories.

We’re grateful that we’re able to share some of the wonderful experiences, attractions, and services that both PVM and Michigan have to offer. I hope that you’ll enjoy reading this new resource as much as our team enjoyed putting it together for you.

With continued appreciation and warmest gratitude,

Roger Myers, President & CEO

Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation (PHSACF) Helps Vulnerable Emmet County Seniors

We’re grateful for the recent grant from PHSACF that has enhanced the quality of life of 38 residents of The Village of Hillside in Harbor Springs. Funds were used to purchase 14 AC units and 16 upgraded smoke detectors that feature both sound and flashing light alarms. Visual alarms are especially important for seniors who may experience hearing loss, and can result in more successful evacuation and rescue efforts by first responders. The grant also provided emergency financial support to another 8 residents in the form of specialized medical equipment and more.

Learn more on our website

Presbyterian

of Michigan provides equal housing opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, familial status, or national origin.