FALL ISSUE 2024
FALL HARVEST - THE SEASON OF FOOD BEST OF RECENT EVENTS UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS
Food, glorious food.
For many it’s more than sustenance, it’s a passion. And why not? Food is central to so many aspects of our lives. We celebrate, socialize and grieve with food. It’s no wonder that food conjures such an emotional connection, we live our lives around it. Whether a homemade cookie like mom made, a special meal that a spouse loved, a comforting snack from childhood or a unique cultural delicacy, foods can raise a memory, invoke a feeling and connect us to our past.
I know this is true for me. I grew up in a home where life happened around the kitchen table, where good food and hospitality was the norm. Nightly dinner was mandatory family time. Sunday dinner was a formal occasion, enjoyed in the dining room, with mom’s good china and silverware, and an aunt, uncle or grandparent as a special guest. This was the foundation of my attraction to food and entertainment, and I remember those times with love and a happy heart.
My interest in food and hospitality eventually took me to culinary school, where the world of culinary arts and event planning became my passion. Ultimately, this translated to a career in food and beverage that I’ve cherished for the past thirty years. For the last seven years, I have been the Corporate Director of Culinary at All Seasons. My role is to develop a robust food & beverage program that fulfills the needs and wants of a wide demographic of resident tastes. This includes developing food related programming, menu development and support of the communities. I work in conjunction with the dining teams in Michigan, Florida, and Arizona and function as a resource to them in implementing our brand programs and expectations.
At All Seasons, we know that mealtimes are a central part of everyone’s day. It’s a great opportunity to socialize, catch up on the daily buzz and make new friends. The dining team strives to make this important time of the day enjoyable. We offer variety by changing our core menus monthly to reflect the season, and our chef features provide comfort foods and resident requested items each night. We serve people from many different backgrounds, who are multi-cultural and have all had unique life experiences. This means that everyone has different tastes and expectations when it comes to food. As such, we offer a diverse variety of foods and experiences in our programs to meet these many tastes. You may see something on a menu that you’re unfamiliar with, but I encourage you to try it. You never know if something could become a new favorite food. As they say, variety is the spice of life!
It is my hope that you involve yourself in our many food programs, whether as an active participant in a cooking class, a casual observer at a cooking demonstration, or a guest at one of our signature dinners or travelling taverns. Take advantage of one of our receptions after a signature event or use our in-house catering for your own private parties. Enjoy a cocktail at dinner or in our pub, grab lunch or a snack at the bistro, or enjoy a refreshing iced tea from our Summer Sippers program. I welcome you to invite family and friends to experience our food programs and hospitality, to have fun and make new memories in your home at All Seasons.
Bon Appetit
Dan Novak, Corporate Director of Culinary, All Seasons
Dan Novak
Team Member Spotlight
AN INTERVIEW WITH...
What’s your favorite part of fall?
... All Seasons Oro Valley’s Director of Maintenance
Joshua Brett
I love the fall because the super hot weather has gone away and my wood working shop has cooled down allowing me to create beautiful pieces of wood art.
What’s your favorite way to unwind?
Resident Spotlight
OUR RESIDENTS SHINE AT ALL SEASONS
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Gangs of New York. That time in American history fascinates me.
My favorite way to unwind is going stealth camping with the love of my life, my wife Twyla. We stealth camp up and down the coast of California from beach to beach. We tow our motorcycles and we ride side by side up and down Pacific Coast Highway. It is a beautiful life.
What’s your favorite hobby?
Skateboarding has been a passion of mine my whole life. I stopped skating for about 23 years, but about 2 years ago my lovely wife took me to an X Games In Ventura CA where I grew up. There was a ramp there for the kids to try. So I went for it and lo and behold I could still skate! I am now 51 and every time I go somewhere new I always hit up the local skatepark.
DOROTHY CONRAD All Seasons Birmingham
Dorothy Conrad has resided in Birmingham, Michigan for more than 60 years. She is well known in the community for her many years of civic involvement and has been called “The Conscience of Birmingham.” Dorothy has served on the city commission, as mayor and on various city boards. She was instrumental in bringing senior housing to Birmingham. In recognition of her service, she was named Birmingham-Bloomfield Citizen of the Year in 2014.
Dorothy has two adult children: Charles (Wendy) and Susan (Peter Draper); two grandchildren Even and Drew; and brother Tom Smyth.
Signature Music Performances
All Seasons Naples
JODIE DESALVO & CAROLANN SANITA
Pianist Jodie DeSalvo and famed soprano Carolann Sanita join forces to present some favorite classics as well as a journey through the music of Broadway! You will hear the Moonlight Sonata, Clair de Lune, Für Elise, Ave Maria, as well as Broadway favorites like Don’t Rain on My Parade, Til There Was You, and Climb Every Mountain. These two women will excite you, touch your heart, and make you ask for more!
All Seasons Oro Valley BOUNCING CZECHS
The Bouncing Czechs, Tucson’s Premier Polka Band, have been performing in the Tucson area for 27 years. Originally founded within the Tucson Czech-Slovak Club, this 5-piece band performs year-round, and is especially popular during Oktoberfest! So, don some Lederhosen, sip a stein of German beer, and dance along to the tunes of the Bouncing Czechs!
All Seasons West Bloomfield & Birmingham AARON CARUSO
A renowned tenor and dedicated voice teacher, Aaron has enthralled audiences worldwide for over 25 years with his captivating performances in operatic settings and concert halls across the United States, Canada, and Italy. From his early days at the Interlochen Arts Academy to his illustrious career as a performer and educator, Caruso’s journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence in both his singing career and teaching endeavors. Caruso’s stage experience is a testament to his talent and versatility.
All Seasons Ann Arbor JACOB & JOHN
Jacob & John love collaborating to explore the depth of expression possible between double bass and piano. This program features original works and transcriptions for the double bass by Jacob, as well as the Sonata No. 3 by Adolf Míšek. This sonata was only recently rediscovered, and was the last piece that the famed Czech bassist published before his death in 1955. Jacob Warren is the winner of the 2023 International Society of Bassists Soloist Competition, and co-leader of the chamber groups Warren & Flick and Westbound Situation.
Splish-Splash
Our residents enjoy the benefits of aqua fitness, including low-impact strength training and Vitamin D, in our beautiful pools.
Photo Gallery
Recent Events Upcoming Events
Senior Day at Jimmy John’s BaseballTogether we celebrated Senior Day at Jimmy John’s baseball field in Utica, home to four teams that play in the United Shore Professional Baseball League, an independent baseball league. Our Artistin-Residence, Oliver Bishop, and ASWB driver extraordinaire, Robert, came along to enjoy the fun and root for the home team!
Arts & Culture
ASAA - We were delighted to host “Arts & Culture with Michael,” a weekly program from our resident Michael, featuring our talented Executive Chef, Hannukkah Wallace. Chef Hannukkah shared his incredible journey, from his culinary roots to his thrilling experiences as a member of the Jamaican Bobsled Team. The conversation was truly inspiring and left everyone in awe. Thank you, Chef Hannukkah, for sharing your remarkable story with us!
Talent Show
Our community-wide talent show was thrilling! Who knew we had so many talented residents and staff! Our auditorium was standing room only and the whole day was filled with laughs and applause.
Philanthropy Spotlight
Friends of the Children impacts generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors. All Seasons residents donated generously, and we were able to provide new backpacks, school supplies, and essential funding for nearly 80 mentees entering elementary school! Learn more at friendsdetroit.org
All Seasons Olympics
We’ve been celebrating the Olympics all summer long with events and friendly competitions between residents and staff!
All Seasons Rochester Hills OktoberfestIn celebration of Oktoberfest, join us for a beer-tasting event where you can sample flights of several German beers, get in the autumnal spirit with fresh apple cider and seasonal appetizers, and dance along to live polka music with a 5-piece big band!
All Seasons West Bloomfield Murder Mystery Week - Get into the Spooky Season and help solve a murder! All week long during October 14th - 18th, at pop-up dining events including National Dessert Day, Happy Hours, and Performances, put on your detective hat and look for clues to investigate the Murder Mystery.
All Seasons Oro Valley Halloween Costume Contest - All Seasons Oro Valley residents and staff will participate in a colorful and festive Halloween celebration including spooky nibbles and bites, and scary, hilarious costumes at the Annual Halloween Costume Party.
Active Aging Week -
We are joining the International Council on Active Aging to celebrate “Active Aging Week” in October, and we invite YOU to participate in any of the events at our communities across the country! Together we’ll enjoy safe, friendly, and fun wellness activities, targeting the dimensions of wellness – emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social and environmental.
Lifelong learning
PARTNERS: ALL SEASONS AND OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE (OLLI)
The mission of OLLI is to enhance quality of life by providing stimulating, meaningful, and high-quality lecture series, classes, travel and social events for an increasingly diverse group of persons 50 and older.
Don’t miss these upcoming presentations:
The Great American Songbook
Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington, and Cole Porter — these marvelous writers created so many lasting standards in the early 20th. century that the era has been termed ‘The Great American Songbook.’ These songs have been recorded hundreds of times by pop singers, jazz artists, dance bands, opera singers. Professor Wagner will explore the repertoire, detailing and demonstrating some of the characteristics that make these songs part of an enduring and rewarding legacy. Brent Wagner is the Arthur Thurnau Emeritus Chair, and Robertson Emeritus Professor of Musical Theatre, UM’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He was chair of the Department of Musical Theatre for 32 years and is credited with building the department into one of the top musical theatre programs in the world. He has directed musicals and revues throughout North America, from off-Broadway in New York to the Banff Center in Canada.
Democracy in México: Race, Revolution, and Redemption
In this lecture, Professor Hernández will examine the history of democracy — as an idea and as an institution— in Mexico, from the early nineteenth century to the present. What can Mexican history teach us about the relationship between revolution and democracy and about multiculturalism and the state, about the relationship between the past and present?
Dr. Carlos R. Hernández is an Assistant Professor of History at Wayne State University, where he maintains a dual appointment at the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies. A bilingual and binational historian of Mexico, Professor Hernández earned his Ph.D. in Latin American and Caribbean History from Yale University in May 2020.
Eating the Seasons
CHEF
INSPIRED DISHES FOR ALL TIMES OF YEAR
Each month we feature a specialty seasonal cocktail. Take a bite out of the season with sweet peach with ginger beer and bourbon!
COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH Peach Bourbon Mule
• Cut up a Peach Finely Chopped
• Teaspoon of Honey
• Teaspoon of Sweet or Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 ½ Ounce of Bourbon
• Top with Ginger Beer
• Garnish with Peace Slice or Lime Slice
CIDER MILL DONUTS
OCTOBER COOKING DEMO
FOR THE DOUGH
• 2 medium red apples
• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, more for dusting
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Vegetable oil FOR THE GLAZE:
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar FOR THE CINNAMON SUGAR TOPPING:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
DOUGH
1. Core the apples and coarsely chop.
2. Place in saucepan. Add the 1 1/2 cups of apple cider and turn the heat on to medium heat.
3. Cover the pan and cook until the apples start to soften, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Uncover the pan and continue to cook until the cider is reduced, about 15 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender or remove to a blender and puree until smooth. Return to the pan and the heat and continue to cook down until you have 1 cup of sauce. Cool slightly.
5. Whisk together the our, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, baking soda and nutmeg.
6. In another bowl, combine the sugar and the shortening and mix with a mixer on medium speed until the mixture looks sandy. Beat the egg and egg yolk into the sugar mixture. Add the applesauce and mix, scraping the bowl as needed.
7. Add half of the flour mixture and mix until combined, then add the buttermilk and vanilla, mixing to combine. Add the remaining flour and mix just until combined.
8. Do not overmix.
1. Place a piece of plastic wrap on a baking sheet. Pour the dough out onto the center of the plastic wrap.
2. With floured or wet hands, pat the dough into a 7×11-inch rectangle. The dough will be sticky. Use the plastic wrap to wrap the dough, then transfer the dough on the baking sheet to the refrigerator to chill overnight.
3. When you are ready to make the donuts, heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot or heavy, tall sided skillet. Heat the oil to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set aside.
4. In a small pot, start the glaze. Place the 1 cup of apple cider in the pot and cook over medium heat until it is reduced to about 1/4 cup. Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. Keep warm.
GLAZE
1. In a shallow bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar and the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
2. Flour your counter or work surface, then turn the dough out onto the surface. The dough will still be sticky, so use extra our as needed to keep it from sticking. Roll the dough until it is a 9×12-inch rectangle.
3. Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut 12 donuts. Use a 1-inch round cutter for the centers.
4. When the oil is hot, add 2-3 donuts to the hot oil at a time, frying until they are golden brown, then flipping to cook the second side. You will cook them about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the donuts to the paper towel lined baking sheet and continue with the remaining donuts, including the donut holes.
5. When the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip the tops into the glaze and then into the cinnamon sugar.
6. Serve the donuts warm. Store any leftover donuts lightly covered.
