MEET AMY HILLARD RECENT HIGHLIGHTS WHAT’S COMING UP? WALK THIS WAY!
Dear Residents, Family Members, & Team Members,
As we gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. This is my favorite time of year as it reminds us of the importance of community, connection, and the many blessings we share.
Thanksgiving is not just about the delicious meals or festive decorations; it’s about the moments we create and the relationships we nurture. I am thankful for the warmth and wisdom you bring to our communities. Each of you has a unique story, and it is a privilege to have you call our communities your home.
As we approach the holiday season, I encourage you to take some time for yourselves. It’s important to relax and recharge, allowing space for reflection and joy before the festivities begin. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet moment with a book from our libraries, strolling around your community and taking in all the artwork, or simply savoring a warm cup of coffee or tea, these moments can help us find peace and gratitude amidst the hustle and bustle.
I would also like to extend a special thank you to our dedicated employees. Their hard work, compassion, and commitment make our communities a welcoming and loving place. They go above and beyond every day to ensure that each of you feels cared for and supported. We are truly grateful for their efforts and the positive impact they have on all our lives.
Looking ahead to the New Year, let’s embrace the opportunities and possibilities it brings. This is a wonderful time to set intentions, explore new interests, and strengthen our connections with one another. Together, we can create a vibrant and fulfilling year ahead, filled with joy, growth, and shared experiences.
Thank you for being such an integral part of our community. Your spirit, resilience, and kindness inspire all of us every day. Wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving filled with love and happiness.
With gratitude,
Adam Snyder Senior Vice President of Operations, Senior Living
Team Member Spotlight AN
INTERVIEW WITH...
What is your favorite movie?
American President and Pretty Woman... they never get old!
... All Seasons Naples’ Director of Sales & Marketing Amy Hillard
What’s your best (or worst) travel story?
My husband and I travel alot, mostly to the islands in the Caribbean. One of our most memorable trips; however, was taking our grandchildren and their parents to Hawaii for nine days. We enjoyed each other, made memories and shared a ton of laughs.
What do you love best about your job?
I love to engage with the residents and give them the care and attention they deserve. I want them to know that I am someone they can come to if they need anything.
What’s your favorite hobby?
Laying in the sun, shelling and drinking a cool cocktail.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Live Like You’re Dying” by Tim McGraw.... have fun and enjoy life now while we are on this earth.
What’s your favorite way to unwind?
Mani/pedi, massage and a glass of Pinot Noir
Resident Spotlight
OUR RESIDENTS SHINE AT ALL SEASONS
JOAN CHOROST
All Seasons Oro Valley
Like most Taurus women, Joan Chorost is a dedicated do-er. In fact, she and her first husband, John, married at 18, and purchased their first bedroom set with savings Joan earned sorting IBM punch cards after school.
After graduating New Utrecht High School, Joan worked as a switchboard operator, but left once she became pregnant with her first child. She and John moved to Tucson, where she was hired by the Arizona Department of Economic Security to file unemployment claims, specifically for laid-off miners at the Asarco mine. Later, Joan started announcing the Job of the Day on the radio after a promotion, then transferred to the Department of Corrections where she taught life skills at the Southern Arizona Correctional Release Center, helping prisoners reintegrate into society, eventually retiring as SACRA’s assistant director.
Joan and John lived at Saddlebrook for many years before he passed away. She and her second husband, Saul, moved to All Seasons where they take the All Seasons bus to the theatre, exercise, play mah-jongg, enjoy live music, and celebrate the holidays.
Joan recently took an Oceania cruise to Japan with fellow resident Mary Kramer, a frequent travel companion.
Upcoming
Events
All Seasons Ann Arbor
Holiday Décor and Art Appreciation Tour
Join the Life Enrichment Team on a tour to select resident homes for a deeper appreciation of the art inside. The personal curation of ‘in-house galleries’ in select apartments and cottages, coupled with residents’ holiday décor choices, provide plenty of inspiration for artistic conversations and communal appreciation for the season.
All Seasons Naples
The Victorian Carolers
The Victorian Carolers have been bringing the joy and sounds of the holiday season to the delight of SW Florida audiences since 2005. Dressed in elegant Victorian costume, the acapella vocal quartet will impart a festive spirit to the event with harmonious renditions of the most-beloved holiday tunes.
All Seasons Oro Valley
4th Annual Artisan Showcase
Do you have treasures you’ve accumulated from travels in far-off lands? Are you a craftsperson or artist, and have artisan wares you’d like to show off? Whether you’ve found it or made it, be a part of this year’s Artisan Showcase of resident antiques, art, and novel designs, complete with refreshments and entertainment.
All Seasons Rochester Hills
See the Big Bright Light Show by joining us on an outing to the magical Rochester Hills Holiday Lights! The buildings and storefronts in downtown Rochester will be blanketed with more than 1 million sparkling holiday lights. It’s breathtaking and the streets are simply buzzing with people and holiday cheer.
All Seasons West Bloomfield
Join us for a rollicking great time on our next outing to the Detroit Public Theatre’s Annual Holiday Cabaret. It’s a bold new tradition packed with laughter, heart, and a whole lot of sass.
All Seasons Bloomfiled Hills
The Detroit Tamburitza Orchestra is coming to you! The Croatian tamburitza is a Medieval folk instrument played with a tambura (cousins with Russian balalaika and the Italian mandolin) and is accompanied by a dance. Today, the DTO is recognized as one of the most respected leaders in performing compositions for large Tamburitza orchestras.
Signature Music Performances
All
Seasons
Naples OLIVER BISHOP
Oliver Bishop is a multi-instrumental performer, teacher, and musician based in Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet performance and a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory. Oliver has been accepted into the Master’s program in Improvisation at the University of Michigan this Fall 2024. Oliver regularly performs contemporary chamber music with his sextet FLYDLPHN, popular music with the band VIRID, and enjoys working in pit orchestras for musical theatre shows. A multifaceted performer, he enjoys performing classical, contemporary, avant-garde, jazz, popular, and historical music. In 2023, he performed and premiered a new work for reed quintet with Detroit Chamber Winds, and was awarded the Gottlieb Variations Award honoring outstanding performances at Michigan’s annual Collage concert. Don’t miss out on this fantastic musical guest performance!
All Seasons Oro Valley THE ALBERT GALLI
Albert Galli is a retired teacher who taught middle school band and orchestra for 30 yrs. He now performs extensively as a soloist playing the clarinet, soprano sax and singing. Customized back up tracks make everything sound like a full ensemble. Selections include Dixieland, swing, big band tunes, dance music of all types, holiday music and more. Albert performs throughout Colorado and is a frequent guest artist for Club Med and other resorts both nationally and internationally. In addition to live performances, he has released 4 CD’s that are getting excellent reviews and have been featured on numerous radio stations.
All Seasons West Bloomfield & Birmingham THE WINDSCAPE TRIO
The Windscape Trio” is Jennie Spenner on flute, Lillian Dean on clarinet, and Walter Dean on bassoon. Their program will include classical favorites and traditional holiday music, such as “The Christmas Concerto” by Arcangelo Corelli, “The Nutcracker,” “The Hanukkah Medley,” and carols from around the world.
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.
Whether residents live in hotter or cooler climates, walking is always a favorite and active way to catch up with a friend, build lean muscle, and appreciate the environment! Walk This Way!
Recent Events
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
All Seasons Birmingham residents spread awareness for breast cancer by participating in events like a Walk for Awareness, a ‘Tribute’ art installation, wearing pink, and creating specific crafts to honor and celebrate those who have experienced breast cancer. Remember: early detection saves lives!
Oktoberfest
In celebration of Oktoberfest, residents at All Seasons Rochester Hills took a trip to Bavaria without leaving the state! We enjoyed a beer-tasting event, sampled flights of several German beers, got in the autumnal spirit with fresh apple cider and seasonal appetizers, and sang along to live polka music with the 5-piece Big Band Express Orchestra.
Halloween Costume Contest
All Seasons Oro Valley residents and staff participated in a colorful and festive Halloween celebration including spooky nibbles and bites, and scary, hilarious costumes at the Annual Halloween Costume Party.
Murder Mystery Week
All Seasons West Bloomfield residents embraced the Spooky Season and helped solve a “murder!” Throughout October 14th - 18th, at pop-up events including National Dessert Day, Happy Hours, and musical performances, we wore our detective hats and looked for clues to help solve the Murder Mystery.
Lifelong Learning
LINCOLN CENTER MOMENTS
Lincoln Center Moments is a free performance-based program specially designed for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Join us as we bring Lincoln Center’s unparalleled artistry to an intimate and supported setting. Virtual programs are 90 minutes long, including live and recorded performances and activities facilitated by educators and music therapists that explore the work through discussion, movement, music, and artmaking.
Upcoming Zoom events we’ll participate in with residents and caregivers include:
November -
“Banjo Time with Cynthia Sayer”
Artist and bandleader Cynthia Sayer explores the unexpected history and journey of the banjo through jazz, oldtime, bluegrass, and more!
Eating the Seasons
CHEF INSPIRED DISHES FOR ALL TIMES OF YEAR
Each month we feature a specialty seasonal cocktail
December -
“Artists at the Atrium”
Programming at the David Rubenstein Atrium is as vibrant and diverse as New York City. Discover this space
COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH
ITALIAN NEGRONI
• 1 Ounce of gin
• 1 Ounce of Campari
• 1 Ounce of Sweet Vermouth
• Orange peel garnish
• Build over ice in a rocks glass, stir, don’t shake
• Garnish with orange
SWEET POTATO PIE
INGREDIENTS
• 1 LB Sweet Potato, whole
• 0.5 Cup Butter, softened
• 1 Cup White sugar
• 0.5 Cup Milk
• 2 Each Eggs
• .5 tsp Nutmeg
• .50 tsp Cinnamon
• 1. tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 Each 9-inch unbaked pie crust
DIRECTIONS
1. Boil sweet potato whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done.
2. Run cold water over the sweet potato, remove the skin.
3. Break apart sweet potato in a bowl.
4. Add butter, and mix well with mixer.
5. Stir in sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla.
6. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth.
7. Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust.
8. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
9. (Pie will puff like a souffle, and then sink down as it cools)
Makes One 9-inch Pie
“Friends
of the Children - Detroit” Gift Card Giveaway!
All Seasons Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, and Monark Grove Clarkston residents raised money for the students enrolled in the nonprofit “Friends of the Children-Detroit” throughout the month of August.
Friends of the Children works to end generational poverty, using a model that is evidence-informed and research-based with proven long-term outcomes.
All totaled, residents raised almost $5,000!
The funds went towards new backpacks and school supplies, which were delivered directly to students and mentors at the Friends of the Children Summer Picnic on August 16th. The remaining funds were put onto gift cards and distributed on October 5th at JC Penny for each of the mentees to purchase essential items ahead of the colder weather. We hope no student’s learning is hindered due to inadequate winter clothing. Thank you, residents, for your generosity!
