PVM Graceful Living Spring 2024

Celebrating Michigan’s Diversity

We invite you to join us as we explore our state’s beautifully diverse cultures, communities, and arts festivals in the Spring 2024 issue of Graceful Living. Did you know that our state is home to some of the world’s most inspiring and original folk and street art installations? Or that you can find an outdoor arts and crafts fair every weekend from May through September?

We loved learning about our region’s rich diversity and how that shapes our artistic expression—and we hope you will, too. We also share guidance on growing your own fruits and veggies, choosing the right senior living community for you, whipping up an asparagus-forward pasta dish, and much more.

We hope you enjoy our Spring 2024 issue and welcome your feedback! Send any story ideas, questions, or suggestions to us at gracefulliving@pvm.org.

GRACEFUL LIVING

Issue 24.2 | Spring 2024

PVM Executive Team

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

Mark Kronner

Chief Technology Officer

Note

Sales &

our new address!

Presbyterian Villages of Michigan 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 400 Southfield, MI 48033-7496

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

Villages 1

PACE Southeast

Michigan 2

PACE Central Michigan 3

Detroit

Delta Manor

Hartford Village

The Thome Rivertown

Neighborhood

The Village of Bethany Manor

The Village of Brush Park Manor Paradise Valley

The Village of Harmony Manor

The Village of Oakman Manor

The Village of St. Martha’s

The Village of University

Meadows

The Village of Woodbridge Manor

Alpena

Alpena Pines

Battle Creek

The Village of Mill Creek

Bay City

• The Village of Hampton Meadows

Chesterfield

• The Village of East Harbor

Clinton Township

The Village of Peace Manor

Flint

McFarlan Villages

Fort Gratiot Township

The Village of Lake Huron

Woods

Harbor Springs

• The Village of Hillside

Perry Farm Village

Holly

The Village of Holly Woodlands

Jackson

The Village of Spring Meadows

Kalamazoo

• The Village of Sage Grove

Onaway

• Lynn Street Manor

Pontiac

• The Village of Oakland Woods

Redford

The Village of Redford

Rosebush

The Village of Rosebush Manor

Warren

• The Village of Warren Glenn

Westland

• The Village of Our Saviour’s Manor

The Village of Westland

1 Some villages and programs are in collaboration with other organizations

2 In collaboration with Henry Ford Health

3 In collaboration with Michigan Masonic Home

4 In collaboration with the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, coming in 2024/2025

Easy Livin’ Growing Greens

A guide to planting veggies in Michigan

There’s nothing better than eating fruits and veggies that you’ve grown yourself!

Michigan is in plant hardiness zones 4–6, so here are recommended planting guides for each zone, adapted from our friends at Urban Farmer. And remember: If you don’t have room to start your plants from seeds, you can pick them up from your favorite garden center and plant them in containers or your garden beds according to the transplant date.

So, What’s Your Story?

Tools to help you share your life experience with your community

Oral history projects often focus on a specific population of interest, deemed worthy of preservation because of their importance or value to their community’s history.

But, it’s not just the tales of the Rosie Riveters or folks coming to Detroit as part of the Great Migration that inspire future generations: Every life story is a revelation.

Here are a few tools that can help you easily capture your experiences and share them with others:

The StoryCorps App

This intuitive app will guide you through the interview experiences, from preparing questions to recording highquality conversations on your mobile phone to uploading your audio to the Library of Congress and the online StoryCorps Archive.

storycorps.org/participate/ storycorps-app

What We’re Reading

Are you 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

The Oral History Toolkit

This interactive web-based guide developed by the UC - Irvine Libraries provides a step-by-step walkthrough, resources suggestions, and helpful checklists to help you shape your project. oralhistory.lib.uci.edu

How To Grow Vegetables

In Pots & Containers

Luke Potter

Inspired by all the delicious produce you can grow in Michigan?

Luke Potter lays out nine steps to growing your favorite veg in small spaces in this easyto-follow guide for beginners.

Storyworth

If recording your voice or video isn’t up your alley, this remarkable service allows you to answer a series of questions over time and produce a book at the end of the experience. This is a fun way to connect with loved ones and share your life, one experience at a time. welcome.storyworth.com

Scent of a Garden: A Novel Namrata Patel

Join Asha “Poppy” Patel on a journey of self-discovery as she is forced to give up her dream as a Parisian perfumer and returns home to her family in Napa Valley.

The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year

Margaret Renkl

Through 52 chapters exploring the flora and fauna of her backyard, Renkl’s memoir finds the joy, humor, and celebration of the natural world in every season.

Take a Bath… in the Woods

Embrace the Japanese art of Forest Bathing to lower your blood pressure and calm your mind

If we’re honest, when we first heard the term “forest bathing,” we envisioned someone rolling around on a bed of damp moss and pine needles. And hey, maybe that is how someone wants to bathe in the forest! But that’s not how Japanese folks have practiced this wellness routine since the 1980s.

Best described as a form of active meditation, forest bathing involves contemplative strolls through the canopy of old-growth forests. Given that Michigan has some of the most beautiful forests in the world (according to us!), this simple practice is accessible to most people. To forest bathe, you move slowly, breathe deeply, and use your senses to engage with the forest around you: What do you smell? How do things feel to the touch? What do you hear? Think of it as sensory waves, or showers, flowing over you. However you choose to engage with the forest, the most important thing is for you to be present in the moment.

Research has shown that regular forest bathing can reduce cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and positively impact your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you respond more resiliently to stress. So head out to a forest near you and explore! And let us know how it goes.

May is asparagus’ time to shine in Michigan! This simple pasta dish puts it center stage.

1. Pour the cream into a small saucepan and add the garlic.

2. Bring the cream to a boil; gently boil until reduced by about ⅓; you want the cream to thicken slightly.

3. Add the lemon zest and asparagus, then set the pan aside.

Spaghetti with Asparagus in a Lemon-Cream Sauce

• ⅓ cup heavy cream

• ¼ teaspoon minced garlic

• ¼–½ teaspoon minced fresh lemon zest

• ⅓ cup sliced cooked asparagus (at room temperature)

2 oz. of dried spaghetti

4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add the spaghetti and salt to taste.

5. Boil over high heat until al dente and drain thoroughly.

6. Add butter (if desired) and then toss with the sauce.

7. To serve, sprinkle with the parsley or herbs and serve

2 teaspoons minced parsley or chervil

• Salt (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon butter (optional)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

with the Parmesan cheese, if you wish.

Source: Going Solo in the Kitchen by Jane Doerfer

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

Featured Villages

Our central Detroit communities offer independent senior living just steps from all the city’s lively activities.

Hartford Village

Modern senior living in Northwest Detroit

Enjoy the elegance of a private gated community just steps from the vibrant Northwest Activities Center. Residents at Hartford Village enjoy:

On-site community room and kitchen, theater, beauty/barber shop, and more

A choice of ranch-style or apartment homes with fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryer

The option to join in outings and activities arranged by our service coordinator

17500 Meyers Road, Detroit, MI 48235

Call: (313) 270-9700

Fax: (313) 270-9710

pvm.org/locations/hartford-village

The Village of Bethany Manor

Sophisticated senior living in Virginia Park

Conveniently located to area churches, grocery shopping, healthcare services, and more, Bethany Manor features gated parking and upscale urban living. Residents enjoy:

On-site amenities include a library/computer room, fitness center, barber/beauty shop, community BBQ equipment and patio, mintheater, and laundry area

• Maintenance-free living, on-site service coordinator, and transportation services

• Personal 24-hour emergency call system

Nikia McCaa, Administrator

8737 14th Street, Detroit, MI 48206

Call: (313) 894-0430

Fax: (313) 894-4407

pvm.org/locations/bethany-manor

The Village of Oakman Manor

Engaged senior living in Central Detroit

In collaboration with Focus: HOPE, Oakman Manor provides income-based, senior-friendly living that gives you access and opportunities to stay involved in the city you love. Residents enjoy:

Robust on-site amenities, including a community center with a cozy fireside lounge, cafe, fitness center, mini-theater, barber/beauty shop, and more

• Comfortable one-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens, central A/C, and access to an on-site laundry area

• Maintenance-free living, on-site service coordinator, and resident-run activities

Deborah Beard, Administrator

14000 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit, MI 48238

Call: (313) 957-0210

Fax: (313) 957-0214

pvm.org/locations/oakman-manor

Coming Soon: Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village

An innovator in education and business, Dr. Violet T. Lewis made her mark on Detroit and Michigan as the founder of our state’s first—and only!— Historically Black College and University, The Lewis College of Business.

In collaboration with the Lewis family, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with affordable housing developer Wallick Communities to create Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village. Situated on the former campus of The Lewis College of Business, this innovative project is poised to revitalize the area.

This project involves the renovation of the two existing structures on the site as well as the construction of a new four-story building. The restoration of the existing buildings includes green energy upgrades, enhanced safety elements such as egress windows and community lighting, and a contemporary design with clean lines, brick accents, updated balconies or patios where available, and refreshed sidewalks and service drives—all designed to ensure these historic buildings integrate well with the new construction.

Once complete, the Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village will feature 105 independent living apartments in various layouts, including studios, one-bedroom, and twobedroom floorplans. This new community is located at 17370 and 17400 Meyers Road, right next to Hartford Village.

Please stay tuned for updates as this project continues, and we’re ready to invite new residents to the Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village!

Only in Michigan

It’s Outdoor Art Season

Michigan’s many festivals make for great day trips

Michigan has nearly 30 outdoor art festivals, craft fairs, and artisan markets between May and September. There are juried art shows, such as the ART on the GRAND in June, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair in July, and the Belle Isle Art Fair in August. Looking for a unique gift for someone special?

Stroll through the Wolf Lake Art Market or the Stony Creek Artisan Market. Or roll up your sleeves and get into the mix at the West Michigan Chalk Art Festival! Call your crew, plan a day trip, and get out into our beautiful Spring and Summer weather.

Upcoming Michigan Events:

Second Friday of the Month, 6pm–9pm

Flint Artwalk

Downtown Flint

May 11th and 12 th

Art Birmingham

Shain Park, Birmingham

May 18th –19 th

Orion Art & Flower Fair

Downtown Lake Orion

June 1st and 2nd

Palmer Park Art Fair

Palmer Park, Detroit

June 7th –9 th

Art on the River

Keifer Park, Port Huron

June 22nd , 10am–5pm

NINE Designs + Homes

Festival of the Arts

Old Redford, Detroit

Palmer Park

Join in fun arts and recreation activities with your neighbors in central Detroit

Oakland

Hamtramck Disneyland

Check out Ukrainian artist Dmytro Szylak’s vibrant life’s work as Hatch Art is renovating it

Washtenaw

Wayne

Monroe

Lincoln Street Art Park

Take a stroll through this inspiring outdoor mural and sculpture and park

Holland

Ask the Experts

As PVM’s Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing, Audra Frye is passionate about creating inspiring experiences and thriving communities! After thirteen years as an event planner in the hospitality industry, Audra brought her love for building community connections to the PVM family in 2013. She serves on several industry committees and boards focusing on improving patient care and outcomes.

Are you curious about the financing options available for senior housing? Here is some insight into a few different programs and how they apply.

What does it mean when it says the pricing is Market Rate?

These standard rental rates reflect the going rate for rentals in the local area. Residents living in Market Rate units or communities pay the total rent amount each month.

What is HUD-subsidized housing?

Often referred to as Affordable Housing, HUD stands for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a federal program that provides housing for low-income people. HUD-subsidized properties mean that rent is income-based and that residents will pay 30% of their income as rent, taking into account some medical expenses.

Are there other finance models for lower-income seniors?

Yes. There are tax credits available for some subsidized housing. The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is less common than HUDsubsidized properties and is based on the area’s median income, not the resident’s income.

What other financial assistance for senior housing might be available to me?

Here are commonly used sources of financial assistance for seniors and how they relate to housing:

• Medicare covers medical services and expenses only but doesn’t cover housing costs.

• Medicaid—May cover some assisted living services and housing.

• Long-term Care Insurance—May cover all longterm care needs, including housing.

• VA Aid and Attendance—Covers assistance with activities of daily living via VA payments for eligible veterans.

Choosing Your Next Adventure

Which style of senior living fits your vibe?

There are several different types of communities designed to meet the diverse needs of seniors, which can sometimes be confusing! Here is an overview of the various options available so you can choose the best path for yourself.

55+ Communities

In general, these don’t differ much from other apartments or housing developments other than having a minimum age requirement of 55. These communities may have some activities and amenities, but, in general, living here will be very similar to what you’d experience in non-age-restricted housing.

Who chooses this: 55+ folks who would enjoy living in a community with their peers but are still highly independent with a strong social support network.

Independent Living

Assisted Living, Licensed as Adult Foster Care or Home for the Aged

These communities offer easily accessible medical, nursing, and care staff who can assist you with your activities of daily living—from housekeeping to bathing to medication assistance.

Who chooses this: Folks who find regular daily activities have become challenging and are interested in on-site care and support to improve their quality of life.

Memory Care

One of the highest levels of care, these residences offer a full suite of daily services and care, all designed to ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere. Services may include meals, activities, sensory and fitness support, health maintenance, and more.

While the minimum age may increase to 62+, you’ll still live independently with more on-site amenities, activities, and service coordination. You’ll have the opportunity to develop a more community-based social support network.

Who chooses this: Seniors who want to live independently but take advantage of more coordinated activities and services.

Upcoming Events:

Understanding Senior Living and Care Options

May 9,th 2024

Are you seeking information on senior living communities?

Join our Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing, Audra Frye, to explore terminology, senior living and care options, financial considerations, and more.

Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Place: Online via Zoom

More Info and RSVP

Who chooses this: Individuals experiencing dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other memory-related issues who require a high level of daily support and care.

Continuing Care Retirement/Life Plan Communities

Are you interested in joining a 55+ community and being assured that you’ll have the support to age in place? These communities offer all levels of care, from Independent Living to Assisted/Adult Foster Care to Skilled Nursing to Memory Care.

Who chooses this: Seniors who want to make the big move once, build their support community, and ensure their support and care needs will be met as they change with age.

Why Is It So Hard To Make a Decision?

May 23rd , 2024

As the president of the online senior living resource myLifeSite, Tripp Higgins talks about retirement priorities and how lifestyle and community should be important factors when establishing an overall plan. Join him for his expert insight into finding ways to celebrate and explore this chapter, and how to avoid getting lost in the minutiae of it.

Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Place: Online via Zoom

More Info and RSVP

From the Desk of Roger L. Myers

Celebrating Our Diverse Communities and the People We Serve

We’re proud to offer a selection of senior living villages throughout Michigan, each featuring its unique personality and style that reflects the communities in which our residents live. From the small-town waterfront feel of Harbor Springs to the sophisticated urban lifestyle of the Thome Rivertown Neighborhood in downtown Detroit, PVM’s communities reflect our organization’s mission to create new possibilities for quality senior living.

PVM Profiles

Roger Bushnell, Executive Director of The Village of Westland

Our mission connects to our firm commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice (DEIJ). We prioritize being inclusive daily, building upon our diverse resident, client, employee, board, business partner, volunteer, donor, community, and other stakeholder populations. We focus on offering affordable housing options, creating awareness and education programs that explore the diversity across our communities, and developing opportunities for our residents to stay connected and give back.

The development of the Dr. Violet T. Lewis Village on a historic site in Detroit is the latest example of how we look to our State’s rich history and create inclusive spaces for our residents to feel honored, respected, and seen. We look forward to sharing updates on this exciting new Village and hope you’ll take the time to visit some of the vibrant villages we’ve highlighted in this issue of Graceful Living.

With continued deep gratitude and warmest appreciation,

Roger L. Myers, President & CEO

When Roger Bushnell was looking for his next position, he prioritized organizations with a demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ seniors. According to SAGE, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ elders, there is a real issue with many open LGBTQ+ seniors feeling that they have to go back into the closet to receive the care and support they need as they age.

Read more about Roger on our blog

Roger Bushnell

Your gift of $25

Can transport 1 resident on a special outing to local attractions like Belle Isle.

SUPPORTS SOCIALIZATION & ACTIVITY

Can support 1 resident. The emergency help fund helps with unexpected needs, such as buying eyeglasses or specialty medication.

SUPPORTS

Here’s how YOUR donation directly helps a senior! To

Your gift of $100

Can give 1 resident 3 months of exercise classes to stay fit.

SUPPORTS SENIOR HEALTH & MOVEMENT

Your gift of $1,000 Your gift of $300

Can send 20 residents to compete in PVM’s Village Victory Cup, a fun and exciting senior wellness competition.

SUPPORTS

Did you know?

Michigan has the only floating post office in the world!

Established in 1874, the J.W. Westcott II operates out of Detroit and delivers mail to the crew on ships traveling the Detroit River.

Presbyterian Villages 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.