Author: Ryan Winiarski

“Retirement is the Best Time to Do Something to Make a Difference”

Silver Maples resident Ruth Barnard, Ph.D., retired from the University of Michigan School of Nursing faculty in 2000. An active member of First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, Ruth’s pastor approached her shortly after with an important question:  “Could a school of nursing be built in Haiti?”  Ruth replied, “Sure!”  His next question required a […]

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The Language of Flowers

Did you know that in the 1800’s, flowers each had a different meaning and were also used to symbolize emotions? Common books found in Victorian era homes discussed the, “Language of Flowers” (Smithsonian Gardens, n.d.). Within the books, every flower was given a specific meaning. For example, bluebells symbolized kindness, rosemary conveyed remembrance, and tulips […]

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“When you create art, you create something outside yourself.”

“The secret of helping the senior population is finding out what they are passionate about, and then offering opportunities to follow those passions,” said 76-year-old Julia Strimer, participant of the Artful Aging Theater class at Chelsea Retirement Community. For Julia, this passion is theater. “I’ve loved the arts my whole life,” Julia said. “When you […]

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Progress, Not Perfection

“Let your house be messy, and go play laser tag with your kids,” said Pam Kaufmann, mother of two boys. “Make sure you take the time to have fun with them; they grow up so fast—too fast.” Pam is an active and vivacious person whose energy and enthusiasm for life is contagious. As the mother […]

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