Insights
The Blog of Brio Living Services
Bob Benedict – Pen Turning, Wood Dust, and Topographical Maps
Bob Benedict is a man of many talents and the imagination to see art in grains of wood dust. His idea to paint topographical maps – one of every state in the U.S. plus Puerto Rico – got its start from a pen turning class that Bob participates in at his Glazier Commons…
Top Michigan Senior Living Organizations Finalize $150 Million Affiliation
UMRC is excited to announce that we have finalized a decision to affiliate with Porter Hills (PH). After a thorough due diligence period, UMRC and PH will come together under shared governance and leadership. Together, UMRC, PH and our affiliates now represent a $150 million organization that serves more than 6,700 older Michigan…
‘Each Quilt Tells a Story’ – Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC) Residents Share a Wealth of Memories
When Sally Lamkin and Sherri Rizzo, both residents of CRC’s new Prairie Cottages, joined the Program Committee, they wanted to plan something that lots of residents could enjoy and take part in. They decided a quilt show would be a good way for their CRC neighbors to share something of themselves. Today, 77…
‘We are Created Creative’: Cedars Resident, Jean Downs, Shares Her Love of Art
“Talent” is a word that artist and teacher, Jean Downs, doesn’t like to use. “I tell my students to leave ‘the big T word’ at home,” says Jean. “Anybody can draw if they’re given the tools. If you have a desire, you can do it.” Jean and her husband, Ray, have recently moved…
Focus on Faith – Understanding Racism is ‘Soul Work’ for Group of Residents at Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC)
Focus on Faith – Rev. Lois McCullen Parr, member of UMRC’s Spiritual Life team, and Rev. Jackie Holdsworth, a retired United Methodist pastor and resident of CRC’s Prairie Cottages, teamed up to facilitate “Making the Invisible Visible” – a class on the reality of racism, offered for residents at CRC. “It’s not a…
Author Michael Carr Shares His Inspiration and Faith in “The Lion in the Wheelchair”
On Memorial Day, 2014, Michael Carr suffered a debilitating stroke. However, his story did not end there. Rather than allowing himself to become bitter and isolated, Michael is using his experience to bring hope and faith to others. With the help of his wife, Debbie, Michael began writing, “The Lion in the Wheelchair”…
Inspiring Generosity: Dorothy Greer
Dorothy Greer, a resident of Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), recently reached a milestone, with over 30 consecutive years of giving to the UMRC Foundation! “Dorothy’s many gifts have honored and remembered loved ones, helped make capital improvements on our campus, and ensured that those who have outlived their savings have always had a home here…