Welcome From the Director
Greetings from Silver Club!
In our last newsletter, we had recently re-opened to in person programming (for the second time). Now, we’ve been back in person for over five months. It has been an exciting and busy time for Silver Club’s staff. In the last few months, we have welcomed several new participants to our programs, and have reached several “first time since COVID-19” milestones.
One of these milestones is being able to bring back valued volunteers (and welcome new ones)! Silver Club’s programs would not be possible without the dedication and support of our volunteers. It has been so gratifying for members and staff alike to be able to reunite.
We are growing stronger as an organization each day- by welcoming new members and expanding our capacity. After Labor Day, our Day Program will add a half hour to programming to provide more activities and additional respite for families (10:00am-3:30pm). Although we have made great strides, we are still managing the financial impact of our two in person shutdowns. If you’re in a position that you would like to help, please consider a gift to Silver Club.
Those that are interested in learning more about our programs can email germedsilverclub@umich.edu or call 734-998-9352. More information is also available on our website.
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Please share your suggestions with us or let us know if you have any questions. I hope that everyone is having a beautiful summer!
Sincerely,
Shannon Etcheverry, LMSW
Director, Silver Club Memory Programs
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SILVER CLUB IS SEEKING VOLUNTEERS! |
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Silver Club Memory Programs (Michigan Medicine Geriatrics Center) provides activities for people with mild to moderate dementia. We are seeking compassionate volunteers who want to engage and socialize with our members with memory loss.
Responsibilities include assisting program staff with activities (group or one-on-one), assist with meal preparation, room set-up/cleanup and/or lead an activity (if desired). Time shifts are a minimum of two hours/week Monday-Friday between 10:00am and 3:00pm.
*At this time, we are only accepting individuals that are/were previously registered with Michigan Medicine's Volunteer Services Department.
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Come as You Are Memory Café |
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On July 21st, Danni and Shannon were guests at Dementia Friendly Saline’s “Come as You Are” Memory Café at the Holy Faith Church. Danni dazzled the group with her balloon skills. The group learned to make balloon hats, dogs, and even Olympic Rings in honor of the Tokyo Olympics.
The “Come as You Are” Memory Café meets monthly with individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The organizers of the memory café state, “People living with brain changes are a valued part of our community. Opportunities to connect with others in a fun, relaxing environment with loved ones are important for everyone’s health and well-being.”
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Enjoy Photos From Our Programs! |
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Members made beautiful bracelets with beads of various colors, shapes and styles. |
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Members made robots out of cans and other recycled items. They even provided them with names and backstories. |
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A member enjoying ‘Luau Day’ which included a photo booth, frozen drinks and tropical music. |
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2021 Big Hearts for Seniors: Generations
On May 27, 2021, Big Hearts for Seniors presented Big Hearted Stories: Generations, a free virtual event. Four local storytellers engrossed the virtual audience with true-life stories around the theme of ‘generations.’ Special guests included emcee Vic Strecher, Ph.D. MPH, Professor of Health Behavior and Health Education in the U-M School of Public Health, and former University of Michigan Men’s Basketball Head Coach John Beilein. John Beilein shared the story of family, the Niland brothers who inspired the film “Saving Private Ryan.”
The event was an overwhelming success in attendance and funds raised. Over 500 households registered, and to date, the event has over 1000 views. In addition, the event brought in a record number of 57 sponsors totaling $48,000. The Silent Auction also shattered records by raising $13,000 from 130 items from 85 businesses and individuals.
Overall, the event has raised over $90,000 to support Big Hearts for Seniors’ five Michigan Medicine community programs that serve older adults:
- Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels
- The Housing Bureau for Seniors
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
- Silver Club Memory Programs
- Turner Senior Wellness Program
Save the Date! Join us next year on May 26, 2022!
To view the event or find out more about Big Hearts for Seniors, click here.
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In March, Silver Club participated in the University of Michigan’s annual day of giving, Giving BlueDay! Thanks to dozens of donors, we surpassed our goal of raising $10,000! We were also featured on Click on Detroit/All About Ann Arbor.
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Alzheimer's Association Invites Area Residents to Join the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer's
OCTOBER 10, 2021
Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the World’s Largest Event Dedicated
to Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Research
The Alzheimer’s Association Washtenaw Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is back in-person again this year, and the Alzheimer’s Association is inviting area residents to join the fight by participating on Oct. 10, 2021, at Pioneer High School.
The Washtenaw County Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings together individuals and teams from across a number of Michigan counties. Over the last 29 years, the Washtenaw County Walk has raised more than $2,746,017 for Alzheimer’s and dementia care, support and critical research.
In Michigan alone, there are more than 190,000 people living with the disease and 463,000 caregivers.
While gathering in person, the Alzheimer’s Association will continue to offer options to participate virtually as well. Even though the event doesn’t take place until October 10, organizing is in full swing.
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Silver Club sends a big thank you to the following organizations/groups who have been gracious enough to give new or additional funding this last quarter!
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Irwin J Goldstein Memorial Fund - We are grateful to receive funding in the name of one of our former members to support our arts program! Irwin loved participating in the variety of art activities at Silver Club, and we can’t think of a better way to honor his legacy.
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Kiwanis - We were granted funding to purchase a new Smart TV! The TV will be used for our programming, which includes virtual travel.
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Partner With Us
The goal at Silver Club is to never turn a family away due to financial challenges. We provide a sliding scale fee so that each family pays what they can afford. We are so grateful to Silver Club families and friends for their generous support of our programs in whatever way they feel comfortable. Click here to make a gift.
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Other Ways You Can Partner with Us
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Be an ambassador – promote the Silver Club by referring families who are caring for a person with memory loss.
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Volunteer – if you have time, there are many ways to help, including spending time with members during program hours, participating on Silver Club committees, or helping with special, time-focused projects.
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Silver Club Memory Programs
2401 Plymouth Road, Suite C
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 998-9352
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