FALL 2020

Welcome From the Director Greetings from Silver Club! Welcome to the new format for our quarterly newsletter. We hope you find it useful and convenient. After five months of providing remote support and virtual programming, Silver Club re-opened its doors to in person programming in August. Due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, we are currently back to providing virtual programming through at least mid-December. Now, more than ever before, we know the importance of socialization and community. One family member shared, “During the pandemic, Silver Club was a lifeline for my husband and I,” adding that the virtual programming helps them in a time of uncertainty and social isolation. Another family member said the following regarding Silver Club’s re-opening, “from the minute I walked into the building I could see some of the preparation. Clearly the result of much thoughtful planning,  organizing, and caring. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you!” Silver Club staff made quick changes (more than once!) to best try to meet the needs of our member families.  I want to extend a sincere thank you to our supporters - our member families, volunteers, advisory members, Geriatrics Center staff, and others who have helped us practically, emotionally, and financially. Although we receive support from the Geriatrics Center in which we are grateful, a majority of our budget is supported by gifts, grants, and member fees. Prior to our current pause in in-person programming we were limited in the number of members we can serve (limitation on congregate gatherings and our physical space to ensure social distancing), and therefore, the fees we could receive. Although we know that being closed at this time is the safest choice, it impacts our funds. Please consider a donation to Silver Club to support our efforts to continue providing engaging activities for individuals with dementia in our community.

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Please share your suggestions with us or let us know if you have any questions. I hope you all stay safe and healthy!

Sincerely, Shannon Etcheverry, LMSW Director, Silver Club Memory Programs

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Silver Club’s Virtual Programming From April-August, Silver Club provided over 150 hours of virtual programming for its members! The staff quickly pivoted to provide programming via Zoom for members of the Day Enrichment Program (Moderate), Elderberry (Mild Memory Loss Women’s Group), Mindworks (Mild Memory Loss Group), and Chelsea Coffeehouse (Mild Memory Loss Group at the Chelsea Senior Center). Club is hosting virtual programming Monday through Friday, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm for our Day Enrichment Program, and one-two times a week for our mild memory loss groups. Roger Parker (one of Silver Club’s volunteers) is hosting a sing along twice a week! Currently (through at least mid-December) virtual types of programming include travel groups, trivia, music, discussion groups, education on dementia, and more.  If you’re interested in signing up or learning more, please contact Shannon Etcheverry at smguida@umich.edu or (734) 998-9352.

Alzheimer's Association Walk On October 11th, Silver Club staff joined others from Michigan Medicine’s Geriatrics Center to walk in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Big Hearts For Seniors Fundraiser On July 30, 2020, Big Hearts for Seniors (BHS) presented its first ever virtual fundraiser: Big Hearted Stories: Experiences of Aging. Six local talented storytellers shared their powerful, true life experiences that touched viewers of all ages. From one woman’s 72nd birthday in Nepal complete with a potato birthday cake to another who “sings with strangers,” each story brought a message of hope and optimism.  The attendance broke all prior Big Hearts for Seniors event records with over 800 households registered and nearly 500 watching live. Participants included people across the country and from around the globe. At last count, over 1,800 people have viewed the hour and a half program on YouTube. UM Professor and author Dr. Vic Strecher, outfitted in a tuxedo and bunny slippers, served as the emcee extolling the virtues of the programs and the services they provide. His personal matching donation of $5,000 helped Big Hearts for Seniors raise over $76,000. All funds go directly to benefit five community non-profit programs that serve older adults (including Silver Club!). The Big Hearts for Seniors’ collaborative is comprised of Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels, Housing Bureau for Seniors, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Silver Club Memory Programs, and the Turner Senior Wellness Program.  Save the Date - May 27, 2021 for Big Hearted Stories: Generations! Vic Strecher will be joining us for a second year to emcee the virtual event!

Missed this Year’s Big Hearts for Seniors Event on July 30? Watch Big Hearted Stories: Experiences of Aging. Click here or the button on the right to view.

Recent In-Person Programming

Flower Garden Members of the Day Enrichment Program have been working in the garden. Before they started, the garden was overrun. Now, the outdoor patio is tranquil with beautiful mums donated by Zywicki green house in Belleville, Michigan.

Getting Creative Members have also been getting creative with painted wooden blocks (which will be turned into a sculpture) and playing a variety of games such as large-scale Jenga.

The ladies of Elderberry (Mild Memory Loss Group) have been engaged in some artistic activities. One such activity included creating aboriginal-inspired art pieces.

Silver Club is Accepting New Members! We are happy to announce we are accepting new members (members can start virtually). For our moderate program, we are close to being on a waitlist. Please call or email if you are someone you know is interested in joining us for in-person or virtual programming for individuals with mild to moderate dementia. Visit our website to learn more.

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.

Make a Gift

Other Ways You Can Partner With Us Be an ambassador – promote the Silver Club by referring families who are caring for a person with memory loss. 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.

Sponsors & Community Partners Silver Club is primary funded by member fees and donations. We are also supported by: U-M Geriatrics Center Area Agency on Aging 1-B Brookdale National Group Respite Program Medicaid Waiver Program Veterans Affairs   Meet our Staff and Volunteers Staff: Shannon Etcheverry (Director), Patricia Hall, Porchia Hardwick, Elise Lenfestey, Danni O’Brien, Kathi Tobey  Advisory Council: Julie DeLoria, Leslie Kamil, Clare Kolevar, Jacqueline Rose, Cathy Strachan, Julie Young.

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Silver Club Memory Programs 2401 Plymouth Road, Suite C Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 998-9352 GerMedSilverClub@umich.edu