(Chelsea Update would like to thank Emily Meloche for the information in this story.)
Sunday, Sept. 24 was a day of celebration at Silver Maples of Chelsea. Honoring its 20th Anniversary, Silver Maples opened its doors for a strolling reception.
Though the high temperatures were not anticipated, the 275 attendees didn’t let the heat stop them from walking through the building and gardens of Silver Maples, all while enjoying shrimp cocktail, hand-carved beef tenderloin sliders, artisan cheeses, smoked trout dip, California wines and assorted decadent desserts.
Pianist Micah Rickerd provided outdoor music along the path to Silver Maples’ Memorial Garden, and the Jordan Otto Trio played jazz standards in the Maples Room to accompany a slideshow of pictures from the past 20 years of life at Silver Maples.
Ruth Barnard, who has lived at Silver Maples for over 3 years, said, “It was really nice to meet visitor who came to help us celebrate and to join neighbors in walking around the grounds. Invariably, the conversations included how nice it is to live here.”
In addition to current Silver Maples residents and their families, several former residents’ families and 14 current and past board members we in attendance. The day also hosted key players in Silver Maples history, including former CEO Jerry Wilcyznski and Chelsea Community Hospital Presidents Emeritus Will Johnson and Kathleen Griffiths. It was like a family reunion, with the chance to celebrate and reconnect with so many people who have made two decades of Silver Maples a magnificent 20 years.
John Thorhauer, President and CEO of United Methodist Retirement Communities, a partner of Silver Maples and sponsor of the 20th event said, “During my 11 years on the Silver Maples Board, I have witnessed first-hand the dedication and commitment of the staff. The 20th year anniversary was another great opportunity to hear residents share their great stories on why they chose to live at Silver Maples.”
To continue its 20th Anniversary commemoration, Silver Maples will release a memory book, which chronicles the history and highlights of the last 20 years and gives a picture of life at Silver Maples.
A series of photographs from the strolling reception will be featured in the memory book, which will be released in mid-December in time for the holidays. Pre-orders for this special edition book can be submitted on-line at www.silvermaples.org/20th where you can reserve your copy for as low as $27. All orders must be received by Oct. 15.
Looking back over the last two decades, Will Johnson, who played a major role in the founding of Silver Maples, said “From day one, Silver Maples has met or exceeded the expectations of the residents, their families, its employees, and the community, and it continues to.”
It’s been a spectacular 20 years, said Silver Maples CEO Julie Deppner: “For 20 years, working or living at Silver Maples of Chelsea is being part of something very special. The Silver Maples difference will continue for many years to come.”
Silver Maples is grateful and appreciative to the many sponsors who helped to make the strolling reception a success and a wonderful time of celebration for residents, families, board members and staff.
PLATINUM SPONSORS: 5 Healthy Towns Foundation, Chelsea Lumber, United Methodist Retirement Communities, Inc.
GOLD SPONSORS: Ann Arbor Carpets, Chelsea State Bank, Green Magic Growers, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea
SILVER SPONSORS: Boone and Daar, Chad Losey Design Studio, Esquire Interiors, Hometown Pharmacy, Linkmedia 360, MHASC Unemployment Compensation Program, Orange Egg Advertising, The Prosure Fund, Steele Heating and Cooling, Voss Insurance Services
Founded in 1997, Silver Maples of Chelsea Retirement Neighborhood was built with a goal to provide housing options and a lifestyle that encouraged seniors to take an active role in aging, to embrace life and age well. As a leader in the industry, Silver Maples continues to excel at creating and supporting a positive aging experience for their residents.
For more information please visit www.silvermaples.org or call (734) 475-4111.
