CLOSE

Setting a good example and being present are fatherly gifts that keep on giving

Kalamazoo, MI – A new tie or a new rake may top the list of gifts many kids will give their fathers on June 20th. However, some experienced Kalamazoo fathers are shifting the focus of the holiday to what lasting gifts fathers can pass on to future generations.

Staff of The Fountains at Bronson Place recently sat down with dozens of dads in residence there to ask for their reflections and advice about fatherhood.  Here’s what some of them had to say:

Ed Muller, 79, stated “A father is one who loves his children and the mother of his children in all circumstances. A father is one who disciplines children with love and not anger. A father is one who spends time with his children and shows them how to make good life choices by being a good example. A father is always there to open his heart to the concerns of his children. A father is one who will be present in the lives of his children until the end of his life when it can be put on his head stone, with pride, “He Was My Father.” Muller raised four children.

Dr. Ernst Breisach, 86, stated : “Fathers should reflect on what a father represents to a child. They should provide security for a child, ensuring the child that they can come to them for support and help. A father should complement the mother in their approaches to raising and being with their children. A father should behave as they would want their children to behave. Any punishments should fit the situation and age of the child.” Breisach raised two children.

Charlie Simon, 81, simply advises young dads: “Treat your family well and they will treat you well!” Simon raised two children.

At 101, the oldest father interviewed, Al Scott issues a stern warning for new fathers: “Keep your nose clean and stay out of trouble.” Scott raised two children.

These and other fathers interviewed at The Fountains at Bronson Place raised their families a half century ago. They’ve witnessed the maturation of their children and their children’s children.  Such perspective lends both clarity and credibility to their advice.  By speaking out, these members of an experienced generation are offering young fathers today a most valuable gift.

CLOSE

Kalamazoo, Mich. -- The Fountains at Bronson Place, 1700 Bronson Way, is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The celebration is planned for Thursday, June 10th from 4:30pm-7:30pm and is open to the public with advance reservations.

An art gallery exhibit will depict the history of the community including original architectural drawings and a photographic narrative of residents’ lives.  Guest will be served hors d’oeuvres and offered tours of the community.

“Our goal is to celebrate the fun we’ve shared and the learning we’ve done, and to take a look at where we go from here as we continue to ‘create an extraordinary community where people thrive,’” said Maria Charles, Sales Director.

According to Charles, Bronson Place was originally developed by Bronson Healthcare Group and opened its doors to its first new residents on January 2nd, 1990.  Heather Rufo, Executive Director, remembers assisting the first residents moving in, as she was the Move-in Coordinator at the time. 

“It’s been a real honor to work here from day one,” Rufo said. “I have learned so much from so many wonderful people. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”

CLOSE

Watermark Retirement Communities Reappointed as Manager for Fountains Portfolio

Kalamazoo, Mich. -- The Fountains at Bronson Place, 1700 Bronson Way, has launched Watermark University, a continuing education program with a curriculum tailored specifically for seniors. The first semester course catalog was unveiled at onsite registration for residents only on April 30.

Watermark University courses cover a wide variety of interesting topics and activities to keep minds and bodies fit. For example, the summer course catalogue at The Fountains at Bronson Place includes such classes as Golf, Antiques and Collectibles, and Michigan Beers.

Faculty includes instructors from outside The Fountains, as well as Fountains residents and associates who are eager to share their passionate hobbies. The golf instructor doubles as the community’s Director of Dining Services, for example. Maria Charles, Director of Sales, is teaching about Antiques and Collectibles. At registration, her table was adorned with glassware, old toys, postcards and spoons. Tanya Schafer, Skilled Nursing Administrator, is teaching the beer class, which includes tasting different beers and discussing the brewing process.

“This is something Watermark has been doing throughout the U.S. and we’re delighted to be a part of it,” said Heather Rufo, Executive Director. “Watermark University gives Fountains residents, associates and the community members at large an opportunity to share their interests and explore new ones.”

“We had about 50 residents sign up for classes the first day,” said April Missias, Community Life Director. “They were all very excited about Watermark University. They love the idea and think it adds another interesting dimension to life here.” The current semester begins in May and continues through August. Certain Watermark University courses will be opened to interested seniors from the surrounding area in the future. An August 26th event will unveil Watermark University to the public. For learning and teaching opportunities, call The Fountains at Bronson Place, 269-382-3546.

CLOSE

Nine Senior Women at The Fountains at Bronson Place Offer Words of Wisdom

Kalamazoo, Mich., April 21, 2010 – Nine local moms with years and years of experience are among 150+ mothers nationwide who are speaking out in time for Mother’s Day. Even though they raised their own children decades ago, the sage advice of these moms is just as meaningful today as it was some sixty years ago. In between managing today’s hectic family schedules, working, carpooling, cooking PLUS diaper changes, young moms in 2010 can use all the advice they can get.

The collective advice ranges from tips on raising kids to advice for the moms’ personal lives. For example, Kalamazoo resident Marge Meyer, who raised three children, advises young moms:

“Do not make any decisions too early about who you think your children should be, or what they should do with their lives.”

 

Other local mothers’ advice includes:

 

- “Just love them. Have fun with them.”

-Ethel Scott, raised 3 children in Kalamazoo

 

“Go to college. Love them more than you love yourself.”

--Marilyn Shea, raised 2 children in Kalamazoo, MI

 

“Have lots of kids!”

--Jean Crum, raised 3 living daughters in Kalamazoo, MI

 

“Always play fair towards each child.”

--Hester Thompson, raised 3 children

 

“Relax and enjoy your children.”

--Georgetta Hare, raised one daughter in Battle Creek

 

“Don’t enforce too many rules and teach your children kindness to one another and to you.”

--Eloise Simonds, raised 3 children in Parchment, MI

 

“Just love them!”

--Gladys Houseman, raised 4 children (one set of twins) in Martin, MI

 

“Think several times before having a child and be sure you can afford it.”

Joyce McPhee, raised 1 son in Flushing, MI

 

All nine of the local senior mom experts interviewed for this project reside at The Fountains at Bronson Place, the retirement community located at 1700 Bronson Way.

CLOSE

Watermark Retirement Communities Reappointed as Manager for Fountains Portfolio

Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc., formerly Fountains Retirement Communities, has been reappointed as manager for 16 retirement communities previously managed by Sunrise Senior Living, announced David N. Barnes, President/CEO of Watermark Retirement Communities.

“Watermark was the obvious choice for managing the Fountains portfolio because we know the communities so well,” said Barnes.

After selling 18 properties within the Fountains brand to Sunrise in 2005, Fountains Retirement Communities was renamed Watermark Retirement Communities. Over the past four years, with his partner David Freshwater, former Fountains CEO, Barnes has grown Watermark’s management portfolio to 11 communities plus three home health agencies in six states. The addition of the Fountains portfolio brings Watermark’s total managed communities to 27 in 16 states.

“We very much look forward to the coming weeks and months as we personally welcome back so many former residents and associates into the family of Watermark communities. It feels like we’re putting the band back together,” stated Barnes.

Watermark Retirement Communities has owned and operated successful, innovative senior housing communities for more than 20 years. According to Barnes, Watermark is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive and a culture where everyone is encouraged to express their creativity, passion and inner child – to express their true selves. As a result, Barnes says, Watermark communities are full of spirit, character, compassion and adventure.

CLOSE