Kalamazoo, Mich. – Betsy Standish has accepted the position of Executive Director for The Fountains at Bronson Place, 1700 Bronson Way, announced Chris Casteel, Managing Director for Watermark Retirement Communities.  No stranger to The Fountains, from 2000 to 2003 Standish served as Administrator of The Springs at Bronson Place, the licensed skilled nursing center affiliated with The Fountains.  She gained additional leadership experience as Administrator of Friendship Village in Kalamazoo and most recently as CEO of Vista Grande Villa in Jackson, MI.

“We’re thrilled to have Betsy back,” said Casteel. “Her familiarity with The Fountains and with Watermark has made it a very easy transition for all concerned.”

Standish fills shoes recently vacated by Heather Rufo. With the community since its opening day, January 2nd, 1990, Rufo received many honors from Watermark during her 21-year tenure.  Standish had likewise been honored by Watermark as Administrator of the Year during her three-year tenure.

A member of Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments, American College of Health Care Administrators, Michigan Health Alert Network, Aging Services of Michigan and the Health Care Association of Michigan, Standish recently underwent additional training at Watermark’s national headquarters in Arizona prior to commencing her new role with The Fountains at Bronson Place.

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Kalamazoo, Mich. - At 95, retired teacher Leona Hefner continues to be an inspiration to all who live and work at The Fountains at Bronson Place, the Kalamazoo retirement community where she makes her home. Keeping up with Leona is a job in itself.

One of her favorite pastimes is teaching and directing “The Bronson Players,” one of dozens of classes taught by residents, associates and outside instructors at The Fountains at Bronson Place. The Bronson Players is listed in the course catalog along with classes on Michigan Beers, Michigan Wines, Antiques and Collectibles, Pasta Creations, Making Fleece Blankets, Beauty from the Cupboard and other diverse subjects. Most of the classes are offered free to area seniors through Watermark University.

Hefner says what she loves most about facilitating The Bronson Players is getting people involved and reminding them what it means to play.

“Sometimes we act too sophisticated,” said Leona, who enjoys watching people begin to relax and have fun.  She especially enjoys seeing associates and residents having fun together.

Most recently, Leona directed The Bronson Players in a farce wedding play, which took place May 17th. It was not her first.

In 2004, Leona organized her first mock wedding production.  Kalamazoo Gazette covered the scandalous shotgun wedding, dramatically portrayed by residents and staff.  Laughter filled the room as everyone adlibbed their lines. The biggest surprise was that women played men’s roles and men played women’s roles.  Leona was so good at directing that the gentlemen put up no resistance when it came time to donning panty hose and dresses in their stage roles. 

In 2011, Leona got the seven-year itch. She enlisted 23 actors including residents and associates to take the stage once again in full regalia.  Leona encouraged everyone to tap into their creative juices as they created the storyline and gave names to their characters. Though The New York Times review is as yet unpublished, insiders say it was another smashing success.

Just who is this spunky 95-year old who has no trouble asking men to wear pantyhose?

The third of eight children, Leona grew up on the plains of eastern Colorado.
 
“I was born in a soddie and attended a one-room adobe school during my elementary grades.  My father and mother were hard working pioneers who set wonderful examples of work ethics and honesty. They valued education and the importance of helping others.  All this helped make me what I am today.”

Leona earned BA and MA degrees from Colorado State University in Elementary Education.  She became an Elementary School Principal Reading Specialist. First she started a remedial reading clinic program in a public school and later she started a program for gifted children. She attended a number of universities to further her interest in “special needs” children. This included graduate work at Boston University, Connecticut University, University of Michigan and Western Michigan University. Upon retirement from public schools, she taught in the education department at Nazareth College in Kalamazoo.

Today, Leona says she is enjoying her so-called “retirement” years at The Fountains at Bronson Place, where, in addition to facilitating The Bronson Players, she actively pursues painting, gardening, jewelry making and playing in the “Swinging Seniors” band.

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Kalamazoo, Mich. – Kalamazoo veterans are sharing life lessons learned in service as part of a nationwide project spearheaded by Watermark Retirement Communities, one of the nation’s leading operators of senior living communities. The local veterans all live at The Fountains at Bronson Place, a Watermark community, where services are planned to honor veterans this Veterans Day.

The lessons shared are as diverse as the residents who shared them.

Sam Virgo, who served in the Navy during WWII, said the biggest lesson service taught him can be summed up in one word: “Respect.”

Richard Kosty, who served in Army Cavalry Reconnaissance from 1942 to 1946, took this important life lesson from his WWII experience: “Be good.”

Bill Walsh, pictured now holding a photo of the aircraft he rode home from after his service during WWII, said he met some wonderful people and took home this life lesson: “Learn as much as you can about your surroundings.” Georgette Hare, who served as a Navy Seaman second class during WWII, simply said “I was proud to be a part of it.”

Graydon Wykert, a 20-year Naval veteran whose ship was bombed in the South Pacific, stated his belief: “We should make all 18 year olds do it for two years.”

In contrast, Eston Rawson said “Stay out of it. It’s all foolishness.” Rawson served during WWII as a Signal Corps Radio Transmitter aboard the Arcadia, which was later sunk. He added that he spent most of his time in Sicily where he made friends with the locals.

Other lessons veterans shared include:

“If you are talking, speak as if you have authority. If you speak with confidence you will be perceived as an authority.” – Bob Claflin, Navy Hospital Corps, US Marines

“People are necessary in life. Having a connection with people is important.” – Mary Helen Wilson, US Air Force

Dozens of sage life lessons like these, from veterans coast to coast, are published for public viewing at www.watermarkcommunities.com/veteransday. Stories and comments from other veterans are welcome there.

The Fountains at Bronson Place welcomes the public to attend its Salute to Veterans on November 11th at 4pm in the community auditorium, 1700 Bronson Way. Along with patriotic music and presentations, names of all resident and associate veterans will be read as each is honored for their service to our country. Guests are invited to mingle with veterans and view their personal military photos, uniforms and other memorabilia on display, courtesy of Fountains residents.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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