In evaluating her department’s annual budget, Bloomfield Township Senior Services Director Christine Tvaroha is quick to highlight programs, services, and initiatives funded through grant opportunities. “We are funded through a Senior Service Millage that is one half of one percent of a Township tax dollar,” say Tvaroha. “Its always exciting to alert residents to services funded through grants that supplement our work.”
Returning to the Senior Center this year is Adult Day Service (ADS) partially funded by a grant award from the Ralph C. Wilson Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. “ADS has many benefits for participants and family caregivers,” says ADS Coordinator Kim Davidson. “People feel safe and welcome and look forward to their club visits. Time in Friendship Club may also aid in retaining high levels of ability.”
Tvaroha adds, “Benefits include improved sleep, mental wellness, and social connection to name a few. Our ADS, Friendship Club, is aptly named. Fail free and engaging activities like live music, exercise, guided trivia, art, crafts, pet visits and special events are key. The encouragement, laughter, and friendships are the ‘secret sauce.’ “
PICTURED: Associate Fitness Coordinator Jason Schaefer leads a chair exercise at Friendship Club. The club is open Mondays and Thursdays from 10am – 2pm.
The Senior Center Pool is known source of aquatics classes for residents, but new to this year is the saltwater system that replaces chlorine installed by TMI Sustainable Aquatics. The conversion took place in January and offers many benefits including improved air quality, a gentler impact on skin, and reducing maintenance costs for maintaining a pool. The conversion was made possible through Oakland County’s American Rescue Plan Act Funds.
“Less chemicals is not only better for the swimmers, but an investment that saves the center money in the long run,” says Fitness Coordinator Amanda Dupree. “We hope this not only improves the class quality for our regulars, but attracts new swimmers as this one of the few saltwater pools in the state.”