Senior living community's robust amenities create endless entertainment opportunities
Novi, Mich. – December 5, 2019 – This time of year, Fox Run, a senior living community developed and managed by Erickson Living, is abuzz with the sounds, colors and flavors of the season. From the annual outdoor tree lighting and holiday home tours of residents' apartments, to special events such as performance of the Nutcracker by the Northville Ballet and holiday caroling with students from nearby Novi Christian Academy, it's easy to get into the holiday spirit at Fox Run.
Entertaining made easy
In addition to attending the many festive events presented by the community, residents also do plenty of hosting themselves throughout the holiday season (and all year long). People might think that downsizing for retirement means the end of entertaining family and friends in your home. But Fox Run Sales Director Allison Murphy says that is not the case at Fox Run. Not only do many residents host dinners and parties in their spacious, modern apartment homes, but living at Fox Run means they have access to the entire 108-acre campus and all its amenities, such as private dining rooms and a full-service catering staff.
"When people move to Fox Run, they often find they have even better options for entertaining. Whether someone wants to host four people or 90, we have wonderful meeting spaces to host events," Murphy says. "Residents also have access to our professional catering team—so no need to shop, cook and clean up when you host. It makes having parties and events much more enjoyable for our residents who love to entertain."
Getting creative
Whether residents want to host their family for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or invite a large group of friends to Fox Run for a holiday luncheon—and anything in between—the staff at Fox Run can make it happen. The Fox Run campus boasts two private dining rooms for more intimate events, Kern's Corner which can hold 40 people and is ideal for mingling, and the Derby Room, which can accommodate a banquet for up to 100 people. Residents looking to host an even larger gathering can use the Fireside or Signatures Dining Room to host up to 180 guests.
"We have also been known to utilize parts of our living room for events, outdoor with tents, outdoor near the pool with patio tables—we can definitely get creative," Murphy says.
Robert Miller, Fox Run's Director of Dining Services, says dozens of residents host events at Fox Run during the holidays and throughout the year. Events run the gamut from catered meals in the comfort of a resident's own apartment home to parties in one of the campus common areas where residents serve their own home-cooked dishes.
Do less, enjoy more
Dorothy Warren is one of the many Fox Run residents who enjoys entertaining on campus. For Thanksgiving, she reserves one of the private dining rooms for her family of 16 and they enjoy a traditional feast from the buffet in the main dining room.
"I don't do anything in my apartment—that's the beauty of being here, they do everything for you," Dorothy says.
Dorothy has also hosted her alumni group from Albion College at Fox Run. The group of 30 previously met at restaurants for bi-annual lunches, but a couple of years ago, Dorothy suggested they gather for a meal at Fox Run instead.
The group has met twice now in Fox Run's Derby Room for a catered luncheon of salads, soups, sandwiches, rolls and desserts along with coffee and tea. Dorothy says the lunches at Fox Run have been more enjoyable than the large group meals they've had at restaurants.
"There's no comparison," she says. "Restaurants are a lot more money, and they're so noisy and you're so closed in."
At Fox Run, residents have plenty of space to enjoy hosting and attending special events as part of an active, exciting senior living lifestyle along with quieter moments with friends and family. Versatile, well-designed spaces provide the perfect backdrop for holiday festivities as well as the community's diverse schedule of performances and activities throughout the year, creating endless opportunities to stay engaged and connected.
About Fox Run: Fox Run, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 108-acre campus in Novi, Michigan. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,300 residents and 750 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information can be found at FoxRunNovi.com.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dorothy Warren
Photo Caption: Resident Dorothy Warren (top row, left) has hosted a luncheon for her Albion College alumni group in one of the common areas at Fox Run. The alumni group includes fellow Fox Run residents pictured here Mary Bragg, June Holmes, Janet Shenefelt, Joann Cline, and not pictured Barb Williamson, Maureen Kinzler.