Livonia couple enjoys new adventure at Fox Run

After years of travel, Irene and Len Mizerowski find new opportunities at Novi senior community

Novi, Mich. – November 20, 2019 – For Irene and Leonard Mizerowski, travel and adventure is a way of life. For more than 17 years, Irene owned a travel agency in Plymouth, Michigan, which afforded her the opportunity to travel extensively, most often with Len by her side. And as a civil engineer, Len spent his career working to help others travel safely, whether it was on the roads in Wayne County or later, with the Federal Aviation Administration focusing on southwest Michigan's airports.

Nowadays, the Mizerowskis are enjoying the vibrant, engaged lifestyle at Fox Run, a senior living community developed and managed by Erickson Living. With hundreds of clubs and activities, four dining venues and other amenities right on campus, Irene and Len continue to pursue their passions and meet new friends, all without ever leaving the comfort of their home.

No place like home

Throughout their travels, Irene and Len always returned home to Michigan. Detroit-area natives, they started out in Livonia, a suburb of the city before moving to nearby Northville, where they spent 20 years raising their daughter and two sons.

Over the years, they embarked on many trips, including 24 cruises and their "swan song", a 38-day tour of Australia and New Zealand. At that point, Len had retired from the FAA and Irene was ready to sell the travel agency. As empty-nesters, they returned to Livonia, but couldn't quite get the travel bug out of their system. They purchased a motor home and spent several years traveling through all 50 states and visiting every province in Canada. Each winter for 17 years, they would spend a few months in Naples, Florida.

Making the move

After returning to Michigan from Florida one year, they accompanied Len's sister on a visit to Fox Run. They were so impressed with the community that they immediately joined the Priority List, reserving their place in line for their favorite floor plan, the Gilbert. They spent one more winter in Florida, selling their home there and packing things up. When the Fox Run sales team called to let them know that a one bedroom apartment home with an open concept and den had just become available, Irene and Len were ready.

"We're very happy here. The den is my room," Irene says. "I made sure we were able to fit my desk in so that I have a place for my computer and scrapbooking supplies. Plus, our location is so convenient and we have a nice view."

Though they've lived at Fox Run for more than five years and are happy to have settled down a bit, Irene and Len still find themselves quite busy with everything going on at the community. Len visits the Fitness Center daily to use the cross-trainer or take a balance class, and frequently plays bridge with friends and neighbors. Irene even continues to help organize group trips for Fox Run residents, from day trips to dinner and the theater, to overnights to Nashville.

A sense of community

The couple also remains very active in their church community, having been parishioners at St. Kenneth's in Plymouth, Michigan for more than 42 years. At Fox Run, they attend services in the Performing Arts Center on campus each Tuesday, with Len behind-the-scenes managing the lighting and sound. In addition, Irene serves on Fox Run's Catholic Council, one of many groups representing a range of faiths and spiritual practices on campus.

As a result, they've had an opportunity to connect with many other residents and discovered that they have several neighbors who attended their same high school; Chadsey High in Detroit. "We all get dinner together from time to time," added Len.

After traveling the world, the Mizerowskis especially value this sense of community and the Midwestern hospitality that Fox Run offers.

"We are spoiled here," said Len. "Everyone is so friendly. I haven't found anything I don't like about Fox Run. Everything is taken care of for you."

"We feel very comfortable," added Irene. "I think the biggest thing is that we're not just sitting at home watching TV. We have our own activities. And for those who prefer not to participate in the activities, it's nice to just sit in the living room and talk with people there."

"The first time our son visited us at Fox Run, he said "I am so happy for you Mom and Dad,'" she continued. "We love that he doesn't have to worry about us, and we're happy too."

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 Caption: Len and Irene Mizerowski moved from their home in Livonia, Michigan to Fox Run, a senior living community in Novi, after traveling extensively across North America and internationally. Now, they enjoy an active, vibrant retirement lifestyle without having to leave their home at Fox Run.