Danish Village residents organized a picnic August 10  at the Rochester Hills senior apartment community in honor of local firefighters and paramedics. Rescue crews visit the center frequently to help residents with emergencies. The residents wanted to show their appreciation to the firefighters and paramedics who do so much to help them. “They are very good with our residents and know a lot of them from helping them repeatedly,” said Jennifer Ayan, administrative assistant at the center. Fifteen firefighters and paramedics were greeted with a well-deserved round of applause by the more than 100 residents who participated. They all enjoyed fried chicken, sausage, cold salads and cake. (In the photo, resident Irene Lover serves some of the honored guests.)

Danish Village residents and friends have enjoyed gardening this summer. Ten residents of the Rochester Hills senior community work in the main garden, atop a nearby hill. For those unable to climb the hill, the staff constructed raised beds near the building. Several residents, most of whom use wheelchairs, enjoy gardening in those plots. In the photo (from left) Zola Morris, Jane Murdock, Marge Marovich and Andy Dina show off their produce.

Dorothea Runstrom was born on March 16, 1910. One hundred years later to the day, her neighbors at Danish Village in Rochester Hills threw a party for her. Family and friends attended, as did Bryan K. Barnett, the mayor of Rochester Hills. Accompanied by a volunteer pianist, guests sang “Happy Birthday” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” a song written in 1910. Dorothea was one of Danish Village’s first residents; she has lived there for 30 years. She’s very active in the community, volunteering in the library branch and helping to deliver Meals on Wheels. She received letters of congratulations and best wishes from Governor Jennifer Granholm and Senator Debbie Stabenow, and is awaiting one from President Obama.