Vivie ADVERTISEMENT More Than a Place to Live Staying active, involved, and engaged with Vivie People often worry that moving into a senior living community means giving things up-independence, hobbies, community involvement, or an active lifestyle. But communities like The Rushseba by Vivie in Rush City, The Levande by Vivie in Cambridge, and Timber Pines by Vivie in Pine City are creating spaces where people form new friendships, explore interests, and stay connected to the area they call home. For many residents, daily life feels less like slowing down and more like staying involved. Calendars are filled with opportunities to gather with neighbors, try something new, spend time outdoors, participate in wellness programs, and welcome local residents and community groups. In smaller communities especially, familiar faces, local traditions, and community events continue to play an important role in everyday life. Senior living communities throughout the area are finding ways to strengthen those relationships while creating opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged. Bringing generations together. Some of the most memorable moments happen when generations spend time together. At Timber Pines, a monthly program called Little Hands and Golden Hearts Art Hour brings young children together with residents to create art side by side. During one gathering, residents and their young guests learned about spring hatchings before making colorful bird nests filled with baby birds, feathers, and googly eyes. Another celebration featured handmade maracas, music, dancing, and a festive Cinco de Mayo theme. The events are intentionally simple and welcoming, giving residents, children, parents, and grandparents opportunities to spend time together in a relaxed environment. Welcoming families and neighbors. That same spirit carries into other gatherings across the region. At The Levande, the annual trick- or-treat event welcomes local families into the community each fall, as residents hand out candy to children. During the holiday season, a local church choir visits to share Christmas hymns, while students from the same church brighten the season by bringing gifts for residents. At The Rushseba, an outdoor playground creates a gathering place for residents and visiting children. Shared outdoor spaces like walking paths, gardens, and patios help make visits feel active and welcoming for all ages. Keeping family traditions close. For many residents, family life remains an important part of community living. Sharon Jaques and her husband, Lowell, moved to The Rushseba when Lowell started needing more support. For Sharon, maintaining family traditions and staying active in her community have remained important parts of her life. "We have five kids and nine grandchildren," Sharon said. "They're used to coming and being fed, so I can still do that here. We one time had one of our Thanksgiving meals here." Moments like those help communities feel welcoming not only for residents, but also for the families and friends who continue sharing in everyday life and celebrations. Staying curious and involved. Life in senior living communities today often includes opportunities to continue longtime hobbies, rediscover interests, or try something entirely new. At Timber Pines, residents took part in a weeklong artist residency led by artist Teresa Cox. Throughout the residency, residents explored color, pattern, and design while creating artwork that reflected their own personalities and experiences. The process meant more than painting alone-it opened the door to conversation, reflection, and self-expression. Creativity also takes center stage at The Rushseba, where residents participated in a Paint and Sip class led by a local artist. Guided through a spring- themed painting featuring daisies and ladybugs, residents added their own imaginative touches while enjoying time together. Programs like these offer opportunities for residents to continue learning while building friendships around shared interests. Traveling without leaving home. At Timber Pines, one of the most popular activities is Armchair Travel, a resident-led experience that transforms common spaces into destinations around the world. Residents receive "passports" and airline "tickets" before setting off on virtual adventures to places like Greece, Ireland, Italy, Australia, Alaska, and the Old West. Team members join the fun by dressing as flight attendants or in styles inspired by the featured location. Meals prepared by the culinary team reflect the distinctive foods of the destination, while residents and family members share stories and memories from their own travels. The experience blends entertainment, storytelling, food, and social connection in a way that encourages participation from residents and team members alike. Vivie ADVERTISEMENT More Than a Place to Live Staying active , involved , and engaged with Vivie People often worry that moving into a senior living community means giving things up - independence , hobbies , community involvement , or an active lifestyle . But communities like The Rushseba by Vivie in Rush City , The Levande by Vivie in Cambridge , and Timber Pines by Vivie in Pine City are creating spaces where people form new friendships , explore interests , and stay connected to the area they call home . For many residents , daily life feels less like slowing down and more like staying involved . Calendars are filled with opportunities to gather with neighbors , try something new , spend time outdoors , participate in wellness programs , and welcome local residents and community groups . In smaller communities especially , familiar faces , local traditions , and community events continue to play an important role in everyday life . Senior living communities throughout the area are finding ways to strengthen those relationships while creating opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged . Bringing generations together . Some of the most memorable moments happen when generations spend time together . At Timber Pines , a monthly program called Little Hands and Golden Hearts Art Hour brings young children together with residents to create art side by side . During one gathering , residents and their young guests learned about spring hatchings before making colorful bird nests filled with baby birds , feathers , and googly eyes . Another celebration featured handmade maracas , music , dancing , and a festive Cinco de Mayo theme . The events are intentionally simple and welcoming , giving residents , children , parents , and grandparents opportunities to spend time together in a relaxed environment . Welcoming families and neighbors . That same spirit carries into other gatherings across the region . At The Levande , the annual trick- or - treat event welcomes local families into the community each fall , as residents hand out candy to children . During the holiday season , a local church choir visits to share Christmas hymns , while students from the same church brighten the season by bringing gifts for residents . At The Rushseba , an outdoor playground creates a gathering place for residents and visiting children . Shared outdoor spaces like walking paths , gardens , and patios help make visits feel active and welcoming for all ages . Keeping family traditions close . For many residents , family life remains an important part of community living . Sharon Jaques and her husband , Lowell , moved to The Rushseba when Lowell started needing more support . For Sharon , maintaining family traditions and staying active in her community have remained important parts of her life . " We have five kids and nine grandchildren , " Sharon said . " They're used to coming and being fed , so I can still do that here . We one time had one of our Thanksgiving meals here . " Moments like those help communities feel welcoming not only for residents , but also for the families and friends who continue sharing in everyday life and celebrations . Staying curious and involved . Life in senior living communities today often includes opportunities to continue longtime hobbies , rediscover interests , or try something entirely new . At Timber Pines , residents took part in a weeklong artist residency led by artist Teresa Cox . Throughout the residency , residents explored color , pattern , and design while creating artwork that reflected their own personalities and experiences . The process meant more than painting alone - it opened the door to conversation , reflection , and self - expression . Creativity also takes center stage at The Rushseba , where residents participated in a Paint and Sip class led by a local artist . Guided through a spring- themed painting featuring daisies and ladybugs , residents added their own imaginative touches while enjoying time together . Programs like these offer opportunities for residents to continue learning while building friendships around shared interests . Traveling without leaving home . At Timber Pines , one of the most popular activities is Armchair Travel , a resident - led experience that transforms common spaces into destinations around the world . Residents receive " passports " and airline " tickets " before setting off on virtual adventures to places like Greece , Ireland , Italy , Australia , Alaska , and the Old West . Team members join the fun by dressing as flight attendants or in styles inspired by the featured location . Meals prepared by the culinary team reflect the distinctive foods of the destination , while residents and family members share stories and memories from their own travels . The experience blends entertainment , storytelling , food , and social connection in a way that encourages participation from residents and team members alike .