Opportunities for companionship abound at Dearborn community

By Laura Hipshire
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research, “people with many social contacts have a tendency to live longer than people who are isolated.”

Gloria Welch, who moved from Dearborn to nearby Henry Ford Village, couldn’t agree with that statement more. “When you’re in your house, you’re alone and confi ned,” Welch says. “Here, there are always people to talk to.”

Since the move, Welch has taken full advantage of the vibrant social community.

Friends to laugh with
Last year, she decided to start her own “Laughing Out Loud” group, which meets weekly to practice “laughter yoga,” a combination of self-induced laughter, yoga exercises, yoga breathing, and stretching exercises.

“The goal of this club is to give people a sense of well-being, so that they are ready to greet the day with anticipation and be happy to be alive,” Welch says.

At Henry Ford Village, there are more than 90 different clubs and groups on campus looking for members. With groups ranging from old favorites such as the hobby shop and woodcarving club and the Red Hat Society to new ones like the Laughing Out Loud yoga class, there’s no shortage of interesting things to do and join at the community.

Welcome home
It’s the little touches that turn communities into full-fledged neighborhoods, and Henry Ford Village is no exception.

In the past, new Henry Ford Village community members were officially welcomed to their new homes with tea parties. These days, the tea parties have evolved into block parties.

“Each year we have one block party for each residence building,” says Community Resources Coordinator Myra McInerney. The parties are chock-full of friendship, food, and fun as community and staff members gather together.

“I think it helps new members get a sense of community,” McInerney says.