Sarah and I recently had the opportunity to work on project that brought together two of our favorite things—creating and giving back! We had the pleasure of designing two custom-made memory boxes from white oak, complete with box joints, as gifts for two incredible people who call Brookdale Senior Living in Edina, MN their home. We had such a great time getting to know these amazing individuals, the amazing staff at Brookdale, and two amazing programs created by Brookdale!

Meet Dave and Susanne

Let’s start with Dave. Tall, funny, and always up for a good laugh, Dave is a staple in Brookdale’s social scene. His sense of humor is infectious, and he’s got a knack for bringing people together. On top of that, he’s an origami pro—yes, you read that right! He’s been practicing the art for years and now leads an origami class for other Brookdale residents. The joy and creativity he brings to the community are truly something special.

Then there’s Susanne. A talented photographer with a great eye, Susanne turns her photos into beautiful greeting cards. Her artistic touch is evident in everything she does. But that’s not all—she’s also the editor of The Reader, Brookdale’s community newspaper. She’s known for her forward-thinking ideas, clear communication, and a sense of humor that’s as sharp as her photography skills. Susanne is a true leader, always finding ways to connect people through her creativity.

Why Memory Boxes?

We wanted to create something meaningful for Dave and Susanne, and memory boxes felt like the perfect fit! The white oak we used represents their strength and creativity, while the box joints are a nod to the strong connections they’ve built within their community. It was our way of giving back to two people who have dedicated so much of their time and talent to making Brookdale a vibrant and welcoming place to live.

Brookdale’s “Make Your Mark” Program

Both Dave and Susanne are being featured in Brookdale’s “Make Your Mark” program, which highlights senior citizens who go above and beyond in their leadership. Whether it’s leading an origami class or editing the community newspaper, they’ve both made a lasting impact on the lives of their fellow residents. This program shines a spotlight on those who have made Brookdale more than just a place to live—it’s a true community, thanks to leaders like Dave and Susanne. Click here to check out some amazing individuals feature in the “Make Your Mark” program!

Brookdale’s “Make It Mine” Series

Brookdale also hosts another amazing initiative called “Make It Mine”, it is a series where residents work with interior designers to personalize their living spaces in one day! The show does a fantastic job of helping people create homes that reflect their personalities and histories. It’s inspiring to see how these spaces are transformed to celebrate who the residents are—both where they’ve been and where they are now! You can catch up on all the episodes of “Make it Mine” here!

Lasting Memories

Creating these memory boxes for Dave and Susanne was an incredibly rewarding experience. It allowed us to honor two people who have made such a positive mark on their community. Our hope is that these boxes will serve as a small token of appreciation for the leadership, creativity, and connection they bring to Brookdale.

They’re doing wonderful work to highlight the talents, creativity, and leadership of the senior community, and it’s been a privilege for us to be part of that story in our own small way.