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Battle Creek, MI 49015-9350
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Page 2
Senior Times - October 2009
When you don’t know who to call to…
from the
PUBLISHER
Sherii Sherban, Special to Senior Times
GIVE HELP OR GET HELP
United Way
of Greater Battle Creek
Funded in part by Calhoun County Senior Millage
Thousands of Programs
One Call
PROTECTING OUR SENIORS
Recently I wrote to Senator
Debbie Stabenow about the concerns
I have regarding services for seniors.
Concerns ranging from long term
care to health care. She was kind
enough to respond and I believe that
it is in your best interest to know the
steps she is taking to help area seniors.
From Senator Stabenow…
Thank you for contacting me about
the important responsibility we have
to honor our nation's older adults. I
share your views.
We must both recognize the valuable contributions older Americans
make and provide them the support
they deserve to live independently
and with dignity in their own communities. That is why I recently introduced the Project 2020: Building on
the Promise of Home and
Community-Based Services Act of
2009 (S. 1257). This legislation
builds on the existing support network for aging services to develop
long-term solutions to support the
elderly and people with disabilities
by promoting better information
sharing, disease prevention, and
home care services.
I am also a cosponsor of the
Community Choice Act (S.683). This
bill establishes a national program of
community-based services that
enables individuals with long-term
care needs to choose where and how
their services are provided.
I am working every day to
increase and sustain federal funding
for health and social services that
benefit older adults. I requested over
$200 million for the Commodity
Supplemental Food Program that
helps low-income and homebound
seniors. I also requested a significant
investment in services under the
Older Americans Act, including $10
million for the innovative Aging in
Place program.
I am committed to making sure
seniors can afford the mediations
they need. That is why I introduced
the Seniors' Medication Copayment
Reduction Act (S.1040) to better
align pharmaceutical co-payments
with chronic conditions and reduce
exorbitant out-of-pocket costs. I have
also called on my colleagues on the
Finance Committee to once and for
all address the problems in the
Medicare Part D drug plan as part of
health reform. You can count on me
to continue to fight for the interests of
all older Americans.
Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator
If you are interested in contacting
Senator Stabenow or any of our representatives in Washington their contact information can be found on
page 8 of this issue. Your Senators
and Congressmen cannot know what
you think unless you tell them. I
encourage you to take steps to get
active in what affects us all in
Washington. This upcoming State
Senate election is just one way to
voice your opinion, but you can also,
call, email or write.
Editor’s note on health care
reform: As many of us struggle with
the pros and cons of health care
reform it is difficult sometimes to see
past all the spinning. It’s making me
dizzy. We all know that things need
to be different; it’s the processes that
many are having difficulty agreeing
on, such as how to pay for things.
I think the easiest solution to
health care reform is make sure that
our representatives in Washington
adhere to the same coverage. As they
decide what works for everyday
folks, like you and me, they must
consider how it will effect the care
they receive and that of their families.
It’s all about perspective and longterm goals.
If the goal is adequate health care
for all then lets have our representatives throw their hats in the mix first.
After all, isn’t that what being a servant-leader is all about?
I am not a political analyst, nor do
I intend to be. My goal at Senior
Times is to provide you with information to develop solutions all on your
own or to get you to think that new
things are possible.
Could this really work? Who
knows? But unless it’s considered as
an option no one will even pursue it.
I invite your thoughts, as do your representatives. Feel free to send me an
email at sheriis@wwthayne.com or
send me a letter to Senior Times,
4642 Capital Avenue SW, Battle
Creek, MI, 49015.
And as always, thanks for reading!
Sherii Sherban, Publisher
Senior Times - October 2009
from the emeritus
PUBLISHER
Richard DeRuiter, Special to Senior Times
PAWS THAT MAKE YOU THINK
Q: Rich, how was your trip up
north? Did you walk the bridge on
Labor Day?
A: Trip was great; Shirley was able
to walk it as well. Although her recent
back surgery was serious and she had
only eight weeks to recover she walked
the bridge, as well as, three additional
miles back to our motel. We only had a
couple of stops on those final three
miles. You can probably guess one, and
the other was a double scoop of her
favorite ice cream in a chocolate
dipped waffle cone, and I had a cup of
sugar free apple pie ice cream. Quite
good actually.
Q: Find any great antiques along
the way?
A: Always do. One great find was a
4-gallon crock that was totally covered
with a heavy basket weaving material,
except for the very top of the crock
where the lip around the opening is.
Appearing on the lip was stamped a
"4" meaning that it was a 4-gallon
crock. The weaving was very intricate
and even had two carrying handles
woven into it. The only way they could
have possibly achieved this was to have
woven it with wet weaving material
allowing for the shrinkage that would
occur when it cured, or dried I suppose. Although I found and bought
other unusual things, I particularly
loved a full-sized cast, absolutely real
appearing, Afghan dog that I took
home to be my personal non-demanding pet, named him "Stoney". Believe
it or not he was so real looking he was
able to make a mess and I had to put
him down.
Q: I guess I'm not following that
Afghan tale ... Stone "Stoney"?
A: Well when I bought Stoney he
had a few nicks and scratches and one
was, as you guessed, actually on his
tail. The store, where I purchased
Stoney, had already drastically reduced
the dog’s price but took some more off
when they saw the extent of the damage. I didn't ask them to, as I was willing to pay the price that was marked.
In any event, I excitedly took him with
me knowing I would be able to restore
him to his original greatness. As soon
as I got him home, I immediately set
him out in the yard and let him spend
the day gazing happily off into space.
I always brought him in at night to
keep me company and to make sure he
didn't wander off with someone else.
You must understand, he barked at no
one and would willingly leave with
someone who wanted to give him a
new home. Every day I would spend
some time repairing another nick or
scratch and then let him spend the rest
of the day outside. I had saved the
biggest nick on his front paw for last
and, as it turned out, it would be my
undoing. I patched the paw in the
morning and later in the day, after it
had dried, I took Stoney out on the
porch and let his foot dangle over the
edge so I could sand it perfectly, even
matching the folds in his fur. Just then
I heard children screaming, "He's out!"
And sure enough, bounding around the
corner of the house came the neighbor’s dog and close enough to startle
me. I instinctively threw up my hands
and Stoney lunged over the
edge of the front of the porch and hit
three steps and the sidewalk before
coming to rest in 101 pieces. Way
beyond my restoration skills or the
help of National Health Care. I'm still
broken hearted and must confess this is
the first time I've been able to come to
grips with my loss. In return for
Stoney, I only have Pebbles. But to me,
Stoney will not be just another big bag
of pebbles down in the bottom of the
Waste Management trash bin... but a
true friend willing to listen without
judging.
Q: Rich, I know you feel bad
about this. Remember, I'll always be
willing to listen.
A: You know it's got me to thinking
though. Just think, in this country you
just might be better off being an animal. You will have more health care
choices and the government will actually put 40,000 farm workers out of
productive work to save you if you are
a two-inch smelt fish, even though it
will reduce the availability of some of
our favorite vegetables.
SYMPHONY SEASON BLASTS OFF OCTOBER 24
The Battle Creek Symphony will
launch its 2009-10 concert season on
Saturday, October 24, with a journey
into space. Celebrating the fortieth
anniversary of America’s lunar landing,
the Symphony will present “Planet
Thunder,” a multi-sensory experience
of rib-rattling music and riveting video
images. Music begins at 7:30pm at W.
K. Kellogg Auditorium.
Crowd-pleasing favorites on
October 24 include Holst’s “The
Planets,” Strauss’s theme from “2001:
A Space Odyssey” and the percussion
masterpiece “The Glory and the
Grandeur,” which features a stage filled
with drums, bells, gongs, and more.
The video includes images from the
Hubble Space Telescope.
Premium seats can be reserved now
for discount prices with a three- or
five-concert subscription. Subscriptions
are available “buy one, get one free”
for first-time purchasers. Children
under 19 are free for this concert, and
with all subscriptions. Single tickets
start at just $7. Call Music Center
Tickets at (269) 565-2199 or visit
www.MusicCenterSCMI.com.
Subscribers will get first choice of
seats for four additional concerts held
on Saturdays at 7:30pm at W. K.
Kellogg Auditorium.
On December 19 is the long-awaited
return of the all-time family favorite,
“The Nutcracker” ballet, featuring the
acclaimed Ballet Arts Ensemble of
Kalamazoo.
On February 6, the Symphony will
present “Celtic Spirit” with a hot guest
artist: the fiddler, vocalist and recording artist Sierra Noble.
On March 27, “Fallen Heroes” will
showcase one of music’s great masterpieces, Beethoven’s Third Symphony,
also known as the “Eroica” or heroic
symphony.
On May 1, the Symphony and the
Gilmore Keyboard Festival present
“Merry Pranks” with the brilliant
Gilmore Young Artist, 18 year old
pianist Ivan Moschchuk.
Call Music Center Tickets at
(269) 565-2199 or visit
www.MusicCenterSCMI.com.
Page 3
Senior Times
TM
WHERE 50 IS A PLUS
Published by Scene Publications,
A Division of W.W. Thayne Advertising
Consultants, Inc.
4642 Capital Avenue Southwest
Battle Creek, Michigan 49015-9350
Administration — (269) 979-1411
Advertising — (269) 979-1479
FAX — (269) 979-3474
Email: sheriis@wwthayne.com
Publisher & Executive Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sherii Sherban
Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley DeRuiter
Advertising Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leslie Hewitt
Administrative Asst. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shelii Penny
Staff Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nate Zanotti
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keith Sherban
Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David Sherban
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frederick DeRuiter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Matthew Travis
Publisher Emeritus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard DeRuiter
Intern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adele Jones
Senior Times of South Central Michigan is published twelve times per year by W.W.
Thayne Advertising Consultants, Inc. Senior Times is distributed free through our advertisers, area professional offices, and key points of interest throughout South Central
Michigan.
Senior Times is also made available by mail subscriptions for $12 per year. To subscribe call Shelii Penny at (269) 979-1411 ext. 100. Due to bulk rate restrictions, copies
of Senior Times are not forwarded automatically by the U.S. Post Office to recipients when
they move or are temporarily away. Please contact Senior Times with your new address
before you move or are temporarily away so we can update the mail list and provide you
with uninterrupted service.
Opinions expressed by writers in Senior Times are their own and do not necessarily
reflect the opinion or policy of Senior Times or W.W. Thayne Advertising Consultants, Inc.
All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
265 E. Emmett, Battle Creek, MI 49017 | 269-962-9511
w w w. a r t c e n t e r o f b a t t l e c r e e k . o r g
Albion
Felpausch
Youngs Pharmacy
Family Health Center
Parks Drug Store
Albion Library
Chamber of Commerce
Battle Creek
Family Y Center
Burnham Brook Center
BC Health System
Felpausch - All
M-66 Bowl
Regional Medical Lab
Omni Community Credit Union
Brookside Medicare Facility
Sweetwater Donuts
Orchard Park Grocery
Old Country Buffet
Lakeview Square Mall
Helen Warner Branch Library
Walgreens - Beckley Road
Lux Restaurant
Pancake House
Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce
Shranks Cafeteria
US Post Office
The Family Health Center
Kellogg Family Credit Union
Willard Library
Clara’s on the River
Finley’s Restaurant
Main Street Market
MoonRaker Restaurant
Community Action
Coldwater
Goodie Shop (30 N. Monroe)
Southern Michigan Bank
Chamber of Commerce
Community Health Center
Monarch Bank
Pines Behavioral Health
Felpausch
Walgreens
Branch District Library
Branch Co. Commission on Aging
H&C Burnside Senior Center
Hastings
McDonald (W. State St.)
Ponderosa
Pennock Health Center
Commission on Aging
Thornapple Credit Union
Laundromat
Felpausch
Pennock Hospital
Pennock Professional Building
Jackson
TLC Eyecare
Laundromat (Wisner Road)
Heartland Health Center
Chamber of Commerce
Marshall
Mancino’s Restaurant
Chamber of Commerce
Oaklawn Hospital
Library
County Building
Union City
Village Library
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Page 4
Senior Times - October 2009
Social Security Today, most adults in
America carry a cell phone. If
they don’t, they probably have
a landline phone at home.
Although millions of people
go online each year and take
advantage of our convenient services at
www.socialsecurity.gov, we still offer a full
range of services over the telephone.
That’s an important thing to remember
when you need to do business with Social
Security. You can conduct many business
transactions with our automated telephone
services 24/7. Simply dial 1-800-772-1213.
You can talk with a Social Security
representative from 7am-7pm, Monday
through Friday.
Our phones are busiest early in the week
and early in the month, so if your business
can wait, it's best to call at other times.
Also, whenever you call, have your Social
Security number handy. Bilingual representatives are available to assist our nonEnglish speaking members of the public.
Do you have a Social Security question
or problem and cannot call during normal
business hours? Recorded information and
many automated services are available 24
hours a day – including weekends and holidays. Callers can use these automated services to report a change of address or telephone number, start or change direct
deposit of benefits, request a proof of
income letter or a replacement Medicare
card, and order some of our most popular
public information pamphlets.
Of course, if you have a computer, you
may find that the information and services
offered online are even more convenient at
www.socialsecurity.gov.
Spouses can apply online, too.
Now you know that when it comes time
to apply for retirement, you can do it online
at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. But
did you know that spouses can apply
online, too? If you are a spouse applying
for benefits based on your husband’s or
wife’s record, you can do it online from the
convenience of your own home.
Wonder whether you may qualify to
apply for spouse’s benefits? If you are a
spouse who has not worked or who has
worked for very low wages, you could be
entitled to a benefit equal to as much as
one-half of your retired spouse's full benefit. Even if you are divorced, you may be
eligible for benefits based on the employment record of your former spouse.
To get benefits on your spouse’s record,
you must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in your care – a child who is
under age 16 or who receives Social
Security disability benefits.
The amount of your spousal benefit
depends on your age at retirement. If you
begin receiving benefits before full retirement age, your benefits will be permanently reduced in most cases. You also may be
eligible for a retirement benefit based on
your own earnings. If that benefit is higher
than the spousal benefit, Social Security
would pay you the higher benefit. We compare which of the two benefits would be
more beneficial to you, and discuss the
options you have.
If you have reached your full retirement
age and are eligible for a spouse's benefit
as well as your own retirement benefit, you
may choose to receive the spouse's benefits
only in order to continue accruing delayed
retirement credits on your own Social
Security record. You may then file for benefits at a later date and receive a higher
monthly benefit based on the effect of
delayed retirement credits.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question: How many Social Security
numbers have been issued since the program started?
Answer: Since numbers were first
issued in November 1936, about 442 million numbers have been assigned. Want to
learn more about the history of Social
Security cards and numbers? Step back in
time with a visit to their history page. Visit
www.socialsecurity.gov/history.
Question: Can a widow receive Social
Security benefits on her husband’s record?
Answer: Yes. When a person who has
worked and paid Social Security taxes dies,
certain members of the family may be eligible for survivors benefits. Social Security
survivors’ benefits can be paid to:
• A widow or widower – full benefits at
full retirement age, or reduced benefits
as early as age 60
Senior Times - October 2009
Page 5
By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
A History of Service
• A disabled widow or widower – as early
as age 50
• A widow or widower at any age if he or
she takes care of the deceased's child
who is under age 16 or disabled, and the
child gets Social Security benefits
• Unmarried children under 18 (or up to
age 19, if they are attending high school
full time)
• Children at any age who were disabled
before age 22 and remain disabled
• Dependent parents age 62 or older
Even if you are divorced, you may still
qualify for survivor’s benefits.
Question: How do I qualify for benefits
as a divorced spouse?
Answer: You can receive benefits as a
divorced spouse on a former spouse’s
Social Security record if you:
• Were married to the former spouse for at
least 10 years
• Are age 62 or older
• Are unmarried
• Are not entitled to a higher Social
Security benefit on your own record
In addition, the former spouse must be
eligible to receive his or her own retirement
or disability benefit. If the former spouse is
eligible for a benefit, but has not yet
applied for it, you can still receive a benefit
if you meet the eligibility requirements and
have been divorced from the former spouse
for at least two years. Generally, we won’t
continue to pay benefits if you remarry
someone other than your former spouse.
Question: I was disabled for a while
several years ago. My health has since
improved. Can I receive disability benefits
for the time I was disabled?
Answer: If you were disabled “several
years ago,” but are not disabled now, you
probably can’t get benefits at this point.
Whether or not you are entitled to what we
call a “closed period of disability” depends
on when you became disabled and when
you apply for Social Security disability
benefits.
You may be entitled to a “closed period
of disability” when medical evidence establishes you were unable to engage in substantial gainful work activity for a continuous period of 12 months, but by the time
the disability decision is made, you have
medically recovered.
You must also meet the following
requirements to be entitled to a closed period of disability:
• You must file an application within 14
months after the disability ended; or
• You must have filed an application
between 15 to 36 months after the disability ended and you must show that
your failure or inability to file a timely
application was due to your physical or
mental condition.
If you meet the requirements for disability benefits, there is a five-month waiting
period before your first monthly benefit can
be paid. You can receive up to 12 months of
retroactive benefits from the date you file
an application with Social Security. Learn
more about Social Security disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
Question: What is Supplemental
Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) is a needs-based Federal income supplement program run by Social Security.
SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not
Social Security taxes. It is designed to help
aged, blind and disabled people who have
little or no income. SSI provides income to
help meet a person’s basic needs for food,
clothing and shelter. You’ll find further
information on our website at
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.
Question: Can I get both Social
Security benefits and Supplemental
Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: You may be able to receive SSI
in addition to monthly Social Security benefits. But you only can get both if your
Social Security benefit is low enough not to
interfere with the SSI limit on income. The
basic SSI payment is the same nationwide.
In 2009, the SSI payment for an eligible
individual is $674 per month and $1,011
per month for an eligible couple. If you
receive Social Security, that income will
reduce the amount of SSI you’re able to
receive. The more income you have, the
less your SSI benefit will be. If your countable income is over the allowable limit, you
cannot receive SSI benefits.
Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You can write her
c/o Social Security Administration, 50
College SE, Grand Rapids MI 49503 or via
email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.
SENIOR DINING CENTERS
CITY
BARRY COUNTY
Hastings
Nashville
Woodland
Delton
BRANCH COUNTY
Coldwater
Union City
CALHOUN COUNTY
Albion
Battle Creek
Battle Creek
Albion
Homer
Battle Creek
Battle Creek
Marshall
Albion
Battle Creek
Tekonsha
Battle Creek
JACKSON COUNTY
Jackson
Brooklyn
Jackson
Munith
Michigan Center
Norvell
Jackson
Spring Arbor
Jackson
LOCATION
FACILITATOR
PHONE
DAYS
COA Building
Mary Cook
(269) 948-4856
M-F
Masonic Temple
Jenny Burlison
(269) 852-9182
M-F
Eagles Club
Joyce Dennie
(269) 367-4041
MWF
Faith United Methodist
Elayne Nottingham
(269) 623-5400
MWT
Meals provided by Barry County Commission on Aging. A program sponsored by Barry County United Way.
TIME
10-2
10:30-1
10:30-1
10:30-1
Branch County CAA Office
Jan Anderson
(517) 278-8249
M-F
10-2
Union City Fire Station
Rusty Hampton
(517) 741-7212
M,T,TH,F
10-12:20
Meals provided by CAA Elder Serivces. Funding sources AAA 3C, Branch County United Way, USDA and private donations.
Lunch Served at Noon
Lunch served at 11:30am
Albion Senior Center
Essie Curtis
(517) 629-2555
M-F
9am-3pm
Lunch served at Noon
Bedford Manor Dining Center
Marion Nash
(269) 962-1027
M-F
11am-1pm
Lunch served at 11:30am
Cherryhill Manor Senior Center
Kathy Rogers
(269) 962-0859
M-F
9am-2pm
Lunch served at 11:30am
Clarence Dining Center
Troy Poe
(517) 857-2288
M,T,W
11am-1pm
Lunch served at Noon
Homer Senior Center
Judy Warin
(517) 568-4249
M-F
10am-1pm
Lunch served at Noon
Lakeview Dining Center
Tammie Pollock
(269) 964-7375
M-F
11am-1pm
Lunch served at 11:30am
Lakeview 900 Dining Center
Tabitha Jolie
(269) 579-4716
M-F
11am-1pm
Lunch served at 11:30am
Marshall House Dining Center
Denise Crumrine
(269) 781-2391
M,W,F
11am-1pm
Lunch served at Noon
St. James Church Dining Center
Renee Powaga
(517) 629-8710
M,W,F
11am-1pm
Lunch served at Noon
Springview Towers Dining Center
Caroline Oberline
(269) 963-5876
M-F
10am-2pm
Lunch served at 11:30am
Tekonsha Dining Center
Rusty Hampton
(517) 767-4410
M,T,W
11am-1pm
Lunch served at Noon
Westbrook Place Dining Center
Betty Butler
(269) 579-4676
M-F
10am-1pm
Lunch served at 11:30am
All meals provided by CAASCM. Funding provided by AAAIIB, AAAIIIC,Calhoun County Senior Millage, United Way, USDA and
Private Donations. All Seniors age 60 years and above are invited to attend. The suggested donation is $1.50 per lunch meal.
Please reserve your lunch meals 24 hours in advance by dailing the numbers listed above.
Ackerson Lake
Columbia (Saints Episcopal Church)
Crouch Senior Center
Henrietta
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church
Norvell/Township Hall
Park Forest
Spring Arbor Senior Center
Word of Light
Joyce Weber
Stephanie Stebleton
RoxAnn Jarrell
Bonda Wetmore
Betty Konopacki
Cynthia Risinger
Dee Prue
Bev Green
Cammy Nichol
(517) 764-0761
(517) 592-9060
(517) 788-4364
(517) 596-3374
(517) 764-2950
(517) 536-4370
(517) 787-9750
(517) 750-1010
(517) 782-7755
T & TH
MWF
MTWTF
MWF
MWF
MWF
MTWTF
MTWTF
MTWTF
10-2
10-2
8-5
10-2
10-2
10-2
3-6
8:30-2:30
10-1:30
Lunch served at Noon
Lunch served at Noon
Lunch served at Noon
Lunch served at Noon
Lunch served at Noon
Lunch served at Noon
Dinner 5pm
Lunch served at Noon
Lunch served at Noon
To have your senior dining center added, Call Leslie at (269) 979-1411 ext. 106 or Email: leslieh@wwthayne.com
Page 6
Senior Times - October 2009
SENIOR SUPPORT GROUPS
BACC . . Branch Area Careers Center
BBC . . . Burnham Brook Center
BCHS . . Battle Creek Health System
BCCA . . Barry County Commission on Aging
BLH . . . Bronson Lakeveiw Hospital
CHC . . . Community Health Center-Branch County
COA . . . Commission on Aging
DN . . . . Disability Newtwork SW MI, Kalamazoo
HAL . . . Heritage Assisted Living
H&C . . . H&C Burnside Senior Center
HMO . . . Hospice of Michigan Office
ILC . . . . Immanuel Lutheran Church
LatO . . . Legacy at the Oaks
LFR . . . Lux Restaurant
LS . . . . Lifespan
MBAD . . Marian Burch Adult Daycare
MPKZ . . Milham Park, Kalamazoo
OCB . . . Old Country Buffet
GROUP
FREQUENCY
DAY
TIME
LOCATION
ALS of Michigan - Jackson
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer's
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer's - Jackson
Alzheimer's - Jackson
Alzheimer's Assoc - Jackson
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support
Amputee Support Group
Arthritis
Bereaved Parents - Jackson
Bereavement Support Group
-Luncheon-BC
-Dinners
Bi-Polar Disorder
Brain Injury
Cancer - Hastings
Cancer
Caregivers
Caregivers
Chronic Illness - Jackson
Chronic Lung Disease
Congestive Heart Failure
Diabetes Battle Creek
Diabetes Coldwater
Divorce Recovery Workshop - Jackson
Fibromyalgia Support Group
Grief Recovery
Grief Recovery
Greif Recovery - Jackson
Grief - Jackson
Grief - Masculine Side of - Jackson
Grief - Navagating the Storm - Jackson
Grief - Understanding Your - Jackson
Kinship Care - Hastings
Kinship Care Service KIDS
Kinship Care Service Albion
Kinship Care Speaker Series
Jackson American Lung Association
Journey into Healing and Self Care
Journey through Grief
Living with Grief - Jackson
Living with Grief - Jackson
Living with Grief - Jackson
Loss-of-a-Child
Low Vision
Low Vision
Lupus
Macular Degeneration - Jackson
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson's
Persons with Disabilities - Jackson
Relatives as Parents - Jackson
Spinal Cord Injury
Spouse Loss
Stroke
Stroke - Jackson
Survivors of Suicide - Jackson
Whole Heart
Widowed Persons
Widows/Widowers
Young Onset Parkinson's
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
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Monthly
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Monthly
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Weekly
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Weekly
Weekly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Quarterly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Monthly
Varies
Spring/Fall
Weekly
Monthly
Weekly
Weekly
Weekly
Monthly
Monthly
Varies
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
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Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
2nd Wednesday
3rd Wed
Last Tues
1st Mon
2nd Tueday
1st Thursday
4th Tuesday
4th Tues
June 15th
3rd Tues
Tuesdays
3rd Mon
Alternate Thurs
Alternate Wed
Every Other Mon
Thurs
3rd Thurs
3rd Thurs
2nd Tues
3rd Tues
1st and 3rd Monday
June 23rd
1st Wed
1st Mon
2nd Mon
Tuesdays
2nd Mon
Spring, Summer, Fall
Alternate Tues
Mondays
2nd Monday
Tuesdays
Mondays
Thursdays
4th Mon
1st, 3rd Tues
TBA
1st Tues
3rd Wednesday
4th Tues
4th Tues
Tuesdays
1st and 3rd Monday
2nd and 4th Monday
4th Tues
3rd Mon
2nd Mon
3rd Wed
2nd Tuesday
4th Mon
3rd Tues
6:30-8pm
2:30pm
4:30pm
3-4:30pm
6:30-8pm
1pm-3pm
7-8:30pm
7-9pm
4:30pm
2-3pm
6:30-8pm
10:30am
1pm
5:30pm
6:30-8pm
1:30-3:30pm
1pm
1-2:30pm
10-11:30am
6pm
6:30-8:15pm
2-4pm
1-3pm
1-2pm
6:30-8pm
7-8pm
8-8:45
6:30-8pm
1-2:30pm
1-2:3opm
7-8:30pm
9:45-11:15am
10:30am-12pm
5-6pm
1pm
6-8pm
10am
Weekly
Varies
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Monthly
Wednesday
TBA
2nd, 4th Tues
2nd Tues
4th Thursday
Tuesdays
1st Tues
3rd Fri
Wednesday
2nd Thurs
12-1:30pm
TBA
7-8pm
11:30am
2-3:40pm
6:30-8pm
2:30-3:30pm
12pm
1:30-3pm
5-6pm
Jax Co Med Care Facility
BBC
LatO
H&C
Countryside Manor
Crouch Senior Center
ILC
BLH
MPKZ
BBC
ILC
LS
OCB
LFR
BBC
DN
BCCA
PA
MBAD
COA
Center for Radiation Oncology
BCHS
BCHS
BBC
CHC
Bethel Baptist Church
BBC
LS
H&C
Craig K. Kempf Funeral home
Wetherby Funeral Home
ILC
ILC
Fed. Church of Grass Lake
BCCA
WPC
TBA
BCCA
ILC
HMO
HMO
ILC
Allegance Hospital
Vista Grand Villa Chapel
HMO
BBC
BCCA
BBC
East Branch JX Dist Lib
BBC
BBC
DisAbility Connections
Crouch Senior Center
TBA
HMO
SR
East Branch JX Dist Lib
ILC
HAL
Oaklawn
BBC
BBC
1-2pm
5:15-6:45pm
10-11:30am
7-8:30pm
7pm
6:30-8pm
6:30-8pm
7-8:30pm
6:30-8pm
12:30-2pm
TBA
1:30-3pm
PA . . . . Ponderosa
SR . . . . Southwest Rehab
WPC . . . Westlake Presbytrian Church
To have your support group added,
Call Leslie at (269) 979-1411 ext.106
or Email: leslieh@wwthayne.com
FACILITATOR
Karen Hibbard
Jane Chappell
Judy Hurley
Karen Hinkle
Amy Jehnzen
Karen Findley
Theresa Bonnema
Jane Chappell
Judy Rarick
Sherrill Ruch
Sherrill Ruch
Fred Morris
Miranda Grunwell
Ken Yates
Jane Chappell
Diane Neeb
Catherine McAllister
Deb Pierce
Mary Sue Avery
Jane Chappell
Kathy Knapp
Jane Chappell
Sherrill Ruch
Karin Kennedy
Beverly Wilson
Therese Maupin-Moore
Pat Scheild
Pat Scheild
Therese Maupin-Moore
Mike Snyder
Muriel Walters
Rosemary Ramos
Dorothy Height
Shawna Cooper
Jane Chappell
Jennifer Guthrie
Karen Halsted
Samantha Rollins
John Sturtevant
Jane Chappell
Shirley Coulter
Jane Chappell
Jane Chappell
PHONE
1-800-882-5764
(269) 441-6036
(269) 441-0957
(269) 279-8847
(517) 787-4150
(517) 788-4364
1-800-272-3900
(269) 657-1528
(269) 963-9696
(269) 441-0957
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(269) 731-4363
(269) 660-3621
(269) 660-3621
(269) 963-4588
(269) 288-0047
(269) 795-3493
(269) 279-5433
(269) 441-0957
(269) 948-4856
788-4800 ext 4106
(877) 462-2247
(877) 462-2247
(269) 441-0957
(517) 279-5341
(517) 787-8612
(269) 441-0957
(269) 660-3621
(517) 279-5420
(269) 781-9858
(517) 787-7511
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(517) 522-4480
(269) 948-4856
(269) 660-0448
(269) 660-0448
(269) 948-4856
(517) 788-4785
(616) 356-5258
(616) 356-5258
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(616) 356-5258
(269) 209-9476
(800) 466-8084
(269) 565-0881
(517) 788-4074
(269) 830-6849
(269) 441-0957
(517) 782-6054
(517) 788-4364
(269) 345-1516
(616) 356-5258
(269) 441-4129
788-4800 ext 4226
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(269) 441-0957
(269) 781-1042
(269) 441-0957
(269) 441-0957
Senior Times - October 2009
Page 7
:
Is your medicine cabinet filled
with expired drugs or medications you
no longer use? How should you dispose of them?
Most drugs can be thrown in the
household trash, but consumers should
take certain precautions before tossing
them out, according to the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). A few drugs should be
flushed down the toilet. And a growing number of
community-based "take-back" programs offer another safe disposal alternative.
Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet
unless this information specifically instructs you
to do so.
FDA worked with the White House Office of
National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop
the first consumer guidance for proper disposal of
prescription drugs. Issued by ONDCP in February
2007, the federal guidelines are summarized here:
• Follow any specific disposal instructions on the
drug label or patient information that accompanies
the medication.
• If no instructions are given, throw the drugs in the
household trash, but first take them out of their original containers and mix them with an undesirable
substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter.
The medication will be less appealing to children
and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may
intentionally go through your trash. Put them in a
sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the medication from leaking or breaking out of
a garbage bag.
• Take advantage of community drug take-back
programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs
to a central location for proper disposal. Call your
city or county government's household trash and
recycling service (see blue pages in phone book) to
see if a take-back program is available in your community. Contact your Substance Abuse Council for
additional information.
FDA's Director of Pharmacy Affairs, Ilisa
Bernstein, Pharm.D., J.D., offers some additional
tips:
• Before throwing out a medicine container, scratch
out all identifying information on the prescription
label to make it unreadable. This will help protect
your identity and the privacy of your personal health
information.
• Do not give medications to friends. Doctors prescribe drugs based on a person's specific symptoms
and medical history. A drug that works for you could
be dangerous for someone else.
• When in doubt about proper disposal, talk to your
pharmacist.
"Most drugs are not completely absorbed or metabolized by the body, and enter the environment after
passing through waste water treatment plants."
A company that wants FDA to approve its drug
must submit an application package to the agency.
FDA requires, as part of the application package, an
assessment of how the drug's use would affect the
environment. Some drug applications are excluded
from the assessment requirement based on previous
agency actions.
"For those drugs for which environmental assessments have been required, there has been no indication of environmental effects due to flushing," says
Bloom. “In addition, scientists to date have found no
evidence of adverse human health effects from pharmaceutical residues in the environment.”
Nonetheless, FDA does not want to add drug
residues into water systems unnecessarily, says
Hunter. The agency is in the process of reviewing all
drug labels with disposal directions to assure that the
recommended methods for disposal are still appropriate.
Another environmental concern lies with inhalers
used by people who have asthma or other breathing
problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Traditionally, many inhalers have contained
chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's), a propellant that damages the protective ozone layer. The CFC inhalers are
being phased out and replaced with more environmentally friendly inhalers.
Depending on the type of product and where you
live, inhalers and aerosol products may be thrown
into household trash or recyclables, or may be considered hazardous waste and require special handling. Read the handling instructions on the label, as
some inhalers should not be punctured or thrown into
a fire or incinerator. To ensure safe disposal, contact
your local trash and recycling facility.
FDA’s Consumer Updates page is the source for
this article with the full article and the latest updates
on FDA regulated products available at
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/default.htm.
Bernstein says the same disposal methods for
prescription drugs could apply to over-the-counter drugs as well.
Disposal instructions on the label are part of
FDA's "risk mitigation" strategy, says Capt. Jim
Hunter, R.Ph., M.P.H., Senior Program Manager on
FDA's Controlled Substance Staff. When a drug contains instructions to flush it down the toilet, he says,
it's because FDA, working with the manufacturer,
has determined this method to be the most appropriate route of disposal that presents the least risk to
safety. About a dozen drugs, such as powerful narcotic pain relievers and other controlled substances,
carry instructions for flushing to reduce the danger of
unintentional use or overdose and illegal abuse.
Despite the safety reasons for flushing drugs,
some people are questioning the practice because of
concerns about trace levels of drug residues found in
surface water, such as rivers and lakes, and in some
community drinking water supplies. However, the
main way drug residues enter water systems is by
people taking medications and then naturally passing
them through their bodies, says Raanan Bloom,
Ph.D., an Environmental Assessment Expert in
FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
NorthPointe Woods
AN ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
• Independent Apartments
• Daily Activities
• Assisted Living Apartments
• Fully Equiped Fitness Center
• Transportation
• Beautiful Views Overlooking
• Convenient to the Medical Community
Battle Creek
Call for more information or to schedule a tour.
700 North Avenue, Battle Creek
www.northpointewoods.org
(269) 964-7625
Managed by Life Care Services, LLC
A Not-For-Profit Community-Based Organization
Page 8
Senior Times - October 2009
HOW TO REACH YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS IN
WASHINGTON
Your elected officials try to make
themselves, or their staff, available
for your questions, comments and
assistance. You have several ways to
get in touch with them including
phone, fax and email. Remember
words of praise are always welcome
too. Contact information is provided
below for your convenience.
US HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES
Congressman Vern Ehlers – 3rd
Congressional District
•Central Air
•Swimming Pool
•24 Hour Emergency
Maintenance
•Bus Lines
Grand Rapids Office
Gerald R. Ford Federal Building
110 Michigan Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2313
Voice: (616) 451-8383
Fax: (616) 454-5630
Hours: 8am-5pm
Call Ft oRrent
Curreencials!
Sp
Washington D.C. Office
2182 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Voice: (202) 225-3831
Fax: (202) 225-5144
Hours: 8:30am-5pm
www.house.gov/ehlers
•Conveniant to all
Congressman Fred Upton – 6th
Congressional District
shopping
•Full-Service Kitchen
•Beautifully Landscaped
Courtyards
•Large Balconies
•1 & 2 Bedrooms
Monday - Friday - 8:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sunday - Closed
907-B Capital Ave., SW • Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-963-2365
Kalamazoo District Office
157 South Kalamazoo Mall
Suite 180
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (269) 385-0039
Fax: (269) 385-2888
Saint Joseph District Office
800 Centre, Suite 106
800 Ship Street
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
Phone: (269) 982-1986
Fax: (269) 982-0237
Washington D.C. Office
2183 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3761
Fax: (202) 225-4986
www.house.gov/upton
Congressman Mark Schauer - 7th
Congressional District
Battle Creek Office
800 W Ganson Street
Jackson MI 49202
Phone: (517) 780-9075
Fax: (517) 780-9081
1-877-737-6407
Washington D.C. Office
1408 Longworth House Office
Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6276
Fax: (202) 225-6281
Schauer.house.gov
UNITED STATES SENATE
Senator Carl Levin (D-Detroit)
269 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-6221
Fax: 202-224-1388
www.levin.senate.gov
Senator Debbie Stabenow (DLansing)
133 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-4822
Fax: 202-228-0325
www.stabenow.senate.gov
SENIOR BINGO KING & QUEEN CHOSEN
We’re building a great name
in physical rehabilitation.
By: Lyn McRae
Eight players were nominated to
the Court for Senior Bingo Queen
and King for Community Unlimited
in Union City. Members of the court
received red roses, handmade crown
pins and crown-shaped trinket-cups.
Votes were then tabulated and the
winners are:
Reigning for the next year, as
Bingo King will be Junior
Edwards, with Fern Jones selected
to reign as Bingo Queen.
Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center
393 E. Roosevelt • Battle Creek • 269.965.3206
w w w. s w - r e h a b . o r g
A crown and scepter were presented to King Junior, and a tiara and
queen sash to Queen Fern. They also
received special hand knit crown
cloths.
As reigning king and queen,
Junior and Fern get extra bingo bucks
each month, a free selection from the
bingo store, and once every six
months they will each be able to double a winning amount of their choice.
Fern and Junior must wear their
crowns at each month’s game to
remind everyone of their royal status
and will have additional priviledges
each month.
Fern and Junior invite anyone 45
and up to join them for bingo this
month on Saturday, October 17, at
the new location of the Community
Building at 221 Ellen Street in Union
City (previously the Learning
Center). Games begin at 1pm and
snacks will be available. Admission
is still free, but donations are greatly
appreciated to help continue funding
this fun time for everyone. Call Paula
Blue at (517) 765-2740 to reserve a
spot and receive a free bingo buck;
all new players and anyone with a
birthday in October also receive a
free bingo buck. Join the fun and
games with Community Unlimited
and Youth Board!
Senior Times - October 2009
ELDER LAW: WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
Page 9
SOME DECISIONS HAVE A VERY PROFOUND EFFECT.
By: Douglas G. Chalgian, Certified Elder Law Attorney
Like doctors, most lawyers limit
their practices to certain areas of the
law where they are knowledgeable.
One area of the law that seems to be
growing along with our aging population is “elder law.” This area of the
practice involves legal issues that are
typically of importance to people as
they age. These areas include:
Benefits and Long Term Care
Planning. People often seek out the
advice of an elder law attorney when
they, or someone they are close to,
can no longer safely take care of
themselves. Because the common
types of health care insurance
(Medicare and supplemental health
care policies) do not cover “long
term care” services, people who need
assistance in their home, or who need
to be in assisted living facilities or
nursing homes often want to know
what they can do to qualify for government programs to help pay for
that care. This includes discussing
the rules for Medicaid eligibility, and
for some veterans, benefits available
through the Veterans Administration.
Making Decisions for People
with Cognitive Impairment.
Another legal issue that often arises
in the practice of elder law are those
issues that arise when someone
becomes “incompetent” and can no
longer make decisions for themselves. If that person has already
done planning, they may have appropriate documents in place, which
allow other people they trust to make
decisions on their behalf. These documents would include a patient advocate designation, which would allow
someone to help with medical decisions, and a financial durable power
of attorney to help with financial
decisions. Where those documents
are not in place, or where the people
involved disagree about what should
be done, a court appointed guardian
and/or conservator might be appropriate.
Financial Exploitation of
Vulnerable Adults. Another growing
and important area of the elder law
practice is providing legal help to
elders who have been taken advantage of. Unfortunately, as some people age, they become more vulnerable to being financially exploited.
Elders may be exploited by friends,
family members, neighbors, caregivers, as well as so-called professionals putting on “educational seminars.” Protecting elders from
exploitation and recovering assets
after they have been taken advantage
of requires a specialized understanding of the law, which many elder law
attorneys would have.
What is an Elder Law Attorney?
Although any attorney can practice in
the area of elder law or any other
area of practice, under the ethics
rules that govern attorneys, lawyers
can’t claim to be specialists unless
they have received certification in
that area or practice. As a result, in
Michigan, the only lawyers who can
call themselves “elder law attorneys”
are attorneys who have been certified
by the National Elder Law
Foundation. Becoming certified
involves extensive testing, demonstrating years of experience, and
being acknowledged as an expert in
elder law by other attorneys. In
Michigan there are currently only about a
dozen certified elder law
attorneys, the author of
this article being among
them.
HELP FOR SENIORS
SUPPORTED BY SENIOR MILLAGE
By: Jackie De Haan
“I’d be in a financial mess if it
weren’t for him.” That is how
Rosemary Gross describes the help
she receives every month from Andy
Fletcher. She looks forward to his
visits to review her bills and checkbook and help her make decisions
about how to stay within her budget.
Ms. Gross is a long time Michigan
resident. She retired from Schuler’s
Restaurant after forty plus years.
Fletcher leads the “Financial
Stress Buster” service provided by
the nonprofit Guardian Finance and
Advocacy Services. The service is
specifically for seniors. “Too many
seniors worry about their bills,” he
said. “That’s why we named our program ‘Stress Buster’. We help people
relax a bit, knowing that everything
is in order.”
In fact, seniors are primary targets
of scam artists. They often benefit
from an expert opinion before they
make an important financial decision.
“Sometimes people get into financial
trouble because of scams and serious
mistakes, we help them avoid problems and dig out of problems from
the past.”
Thanks to Calhoun County’s
Senior Millage, the program is
offered free to low income seniors.
For those who can afford it, there is a
reasonable charge.
Andy Fletcher can be reached at
(269) 963-3253, extension 425 or
find more information at Guardian’s
web site at www.yourguardian.org.
Rosemary Gross is assisted by Andy Fletcher as they review her bills and checkbook. Ms. Gross says she would be in “a financial mess” without the help.
MAKE ONE THAT BENEFITS YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY.
Pre-planning is wise – whatever the time of year. Your entire family will
benefit in knowing everything is taken care of — We will be here for you.
Call today, we have many options for every individual.
T.R. Shaw - Chuck Stallard
2838 Capital Ave., S.W. Battle Creek, Michigan 49015-4016
Member... The Order
(269) 979-3838 www.shawfuneralhome.com
Of The Golden Rule
PAGE 10
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
BURNHAM
BROOK CENTER
(269) 965-0000, Ext.204
200 W. Michigan Avenue,
Battle Creek, MI 49017
www.burnhambrook.org
NOTE: Building hours are
Monday-Friday, 6am to 9pm;
Saturday, 8am to 3pm.
RECREATION & HOBBIES
Billiards
Daily 6am-8pm, Tournaments
Tues & Fri, 1pm, Members Only
Woodshop
Mon-Fri, 8:30 - 4:30pm,
Members Only
Tackle Crafter’s Hobby Club
4th Tues of the Month, 6:30-8:30 pm,
Free to members, $5 non members
BC Stamp Club
2nd Thurs of the Month, 5-8pm, Free
Burnham Brook Singers
Rehearsals Fridays, 9:30-11:15 am,
Performances held within
the community, Free
Stepping Out-Living Solo (SOLO)
1st & 3rd Fri of the Month, 6:30-9pm
Photo Club
For more information, please
contact Mary Jasper, the group’s
mentor/advisor at 979-3056.
CRAFT CLASSES
Knitting & Crocheting
Thursdays - 10am-12pm
Scrapbooking
First & Third Thursdays, October 1
& 15, November 5&19, December 3
& 17, 6-9pm
Wood Burning
Beginning Tues, Sept 22, 10am
Glass Etching
Beginning Tues, Sept 22, 11am
HEALTH AND FITNESS
Fitness Room
Daily 6am-8:30pm
Fitness Room Assistance
Mon, 8-8:45am & Wed 10-11:15am
Toning, Strength Training,
and Stretching (TSS)
Mon-Wed-Fri, 9-10am
Stretch & Balance
Monday, 11:30-12:15pm
Yoga Class
Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am
Evening Yoga
Wednesdays, September 16 November 18, 5:30-6:45pm
Beginning Zumba
Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 22
- November 19, 10-10:45am
Dance Aerobics
Tuesday - Thursday starting
September 15, 9-10am
Commit to Be Fit
Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 22
- November 19, 5-6pm
Educational Fitness Classes
Free to Members
Fitness Fright
Saturday, Oct 24, 9-10am
Fitness Through The Holidays!
Saturday, Nov 21, 9-10am
Give Yourself the Gift of Health!
Saturday, Dec 12, 9-10am
CARDS & GAMES
Bid Whist
Mon-Fri, 9-12pm
Duplicate Bridge Club
Mondays, 1-3pm
Men’s Bridge Club
Mondays, 12-3pm
Pinochle
Tuesdays, 1-3pm
Evening Euchre
Tuesdays - 4 to 6:30pm
Bingo
Wednesday, 1-3pm
BARRY COUNTY COA
320 W. Woodlawn Ave.,
Hastings,MI 49058
www.barrycounty.org
Commission On Aging Sites
D - Delton, H - Hastings
N - Nashville, W - Woodland
GL - Gun Lake Community Church
THURSDAY, 1
H - Music with Don&Pearl
H - Line Dancing, 9:30am
D - Puzzles/Trivia
N - TV Time
FRIDAY, 2
H - Exercise, 9am
H - Bingo, 10am
H - Mixed Media Painting
N - Bingo
H - Model Railroad, 10am
W - Visiting
MONDAY, 5
H - Nashville 5+, 10:30am
H - October Birthday Party
H - Crafts, 10:30 am
D - BP Clinic 11 am
H - Watercolor Class, 1pm
H - Card Making, 12:30pm
H,W,N - Reminiscence
OCTOBER 2009
Game Night
Wednesday, 6:30-8:30pm
Euchre
Thursday, 12:30-3pm
Mah Jongg
Friday, 12:45-4pm
Contract Bridge
Friday, 1-3:30pm, Members only
DANCE
Line Dancing
Mondays, 2-4pm
Tap Dancing Class
Mondays, 10-11am
Lew Boyd rehearsals
Wednesdays, 7-9pm
Variety of Bands
7-10pm, 2nd & 4th Thurs
of the Month
Lew Boyd Swing Dance
7-10pm, 3rd Fri of the Month
EVENTS
Handwriting Analysis
Friday, September 25, 7-8:30pm
Friday, October 23, 1-3:30pm
Senior Move Assistance
Wednesday, October 7, 2-3pm
Battle Creek Stamp Club Youth
Seminar, Saturday, September 26,
9am-12pm
TECHNOLOGY & LEARNING
Beginning Computers, 10am
Session II, Wednesday, September
30, October 7, October 14
Session III, Wednesday, October 21,
October 28, November 4
FALL 2009 TRIPS & TOURS
“OKLAHOMA”
(Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre),
Sunday, October 11, 3pm
Color Tour Day Trip
Thursday, October 15
ART CENTER OF
BATTLE CREEK
(269) 962-9511
265 E. Emmett St., Hours
Tuesday - Friday, 10am-5pm,
Saturday, 11am-3pm, Closed
Sundays and Mondays.
Colored Pencil Basics Workshop:
An IntroductionThis three hour
workshop will cover the basic
techniques used in creating
projects with colored pencil.
Students will learn pressure and
blending techniques as well as
how to create realistic textures.
We will also touch on portrait work,
water-color pencil techniques, and
more. Instructor: John McNees Day,
Saturday, October 17, 12pm to 3pm
Age: teen and adultWorkshop fee:
$30members $45 non-members
(269) 948-4856
THURSDAY, 8
H - Music with Don & Pearl
H - Line Dancing, 9:30am
H - Depression Screening,
8:30am-5pm
D - Puzzles/Trivia
N - TV Time
FRIDAY, 16
H - Exercise, 9am
H - Mixed Media Painting
W - Mini Massage, 11am
H - Bingo, 10am
H - Model Railroad, 10am
N - Bingo
FRIDAY, 9
H - Exercise, 9am
H - Mixed Media Painting, 9:30am
N - Nashville 5+, 11am
H - Model Railroad, 10am
W - Visiting
H - Bingo, 10am
MONDAY, 19
H - Music with Sam
H - Crafts, 10:30am
H,W,N - Reminiscence
H - Watercolor Class, 1pm
H - Card Making, 12:30pm
D - Nashville 5+, 11am
MONDAY, 12
H - Music with Sam
D - Mini Massage, 11am
H - Crafts, 10:30am
H - Watercolor Class, 1pm
H - Card Making, 12:30pm
H,W,N - Reminiscence
TUESDAY, 20
H - Line Dancing, 9:30am
H - Watercolor Class, 1pm
GL - Cards, 10:30am-12:30pm
H - Wii in the Lunchroom, 10am
TUESDAY, 13
H - Line Dancing, 9:30am
H - Watercolor Class, 1pm
GL - Cards, 10:30am-12:30pm
H - Mini Massage, 9am-12pm
H - Wii in the Lunchroom, 10am
TUESDAY, 6
H - Watercolor Class, 1pm
H - Line Dancing, 9:30am
GL - Cards, 10:30am-12:30pm
H - Kinship Info Series, 1:30-3pm
H - Wii in the Lunchroom, 10am
WEDNESDAY, 14
H - Music/Nails
D - Reminiscence
N - Mini Massage, 11am
H - Euchre, 12:30-2:30pm
H - Bible Study, 12:30pm
H - BP & Blood Sugar, 10:30am
WEDNESDAY, 7
H - Low Vision Support, 1:30pm
H - Music with Sam
H - Euchre, 12:30-2:30pm
H - Bible Study,12:30pm
D - Reminiscence
THURSDAY, 15
H- Music with Don&Pearl
H - Line Dancing, 9:30am
D - Puzzles/Trivia
H - Caregiver's Support, 3:30pm
H - Cancer Support, 1pm
WEDNESDAY, 21
H - Music with Sam
D - Reminiscence
H - Nails
H - Euchre, 12:30-2:30pm
H - Bible Study, 12:30pm
W - Nashville 5+, 11am
THURSDAY, 22
H- Music with Don&Pearl
H - Line Dancing, 9:30am
N - TV Time
H - Mystery Trip
D - Puzzles/Trivia
H - Beading
FRIDAY, 23
H - Exercise, 9am
H - Mixed Media Painting
H - Model Railroad, 10am
W - Visiting
N - Bingo
H - Bingo, 10am
MONDAY, 26
H - Music/Crafts, 10:30am
H - Card Making, 12:30pm
H,W,N - Reminiscence
H - AARP Driver's Safety, 1-5pm
H - Kinship Care, 6:30pm
TUESDAY, 27
H - Wii in the lunchroom, 10am
H - Line Dancing, 9:30am
H - Watercolor Class, 1pm
GL - Cards, 10:30am-12:30pm
H - AARP Driver's Safety, 1-5pm
WEDNESDAY, 28
H - Music with Sam
H - Nails
D - Birthday Party
H - Euchre, 12:30-2:30pm
H - Bible Study, 12:30pm
THURSDAY, 29
H- Music with Don & Pearl
H - Line Dancing, 9:30am
N - TV Time
D - Puzzles/Trivia
FRIDAY, 30
H - No Railroad
H - Halloween Party, 10:30am
NOTE
Fiddler’s Jamboree
October 10, 5-6:30pm
OCTOBER 2009
COMMUNITY
UNLIMITED
(517) 741-4656
School kids from kindergarten to
twelfth grade can take advantage of
the BLAST program; receiving both
academic assistance and social
interaction, participants meet with
adult leaders before the school day
starts or after school hours.
Transportation is provided. If you like
kids and want to share a skill, or just
help out in supervising group activities,
adult volunteers are always welcome.
Call Julie Dibert at (517) 741-4656 to
learn how you can help, or stop in the
new Community Unlimited Building at
221 Ellen Street in Union City.
Youth Board members host monthly
bingo games for area seniors. Prizes
and refreshments are available, with
a new theme every month. Admission
and games are free, but donations are
greatly appreciated to help finance these
events. Call ahead for times and dates,
as they may change. Then be sure to
join Terry, Drew, Alison, Paula, Ginger
and a host of others in an afternoon of
fun and games!
Have a hobby that you would like to
share with other adults, or a pastime
that you never seem to have time for
but miss doing? Call Julie and tell us
what you would like to see Community
Unlimited do; we need your input to
expand our programs.
For more information on these and
other upcoming events, call or visit us on
the web at www.communityunlimited.org.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
PAGE 11
H&C BURNSIDE SENIOR CENTER (517) 279-6565
65 Grahl Drive, Coldwater
www.orgsites.com/mi/hcburnside
NOTE: New building hours are Monday,
Wednesday & Friday, 8am-4:30pm;
Tuesday & Thursday, 8am-6pm.
THURSDAY, 1
• Volunteer Meeting, 10am
• Tai Chi for Diabetics, 10:45am
• Beginners Stained Glass Class,
12:30-3pm
WEDNESDAY, 14 (Cont.)
• Organ music by Kathy Cary, 12pm
• Microsoft Word 2007 Class, 1:30-4pm
THURSDAY, 15
• Tai Chi for Diabetics, 10:45am
• Beginners Stained Glass Class,
12:30-3pm
• Microsoft Word 2007 Class, 1:30-4pm
FRIDAY, 2
• Free Blood Sugar Testing
by The Laurels, 10am-12pm
FRIDAY, 16
• Free Blood Pressure Tests
by The Laurels, 10am-12pm
• Home Baked Cookies
by Masonville, 11:30am-1pm
• AARP meeting & lunch, 12pm
MONDAY, 5
• Tai Chi for Arthritis, 9:45am
MONDAY, 19
• Tai Chi for Arthritis, 9:45am
TUESDAY, 6
• GabMores for Ladies, Jewelry
Program by Tina Graybill, 1:30pm
• Alzheimer Support Group, 3-4:30pm
WEDNESDAY, 7
• Flu Clinic Shots by Lifespan,
8am - 12pm
• Free Blood Pressure Checks by
Southern Care, 10am-12pm
• Music by Mary Temples, 12pm
MONDAY, 26
• Tai Chi for Arthritis, 9:45am
• Free Blood Pressure Checks by
Lifespan, 11am-12pm
TUESDAY, 27
• Free Blood Pressure Checks
by Arcadia, 10am-12pm
• Wii Bowling League, 1:15pm
WEDNESDAY, 28
• Halloween Costume Party
at Lunchtime, 11:30am-1pm
THURSDAY, 29
• Tai Chi for Diabetics, 10:45am
• Pool Tournament, 1pm
• CHC Health Lecture, "Diabetes" by
Kathy Knapp, R.N. Educator, 4-5:30pm
FRIDAY, 30
• Oil Painting Workshop Paint What You
Want - Call to sign up, 9-1pm
SPECIAL EVENTS
• Saturday Night Dance - Live Band,
October 17, 6-10pm, Donations @ door
THURSDAY, 8
• Tai Chi for Diabetics, 10:45am
• Beginners Stained Glass Class,
12:30-3pm
MONDAY, 12
• Tai Chi for Arthritis, 9:45am
• Hopco Hearing Screening, 10am-12pm
TUESDAY, 13
• Free Blood Pressure Checks by Arcadia,
10am-12pm
• Wii Bowling League, 1:15pm
• Ernies Sing-A-Long, 12pm
• Older Americans Health Fair Day
at Dearth Building
WEDNESDAY, 14
• Free Blood Sugar testing
by CHC, 10am-12pm
TUESDAY, 20
• Understanding Alzheimers by
Alzherimes Assoc., 10-11:30am
• Movie & Popcorn, 3pm
WEDNESDAY, 21
• Wii Game Day Event Fun & Prizes.
Sponsored by Pines, 9:30-11am
THURSDAY, 22
• Tai Chi for Diabetics, 10:45am
FORKS SENIOR CENTER
LIFELONG LEARNING CLASSES
(517) 629-3842
(269) 965-4134
1418 Cooper Street, Albion, MI 49224
DAILY EVENTS
Blood Pressure/BS
Every Wednesday, 11am,
Free and open to the public.
Bridge
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 1pm
Bunco (Alternating w/Penny Bingo)
Fridays, 9:30am
Chair Exercises
Every Tuesday, 3pm
Crafts
1st & 3rd Thrursday, 1:30pm
Euchre
Mondays, 6pm and Tuesdays, 1pm
Foot Care
Tuesdays by Appointment
Grocery Bingo
Every Wednesday, 9:30am
Health & Education Programs
Once a month - TBA
Monthly Pot-Luck & Birthday Party
2nd Thursday of the month,
2pm (Birthday party).
3rd Thursday of the month,
5:30pm (Potluck)
Penny Bingo (Alternating w/Bunco)
Fridays, 9:30am
Ping Pong
Every Tuesday & Thursday, 10am
Silver Sneakers Cardio Circuit
Every Tuesday & Thursday, 10am
Silver Sneakers Muscular
Strength & Range of Movement
Every Monday, Wednesday
& Friday, 10am
Support Groups
“You Are Not Alone”,
2nd & 4th Mondays, 6pm.
Free and open to the public.
HAVE AN ACTIVITY TO INCLUDE? If you have an event you would like us to include
in our activities pages, please contact Sherii Sherban at (269) 979-1411 ext 102 or
email: sheriis@wwthayne.com.
KCC’s Regional Manufacturing
Technology Center located
at 405 Hill-Brady Road.
www.kellogg.edu/lifelong
CLASSES
Family Roots: Beginning Genealogy
Wednesdays, October 7-28,
6-8pm, $49.
Develop Your Psychic Awareness
Wednesday, October 7, 6-8pm, $19.
Plan an Affordable Green Wedding
Wednesday, October 7, 6-8:30pm, $19.
Art & Craft of Screenwriting
Saturday, October 10, 9am-12pm, $29.
Instant Guitar!
Saturday, October 10, 9-11:30am, $79.
Be Your Own Biggest Loser Workout
Tuesdays, October 6-November 3,
5:30-6:30pm, $29.
You Are What You Eat
Tuesday, October 6, 6-8pm, $19.
Knitting 101: Get Your Stitch On!
Mondays, October 5-29, 6-8pm, $49.
Mama Mia!
Fresh Italian Pasta & Sauces
Wednesday, October 7,
5:30-8:30pm, $39.
Electrical Basics for the Homeowner
Thursdays, October 8-22, 6-8pm, $59.
Debt Free Living
Session 1:
Monday, October 5, 6-9:30pm.
Session 2:
Saturday, December 5, 9am-12:30pm.
$39 per person, or $59 per couple.
Making Your Paycheck Last
Tuesdays, October 6-13, 6-8pm, $29.
American Sign Language – Level 1
Tuesdays, October 6-November 24,
6-8pm, $119.
eBay: Sneak Peek
Monday, October 5, 6-8pm, $19.
Basic PC Troubleshooting
Tuesdays, October 6-13, 6-8pm, $39.
Participants will learn what to do when
disaster strikes, how to install and
uninstall software applications, run
basic Windows utilities (using XP, Vista
and the new Windows 7 operating systems), maintain files and disk drives,
understand the control panel and its
functions, install and set-up new hardware (sound cards, modems, etc.),
understand spy ware and ad ware, and
use the Device Manager function to
understand system resources.
SENIOR TIMES NOTE: Senior Times is not responsible for changes in schedules.
To confirm times and dates of activities, please contact the agencies directly.
Page 12
Senior Times - October 2009
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55 N. McCamly • (269) 965-3221
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We know times are tough.
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Short Term Rehab - Private Rooms - Home Like Environment - Anodyne Therapy - Individualized Care
111 Evergreen Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015
P-269-969-6110 F-269-969-6119
kboyd@evergreenscc.com
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday to you all!
From your friends at
Senior Times.
Byron Andrews. . . . . . . . . . 10/1
Martha Breitwieser . . . . . . . 10/1
James(Bud) England . . . . . 10/1
Dorothy Moberly . . . . . . . . 10/1
Penny Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . 10/1
Samuel Carpenter . . . . . . . 10/2
Dora DeMaso . . . . . . . . . . 10/2
Ed Herr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/2
Joyce Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . 10/2
Robert Whitfield . . . . . . . . 10/2
Irene Hornfect . . . . . . . . . . 10/3
Odetta Hull . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/3
Virginia Reiling . . . . . . . . . 10/3
Rocky Adams . . . . . . . . . . 10/4
Dorothy Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . 10/4
Milan Bobinac . . . . . . . . . . 10/5
Mark Freeman . . . . . . . . . . 10/5
Michael Komarck . . . . . . . 10/5
Peg Eckmyre . . . . . . . . . . . 10/6
Jean Allen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/7
Jerry Carbine . . . . . . . . . . 10/7
Albert Groothuis . . . . . . . . 10/7
Jean Henderson . . . . . . . . 10/7
Maria Chapin . . . . . . . . . . . 10/8
Michael Hansen . . . . . . . . . 10/8
Harold Peck . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/8
Don Phillips . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/8
Elaine Thompson . . . . . . . 10/8
Laurel Thunder . . . . . . . . . 10/8
Walter Thunder . . . . . . . . . 10/8
Arletta Crotser . . . . . . . . . . 10/9
Nick Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/9
Wilbur Islam . . . . . . . . . . . 10/9
Robert Clark . . . . . . . . . . . 10/10
Elenita Moraledo . . . . . . . 10/10
Adele Neidlinger . . . 10/10/1912
Victoria Reed . . . . . . . . . . 10/10
Marylou Stanton . . . . . . . 10/10
Anna Winger . . . . . . . . . . 10/10
Edward Berg. . . . . . . . . . . 10/11
Dorothy Sadger . . . . . . . . 10/11
Charlie Schuckel . . . . . . . 10/11
Ross Wyatt . . . . . . . . . . . 10/11
Fred Beilfuss . . . . . . . . . . 10/13
Suzanne Bush . . . . . . . . . 10/13
Robert Geyer . . . . . . . . . . 10/13
Ivan Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/13
Kathleen St. Pierre . . . . . . 10/13
Jayne Whitman . . . . . . . . 10/13
Eleanor Elmer. . . . . . . . . . 10/14
i
Shirley Shilling . . . . . . . . . 10/14
Jackie Baker . . . . . . . . . . 10/15
Betty Blodgett. . . . . . . . . . 10/15
Judy Calderone . . . . . . . . 10/15
Lloyd Hudson . . . . . . . . . 10/15
Clara Davis . . . . . . . 10/16/1915
Kim Jankowski . . . . . . . . . 10/16
Grace Main. . . . . . . . . . . . 10/16
Mary Miller . . . . . . . . . . . 10/16
Judith Roth . . . . . . . . . . . 10/16
Mabel Butler. . . . . . . . . . . 10/17
Maxine Green . . . . . . . . . . 10/17
Gloria Hunt. . . . . . . . . . . . 10/17
Heather Hamilton . . . . . . 10/18
Alex D. Keeton . . . . . . . . . 10/18
Jane Morell . . . . . . . 10/18/1928
Bettie Watson. . . . . . . . . . 10/19
Candace Penn . . . . . . . . . 10/19
Jackie Flynn . . . . . . . . . . . 10/20
Clyde Logan . . . . . . . . . . 10/20
Maxine Gauss. . . . . . . . . . 10/22
Frank Shaw . . . . . . . . . . . 10/22
Charles Bartha . . . . . . . . . 10/23
Maryl Cook. . . . . . . . . . . . 10/23
James Davis . . . . . . . . . . 10/23
Marjorie Misenar . . . . . . . 10/23
Horace Parker . . . . . . . . . 10/23
Donald Pope . . . . . . . . . . 10/23
Fredrick Worth . . . . . . . . 10/23
Otis Armstrong . . . . . . . . 10/24
Ann Bobrofsky . . . . . . . . 10/24
Joe Kirkwood . . . . . . . . . 10/24
Ardyce Morovetz . . . . . . . 10/24
Marjorie Smith . . . . 10/24/1924
Betty Chapman. . . . . . . . . 10/25
Patricia Graw . . . . . . . . . . 10/25
Kathy Heath . . . . . . . . . . . 10/25
May Herman . . . . . . . . . . 10/26
Ruth Seelye . . . . . . . . . . . 10/26
Joyce Short . . . . . . . . . . . 10/27
Marguerite Hyde. . . . . . . . 10/28
Jean A. Murphy . . . . . . . . 10/28
Allan Chapman . . . . . . . . 10/29
Daryl Cloud . . . . . . . . . . . 10/29
Shirley Piske . . . . . . . . . . 10/29
Harold Sanford . . . . . . . . 10/29
Lynne Baldwin . . . . . . . . . 10/30
William Cutler . . . . . . . . . 10/30
Marion Pinkerton . . . . . . 10/30
Mary Jane Walkley . 10/30/1927
Elizabeth Lake . . . . . . . . . 10/31
Richard Piske . . . . . . . . . . 10/31
If you would like to have us wish a special Happy Birthday to someone,
send the name and birthday details to sheriis@wwthayne.com or by mail to
Senior Times, 4642 Capital Ave, SW, Battle Creek, MI, 49015..
Senior Times - October 2009
Page 13
WALK TO FIGHT DIABETES
IS COMING OCTOBER 3
On Saturday, October 3, hundreds
of residents from West Michigan will
join the battle against diabetes and
raise much-needed funds to help find
a cure as part of the American
Diabetes Association’s ‘Step Out:
Walk to Fight Diabetes’ campaign.
The Binder Park Zoo at 7400
Division Drive in Battle Creek will
serve as backdrop for the ninth annual
diabetes walk in Calhoun County.
Walkers and volunteers from
Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties
will have the opportunity to observe
dozens of species of exotic and local
wildlife along the two-mile Walk
route while they are raising monies
for diabetes programs.
Check-in for Step Out: Walk to
Fight Diabetes begins at 8am at the
zoo’s picnic pavilion area. The Walk
starts promptly at 9am.
“About 1 in every 18 Americans
has diabetes, and a third of them
don't even know it,” says Carol
Barr, RD, CDE, a registered dietician at the BCHS Diabetes Center.
In Michigan, alone, over 800,000
people have diabetes and an additional 1.5 million have pre-diabetes. The
ADA’s ‘Step Out’ walk is a healthful
and fun way for the community to
come together for a good cause. The
ADA spends around $1 million in
Michigan each year in research.
Diabetes, the fifth leading cause of
death in the U.S., is a disease in
which the body does not produce or
properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar,
starches, and other food into energy
needed for daily life. The cause of
diabetes continues to be a mystery,
although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and
lack of exercise appear to play roles.
The American Diabetes
Association continues to welcome
walkers and donations for this event.
For information or to register, call
(888) DIABETES, ext. 6711 or visit
www.diabetes.org/stepout.
Meet the 2009 Diabetes Ambassadors
Calhoun County has selected two
individuals who are serving as 2009
Step Out Youth Ambassadors for this
year’s annual diabetes walk.
Jessica Byrd is a 14-year-old
Battle Creek student who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in January
2009. Following extensive education
and treatment, Jessica went home.
She now follows an intensive management of her diabetes by checking
her blood sugar six to eight times a
day. Jessica is in 8th grade. She plays
volleyball, swims, and loves horses.
She hopes to be a horse trainer some
day.
Samantha Cole is 9 years old and
lives in Marshall. She was diagnosed
with type 1 diabetes in August, 2008.
Her symptoms were typical: weight
loss, constantly thirsty, and frequent
use of the bathroom. Her family doctor diagnosed her disease and she was
admitted to the hospital to get her
blood sugar under control. She is an
active 3rd grader but has to interrupt
her fun by having to take her shots.
She looks forward to when she can
use an insulin pump. Samantha
enjoys soccer and riding her bike. She
continually amazes her family and
friends by being so positive about her
disease.
FACTS About UV
The disinfection of medical equipment
using UV has been a common and
reliable practice.
UV disinfection has been determined
to be adequate for inactivating
bacteria and viruses.
The germicidal effects of UV light
cause photochemical damage to DNA
and RNA within microorganisms.
OUTSTANDING WARRANTY PROTECTION
All functional parts are covered by a
5-Year Limited Warranty.
“...ultraviolet radiation, properly
integrated with heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning systems, shows
the most promise as a widely
applicable means of air disinfection.”
Richard Riley, M.D.
HUMIDIFIERS - Did You KNOW ?
• Humidifiers can help relieve the symptoms of dry skin, cracked lips, itchy
eyes, sore throat and sinus headaches, which could be caused by dry air.
• Dry air can be uncomfortable to breathe, and can damage wood products
like flooring, pianos, picture frames and cabinetry.
• During winter it’s especially important to add moisture to the air, since dry
winter air can drive down the relative humidity level in your home to as
low as 15% which is drier than most deserts!
Sims Electric Knoll’s knows how to effectively achieve perfect humidity levels in your
home throughout the year. Give us a call so we can help you choose the correct solution for your needs and complete a professional installation.
Calhoun County’s ONLY
Authorized Armstrong Dealer
THE YELLOW
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269-963-7910 • 466 Main St. Battle Creek, MI
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License # Electrical – 6112007 • License # Mechanical – 7103902
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• EASY ACCESS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS • DRIVE-UP WINDOW
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Employees Federal Credit Union
Jessica Byrd, center, 2009 Step Out Youth Ambassador for the annual diabetes walk joins her parents Michelle and Robert Byrd, left and Carol Barr and
Julie Higgs, right of the BCHS diabetes center in encouraging the community to
support this year’s event on October 3, at Binder Park Zoo. For information or
to register, call (888) DIABETES, ext. 6711 or visit www.diabetes.org/stepout.
Missing from photo was Samantha Cole, the other 2009 Youth Ambassador.
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Open Mon-Fri 8 am to 4:30 pm
Drive-thru Sat 9 to noon
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Page 14
Senior Times - October 2009
The
Elder Law Center
Helping Seniors Preserve Their Lives
Asset Preservation Planning for Persons in or Entering a Nursing Home
Guardianship • Conservatorship • Powers of Attorney • Wills • Trusts • Probate
Michael B. Walling, Attorney at Law
Joy L. Foster, Attorney at Law
Mieke V. Weissert, Attorney at Law
Free Initial Consultation
(Except Asset Preservation Planning)
968-1101
131 East Columbia Avenue, Suite 100, Battle Creek, MI 49015
from our nations
CAPITOL
Mark Schauer, US Congress, Special to Senior Times
HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM
FOR SENIORS
Strengthening Medicare, closing
prescription drug “donut hole,” lowering costs are top priorities.
More than six decades ago,
President Truman said, “Millions of
our citizens do not now have a full
measure of opportunity to achieve and
to enjoy good health … and the time
has now arrived for action to help them
attain that opportunity.”
It took two decades for Congress to
take action, but in 1965 President
Johnson read that statement on the day
he signed Medicare into law.
Today, Congress is on the verge of
passing health insurance reform legislation that will strengthen Medicare
benefits for seniors by closing the prescription drug donut hole, improving
low-income subsidy programs to help
ensure Medicare is affordable for those
with low or modest incomes, and lowering costs by eliminating copayments
for preventative services.
Unfortunately, many of the same
scare tactics that were used to attack
Medicare 44 years ago have been resurrected to block reform today. That’s
why I wanted to clear up some of the
myths that have been circulating about
this critical effort.
MYTH: Health care reform will
end Medicare.
FACT: Reform is about strengthening Medicare – a part of our health
care system that’s working well. For
Medicare enrollees, the House bill lowers prescription drug costs, makes preventive care free, ensures that you can
keep your doctor, and improves the
quality of your care.
MYTH: Under health reform, a government panel will tell me when to die.
FACT: Decisions about your health
will still be made by you, your doctor,
and your family. The House bill simply
provides Medicare reimbursement to
doctors for spending time with patients
who wish to speak with their doctors
about their values and preferences
regarding end-of-life care, empowering
older Americans to have their wishes
observed. Any end-of-life care conversations are only at a patient’s request.
MYTH: Health care reform will
lead to rationed care.
FACT: Nothing will stand between
you and your doctor, or prevent you
from making the best health care decisions. Reform actually takes insurance
company bureaucrats out of the decision process for your family – and if
you’re enrolled in Medicare – improves
the level of care you get, at a lower
cost, with no government bureaucrats
making decisions for you.
MYTH: Health care reform is a
government takeover.
FACT: Under this bill, there is no
government takeover of health care.
Every American will still be able to
choose their own doctor and health
insurance plan – and make care decisions with that doctor. The House bill
builds on the current system of private
health insurance.
I want to assure you that I will not
support any bill that does anything to
endanger Medicare or put seniors at
risk. To learn more about this effort to
strengthen health care for seniors and
all Americans, you can contact my
office toll-free at 877-737-6407 to
request a free copy of my health care
reform Guide for Seniors.
there is no excuse for
ELDER ABUSE
Karla Fales, Co-Chair Calhoun Co. Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition
BE CAREFUL OF NEW SCAM...
CHAPEL HILL UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
157 Chapel Hill Drive
(269) 963-0231
Rev. Jim Gysel, Pastor
• Church School:
• 9am and 10:45am
• Traditional Service, 9am
• Praise Service, 10:45am
• Breakfast served all morning, $3 minimum donation, $10 per family
• Barrier Free (Nursery provided all morning)
ST. PHILIP CATHOLIC CHURCH
126 Capital Ave. NE
Battle Creek, MI 49017
Fr. Charles H. Fischer
• Mass Schedule: Sat. 4:30pm; Sun. 9am, 11:30am
If you’re homebound and would like the weekly
bulletin mailed to you, please call the Parish
Office @ 968-6645
I got a call from my aunt this week
after she had received multiple phone
calls from a home health agency that
was pressuring her about having their
doctor come to her house to set up her
services – FOR FREE. Yes, another
new scam targeted at older adults and
this one comes with some name dropping as well – Medicare.
The disreputable agency gave a long
pitch to my aunt about her eligibility to
receive these free medical, physical
therapy and in-home services through
Medicare. They even suggested to her
that Medicare had provided them her
information. I received the same information when I called them. I asked
them to stop calling her and they actually told me Medicare gave them her
number and I would have to call
Medicare. Let’s take a closer look at
this offer.
First, the services aren’t free if the
agency is being reimbursed by
Medicare. They are being paid to provide the services and you, as the beneficiary, are paying for those services
through your Medicare Advantage Plan
benefits.
Medicare NEVER gives information to 3rd parties or providers for
solicitation.
In addition to agencies that are calling older adults about providing
services, there have been local reports
of agencies that go door-to-door in senior high rises and neighborhoods offering “free in-home services.” The problem with the phone calls and the doorto-door solicitation is the fact that is
prohibited by Medicare.
Specifically, providers of Medicareeligible services may not contact
potential customers to promote or offer
services except if the customer has
given written permission to the
provider to make contact by telephone,
have already provided the customer
with at least one service in the last 15month period preceding the date on
which providers contact patients.
The bottom line – Providers cannot
contact patients directly unless they
have had previous contact with patients
or patients have given permission for
providers to contact them.
If you are contacted by an agency
that you did not initiate contact with
– HANG UP, SHUT THE DOOR,
WALK AWAY.
I know, it is hard to be rude, but you
are being shown no respect by these
shysters, no respect is due to them.
If you believe that an agency or
provider has violated these rules, contact your local Medicare / Medicaid
Assistance Program to file a complaint
with the Medicare by calling 1-800803-7174 or call the Medicare Hotline
at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Calhoun (renewed in 2006), Eaton,
Hillsdale, and Jackson. In addition to
these already listed, the state records at
least 30 different types of millages that
various counties have adopted over the
years, including ambulance, sheriff,
animal shelters, libraries, parks and
recreation, etc.
So, why millages? They do provide
the citizens the ability to select and
specifically fund those services they
desire to meet local needs, over and
above what is available from general
revenue funds. One report from the
Ohio Services to Aging provides a
good outline of four different types of
administrative systems used by counties for senior millages. The first is
described as single / several recipient
multi-purpose senior center (an example would be if the Burnham Brook
Center in Battle Creek managed all the
funds and services). A second example
would be an independent council on
aging, not necessarily a part of an
established governmental agency (this
is exemplified by Senior Services in
Kalamazoo Co.). Another would be if
the Area Agency on Aging where the
recipient and manager of all the millage funds (AAA Region 3-B which
serves Calhoun and Barry Counties is a
strong collaborator with Calhoun
During these hard economic times County in meeting local needs). The
fourth model utilized here in Calhoun
we want to remind our seniors that
is the County’s collection and distribubeing in need does not mean one is
tion to various contracted agencies or
“needy.” It does not mean that they
recipients; this effectively allows the
are weak, unable to care for themcounty to manage its needs but reduce
selves.
its administrative overhead with just a
two-person management staff.
This is not welfare, but warfare
The County is in the processing of
against the challenges most everyone
renewing some ongoing contracts and
goes through at some point in their
receiving proposals for a small set of
lives. As a citizen, these services are
services that begin in January. Support
paid for from property taxes. Whether
one utilizes them now or not, the value is high for maintaining our core servicof helping friends and neighbors makes es, but the budget requires a small
us stronger in our community and soci- reduction in the funds available for
allocation for 2010. The core emphasis
ety.
is to provide consistent funding for five
Calhoun County is not unique in
high need services: senior transportahaving a designated senior millage. In
fact it is more common in the state than tion, dental services, nutrition / meals,
prescription services, and care manageone might at first think. There are at
ment to reduce institutional placement.
least 65 counties, out of 83, that have
These support basic needs.
such a millage. A five year, or more,
So when millage renewals come
millage renewal cycle is quite common.
The millage rate varies from county to your way, think of the benefits that
come back to your county in support of
county. The counties around us that
our seniors. Support for them allows
have a senior millage include Allegan,
for independence, higher quality of life,
Barry, Jackson, Hillsdale, Branch,
Berrien, and St. Joseph. Other types of and lower community costs for healthimillages that are quite common in this er citizens. The benefits accrue to the
whole family – grandchildren, primary
region of the state include:
Transportation millages: Barry, Branch, caregivers, and our older adults. “Bless
Eaton, Ingham, Kalamazoo (challenged them one and all.”
here), St. Joseph, and Van Buren.
Medical Care Facility millages include
C OU N T Y
contracts from its Office of Senior
Services, with oversight by the
Allocation Committee. Currently that
translates into 79,810 meals provided
for 362 homebound and 171 individuals at community meal sites each year,
throughout the county. Over one thousand and forty people receive prescription assistance with a discount prescription card or direct voucher assistance. At least three hundred receive
dental services (in Battle Creek,
Marshall and Albion) ranging from
exams, extractions or dentures to
improve nutritional health. Healthy
behaviors are encouraged by senior
wellness and health screening activity,
health services are available for the
uninsured, and adult day activity, vision
and hearing screenings fill in with necessary supports. Home heating assistance and minor home repairs allowed
306 households to remain viable in
2008. Guardianship, money management, legal services, and 2-1-1 services
all support the independence of seniors,
provide for safety and help maintain
their dignity. These services and more
are all supported, either in full or partially, by Calhoun Senior Millage. And
all these services are priceless to those
in need.
C A L HOU N
It was a dark and
stormy night, and no creatures were stirring, not
even a mouse. But out of
the hallowed halls of
Calhoun County and its
valiant seniors arose such a clatter that
the people gathered together to see
what was the matter. One person
declared: “We need help for our senior
friends; they can’t meet all their needs
with just social security.” Another said:
“What about transportation, how can
we get to the doctor or go to the store
when we can no longer drive?” And,
yes, another feisty person piped up
with: “Fee, fi, fo, fum, living by myself
can be so humdrum.” Another cried
out: “I can’t cook my own meals anymore, my arthritis is so bad; how can I
eat?” And they all asked with a hush,
“What can we do, how can we remain
healthy and independent in our homes
for as long as possible?”
But one by one, the people knew
they could only face the problems as a
group, not by themselves. So out of the
void they banded together, working for
the first goal, achieving it in fall 1996
to pass the first Calhoun County Senior
Millage levy by strong public acclimation. For a second goal, the Senior
Millage Allocation Committee was
soon appointed by the Board of
Commissioners to advocate and represent seniors’ interests, review annual
service needs, to accept bids and make
allocation recommendations to the
Board for contracted services.
This process of making allocation
recommendations and contracting for
services is repeated annually. The
financial resources come from the millage levy which is renewed on a fiveyear cycle. Since 1996 the vote has
been strongly and successfully supported twice. And the next scheduled
renewal vote is being planned for
August 2010.
{Note: Any citizens that have an
interest in working on the renewal
process are encouraged to look for
messages coming soon about how you
might participate. A separate community committee may be initiated to work
on renewal activity so that it does not
conflict with the regular operation of
the Senior Services Office in the
Marshall County Building.}
But what are the implications for
seniors of the senior millage funded
services? It means a lot. The County
receives over $2.6 Million generated
annually from the 0.7452 millage rate.
This has meant over $23 Million of
services in the ten years that Calhoun
County has administered the service
Page 15
greater
Senior Times - October 2009
Page 16
Senior Times - October 2009
Aging and Disability Resource Line: 1-866-642-4582
General agency telephone: 269-966-2450
200 West Michigan Avenue Suite 102, Battle Creek, MI 49017
My Medicare
Matters
It’s Coming!
Each year, Medicare plans
change what they cost and what
they cover. Your needs may also
change from year to year, so taking some time to review your
choices is important. To help consumers plan for their Medicare
coverage, the next general open
enrollment starts on November
15, 2009. During this time, people with Medicare can add, drop
or change their prescription drug
coverage. They can also select a
health plan for their 2010 coverage.
In giving due diligence to your
annual Medicare check-up, consider reviewing your options
through your local Medicare/
Medicaid Assistance Program
(MMAP). These programs, located in every county in Michigan,
provide free counseling services
for Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries and their caregivers. They
have no financial interest in your
choice and therefore, provide
unbiased information about plans
and options that are available.
They can also help you learn
about other public benefits and
programs that can help lowincome seniors pay for their
Medicare plan costs.
Because costs, plans and your
needs change, take a look every
year at what is available, even if
you are happy with your current
plan.
Look for open enrollment
events throughout Calhoun
County, or contact the MMAP
program of the Area Agency on
Aging by calling 1-800-8037174. You can also contact the
Calhoun County Office of Senior
Services, which is a MMAP
counseling site.
CONTACTING ELECTED
OFFICIALS
U.S. Capitol Switchboard
202-224-3121
Website/Internet
www.house.gov • www.senate.gov
Postal Service/U.S. Mail
The Honorable (Name)
United States Senate or
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510
KINSHIP KORNER
Another Life Lesson
By: Karla Fales
I’ve been so fortunate lately to
meet some truly
wonderful older
citizens in our
community – I
guess it is a job
perk. I introduced you last month
to a spunky lady named Jackie
who has lived “never bothering
with regrets.” Shortly after I met
Jackie, I was fortunate to be
introduced to another incredible
older adult in Battle Creek.
“Mr. D” shuns too much attention these days so I’ll not share
his real name with you, but suffice it to say, he seems to have
discovered a secret to a long and
happy life. Mr. D was an active
volunteer, a dedicated worker at a
local nonprofit, an advocate for
causes that righted wrongs and
helped people. I only had a short
conversation with Mr. D, but he
impressed this life lesson on me If you work hard at living,
living won’t be such hard work.
Mr. D told me he moves a little
slower and takes a little longer to
do things, “but I still care and I
still work as hard as I can at what
I can.”
Mr. D had called me over at a
meeting to share some areas he
HEALTH CARE REFORM
You’ve seen the news, read the
papers, and probably spent some time
wondering what is really in those
1,100 pages of Health Care Reform
legislation. Rather than jump into the
middle of what has become a very
heated national debate, here are a few
items that are actually in the bills
approved by three of the House committees that will impact the 45 million
Medicare beneficiaries:
• Extend the life of the Medicare
Trust Fund by five years.
• Waive all co-payments on
preventative services.
• Provide 50 percent discounts on
brand-name prescriptions in the
coverage gap known as the
“doughnut hole.” Eliminate the gap
entirely within 12 years.
• Eliminate 14 percent in “overpayments” to Medicare Advantage
plans over 10-year period; pay $10
billion in bonuses to high-quality
plans.
• Increase reimbursements to primarycare doctors, general practitioners
and psychiatrists by five percent.
thought I should work at to help
older adults like him in our community. He had some good ideas
and I certainly listened intently!
Articulate, interested in people,
still an advocate, Mr. D told me
he always tried to work hard and
take pretty good care of himself,
but “mostly,” he said, “I just tried
to help others.”
My newly acquainted friends’
advice seems to echo some of the
ideas that came out of a study of
one hundred 99-year old
Americans who were asked about
the secret to their longevity. The
researchers found that these nearCentenarians had simple lessons
to share – Work hard (but not
necessarily longer), live without
regret, add in some clean living,
and don’t neglect faith and spirituality.
What amazing seniors we have
in our community – Thanks for
letting me get to know you! Now
excuse me while I get back to
working hard at living!
P.S. If you know an amazing
older adult in our community that
I should get to know, give me a
call! I’d love to talk with them –
after all, I have many lessons still
to learn!
• Reduce payments to skilled-nursing
homes and rehabilitation centers by
$15 billion over the next decade.
• Pay medical professionals for counseling patients about end-of-life
options
• Reduce payments to providers that
have patients with high hospital
readmission rates.
• Grant biologic therapies 12 to 14
years of market protection before a
generic version can seek Food and
Drug Administration approval.
• Cancel a proposed 21 percent cut in
physician reimbursements, estimated to cost $228 billion over 10
years.
This information is from the
Congressional Budget Office and the
House Ways and Means Committee.
To read more about the myths and
mysteries surrounding health care
reform, go to the website for the
National Committee to Preserve
Social Security and Medicare at
http://www.ncpssm.org/ or call their
Senior/Legislative Updates hotline at
1-800-998-0180.
HEALTH. INDEPENDENCE. CHOICE.
Pat Scheid,
Kinship Coordinator
Family Enrichment Center
WEB: www.foster-adoptive
kinship.org
PH: (269) 660-0448
FX: (269) 963-0160
ADDRESS:
415 S. 28th Street
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Calhoun County Kinship Care Services
advocates for and provides supportive services to families raising related children. If you
are raising a related child, you may be eligible for Kinship Care Services through the
Family Enrichment Center, located within the
Foster Adoptive Family Resource & Support
Center. Kinship Care Services offers support
groups, helpful classes and specialized training sessions. Call the Family Enrichment
Center at (269) 660-0448 for more information about Kinship Care Services or any of
the activities listed below.
ASUPPORTING CHILDREN
EXPERIENCING GRIEF
Some children are living with relatives
because of the death of a parent. Sometimes
they are living with a relative because
parental rights have been terminated. Kinship
children need a trusted and supportive person
to talk with regarding the feelings they may
be experiencing as a result of being separated
from their parents. Caregivers who are
inclined to encourage the suppression of feelings send the message, overtly or covertly,
that some feelings are good or right and others are bad or wrong. This can be confusing
for a child. The following are suggestions for
better ways to respond to a child experiencing grief.
• Your child’s feelings and concerns should
take precedence over almost everything else.
When your child tries to share feelings, stop
what you are doing immediately (or as soon
as you can) and focus on your child and what
he or she is saying. It is important for your
child to realize that he/she is important
enough to receive your undivided attention at
such times.
• When your child shares sadness, anger,
guilt or shame, whether verbally or physically, don’t ask that those feelings be postponed,
denied, or concealed. Stifling grief requires
precious energy better used to deal with all
the changes accompanying loss and adjusting
to kinship care. Moreover, grief driven
underground can return months or even years
later to haunt your child.
• When your child’s feelings or the duration
or timing of those feelings differ from your
own, respect the differences and don’t criticize or appear upset by your child’s statements, feelings, and/or actions. It is the
recognition, acceptance and validation of
each emotion as it occurs that lets your child
move from one emotional state to another so
that grief can be worked through.
• Remember that children often just want
someone to bear witness to their pain and
grief. If you have a close relationship with
your child, what you say may not be as
important as what you do. The touch of a
hand on a knee, an arm around a shoulder, a
lap to sit on, or a shoulder to cry against can
offer profound relief.
• If your child seems to be playing up grief
for attention, this is a signal that some other
need is likely not being met. Giving extra
support and showing ample authentic positive interest will usually help to make the
problem disappear. Some of this information
was taken from “Helping Children Cope with
Separation and Loss” by Claudia Jewett
Jarratt
Senior Times - October 2009
Page 17
For More Information Call (269) 441-0948
AGING WELL SERIES
Aging Well educational programs are free and open to the public. They are held at Burnham Brook Community
Center. A light luncheon is provided at 11:30am followed by the presentation at noon.
To register, call toll free 1-877-GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).
New Approaches in
Conquering Breast Cancer
Wednesday, October 21
October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month. Did you know
that the chance of getting breast cancer goes up as a woman gets older?
According to the American Cancer
Society about 2 out of 3 women
with invasive breast cancer are age
55 or older when the cancer is
found. Unfortunately, older women
are less likely to get yearly mammograms. This month, Drs Murray and
French will discuss the latest information on preventing and treating
breast cancer.
Wendy French, D.O., is board certified in medical oncology and in
internal medicine. She is a member
of the American Society of Clinical
Oncology and the American
Osteopathic Association. She is on
staff at Battle Creek Health System
Medical Oncology & Hematology,
The Cancer Care. She earned her
medical degree at Des Moines
University, completed her internship
at Arrowhead Regional Medical
Center in San Bernardino,
California and residency in internal
medicine from the University of
Kentucky in Lexington. She completed her hematology/oncology fellowship at the Medical College of
Virginia through Virginia
Commonwealth University in
Richmond. Dr. French is active in
clinical research through the Grand
Rapids Clinical Oncology Program
for clinical trials.
Kerri Murray, MD received her
undergraduate degree in Biological
residency at Butterworth Hospital
in Grand Rapids and fellowships in
infectious diseases and pulmonary
critical care medicine at the
University of Michigan Medical
Center, Ann Arbor, MI. He is board
certified in internal medicine,
infectious diseases and pulmonary critical
care
medicine.
Gregory
Harrington, D.O.
Chemistry at Wellesley College,
Wellesley, MA. Her medical degree
was completed at Rush Medical
College, Rush Presbyterian - St.
Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago,
Illinois. She completed her surgical
residency and training at Finch
University of Health Sciences/
Chicago Medical School - Mount
Sinai Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. Dr.
Murray is a member of the Battle
Creek Health System medical staff.
Wendy
French, D.O.
Kerri
Murray, M.D.
Flu Shots and Pneumonia Shots
At the Burnham Brook Center
Presented by Lifespan - Thursday, October 15 & Wednesday November 4 - 10am - 3pm
SITES
TIME
DAYS
Cherry Hill Manor
Huron Reservation
Lakeview Meadows Upper
Homer /Barneyville
Tekonsha
Marshall House Apartments
Forks Senior Center
Village Mill Creek
9-10am
10:30-11:30am
8:30-9:30am
8:30-9:15am
9:30-10:15am
9:00-10:00am
10:30-11:30am
10:30-11:30am
Monday
Monday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Thursday
Thursday
Wednesday
YOU WILL LEARN TO:
• View falls as controllable
• Set goals for
increasing activity
• Make changes to reduce
fall risks at home
• Exercise to increase
strength and balance
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
• Anyone concerned
about falls
• Anyone interested in
improving balance,
flexibility and strength
• Anyone who has fallen
in the past
• Anyone who has restricted
activities because of
falling concerns
UPCOMING CLASSES
• Forks Senior
Center Albion
Mondays, 9 - 11 am
October 5 - November 23
Call to sign up for upcoming
classes (269) 441-0948.
SHARON’S NAIL CARE
Gift Certificates Available
Tuesdays, 9am - Noon
For Appointment Call:
(269) 965-1885
KEEP MOVIN’
CHAIR EXERCISES
Mondays & Fridays 10:30am
Burnham Brook
Community Center
Free and open to public!
§
Whole Person Wellness Schedule
Whole Person Wellness is a one-hour,
weekly program that includes medical
and behavioral health screenings, limited
mobility exercises, and health education.
The program is funded, in part, by
Calhoun County Senior Millage. It is free
and open to anyone 60 years of age and
older who resides in Calhoun County.
For more information, call Senior Health
Partners at (269) 441-0948.
A MATTER OF BALANCE
is an award-winning program
designed to manage falls and
increase activity levels. This
program emphasizes practical
strategies to manage falls.
§
Influenza season is here! Are you
prepared? Influenza, better known
as "the flu," is a highly contagious
viral infection of the respiratory
tract that can lead to serious illness
and even death. Young children,
elderly people and people with
chronic medical conditions such as
congestive heart failure, asthma or
diabetes are at high risk for serious
complications. According to the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), the best
protection against the flu is to get
an annual flu vaccination.
Gregory Harrington, DO an infectious disease physician at Battle
Creek Health System and medical
director at the Calhoun County
Health Department will speak on
H1N1, flu prevention and dispelling
the myths around flu shots.
Dr. Harrington received his medical education from Michigan State
University School of Osteopathic
Medicine with an internship at St.
Lawrence Hospital in Lansing. He
completed his internal medicine
§
Influenza & H1N1 Are You Prepared?
Wednesday, October 14
DO YOU HAVE
CONCERNS
ABOUT FALLING?
Clinic Screenings
Around the Community
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Are you providing care for a
parent, spouse, relative, or disabled
adult? Are you or your care recipient
60 or over? If you answered yes to
both of these, you may be eligible
for the following services at reduced
or no charges: Respite, Counseling,
Caregiver Training Programs, supplemental services and more . . .
Call Senior Health Partners at
(269) 441-0920 for more
information.
The Caregiver library is a community resource for those who are
providing care for parents, spouses,
relatives, disabled adults, and kinship caregivers. Topics include caring for the caregiver, dealing with
caregiver issues and disease specific
information as well.
Materials can be checked out and
taken home. You do not have to be a
member of Burnham Brook to use
this exciting resource.
www.seniorhealthpartners.com
Burnham Brook
Community Center
Mon & Fri 10:30 - 11:30am
Wednesdays 9:30 - 11:30am
Lakeview Square Mall
Tuesdays; 8 - 9am
Battle Creek Health
System Atrium
Wednesdays; 8:30 - 10am
An SHP nurse provides free
blood pressure, blood sugar and
pulse-ox screenings, at the above
sites around our community.
Page 18
Pick up any newspaper, visit
the various news Websites, or
turn on your TV or radio news
programs and you are bound to
hear something about H1N1
(swine) influenza. No matter
where you hear about it though, the primary
consistent messages are to be vigilant about
protecting yourself from the influenza, and
most everyone should consider getting their
flu vaccinations.
“Influenza, commonly referred to as ‘the
flu,’ is a respiratory illness spread by a virus
that infects the nose, throat, bronchial airways, and lungs,” says Dr. Gregory
Harrington, a physician at Battle Creek
Health System’s Center for Infectious Disease
and Pulmonary Medicine and medical director for the Calhoun County Public Health
Department. “This highly contagious virus is
spread via airborne droplets from coughing
and sneezing. Incubation takes from two to
three days.”
What can you do to protect yourself
against the flu this season? The best single
way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu
shot now as well as the H1N1 inoculation
when it is available because the strains of
Senior Times - October 2009
influenza change from season to season.
Dr. Harrington, who is also one of the doctors in Mercy Community Physicians, a
multi-specialty practice in Battle Creek, says
that the flu can cause severe illness and for
some, life-threatening complications. “Those
in the high-risk category for mature adults
include people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health
care and emergency medical services personnel, people between the ages of 25 and 64,
and adults with chronic health conditions.
Those are the first who should consider not
only having regular influenza vaccinations,
but also having the H1N1 shots when they
become available this fall.”
“There are a number of false assumptions
about the flu vaccine,” says Dr. Harrington.
“Because it is made with inactivated virus it
cannot give you the flu. It does, however, take
a couple of weeks before your body builds up
enough antibodies to be protective, so it is
possible to get the flu in the period shortly
after having the shot. It is also possible that
the strains selected in the annual vaccine may
not adequately reflect the most common
strain in your area. And because the dominant
strains vary each year, you have to be
vaccinated every year to maintain protection.”
FluMist is a live influenza vaccine delivered as a nasal mist but it is not currently recommended for children under age five or
adults over 50.
The simplest method of avoiding the
spread of infection is frequent hand washing, preferably with antibacterial soap
from a sanitary dispenser.
Other things that will help are:
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
to elude spreading germs
• If you are sick, do not go in to work or
school – isolate yourself at home
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands again and often
The traditional flu season brings the added
threat of the Novel H1N1 flu. No matter the
flu strain, the way to avoid or at least reduce
your chances of contracting either virus is the
same. Get your shots and practice good flu
hygiene.
Senior Times - October 2009
Page 19
questions and answers
When
Only the best
will do...
MEDICAL CARE
Peter Phelps, Special to Senior Times
WE FIGHT HARDER AT
BEATING CANCER
Cancer is often misunderstood and
greatly feared by most people. But by
learning more about the disease, you
can help reduce your risk for getting
it and you can make better decisions
about treatment if you or a loved one
receives that diagnosis. Cancer puts
up a good fight, but the staff at the
Cancer Care Center at Battle Creek
Health System fights harder.
The Cancer Care Center is one of
the most comprehensive cancer treatment locations in the state. Our
exceptionally skilled staff offer full
service medical oncology, a wide
range of clinical trials, and state-ofthe-art radiation therapy; we have
excellent surgeons and a new surgery
center, genetic counseling, and a
nurse navigator program to help
patients work through the best treatments. No other center in the area
can match our record of accomplishments.
Allow me to quote some statistics
from the Commission on Cancer’s
national data base (2004-2006) that
clearly demonstrate the effectiveness
of the cancer care that is offered
locally.
For Stage II or III breast cancers
diagnosed and treated with
chemotherapy within four months for
women under 70, the Cancer Care
Center had a performance rating of
100% compared to 81.9% for the rest
of the Michigan.
For Stage II or III breast cancers
diagnosed and treated with
Tamoxifen® inhibitor within one
year for women, the Cancer Care
Center had a performance rating of
92.5% compared to 57.5% for the
rest of the Michigan.
Those numbers speak volumes
about the kind of care that is delivered close to home!
We are also pleased to announce
that the Cancer Care Center is now
part of the newly formed Mercy
Cancer Network. This is a group of
Trinity Health organizations throughout Michigan that links local hospitals and cancer centers to provide
patients and families access to the
most advanced medicine and latest in
cancer diagnostics, clinical research
trials, and therapeutic technology.
This network gives patients an opportunity to receive care and treatment
locally, while providing access to a
broad array of technology and specialized treatment options throughout
the state.
Thankfully physicians and scientists know far more about cancer
today than they did even a couple of
decades ago; and their knowledge
continues to grow. Surgery, radiation
therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other forms of treatment as
well as genetic testing are proving to
be very effective in combating and
controlling cancer.
Genetic test results can help you
make informed decisions about managing your health. For example, a
negative result can eliminate the need
for unnecessary checkups and screenings in some cases. A positive result
can direct you toward available prevention, monitoring, and treatment
options.
Call 269.789.3939
Many people diagnosed with
cancer are living longer, and many
never have their cancers come
back.
So if you receive a diagnosis of
cancer, there is hope and help from
the Cancer Care Center at Battle
Creek Health System. Remember,
cancer is a tough fighter, but we fight
harder.
For more information, call
(269) 966-8647.
‘GRACE’ AT CANCER CARE CENTER
For people diagnosed with cancer
and their supporters, high stress levels
and emotions can lead to fear.
Research suggests that healing environments with elements of nature, art
and music provide a more positive
experience and may lead to improved
outcomes for these patients. That is
why Battle Creek Health System has
teamed with the American Cancer
Society and CSM Group of
Kalamazoo to offer ‘Grace’ in the
Cancer Care Center lobby.
Andrew Freemire teamed up with
the late John Galloup to create a special piece of art that might bring solace to those fighting cancer. ‘Grace’
was recently unveiled at an open
house at the Cancer Care Center to a
crowd of nearly 200 people.
“John and I designed ‘Grace’ to
enhance the nurturing, peaceful, and
beautiful environment of The Cancer
Care Center,” says Freemire. “As it
glides above visitors, it is with our
deepest intent that she will bring
inner peace – acceptance, courage,
and a sense of personal, comforting
grace.”
Ultimately, the impact of ‘Grace’
will be felt for generations of cancer
survivors and those who support
them.
“It is my hope that ‘Grace’ will
offer the same hope and healing to all
who walk through the doors of the
Cancer Care Center,” says local cancer survivor Julie McDonald. “Not
just those with cancer, but the caregivers who also are affected by this
disease.”
The American Cancer Society
Cancer Resource Center at the Cancer
Care Center has trained volunteers
available to work with patients and
their loved ones on issues such as
transportation to treatments, help with
financial and insurance questions,
provide information on clinical trials,
and lend a supportive ear. For more
information on the Cancer Care
Center or the American Cancer
Society, call (269) 966-8176 or
(800) 227-2345.
• Rent based
on 30% of your
income.
• Utilities
included
• Convenient
downtown
locations
• Easy access
to public
transportation
• Good parking
• Laundry
facilities
Nancy Morgan,
Resident
Kathy Rogers,
CAA Supervisor
Kay Johnson,
Resident
Cherry Hill Manor (10 Clay)
Kellogg Manor (250 Champion St.)
Apply at B.C.H.C. • 250 Champion St.,
Battle Creek • 965-0591
Monday Thru Friday 7am-noon or 1-4pm
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
Page 20
Senior Times - October 2009
PHOTO CLUB VISITS HIDDEN LAKE GARDENS
Promoting health,
independance and
choice for older
adults, individuals
with disabilities, and
caregivers.
We are a non-profit agency committed to providing information, assistance, and resources to create
choices for independence. Older
adults and people with disabilities
want to remain in their homes for as
long as possible. We can help! We
also help caregivers access services
to help them be more effective.
•••
Have questions, not sure
where to start? Call our trained
specialists today.
1-866-MICH-LTC (642-4582)
By: Gail Heeter
Hidden Lake Gardens in the Irish
Hills of southeastern Michigan was
the destination for the Burnham
Brook photo club.
Hidden Lake Gardens began as a
private garden and nursery. Now its
755 acres, owned by Michigan State
University, includes five miles of hiking trails, an arboretum, a large plant
conservatory, and scenic drives winding through woodlands and past the
lake and a pond with a pair of resident swans.
The group first explored the
Visitors Center, with its gift shop full
of nature-related books, jewelry and
gifts, and a fine view of Hidden Lake
from the large second-floor window.
The lake is “hidden” from the road,
the clerk explained, thus the name.
The many flower plantings
around the buildings attracted colorful butterflies, and both attracted
the photographers.
After many attempts, they did get
some good butterfly pictures, though
they were surprised to find that many
of the swallowtail butterflies were
missing their “tails” and some had
lost part of their wings. A butterfly’s
life is usually short, and their fragility
leaves them defenseless against buffeting winds, birds, and other predators.
The conservatory provided the next
photo opportunity, and there were
many beautiful and unusual plants to
enjoy. The conservatory includes the
tropical dome, the arid dome and the
temperate house. Each area displays
plants from around the world. An
adjoining outdoor area showcases a
collection of bonsai trees, each of the
miniature trees a work of art.
Future photo trips are being
planned, and anyone interested is
encouraged to contact Mary Jasper at
(269) 979-3056 for more information.
The regular meetings will be held the
second Tuesday of the month, unless
a special event requires rescheduling.
Membership at Burnham Brook is not
required to participate.
200 W. Michigan Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-966-2450
800-626-6719
www.region3b.org
S E RV I C I N G B A R RY
AND CALHOUN COUNTIES
SCHEDULE YOUR MAMMOGRAM
By: Jane Johnson
October is Breast Cancer
Awareness month. This is the month
to wear your pink ribbon of hope
proudly. This is the month you need
to get your Mammogram. There are
many places that will do it for a discount, or even for free under the right
circumstances.
Starting at age 40 it is now recommended that you get a
Mammogram once a year. Before
you even ask if you need to get one
because there is no history in your
family, let me tell you, YES.
Name ________________________
Address ______________________
_____________________________
City
State
One year subscription
Special two year subscription
Send to:
Senior Times
4642 Capital Ave. SW
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Zip
$12.00 per year
$20.00 two years
Make Checks Payable to Senior Times
I am living proof of this. Four
years ago I followed my doctor’s
instructions to get a mammogram. I
called it a nuisance. There was no
need for that, but I usually do what
I’m told. Thank goodness I did. My
cancer was found and removed.
There was no lymph node involvement and, therefore, no radiation and
no traditional chemo, just a small pill
every day for five years. So let me be
your advocate, your example, your
cheerleader, listen to the great advice
and get your Mammogram.
I want to introduce you to one of
my cheerleaders. You can see her in
the picture, Barbara CzeiszpergerOsborn, with her big catch. Barbara is
also the Calhoun County East,
“Purple Fairy.” By day, the Purple
Fairy works as the Nurse Manager at
Maplewood of Marshall. She is diligent, knowledgeable and effective at
determining the needs and providing
the road map to meet those needs for
the guests who live at Maplewood. As
the Purple Fairy, Barb, is not only a
leader in the fight against cancer but
also an advocate for people afflicted
by cancer. Her purple wings allow her
to fly above and sprinkle fairy dust
spreading the message of hope and
encouraging others to take action, get
tested, fight back and celebrate our
successes.
Maplewood will have a team, lead
by our very own Purple Fairy, walking in Making Strides against Breast
Cancer. This event is an American
Cancer Society Event and is held in
Kalamazoo on the morning of
October 10.
Maplewood opens their Ice Cream
Parlor to you on October 15 at 2pm.
We hope you will come to have ice
cream and to meet Calhoun County
East’s Purple Fairy. We also still have
the big, beautiful fish in the front
lobby and invite you to have your picture taken “Fishing for a Cure.”
For any information about either
event, the Purple Fairy or Maplewood
of Marshall, a Laurel Assisted Living
please call (269) 781-4997. Or you
can visit us in Marshall at 200
Westbrook Ct.
Senior Times - October 2009
MEDICARE, MEDICAID AND CENTRACARE
By: Tina Shivley, LMSW, Centracare Center Manager
Many of us get very confused when
it comes to understanding the Federal
and State funded forms of Health
Insurance. Typical of government programs, there are many different situations and programs. Here is a simplified way of looking at the various programs.
Medicare is a social insurance provided by the Federal Government for
persons 65 or older, disabled individuals who have received 24 months of
Social Security Disability or persons
of any age with end-stage renal disease.
Medicare A predominantly covers
part of the costs for the following:
• Inpatient Hospital Stays
• Skilled Nursing Facility Care
• Home Health Care
• Hospice Care
Medicare B is part of Medicare
intended to fill some of the gaps in
insurance coverage left by Medicare
A. Part B pays 80% of the “reasonable
charge” for covered services, with the
patient paying the remaining 20%.
Not all physician and health care
agencies accept the Medicare reimbursement rate and the patient may be
responsible for a portion of this.
Typical items and services covered
under Part B are:
• Physician Services
• Home Health Care
• Diagnostic x-ray and lab tests
• Durable Medical Equipment
• Outpatient surgeries and hospital
services
• Ambulance services
• Some Occupational, Physical and
Speech Therapies
• Mammography screening
Medicare D is a Federal Program
to help subsidize the costs of prescription medications.
Medicaid is a health insurance program for individuals and families with
low income and resources, which is
funded by the Federal and State governments, but managed by the State
governments.
Centracare is a local P.A.C.E.
(Programs of All Inclusive Care for the
Elderly) program aimed at assisting
frail elderly adults to remain in their
homes in the community. Most
Centracare participants are “dual eligible” under both the Medicare and
Medicaid programs. Additionally,
Medicaid-only participants and
Medicare-only with a private pay portion, can also become involved with
our program if they meet the eligibility
criteria. Centracare provides comprehensive health care for Medicare and
Medicaid eligible seniors. Through a
holistic, interdisciplinary managed
care approach, Centracare provides all
of the above mentioned care and more,
like attendance at our Day Center for
recreational activities, personal care,
laundry and housekeeping services to
their eligible participants. Many other
services and supplies are also covered
by Centracare.
If you would like further information regarding the Centracare P.A.C.E.
program and Medicare and Medicaid
coverage, please call us at
(269) 441-9300.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Page 21
Adam & Eve Salon Spa
1504 Capital Ave NE
Suite # 110
Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-660-8566
Intro to Senior Citizen
Services For The
Month of October
Shampoo & Set reg. $20,
Now only $15
Shampoo, Cut & Style reg. $30,
Now only $25
Perms reg. $45, Now only $40
Color reg. $50, Now only $40
1 hour Massages reg. $55,
Now only $45
MUST PRESENT THIS AD • Offer not valid in combination with any other discount
We all have special memories . . .
some as simple as watching the sun
set in our own back yard.
At the Farley, Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home,
we believe in celebrating the life lived. We can
help you plan a special service that will be
appropriately memorable.
105 Capital Ave., N.E. at North Avenue
Battle Creek, Michigan • 269-962-5527
By: Morgan Johnson
HAVEN OF REST MINISTRIES, INC.
Kitchen Helper - The Haven of Rest prepares and serves three meals to the homeless who are staying in our shelters and programs. Volunteers are needed to do
minor food preparation, serve meals, cleanup and food storage / inventory. These
volunteers will assist in providing nutritious meals for homeless individuals and
families. Volunteers must have a current TB test or get one. Volunteers may be sent
to food service training and certification.
Contact: Gwendolyn (Gwen) Zeine, (269) 965-1148, Ext. 16,
gwen.zeine@thehavenbc.org
CHARITABLE UNION
Client Store Clerk – If you are a people person, then this is the volunteer opportunity you are looking for! Charitable Union is an agency that gives out clothing in a
retail setting. They are looking for someone with a smile and a kind word for
clients. This person will be responsible for stocking and cleaning the store. Other
responsibilities will include checking out clients.
Volunteer Board Member - Would you like to feel you are helping in your
Community? Charitable Union is looking for that special volunteer who would like
to join their board who can provide some expertise to the board in the area of
finances and reporting. A person in the field of finances and banking is needed. A
working knowledge of Quick Books is important.
Contact: Jayne Kempf, (269) 964-7234 Ext 103, jayne@charitableunion.org
GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF MICHIGAN
Girl Mentors Needed! - Girl Scout volunteers are special people. They mentor girls
to reach their full potential. Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and include
all ages, interest and educational levels. What do they all have in common? The
desire and commitment to lead girls on a path toward courage, confidence and character. What types of positions are available? Troop Leader, Troop Organizer,
Outreach Volunteer, Adult Learning Facilitator, Campus Volunteer, Interest Group
Leader, Special Event Coordinator, Product Sale Manager, and Award Advisor.
These various positions offer either a short or long term volunteer opportunity
depending on your schedule. Training for volunteers will be provided based on the
position you wish to hold.
Contact: Lisa Stewart, (269) 781-8720, lstewart@gshom.org
Bottom /Clockwise:
Paul Ernest, M.D.,
Raphael Addiego, M.D.
Surendar Purohit, M.D.,
Kevin Lavery, M.D.
Nationally
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Technologies for
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HUMOR FROM YOU
Cataracts, Diseases of the eye, Diabetic Eye Care needs,
CASH FOR CLUNKERS - IF MY BODY WERE A CAR . . .
If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for
a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish, and my paint
job is getting a little dull. But that's not the worst of it. My headlights are out of
focus, and it's especially hard to see things up close.
My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump
into things even in the best of weather.
My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach my
maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.
But here's the worst of it –
Almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, either my radiator leaks or my
exhaust backfires.
Cash for clunkers … I qualify. How about You?
*TLC Eyecare can bill these conditions to your medical insurance.
Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, and Dry eyes.
363 Freemont St., Ste 301
Battle Creek, MI 49017
877-852-8463
w w w. t l c e y e c a r e . c o m
Other locations: Adrian, Ann Arbor, Farmington Hills,
Chelsea, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing
Page 22
Senior Times - October 2009
from our state
CAPITOL
Kate Segal, State Rep. 62nd District, Special to Senior Times
SENIOR SERVICES MUST
CONTINUE
It's great that there are so many
organizations in Battle Creek and
across the state that do such important
work and offer vital services to our
seniors.
These include advocacy groups,
like the Region III-B Area Agency on
Aging, the United Way, the Burnham
Brook Center, or Community Action
of South Central Michigan. They also
can be groups that offer access to
health care, such as the Calhoun
Health Plan, or groups that support
seniors in other ways, like the
Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Each one of these groups in
Calhoun County is important because
they provide programs and services
that enhance the lives of our older
residents. Having served on the Area
Agency on Aging and the board of
the Calhoun Health Plan, I can say
firsthand that these folks are working
hard to make sure you have access to
the services you need.
If you haven't taken advantage of
these services, I urge you to see if
they can assist you in any way. I feel
strongly that we need to preserve
these services and do everything
within our means to support and protect our older residents.
I recently joined my colleagues in
passing the first wave of legislation in
our Elder Abuse Protection Plan. Our
plan takes aim at elder abuse by creating tough new penalties for predators, strengthening consumer protections, and empowering concerned citizens to help stop and prevent abuse
cases. By allowing seniors, or any
concerned citizen who suspects
abuse, to file a criminal complaint,
we can make sure our seniors receive
the help they need.
I also recently introduced a plan
that will help provide much-needed
financial stability to the Springfieldbased Legion Villa, which is in danger of closing. My plan will allow the
center, a nonprofit adult foster care
facility that serves honorably discharged veterans from across the
country, to lease or sell some of the
land it owns and use the funds to
update its facilities and maintain them
in the future. By becoming self-sufficient, the center will be able to keep
providing a home and other services
for our veterans well into the future.
There's no doubt that we're going
through some very tough times here
in Michigan, but we will get through
them, just as we have before. Until
then, we must give our residents the
support that they deserve.
We can learn a lot from all of
you about how to survive tough
times and how to come through
them stronger. Right now, we need
your wisdom and your experience
more than ever.
You have worked hard your whole
lives, and many of you may still be
working, while others volunteer their
time. Many of you help out at a local
school, hospital, or place of worship.
Some of you may even mentor a
young student. Our community –
especially our young people – can
benefit greatly from your skills and
knowledge.
We need more residents who care
deeply about Michigan and are
engaged in expressing their concerns,
ideas, and expertise. I want to thank
our advocacy groups and all other
organizations and individuals who are
stepping up to give back to our communities. Contributing your time and
hard work will truly make a difference and help guide policies that will
build a better Michigan for all generations.
State Representative Kate Segal
represents the 62nd House District,
which includes Calhoun County.
Residents can contact Segal at (888)
DIST-062 or via e-mail at katesegal@house.mi.gov.
BATTLE CREEK AREA DOLL CLUB HOSTS TEA
By: Shirley DeRuiter
The Battle Creek Area Doll Club
will be hosting a tea on Saturday,
October 17 from Noon to 2pm at the
Art Center of Battle Creek at 265
East Emmett. There is no cost to
attend. Over a hundred dolls belonging to members of the doll club will
be on display.
The Battle Creek Area Doll Club is
affiliated with the United Federation
of Doll Clubs, an international organization that encourages and promotes
the hobby of doll collecting.
If you love dolls and might be
interested in becoming a part of this
group, plan to attend this event.
Though appraisals will not be made at
this event, attendees are welcome to
bring a doll that you would like to
know more about. A door prize will
be awarded to the lucky winner and
refreshments will be served. For more
information, call Linda Holderbaum
at the Art Center at
(269) 962-9511.
Some members of the doll club include (Back left to right) Deborah Bennett,
Gayle Archie, Denise Turner, and Shirley DeRuiter. (Front left to right)
Rosemary Davidson, Robyn Watson, Betty Johnson, and Linda Alday.
Senior Times - October 2009
ask
GUARDIAN
What’s New at Airway?
THE INVACARE VENTURE
HomeFill II
Complete Home Oxygen System
That will revolutionize ambulatory oxygen
by allowing patients to fill their own high
pressure cylinders from a concentrator.
• Connection and controls are designed for
ease of operation
• Fill cylinders while patient continues
to receive oxygen from concentrator
• Gives ambulatory patients greater
freedom and independence
• Small and lightweight
• Eliminates frequent deliveries of
cylinders and/or liquid oxygen
Pat Fosdick, Special to Senior Times
IS MEDICARE STUFF REALLY
FREE?
Dear Pat,
my mother is obsessed with getting
free stuff, even if she does not need
it. She has extra podiatry kits for
foot therapy, three blood pressure
cuffs, and two electric scooters, five
blood sugar testing kits, oodles of
special shoes and socks. Medicare
paid for all of this. Worst of all she
responds to infomercials on television and the “free offers” cost her
lots of money. What can I do?
It is tempting, isn’t it? It is easy to
see how someone can fall for this.
We work with at-risk adults and they
can be particularly susceptible to
freebee scams.
Of course the items paid by
Medicare were not free, we taxpayers
foot the bill. I assume that you have
talked with her about this problem. If
she shows signs of mental deterioration, you should contact her doctor.
It is easy to fall in these traps,
however. Sales of Medicare subsidized items can be aggressive and
push the line of reasonableness. We
also know of an elder with two scooters; the new scooter gathers dust
because she likes the old one best.
Infomercial (and Internet) sellers
sometimes inflate “shipping and handling costs.” The item may be free,
but S&H charges can turn out to be
twenty to fifty dollars! This fee is
also used to discourage returns,
because if you return the item you
pay your own shipping cost (in addition to the original S&H costs). One
first person account I read said that
his company made a profit even if the
buyer returned the item!
Regarding some infomercials,
when you call to place an order the
operator immediately goes to work
on you to increase the amount order.
They are trained in this area and it
can be difficult for the caller to work
through this sales pitch to buy what
they originally had in mind.
A noted writer on freebees, Mr.
Lee Seats, offers the following two
pieces of advice to sort out the free
stuff from the scams:
Too good to be true - Offers that
appear too good to be true, are. You
should consider the seller’s motivation. A free trial size shampoo makes
sense because they are trying to sell
shampoo. A free vacation is unlikely,
unless there are large hidden charges
or other commitments attached.
Don't pay for prizes - If you get
email or postal mail proclaiming you
the winner of a great prize and all
you have to do is pay a fee or provide sensitive information to claim it,
don't. It is a scam and the only winners are the scammers.
For your mom’s situation, a simple solution may be for you to take
charge of her checkbook and credit
cards, with her permission of course.
That way you can monitor her transactions for possible frauds.
Senior Millage Helps Seniors
Thanks to Senior Millage in Calhoun
County, we also help seniors avoid
scams, keep their checkbook balanced and bills organized. This is our
“Financial Stress Buster” service. We
often find where people are overcharged or are paying for a service
they do not need. We enjoy helping
seniors save money! You could do the
same for your mom.
Have a question for Guardian?
Contact Pat Fosdick at 18 W.
Michigan Ave. #300, Battle Creek,
MI, 49017. Or, email her at pfosdick@yourguardian.org, or call her
at (269) 963-3253, extension 434.
Page 23
HELiOS
™
The new and incredible HELiOS ™
oxygen system gives you the freedom
to do just about anything you want to do,
all day, everyday. HELiOS, the smallest,
lightest, longest-lasting oxygen system
available. Medicare and most insurance
companies reimburse for liquid oxygen
systems such as HELiOS.
Ask us about our Respiratory Medication Program for Medicare Recipients!
Unit Dose Respiratory Medications for Aerosol Therapy Patients.
Albuterol and Ipratropium (DuoNeb) now available.
Home Medical & Rehabilitation Equipment & Supplies
595 North Ave. • Battle Creek, MI 49017
(269) 962-9541 or (800) 445-5820
www.airwayoxygeninc.com
Battle Creek • Hastings • Coldwater
NEED HELP PAYING FOR MEDICATIONS?
By: Jolene English, Community Services Manager
The Calhoun County Senior
Millage Prescription Program may be
able to assist you! Even if you have a
Medicare Part D plan, but you are
now in the “donut hole” when your
Part D plan no longer pays, you may
be eligible for assistance up to
$1000.00 per year.
Who is eligible? Seniors age 60
and over who live in Calhoun County
and are spending more than 5% of
their monthly income on prescription
medications.
What are the income guidelines?
Allowable monthly income for single/widowed person is $1,805 or less
and for married couples $2,428 or
less.
Who do I call for an appointment? Call Region 3B Area Agency
on Aging @ at Burnham Brook
Center (269) 441-0924 or toll free
1-800-626-6719. For seniors in
Albion and Homer area, contact
Albion Interfaith Ministries at (517)
629-5260.
What will I need to bring to my
appointment? Qualifying seniors
will need to provide proof of income,
social security number, Medicare
card, driver’s license and a print out
of their medications from their
Pharmacy.
This program is funded by the
Calhoun County Senior Millage. For
additional information please call the
Region 3B Area Agency on Aging at
(269) 441-0924.
Southwest Michigan Eye Center is equipped with the latest
diagnostic instrument for early glaucoma detection!
If you, or someone you know, are over age 60,
African-American over age 40, have high blood
pressure, diabetes, or a family history of glaucoma, you may be considered at higher risk than
others of developing glaucoma. With early
detection, using the Heidelberg Retina
Tomograph II (HRT II), vision loss from glaucoma may be avoided. Don’t wait!
Call today to schedule a non-invasive HRT II examination.
A Vision of Excellence
3600 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-979-6383 or 1-800-274-6699
www.swmeyecenter.com
Left to Right: Randall C. Stout, M.D.;
P. Jeffrey Colquhoun, M.D.; Larry M.Vander Plas, M.D.
Complete Local Eye Care with over 50
years combined experience.
Page 24
Senior Times - October 2009
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR: OCTOBER
Dance to the tunes of the past from Conway & Loretta,
George & Tammy, Merle Haggard and many MORE!
Thurs
“Senior day’s
D
The Co ance”
Wrangl untry
er B
at 6:30 and
pm
∫
∫
∫
$5.00 Cover
∫
∫
∫
Classic
Country Music!
“Senior try Band Guest Singers
un
Welcome!
Blue Co :30 pm
at 6
y’s
MondDaance”
Owners Barbara and Gary Phillips invite you to join us for
FOOD - FUN - FRIENDS
Located 10 miles north of Battle Creek in Assyria, MI
Call (269) 758-3939 For More Information.
PASSPORT TO
DISCOVERY FILMS
2009
The 66th YEAR 2010
presented by
THE KIWANIS CLUB OF BATTLE CREEK
Saturdays, 2:30 p.m.
2009 - 2010
October 17, 2009
INSIDE THE TUSCAN HILLS
November 7, 2009
THE SOUL OF INDIA
John Wilson
Rick Ray
November 21, 2009 YELLOWSTONE’S TRAILS & TALES Sandy Mortimer
January 23, 2010
STEAMBOATING ALASKAN WATERS
February 13, 2010
SCOTLAND TO PROVENCE
Monty Brown
BHUTAN, THE CLOUD KINGDOM
Tom Sterling
GREAT ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
John Holod
March 13, 2010
Arpil 10, 2010
Stan Walsh
*HAWAII* (Snowed out in February ‘09) is rescheduled for
April 24. 2010 and will be available to all 2008 - 2009
and 2009 - 2010 ticket holders.
1: Midday Matinee,
Marshall District Library, Marshall,
12-2pm, www.marshalldistrictlibrary.org.
1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Bellevue Farmers
Market, Washington Park, Downtown
Bellevue, 3-7pm, (269) 746-4648,
www.battlecreekvisitors.org.
1, 9-10, 16-17, 23, 30: Planetarium
Show – Stars of the Pharaohs, Kingman
Museum, Battle Creek, $, (269) 965-5117,
www.kingmanmuseum.org.
Thru Oct25: Oklahoma – Dinner Theatre,
Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA, Marshall, $,
(269) 781-4293, www.turkeyville.com.
2: First Friday Craft, Marshall District
Library, Marshall, 12-2pm,
www.marshalldistrictlibrary.org.
2-4: Kuzuricon, Kellogg Arena, Battle
Creek, All day event, (269) 966-3381,
www.kelloggarena.com or
www.kuzuricon.org.
3: Heritage Day Celebration, downtown
Union City.
3: Scarecrow Jubilee, Leila Arboretum
Children’s Garden, Battle Creek, Free,
10am-3pm, (269) 969-0270,
www.lasgarden.org.
3: Marshall River Clean up and
Conservation Day, Marshall River Walk,
Marshall, www.marshallmi.org.
3-4: Fiber Arts & Animal Festival and
Folk Art Show, Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA,
Marshall, 10am-5pm, (269) 781-4293,
http://www.turkeyville.com or
http://FiberArtFest.com.
3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31: Battle
Creek Farmers Market, Festival Market
Square, Downtown Battle Creek,
9am-1pm, (269) 746-4648,
www.battlecreekvisitors.org.
3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Marshall Area Farm
Market, Brooks Building, Marshall,
8am-12pm, www.marshallmi.org.
3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Springfield Farmer’s
Market, Begg Park, Springfield, 8am-2pm,
(269) 965-2354,
http://www.springfieldmich.com.
4: Founder's day Celebration, Starr
Commonwealth, Albion, Guest speaker Victoria Rowell, 7pm, www.starr.org
6: Pages at the Pub, Winstons’ Pub,
Schuler’s Restaurant, Marshall, 7pm,
www.marshalldistrictlibrary.org.
6: Find Family Roots, Marshall District
Library, Marshall, 7-8:15pm,
www.marshalldistrictlibrary.org.
Season tickets: $35 adults and $10 children
Single admission tickets: $6 adults and $2 children
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR
LAKEVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
West Columbia Avenue at 28th Street
If You Have Any Questions, Call (269) 965-8693
9: BBBC Brass & Cheer Oktoberfest
Fundraiser, 5:30pm, Battle Creek Country
Club, $, (269) 963-5900.
9-31: The Great ZooBoo, Binder Park
Zoo, Battle Creek, Wed -Fri 5-8:30pm,
Sat - Sun 3-8:30pm, (269) 979-1351,
www.binderparkzoo.org.
9, 12, 24: Let's Talk About Books
Discussion Group, Marshall District
Library, Marshall,12pm, 1pm, 7pm,
www.marshalldistrictlibrary.org.
10: 9th Annual If These Stones Could
Talk… Living History, Oakridge Cemetery,
Marshall, 7pm, (269) 781-5163,
www.marshallmi.org.
10, 28: Tosca, The Met: Live in HD
Series, W Columbia Theatres, Battle
Creek, 6:30pm, $, www.GQTI.com.
10-11: CraneFest XV, Baker Sanctuary,
Bellevue, 12-7pm, (269) 963-5790,
www.cranefest.org.
10-11, 17-18, 24-25: Cornwell’s Carving
Contest & Haunted Adventure, Cornwell’s
Turkeyville USA, Marshall, 12-9pm,
(269) 781-4293, www.turkeyville.com.
10-17: 10th Annual Marshall Scarecrow
Days, throughout Marshall,
(269) 781-5163, www.marshallmi.org.
16: Fall Into The Arts, Downtown Battle
Creek, 5-9pm, (269) 441-1668,
www.downtownbattlecreek.com.
17: Battle Creek Area Doll Club Hosts
Tea, Art Center Battle Creek, 12-2pm,
(269) 962-9511.
20-31 Lights, Camera, Murder Mystery
Performance, Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA,
Marshall, (269) 781-4293,
www.turkeyville.com.
23-24, 30-31: 17th Annual Marshall City
Recreation Haunted Trail, Marshall’s
Riverwalk Park, Fridays 8-11pm,
Saturdays 7:30-11pm, www.cityofmarshall.com/cityDepartments/parks.taf.
24: Make A Difference Day.
24: Children’s Halloween Event, Begg
Park, Springfield, 10am-12pm,
(269) 965-2354, ww.springfieldmich.com.
24: Garden Boo Fest, Leila Arboretum
Children’s Garden, Battle Creek, Free,
11am-5pm, (269) 969-0270,
www.lasgarden.org.
24: Aida, The Met: Live in HD Series, W
Columbia Theatres, Battle Creek, 6:30pm,
$, www.GQTI.com.
24: Adam Mellema, Storyteller, Marshall
District Library, Marshall, 7-8pm,
www.marshalldistrictlibrary.org.
24: Planetarium Show – Zula Patrol:
Under the Weather, Kingman Museum,
Battle Creek, 8am-12pm, $,
(269) 965-5117,
www.kingmanmuseum.org.
24: Spooky Science Saturday, Kingman
Museum, Battle Creek, 11am-5pm, $, (269)
965-5117, www.kingmanmuseum.org.
24: Senior Bingo, Union City, 1-4 pm,
location TBA, Theme: Halloween.
31: Haunted Hallways, Union City
Elementary School, time to be announced
31: Planetarium Show – Dark Star
Adventure, Kingman Museum, Battle
Creek, $, (269) 965-5117,
www.kingmanmuseum.org.
Senior Times - October 2009
Page 25
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Seed coat
Nerve
Teensy amount
Part of TGIF
Smell
Coves
$5 bill
Fourth dimension
1
2
3
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7
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DOWN
1 Chanteuse Edith
2 “Beetle Bailey” dog
3 Andean land
4 Clean Air Act targets
5 “Peter Grimes”
composer
6 Chic no more
7 Fashion
8 Blue material?
9 Accuracy
10 Paradise
11 Optimistic
16 Chocolate fragment
20 Play wright Levin
23 Vargrant
24 Greek vowel
25 Stick-to-itiveness
53
44
45
46
48
49
50
53
Humorist
Buck’s mate
Hot tub
Big Mac ingredients
Champion for a cause
Noshed
Carvey or Delany
Employees
Embroidery loop
Door frame part
Met melody
Certain skirt
Fermi’s concern
Muse’s strings
Spoon-blender Geller
BUSINESS AND CLASSIFIED ADS
Need Work Done?
Interior, Exterior Painting, Carpentry,
Kitchen, Bath, Ceramic Tile,
Wood Decks, Sheds, Siding, Roofing
Call Jack 269-832-5394
Let Me Quote
References Available
Our reputation
is Building
269-962-8751
Toll Free
877-962-8753
• Complete Residential Remodeling
• Bathrooms, Kitchens
• Replacement Windows & Doors
• Re-Bath Bathtub Re-Liners
• LeafProof Gutter
Protection Systems
Health Services for Seniors
• Chronic Disease & Maintenance Medications
• Urgent Dental Services
• Durable Medical Equipment and other Health
Resources
• Basic Health Care Plan (for those aged 60 – 64)
Call for help with health-related resources!
(269) 969-6494
Maple Grove Apartments - Senior Citizen 62
years and older or 55 years and disabled. One
bedroom independent living apartments. HUD
subsidized. Rent based on income. Utilities and
cable included in rent. Computer Room with on-line
access, beauty shop and exercise equipment.
We are now accepting applications. Maple Grove
Apartments is required by HUD to maintain a
percentage of our apartments for the
extremely low income residents.
Call 517-629-2026 - TTY 517-629-2026 or stop
in at 1041 Maple St. Albion, MI.
Equal Housing Opportunity and barrier free units.
P
E
R
U
E
D
E
N
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O
S
D
A N S W E R S
O
T
T
O
D S
O P
E A
V
E
R
A
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Y
• 269-962-1539 •
P
I
A
F
L
Y
R
E
Come and be apart of our family!
A
T
O
M
Beautiful Lakeview Home
Rate Based on Income and Needs
See us before considering a nursing home
Males, Females, & Couples Welcome
Smokers Welcome
One-on-One 24hr Care
Hair Care/Grooming/Entertainment and More
Adult Day Care Transportation provided
M
I
D
I
Johnson’s AFC, Assisted Living Home
E
R
O
I T
R I
A C
A
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A P
N I
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O
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Contact Leslie at Senior Times,
(269) 979-1479 xt 106
Visit Senior Times on their website at
www.scenepub.com/seniortimes/index.html
S
B O S
M
R U T
O C I T Y
G H T
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P EW D
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N A P
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F R I
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F I N
SELL YOUR ITEM HERE!
B E T
U T E
M A N
A
C
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T
Y
In a tough
economy,
your financial institution should
be a trusted
partner that’s
there to offer
guidance and
personal
service in
challenging
conditions.
More than four million people in Michigan
use credit unions as their trustworthy and
secure place to do business and will celebrate
International Credit Union Day on Oct. 15.
Credit union members enjoy the benefits of
doing business with a financial institution
they own – a cooperative focused on service
to its members. Credit unions are not-forprofit cooperatives that are owned by their
members and governed by a volunteer board
of directors. That means value, service,
respect, and the opportunity to be part of a
financially sound and socially responsible
institution.
It’s easier than ever to join a credit union if
you aren’t a member, and while some credit
unions serve groups that share a profession or
a specific place they live or worship, many
credit unions now are open to all consumers
through a community charter.
Credit unions do these things not because
they are mandated to do so by law, but
because it’s the right thing to do – an inherent
part of their existence. Community involvement is a perfect fit with the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.”
Visit www.lovemycreditunion.org to find a
credit union in your area and learn more.
5
12
31
CREDIT UNION DAY
IS OCT 15
4
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J
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B
ACROSS
1 Band in Boston?
5 Derek and Diddley
8 Always
12 Couple in a gossip
column
13 Trench
14 Start over
15 Horrible state
17 Mined over matter
18 Battled
19 Lengthy list
21 Perch
22 Idle or Clapton
23 Wager
26 Chruch seat
28 Alkali neutralizers
31 Lone Star State sch.
33 Siesta
35 On
36 Craze
38 Wander about
40 Verily
41 Gospels follow-up
43 Baby’s seat, maybe
45 Record sleeve
47 “20 Questions” Category
Senior Times - October 2009
greater
BRANCH
C OU N T Y
Page 26
Falls are serious at
any age, but are particularly dangerous for people
age 65 and older. Falls
among older adults are
the leading cause of
injury deaths and the most common
cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital
admissions for trauma.
Facts About Falls
• Nine out of 10 hip fractures in
older adults are the result of a fall.
• More than 90 percent of hip fractures are associated with osteoporosis.
• Older adults who have a hip fracture are 5 to 20 percent more likely
to die in the first year following
that injury than others in this age
group.
• Fifteen to 25 percent of older
adults, who lived independently
before a hip fracture, will remain in
long-term care a year after their
fracture.
• Most falls happen to women in
their homes in the afternoon.
Reducing The Risk Of Falling
Older adults should take these precautions to reduce the risk of falling:
1. Have your vision and hearing tested
often. Even small changes in sight
and hearing can make you less stable. If your doctor orders new eyeglasses, take time to get used to
them, and always wear them when
you should or, if you need a hearing aid, be sure it fits well.
2. Look carefully at floor surfaces in
public buildings. Many floors are
made of highly polished marble or
tile that can be very slippery. Stay
away from a freshly washed floor.
If floors have plastic or carpet
runners in place, stay on them
whenever possible.
3. Have all the medicines you take
reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist
to reduce side effects such as dizziness, confusion, disorientation, or
slowed reflexes.
4. Stand up slowly after eating, lying
down or resting.
5. Use a shoulder bag, fanny pack, or
backpack to leave hands free.
6. Make sure your sofas and chairs are
a good height for you, so that you
can get into and out of them easily.
7. Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled
shoes (inside and outside).
8. Use a cane, walking stick or walker
if you feel unsteady when you
walk.
9. Stop at curbs and check their height
before stepping up or down. Be
cautious at curbs that have been cut
away to allow access for bikes or
wheelchairs. The incline up or
down may lead to a fall.
10. Ask your doctor about having a
bone mineral density test. This test
tells how strong your bones are. If
needed, your doctor can prescribe
medications to help make your
bones stronger.
11. Keep your home a comfortable
temperature. Letting your home get
too hot or too cold can make you
dizzy.
12. Avoid or limit the amount of alcohol you drink. A small amount of
alcohol can affect your balance and
reflexes.
13. Consume adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D.
14. Keep walkways and rooms in your
home free of clutter.
15. Make sure that all carpets in your
home are firmly tacked to the floor.
Area rugs should have skid-proof
backings.
16. Install handrails on both sides of
stairwells. Consider placing fluorescent tape on the edges of the top
and bottom steps.
17. Install grab bars beside tubs, showers, and toilets.
18. Use a bathmat in the shower or tub.
If you are unstable, you may want
to purchase a shower chair to use
when showering.
19. Keep your home well lit. Use night
lights. Keep a flashlight with fresh
batteries beside your bed.
20. Increase lower body strength. Work
with your doctor to develop an
appropriate and effective exercise
plan.
21. Practice balance exercises every
day. Here are some suggestions:
• Hold the back of a chair, and
stand on one leg at a time for one
minute. Gradually increase the
time. Try balancing with your
eyes closed or without hanging
on.
• Hold the back of a chair, and
stand on your toes, then rock back
to balance on your heels. Hold
each position for 10 seconds.
• Hold the back of a chair and make
a big circle to the left with your
hips, then repeat to the right. Do
not move your shoulders or feet.
Repeat five times.
“A Matter of Balance” classes are
held at the H&C Burnside Senior
Center. Contact them at (517) 2796565 for more information on how
these classes might help you to prevent
falls.
Senior Times - October 2009
antiques and
COLLECTIBLES
Page 27
SAVE GAS!
23,000 SQUARE FEET OF QUALITY
ANTIQUES, GIFTS & HOME DECORE!
100+ SHOPPES UNDER ONE ROOF!
Shirley DeRuiter, Special to Senior Times
CINDY AND LARRY DURBIN
From Crafts to Antiques … a natural transition for Cindy Durbin. Being
in the crafts business earlier, Cindy
used a lot of vintage items like lamps
made from sewing machines so she
moved into the antique business without a hitch. It also helped that she lives
in a Centennial home that, with her
children, includes five generations having lived on the centennial farm. Every
generation had antiques throughout the
home including her great grandmother
who had 13 kids so she fell in love
with antiques at an early age.
Cindy’s love for antiques had to
include some wonderful collections at
home. She loves vintage sewing
machines, including a Civil War treadle
machine she owns, and a miniature
tabletop, cast iron sewing machine
from the 1800s. She remembers learning how to sew on her grandmother’s
machine as a child and was disappointed that it later went to her sister instead
of her; making her even more determined to start collecting. Cindy also
collects dolls including her mother’s
composition doll, Vogue Ginny dolls
and some dolls that were popular when
she was a child. She also sells antique
dolls on Ebay. Her collections at home
seldom end up in her booths.
Her husband, Larry, collects Stanley
planes and other woodworking tools.
This is a natural for him since he is a
cabinetmaker. It’s also handy when it
comes time to repair vintage furniture
Cindy acquires. Larry says he’s content
with letting Cindy determine what goes
where in the booths and he’s happy to
follow her lead.
Cindy and Larry acquire many of
the items they sell in their booths from
auctions and garage sales. She also
works part time for an auctioneer making antiques readily acceptable.
The Durbin’s have booth number 44
in the “old mall” and number 9 in the
“new mall”. The old mall (44) carries
more high-end items like weather
vanes. You’ll also find kids collectibles
like clothing, antique toys, bears,
Denim Days Homco collectibles, rattles, baby dresses and shoes, pictures
for the nursery, quilts and more.
Number 44 involves five booths in all.
Booth number 9 in the new mall carries primitives. Everyone needs to take
a look at the items proudly displayed in
the Durbin’s booths.
From I-69 take exit 13 in Coldwater,
then travel 10 miles east on US 12.
You’ll run right into the mall. They’re
open seven days a week from 10am to
5pm, and while you’re there, stop in
for a great meal at the Outpost Grille,
right on the grounds. Tell Bonny that
Shirley sent you.
• Antiques/ Collectibles
• Braided Rugs
• Yarn Shoppe
• Baby Giftware
• Hand Built Furniture
• Silk & Dried Floral
Arrangements
• Cabin & Lodge
• 18” Doll Clothes
• Jewelry
• Homemade jams,
honey & dips
• Primitive Giftware
• Amish Log Furniture
• Country Decor
Open 7 Days A Week
10am - 5pm
Gift Certificates & Layaway Available
Call For Dealer Space Availability
RV And Bus Parking
10750 W. CHICAGO ROAD (US 12) • ALLEN, MICHIGAN
517-869-2250 • www.hogcreekmall.com
don’t retire...
REFIRE
Nancy Davis, Special to Senior Times
FILE OF LIFE
All households should have the
magnetic FILE OF LIFE on their
refrigerators.
File of Life is a small red vinyl
pouch that contains a card with medical information for the residents of a
household. The enclosed medical information and your emergency contact
persons are easily assessable to emergency medical personnel.
The File of Life is FREE and is
sponsored by the Branch County
TRIAD committee. TRIAD is a national organization whose goal is education
and prevention of fraud and abuse
against seniors. The FILE OF LIFE
saves time and may save lives!
The FILE OF LIFE provides
information you want emergency
responders to know if you are unable
to talk and are alone.
Get your File of Life at the H&C
Burnside Senior Center, Branch
County pharmacies, Community
Health Center of Branch County, local
physician offices, as well as other locations in Branch County. Call the H&C
Burnside Senior Center at (517) 2796565 for more information.
Can Get You There!
Branch Area Transit Authority
Door to Door Transportation • Half Fare for Handicapped and
Senior Citizens Over 60 • Weekly Subscriptions Available •
Equipped for the Handicapped • Open Seven Days a Week
CALL (517) 278-5889
306 S. Clay Street, Coldwater, MI
Page 28
Senior Times - October 2009
chc health
HAPPENINGS
Julie Stratos, Special to Senior Times
➣
SUPPORT THE GARDEN OF
HOPE
N
I-94
Marshall
I-69
Coldwater
Exit 13
Allen
Old US 12
Indiana
★
Ohio
Over 400 Booths • Dealers from 6 States
• Limited dealer space available
• Grill and Restaurant on grounds
• Home of Primitive Connections and Garden
• Bus Tours Welcome • Play Area
• Picnic Area • Within 1/4 mile of a whole
town of additional antique area
• Campgrounds close by
7 Days 10-5
(517) 869-2788
9011 W. Chicago • Allen, Michigan 49227
EARN
EXTRA
MONEY AS A
DEALER AT
THE ALLEN
ANTIQUE
BARN
It’s both fun and rewarding when
you become a dealer at the Allen
Antique Barn. Now all the garage
sale hunting, collecting over the years
and results of the antique auctions
you’ve attended can turn into extra cash for you.
Here are some benefits to consider:
• Booth space as
low as $25
• No commissions taken
• No work days
• Special promotions
• Elevator & stairs to
upper floor
• Open seven days a week,
10am to 5pm
Join our family of dealers occupying over 300 booths
with 25,000 square feet of antiques, furniture and collectibles.
It’s fun and rewarding!
JOIN US NOW! BOOTH SPACE FILLS QUICKLY
call 517-869-2888 or stop in and see for yourself / www.allenantiquebarn.com
Take the Coldwater exit off I-69, then 10 miles east on US 12 to the Big Red Barn
True to their nature, when the
CHC Volunteers learned of the idea
of a Garden of Hope outside the
Percy and Helen Taylor Community
Cancer Center, they immediately
shared their enthusiasm for the garden and voted to pledge their support
through the proceeds of their
Celebration of Lights project. The
Celebration of Lights is a fundraising
event that gives people in the community a way to remember or honor
a person in a special way. By making
a donation to light the special holiday
tree, showcased at the main entrance
of the Community Health Center, a
message of love will be shared with
the entire community.
The idea of the Garden of Hope
came about when current and past
CHC cancer patients were interviewed about their wishes for the
new Cancer Center. One request, that
was voiced over and over, was to
“bring the outside in” so that patients
weren’t just looking at a parking lot.
The garden will be located outside
the west windows of the center.
“We’re hoping to create a serene
view for our patients and their families,” said CHC Facility .Operations
Director, Bill Earl.
The Celebration of Lights
fundraiser will kick-off its tenth year
on October 1, 2009.
A program will be held on
Tuesday, December 1 at 5:30pm to
celebrate the lighting of the special
tree outside the main entrance, and
to read the names of all those honored and remembered.
The tree will be decorated entirely
in blue bulbs, in contrast to all of the
other decorated trees on the CHC
campus, which are all white. After
the Celebration of Lights tree is lit,
all the other CHC holiday lights will
be lit and remain so during the holiday season. To participate and make
your donation online, go to the CHC
website at www.chcbc.com. For more
information or special donation
envelopes for this project, call the
CHC Volunteers at (517) 279-5282.
To make a donation to the Garden
of Hope, please call the CHC Foundation office at (517) 279-5414.
LEGAL ADVICE FOR SENIORS
By: Susan Hartman, Managing Attorney
The Legal Services of South
non-profit organization which proCentral Michigan-Battle Creek office
vides high quality legal assistance,
will conduct interviews for legal
representation and education to low
advice and possible representation,
income people in Calhoun and
without charge, to interested seniors.
Branch counties and seniors in St.
• Tuesday, October 13, 10-11am,
Joseph, Branch, Calhoun and Barry
Mystic Grove Apartments, 473 S.
counties. The Agency seeks, through
Burr Oak Road, Colon.
its Board, staff, volunteers and pro
• Wednesday, October 14, 2-4pm,
bono attorneys, to ensure that its
Bedford Manor, 100 S. Bedford
clients are given equal access to the
Road, Battle Creek.
justice system. The advice and coun• Thursday, October 29, 10:amsel at the senior sites is funded prima12pm, Burnside Senior Center, 65
rily by Calhoun County Senior
Grahl Drive, Coldwater.
Millage; Area Agency on Aging
Legal Services of South Central
Region IIIB and Region IIIC.
Michigan-Battle Creek office is a
MMAP: A FREE SERVICE
By: Robin Walling
The Michigan Medicare /
Medicaid Assistance Program
(MMAP, Inc.) is part of the State
Health Insurance Assistance Program
(SHIP), a national network that offers
free, confidential counseling and
assistance for older adults and people
with disabilities on Medicare /
Medicaid. Each year MMAP, through
its dedicated staff and volunteers,
provides invaluable service to
Michigan’s communities, including:
• Understanding Medicare and
Medicaid
• Comparing or enrolling in
Medicare Prescription Drug
Coverage
• Reviewing your Medicare supplemental insurance needs
• Understanding Medicare health
plans
• Understanding doctor bills, hospital bills and Medicare Summary
Notices
• Applying for Medicaid or a
Medicare Savings Program
• Identifying and reporting
Medicare and Medicaid fraud /
abuse, or scams
• Exploring long term care insurance options
MMAP counselors have been
trained in health benefits counseling,
including Medicare and Medicaid
and other insurance products. MMAP
counselors are not connected with
any insurance company and they are
not licensed to sell insurance.
You can contact MMAP by calling
toll-free 1-800-803-7174 to speak
with a MMAP counselor by telephone or schedule an appointment to
meet in person. If you are homebound, a counselor will meet you
where you live. You can also visit
www.mmapinc.org to find your local
MMAP office.
Robin Walling is a MMAP
Coordinator at the H&C Burnside
Senior Center located at 65 Grahl
Drive in Coldwater, Michigan. Call
(517) 279-6565 for questions or an
appointment with Robin or
her staff.
Page 29
for senior services. It was a risky
move, with the county also placing a
millage on the ballot to begin an emergency 9-1-1 system. Following months
of education and advocacy, the
Commission on Aging led Barry
County to pass its first senior millage
by a large margin. We were one of the
first counties in this area to pass a senior millage, followed eventually by
Kent County, Calhoun County, Ionia
County, and, two years ago, Allegan
County.
Barry County’s first 1/4 mill raised
less than $150,000 in 1990. Today’s
1/2 mill, approved in 2004, will garner
$915,000 for the 2010 budget year.
That 10 year levy will expire in 2014.
Senior millage in Barry County is
levied by the Board of Commissioners
to be used for senior programs offered
through the Barry County Commission
on Aging, a department of county government. Unlike Calhoun County,
Barry County’s COA department
directly provides services, rather than
contracting them out through a bid
process.
In Barry County, senior millage is
used to further the agency’s mission
“To promote independence, dignity and
quality of life to the aging population
and their families.”
The board has determined three (3)
areas of focus for the agency.
1) Increasing the health and wellness
of our constituents
2) Decreasing loneliness and isolation
3) Increasing supports to caregivers
Core millage-funded services are
available to county residents age 60
and over. Home-based services include:
Personal Care, Housekeeping, In-Home
Respite; Meals on Wheels; and Minor
Home Repair. Community-based services include: Information & Assistance;
Congregate Meals, including
Restaurant Vouchers; Adult Day Care;
Exercise programs; and various
Education and Enrichment programs.
In response to community needs, the
COA established a Special Needs fund
in 2006 to assist lower income seniors
with emergency needs such as handicap ramps and utility shut-off notices.
Initially funded exclusively through
senior millage, the Barry County Board
of Commissioners voted in 2007 to
dedicate a portion of their general fund
budget to this program. In 2009, we
have assisted 40 individuals through
this fund, including construction of 10
handicap ramps and payment of
$8,148.65 worth of heating assistance
and furnace repair. Another $4,000
helped pay monthly Lifeline subsidies
for homebound individuals.
For more information about the
services available contact the Barry
County Commission on Aging at (269)
948-4856 or visit them on the web at
www.barrycounty.org.
greater
In the late 1980’s the Barry County
Commission on Aging (COA) recognized that funding for senior programs
wasn’t keeping pace with the rapidly
growing population it was being asked
to serve. Frozen funding levels within
state and federal programs meant that
there was never room for increasing the
number of program participants or
service levels. As the staff looked to
other Commissions on Aging around
the state that were thriving, it became
clear that local revenue streams were
the answer.
The difficulty for aging services is
that, although they play a vital role in
the health of the community, they are
not a mandated, or required, function
of local government. So, while the
county is mandated by state statute to
provide court services, law enforcement, county drains and even animal
control, it is not required to provide
services for older adults. At the COA,
we learned quickly that we couldn’t
rely on our county to fund senior services out of their general fund. If we
were going to have any degree of success in keeping our older adults in their
own homes, we were going to have to
follow several of Michigan’s counties
and pass a senior millage.
In 1990, the Commission on Aging
board and staff approached the Board
of Commissioners and asked them to
place a 1/4 mill proposal on the ballot
B A R R Y
C OU N T Y
Senior Times - October 2009
Page 30
Senior Times - October 2009
caregiver’s
CORNER
Anne Clark, Special to Senior Times
BELIEVE IN YOU
Woodlawn Meadows
Assisted Living
Quality Assisted Living Services: Hospice, Respite,
Rehab and Alzheimer’s Care Available!
1821 N. East St., Hastings • (269) 948-4921 • woodlawn@leisure-living.com
BARRY COUNTY
COMMISSION ON AGING
The following services are available through the
Barry County Commission on Aging for persons 60
years and older. Services are funded through the
Federal Older Americans Act, the Barry County
Board of Commissioner’s, Region IIIB Area Agency
on Aging, the Older Michiganians’ Act, Barry County
Senior Millage, Barry County United Way, memorials and donations. The Commission on Aging is a
non-profit agency eligible to receive tax-deductible
financial gifts, memorials and endowments.
• Friendship Center Locations:
Hastings COA Building: Delton Faith United
(269) 948-4856; Open Methodist Church
Mon. thru Fri./ 10 am- Phone: (269) 623-5400 /
2pm
Mon, Wed, Th: 10:30am-1pm
Nashville Masonic
Woodland Eagles Club:
Temple: (517) 852(269) 367-4041; Open
9182; Open Mon. thru Mon, Wed & Fri:
Fri./ 10:30am-1pm
10:30am-1pm
• Home Delivered Meals:
If you or someone you know is homebound and
unable to prepare meals, we can deliver delicious
meals to the home. Call 948-4856 for more information. Special Diets and Liquid Meal Supplements
are available.
• Senior Center Activities including line dancing,
card making, beading, cards, bingo, and many
others. Call for details.
• Senior Meal Choice Dining. Phone to see if you
qualify for our restaurant-based senior dining
program.
• Chore Service provides minor home repair for seniors. Call us to fix your broken railing or to trim
your bushes!
There are many more activities and opportunities to
volunteer your time and talents!
Just Call Barry County Commission on Aging for
more information.
Barry County Commission on Aging
320 West Woodlawn Avenue
Hastings, Michigan 49058
Phone: (269) 948-4856
Fax: (269) 948-3336
E-Mail: bccoa@barrycounty.org
Visit our website link from: www.barrycounty.org
Being a caregiver – many of us
have no idea what all that entails or
can even imagine what you go
through on a day to day basis. At a
recent presentation, I heard a doctor
discuss the fact that caregivers are
true heroes and many don’t even realize it, which was very apparent by
your expressions. You give up so
much of yourself to be able to care
for your loved ones – you are a true
“one-in-a-million” type person
because not everyone would do what
you do.
Each and every one of you has
strengths and limitations.
Recognizing them and understanding
how they affect what you do successfully means choosing to take charge
of your life. Looking at all the factors
regarding you and the care you provide can certainly change your mindset. For example, a heavy-set man
could more easily take care of a
petite-size woman but if you turn the
situation around there would be many
limitations for that woman as a caregiver. Know yourself and accept
things you are unable to change.
Something else to question is, are
you proactive or reactive? By that I
mean, do you learn all you can, ask
questions, etc., so you try to prepare
yourself for what might happen or do
you wait until a situation occurs and
then reactive to it. By being proactive
you are looking ahead and planning
to the extent you can, you try to prevent the crisis before it happens.
Proactive people are better prepared and stay on top of situations
– although being proactive is not a
natural thing for all of us.
If you are not proactive, find someone who is so you can be somewhat
in charge of what happens to you and
your loved one.
The most important choice we all
have is, to look at our approach on
life from this day forward. A positive
outlook can change so many situations. Do you look at the glass as half
full or half empty? Your attitude
impacts action. Finding the balance
between looking through rose-colored
glasses and feeling sorry for yourself
is a must, as being a family caregiver
is never easy. How you approach it is
a choice we all have to consciously
make and the decision will set the
stage for everything else you do.
In my eyes, you ALL are true heroes
and I ask you to believe in yourself,
be proud of yourself and take charge
of all you do.
cooking
FOR TWO
Joanna Stelloh Phelps, Special to Senior Times
Beginning in 1889, the Rawleigh's
Company has its roots in Mineral
Point, Wisconsin, buying medicines,
extracts, and other home products at
wholesale and selling them for retail.
As they expanded and created new factories, they also made over 200 different products that were delivered directly to the consumer's homes. The
Rawleigh Company also produced an
annual 'Good Health Guide and
Cookbook.' Since it is fall and we are
enjoying the abundance of the apple
season, I though you might enjoy the
recipes from its 1930 edition using
apples.
The Apple
Apples each day will keep sickness
away. When you eat an apple, you
experience a reinforcement of energy,
especially if fatigued. The apple gives
good foodstuffs ready for instant use.
Apples may be eaten between meals
without burdening the digestive organs
or spoiling the appetite.
The free use of apples combats biliousness or intestinal toxemia. The acid
of the apple, like that of the lemon, is
antiseptic. A diet of apples is excellent
in chronic dysentery
RED APPLE SALAD ROAST
Ingredients:
4
Apples
1/2 Cup sugar
1/4 Teaspoon powdered cinnamon
Red color
1/2 Cup water
Lettuce leaves
Salad dressing
4
Tablespoons heavy cream
1
Small onion, sliced
1
Large potato, peeled
and thinly sliced
Pare and core apples. Put sugar, cinnamon and water in saucepan just the
sixe to hold the apples. Add red color
to make a brilliant red and cook three
minutes. Put in the apples and cook
very slowly until tender, turning occasionally and basting frequently. Do not
allow apples to loose their shape. Chill
and serve in nests of lettuce leaves with
salad dressing mixed with heavy
cream, beaten stiff.
APPLE TAPIOCA
Ingredients:
1/2 Cup minute tapioca
2
Cups boiling water
1/4 Teaspoon salt
2/3 Cup brown sugar
10 Apples
Cook tapioca in boiling salted water
until transparent. Add brown sugar and
cook until dissolved. Add 1 cup of
water. Pour over 10 cored and sliced
apples and bake until apples are tender.
Senior Times - October 2009
Page 31
Poison Ivy By the Coasters
SONG OF THE MONTH
Topped the charts October 1959
She comes on like a rose
but everybody knows
She'll get you in Dutch
You can look but you better not touch
Poison iv-y-y-y-y, poison iv-y-y-y-y
Late at night while you're sleepin'
poison ivy comes a'creepin'
Arou-ou-ou-ou-ou-ound
She's pretty as a daisy
but look out man she's crazy
She'll really do you in
If you let her under your skin
Poison iv-y-y-y-y, poison iv-y-y-y-y
Late at night while you're sleepin'
poison ivy comes a'creepin'
Arou-ou-ou-ou-ou-ound
Measles make you bumpy
And mumps'll make you lumpy
And chicken pox'll make
you jump and twitch
A common cold'll fool ya
And whooping cough can cool ya
But poison ivy,
Lord'll make you itch!!
You're gonna need an ocean of
calamine lotion
You'll be scratchin' like a hound
The minute you start to mess around
Poison iv-y-y-y-y, poison iv-y-y-y-y
Late at night while you're sleepin'
poison ivy comes a'creepin'
Arou-ou-ou-ou-ou-ound
Measles make you bumpy
And mumps'll make you lumpy
And chicken pox'll make
you jump and twitch
A common cold'll fool ya
And whooping cough can cool ya
But poison ivy,
Lord'll make you itch!!
You're gonna need an
ocean of calamine lotion
You'll be scratchin' like a hound
The minute you start to mess around
Poison iv-y-y-y-y, poison iv-y-y-y-y
Late at night while you're sleepin'
poison ivy comes a'creepin'
Arou-ou-ou-ou-ou-ound
la da la da la da
la da la da la da
la da la da la da
la da la da la da
Poison Ivy was number 1 on the R&B charts during October 1959, and has been covered by many
different artists, including the Rolling Stones. It was
even used in the soundtrack of the 1997 movie,
Batman and Robin, as the theme song for the devious
villain whose name was the same as the song title.
When the group started out, they were called The
Robins. However, when they were asked to move
from the West Coast to the East Coast in 1955, and
left half of the band behind, they were inspired to
switch to a new name, The Coasters, which they have
stuck with since then. While they had some popularity as The Robins, the band really became great after the name change. The
Coasters went on to do big hits such as “Yakity Yak,” “Charlie Brown,” “Young
Blood,” as well as many others.
The Coasters were very popular as R&B artists, but in the fifties, they noticed
that the main difference between R&B and Rock and Roll was that Rock was
R&B that young people liked. And although they were not part of the mainstream doo-wop style of music at the time, they were imitated so often that they
became an important part of the doo-wop legacy. Like Elvis, they had a royal
Rock and Roll Title.
The Coasters were dubbed the Clown Princes of Rock and Roll, because
they were one of the first groups to successfully combine comedic wit with
excellent music.
Enjoy your
mornings
with Julie
Hall
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Although the band members changed several times over the years, Carl
Gardner stayed with the group as manager and lead singer since the beginning.
At the time that Poison Ivy was released, the other members were Billy Guy as
the baritone, Cornell Gunter as the tenor, Will “Dub” Jones on bass, and Albert
“Sonny” Forriest on the guitar.
SENIOR CREATIONS
Friendly Mouse
Photo Courtesy of Beautiful
Moments Photography
www.beautiful moments.com
By: James B. Flook
I am that furry little guy that runs around your house.
I would like to be your friend, I am just a little mouse.
I don’t intend to hurt you. All I need is a few crumbs.
I will hurry up and hide whenever someone comes.
I know there are those who say they do fear me.
I have never hurt a soul, then why should this be?
There is one thing I know. I do worry your big cat,
But when he is chasing me he’s losing some of that fat.
And your
afternoons
with Dave
Ramsey
I know all my pleading, will not change your mind.
With tears I leave you now. A new home I’ll try to find.
15074 6-1/2 Mile Road, Battle Creek, MI | 269-965-1515 | EMAIL: wolyradio@sbcglobal.net
Page 32
Senior Times - October 2009