December: Choices For Independence

Transcription

SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN
S
FREE
FR
REE
TM
A New
Newspaper
wspaper For And About Area Senior
S
Adults
Adu
ultss
DECEMBER
DECEMBE
D
ECEMBER 2013
2013 VOLUME
VOLUME 20
20 / NUMBER
NUMBER 12
12
Aging Does Not
Mean Disability
Page: 2
Mobility
Impairment
Page: 3
Assistive Devices
to Improve
Independence
Page: 7
Details About...
• Canes - Page: 8
• Walkers - Page: 9
• Crutches - Pages: 22-23
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
4642 Capital Ave. SW
Battle Creek, MI 49015-9350
SENIOR TIMES
Give the Gift
Of Self
Pages: 24-25
PASTIMES
Activities - Pages: 10-11
December Birthdays - Page: 11
In Focus - Page: 13
Crossword Puzzle - Page: 27
Senio
r
Hous
ing G
uide
Pages
24-25.
If you detect a fraud or scam aimed at seniors... there’s a new toll-free number for assistance. 1-855-303-9470
operates from 9am to 5pm EST on Mondays through Fridays, staffed by a team of investigators from the U.S.
Senate Special Committee on Aging. You can also contact the committee through its new senior-friendly website – www.aging.senate.gov/fraud-hotline. The site features large print and simple navigation, with the option of
changing text size, colors and other features.
To find out how advertising in the Senior Times can benefit your business call (269) 979-1479
Page 2
Senior Times - December 2013
AGING DOES NOT MEAN DISABILITY
Aging is the process of growing older
and includes changes in both biology and
psychology. Biology refers to the way the
body functions. Psychology describes how
the mind functions. How people age has to
do with genetics, environment, and lifestyle
over a lifetime.
Experts do not fully understand why
the body ages as a person gets older.
The average life span in 1900 was 47
years. Now, life expectancy is age 76, and
by some estimates can increase by as much
as one full year every 3.4 years. This increase is due to improvements in sanitation,
medical care and the discovery of antibiotics. The increase in the number of older
people is changing the makeup of society.
Experts used to believe that chronic
disease and disability were always part of
aging. Now it is known that much disease
can be prevented or controlled.
Living a healthy lifestyle can have a huge
positive impact on aging and preventing
disease. The three leading causes of death
among people in developed nations are heart
disease, stroke, and cancer. Medical experts
know a great deal about how to prevent
death from these causes.
The aging process can be divided into
three parts:
• Genetic: influenced by the factors and
conditions that are passed on from
parents to offspring.
• Biochemical: refers to activities in the
cells, tissues, and organs of the body.
• Physiological: means how the body and
all of its components function together.
There are two major theories on aging.
People who follow the program theory think
that aging is based on a biological timetable.
Others who believe in the damage or
error theory say that aging occurs as the
environment assaults the body and causes
it to age. Many people believe it is both
biology and environment that causes aging.
The major beliefs for each theory are
listed below:
Program Theory
The beliefs of the program theory are:
• Genes switch on and off in turn, causing
different things to happen at different
times. Organ systems in each person
can age at different rates.
• Hormones act as a biological clock
controlling the pace of aging.
• The immune system breaks down, later
leaving a person more and more prone
to infection and disease.
Error Theory
The major beliefs of the damage or error
theory are:
• Cells and tissues have vital parts that
wear out.
• If a person has a high metabolic rate,
his or her life span will be shorter.
• Proteins in the body build up. This slows
down the body’s processes, and the body
begins to age.
• Oxygen radicals collect in the body and
damage it. The organs eventually stop
working.
• The system in the body that synthesizes
proteins stops working well. Faulty
proteins are developed and cause
damage to cells, tissues, and organs.
• Genes mutate as the body ages, causing
cells to malfunction and break down.
Healthy Lifestyle
While a person’s genetic makeup cannot
be changed, there are things that one can
do to improve his or her lifestyle:
• Stay active. Without exercise,
muscle mass declines about 23%
between the ages of 30 and 70.
Exercise can prevent muscle
mass decline.
• Maintain a healthy weight. People
who are as little as 11 pounds over
the healthy weight range for their
height and build have more risk of
disease. Eating fewer calories may
work by preserving cells, moderating
a decline in growth hormone,
and keeping the immune system
working well.
• Do not smoke and avoid being around
smoke from tobacco.
• Maintain active personal relationships.
People who are married or who have
healthy, supportive relationships with
others live longer.
• Eat five servings of fruits and
vegetables each day. Follow the food
guide pyramid. Fruits and vegetables
have naturally occurring antioxidants
that prevent free radicals from damaging
cells in the body.
• Avoid getting too much sun. Frequent,
long exposures to the ultraviolet light in
sunshine can age the skin and increase
the risk for skin cancer.
• Keep fat in the diet under 30% of total
calories. Also, get the nutrients needed
for a healthful diet.
• Have routine physical exams as
recommended by the doctor.
• Limit stress and practice stressreduction techniques.
• Limit alcohol intake.
These specific practices have been linked
with both the prevention of diseases and a
person’s quality of life as he or she ages.
Memory loss requires
specialized care.
Fortunately, that’s
our specialty.
Recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s,
dementia or other forms of memory challenges
can be dif¿cult. Knowing how to provide
the proper care can be even harder.
Marian I. Sober & her spouse, circa 1955
Give your loved one the chance to experience
specialized care from experts at The Legacy at
The Oaks who really understand the issues
related to memory loss. Act now, and you’ll
save $1000 on your ¿rst three months.
To learn more give us a call today.
My Mother, Marian Sober, was admitted to the
Legacy at the Oaks in September 2011 after she
had fallen and broken her pelvis.
We have been so impressed by the immediate
care she received from that day. The staff always treats
Mother with dignity and kindness and is faithful in
getting her meals to her in a timely manner,
keeping her room clean and making sure she
has plenty of liquids to drink. We are very
pleased with the care Mother has been given
during her stay at The Legacy.
~ The family of Marian I. Sober
269-9r/orth AvFOVFrBattle Creek, MI 4rtheoakshc.com
MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT
Mobility impairment can include any
or all of the following: Inability to move
about as easily as others; limited movement
of arms or legs; decrease in strength or
control of the muscles and bones; abnormal
or impaired coordination; and/or medical
condition requiring bed rest.
Some of these conditions may be
temporary, but many are permanent.
The individual may need assistive
devices such as a cane, crutches, a walker,
or a wheelchair. Physical therapy is often,
used for many of these problems. This can
keep the joints flexible, and the muscles
stretched. Therapy may improve the ability
to move about, and teach the person to
use the assistive devices.
If the mobility is due to an amputation,
artificial limbs can help the person return
to daily activities. Some people are severely
disabled, and may depend on assistive
devices for daily activities.
Impairment means some part of
a person’s body or mind does not
function normally. To be an impairment,
the problem must interfere with
“normal” activities.
There are many types and levels of
mobility impairments. Some things that
determine them are:
• A decrease of strength or endurance.
• The presence of pain or discomfort.
• Impaired ability to recognize familiar
surroundings.
• Depression or severe anxiety.
• Impaired ability to use the muscles.
This impaired ability may be from
nervous system problems or from
problems with the muscles or bones.
Mobility impairment may result from
any of a wide variety of conditions,
illnesses, or injuries. These may include:
• Cerebral palsy, which is caused by
a brain injury that occurs during
pregnancy, during birth, or after
birth before the age of 5.
• Head injury.
• Muscular dystrophy. This is an inherited
muscle disorder that leads to muscle
weakness.
• Multiple sclerosis. This is a disorder
in which the nerves of the eye, brain,
and spinal cord are affected.
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also
known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
This is a progressive disorder of the
nervous system leading to muscle
weakness and spasticity.
• Parkinson’s disease, a slowly
progressive degenerative disorder
of the nervous system.
• Stroke. This is the death of brain
tissue due to lack of blood flow and
insufficient oxygen to the brain.
• Arthritis, the inflammation of one
or more joints.
• Amputation of a body part.
• Spinal cord injury.
• Severe burns.
• Brain tumor.
• Developmental disabilities such
as Down syndrome.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• Fractures of the limbs.
• Blindness or other visual impairment.
• Old age.
Generally, people prefer to be as
independent as possible. It is best for
others to ask permission before helping
Page 3
someone with an impairment. Do not
assume that the individual wants help
unless a pattern is set. Someone who uses
a wheelchair may be especially sensitive
about this. It is important not to push a
person’s wheelchair without asking his or
her permission. One should also not lean on
a person’s wheelchair during conversation.
On the other hand, an individual may
need some encouragement to not only get
fitted for but to utilize an assistive device.
Frustration with a new device may also lead
the senior to leave it behind and thereby
putting themselves at risk for fall or injury.
If your assistive device causes discomfort,
pain, or makes you feel unsteady then you
may not have the correct size or are using
the device incorrectly. Please ask your
provider for assistance.
NorthPointe Woods
AN ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
700 North Avenue, Battle Creek
www.northpointewoods.org
(269) 964-7625
•
•
•
•
Independent Apartments
• Daily Activities
Assisted Living Apartments
• Fully Equiped Fitness Center
Transportation
• Beautiful Views
Convenient to the Medical Community
Overlooking Battle Creek
Call for more information or to schedule a tour.
Managed by Life Care Services, LLC
A Not-For-Profit Community-Based Organization
Page 4
DON’T BELIEVE THE MUFFIN TOP MYTH
By: Troy Huggett
If there’s one thing that really irks
me, it’s seeing people led astray by the
Muffin Top Myth. These well-meaning
folks devote time and effort under a faulty
premise that gets them zero results. And I
get fired up! I know that when you put
your valuable time and energy into a fitness
program, you deserve to see nothing less
than amazing results.
So what’s this Muffin Top Myth? The
belief that doing a magical ab exercise
will shrink and flatten your waist, and will
rid you of a muffin top. Sorry, there’s no
such magical ab exercise. In fact, all of the
magical ab exercises in the world won’t
make a dent in your muffin top, as long
as you continue with your current,
unhealthy lifestyle.
The true belly-shrinking magic
is found in improving your diet and
exercise routine to promote fat loss
from your entire body, including –
but not limited to – your midsection.
Shrink Your Belly Tip #1: Stop eating
processed foods. Everyone loves a good
shortcut, right? Depends on where that
shortcut takes you. From now on I want you
to think of processed foods as a shortcut to
belly fat. I wouldn’t be surprised if future
studies prove that the over-processing,
chemical additives and high fructose corn
syrup that are pumped into processed foods
specifically adds fat around your belly. If
you want to shrink your belly then stay
away from sugars, sodas, chemically
altered fats, processed, packaged, fried,
and preserved foods.
Shrink Your Belly Tip #2: Eat fresh,
whole foods. Once you’ve cut the
processed foods out of your diet, fill in
the void with lots of fresh foods like:
• Green vegetables
• Whole, organic, seasonal fruits
• Lean, hormone-free, high quality meats
• Colorful organic veggies
• Nuts and seeds
I know this list of foods may seem boring
at first, but if you stick with it long enough,
you’ll grow to love the tantalizing flavors
of real food. When your diet is filled with
the foods listed above, your body will
quickly shed pounds and lean out.
Shrink Your Belly Tip #3: Do
challenging exercise. The absolute best
way to lose your muffin top forever is with
a consistent, progressive exercise program.
• Consistent: You should be exercising 3-5
times each week.
• Progressive: For truly awesome results,
keep your body guessing with new
exercises and increasing intensity.
My exercise programs are specifically
crafted to get you into the best shape of
your life, and I’m fanatically passionate
about seeing you meet your goal. I’d love
to hear from you!
Sidebar: Dynamic ab exercises
True, crunches won’t reduce your body
fat, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t
strengthen your abdominal muscles.
Consistent ab exercises are an essential
part of a well-balanced exercise routine.
Try these killer ab exercises:
• Plank: Lie face down on mat resting on
your forearms, palms flat on the floor.
Push off the floor, raising up onto your
toes and resting on your elbows. Keep
your back flat, in a straight line from head
to heels. Tilt your pelvis and
contract your abdominals to prevent your
rear end from sticking up in the air or
sagging in the middle. Hold for 30 to 60
seconds, lower to the start position and
repeat for 3-5 reps.
• Knee Tucks: Start on your back; bend
your knees with your feet on the floor and
knees touching. Extend both arms overhead on either side of your ears, palms
facing up. Exhale and bring your knees
up towards your chest. Slowly lower your
hips back down to start
position. Repeat for 12-15 reps.
• One-Armed Full Sit Ups: Start on your
back with your right knee bent, foot flat
on the floor, and left leg extended straight
out. Extend your right arm to the ceiling
and reach your left arm
towards your left foot. Sit all the way up,
rolling through your back, keeping your
right foot on the floor, and your right arm
up over your shoulder and your left arm
reaching in front of you all the way up.
Slowly roll back down to the floor. That’s
one rep. Repeat 15 times on one side, 15
times on the other. For an extra challenge
hold a dumbbell in your extended arm.
Troy can be reached at (269) 967-6300
or [email protected].
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VISIT OUR HOME OXYGEN AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RETAIL STORE
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LIFESPAN is a nonprofit organization whose services are available to everyone, regardless of age, culture, ethnicity or religion.
Page 5
FDA HELPS WOMEN GET HEART SMART
By: Rose Baran, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, Ferris State University
• Manage conditions like diabetes, high
blood pressure, and high cholesterol that
can increase your risk for heart disease.
• Learn to recognize the symptoms of a
heart attack in women, including nausea,
anxiety, an ache or feeling of tightness
in the chest, and pain in the upper body.
• Use the Nutrition Label to make
heart-healthy food choices.
• Daily use of aspirin is not right for
everyone. Talk with a health care
professional before you use aspirin
as a way to prevent heart attacks.
• If you smoke, try to quit. See the FDA
website www.fda.gov/womenshearthealth
for a booklet to learn more about
medicines to help you quit.
• Talk to a health professional about
whether you can participate in a clinical
trial for a heart medication or procedure.
Visit the FDA Patient Network to learn
more about clinical trials.
More women die from heart disease than
from any other cause.
In fact, one in four women in the United
States dies from heart disease, according
to the National Heart, Lung and Blood
Institute (NHLBI).
“The risk of heart disease increases for
everyone as they age,” says cardiologist
Shari Targum, M.D., a medical officer at
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“For women, the risk goes up after
menopause, but younger women can
also develop heart disease.”
FDA offers many resources to help
educate women of all ages about the safe
use of FDA-approved drugs and devices
for the treatment and prevention of heart
disease. FDA has fact sheets, videos, and
other web-based tools on heart disease and
conditions like diabetes and high blood
pressure that may increase a woman’s
risk for heart disease.
FDA created the “Heart Health for Women”
site to connect women to FDA resources
to support heart-healthy living. Visit the
website at: www.fda.gov/womenshearthealth.
“I encourage women of all ages to look to
FDA for resources to help them reduce their
risk for heart disease and make informed
decisions about their health,” says Marsha
Henderson, director of the Office of Women’s
Health at FDA.
When you think about heart disease, you
probably imagine heart attacks and chest pain.
But women need to know that heart health is
about more than just heart attacks. Women
need to take steps to reduce their risk for
heart disease:
medicines and bring it with you to all of
your appointments. Download a medication
booklet and visit the FDA website for
updates on medicine, nutrition and more.
Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA)
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.
“Menopause does not cause heart
disease,” says Targum. “But the decline
in estrogen after menopause may be one
of several factors in the increase in heart
disease risk.” Other risks, such as weight
gain, may also increase around the time
of menopause.
Hormone therapy is used to treat some of
the problems women have during menopause.
“However, the American Heart Association
recommends against using post-menopausal
estrogen hormone replacement therapy to
prevent heart disease,” says Targum.
Work with your health care team to make
a plan for your heart health. Whatever your
regimen, make sure to keep a list of your
SENIOR DINING CENTERS
CITY
BARRY COUNTY
Hastings
Nashville
Woodland
Delton
LOCATION
FACILITATOR
PHONE
DAYS
TIME
COA Building
Mary Cook
(269) 948-4856
M-F
10am-2pm
Main St. Banqets
Jenny Burlison
(269) 852-9182
M-F
10:30am-1pm
Eagles Club
Joyce Dennie
(269) 367-4041
MWF
10:30am-1pm
Faith United Methodist
Elayne Nottingham
(269) 623-5400
MWT
10:30am-1pm
Meals provided by Barry County Commission on Aging. A program sponsored by Barry County United Way.
BRANCH COUNTY
Coldwater
Branch County CAA Office
Tamara Wittbrodt
(517) 278-8249
M-F
9am-1pm
Lunch Served at 12pm
Union City
Union City Fire Station
Rusty Hampton
(517) 741-7212
M,T,TH,F
10:30am-12pm
Lunch served at 12pm
Meals provided by Community Action Food and Nutritional Services. Funding sources AAA 3C, Branch County United Way, USDA and private donations.
CALHOUN COUNTY
Albion
Battle Creek
Battle Creek
Albion
Battle Creek
Battle Creek
Marshall
Battle Creek
Battle Creek
Battle Creek
Albion Senior Dining Center
Bedford Manor Dining Center
Cherryhill Manor Senior Center
Clarence Dining Center
Lakeview 890 Dining Center
Lakeview 900 Dining Center
Marshall House Dining Center
Springview Towers Dining Center
Westbrook Place Dining Center
Washington Heights Community
Senior Dining Center
Kenja Moorehead
Lorinda Winslow
Constance Siegel
Theresa Bruckner
Karl Hoard
Douglas Corlis
Denise Crumrine
Caroline Oberlin
Alma Kendrick
Deboraha Sallee
(517) 783-3098
(269) 962-1027
(269) 962-0859
(517) 857-2288
(269) 964-7375
(269) 579-4716
(269) 781-2391
(269) 963-5876
(269) 579-4676
(269) 689-8680
M-F
M-F
M-F
MTW
M-F
M-F
MWF
M-F
M-F
TWT
11am-1pm
11am-1pm
9am-1pm
10:30am-12:30pm
10:30am-1:30pm
11am-1pm
11am-1pm
9am-1pm
10am-1pm
11am-1pm
Lunch served at 11:30am
MTWTF
MWF
MWF
MWF
MTWTF
MTWTF
MTWTF
8am-4pm
10am-1pm
10am-2pm
10am-1pm
10am-1pm
8:30am-2:30pm
10am-1:30pm
All meals provided by Senior Services.
JACKSON COUNTY
Jackson
Munith
Michigan Center
Norvell
Jackson
Spring Arbor
Jackson
Crouch Senior Center
Henrietta
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church
Norvell/Township Hall
Park Forest
Spring Arbor Senior Center
Word of Light
RoxAnn Jarrell
Bonda Wetmore
Betty Konopacki
Cynthia Risinger
Dee Prue
Bev Green
Cammy Nichol
(517) 788-4364
(517) 596-3374
(517) 764-2950
(517) 536-4370
(517) 787-9750
(517) 750-1010
(517) 782-7755
To have your senior dining center added, Call Sherii at (269) 979-1412 ext. 102 or Email: [email protected]
Page 6
SENIOR SUPPORT GROUPS
BACC.............
BBC ...............
BBCH ............
Barry COA .....
BLH ...............
BPC ...............
Branch Area Careers Center
Burnham Brook Center
Bronson Battle Creek Hospital
Barry County Commission on Aging
Bronson Lakeveiw Hospital
Brooklyn Presbysterian Church,
160 N. Main Street
CHC............... Comm Health Center-Branch Co
DN................. Disability Newtwork SW MI,
Kalamazoo
FCOTN........... First Church of the Nazarene,
Room 119, 3905 Clinton Rd
HAL ............... Heritage Assisted Living
H&C .............. H&C Burnside Senior Center
HMO.............. Hospice of Michigan Office
ILC ................ Immanuel Lutheran Church
GROUP
FREQUENCY
DAY
Alizheimer’s Association
Alizheimer’s Association
Alizheimer’s Association - Coldwater
Alizheimer’s Association - Hastings
Alizheimer’s Association - Jackson
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
3rd Wed
3rd Wed
1st Mon
3rd Thurs
2nd Tues
2nd Fri
Monthly
4th Thurs
JGCRC .......... John Ganton’s County Retirement
Community, 3637 McCain Rd
LatO .............. Legacy at the Oaks
LFR ............... Lux Restaurant
LS ................. Lifespan
MBAD............ Marian Burch Adult Daycare
MPKZ ............ Milham Park, Kalamazoo
OCB............... Old Country Buffet
TIME
2:30-4pm
1:30-3:30pm
3-4:30pm
3:30-5pm
6:30-8:30pm
1-3pm
LOCATION
BBC
BPC
H&C
Barry County COA
JGCRC
The Village of Spring Meadows
PA ................. Ponderosa
SR ................. Southwest Rehab
WPC .............. Westlake Presbytrian Church
To have your support group added,
Call Sherii at (269) 979-1412 ext.102
or Email: [email protected].
FACILITATOR
PHONE
Julie Duesing
Julie Duesing
Julie Duesing
Julie Duesing
Julie Duesing
Julie Duesing
(800) 272-3900
(800) 272-3900
(800) 272-3900
(800) 272-3900
(800) 272-3900
(800) 272-3900
2:30-4pm
FCOTN
Julie Duesing
(800) 272-3900
Theresa Bonnema
Patrice Marner
Judy Rarick
Sherrill Ruch
Sherrill Ruch
(517) 788-4364
(269) 963-9696
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(269) 731-4363
(269) 660-3621
(269) 660-3621
3rd Thurs (Dec-Nov)
Alzheimer’s Support Group - Jackson
Amputee
Bereaved Parents - Jackson
Bereavement Support Group
- Luncheon
- Dinners
Monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Monthly
Bi-Weekly
Bi-Weekly
1st & 3rd Thurs
June 15th
Tues
3rd Mon
Alternate Thurs
Alternate Wed
12-2pm
4:30pm
6:30-8pm
10:30am
1pm
5:30pm
MPKZ
ILC
LS
OCB
Lux Restaurant
Brain Injury
Cancer - Leukemia
Cancer - Lifegaurd
Cancer - Breast (On Day At A Time)
Cancer - Look Good, Feel Better
Caregivers
Caregivers
Chronic Illness - Jackson
Chronic Lung Disease
Chronic Pain
Compasionate Friends
Ostomy Education
Weekly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Quarterly
Monthly
Monthly
Varies
Thurs
2nd Thurs
1st Thurs
Last Thurs
1st Thurs
2nd Tues
3rd Thurs
1st & 3rd Mon
Tuesday
3rd Tues
1st & 3rd Wed
1:30-3:30pm
6-7:30pm
6-7pm
6-7:30pm
5:30-7pm
10-11:30am
3:30pm
6:30-8:15pm
2-3:30pm
2-3pm
6:30-8pm
DN
BBCH
—
BBCH
BBCH
SHP / BBC
Barry COA
Center for Radiation Oncology
BBCH
BBC
BBC
Congestive Heart Failure
CPAP
Diabetes - Carry On
Diabetes Albion
Diabetes Battle Creek
Diabetes Coldwater
Divorce Recovery Workshop - Jackson
Gluten Free Club
Grief
Grief Recovery
Grief Recovery - Jackson
Grief - Hastings
Grief - Masculine Side of - Jackson (Sept)
Grief - Navig. the Storm - Jackson (Sept)
Kinship Care - Branch
Kinship Care Services
Kinship/Foster/Adoption Informationn
Kinship Care Service Albion
Kinship Care Picnic Series - Hastings
Journey into Healing and Self Care
Journey through Grief
Living with Grief - Jackson
Loss-of-a-Child
Low Vision
Low Vision (Begins in Oct.)
Lupus
Mental Wellness / Bi-Polar
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s Caregivers
Passages Grief Group (Begins Fall)
Relatives as Parents - Jackson
Smoking Cessation
Spinal Cord Injury
Spouse Loss
Spouse Loss
Stroke
Stroke - Jackson
Survivors of Suicide - Jackson
Widowed Persons
Young Onset Parkinson’s
Discontinued
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Bi-Monthly
Weekly
Monthly
Monthly
Varies
Weekly
Monthly
Weekly
Weekly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
TBA
Varies
Monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
—
2nd Wed
3rd Thurs
1st Wed
1st Tues
2nd Mon
Tues
1st Thurs
3rd Tues
Mon
2nd Wed
Tues
Mon
2nd Tues
1st Tues
2nd Tues
TBA
—
Noon-1pm
9-10am
1-2pm
1-2pm
6:30-8pm
7pm
6-7:30pm
10-11:30am
5:15-6:45pm
7-8:30pm
10:30am-12pm
6:30-8pm
6:30-8pm
5:30-7:00pm
12:30-2pm
12:30-2pm
TBA
4th Tues
4th Tues
Tues
1st & 3rd Mon
2nd & 4th Mon
2nd & 4th Tues
3rd Mon
2nd Wed
3rd Thurs
2nd & 4th Tues
4th Mon
3rd Tues
7-8pm
8-8:45
6:30-8pm
1-2:30pm
1-2:30pm
6:30-8:00pm
9:45-11:15am
1:30-3:00pm
5-6pm
6:30-8pm
6-8pm
10-11:30am
—
BBC
—
Forks Senior Center
BBC
CHC
Bethel Baptist Church
BBC
SHP / BBC
LS
Craig K. Kempf Funeral home
Pennock Homecare & Hospice
ILC
ILC
H&C
WPC
WPC
TBA
Barry County-COA
HMO
HMO
ILC
Jackson Square Library
Jackson Square Library
HMO
Northpointe Woods
Barry Barry COA
BBC
BBC
BBC
BBC
Monthly
Bi-Weekly
Weekly
Quarterly
Varies
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Weekly
Monthly
Monthly
Last Tues
Varies
Wed
Tues & Thurs
TBA
2nd Tues
4th Tues
2nd Tues
4th Thurs
Tues
3rd Fri
2nd Thurs
10-11:30am
10-11:30
12-1:30pm
5:30-7pm
TBA
6:30-8:00pm
4:30-6:00pm
11:30am
1-2:30pm
6:30-8pm
12pm
5-6pm
BBC
CHC
BBCH
TBA
Dominican Ctr. At Marywood
Ada Hospice Office
SR
Alligiance Health Spectrum
ILC
Oaklawn
BBC
Miranda Grunwell
—
Sha’marie Heberer
Diane Olian
Sue Deruiter
Anne Clark
Diane Neeb
Catherine McAllister
Deb Pierce
Laura Stewart
Linda Frost
Jenny Rodgers
Priscilla Huestis
—
Gwen Clayton
—
Carrie Anderson
Sue Lackey
Margaret Weigle
Jan Stout
Nancy Makuch
Laura Stewart
Sherrill Ruch
Connie Sundberg
Mary Haigh
Patrice Marner
Patrice Marner
Amy Duff
Dave Stevens
Dave Stevens
Dave Stevens
Dan Krajewski
Dan Krajewski
Patrice Marner
Patrice Marner
Patrice Marner
Muriel Walters
Johm McElheron
Shawna Cooper
Fred Morris
Shawna Cooper
Jane Chappell
Carol Briggs
Anne Clark
Karin Kennedy
Jennifer Guthrie
Deb Pierce
Karen Halsted
Samantha Rollins
Nyoshini Govander
Patrice Marner
Shirley Coulter
Anne Clark
(269) 288-0047
(269) 245-8176
(269) 245-8038
(269) 274-5084
(269) 245-8647
(269) 441-0920
(269) 948-4856
788-4800 ext 4106
(800) 451-6310
(269) 986-3855
(269) 589-8236
(269) 720-6814
(269) 979-2102
—
(269) 441-9082
(269) 245-8190
(517) 629-3842
(269) 729-4109
(517) 279-5422
(517) 787-8612
(269) 979-7698
(269) 441-0948
(269) 660-3621
(269) 781-9858
(269) 948-2425
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(517) 279-6565
(269) 660-0448
(269) 660-0448
(269) 660-0448
(269) 948-4856
(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) 830-6849
(269) 963-4588
(269) 830-6849
(269) 441-0948
(517) 782-6054
(269) 441-0920
(517) 279-5420
(517) 788-4364
(800) 451-6310
(269) 345-1516
(616) 356-5258
(616) 356-5258
(269) 441-4129
788-4800 ext 4226
(517) 841-6982 ext 3569
(269) 781-1042
(269) 441-0920
Page 7
Assistive Devices
to Improve Independence
Assistive devices for independence are
available to aid in mobility/ambulation
(ambulatory aids), activities of daily living
(ADLs) and self-care, as well as for voice,
hearing, vision, and safety. Ambulatory aids
(eg, canes, crutches, walkers) are used to provide an extension of the upper extremities to
help transmit body weight and provide support for the patient.
Assistive devices for ADLs, as well as for
self-care and leisure activities, range from
simple objects for daily use (eg, plate guards,
spoons with built-up handles, elastic shoelaces, doorknobs with rubber levers) to complex
electronic devices, such as voice-activated
environmental control systems.
Assistive devices to improve independence:
Cane Types (See Page 8)
• C cane
• Functional grip cane
• Quad cane (narrow [small] based and
wide [large] based)
• Walk cane (hemi-walker)
• Visual impairment cane
Crutches (See Pages 22-23)
• Axillary (underarm) crutches
• Nonaxillary (forearm) crutches
• Crutches with orthoses (wooden forearm
orthosis, platform forearm orthosis, triceps weakness orthosis)
Crutch Gaits (See Page 9)
• Four-point, 3-point, and 2-point gaits
• Swing-through gaits
• Swing-to gaits
• Drag-to (tripod) gait
Walkers
• Standard (pickup) walker
• Rolling (4-wheeled) walker (with or without a seat)
• Front-wheeled walker
• Reciprocal walker
• Forearm support walker
• Stair-climbing walker
• Heavy-wheeled walker with foldaway
seat and removable back
Electrolarynges
• Neck electrolarynx
• Intraoral electrolarynx
Design Details
Assistive devices to improve independence can be classified as follows:
• Assistive devices for mobility/ambulation
• Assistive devices for activities of daily
living (ADLs) and self-care
• Assistive devices for voice, hearing,
vision, and safety
Evaluation and selection criteria of assistive devices
There are four key evaluation and selection criteria for long-term users of assistive
devices:
1. Effectiveness: The extent to which the
function of the device improves one’s
living situation, functional capability, or
independence.
2. Affordability: The extent to which the
purchase, maintenance, or repair of the
device causes financial difficulty.
3. Operability: The extent to which the
device is easy to operate and adequately
responds to demands.
4. Dependability: The extent to which the
device operates with repeatable and predictable levels of accuracy under conditions of reasonable use.
Impairments and device options
Ambulation and mobility
The type of assistive device for mobility/
ambulation, or ambulatory aid (eg, canes,
crutches, walkers), that is needed depends
on how much balance and weight-bearing
assistance is required. Generally, the more
disabled the individual is, the greater the
complexity required in the walking device.
A walker supplies the most support, and a
standard cane provides the least. Adequate
upper limb strength, coordination, and hand
function are required for the proper use of
ambulatory aids.
Uses of ambulatory assistive devices
include the following:
• Redistribute and unload a weight-bearing
lower limb
• Improve balance
• Reduce lower limb pain
• Provide sensory feedback
Impairments and the associated assistive
devices that aid in ambulation and mobility include the following:
• Mildly impaired balance/stability: Singlepoint cane
• Unilateral lower limb pain/mild weakness: Single-point cane; hold with unaffected side
• Moderate impaired balance/stability:
Quad cane (narrow or wide base)
• Moderate to severe unilateral weakness/
hemiplegia: Walk cane/hemi-walker
• Bilateral lower extremity weakness/
paralysis: Bilateral crutches or walker
(pickup or front-wheeled)
• Severely impaired stability: Walker (pickup or front-wheeled)
• Impaired wrist or hand function: Platform
forearm walker
• Difficulty climbing stairs: Stair-climbing
walker
• Impaired bed mobility: Bed rails (half or
full); hospital bed (manual or electrically
controlled)
• Difficulty with transfer: Transfer (sliding)
board
• Difficulty getting up from chair: Seat-lift
chair or uplift seat assist
The Village of Mill Creek is one
of 25 Presbyterian Villages of
Michigan senior living communities
and is located on Dickman Road
north of Spring Road.
• Services and programs tailored to
provide the best in affordable senior living.
• Finely-crafted, new, three-story building
with an equally impressive interior.
• Wall to wall carpeting, individually
controlled heating and cooling
systems, and fully equipped kitchens
with refrigerator/freezer and stove.
• Personal 24-hour emergency call system
• Wellness Room
• Library/computer room
• Central laundry room
• Community room
• Planned Monthly Resident Activities
• Pet friendly
• Security cameras throughout the property
• On-site maintenance
• Barrier-free apartments available
Embrace The Possibilities
300 Carl Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49037
PH: 269.962.0605 • FX: 269.965.2285 • TTY: 800.649.3777 • www.pvm.org
Activities of daily living
Impairments and the associated assistive
devices that aid in ADL include the following:
• Eating: Built-up utensils, universal cuff
with utensil hold
• Dressing: Button hook, zipper hook,
Velcro closure, sock aid, long shoe horn,
elastic shoe laces
• Bathing: Wash mitts, long-handled sponge
• Grooming: Built-up combs or brushes,
electric toothbrush, electric razor with
custom handle
• Loss in one hand of eating-related functions: Plate guard, rocker knife
• Impaired coordination, tremor: Weighted
utensils
• Impaired range of motion (ROM) of
shoulder, proximal weakness: Reacher
(reaching device)
• Impaired mobility for toileting: Bedside
or rolling commode, raised toilet seat,
grab bars around toilet
• Impaired mobility for bathing: Tub transfer bench, hand-held shower, grab bars on
tub or shower; shower chair
Assistive devices for communication
Impairments and associated assistive
devices to aid in communication include
the following:
• Difficulty holding pen to write: Built-up
pen or pencil
• Difficulty typing: Typing stick
• Reading difficulty caused by impaired
vision: Magnifying glasses, talking clock
or watch
• Difficulty dialing and using phone: Pushbutton dialing or 1-touch dialing with
speaker phone; voice-activated phone
• Difficulty calling for help: Simple buzzers or other signaling devices operated by
switches that require minimal pressure;
medical alert system, such as Life Alert
• Difficulty speaking: Electrolarynges
Guardianship Services
Electrolarynges
There are two types of battery-powered
electrolarynges. One type of unit is placed
against the throat; pushing a button transmits
a vibration noise to the throat. With the second type, the vibration sound is transmitted
directly into the mouth via a small tube.
With both types of electrolarynx, words
and sounds are produced using lips, teeth,
and tongue.
Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services
269-963-3253, ext. 437 or 866-963-3253
Elderly people in need of assistance managing
their personal and financial affairs are appointed
a guardian by the probate court.
Guardian Finance & Advocacy Services
269-963-3253 or 866-963-3253
Money Management Assistance
Low-income seniors work with a trained coach
who helps them solve financial problems, complete insurance forms and address any other
related problems.
315 West Green Street, Marshall, MI 49068
Office: 269-781-0846
Toll free: 877-645-5243
Fax: 269-781-0770
www.calhouncountymi.gov/seniorservices
Page 8
Senior Times
Publisher & Executive Editor ............. Sherii Sherban
Managing Editor ............................... Shirley DeRuiter
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: [email protected]
Advertising Consultants ........................... Pat Fosdick
....................................................................... Sally Goss
Marketing / Administrative Asst .... Christyn Sherban
Staff Photographer ............................... Keith Sherban
Artists .................................................... David Sherban
......................................................... Frederick DeRuiter
.............................................................. Matthew Travis
Publisher Emeritus .......................... Richard DeRuiter
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. To be added to the
distribution list contact Christyn Sherban at extension 100.
Senior Times is also made available by mail subscriptions for $20 per year. To subscribe call
Christyn Sherban 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.
Aging in Place.
To be included please
call by December 10.
269-979-1479 • www.scenepub.com/seniortimes
Battle Creek
Art Center
Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce
Bronson Battle Creek
Brookside Medical Facility
Burnham Brook Center
Clara’s on the River
Community Action
Family Y Center
Family Fare
Finley’s Restaurant
Helen Warner Branch Library
Kellogg Comm. Fed. Credit Union
Lakeview Square Mall
Lux Restaurant
M-66 Bowl
Main Street Market
MoonRaker Restaurant
Old Country Buffet
Omni Community Credit Union
Pancake House
Regional Medical Lab
Sweetwater Donuts
The Family Health Center
US Post Office
Walgreens - Beckley Road
Willard Library
Canes widen the base of support
and decrease stress on the opposite
lower extremity and they can unload
the lower limb weight by bearing up
to 25% of a patient’s body weight.
These devices can be made of wood
or aluminum; tubular aluminum is
lighter than wood. Aluminum canes
are adjustable, which is a characteristic that facilitates their use by
patients of all sizes.
Determining the proper cane
length is important. A cane that is
fitted incorrectly produces an inefficient gait pattern. A short cane
reduces support during the stance
phase, and it tends to keep the elbow
in complete extension. A long cane
causes excess elbow flexion, which
leads to increased muscle fatigue on
the triceps and shoulder muscles.
To determine the proper cane
length, measure from the tip of the
cane to the level of the greater trochanter while the patient is in an
upright position. The elbow should
be flexed approximately 20°.
Coming In January
Albion
Albion Library
Chamber of Commerce
Family Health Center
Family Fare
Forks Senior Center
Parks Drug Store
Youngs Pharmacy
Canes
Pines Behavioral Health
H&C Burnside Senior Center
Monarch Community Bank
Southern Michigan Bank
Hastings
Commission on Aging
Family Fare
Laundromat
McDonald (W. State St.)
Pennock Health Center
Pennock Hospital
Pennock Professional Building
Ponderosa
Thornapple Credit Union
Jackson
Chamber of Commerce
Heartland Health Center
Laundromat (Wisner Road)
TLC Eyecare
Marshall
Chamber of Commerce
County Building
Library
Mancino’s Restaurant
Oaklawn Hospital
Union City
Village Library
Coldwater
Branch Co. Commission on Aging
Branch Co. Community Health Agency • Delivered to all Meal Sites
and Meals on Wheels recipients.
Branch District Library
• For those who can’t get out, please
Chamber of Commerce
visit us online at www.Scenepub.com
Community Health Center
and click on the Senior Times icon.
Goodie Shop (30 N. Monroe)
• This is a partial list of Convenient
Family Fare
Senior Times drop locations.
Walgreens
To have Senior Times delivered to your home, call for a subscription (269) 979-1479 ext 100.
Types of Canes
Generally, the following three
types of canes are used: the C cane,
functional grip cane, and quad cane.
The C cane is the most commonly
used cane; other names used for this
device include the crook-top cane,
the J cane, and the single-point cane.
The functional-grip cane provides
better grip and more controlled balance for patients; the grip of a functional-grip cane is more comfortable
than that of a C cane (the ortho cane
is an example of a functional-grip
cane). Quad canes provide more support than do other standard canes;
narrow- and wide-based forms of
quad canes are available. Quad canes
are especially helpful for patients
with hemiplegia; however, slow gait
is one disadvantage of these canes.
Other types of canes include walk
and visual impairment canes. Walk
(hemi-walker) canes combine the
features of a walker and a quad cane;
hemi-walkers usually are made of
tubular aluminum, are adjustable,
and can be folded. Hemi-walkers
provide a wider base and more lateral support than do the regular quad
canes. Indications for a hemi-walker
include patients with hemiplegia and
individuals who need an intermediate
step during gait training; these canes
are often used during the period after
use of the parallel bars and before
ambulation, which is a time when
the patient needs less restrictive
assistive devices.
Visual impairment canes are lightweight, flexible, and easily collapsible. The distal inches of the cane are
red. To determine the proper length
of the cane, measure the distance
from the hand to the floor while the
shoulder is flexed 90° anteriorly.
Biomechanics
The cane usually is used on the side
opposite the affected lower limb and
helps to decrease the force generated across the affected hip joint by
decreasing the work of the gluteus
medius-minimus complex. The force
is exerted by the upper extremity
through the cane to help minimize
pelvic drop on the side opposite the
weight-bearing lower limb. If the
cane is held on the affected side, the
affected hip in turn experiences an
increased load of four times the body
weight during ambulation.
Function
For ambulation, the cane usually is held on the patient’s unaffected side so that it provides support to the opposite lower limb.
The cane is advanced simultaneously with the opposite, affected
lower limb. The weight is borne
through the arm as needed. The
patient always should have the unaffected lower limb assume the first
full weight-bearing step on level surfaces.
For stair climbing, the mnemonic
“up with the good and down with the
bad” can help patients to recall the
appropriate step pattern. The cane is
used for extra support when ascending/descending stairs. Often, the
patient also has a rail to hold on the
other side for added safety. Advance
the unaffected lower limb first when
going upstairs, and advance the
affected lower limb first when coming downstairs. The patient always
should have the unaffected lower
limb assume the first full weightbearing step on level surfaces.
Adapt Holiday
Gift Giving
Encourage safe and useful gifts for
the person with dementia.
Diminishing capacity may make
some gifts unusable or even dangerous to a person with dementia. If
someone asks for gift ideas, suggest items the person with dementia
needs or can easily enjoy. Ideas
include: an identification bracelet
(available through MedicAlert®
+ Alzheimer’s Association Safe
Return®), comfortable clothing,
audiotapes of favorite music, videos,
and photo albums.
Put respite care on your wish list.
If friends or family ask what you
want for a gift, suggest a gift certificate or something that will help
you take care of yourself as you care
for your loved one. This could be a
cleaning or household chore service,
an offer to provide respite care, or
something that provides you with a
bit of rest and relaxation.
When the person lives in a care
facility...
A holiday is still a holiday whether it is celebrated at home or at a
care facility. Here are some ways to
celebrate together:
• Consider joining your loved one
in any facility-planned holiday
activities
• Bring a favorite holiday food to
share
• Sing holiday songs and ask if
other residents can join in
• Read a favorite holiday story or
poem out loud
Page 9
Walkers
Walkers are best suited for
patients who are confused or who
have an unsafe gait because of poor
balance (eg, patients with hemiplegia, patients with ataxia).
These devices are also used for
early gait training. Advantages and
disadvantages are associated with the
use of a walker and should be considered when deciding.
Advantage
• Maximum support for the patient
Disadvantages
• Slow and awkward gait.
• Creates bad posture and walking
habits.
• Limited to indoor use in most
cases.
• Cannot be safely used to climb
stairs (especially the standard
walker).
Measuring Prescription
• Place the front of the walker 12
inches in front of the patient; the
walker should partially surround
the patient.
• Measure the proper height of the
walker by having the patient stand
upright with his/her elbows flexed
20°.
Components
• Tubular aluminum or other tubular
metal
• Plastic handgrips
• Rubber-tipped legs
Most standard (pickup) walkers
are lightweight and very durable.
Standard walkers have adjustable
legs, accommodating a large percentage of patients. To use these devices
for ambulation, the patient must have
the upper extremity strength
necessary to lift the device and place
it forward.
The rolling (front-wheeled) walker
has wheels on the front legs; these
wheels promote the walker’s movement. This type of walker does not
require as much strength and balance
to maneuver as the standard walker
does, because the patient does not
have to lift it from the floor. Rolling
walkers are used by patients who,
because of poor coordination of the
upper extremity and trunk, are unable
to lift the walker and move it forward.
The disadvantages of the rolling walker are that the front wheels
may create instability if they are not
used properly, and proper supervised
training session is required to ensure
patient safety.
Reciprocal walkers have swivel
joints that permit reciprocal action,
with each side of the walker moving in alternation with the other. An
advantage of this type of walker is
that it allows a quicker and less awkward gait.
Forearm support walkers are indicated for patients with forearm deformities (wrists or hands) or pain and
those with elbow flexion contracture.
A disadvantage of these devices is
that they are heavy.
Stair-climbing walkers are prescribed for young patients with
paraplegia. These devices require
good balance and great strength of the
upper extremities. A U-shaped extension is a possible additional component; this extension provides extra
support in order to enhance stability
for stair climbing.
Heavy-wheeled walkers with foldaway seat and removable back are
indicated for indoor institutional use.
The disadvantages of these devices
are that they’re heavy, awkward, and
can be unsafe.
Merry Christmas
From Our Family To Yours
BATTLE CREEK’S FIRST... EST. 1866
BATTLE CREEK’S FIRST... EST. 1866
T.R. SHAW JR
Member
CHUCK STALLARD
2838 Capital Ave., S.W. Battle Creek, Michigan 49015-4016
205 N. Elizabeth St., Bellevue, Michigan 49021
Member
(269) 979-3838 • www.shawfuneralhome.com
The Order of the
Golden Rule
Mobility Health LLC
` RN owned and operated
` Transportation available
` Employees screened
and fully insured
` Fully licensed and insured
Affordable rates
Flexible scheduling
Visiting nurse or aide
Basic care to skilled care
(IV's, wounds, etc.)
Help with health
navigation services
Provide referral services
when needed
(269) 339-8884
Foster Choice.
Take Action.
By: Jane Johnson
Making choices takes courage and
commitment. As a Baby Boomer I
recognize the desire to make my own
choices. I also recognize that if I want
to be the one in charge I need to live
in the land of reality and have a plan
put into place. No one likes to think
about the years beyond living at home
but we must. Here are three ways to
foster your independent choices:
BE REAL
How many times do we hear
unrealistic, foolish and even illegal
plans out of peoples mouths about
their advanced senior years. Sure
sometimes they mean it to be funny
but often it is their all too real way
of putting up their hand to stop real
thought. If you can’t pass into REAL
thought about this time you sure can’t
make REAL plans. Often this puts
your children or others involved in
your life in a horribly difficult situation. They don’t know what you want
when the real need arises and fear
your reprisal when choices need to
be made. When this happens you are
loosing your independence. STOP the
diversional conversation and make
a REAL PLAN, one that you have
some independent choice in, and one
that saves your family undue anguish.
Where do you realistically want to
spend those years?
BE PROACTIVE
Have the courage to step out and
make the plan. Do you know what
the choices are in your area? Do you
know what they charge; do they take
insurance, Medicare or Medicaid?
Are there apartments, private or semiprivate rooms, does each person have
a private bathroom, shower? This is a
time of life most of us would like to
ignore but statistics dictate that these
decisions will most likely need to be
made. WHAT is your decision? WHO
have you told? IS the ground work in
place?
BE HEALTHY
We live at a great time in life when
the medical tests to assist us with
health are readily accessible. But
again the CHOICE has to be made.
We need to see the doctor, schedule
the tests and be present for them. It is
also up to us to exercise, eat right and
keep an active social calendar. Life’s
choices are better when we’re healthy.
Maplewood of Marshall, 200
Westbrook Ct. Marshall could be one
of your choices. It is a beautiful place
filled with caring and laughter. There
are many activities to choose from
and the food is fantastic. Call Karin
Gallagher at (269) 781-4997 to set up
a tour, include lunch with it or a trip
to the ice cream parlor. Choose to
know.
Name ________________________
Address ______________________
_____________________________
City
State
One year subscription
Send to:
Zip
$20.00 per year
Senior Times
4642 Capital Ave. SW
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Make Checks Payable to Senior Times
PAGE 10
BARRY COUNTY COA
(269) 948-4856
320 W. Woodlawn Avenue
Hastings, MI, 49058
www.barrycounty.org
Commission On Aging Sites
D - Delton, H - Hastings
N - Nashville, W - Woodland
GL - Gun Lake Community Church
BYOG - Bring Your Own Game
MONDAY, 2
H - December Birthdays
H - BYOG
H - TV Strings
H - Card Making, 9am
H - Mini Massage, 9am-12pm
W - Skipbo & Shuffleboard
TUESDAY, 3
H - Line Dancing, 9:30am
H - Play Wii, 10:30am
H - Adopt A Pet, 11am-2pm
WEDNESDAY, 4
H - Music With Sam
H - Sewing Class, 5-7pm
THURSDAY, 5
H - Music With Celia, 10:30am
N - TV Time
D - Puzzle/Trivia
FRIDAY, 6
H - Exercise, 9am
H - Bingo, 10am
W - Mini Massage, 10:30am
MONDAY, 9
H - BYOG
H - Music With Sam
H,W,N - Reminiscence
H - Painting With Bob, 1pm
N - Mini Massage, 11am-12pm
H - Kinship Support, 1:30-3pm
TUESDAY, 10
WEDNESDAY, 11
H - Music With Sam
H - Euchre, 12:30-2:30pm
D - Mini Massage, 11am-12pm
THURSDAY, 12
• Christmas Party, 10:30am-12:30pm,
Silent Auction Ends At Noon
FRIDAY, 13
H - Exercise, 9am
H - Bingo, 10am
MONDAY, 16
H - BYOG
H - TV Strings
TUESDAY, 17
H - Kinship Care Party, 6:30pm
WEDNESDAY, 18
• Meijer Gardens Trip!
H - Music With Sam
H - Euchre, 12:30-2:30pm
H - Sewing Class, 5-7pm
D - TV Strings
D - Reminiscence
D - December Birthdays
THURSDAY, 19
D - Puzzle/Trivia
N - TV Time
FRIDAY, 20
H - Exercise, 9am
H - Bingo, 10am
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
MONDAY, 23
H - BYOG
H - Music With Sam
TUESDAY, 24
• Christmas Eve: COA Closed
WEDNESDAY, 25
• Christmas: COA Closed
THURSDAY, 26
N - TV Time
D - Puzzle/Trivia
FRIDAY, 27
H - Exercise, 9am
H - Bingo, 10am
MONDAY, 30
H - BYOG
H - Music With Sam
NOTE
Be aware of closures due to inclement
weather. The next 6 week Zumba class
will begin on January 7, 2014.
BURNHAM
BROOK CENTER
(269) 965-0000
200 W. Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI, 49017
www.burnhambrook.org
CARDS / GAMES
(MEMBERS ONLY)
Bid Whist
Monday-Friday, 9-12pm
Contract Bridge
Fridays, 1-3:30pm
Duplicate Bridge Club
Mondays, 11am-3pm,
Non-members Welcome.
Must have own partner.
$5 Per Person
Euchre
Thursday, 12:30-3:30pm
Mah Jongg
Friday, 12:30-4pm
Men’s Bridge Club
Mondays, 12-3pm
Pinochle
Tuesdays, 12-3pm
Variety Cards
Wednesday, 12:30-3:30pm
CLUBS / RECREATION
Battle Creek Stamp Club
2nd Thursday of the Month, 5-8pm
Billiards
Monday-Friday, 6am-8:30pm
Tournaments, Tuesday & Friday, 1pm
Burnham Brook Golf League
May-August
Burnham Brook Singers Rehearsals
Fridays, 9:30-11:15am
DANCE / MUSIC
Line Dancing
Mondays, 2-4pm
Tap Dancing Class
Mondays, 10-11am
HEALTH / FITNESS
The Fitness Loft
Monday-Thursday, 5:30am-8pm
Friday, 5:30am-6:30pm
Saturday, 8am-2pm
Sunday, 4-6:30pm
DEC 2013
7: 32 Annual Jackson Symphony Guild
Holiday Ball: A Midnight Masquerade,
Country Club of Jackson, Jackson,
6pm-Midnight, (517) 782-3221,
www.jacksonsymphony.org.
7: Brass Band Of Battle Creek
Holiday Concert, W.K. Kellogg Auditorium,
Battle Creek, 7:30pm, www.bbbc.net.
8: Governor’s Mansion Christmas Tea,
Governor’s Mansion, Marshall, 1-5pm,
800-877-5163, www.battlecreekvisitors.org.
8: Shari Rarick IFOL Dance Celebration,
Ann J. Kellogg School, Battle Creek, 1:303pm, (269) 420-4031, www.bcfestivals.com.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DECEMBER
Now-Dec 6: Walking Fit Club, 1802 S. West
Ave, Jackson, 10-11am, (517) 902-5706,
www.experiencejackson.com.
11: Genealogy Help, Carnegie Library,
Jackson, 5:30-8:30pm, (517) 788-4087,
www.myjdl.com.
12-14: Christmas In The City:
Yuletide Cabaret, Ella Sharp Museum,
Jackson, 7-10pm, (517) 936-8130,
www.experiencejackson.com/calendar.
Now-Dec 21: Cornwell’s Turkeyville
Presents “Two Guys & A Christmas Tree,”
Cornwell’s Turkeyville Dinner Theatre,
Marshall, 6-11pm, 800-228-4315,
www.turkeyville.com.
13,20,27: International Festival Of Lights
Warming House, 51 W Michigan Ave,
Downtown Battle Creek, 6-8pm, (269)
420-4031, www.downtownbattlecreek.com/
live-it-up_play.
1,7,14-15,21-22: Holiday Respite Live
Music Night, Sandhill Crane Vineyards &
Café, Jackson, 2:30-5pm, (517) 764-0679,
14: 4th Annual Holiday Expo & Craft Show,
Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Kalamazoo,
All Day, www.artscraftsshowbusiness.com/
shows.aspx?state=MI.
2: Chess Club, Spring Arbor Branch,
Spring Arbor, 5-7pm, (517) 750-2030,
www.myjdl.com.
14-15: The Christmas Express, Little River
Railroad, Coldwater, 2pm, (517) 227-5488,
www.littleriverrailroad.com.
2: Marshall 49th Annual Christmas Parade,
Downtown Marshall, 7-9pm, (269) 781-5163,
www.marshallmi.org/events.
14: PN Bands Huskie Holiday Craft Show,
Portage Northern High School, Portage,
All day, www.artscraftsshowbusiness.com/
shows.aspx?state=MI.
3,10,17: Wine Pairing Dinner Tuesdays
Featuring Executive Chef Stef, Bella Notte
Ristorante, Jackson, 5-10pm, (248)
688-2464, www.experiencejackson.com.
3: MDL Holiday Desserts: Gluten Free,
Marshall District Library, Marshall,
7-8:15pm, (269) 781-7821 ext.10,
www.MarshallDistrictLibrary.org.
5: Holiday Band, Jackson Symphony
Orchestra, Jackson, 10-11am,
(517) 782-3221 Ext 118,
5-6: Holiday Baraaz, Calhoun County
Medical Care Facility, Battle Creek, Thursday
8-5pm and Friday 8-2pm, (269) 962-5458.
6-8: Live Nativity, St. Thomas Episcopal
Church, Downtown Battle Creek, 6-9pm,
(269) 420-4031, www.bcfestivals.com.
6: International Festival Of Lights Warming
House, 51 W Michigan Ave, Downtown Battle
Creek, 6-8pm, (269) 420-4031, www.downtownbattle-creek.com/live-it-up_play.
6: Marshall Retail Open House,
Downtown Marshall, 6-9pm, (269)
781-5163, www.battlecreekvisitors.org.
6: Oaklawn Hospital Auxiliary: Tree Of
Memories, Oaklawn Hospital Lobby, 6pm,
(269) 781-5163, www.marshallmi.org.
6: Brass Band of Battle Creek: Benefit
Concert For Marshall High School
Auditorium, 8pm, (269) 781-1330,
www.marshallmi.org.
7-8: Christmas At Wings, Wings Stadium,
Kalamazoo, All Day, www.artscraftsshowbusiness.com/shows.aspx?state=MI.
14: Christmas Tea & Open House,
River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Monroe,
1-3pm, (734) 243-7136, www.nps.gov/rira.
14: Third Annual Light The Night,
Downtown Battle Creek, 5-8pm, (269)
660-2568, www.battlecreekvisitors.org.
14: Tinsel Toes 5K, Battle Creek YMCA,
Battle Creek, 5:30pm, www.facebook.com/
tinseltoes5k/info.
15: Jackson Symphony Orchestra:
Christmas Concert With Jackson Chorale
& Children’s Choir, 4-6pm, (517) 782-3221
Ext 118, www.jacksonsymphony.org.
16: Chess Club, Spring Arbor Branch,
Spring Arbor, 5-7pm, (517) 750-2030,
www.myjdl.com.
20-23: Holiday Nights At Binder Park Zoo,
Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek, 5-9pm,
(269) 979-1351, www.binderparkzoo.org.
21: Wing House Museum Tours,
Wing House Museum, Coldwater,
12-4pm, (517) 278-2871,
www.BranchCountyHistoricalSociety.org.
21: Festival Follies, Ann J. Kellogg School,
Battle Creek, 4pm, (269) 420-4031, www.
bcfestivals.com.
26-30: Holiday Nights At Binder Park Zoo,
Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek, 5-9pm,
(269) 979-1351, www.binderparkzoo.org.
31: Eve On The Ave, Downtown Jackson,
Jackson 10pm-12:30am, (517) 788-4355,
www.experiencejackson.com/calenda.
7: Michigan International Speedway’s
Charity Track & Toy Drive, Michigan
International Speedway, Jackson, 9am-3pm,
(517) 592-6666, www.mispeedway.com.
LIFELONG LEARNING
CLASSES AT KCC
(269) 965-4134
7: East Jackson Craft Show & Silent
Auction, East Jackson High School, Jackson,
10am-4pm, (517) 206-1796, eastjacksonbandboosters.weebly.com/craft-show.html.
KCC’s Regional Manufacturing Technology
Center, 405 Hill-Brady Road, Battle Creek.
Visit www.kellogg.edu/lifelong for information
on registration options and class offerings.
7: Hometown Holiday’s & Parade,
Downtown Coldwater, Coldwater, 10-2pm,
(517) 279, 6903, www.discover-michigan.
com/events.htm.
7-8: The Christmas Express, Little River
Railroad, Coldwater, 2pm, (517) 227-5488,
www.littleriverrailroad.com.
7-8: 33rd Annual Marshall Candlelight
Walk, Marshall Area, 4:30-6:30pm, (269)
781-8544, www.marshallhistoricalsociety.org.
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) 979-1412 ext 102 or
email: [email protected].
SENIOR TIMES NOTE: Senior Times is
not responsible for changes in schedules.
To confirm times and dates of activities,
please contact the agencies directly.
DEC 2013
CROUCH
SENIOR CENTER
(517) 788-4364
1715 Lansing Avenue,
Jackson, MI 49202
www.co.jackson.mi.us/
agencies/deptaging
MONDAY, 2
• Fit After 50, 8:45am
• Bingo, 10:30am
• Tai Chi Workshop, 12pm
• Bridge Club, 1pm
TUESDAY, 3
• Yoga, 8:30am
• TRAID, 9am
• Quilting, 10am
• Write Your Life, 10am
• Chair Exercise, 10:30am
• Woodcarving Class, 1pm
• Music Jam Session, 1pm
WEDNESDAY, 4
• Card Class w/Linda, 10am
• Kinship Group, 12pm
• Get In Line, 12:15pm
• Penny Bingo, 12:45am
THURSDAY, 5
• Pool Challenge 7, 10am
• Caregiver Support Group, 12pm
• Euchre Tourney, 12:45pm
• Acrylic Paint Class, 1pm
• Holiday Party, 5-9pm
FRIDAY, 6
• Bingo, 10:30am
• Christmas Flick, 12:45pm
MONDAY, 9
• Bingo, 10:30am
• Tai Chi Workshop, 12pm
TUESDAY, 10
• Yoga, 8:30am
• TRAID, 9am
• Quilting, 10am
WEDNESDAY, 11
• Fit after 50, 8:45am
• Give Me Strength, 9:30am
• Scrapbooking, 10:30am
• Karaoke, 12:45pm
THURSDAY, 12
FRIDAY, 13
• Bingo, 10:30am
MONDAY, 16
• Bingo, 10:30am
TUESDAY, 17
• Quilting, 10am
• Write Your Life, 10am
• Lunch w/Santa, 11am
WEDNESDAY, 18
• Christmas Musical Potato, 11am
• Penny Bingo, 12:45pm
THURSDAY, 19
• Caregiver Support Group, 12pm
FRIDAY, 20
• Bingo, 10:30am
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
FRIDAY, 20 (Cont.)
MONDAY, 23
• Bingo, 10:30am
TUESDAY, 24
• Christmas Eve: All Nutrition Sites Closed
WEDNESDAY, 25
• Christmas Day: All Nutrition Sites Closed
THURSDAY, 26
FRIDAY, 27
• Bingo, 10:30am
MONDAY, 30
• Bingo, 1pm
TUESDAY, 31
• New Year’s Eve Party, 11am
For more activities & locations visit
their website or call (517) 788-4364.
H&C BURNSIDE
SENIOR CENTER
(517) 279-6565
65 Grahl Drive, Coldwater, MI, 49036
www.burnsidecenter.com
MONDAY, 2
• Alzheimers Support Group, 3pm
TUESDAY, 3
• Wii Fall Bowling League, 1:15pm
WEDNESDAY, 4
• Music By Mary Temples, 11:30am
• Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale, 9am-2pm
• Beginning Windows 7 Class,
Week 9 Of 15
DECEMBER
BIRTHDAYS
David Arnett........................1
Leroy Baylis .......................1
Pam Elliott ..........................1
Carolann Jones ...................1
Lori Nicolich .......................1
Donald Smith ......................1
Arlene Berry ......................2
Charles Rose ......................2
Tim Binger .........................2
Mickey Hales .....................2
Dottie Humbert ...................2
Laura Gabriel ......................2
Tom George ........................2
Ginger Jacobson .................2
Christine Payne...................2
Keitha Post .........................2
Wanda Priest ......................2
Charles Rose ......................2
Linda Tafolla .......................2
Laurence Chakur ................3
Karen Casey .......................3
Laurie Kauffman .................3
Tamara Morgan ..................3
Michael Raines ...................3
Amy South ..........................3
Barbara Tibbs ....................3
Sandra Drummond .............4
Mary Frayer ........................4
Carl Proch...........................4
Patricia Bulko .....................5
Fern Jones ........................5
Starr Minier ........................5
Britteny Morris ....................5
Michael Shirkey ..................5
Ron Nossal .........................6
Patricia Obrien ....................6
PAGE 11
THURSDAY, 5
• Music By Shaneen, 11:30am
• Free Lunch & Dessert With Meal,
11:30am-12:30pm
FRIDAY, 6
• Dance “Roy Cole Country Rock”, 6-10pm
MONDAY, 9
• Hopco Hearing Service
• Evening Star Quilt Group
TUESDAY, 10
• Free Blood Pressure Checks, 10am
• GabMores “St. Joe River Boys”
Gospel Music, 1:30pm
WEDNESDAY, 11
(Week 14 Of 15), 9am
• Music By Kathy Cary, 11:30am
THURSDAY, 12
• Daisy Rubley On Piano, 11:30am
FRIDAY, 13
• Ice Cream Sundae Bar, 1:30-2pm
• Dance “Pure Country”, 6-10pm
TUESDAY, 17
• Free Blood Sugar Testing, 9:15-10:30am
• 9 Ball Tournament, 12:45pm
• Movie & Popcorn “Four Christmas”, 2pm
WEDNESDAY, 18
(Week 15 Of 15), 9am
• Legal Services, First Come,
First Serviced, 10am-12pm
• Music By Donna Green, 11:30am
THURSDAY, 19
• Men’s Breakfast, TBA, 7am
• Home Depot Presents,
“Last Minute Gift Ideas”, 11:45am
FRIDAY, 20
MONDAY, 23
• Closed For The Holiday
TUESDAY, 24
WEDNESDAY, 25
THURSDAY, 26
• Laurels Pool Tournament, 1pm
FRIDAY, 27
MONDAY, 30
TUESDAY, 31
Allen Pool ...........................6
Ruth Smith ........................6
Glenn Baker .......................7
Rick Bates ..........................7
Virginia Doubleday ..............7
Ron Kurlowicz.....................7
Bryan Marenko ...................7
Sampson McCormick .........7
Theresa Moore ...................7
Michelle Richards ...............7
Merline Shaver ...................7
Allan White .........................7
Gil Douglas .........................8
Virginia Laurinec .................8
Chris Lefils .........................8
Lisa Mueller ........................8
Sophie Beadle ....................9
Pearline Brady ....................9
Sue Day ..............................9
Mike Herter ........................9
Linda Lovio .........................9
Yvonne Powell ....................9
Ron Sloma ..........................9
Rhonda Wiersma ..............10
Maria Chapin ....................10
Linda Holderbaum ............10
Bill Mackie........................10
Dave Melges.....................10
Sandra Simpson ...............10
Howard Walker .................10
Arlene Davis ....................11
Doris Herman ..................11
Eric Lankerd .....................11
Juanita Long ....................11
Tammy Welker ..................11
Harriette Winters ...............11
Virginia Aumaugher ..........12
Bonnie Miller ....................12
Ruth Booth ......................12
Douglas Heemsoth............12
Rick Kerber.......................12
Mary Logan ......................12
Lola Peterson....................12
Emma Thompson ..............12
Ruth Edwards ..................13
Bill Fox .............................13
Ruth Horn .........................13
Maxine Johnson ...............13
Theodore Neicko...............13
Cindy Peruchietti ..............13
Rita DeVore.......................14
Shirley Barelay .................14
Robert Palmer...................14
David Sauder ....................14
Dan Tollis ..........................14
Bev Tooley ........................14
Brian Wensauer ................14
Sharon Beal ......................15
James Destramp ..............15
Asta Gilbert .......................15
Betty Komark ....................15
Hans Stark........................15
Dave Morgan ....................16
Woodrow Knowles ............16
Julie Simonds ...................16
Mark Webb .......................16
Jackie Douglas .................17
Luian Jones ......................17
Douglas Kain ....................18
James Wright ...................18
Gail Haines .......................19
Gary King..........................19
Fred Moore ......................19
Deb Shaughnessy .............19
Jodi Shawver....................19
Kristy Smith ......................19
Randy Eicher ....................20
Norene Fox .......................20
FORKS SENIOR CENTER
(517) 629-3842
1418 Cooper Street, Albion, MI 49224
www.forksseniorcenter.org
DAILY EVENTS
See Website For Special Programs &
Updates.
Golden Toning Fitness Training
Monday & Wednesday, 9am-12pm,
By Appointment
SilverSneakers® Muscular Strength
& Range of Movement Exercise
Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 10am
Stitch N’ Time – Quilting Guild
1st & 3rd Mondays, 10am
Cooking Club
3rd Monday, 11:30am,
No Summer Meetings
Euchre Club
Monday & Tuesday, 1pm
Men’s Breakfast Club
2nd Tuesday, 8:30am
Ping Pong – Table Tennis
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10am
SilverSneakers® Cardio Fit
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9am
Senior Health Partners
Whole Person Wellness
(Health Screenings & Exercise)
Thursdays 10:30am
Medicare Assistance
Wednesdays, 9am-12pm,
By Appointment
Foot Care Appointments
Washington & Associates,
Check Desk For Appointments
Grocery Bingo
Wednesdays, 9:30am
Diabetes Support Group
1st Wednesday, 1pm
FSC Board of Directors’ Meeting
3rd Wednesday, 1pm
Sit N’ Stitch –
Knitting & Crochet Guild
Thursdays, 1pm
Bridge Club
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 1pm
Monthly Potluck Buffet
3rd Thursday, Alternate Noon Lunch
or 5:30pm Dinner
Helen Keenan ...................20
Gordon VanWieren II .........20
Chuck Asher .....................21
Susan Collins ....................21
Martha Livingston .............21
Margo Brush .....................22
Eileen Clemens .................22
Iris Huysentruyt ................22
Judy Johnson ...................22
Judy Masters ....................22
Marvin Sain ......................22
Liz Belt .............................23
Barb Pakner......................23
Tomy Brann ......................23
Vera Hazel ........................23
Barbara Morris..................23
Delores Pena ....................23
Crystal Rucker ..................23
Janet Shanks....................23
Sharon Cutler ...................24
Barbara Gillespie ..............24
Finley McRae ....................24
Noel Taylor........................24
Sheila Cannatti .................25
Althea Hack .....................25
Sam Haylock ....................25
Janet Peterson..................25
David Shearer ...................25
William Beal .....................26
Reda Coone ......................26
Troy Huggett .....................26
Laura Jansen ....................26
Charles Zimmerman .........26
Joanne Bartzen.................27
Audra Camera ..................27
Mary Ellen Connelly ..........27
Linda Frost .......................27
John Marken ....................27
Patricia Robbins................27
Dave Ryan ........................27
Wayne Farst......................28
Philip Knight .....................28
Neil Masse........................28
Gordon Maxson ................28
Ed Stanton ........................28
Ardella Tillery-Myhre.........28
John Weir .........................28
Michael White ...................28
Philip Knight .....................28
Martha Aldrich ..................29
Mike Cox ..........................29
Jan Moody ......................29
Mary Nowlin .....................29
Herb Duysen .....................30
Joan Ivany ........................30
Helen Groves ....................30
Van Langford ....................30
Lyn McRae........................30
Ken Thornton ...................30
Glen Babbitt ......................31
Carol Walters ....................31
Helen Cleaver ...................31
Charlene Erskine ..............31
Samuel Pastor ..................31
John Gibbons....................31
Happy Birthday to you
all! From your friends
at Senior Times. To have
us wish a special Happy
Birthday to someone,
please send the name and
birthdate details to ssherban@
wwthayne.com
or by mail to Senior Times,
4642 Capital Ave, SW,
Battle Creek, MI, 49015.
Page 12
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.
• 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.
• Friendship Center Locations:
Hastings COA Building:
(269) 948-4856
Open Mon. thru Fri. – 10 am-2pm
Nashville Masonic Temple
(517) 852-9182
Open Mon. thru Fri. – 10:30am-1pm
Delton Faith United Methodist Church
(269) 623-5400
Open Mon, Wed, Th: 10:30am-1pm
Woodland Eagles Club:
(269) 367-4041
Open Mon, Wed & Fri – 10:30am-1pm
Barry County Commission on Aging
320 West Woodlawn Avenue
Hastings, Michigan 49058
Phone: (269) 948-4856
Fax: (269) 948-3336
E-Mail: [email protected]
Visit our website link from: www.barrycounty.org
ask
THE ATTORNEY
Michael B. Walling, Attorney, Special to Senior Times
PROTECT YOUR ASSETS
QUESTION: My husband had
to go into a nursing home a few
months ago. I’m sorry to say that
he probably will never come back
home. I’m 75 years old and I’m
afraid that I won’t be able to support myself being alone now. The
nursing home is costing us $8,000
a month and it is using up our savings quickly. Is there anything I can
do to save our money? We worked
hard our whole lives to save that
money and I’m going to need it.
ANSWER: Yes, there are legal
ways to protect your life savings
and your other assets. Under current Michigan law, you are allowed
to keep your home, one vehicle,
and your household goods. You are
also allowed to keep one-half of the
money you and your husband had on
the first day that he went into longterm care. Your husband is allowed to
keep $2,000. For example: If you and
your husband had $150,000 on the
first day he went into long term care,
then you can keep $75,000 and your
husband can keep $2,000 for a total
of $77,000. The other $73,000 has
to be spent down to zero (called the
“Spend-Down”) before he can qualify
for Medicaid; this is usually done by
paying for the nursing home. Once
he qualifies for Medicaid, the State
of Michigan will pay for his nursing home care via the Department of
Human Services (DHS).
However, there are legal options
available to save ALL of you and
your husband’s money and get your
husband qualified for Medicaid
immediately (without ANY SpendDown). That way, you can retain ALL
of your savings and you don’t have to
pay for nursing home care. This will
help you pay for your property taxes,
insurance, utilities, repairs, food, etc.,
since you now have to live alone and
may have lost some or all of your
husband’s income.
Michael B. Walling is an Elder
Law attorney with a Master of Laws
degree. He is also the Managing
Partner of The Elder Law Center and
the law firm of Walling and Foster,
P.C. Please send any questions you
would like addressed to: Michael B.
Walling, 131 East Columbia Avenue,
Suite 100, Battle Creek, Michigan
49015. You may also call (269) 9681101 to set up a free initial consultation. This column is intended for
general information purposes only
and should not be considered as legal
advice to any particular person.
updates on your
SOCIAL SECURITY
Vonda Vontil, Special to Senior Times
SPECIAL DAY FOCUSES ON
HELPING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OPEN DOORS
The United Nations’ International
Day of Persons with Disabilities is
annually held on December 3 to focus
on issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide. This year marks the
21st observance and provides an opportunity to re-commit to helping persons
with disabilities break down barriers.
In the United States, Social Security
often is the primary source of income
for people with disabilities. More than
9 of 10 American workers are covered
by Social Security disability insurance,
and Social Security provides benefits to
young workers and their families if the
worker should become disabled.
Social Security has a very strict
definition of disability – a person
must be unable to engage in any
substantial gainful activity due to a
physical or mental impairment that
has lasted or is expected to last at
least one year, or to result in death.
We do not provide benefits for partial or temporary disabilities, so Social
Security beneficiaries are most in need
of support services if contemplating a
return to work.
In fact, 40 percent of Social Security
Disability Insurance beneficiaries
express interest in working and Social
Security has a number of programs to
help in those return-to-work efforts.
The work incentive programs feature:
• Continued cash benefits for a period
of time while a beneficiary works;
• Continued Medicare or Medicaid
coverage; and
• Help with education, training, and
rehabilitation to start a new line of
work.
In addition to these incentives, many
beneficiaries are interested in the Ticket
to Work program, which can help people with disabilities receive vocational
rehabilitation, training, job referrals,
and other employment support services
free of charge.
Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/
work to learn more or read the publications for SSI and Social Security
Disability Insurance recipients, Working
While Disabled–How We Can Help and
Your Ticket To Work. These and many
other helpful publications are available
at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Question: Who is eligible for
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: People who receive SSI are
age 65 or older, blind, or disabled with
limited income and resources. Go to
www.socialsecurity.gov for income and
resource limits. The general fund of
the United States Treasury makes SSI
payments. They do not come out of the
Social Security Trust Fund.
Question: What’s the best way to find
out if I might be eligible for SSI?
Answer: Our online Benefit
Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) will
help you find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers.
Based on your answers to questions,
this tool will list benefits for which you
might be eligible and tell you more
information about how to qualify and
apply. Find BEST at www.benefits.gov/
ssa.
Vonda VanTil is the public affairs
specialist for West Michigan. You
can write her c/o Social Security
Administration, 3045 Knapp St NE,
Grand Rapids, MI, 49525 or via email
at [email protected].
IN FOCUS
By: Gail Heeter
FALL COLOR ON HARPER
CREEK
The Conway property on Harper
Creek provided an idyllic venue for
autumn photography. Although the
color was late developing and not as
intense as in some years, the sugar
maple woods and Harper Creek pond
and dam were beautiful, even with
cloudy skies that too soon began to
drip, ending the shoot.
The property of 60 acres along
Harper Creek contains the residence
of owner Harry Conway and daughter
Joan, plus a barn and other outbuildings. He has donated a conservation
easement to the Southwest Michigan
Land Conservancy to ensure that development will be prohibited even if the
land is sold. That will always protect
the habitat for the waterfowl and other
birds and wildlife and keep the creek
natural and clear.
The focal point of the property is
the water, especially the dam with its
waterfall providing peaceful “white
noise” to mask the sounds of passing
traffic. After taking many shots of the
waterfall and the mill pond reflecting
the autumn colors, the photographers
crossed the bridge on top of the dam
and followed the path into the golden
woods. Back across the pond, the barn
and a large red maple now commanded
the photographers’ attention.
Many thanks go to Harry and Joan
Conway for allowing the group to visit,
and for the invitation to return to the
property in other seasons.
Thanks also to Steve Heeter for sharing his photos.
In Focus members meet monthly,
usually the second Tuesday. For details,
please contact Steve or Gail Heeter at
(269) 964-9205.
Enhanced Vision
Product Demo and Sale On
December 12, 11AM – Noon
Exploring Low Vision Solutions? Come to Southwest
Michigan Eye Center waiting area to view the comprehensive
line of easy-to-use and affordable low vision products from
Enhanced Vision. Products range from simple digital magnifiers to advanced video magnification systems with HD and
text-to-speech (OCR). The Enhanced Vision representative
will be demonstrating electronic hand held and desk top magnifiers. Participants can also register to win a prize! Product
lines include DaVinci, Merlin, Amigo, Acrobat HD, and Pebble.
You can preview products at www.enhancedvision.com
Plan to attend December 12 at 11am!
3600 Capital Avenue, S. W.
Battle Creek, Michigan 49015
(269) 979-6383 or (800) 274-6699
w w w . s w m e y e c e n t e r . c o m
Page 13
Page 14
caregiver’s
CORNER
Anne Clark, Special to Senior Times
HELPING STAY MOBILE
Assisted living in an intimate family style home.
541 E. Minges, Battle Creek, MI 49015
(269) 962-7269
As the end of the year fastly
approaches we are talking about
mobility and this is a passion for all
of us here at Senior Health Partners
because we believe we have to Keep
Movin’.
For family caregivers this can be
an incredibly hard task depending
on the reason for your person having difficulty with mobility issues.
If it’s a temporary situation (or as
we say in our Self-Management
classes an acute situation) the solution can be very easy… it might
be walking the mall or around the
block, getting on the treadmill, etc.
But if you have a mobility issue that
is going to continue on for a long
period of time, it’s harder to get
someone motivated.
A couple of things come to mind.
First there is the education about the
condition. Really finding out what
the limitations are is very helpful
but what’s even better is finding out
what shouldn’t be a limitation. Let
me give you examples, we often
hear a person with Arthritis say they
can’t exercise because they have
Arthritis. The reality is, the best
thing for Arthritis is exercise.
The important step is learning
how to get started and making
sure you start at a level you can
handle. We lead people to start
with a goal that fits their ability.
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.
1-800-626-6719
200 W. Michigan Ave.
269-966-2450
800-626-6719
www.region3b.org
SERVING BARRY AND CALHOUN COUNTIES
For some starting at their level
might be walking two miles; for
others it might be just being able
to walk to the bathroom; and for
another it might be to just walk for
10 minutes. Always remember it’s
about you and nobody else.
There are many different opportunity through Senior Health
Partners that you can take advantage
of to make sure you can help your
loved one. You can be the “coach”
by learning some different techniques to keep your person more
mobile.
Every Monday, Wednesday and
Friday Senior Health Partners offers
a free exercise class that includes
both chair and standing exercises
and we incorporate resistance training using Thera-Bands (stretchy
bands!). These classes are open to
the public with the target audience
being 45 and older. They are held at
Burnham Brook but are sponsored
by Senior Health Partners so you
don’t have to be member to join in
the fun.
Whole Person Wellness is an
exercise class supported by a nurse.
This program uses the same concept
as the Keep Movin’ class where
chair and standing exercises complement each other. These classes
are held throughout the county, targeting the older adult.
Then there is the Matter of
Balance Fall Prevention course.
This workshop is a national program with a goal of reducing the
fear of falling while increasing
the activity levels of older adults.
Classes are held throughout the
year and are open to the public.
Participants meet once a week
for two hours over an eight-week
period. This is a free workshop.
For registration, call Senior Health
Partners and add your name to the
list for the next available class.
We also offer the Chronic
Disease Self-Management workshops. These workshops are 2 ½
hours long, meeting once a week
for six weeks. Here participants
learn self-management tools to help
you work with chronic conditions.
Topics include exercise, relaxation
skills, goal setting, managing your
symptoms, and more to really help
you deal with the many areas of
life.
It’s never too late to start an
exercise program or to learn about
what might be keeping you down.
So join us and enjoy the fun! Merry
Christmas to all.
faith
MATTERS
Rev. Dr. James Gysel, Special to Senior Times
GOD’S LOVE IS STEADFAST
I was thinking about the Thanksgiving
holiday that just passed and wondered
about the connection between thanks and
love. And I discovered there is a powerful
connection.
When I was researching I discovered
that the words “thanks” and “Love”
appear in the same verses actually
42 times! And they’re all in the Old
Testament! So what? So that’s a big deal
because of the way the word “LOVE” is
referred to. In every case it’s in reference
to God’s love. So what the big deal about
God’s love? The big deal is this: God’s
love is consistently qualified by the word
“steadfast.” Go ahead look it up beginning in 1 and 2 Chronicles, Psalm 136 (26
times!), eight other times in Psalms, and
once in Jeremiah 33.
There’s a story that makes this point
so well:
“After a forest fire in Yellowstone
National Park, forest rangers began their
trek up a mountain to assess the damage.
One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the
ground at the base of a tree. Startled by
the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird
with a stick. When he struck it, three tiny
chicks scurried from under their dead
mother’s wings.
The loving mother, keenly aware
of impending disaster, had carried her
offspring to the base of the tree and had
gathered them under her wings. She
could have flown to safety but refused
to abandon her babies. When the blaze
had arrived and the heat had scorched
her small body, the mother had remained
steadfast. She had been willing to die so
that those under the cover of her wings
would live...”
That’s the perfect illustration of God’s
love that has staying power no matter
what. Steadfast is: constant, never changing, always consistent, continuing on
FOREVER
The good news is that God’s Love is
directed at you! Constantly, never changing… in spite of your ups and downs as
a human… and this love will last forever
into eternity.
Love is something for which we are
thankful! God’s love is something for
which we are especially thankful! In fact,
do you know that God is the reason that
we are even able to love? It’s true! 1 John
4:19 says, “We love because he first loved
us.”
Is our love exactly the same as God’s
love? No, but we are made in God’s
image and we do have the power to love.
And we do have the power to change and
do an even better job of loving.
What are you thankful for this year?
I’m thankful for God’s steadfast love.
cooking
FOR TWO
Joanna Stelloh Phelps, Special to Senior Times
Wow, here it is, time to celebrate
Christmas again. Doesn’t it seem like
we just took the decorations down and
now we are putting them up again?
Time slips away so fast and I am told,
by seniors, it goes even faster as we
age. I love the Chirstmas season, the
wrapping, the cooking, the planning,
but we need to pause during the flurry
of events and remember what it is all
about. The birth of Jesus Christ. That is
the true reason we do what we do. Hug
your family close, say your prayers, and
be truly grateful. Merry Christmas!
RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE
NOTE: If using prepared graham
cracker crusts, such as Keebler, the following recipe will fill three prepared
crusts.
Filling Ingredients:
3 8-oz. packages of cream cheese,
Entertaining and
informative programs
for active adults age
50 and better
Look for a new
class schedule in
the January issue
of Senior Times
¾
3
½
¹⁄8
1
softened
Cup granulated sugar
Eggs
Cup heavy cream
Teaspoon salt
Teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In
a large bowl, beat the cream cheese,
sugar, eggs, heavy cream, salt, and
vanilla until very smooth and creamy.
Pour into chilled crust. Place springform pan inside larger pan containing
1-inch of water and bake for 1½ hours.
Transfer cake to a wire rack and allow
to cool.
Topping: Seedless raspberry or
strawberry jam – Spread on top 1 hour
before serving and refrigerate until
ready to use.
an affiliate of the
ELDERHOSTEL INSTITUTE NETWORK
Kellogg Community College
Regional Manufacturing Technology Center
405 Hill Brady Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037
PHONE 269-965-4134 EMAIL [email protected]
WEB www.kellogg.edu/lifelong/ilr
Page 15
Page 16
Aging and Disability Resource Line: 1-800-626-6719
General Agency Telephone: (269) 966-2450
200 West Michigan Avenue Suite 102, Battle Creek, MI 49017
My Medicare
Matters
Persons who enrolled
during the October 15December 7 enrollment
period should be watching
their mail for their packets
of information and insurance cards from their new
Part D insurers. If you do
not receive your information, and need help finding
the toll free number for
the plan you selected for
2014, simply call the Battle
Creek MMAP office at 800803-7174, or the Calhoun
County Office of Senior
Services at (269) 781-0846,
or the Forks Senior Center
in Albion at (517) 629-3842.
Dave Stevens,
Kinship Coordinator
[email protected]
Family Enrichment Center
415 S. 28th Street
Ph: (269) 660-0448
Fx: (269) 963-0160
www.Fecfamilies.com
By: Karla Fales, CEO, Region 3B Area Agency on Aging
By Karen Manney,
MMAP Marketing &
Outreach Coordinator
Watch your mail for
your New Part D insurance
cards. December 7, 2013,
is the last date this year for
Medicare Prescription Drug
Part D enrollment changes
to be made. Changes made
will be effective beginning
January 1, 2014.
Kinship Korner
Holiday Give & Take
The holidays
are the season
of giving, an
opportunity to
share some of
what we have
been blessed
with others in
our family
and our community. Gifts for
family, friends and co-workers;
blessing a neighbor with home
baked goodies; donating to community programs such as adopt a
family; and planning our end of
year giving. However, our desire
to share our blessings needs to
be balanced with a measure of
wisdom. Keep these tips in mind
to protect yourself from potential
scams related to your charitable
giving.
• Hard luck stories abound
around the holidays. Rather
than giving to an individual
with a hard luck story, direct
them to one of the many local
service agencies, organizations
or churches so they can
receive immediate help plus
referrals for ongoing
assistance.
• Door to door solicitations are
rarely conducted by legitimate
charities these days. Do not
open your door to a stranger –
you taught your kids not to do
it, right?
• Scammers love natural
disasters. Only donate to well
established United Statesbased charities or churches
which have already got “boots
on the ground” systems for
getting the assistance to those
in need. Don’t click on random “donate here” web links!
• When shopping, try to keep
your hands free of packages,
shop with a buddy, avoid
strangers who approach you
in parking lots, and keep your
car doors locked, with bags,
wallets, and purses out of
sight.
• Guard your wallet and protect
your bank, debit, and credit
card information! At stores,
restaurants, and even family gatherings, you should be
aware that a quick cell phone
picture of your card can give
thieves the necessary card
numbers to make online
purchases on your account.
• For your own safety, NEVER
meet someone at your bank or
ATM to give them money!
• Scammers are trying to get
seniors to buy prepaid credit
cards (for donations, fake
online purchases, or “prize
taxes”) then have the victim
read them the card numbers
over the phone. The money
is stolen, the goods or prizes
never arrive.
• Read the fine print for store
“discount” programs. Some
give you a sale price on purchase day, than charge your
account monthly for a “club
membership fee.” This was
common at music/DVD/video
game stores last Christmas
season – it’s legal, but
scammy.
• Do not respond to random
texts or calls for assistance,
without verifying they are
real! The “Grandparent
Scam” of people pretending
to be your relative stranded
somewhere in need of money
is prevalent over the holidays.
Your donations to local
non-profits, churches, charities,
and foundations enable them to
provide services locally for those
in need. Choose how you will
share your blessings carefully.
Charities are required to be
registered to solicit – it is okay
to ask to review these documents before you give. Also
ask how the funds will be used.
Most of us give because we want
to help people – how much of
your donation actually goes to
people who are in need? Support
established local charities when
donating clothing and housing goods. Drop boxes located
throughout the community are
generally not local agencies and
the items donated are resold with
zero dollars actually going to
hungry families, cancer patients,
or whatever needy group is
mentioned on their drop box.
Finally, if you are not in a
position to donate or even
purchase gifts, do not feel obligated to give. Please do not put
your health and safety at risk by
skipping medications, food, or
other vital things like utilities
or shelter costs in order to gift
others. If you need assistance,
please call us at 1-800-626-6719
or (269) 966-2450. At the Area
Agency on Aging, we’re here to
help!
Have a blessed and safe
holiday season.
Calhoun county Kinship Care Services
advocates for and provides supportive services to families raising related children.
If you are raising a related child (ages
0-18), you are eligible for Kinship Care
Services through the Family Enrichment
Center. Support groups, helpful workshops
and trainings are available as well as intergenerational family activities. Please call
(269) 660-0448 for more information.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Each support group establishes its
own identity and goals, yet each has
the purpose of supporting individual
members. The central core of a support
group is mutual aid among members.
Friendships continue even after children
in the home are grown and gone. Kinship
providers are always welcome to visit a
support group meeting. If you would like
more information about support groups,
please call Dave. A support group can be
the lifeline a kinship provider needs!
Joining a support group can be one of
the best things you do for yourself and
your family! You Are Not Alone! Help Is
Available!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
A time of tinsel and tension!
Don’t forget to TAKE CARE OF YOU
during the holidays!
Remember to take care of yourself during the hectic holiday season. Taking care
of yourself is one of the most important
things you can do for those you are providing care for. All too often you ignore
your own needs, especially during the
hectic holiday season. It is critical to staying in shape over time to nurture yourself. You Nurture from Overflow – Not
from Need! Ways to nurture yourself
include:
• Maintaining social contacts.
• Calling on friends and relatives for help.
• Joining a kinship support group!
• Eating well and getting enough sleep.
• Exercising regularly.
• Doing something you enjoy each day.
• Scheduling a little “me” time.
• Taking time to be alone with other
significant adults.
Upcoming Events:
• Dec. 3, Blanket making/support group
meeting.
• Dec. 3, Christmas party for foster,
adopt and kinship families at the
Burnham Brook Center.
• Dec. 18, gift distribution at the FEC
office. Call the FEC office at (269)
660-0448 by Dec. 13 to pre-register
your Children. You must not be receiving special holiday assistance from any
other Agency to take part in this gift
distribution.
HEALTH. INDEPENDENCE. CHOICE.
Page 17
A community partnership of Bronson Battle Creek, Area Agency on Aging, CentraCare and Summit Pointe
For More Information Call (269) 441-0948
Creating Confident Caregivers
Are You Caring For
Someone With
Memory Loss?
§
Call our Caregiver
Coordinator at (269) 441-0920
to learn about a new program
designed just for you.
Keep Movin’ Chair
Exercises
Learn About
Memory loss and its effects on the brain
Managing difficult behaviors
Handling everyday activities more easily
Taking care of yourself to reduce the stress of caregiving
Funded in part by Michigan Office of
Services to the Aging and Region 3B
Area Agency on Aging
The workshop is free and respite care can be provided if scheduled in advance. Class size is limited to 12.
Register by calling Anne Clark, Eldercare Specialist, at (269) 441-0920
Do You Have Concerns
About Falling?
Matter of Balance
Fall Prevention
8-week workshop
FREE
Call Mary to Learn More
(269) 441-0948
§
•
•
•
•
Keep Movin’ Exercise
Classes at Burnham Brook
Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays 10:30-11:30am,
Burnham Brook Center Class
is free and open to the public
§
Creating Confident Caregivers is a six-part series for families caring for someone with memory loss.
Burnham Brook Community 200 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI
Mondays, December 2 – January 6 • 1-3:30pm
Strong Women Program
No matter how old you are,
you do not have to get weaker
with age. Strength training
can help you stay vital, strong
& independent. Progressive
weight training for everyone.
Class meets Mondays and
Fridays, 1-2pm in the SHP
Conference Room. Cost is
$30 for 1st 8-weeks and $20
for renewing participants.
You will need to bring your
own hand and ankle weights
and a floor mat. A pre-start-up
assessment is required before
starting the class. Call Mary
at (269) 441-0948 to enroll.
Whole Person Wellness Schedule
Whole Person Wellness is
a one-hour fitness program
that includes exercise led
by trained fitness staff and
supervised by a nurse.
Blood pressure, blood sugar
and pulse ox monitoring
is provided to support you
as you improve your overall health, make some new
friends and have fun together.
SITES
TIME
DAYS
Homer / Community House
9:30-10:30am
Tuesday
Lakeview Meadows Upper
9-10am
Tuesday
Tekonsha
10-11am
Tuesday
NHBP Reservation
10:30-11:30am
Wednesday
Village Mill Creek
10:30-11:30am
Wednesday
Bedford Manor
9-10am
Thursday
Marshall House Apartments
9:30-10:30am
Thursday
Athens Township Hall
Abion / Forks Senior Center
10-11am
11am-12pm
Thursday
Thursday
www.seniorhealthpartners.com
Page 18
food
FOR LIFE
Not a chain.
We’re your
hometown
jeweler.
Dr. Mark McCullough, Special to Senior Times
GIVE THE GIFT OF
EXPERIENCE
•
•
•
•
•
•
Visit us in
Historic Marshall...
117 W. Michigan Ave.
Marshall, MI 49068
269-789-2345
www.hodgesjewelers.com
Expert on site repair
Custom hand made jewelry
Bridal
Diamonds of any size
Pre-owned Rolex and vintage watches
We buy and sell estate jewelry,
gold and coins
Hours: Monday - Friday, 10am-5:30pm I Saturday, 10am-2pm I Sunday, Closed
John ter Avest Agency, Inc.
Providing affordable coverage programs since 1953
Here at John ter Avest Agency we specialize
in quality Health, Life and Disability Insurance
products from leading insurance companies.
Providing affordable Group and Individual
coverage programs since 1953 has given us
the experience and reputation you can trust.
9 Capital Ave NE
P 269.962.6135
F 269.962.0076
www.jtaagency.com
Medicare Supplement
Medicare Advantage
Life Insurance
Prescription Drug Plans
VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY KITCHEN
24th Annual
Holiday Celebration
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
10:30am - 2pm
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
One Michigan Ave., East
(269) 968-1611
Growing up in a time when there
were no cell phones, computers, or
any technology for that matter, it
seemed like the only thing that was
permanent-markered on the paper
calendar above the rotary phone
were holidays. That thought immediately puts FOOD on my mind
and the taste of pumpkin pie in
my mouth. It also meant that I was
going to see all of my relatives that I
would not ordinarily see which was
also exciting.
Although that picture may seem
clear to those of us that are thirty
or above, it still remains that even
though we have all of this technology and busy-ness, we as the younger
generations have to make a concerted effort to visit our loved ones.
Kids in sports trying to compete for
scholarships to go to college, both
parents working overtime to pay
for that “dream” Christmas, and
filling up the rest of your day with
Facebook and Celebrity Housewives
doesn’t leave much time for anything else. But there is always
TIME.
When I was growing up, it was
not about winning that big game
or receiving that amazing gift. It
was about my grandpa teaching me
how to fish. It was about camping
underneath the stars talking to family about how thankful I was to be
there.
See, it is not about the stuff; it’s
about the experiences.
My brother-in-law had said it
best. He told the family that he did
not want gifts for any of his remaining birthdays. He wanted experiences and he wouldn’t do any of those
experiences without at least one
person in the family. I think that was
a great idea until he got a present to
go skydiving.
Anyway, my point being is that
there has to be a concerted effort
through this holiday season to spend
time with family. It doesn’t come
naturally in this day and age because
of technology, which was supposed to free time up. Instead it has
crammed more things to do in less
time.
So, whether grandpa is on the
other side of town, state, or in your
house, slow down this incredible
Christmas season to sit down and
ask your elders how they celebrated
these holidays. Doing this will
let you know why neighborhoods
use to be extensions of the family and friends were like siblings.
Community was built on this type
of action and being on purpose like
this will alleviate holiday stresses
enough for you to look out and
see the one’s you love who are in
need… that is the priceless gift.
Have a GREAT CHRISTMAS
and love like tomorrow is not a
guarantee.
ReportFraud or Scams
If you detect a fraud or scam
aimed at seniors... there’s a new
toll-free number for assistance.
1-855-303-9470 operates from 9am
to 5pm EST on Mondays through
Fridays, staffed by a team of investigators from the U.S. Senate Special
Committee on Aging. You can also
contact the committee through its
new senior-friendly website – www.
aging.senate.gov/fraud-hotline. The
site features large print and simple
navigation, with the option of
changing text size, colors and other
features.
The hotline is the brainchild
of Committee Chairman Sen. Bill
Nelson (D-Florida) and ranking member Sen. Susan Collins
(R-Maine), who have made consumer protection a key focus of the
committee’s work. Only a week old,
the hotline is fielding two dozen
calls a day and investigators hope
that will increase. Callers will get
the advice of committee investigators who understand the vast array
of government agencies involved in
consumer protection complaints.
We Can Help!
Our dedicated team is
Our guests will be served and enjoy a
traditional meal of turkey and ham with
all the trimmings, take home goodie
bags, and good fellowship!
The Volunteer Community Kitchen (VCK) is a project fund
of the Battle Creek Community Foundation.
Our Mission is to provide a prepared and served meal,
amidst fellowship and fun, on Christmas Day.
committed to providing
quality financial services
including Retirement
Income Distribution
Strategies, Estate
Planning & Long Term
Care Insurance.
112 E. Lawrence Ave
Charlotte, MI 48813
Toll Free: 888-211-7307
www.wecanhelpu.net
Registered Representatives of INVEST Financial Corporation, member FINRA, SIPC. INVEST
and its affiliated insurance agencies offer securities, advisory services and certain insurance products.
INVEST is not affiliated with Byrens Morrison Nordmann & Associates or other entities named.
Scott Morrison &
Matt Nordmann
Page 19
west’s
WISDOM
Michael H. West, Special to Senior Times
WHAT A CHRISTMAS GIFT
While falling ‘under the weather’
for a while this fall, given the
changes in the weather, I was laid
out for a few days, lacking the
energy and strength to get up and
do much that was useful. It gave
me pause to think, to reflect. In my
weakened condition, much of the
reflecting was negative as I thought
about things I wish I could erase
from my personal history.
I wish I could take back the
appearance of having ignored Ray
when he came across the room
at a party to talk to me, someone
that I did not want to ignore and
make feel uncomfortable. I wish I
could take back an ‘honest remark,’
said in blatant terms about Jenny’s
appearance, especially given that
she stood right behind me and
heard. I wish I had done some background checking about a job possibility, to which I had been invited
to apply, in Chicago, so that I could
have been more impressive in the
interview for the sake of the person
who had invited me.
I wish I wish I wish…
I wish I had been more tolerant, kind and indulgent of others
throughout my life. I wish I had
been more courageous in the face of
difficult decisions, especially affecting Karen Marie.
Through it all, I beat myself up
rather soundly, wishing to undo
things I had done, wishing I had
done things I left undone. I felt
rather bad about myself and the way
I lived as I managed to leave out
whatever good things I have done.
Well! It is, after all, the time of
the Wish Book, so why not wish
and wish. As we move quickly into
the heart of the Joyous Season of
Advent and Christmas, the shining
star of old is beginning to gleam
brighter. The recreation of that
scene of the star leading to the manger is important because it restores
hope. It leads to the One Life that,
in all history, matters. It is the Life
that redeems me for whatever bad
there may be in my life. Or anyone’s life. It is why Christmas is
new each year.
Meanwhile, even as the skies
are gray and cold and the trees are
bare, Advent offers the warmth of
lights and a multitude of cheerful
events and activities that we should
seek out through the newspapers
and see on television and can find
online in Battle Creek and in nearby
Kalamazoo, Marshall, Lansing, etc.
If you cannot get out to live concerts, but want to listen to them, you
can find excellent full productions
of Handel’s Messiah online, such
as: http://mail.aol.com/38194-111/
aol-6/en-us/Suite.aspx.
Go online, too, to get the schedule of Christmas Specials, such as
the excellent programming from
WKAR FM radio. Go to http://
wkar.org/post/holiday-specials905-fm-and-wkar-tv. The schedule
includes the oh-so-fine live broadcast of the Festival of Nine Lessons
& Carols from King’s College at
10am on Christmas Eve, December
24.
School pageants and community
concerts provide cheer and good
memories plus renewal along the
path to the Great Day, the birthday
of the Redeemer, the One who can
redeem us all if we seek Him out
and let him into our thoughts and
hearts. It is a renewable, sustainable
phenomenon. It is a better kind of
warmth. It gives to us if we give
of ourselves to others. When else
does someone have a birthday that
the world at large celebrates with
gifts and parties and gatherings for
each other! Even as some people
try to kill the season, as if the Life
of Jesus were a bad thing – politically and in their attitude – such
Grinchiness makes it better for
those of us who indulge, for blessed
are we who suffer the slings and
arrows of naysayers for His name’s
sake.
It is a time of rushing about, getting it all done, taking it all in, but
concluding with an evening of song
and celebration, followed by The
Day, with quiet and togetherness,
and above all, redemption for our
mistakes that arise from who we
are. What a gift!
Merry
Christmas to
one and all!
BURNHAM BROOK COMMUNITY CENTER
BILLIARDS
PROGRAMS
CARDS & GAMES
Monday - Friday,
6am-8:45pm
Golf Club
May - September
Tournaments
Tuesdays & Fridays, 1pm
DANCING
Stamp Club
2nd Thursday of
the Month, 5-8pm
Bid Whist
Monday - Friday,
9am-12pm
Men’s Bridge Club
Mondays, 12-3pm
Friday Night Dance
Fridays, 7-9pm
Burnham Brook Singers
Friday, 9:30-11:15pm
Pinochle
Tuesday, 1-3pm
Line Dance
Mondays, 2-4pm
Trips (Posted)
Variety Cards
Wednesday, 12-3:30pm
Tap Dance
Mondays, 10-11am
200 W. Michigan Ave,
269-965-0000
Bicycling
Thursdays, 5:30pm
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Mon-Fri, 6am-9pm,
Sat, 8am-3pm, Sunday Closed
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Euchre
Thursday, 12:30-3pm
Mah Jongg
Friday, 12:45-4pm
Contact Bridge
Friday 1-3:30pm
Duplicate Bridge
Monday, 11am-3pm
Lakeview Meadows I & II
890/900 Territorial Road W, Battle Creek, Michigan 49015
Call 269-968-0300 or Email [email protected]
Merry Christmas From Our Homes To Yours!
An apartment community for seniors 55 and older
(Between Capital Avenue and 20th Street)
For only 12 special people
15 East Liberty Street
Quincy, MI 49082
PH (517) 639-2600
FX (517) 639-2602
Call us today for a
personal tour!
MANAGED WITH CARE BY
Vibrant Life Communities
People living with assistance
At Quincy Cottage, you’re the same person
you’ve always been and we will be an
extension of your family. Experience a place
where seniors who may have physical or
cognitive needs, can live in a safe, warm,
12 person residential home, getting the
personal care they need, while still being
around the things they love to do.
QuicyCottageAssistedLiving.com
Page 20
Pines Senior Respite Annual Art Show
Held at Tibbits Opera House
By: Julie Hurley LPN CDP, Program Dir Of Pines Sr. Respite Serv.
The participants of Pines Senior
Respite Services have had an annual
art show since 1998 for the community. This year the art is combined with Arts Alive and can be
enjoyed at Tibbits Opera House in
Coldwater, Michigan. The art will
be on display in the lower level gallery through January 8, 2014.
There are nine exhibits from the
respite program. Viewers of the art
might experience pieces that are
free-hand, watercolor or original
design. Each one is unique. “An
example of this would be copying a
still object. The item can resemble
something different to each person.
A bowl of fruit could become a
plate of sliced fruit, a pie or even a
garden. Each piece of art may bearr
a resemblance to something that
the brain has in common with the
item,” shared Julie Hurley, Program
Director.
The program’s oldest participant
is Robert R. Rutz. Bob is 100 years
old and produces wonderful works
of art. Bob was a commercial artist and has done some exquisite
designs. Bob has drawn each person
here and they were added to the art
show.
Enjoy the art show and look deep
into what has been
created by individuals
that continue to give
back to their community.
You're Cordially Invited
to our 4-Day
Special Event
December 9-12
New advances in hearing aid technology are available now!
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During this event, we will offer these complimentary services:
Free Hearing Consultation • Free Technology Demonstration • Free Clean and Check of current hearing aids
Call today to make an appointment
(269) 200-4079
Battle Creek Hearing Services
3566 Capital SW Ste 100, Battle Creek, MI 49015
(269) 200-4079 l battlecreekhearingaids.com
"Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employees may be
entitled to hearing aid benefits! Ask us for details!"
Page 21
Holiday Check-in:
Are My Parents Okay Living Alone?
Tips for adult children and ‘longdistance’ caregivers for determining
long-term living arrangements
More than 43 million people in
the United States are responsible for
the care of an aging adult and more
than 50 percent of all U.S. adults
expect to care for an elderly family
member at some time. Additionally,
there are roughly 7-10 million
adults who need to care for aging
parents long distance. ‘Long distance’ caregiving can be worrisome
and stressful for both adult children
and their parents.
More than 93 million
Americans are expected to travel
in order to spend time with their
family during the holidays. These
visits are a good time for family
members to take note of how their
aging family members are faring.
“The vast majority of older
people want to live out their lives
in their own homes, and there is
good reason to believe that this is
good for self-esteem, health and
life satisfaction,” says Dr. Laura L.
Carstensen, the founding director of
the Stanford Center on Longevity,
“Yet this can be a challenge for
older people and for their adult children who worry about their older
relatives. They’re spread so thin balancing jobs and caring for children
they cannot be around on a daily
basis.”
Gatherings around the holidays
bring together people who are separated by geography the majority of
the year, introducing the opportunity for caregivers (long distance or
otherwise) to start a dialogue with
older loved ones about their longterm living arrangements. Some
useful tips for starting that conversation include:
Find the right opening. As
with all topics that are sensitive,
it is more effective to have them
in-person. Keeping it private, a oneon-one conversation will encourage
a more frank discussion. Use examples that they can relate to such as
situations that are happening with
some of their friends or siblings and
what they would want to happen in
a similar situation for themselves.
Avoid reversal of roles, no
“parent-sitting,” please. When
your parents need help, understand
your role and avoid becoming their
‘parent’ as the consequences can
be demeaning. You can be more
effective helping them maintain
independence and respect. Offer
suggestions; don’t tell them to “do”
anything. Remind them that that it
is your mutually beneficial goal to
have them safe and happy in their
own homes. Avoid expressing frustration with the common triggers
like when parents repeat themselves
or ask the same question again.
Recognize the desire to “age in
place” at home for as long as possible. The desire to remain independent and safely at home while aging
is a major concern for most. In fact,
recent research revealed that the
top two things that older adults fear
most: are losing their independence
and being moved to a nursing home.
Ask your parents if they would
be willing to make a few sacrifices
in order to remain at home: more
regular contact with you, be more
social with community network,
consider bringing in help with
housework or other tasks.
Seek out innovative solutions
that help aging parents stay in
their home for longer and relieve
you from worry. Companies have
recognized that the existence of
better tools on the market provides
welcome relief for long-distance
caregivers, too. Lively’s (www.
mylively.com) activity-sharing product respects the privacy of older
adults with a way to measure daily
routine living patterns while giving
family members insight when help
may be needed. Taking medication
on time? Eating regularly? Being as
active as possible? When something
is amiss, Lively makes sure older
adults and their families are connected. If it seems an expensive way
to keep in touch try Facebook.
Also, the development of a
Village to Village Network can help
seniors with everyday tasks such as
grocery shopping and transportation
to doctor appointments. Efforts are
currently underway in Battle Creek.
To find out more about Heart of
the Village contact Pat Fosdick at
Senior Times at (269) 979-1411.
Make sure it is collaborative.
Be sure to uncover what parents
want for themselves. Living at
home longer, for sure, but are there
other things they would love to do
with your help? As a reminder that
they still have many years to enjoy
life, explore some of their desires or
‘unfinished business.’ Organizations
such as My Jump (www.myjump.
org) help seniors fulfill items on
their bucket lists. And finally, being
empathetic to be sure parents and
older relatives feel very much a part
of all decisions is critical. Letting
them know that they are loved and
that you share their goals will do
wonders for coming to an agreement that gives everyone peace of
mind.
Merry Christmas
From your friends at Swonk's 84 W. Goguac St., Battle Creek, MI 49015
(269) 963-5571 (877) 266-0904 www.swonksflowershop.com
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Trained reliable caregivers in your h
home
2 to 24 hour care
Locally owned and operated
www.homewatchcaregivers.com
Call today for a complementary
evaluation and learn how we can help!
269.216.9044
"Let Our Family Care For Yours"
New Members
have been appointed…
by Governor Rick Snyder to the
Michigan Commission on Services
to the Aging, the bipartisan public
body that oversees the Office of
Services to the Aging. Elder law
attorney Doug Chalgian, of East
Lansing, succeeds Janice Wilson
on the group. MSU Social Work
Professor Joan Ilardo of East
Lansing replaces James Wright, and
Richard Ortega of Grand Rapids
replaces Kathleen Johnston-Calati.
Reappointed are Michael Burns of
Grand Rapids and Michael Sheehan
of Cedar. All terms expire on July
28, 2016.
Estate Planning
and Elder Law
269-963-8222
130 East Columbia Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49015
Page 22
Worship With Us
CHAPEL HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
HÞI
157 Chapel Hill Drive, (269) 963-0231, www.chapelhill-umc.org
• Rev. Chad Parmalee, Pastor
• Traditional Service 9am; Praise Service 11am
• Breakfast served all morning
• Barrier Free
• Nursery provided all morning
ST. PHILIP CATHOLIC CHURCH
126 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017
• Fr. John Fleckenstein, V.E. & Fr. Francis Marotti, Assoc. Pastor
• 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 at (269) 968-6645.
WESTLAKE PRESBYTERIAN
415 S. 28th Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015
• Paster Kate Johnston
• Adult Sunday School 9:15am
• Church Service 10:30am
• Children are released from the Service after children’s time
Happy Holidays
From Our Family To Yours Specializing In:
Services:
Short-Term Rehab
Skilled Nursing Care
Respite Care
270 N Bedford Road
(269) 968-2296
For virtual tours visit
www.laurelsofbedford.com
Stroke Rehab
Auto Accident Recovery
Neuro Rehabilitation
Wound Care
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Programs
Post Knee/Hip
Replacement Rehab
A Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
SHOP FOR WONDERFUL
CHRISTMAS GIFTS!
SAVE GAS! 23,000 SQUARE FEET OF
QUALITY ANTIQUES, GIFTS & HOME DECOR!
100+ SHOPPES UNDER ONE ROOF!
• Antiques / Collectibles
• Braided Rugs
• Yarn Shoppe
• Baby Giftware
• Hand Built Furniture
• Silk & Dried Floral
Arrangements
• 18” Doll Clothes
• Jewelry
• Homemade Jams,
Honey & Maple Syrup
• 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
Crutches
Crutches have two points of contact with the body, providing better
stability than do canes. Two types
of crutches (ie, axillary, nonaxillary)
are currently in use.
Axillary Crutches
An axillary crutch is a type of
orthosis that provides support from
the axilla to the floor. Wood and
aluminum axillary crutches, both of
which are adjustable, are available.
An extension crutch (ie, one with an
adjustable length) is heavier than a
regular crutch because of the extra
piece of wood. Standard axillary
crutches have double uprights with
a shoulder piece, as well as a handgrip or bar.
The primary advantage of an
axillary crutch is that it allows
transfer of 80% of the individual’s
body weight. Axillary crutches
provide better trunk support than
do nonaxillary or forearm crutches,
and patients can free their hands for
activities by leaning on the shoulder piece. However, the patient
should be advised of the possibility
of sustaining compressive brachial
neuropathies with the use of axillary crutches. The axillary crutch
is not designed to be rested on for
body support. Patients should avoid
resting their body weight on the
axillary area. Providing extra padding to the axillary area should be
discouraged for this reason.
The measurement prescription for
axillary crutches is determined in
the following manner:
• With the patient standing, determine the crutch length by measuring the distance from the anterior axillary fold to a point six
inches lateral to the fifth toe.
• With the proper crutch length
determined and the crutch then
placed three inches lateral to the
foot, proper handpiece location
can be measured. The patient’s
elbow should be flexed 30°,
the wrist should be in maximal
extension, and the fingers should
be held in a fist.
• The patient should be able to
raise his/her body 1-2 inches
by performing complete elbow
extension.
• Made of tubular aluminum
• Padded hand bar
• Forearm cuff: The open end of
the cuff is placed on the lateral
aspect of the forearm to permit
elbow flexion and grasping without dropping the orthosis; the
proximal portion of the orthosis
is angled at 20° to provide a
comfortable, stable fit
• Measurement prescription: With
the proper crutch length determined and the crutch then placed
three inches lateral to the foot,
the proper handpiece location can
be measured; the patient’s elbow
should be flexed 20°, the wrist
should be in maximal extension,
and the fingers should be held in
a fist.
Advantages associated with
Lofstrand crutches include the following:
• Ambulation is safer and easier
• This type of crutch is a good
substitution for the cane, because
the forearm support stabilizes the
wrist during weight bearing
• The patient’s hands are free to
perform various tasks while the
individual’s body weight is supported through the forearm by the
forearm cuff pivots; the patient
does not have to worry about
dropping the crutches
• These crutches are shorter than
axillary crutches
The disadvantage of Lofstrand
crutches is that they provide less
support for ambulation than do axillary crutches.
Ortho Crutches
Ortho crutches consist of a
single-bar aluminum crutch with
a contoured underarm piece. They
have an adjustable handpiece and
are lighter than a regular crutch.
Wooden Forearm Orthosis
The wooden forearm orthosis,
also known as the Kenney stick
(named after Sister Kenney), resembles the axillary crutch but ends
proximally, with a leather band situated around the proximal portion of
the forearm.
This orthosis was originally
developed for patients with poliomyelitis. The wooden forearm
orthosis is indicated for patients
who have good proximal upper limb
strength but weak distal strength
and who are unable to hold and
control the orthosis effectively. An
advantage to this type of crutch is
that use of the closed leather band
will prevent the patient from dropping the orthosis. (This is even truer
than it is with the Lofstrand forearm
orthosis.)
Nonaxillary Crutches
Nonaxillary crutches allow the
transfer of 40-50% of the patient’s
body weight. Also called forearm
or arm canes (or forearm or arm
orthoses), these devices require
good trunk control. The patient
needs confidence in his/her ambulation skills. Lofstrand crutches/
Canadian crutches, wooden forearm
orthoses, platform forearm orthosis,
and triceps weakness orthosis are
examples of nonaxillary crutches
Features of Lofstrand crutches/
Canadian crutches include the following:
• Most popular of the nonaxillary
crutches
• Most useful substitute for canes
• Most often used bilaterally
Platform Forearm Orthosis
The platform forearm orthosis
is very helpful for patients with
a weak handgrip. This orthosis is
indicated for patients with painful wrist and hand conditions (eg,
arthritis), weak handgrip because of
pain and deformities of the hands
and wrists, and elbow contractures.
A platform is placed on the top
level of the crutch, and a vertical
handgrip is placed at the distal end
of the platform. Velcro straps are
applied around the forearm. These
platform orthoses can also be placed
on a walker to accommodate weak
hand grip or hand deformity or to
avoid weight bearing on the wrist or
hand.
The measurement prescription
Page 23
Did You Know?
is arrived at by having the patient
stand upright, with his/her elbow
flexed 90°; the proper length for the
orthosis is determined by measuring
from the patient’s resting forearm to
the ground.
An advantage to this orthosis is
that the patient’s body weight is
borne mostly by the forearm instead
of by the hand.
Triceps Weakness Orthosis
The triceps weakness orthosis
is also known as the triceps weakness crutch, Warm Springs crutch
or Everett crutch (a metal version),
and Canadian crutch (a wooden version). This orthosis resembles the
axillary crutch but ends proximally
at the midarm level. Two cuffs, one
above and one below the elbow,
support the elbow in extension.
The triceps weakness orthosis was
originally developed for patients
with poliomyelitis; it is used by
patients who need help preventing
the elbow from buckling during
gait.
Other Crutch Components
Crutches without rubber tips or
with inadequate rubber tips are dangerous. Crutch tips should feature
the following:
• Made of rubber and attached to
the foot of the crutch
• Should be at least 1.5 inches in
diameter
• Can have a retractable,
metal-spiked tip for use on ice,
enhancing patient safety by preventing slippage; absorbs shock
but may be uncomfortable for the
patient
Handgrips should include the following features:
• Made of sponge rubber
• Can be built up or contoured
according to the needs of the
patient
• Reduce pressure on the hands
• Enhance safety (prevent slippage)
Axillary pads should include the
following features:
• Made of sponge rubber
• Prevent unnecessary pressure
under the axillary region
Triceps band should include the
following features:
• Made of metal or stiff leather and
is attached to the upper part of
the crutch
• Assists the patient in maintaining
elbow extension during weight
bearing
• Very helpful for patients with
weak triceps
Wrist strap should include the
following features:
• Made of either leather or plastic
• Assists patients in making their
handgrip
• Very helpful for patients with
weak wrist extensors
We may have a brand new modern facility, but we are not new
to funeral service. We have been serving area families since 2001
and would like to be your family funeral home for years to come.
We are available by appointment 24 hours a day, 365 days a years
to guide you in your time of need and considerate it a privilege
to care for your family. 517-741-4555
Tate C. Goodwin, Director / Mgr.
Lighthouse Funeral &
Cremation Services, LLC
1276 Tate Trail, Union City, MI 49094
517-741-4555
WWW.LIGHTHOUSEFUNERAL.COM
www.lighthousefuneral.com
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handset, AC electrical adapter, DC
595 North Ave. , Battle Creek, MI 49017
electrical car adapter, four filters,
(269) 962-9541 or (800) 445-5820
instructional DVD, carry cas and
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an optional rechargeable lithium
Coldwater: (866) 684-1444 • Hastings: (866) 790-6267
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Crutch gaits are used for specific indications, as summarized here:
Crutch
Gaits
Appropriate
Sequence
Advantages
Disadvantages Indications
and/or
Requirements
4-Point
Gait
1.
2.
3.
4.
Stability (at
least 3 points
are always in
contact with
the ground)
• Difficult to
learn
• Relatively
slow walking
gait
Weakness in
the lower limbs
or poor coordination (ataxic)
3-Point
(Non–
WeightBearing)
Gait
1. Both crutches
and the weaker
lower limb
2. The stronger
or unaffected
limb
Eliminates
weight-bearing
on the affected
lower limb
Requires good
balance and
coordination
Lower limb
fracture, amputation, or pain
2-Point
Gait
1. Left crutch
and right foot
2. Right crutch
and left foot
• Stability
• Faster than
the 4-point gait
• Reduces
weight-bearing
on both lower
limbs
Swingthrough
Gait
1. Both crutches
2. Move both
lower limbs past
the crutches
Fastest gait
(faster than
normal walking
gait)
Swing-to
Gait
1. Both crutches
2. Move both
limbs almost to
the crutches
• Easy to learn
• Lower energy
consumption
Drag-to
(Tripod)
Gait
1. Left crutch
2. Right crutch
3. Drag both
lower limbs to
the crutches or
(simultaneous
sequence)
1. Both crutches
2. Drag both
lower limbs to
the crutches
Stability
Left crutch
Right foot
Right crutch
Left foot
Weakness in
the lower limbs
or poor coordination (ataxic)
• Patient must
expend a large
amount of
energy
• Difficult to
learn
• Strong, functional abdominal and upper
limb muscles
and good trunk
balance are
required
Paraplegia,
with strong
upper body
muscles
Paraplegia
• Patient must
expend a large
amount of
energy
• Slow
Initial gait pattern used during gait training
for patients
with paraplegia; once
they improve
their balance,
patients can
advance to the
swing gait
Calhoun County’s ONLY
Authorized Armstrong
Dealer
THE YELLOW
TRUCK PEOPLE
269-963-7910 • 466 Main St. Battle Creek, MI
[email protected] • www.simselectricinc.com
License # Electrical – 6112007 • License # Mechanical – 7103902
Page 24
GIVE THE GIFT OF SELF
By: Carl Gibson, Manager, Calhoun County Senior Services
The Urge To Splurge. That’s it.
That’s the American way to bring our
economy out of its doldrums. We are
told everyday how this year’s Christmas
shopping season will stack up compared
to last year’s and the one before that.
Economists will talk about inflation
rates, credit card debt, the mortgage
interest rates for construction of new
homes and purchase of existing homes.
And then we know that Congress has
continued the Sequestration budget
downsizing of our federal government,
which trickles down and decreases
services for the middle class and lower
income folks the most.
We know that ‘money does not buy
happiness.’ But, to paraphrase Tevya
from The Fiddler on the Roof musical,
“There is not much happiness in being
poor either.” During the holidays,
however, spending more money than
one can reasonably afford is often done
in the guise of covering over unhappiness.
This is the time of year when the ‘urge
to splurge’ gets in the way of enjoying
the season and time with our families.
One cannot buy happiness within our
families by buying and giving more stuff
– more toys. In many ways the ‘toys’ are a
poor substitute for having real happiness.
This is true whether it’s a new super-duper
52” HD flat screen TV with the Blu-ray
surround sound system, the American Doll
clothes, a the latest electronic gadgets,
or the ‘must have’ fashion item.
Skip The Toys; Create Some Joys.
I’m saying, “forget the toys” if they get
in the way of having real relationship in a
family. We all know the stories of children
who end up having more fun and make
believe with the box something came
in than the intended gift. Many of the
electronic toys, smart phones, tablets,
and game systems are isolating items.
They are distractors from real relationships,
real talking, and real family life.
So, I’m giving you a homework
assignment for this month. Give a Gift
of Joys for Tots that has lasting meaning.
It is the time spent with family that will
bring lasting memories for your offspring.
The toys and trinkets will long be forgotten
but your taking the time to talk and listen
will always be present.
Give A Gift Of Joy. Offer to take the
grandchildren, or even adult children, out
for a walk, without their electronic gadgets.
Guide them to a park or nature center, the
Zoo, Holiday lights in any downtown. Ask
them questions that require an explanation
and not just a “Yes” or “No” response: how
do they feel about something, what
interests them most about learning, reading,
school, etc. So many young people grow
up without the knowledge and experience
of nature, without understanding that
plant-based foods come from the earth,
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LAURELS OF BEDFORD
270 Bedford Road North, Battle Creek, MI
Teri Hambright - (269) 968-2296
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MAPLE GROVE APARTMENTS
1041 Maple St, Albion, MI
Valerie Terry - (517) 629-2026
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LAKEVIEW SENIOR LIVING
14661 Helmer Road South, Battle Creek, MI
Jenny Andrews - (269) 969-8900
Licensed Facility
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24 Hour Staffing
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100% Meals
LAKEVIEW MEADOWS
890 Territorial Road, Battle Creek, MI
Claudia Corlis - (269) 968-0300
Activities
65
Houskeeping
X
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HEARTLAND HEALTH CARE CENTER
200 East Roosevelt Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49037
Katelyn Maino - (269) 965-3327
MAPLEWOOD OF MARSHALL
200 Westbrook Court, Marshall, MI
Karin Gallagher - (269) 781-4997
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Emergency Call
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Med Mgt.
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GLENMOOR VILLAGE/WEST COAST HOMES
3971 Capital Ave., S.W., Battle Creek, MI 49015
Van Long - (269) 979-0808
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City
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Long Term Stay
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Rehab
EVERGREEN SENIOR CARE & REHAB CENTER
111 Evergreen Road, Battle Creek, MI
Stacer Thompson - (269) 969-6110
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Nurse on Duty
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Private Pay
COLONIAL MANOR ADULT FOSTER CARE HOME
164 Cherry St., Battle Creek, MI
Linda Bates - (269) 968-2888
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Transportation
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Resident Parking
BICKFORD ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
3432 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI
Heather Meyer - (269) 979-9600
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X
Adult Daycare
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Respite
BARNEYVILLE SENIOR APARTMENTS
420 S. Webster St., Homer, MI 49245
Teresa Ellis - (517) 568-4393
Alzheimer / Dementia
Independent Living
1
Skilled Nursing
Facility Name, Address, Contact Name, Phone
Assisted Living
#
Number of Units
Senior Housing Guide
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If you would like to be added to this housing list, contact Christyn Sherban at [email protected]
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that what we learn about taking care of our
earth and communities preserves our future.
Talk to them about your life and what
your growing experiences were like. It’s
not a time to repeat for the 42nd time that
you walked five miles to school every day,
uphill each way, that the snow was always
up to your knees, and you had no boots
or gloves. It might be more interesting for
them to hear that you did have boots, but
you kicked them off after leaving the house
and put on some canvas high-top sneakers
you had hidden in a neighbor’s shrubbery.
You want to get their attention about some
of the’ tomfoolery’ you experienced and not
overkill the illusion that you were a model
child and always did as you were told.
Your Story Creates Your Joy. Have
you talked with your family members about
your time in the Korean War or World War
II? Do they know what it was like for you?
This can be important as you are eligible
for Veteran’s benefits. If they don’t know
your past, they might miss out on resources
to help your future. Could you also be
hankering for an opportunity to visit
Washington DC and see the World War
II, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials?
These experiences may be kept in your
heart and your mind, but it is important to
let your family know what your saw,
heard, tasted, and felt in these foreign
military experiences. Was their pride, fear,
optimism or dread and how did it impact
your views of the world, your community
and the importance of family?
The Joy is what you develop in your
family holidays; set a tradition of less
toys and more joys of talking, listening,
sharing and caring. This is also a good
time to let them know what your concerns
and expectations are at the end-of-life.
Talking about what you would like for your
care, healthcare planning and financial
resources does not hasten a death. It is the
end-of-life scenario when these things are
not discussed that brings about the dread;
pre-planning is like life insurance; it’s
important and can be a reassuring gesture
for the family. Talking about life insurance
does not trigger a death experience;
likewise talking about end-of-life planning
does not trigger an earlier death.
We just celebrated Veteran’s Day in
America. It was done with pride in many
communities around the Country, with
heartfelt recognition of the sacrifices of
many veterans, their families and our
neighbors. If you, however, need assistance
accessing or just finding out what Veteran’s
benefits you might be eligible for, call the
Calhoun County Veteran’s Affairs in Battle
Creek at (269) 969-6735. Yes, they are very
busy and might take some to respond to
your call, but that also means there is a high
demand for their services.
To find about out the many Senior
Millage funded services that are offered
to Calhoun County’s adults 60 and over,
give us a call at (269) 781-0846. We listen
to your story and can assist your search for
services that fit your situation. Yes, we are
Page 25
busy also, but not too busy to steer your
needs to a possible solution. Remember,
our future is still ahead of us.
For information about Senior Millage
funded services, call the Calhoun County
Office of Senior Services at (269) 7810846 or visit www.calhouncountymi.gov/
seniorservices. Our purpose is to make
your life worth living, with Safety, Dignity
and Independence.
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THE HERITAGE
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THE LEGACY AT THE OAKS
706 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI
Michelle Lennon - (269) 964-4655
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THE OAKS AT NORTH POINTE WOODS
Michelle Lennon - (269) 964-4655
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THE REFLECTIONS
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THE VILLAGE OF MILL CREEK
300 Carl Ave, Battle Creek, MI
Jennifer Bouchard - (269) 962-0605
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WOODLAWN MEADOWS RETIREMENT VILLAGE
182 N EAST ST, Hastings, MI
Shannon VanHouten - (269) 948-4921
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Nurse on Duty
Private Pay
Transportation
Resident Parking
Adult Daycare
Pets
Respite
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THE COMMUNITY OF ROLLING HILLS
300 Morgan Road, Battle Creek, MI
Desaney McMillon - (269) 964-4200
Licensed Facility
104
24 Hour Staffing
TENDERCARE MARSHALL
879 E. Michigan Avenue, Marshall, MI
Nura Reed or Casey Tennant- (269) 781-4251
100% Meals
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Activities
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Houskeeping
RIDGE CREST HEALTH CAMPUS
703 Robinson Road, Jackson, MI
Roxann Davis - (517) 787-5140
X
Laundry
X
X
Medication Delivery
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Short Term Stay
QUINCY COTTAGE
15 East Liberty Street, Quincy, MI
Debra Ambrose - (517) 639-2600
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Long Term Stay
150
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NORTH POINTE WOODS
Jym Garman - (269) 964-7625
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Alzheimer / Dementia
MINGES MANOR
541 E Minges, Battle Creek, MI
Jessica Gates - (269) 962-7269
Skilled Nursing
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Facility Name, Address, Contact Name, Phone
Independent Living
#
Number of Units
Senior Housing Guide
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If you would like to be added to this housing list, contact Christyn Sherban at [email protected]
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Page 26
HOLIDAY STRESS BUSTERS
As holiday music chimes in the
background and the aromas of your favorite
meal fill the house, all seems as peaceful as
the hush after a freshly fallen snow. Rarely
however is the reality of the season that
serene. You shop, decorate, clean, wrap,
bake, and cook yourself into frenzy, and
then wonder where all the time has gone.
The Bronson Battle Creek Behavioral
Health Services at Fieldstone Center offers
this advice to help reduce the stressors that
can threaten your holidays’ good cheers.
Stressor #1: Long Lines
Try taking all your purchases to a less
crowded register near the back of the store.
Or look for ones on the left side of the store
– most people finish their shopping at the
right side, near the entrance.
Having said that, you will no doubt
be stuck in lines at some time during the
shopping season. So rather than fume at
the check-fumblers and the people with
20 items in the 12-items-or-fewer lane,
pause, breathe deeply, and compose
a holiday letter or e-mail in your mind to
your favorite person. Keep your spirits up
by using the time in line to reflect on a
happy life experience. Divert your thoughts
from negatives to positives. Try to reflect
upon the small things in life for which
we should be thankful.
Stressor #2: Crabby Store Clerks
If anything takes the ho-ho-ho out
of the holidays, it is overworked, grumpy
store clerks. Immunize yourself because
mean-spirited cashiers can be contagious.
Instead of being critical, try being
sympathetic to them. Tell them you
understand how difficult their job is,
and thank them for doing it. Give them
a special ‘holiday’ smile; it will make
you both feel better.
By: Peter Phelps
at it, make five batches and freeze
them separately.
For that Norman Rockwellian moment,
defrost and roll out the dough when guests
arrive. Microwave mashed potatoes and add
butter and sour cream. Convince your Aunt
Hilma that your cranberry sauce is from
scratch by combining canned and whole
cranberries; heat in a saucepan, add fresh
mint, pecans, and teaspoon of maple syrup.
You might also enlist the help of your older
children and grandchildren to assist with
preparing some of the holiday meals or
hosting the family get-together.
If cleanup is a stressor, you can go
almost dishwasher free until New Year’s
by stocking up on festive disposable paper
plates, cutlery, cups, and napkins. What is
left can be used on Valentine’s Day or the
Fourth of July.
To reduce the amount of stress,
remember that holidays are times for
reflection, recreation, and relaxation.
Expect some minor glitches in your normal
routines, that way, when they occur, you
will not be too surprised. Planning to take
things a little less serious will go a long
way in making this holiday season better
than you had ever hoped.
Happy holidays from your friends at the
Bronson Battle Creek Fieldstone Center.
Stressor #3: Other People’s Kids
Children are like puppies – they are
noisy, adventurous, and want to check
out strange surroundings. When they
become bored, they can be destructive too.
Try to give them a room in which to play
with toys, movies, or an art box filled
with construction paper, safety scissors,
and decals. Those will occupy them for
hours. If you are standing in line at a store
and the child begins to fuss in the cart
ahead of you, smile or make faces at them.
Stressor #4: Money
Don’t be surprised – the gift list is
always bigger than the checkbook balance.
This year vow to spend within your means.
The average family carries about $9,000
on credit cards. That’s a pretty steep
price to pay to impress others. Instead,
concentrate on thoughtful giving,
not lavish spending. Make a note when
someone mentions a novel she would like
to read or an old movie he has never seen.
And agree with your spouse, immediate
family, or friends to limit the size and
quantity of gifts. Exchange homemade
cookies or candies instead. Offer a gift
of your time to help someone who might
need a little break from family duties.
Stressor #5: Cooking For Company
Believe it or not, even Martha Stewart
can become stressed and snippy. So why
not buy prepared foods and dress them
up before company arrives. Add cream
cheese and a teaspoon of vanilla to a
sugar cookie mix making it taste like
‘made-from-scratch.’ While you are
Antiques and Collectibles
Make Wonderful Christmas Gifts!
ENJOY
CHRISTMAS
SHOPPING
AT THE ALLEN
ANTIQUE BARN
With over 300 booths and
25,000 square feet of antiques,
furniture and collectibles, we have a lot to offer
our buyers for Christmas gift-giving. Shop two
• Over 200 Booths
• Dealers From 6 States
• Outpost Grill and
Restaurant on Grounds
• Home of Primitive Connections
and Country Junction
• Bus Tours Welcome
7 Days 10am - 5pm
(517) 869-2788
floors with elevators & stairs available.
N
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
I-94
Marshall
I-69
517-869-2888 • www.allenantiquebarn.com
From Battle Creek, Coldwater exit off I-69, then 8 miles
east on US 12 to the Big Red Barn
Coldwater
Exit 13
Allen
Old US 12
Indiana
Ohio
9011 W. Chicago (US 12) • Allen, Michigan 49227
Page 27
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
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Neatnik’s bane
Navigation aid
Small plateau
Hippocratic, e.g.
Blackbird
Previous nights
Wound reminder
Lunchbox occupant,
usually
Tears to smithereens
Culpable
Cry
Conclusion
“Chicago Poems” writer
Suitable
Ostrich’s cousin
Attempted
Away from WSW
Grand story
Resin used in making
varnish
Drunkard
Intend
Noah’s mountain
“Monty _”
Where the Chargers play
Rabbit
Not pizzicato
Modern prefix
Greek vowels
Hammerhead part
_ Aviv
Thaw
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Rolling stone’s lack
Apiece
Luminary
Crafty
Rubbers?
Literary collection
Pong preceder
Kitten’s commentary
Villain
Denomination
Wan
Payable
Amount owedL
Trojan War king
Glimpse
Rock band’s need
Pest
Interbreeding data
_ budget
Year-end abbr.
Crucial time
Rope (off)
Country song
Skater Babilonia
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50 “Golly!”
Pronto, on a memo
Exceptional
Circus converting
Loathe
Exam format
Egg container
Tom Townsend of Calvary Baptist
Church in Battle Creek.
“Eventually, we want to extend
the service to include other
clergy, as well as lay ministers,
so there will be an ongoing need
for volunteers,” said Kyle Ann
Keller, Oaklawn’s Development
Coordinator. “There will also
be additional training for those
involved in spiritual care.”
Those who wish additional
information about volunteering
at Oaklawn Hospital are asked to
contact Keller at (269) 789-3903.
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SOLUTION TIME: 24 MINS.
Essential Tools For Senior Living
To Provide ‘Anytime’ Spiritual Care
They are Pastor Melany
Chalker of Marshall United
Methodist Church; Pastor Bill
Cole, spiritual care coordinator for
Oaklawn Hospice; Pastor Dennis
Croy of Marshall Wesleyan
Church; Pastor Richard Gerten of
Family Bible Church in Marshall;
Pastor Roy Henry of Faith Baptist
Church in Battle Creek; Pastor
Brenda Maurer of Marshall
Assembly of God; Pastor Gail
Monsma of First Presbyterian
Church in Marshall; Pastor Kris
Tarkiewicz of Family Bible
Church in Marshall; and Pastor
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Oaklawn’s Volunteer Ministers Launch Effort
By: John C. Sherwood
Pastor Bill Cole, spiritual care
coordinator for Oaklawn Hospice
in Marshall, has been part of
an extension of spiritual care to
patients throughout Oaklawn
Hospital.
Under the new project, a group
of area ministers has formed
to provide spiritual care in the
hospital at any hour of day or
night. Under the auspices of the
Oaklawn Hospital Auxiliary, the
nine volunteers will work on an
“on call” basis for patients, their
families and members of Oaklawn
Hospital staff.
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Yoga Weekly Drop-in Classes
• Gentle Yoga: Tues & Fri,
10:30-11:45am
• Relax After Work: Mon, 6-7pm
• Good Morning Yoga: Sat, 9-10am
Becky Porter, Certified Instructor
Small classes,
gentle individualized
instruction, props, and
supplies provided.
181 North Ave.,
(269) 963-0932
[email protected]
Your Resources For Holistic Health and Wellness Education
Save the date: September 6, 2014
Raising funds and awareness to
change the face of Alzheimer’s.
www.scenepub.com/milesformemories
(269) 979-1412
S
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DW I
U I L
E N D
GO
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D A R
A N
Y T H
H A
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M E
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S
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N E
A C
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A
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A N S W E R S
E
A
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H
M
O
S
S
S
M A P
H
A N I
R
S A N
E D S
G
WE E P
D B U R G
T R I E
C
S A N
O T
M E
R A T
P
D I E GO
O
N E O
N
T E L
Call 517-629-2026
1041 Maple St. Albion, MI
S A N
E MU
E P I
S
A
N
C
E
269-964-8452
[email protected]
www.mobilitytransportllc.com
• Senior Living at it’s Best
• 1 Bedroom - Heat & Hot Water Incl.
• Rent Based on Income
• Immediate Occupancy
R
A
R
E
Our Transportation service is safe and private.
We provide services, such as, medical appointments,
shopping and entertainment within The Battle Creek
and Marshall area. Hours of operation are flexible
and service is door-to-door. Scheduling is
convenient. We are fully licensed and insured.
Maple Grove Apartments
R T
FOEN
R
MOBILITY TRANSPORT, LLC
A
S
A
P
The Oaklawn Hospital Auxiliary’s newly formed group of spiritual care volunteers include, from left, Pastor Melany Chalker,
Pastor Kris Tarkiewicz, Pastor Dennis Croy, Pastor Richard Gerten, Pastor Roy Henry and Pastor Bill Cole. Not pictured are
Pastor Gail Monsma, Pastor Brenda Maurer and Pastor Tom Townsend.
Page 28
from the
COMMUNITY
Julie Camp Seifke, Special to Senior Times
Floral Design & Event Center
Accommodates 150 • Full Kitchen Available
Sue Hughes: Owner / Floral Designer / Event Center Coordinator
19615 Capital Avenue, N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49015
269.962.5422 V 888.90-FRESH (888.903.7374)
Can Get You There!
Branch Area Transit Authority
Curb to Curb 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
Christmas Greetings
From Spencer Family Funeral Home
310 S. Capitol, Athens, MI 49011
Office (269) 729-4100
Toll Free 1-800-698-8489
www.SpencerFamilyFuneralHome.com
James L. Spoor, Manager
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
REVIVED WITH PINTEREST
I was not able to attend the usual
church bazaars this year. But I
found another way to enjoy the rich
memories of traditional handmade
Christmas items, and found an
unexpected adventure.
On Pinterest, which is a selfcompiled (and free) on-line magazine, I immersed myself in a world
of vintage Christmas memories for
more hours than I care to admit!
Memories led to story telling. With
this tool, the narration became an
oral history passed to the next generation, plus an archive of pictures.
Special finds included recipes and a
handful of stores that sell the seemingly long forgotten items of my
childhood.
Do you recall sharing an article
with a friend after turning down the
corner of your magazine or added a
bookmark? I would sometimes forget to take the magazine to the relative or friend when I saw them next.
Through Pinterest a photo or article
can be emailed to someone with a
few words of greeting.
First, I saw Christmas tree ornaments. My Grandmother was in the
habit of making ornaments for each
family member every year. Out of
the dozens that grace my tree, many
have DIY, or Do It Yourself, instructions on Pinterest. Not only can I
show my granddaughter the variety
of items that filled her great-great
grandmother’s tree, but can pass
along instructions and patterns for
many of the same. Each pin can be
revisited when it is time to decide
upon a family crafting project.
Instructions can be printed. Photos
can be saved to your photo file.
I pinned many examples of
vintage Christmas cards. They
just don’t make things like that
anymore! It was a parade of oldfashioned sleds, villages, carolers,
churches, nativities, snowmen, and
verse. I grinned with delight as I
recalled displaying cards in my
childhood homes. Of course, that
began another round of storytelling
for the grandchildren while I looked
through the scrapbook that I created
by pinning to my board. Stories
were about using Flyer sleds at the
Arboretum, or caroling at homes of
elderly friends, or creative ways we
adorned the snowmen.
Some items are printable. I am
not sure whether I will enjoy the
collection of Christmas carol sheet
music on my computer or print
some to pass around to others who
may sing with me. A few were
adorned with simple line sketches,
like in the books from which I
learned to sing. Other “printables”
were vintage gift labels.
We perused vintage Christmas
post cards, vintage Christmas wrapping paper, and vintage children’s
toys. I stopped for a moment to consider how Betsy Wetsy compared
to Dora, the Adventurer. Just think
about telephone styles. Hand crank,
to rotary dial, to push button, to
cordless, to cell phones, to ear buds.
Still my favorite toy phone is the
pull along with eyes that blink. Yep,
it is pictured on Pinterest, and some
with pricing of old. Turn that into
a discussion on inflation. Oh the
reminiscing!
I searched, found, and pinned
cookie recipes, ideas for gingerbread houses, and ideas for celebrating advent. Some included the
beloved photos of the vintage examples. I enjoyed photos of wreaths,
holiday decorations, Christmas fabric, and Christmas wrapping paper
similar to those remembered from
my childhood. There were even
examples of old fashioned parties,
one including a taffy pull.
May you have a merry and
old-fashioned Christmas, even
while connecting through modern
technology!
More How-tos:
• Go to www.pinterest.com from
any computer using internet
through which every browser
software is used on that device.
• Or access from a tablet or
smart phone that has an internet
connection using the internet
browser. On the tablet or phone
a Pinterest app is available for
download.
• Create an account. This will
include a password that you
select. (I write mine down, as I
am have too many passwords to
easily remember.) You will provide an email address and enter
your name.
• It is optional whether to link
your Pinterest account to your
Facebook account. (Mine is set to
link them in order to find friends
from my Facebook account that
also use Pinterest, but I don’t
post all of my pins on Facebook.)
• Set up a board. You can change
the title through Edit later if you
wish. You may choose to set up a
few boards, to keep track of your
varied interests.
• Click on either the search icon
(which looks like a magnifying
glass) or click on Search in the
lines of menu choices on the left
of the screen.
• Enter search (ex. Vintage
Christmas), click return.
• Click Pin to save this link and
photo on the board you select.
This is what I call a magazine.
• If you click a on the picture, then
you will be able to access any
article, recipe, or store that is
associated with this pin. Clicking
the X closes this link and you can
resume searching and pinning
within Pinterest.
• When you exit Pinterest, your
pins are stored on your boards
within the Pinterest website. You
can access your account and your
pins and boards from any computer or device whenever you
wish.
Happy pinning and
sharing your stories!
Bachman Hebble’s
Service of Remembrance
We of the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service would encourage you and your
family to join us for our annual Service of Remembrance. We hold this special
service each year to honor memories of happier times and attempt to lift the
spirits to be a stronger person in this first Christmas season. Please consider
this a special invitation for you and your family. Either phone or email us
([email protected]) if you plan to attend.
Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 3pm
223 North Bedford Rd.
269-965-5145
www.bachmanhebble.com
969-6110
Your Path from
Hospital to Home
Page 29
Page 30
Family History
Stetler Construction
W
hen asked, most older adults say that they want to live in
their own community as long as possible. For those with
chronic conditions and limited resources, this can be a challenge.
CentraCare is part of the National PACE (Program of All –
Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and serves to meet the health
care needs of frail adults 55 or older living in Calhoun County.
Services are coordinated by the CentraCare team to:
• Ensure safety in the home
• Promote wellness
• Focus on quality medical care
• Provide an opportunity for socialization
• Support caregivers
CentraCare, located in Burnham Brook Community Center
in Battle Creek, is committed to supporting older adults to
remain in the community and to enhance their quality of life.
Call us to find out if CentraCare is right for you or someone you love.
J. Franklin Stetler founded J.
Franklin Stetler, Realtor in 1960.
Son, John Stetler, joined the firm
in 1962 and took over the firm
along with his brother-in-law, Dick
Vanderveer, in 1973, changing the
name to Stetler, Vanderveer and
Associates Realtors. In 1970, while
working in the real estate business, John Stetler formed Stetler
Enterprises to do land development
and home building. In 1987, when
it was incorporated, its name was
changed to Stetler Built Homes,
Inc. Annie Stetler joined the firm
in 1985 and took it over in 2004
to current. In 2007 the name was
changed to Stetler Construction to
reflect the fact that they provide
many types of constructions jobs
and not just new homes.
Frank Stetler left a job with Post
and after a year of unemployment,
he decided to become a Realtor in
1958. His wife, Marion, joined him
shortly thereafter. They were a great
selling team, with Marion doing
the prospecting and selling and
Frank doing the closing and business items. In 1960, they opened a
business under their own name of J.
Franklin Stetler Realtor. Son, John,
joined them in 1962 as a real estate
agent and opened the land development and home building business in
1970.
The company started by providing real estate brokerage services,
which it continues to do in the form
of consulting and referrals. It later
added appraisal services for corporate relocation and for individuals.
In 1970, the firm added to its list
of services, new home construction
and then in 1979 the firm did its
first land development project by
installing Elsinore Lane and Dane
Court off South Minges Rd. Since
then, it has done seven land development projects, including a 24-unit
condo building on Goguac Lake
called Northshore Place; Lynwood
Shores, where each home has water
frontage with access to Goguac
Lake; Minges Farms off South
Minges Rd; Hidden Forest off 10
Mile Rd. in Harper Creek – about
2/3’s of the way through their largest development; and Huntington
Hills, which will have a mixture of
about 300 homes and condo’s. The
last two developments have their
own private park system.
John states, “Since 1960, our
company has always been in some
form of the real estate business, but
it sure has changed directions. I
think we have made a difference in
Battle Creek… from all the family’s
point of view, it has been a privilege
to be of service to our community
and out pleasure to do so.”
200 W. Michigan Ave., Ste. 103, Battle Creek, MI
(269) 441-9300 • toll-free (877) 284-4071 • www.mycentracare.com
Christmas Blessings
Serving Families
for Generations
Funeral Directors & Preneed Advisors
105 Capital Ave. NE @ North Avenue • 269-962-5527 | 9170 East D Ave • Richland Chapel • 269-629-6022
307 N. Webster • Augusta Chapel • 269-731-4212
OMNI
Gives Back
Grant
Program
Omni Community Credit Union has set aside $40,000 to reinvest in the community in 2011. Building on their success from 2010 where funds were donated to over 40 organizations, their continued commitment to give back demonstrates their strength as a community leader. Groups may request funding
by visiting the website at omnigivesback.org. Grants are awarded quarterly.
269-441-1400 | www.omnicommunitycu.org
Family History
John ter Avest Agency
The John ter Avest Agency has
been a fixture in downtown Battle
Creek since its inception in 1953
with its original office location on the
tenth floor of the Wolverine Federal
Tower. In the early 1960’s they were
located at 9 McCamly and in 1992
the agency moved to its current location at 9 Capital Avenue N.E. The
design of the distinctive windows
from this historic building has been
incorporated into the logo for the
John ter Avest Agency, Inc.
An immigrant from the
Netherlands in 1951, John ter Avest
was very active in his community and
received honors from many organizations. John served as a trustee and
President in the Presbyterian Church,
president of the Pennfield school
board from 1967 to 1980, and board
member for the Child Guidance
Clinic from 1967 to 1969. In 1968
Mr. Ter Avest received the Daughters
of the American Revolution Award
for “trustworthiness, service, leadership and patriotism.” In 1972 the
Battle Creek Jaycees named John ter
Avest the “boss of the Year.”
In 1975, John was honored to
have his son, Simon G. H. ter Avest
join the agency after his graduation from Albion College. Currently
Simon serves as President of the
John ter Avest Agency, Inc. Bringing
a third generation of the family name
to the agency are Simon’s two sons
Gerrit and Jason ter Avest who have
become licensed insurance agents as
well. They both have graduated from
Western Michigan University.
During the sixty years the John
ter Avest Agency has been in existence they have credited their success
to the unique and pleasant service
provided to their clients. It is the
hope of the John ter Avest Agency to
provide another fifty years of quality
service to the South West Michigan
community.
Products they sell: Individual
insurance, health, dental, Medicare,
disability income, long-term care,
group, life, vision, Medigap, accident
and hospital recovery.
Some carriers they participate
with: Blue Cross Blue Shield, United
HealthCare, Aetna, Priority Health,
Humana, and AARP.
Page 31
The Elder Law Center
Helping Seniors Preserve Their Lives
Asset Preservation Planning for Persons in or
Entering a Nursing Home Powers of Attorney
Wills • Trusts • Probate
Don’t Lose Everything You Have
To The Nursing Home
Our attorneys can help you save up to 100% of your assets.
Micheal B. Walling, J.D., LL.M.
Joy L. Foster, J.D.
K
Let us help you properly
draft and fund a trust before
you or your spouse enter a
nursing home; it could save
you over $50,000!
Call For A Free
Initial Consultation.
Helping Seniors
preserve their lives for
more than a decade.
The Elder Law Center
968-1101
131 E. Columbia Ave., Ste 100
www.wallingandfoster.com
Page 32
SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN
TM
Call 269-979-1479 or visit us on the web at www.scenepub.com/seniortimes
Does a bad fitting denture have you down?
We Can Help!
Cosmetic Dentures can
improve your self-image and restore
a youthful appearance.
Call Us Today!
269-979-1500
www.facebook.com/MorrisDDS
3620 Capital Ave. SW, Suite A | Battle Creek, MI 49015 | www.morrisdds.com

December: Choices For Independence

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