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Page 5 – Elder Abuse Awareness n Page 11 – Senior Action Week Page 12 – Recipes n Page 16 & 17 – Game Pages PAGE PAGE PAGE 09 13 21 MAY | JUNE 2021 n WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE

04 Down a Rabbit Hole with 07 The Springtime of Life 11 Senior Action Week 15 Social Security Q & A 21 The Rusty Rooster Winston Churchill by Gil Boersma, M.Div by Emily Armstrong by Vonda VanTil by Jerry Mattson by Janet Hasselbring 08 “Quotes that Stick” 12 Senior Perspectives Recipes 16 Game Page 22 British Accents & More 05 Raising Awareness of by Louise Matz by Keith Sipe Elder Abuse 13 Night at the Hollywood Bowl 19 You Really Got a Hold on Me by Cassie Caple 09 Bug House Square by Jay Newmarch by Dave Kampfschulte by Dick Hoffsteadt 06 Leaving a Legacy 14 Creating Connections 20 Age in Place Like a Pro by Kendra Schumaker 10 Becoming a Ballerina in My 60s by Tricia McDonald by Laura Kelso by Cindy Hogg

EDITOR & PUBLISHER WRITERS MEMBER OF Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan Michelle Fields Emily Armstrong Information & Assistance [email protected] Gil Boersma, M.Div 231-733-3523 or (888) 456-5664 Cassie Caple (616) 456-5664 GRAPHIC DESIGN Staci Gerken [email protected] | (fax) (616) 456-5692 website: www.aaawm.org Jay Newmarch Janet Hasselbring MEMBER OF CRE8 Design Dick Hoffsteadt Mission: [email protected] Cindy Hogg Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan’s mission 269-345-8845 Dave Kampfschulte is to provide older persons and persons with a disability an array of services designed to promote independence Laura Kelso COPY EDITOR and dignity in their homes and their communities. Jerry Mattson Bonnie Borgeson Louise Matz Tricia McDonald To advertise in an upcoming Senior Perspectives publications, Jay Newmarch contact: Kendra Schumaker Keith Sipe Michelle Fields Editor and Publisher of Senior Perspectives Vonda VanTil (231) 733-3523 or toll free 1-800-442-0054 michelle @SeniorResourcesWMi.org

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced ON THE COVER: without written permission from the publisher. ON THE COVER: Glenn Rutgers Senior Perspectives Newspapers have Glenn Rutgerssoftglowdigital.com softglowdigital.com won 48 National Awards for Media Excellence! Like us on Facebook! [email protected] [email protected] www.facebook.com/SeniorPerspectives

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 2 MAY | JUNE 2021 Jackie O’Connor, Executive Director

AREA AGENCY ON AGING OF WESTERN MICHIGAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Bill Routley Chair Marilyn Burns Vice Chair Carol Hennessy Treasurer Richard Karns Secretary Cynthia LaBelle Member-at-Large Robert Sundholm Advisory Council Chair REPRESENTATION

Richard Cain Allegan Elected Offi cial Stuart Peet Allegan Consumer David Hodges Ionia Elected Offi cial Dennis Sitzer Ionia Consumer Carol Hennessy Kent Elected Offi cial Nancy Nielsen Kent Consumer Betty Dermyer Lake Elected Offi cial Marilyn Burns Lake Consumer Ron Bacon Mason Elected Offi cial Kim Halladay Mason Consumer Bill Routley Mecosta Elected Offi cial Sharon Bongard Mecosta Consumer Michael Beach Montcalm Elected Offi cial Linda Weger Montcalm Consumer Kenneth DeLaat Newaygo Elected Offi cial Cindy LaBelle Newaygo Consumer Sponsored by Page # where you found Richard Karns Osceola Consumer the smiling sun Milinda Ysasi Grand Rapids Elected Offi cial Jane DeVries Grand Rapids Consumer Name ______Address ______AAAWM ADVISORY COUNCIL I Spy City ______Thomas Peelle Allegan County Natalie Van Houten Allegan County State ______Zip ______Norma Kilpatrick Ionia County It’s easy! Kenneth Thompson Ionia County Phone ______Harold Mast Kent County Simply fi nd the Nellie Blue Lake County smiling sun in this edition. Robert Sundholm Mason County List where you spotted it, James Thomas Mason County clip and return this form Mary Bechaz Mecosta County for the chance to win a Jerrilynn Strong Mecosta County $ Tim Reno Montcalm County 20.00 gift card to Meijer! Ben Witbrodt Montcalm County Helen Taube Newaygo County Barbara Hazlett Osceola County Return to: Senior Perspectives, I Spy, 560 Seminole Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444 Mary Lou Proefrock Osceola County Priscilla Kimboko Ph.D. Grand Valley State University Martha Burkett Kent County Veterans Services MAR/APR WINNER: SHIRLEY LONGWELL OF GRAND RAPIDS The shamrock was found in the story on page 5.

MAY | JUNE 2021 3 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY How Does Your Garden Grow? Down a Rabbit Hole with Winston Churchill

I’m having tea in my garden with BY 5. Chiasmus–a fi gure of speech in JANET Winston. We’re chatting about writ- which the grammar of one phrase ing strategies that make his books HASSELBRING is inverted in the next. and speeches famous. I’m a bit surprised he accepted the invitation, though I suspect he “’In one way you’re right, and in another, you’re was keen to meet my new Welshie, Clementine–he’s wrong’--one of my favorites,” he chortles. He peers partial to the name because that’s the name of Lady about. “Every garden has a snake, but not every snake Churchill.* is in a garden.” I nod in approval, sneaking a surrepti- tious glance about the garden. I’ve never seen a snake Winston loves gardens. He was captivated by the here. tranquility of Chartwell, on Kent’s western boundary. When he put down roots there in 1922, it became his But he’s beginning to tire. It’s time for ice cream. He spiritual home. Looking out over the Weald relinquishes his cigar for a bowl of Grand- of Kent he remarked, “I bought Chartwell pa’s Vanilla. All is quiet except for the oc- for this view.” When Country and Duty casional tweet of a bird and the click of the called him away, as they frequently did, he spoon on Winston’s teeth as he luxuriates fretted, “A day away from Chartwell is a with his cream. Clemmie lies at his feet. day wasted.” He licks the bowl clean, looking disconso- I refi ll his coffee mug and offer him another late. I’m tempted to offer seconds but Lady scone. It’s a humble offering, for if he had Churchill has made it clear that Winston his druthers, he would chase his hearty is getting chubby. Accepting his fate, he breakfast with a whiskey and soda, to grudgingly surrenders the bowl. “Ahhhh,” 2. Use one-syllable words. moisten his throat, and then head back to bed with a he sighs, “Simply delightfuliscious!” He looks lovingly at a row of dahlias. “Fair, fi ne, fresh, cigar to work until noon. *Churchill’s two great loves were brown miniature poodles frail,” he announces. “The hyacinths--blue, bold, named Rufus and Rufus II (the II was silent). Once, when His food quirks are legendary, his convalescent diet bright, brash.” Rufus (I) accompanied Churchill to Buckingham Palace, he calling for champagne, oysters, and mouthfuls of started padding into the Cabinet Room. “No Rufus,” chided 3. Anaphora--use of the same words steak. Once he threatened to go to Chartwell alone. Churchill, “I haven’t found it necessary to add you to the War When Clementine reminded him it was closed and or phrases in successive sentences. Cabinet yet.” At Chequers, Churchill covered the poodle’s there would be no one to cook, he boasted, “Then I Suddenly Winston stands, thrusts out his chest, and eyes when watching the scene in Oliver Twist, in which Bill shall cook for myself. I can boil an egg. I’ve seen it thunders: “Our aim? Victory! Victory at all costs; vic- Sykes attempts to drown his dog, Bullseye, saying, “Don’t done.” (He didn’t go.) tory in spite of all terror; victory however long and look now, dear. I’ll tell you about it afterward.” Rufus (II) reportedly had breath like a fl amethrower, but he still ate with hard the road may be….” Winston perks up when I promise Country Dairy ice the family in the dining room, on a Persian rug, served by cream later. “Wonderful,” he purrs, “Cream coats the I am spellbound, silent, lost in history. After a time, Win- the butler. When his “darling Rufi e,” his “closest confi dant,” sheaths of the nerves.” ston stirs, casting off the spell, and sits down. “Imagine who heard everything, died in 1962, he was buried at Chart- well next to his beloved predecessor, Rufus (I). (“The Ten My garden is alive with color, bursting with Win- these tulips braving the forces of nature,” he whispers. Most Famous Dog and Owner Combinations in History,” ston’s favorite fl owers and shrubs. He lights a cigar “We will stand in the storm; we will stand in the rain; we Country Life, Elwes) and we get to the literary task at hand: will stand in the wind; we will not be fl attened.”

1. Use four alliterative adjectives. 4. Use of obscure and archaic words. Janet lives in West Michigan with her husband, Don, and Welsh Terrier, Snack. She loves singing, biking, swimming, “When I see lords and ladies snoozing during my “…answer with a sullen, senseless, solid, stupid, hiking, doing therapy work with Snack, playing bridge, NO,” he smiles mischievously, recalling one of his speeches, I use words like ‘benignant’ and ‘snoozery’ Scrabble, and Mahjongg, and is a tennis and pickleball junkie. speeches. “Now these freesias--fresh, fragrant, ﬂ irta- to wake them up.” He takes a hefty chomp on the She drags herself off the court occasionally to write. Her piano tious, fantastic. And the anemones--alluring, attractive, fast-dwindling cigar. “I’m awed by the fantastical- gets lonely because she chooses to whack fuzzy yellow balls azure, abundant.” He perches on my wall, noting that nesses of your garden,” he smiles. “That’ll get their and noisy popping pickleballs instead of tickling its ivories. he built garden walls at Chartwell. attention.”

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 4 MAY | JUNE 2021 • Check in frequently with loved ones, especially those who may be isolated. Raising Awareness of Elder • Report suspected abuse or neglect to Adult Protective Services to get help: 855-444-3911. • Educate yourself on warning signs and prevention methods and share the information! Abuse and Mistreatment • Stay informed. Visit AG - Consumer Alerts (michigan. gov) to sign up for scam email alerts. • Seek help if you are a caregiver or inquire about ser- June is National Elder Abuse Aware- One of the best ways to help prevent elder vices to support an older adult. ness month, with June 15th the abuse is to look for warning signs: • Call the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan designated day. Nearly 1 in 10 older (AAAWM) 616-456-5664 for available programs and adults is abused or neglected each • Does the older adult have unexplained bruises or services or visit our website at www.aaawm.org year, yet only 1 in 14 cases is reported injuries? For more information about warning signs of elder to authorities. • Are their clothes torn or dirty? Are they always wearing the same clothing? abuse, scams, and fi nancial exploitation, visit the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day • Do they report having frequent falls? Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition website at BY (WEAAD) was started June 15, 2006 • Do they appear dehydrated or undernourished? www.ProtectKentSeniors.org. CASSIE by the International Network for the • Do they express issues with sight, hearing, dental *Sources: National Center on Elder Abuse, Center for CAPLE Prevention of Elder Abuse and the problems, or incontinence? Disease Control and Prevention, Offi ce of Inspector General World Health Organization at the • Has there been a recent change in caregiver? United Nations. This provides a platform to educate • Have there been recent changes in spending patterns? Cassie is a Contract Administrator at the Area Agency on and raise awareness about elder abuse with the goal of Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) where she also coor- ending all mistreatment. A few other important things dinates the Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition. Cassie earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State There are fi ve common types of elder abuse: physical, you can do to help include: mental/emotional, sexual, fi nancial, and neglect. Abuse University and says her favorite part about her job is collabo- or neglect can happen to anyone, by anyone, with about • Listen to older adults and their caregivers to under- rating with the community to keep seniors and their families 90% of abusers being close friends or family members. stand their challenges and provide support. safe and independent. She can be reached at (616) 456-5664.

MAY | JUNE 2021 5 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY her daughter through some serious life unique, the cared-for one is unique, and tragedies, such as the deaths of her own the situations vary across many levels. husband, a grandchild, her own father, The outcomes are different for each one Leaving a Legacy and her in-laws. When she spoke of her of us. One thing is the same though: the mother, she was able to speak of feeling journey is the goal. We all want to live more blessed than stressed with the care our life to the fullest, especially when it When I think of family care giving, I Recognizing and appreciating love is she had provided as her mother aged comes to being a caregiver. We want no associate it with leaving a legacy of love, also an important part of our legacy. physically and declined cognitively. regrets, no unfi nished business. commitment, trust, A family caregiver had been caring She had an outlook on life whereby she It has been written that life is not a and undying care for her mother at home for nearly ten realized that the care she was providing guided tour; rather we each have to with your loved one. years when she passed away at the age would not last forever. I immediately think make our own way through. There will of the many very be losses along the way; there will be special caregivers I sadness, frustrations, fear, hardships. have met throughout But there will also be times of complete the years. Although celebration, love, commitment, the BY family care giving ability to help each other out, to live KENDRA is diffi cult and can peacefully “in the moment.” What a SCHUMAKER be frustrating and true blessing! How many of us are not exhausting, it can also living in the moment? We must keep the be one of the most rewarding experi- end in sight. Doesn’t that give a sense ences a person can have while they are of peace? A sense that we don’t have on earth. This, however, is often realized to achieve more than God has desired after the care giving journey has come to for us, that we don’t have to look for completion. the worldly treasures of today to fi nd satisfaction, contentment, and true joy This legacy is in part the undying care in knowing that we are doing the best and support showed toward the one we can here on earth. We simply need to being cared for, but it also involves leave a legacy of love and caring for the promises made to previous caregivers. next generation. For example, one daughter actually told 1 The Legacy of Caring is truly putting of 105 /2. This daughter said one of the Kendra Schumaker has 27 years’ experience her ill father that it was OK for him to someone else fi rst in life. The most most precious comments I have ever working in the fi eld of aging. As former care- pass away because she would take care important legacy we can leave our heard about their cared-for one: “I grow givers, she and her husband, Brian, realized of her mother who had Alzheimer’s family, our children, our grandchildren, to love her more every day.” This care- the need for an additional resource for Home Disease. Only after she and her dad neighbors, community, and our country giver discussed how her mother had al- and Community Based Care. As a result of discussed the situation, made decisions is compassion and caring. Those are the ways been with her, had celebrated with this, SarahCare Adult Day Center opened in on how the mother’s care would hap- qualities I clearly see exhibited in many her when she married, had children, 2008 to families of West Michigan. Kendra is pen, and put a plan into place, did he of the families I have worked with. These and watched the grandchildren grow. a Certifi ed Dementia Practitioner, facilitates actually succumb to his illness and pass families are leaving a legacy that says, “I Many of her cherished moments were several support groups locally, and is the Am- away. He had to make sure his wife was of everyday experiences such as life on love you and I will take care of you.” cared for, and he completely trusted his bassador to West Michigan for the Alzheim- her parents’ farm, watching her mother I am not suggesting that each caregiver daughter to give the care she had com- er’s Association. Kendra’s passion is not only and father work hard and complete a has to complete their care giving jour- mitted to. Home and Community Based Care Services, job well done. The mother had seen ney in the same way. Each caregiver is but specifi cally Caring for the Caregiver!

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 6 MAY | JUNE 2021 pared, but the seasons offer us challenge, preparation, awareness, and inspiration. You may have a favorite Soul Food season because of a certain outdoor activity. For me, the season of Spring offers the sprouting of new vegetation bringing bright colors and new life. It invites us to get The Springtime of Life outside with friends or family, even if just for a drive, and brings pastimes like fi shing, planting fl owers, a family picnic, you name it! What can we learn from springtime? distracts, or inspires, or confuses, or makes me laugh. For me it is a season of beauty and In the big picture of life we are never in control. Think Springtime refreshes my spirit and reminds me that the inspiration, even though I have long of life this way: Did you choose when to be born? Of creation, and the Creator, desires each of us to be open suffered from allergies and asthma! course not! Will you choose when to die? You’d better to change, growth, and receiving the gifts of the Spirit. As we recall the arctic blast which not!! Opportunities present themselves to us to be a servant swept south this past winter, many to others who are struggling to see any good in life, Life is a gift full of treasure, even when it brings chal- of us wondered if spring was going perhaps because of their present loss or their human lenges. We may think our work or schedule determines to be delayed this year! Is the earth suffering. You may indeed be “the gift” of understand- the value of what each day brings, such as what we BY shifting on its axis or what!? ing or compassion that someone you know, or someone GIL BOERSMA, get paid or how much we have spent. What I want to you meet today, desperately needs. If you are thinking M.DIV., B.C.C. I am not one to prejudge anything or share with you is that there is much more going on of that person right now, give them a call, and let the anyone. I have learned to live day by than sleeping or working, eating or cleaning, talking or Spirit guide you. day with openness and trust. This does not mean I have listening, traveling or staying home. Each of us can be no plans, or that I do not make a schedule. I endured part of a family, even if we live alone. Each of us can be Rev. Gilbert Boersma, BBA, MDIV, is an Elder in the United two seizures in 2019 which has given me memory is- inspired, even if our lives seem dull or boring. Each of Methodist Church, and a retired board-certifi ed chaplain. sues; you should see my calendar -- it’s covered with us can receive help, even if we can’t afford to pay, just His wife Sara is retired from Muskegon Community Mental corrections!! by being kind and respectful. Health and offers counseling privately, part-time. Their two sons, one daughter-in-law and four grandchildren also live in What I have learned from “spiritual formation” is What the four environmental seasons teach those of us Muskegon. Gil offers “spiritual direction” for those who have that discernment of truth and help with decisions can living around the Great Lakes is to be open and aware interest. You may contact him by email: boersmagil71@ develop anytime, no matter what comes along which of our surroundings. To some extent we can be pre- gmail.com

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MAY | JUNE 2021 7 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY How about you? Do you have a her basket of ironing with this jingle. I confess I’ve “Only boring people are bored.” small library of quotes that stick used it myself over the years, primarily when ironing This one came from my father, too. My siblings and I in your memory, popping up at or drinking a beer. learned responsibility early on. Among other things, appropriate (or sometimes inappro- we were responsible for our own entertainment or priate) times? Maybe, if you read lack thereof. through my mine, it will jog your memory. If “You can learn in spite of the teacher.” BY you’re like me, I’ll This was a comment from my father whenever LOUISE we complained about a teacher. No MATZ bet each quote will take you sympathy there. right to the identity of the person “Put a bow on it.” who put it in your memory. Daughter Melissa uses this “Nothing good idiom to indicate that a project happens after 10 must get completed. I like it because it promotes urgency, p.m.” but with a positive note. This one was directed to “Quotes our children by their father “My dad was in their teen years. He used Dave Ramsey it often. Not likely I’ll ever before there was forget, nor will our kids. a Dave Ramsey.” He also instilled a habit of That Another quote from Melissa. promptness by using this This one indicates the infl u- type of phrase often: “Five ence of her father when it o’clock means fi ve o’clock! comes to managing money. Not fi ve minutes after fi ve. Not even one minute after fi ve.” Familiar quotes bring Stick” to mind so many meaning- “Everything in ful life experiences, don’t moderation.” you think? This one came to me from my father who repeated it often. As I travel through life, I fi nd it applies to so many aspects – foods we eat, exercise, drinking coffee or other beverages, playing, watching TV, spending, etc. The problems come when we overindulge.

“Ask forgiveness, not permission.” “It doesn’t pay to look too prosperous.” This one is a favorite of my daughter Melissa. It This came from my father. My husband likes to use it speaks for itself. whenever I ask him to change into something more suitable. My dad used it very conveniently, too. “I don’t feel bad when I’m late returning a Louise has been writing for Senior library book. They need the money.” “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow’s Perspectives for over This one came from my daughter Molly. I think of it a mystery. Today is a gift.” ten years. She enjoys every time I return a library book. My mother-in-law loved this one, repeating it often. As I age, I just want to reply “Amen” to this quote. family time, reading, walk- “Oh dear, bread and beer; if I wasn’t ing, biking, and golf. Pickleball and married, I wouldn’t be here.” “People of integrity pay their debts mahjongg have been added to the list This silly little rhyme was a favorite of my mother. In without being asked.” since retirement. She also loves to join particular, she would set up her ironing board on a I passed this one to my children. her husband for turkey hunting and ﬁ shing in the summer afternoon, pour herself a beer, and approach Florida Keys.

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 8 MAY | JUNE 2021 Bug House Square

Upon entering college at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier in February of 1952, my major was pre-engineering. My classes were mostly technical, but the school required that you also had to have four semesters of rhetoric, which was the study and art of writing and speaking well. This subject was a total mystery to me. My fi rst impression was that I wasn’t going to like it. Me? Write stories? The course started out slowly with the professor assigning short story ideas to get us started. Things went along fairly smoothly, but BY DICK liking it was still diffi cult. My mid-term grade was only a C-plus. Not HOFFSTEADT terrible, but not up where I wanted it to be. Then came an assignment for the last half of the semester which would be due a week before the end of the term and would count for half of our fi nal grade. We were told to roam around Chicago and fi nd something out of the ordinary then write a 1,000-word essay pertaining to it. Uh, oh! Could I do it? While in high school, I went on a fi eld trip to a place called the Newberry Library, which 1 was only 1/2 miles northwest of Navy Pier. It was an independent research library spe- cializing in the humanities. Across the street to the south of the library is a one-square- block called Washington Square Park. The park had a more distinctive, slangy nickname that has stuck to it since around 1910, and that is “Bughouse Square.” It was an open forum that allowed anyone literally to get up on a wooden soap box and espouse any cause they wanted others to hear. Many talked at the same time as others did. Subjects ranged from atheism to extreme religios- ity, and politics went from extreme right to extreme left. At that time (1952) it was the most celebrated outdoor free-speech center in the nation. Heckling was standard. Some- times there would be as many as two thousand people in the park. In 1991, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. My roaming around Chicago to fi nd an out of the ordinary subject for my 1,000-word- essay for my Rhetoric class had come to an end. And I found it only because of a high school visit to the Newberry Library. Now that I knew what my essay was going to be about, I needed to spend as much time as possible in the park, watching and listening to the various speakers. It was the spring semester so the weather was fairly decent for outdoor activities. No planning was involved; it was totally spontaneous. It was entertaining but sometimes quite boring. Much of the dialogue was interactive. Some speakers were a little balmy while most made total sense. Even Carl Sandburg, Richard Wright, Saul Bellow, Clarence Darrow and Studs Terkel would stop by. I now had a ton of material for my article and worked hard on it. I handed it in on time and received a resounding A for my efforts. I still enjoy writing thanks to good old “Bughouse Square.” Richard Hoffstedt was born to Swedish immigrants in 1934 and raised in Chicago. He is a U.S. Army veteran. He has been married to Shirley for 65 years. Richard has six children, fi ve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Richard is an engineer by profession. His interests are music, reading, travel, riding his adult tricycle, Mark Twain and John Steinbeck.

MAY | JUNE 2021 9 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY maybe even better. past year has certainly been that on steroids! But I am fi nding that with So, what is it that ballerinas do that increased age–and its accompany- contributes to their beauty and suc- ing wisdom–I am (mostly!) able to cess? meet challenges head-on with a quiet --They are up on their toes. grace. I have an increased ability to --They are able to pivot gracefully. move forward without recrimina- Midway through my seventh tions, drama or angst. When I look decade--am I really in my seventh in the mirror now, I like what I see. I decade?!–I fi nd I have mostly mas- don’t see a wrinkled, “decrepit” old tered the art of rising above the woman. Not by a long shot. I see a chaos and the noise on the outside strong woman who has mastered and the distractions and angst on the some pretty important life skills. inside that plagued me during my I trust I may be modeling something younger days. I now see the bigger important for my daughters and picture so much more clearly. I am granddaughters as well. better able to separate the urgent from the truly important and to pri- Up on your toes, girls. oritize accordingly. Pivot gracefully, and dance on! When I was younger, a change in Cynthia Hogg, LBSW, is the Care Coun- plans could throw me into a tizzy. selor for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Now that I’m older, I can more Dementia Support Program. She is a gracefully pivot in a new direction, freelance writer whose passion is travel, or on to new plan. Life is constantly especially with her grandchildren. She throwing us curveballs that require a is the founder of the blog skipgentravel- change in plans. The pandemic of the guru.com. Becoming a Ballerina BY CINDY HOGG in My s I was a tomboy growing up, and 60surprised that here in my mid-60s, I happily so. I loved nothing more fi nd myself a ballerina. than climbing a tree, often with a Oh, not the tutu-and-tights-wearing book under my arm so I could read kind of ballerina. I never did aspire hidden among the leaves as high up to that, and even if I had, those days as I could go. are far behind me. No, I fi nd myself What I was NOT while growing was embodying the essence of a ballerina, graceful. That’s why I am somewhat and that’s just as good or, at my age,

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 10 MAY | JUNE 2021 The Signiﬁ cance of Senior Action Week

It is important to rec- tions in place due to coronavirus this ognize older adults for event has adapted to a virtual event for their contributions but 2021 as Senior Action Week! In the past, also for their power- over 1000 seniors would gather at the cap- ful voices. Michigan’s itol, supported by Michigan Area Agen- older adults account cies on Aging. Taking this key advocacy for nearly one-quarter push to a virtual platform will hopefully of Michigan’s popu- allow more people to get involved than BY lation. Not only do ever before! EMILY older adults have vast ARMSTRONG Rather than a dedicated day this year, knowledge and expe- Older Michiganian’s Day has transitioned rience, but they also to a week of online advocacy to best vote! For over 20 years, seniors have trav- inform legislators on senior issues. Older eled to Lansing from across the state to adults and their allies are invited to attend advocate and celebrate older adults in an any of the virtual events throughout the annual event called “Older Michiganian’s week of May 10-14, expressing to the Day” (OMD). OMD is an opportunity for Michigan Legislature, with a uniﬁ ed voice, senior advocates and allies to share their the concerns, challenges, and opportu- positions with legislators and to spur posi- independence, dignity, and choice. A website: https://4ami.org/event/older- nities for older adults. With this week- tive change for older adult legislation. special online event will also take place on michiganian-s-day-2021-senior-action- long event, older adults are the experts, May 12, the original Older Michiganian’s week/2021-05-09 or join the Special Historically, this rally happens in-person embracing the growing senior population Day. You can follow Facebook updates at Livestream event on Wednesday, May on the lawn of the Capitol Building in and advocating for policies and budget https://fb.me/e/3osbUjyEH 12 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. We would Lansing. Of course, with safety precau- decisions that allow seniors to age with appreciate your support and your voice This year, senior advocates will focus on a to encourage lawmakers to consider this different topic each day of the week as fol- year’s advocacy areas. lows; promote the MI Choice Waiver Pro- gram (Monday), expand access to home If you’d like to learn more about Senior and community-based services (Tuesday), Advocacy efforts in your region visit Ad- advocate for increased pay for direct care vocates for Senior Issues at www.aaawm. workers and support training (Wednes- org/afsi. day), urge policymakers to expand access Emily Armstrong is the Public Relations and to affordable and reliable Internet for Communications Specialist at AAAWM. She Michigan residents (Thursday), and revisit enjoys exploring Michigan with her husband and the establishment of the Kinship Caregiver their labradoodle, Moose. On the weekends you Navigator program (Friday). can usually ﬁ nd her cheering on the Spartans, How can you get involved? Visit the camping, practicing photography, or reading.

MAY | JUNE 2021 11 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY

Cathay’s Cooking Corner BY CATHAY THIBDAUE

BY STACI GERKEN AAAWM Eats Hummus Pasta This dish uses hummus to make a quick and easy sauce. Serve with grilled chicken and roasted veggies to make a complete meal.

8 oz pasta noodles (spaghetti, linguini, or 1/4 tsp black pepper fettuccini) Pinch of salt 1/2 cup hummus Large handful of washed spinach or other 1/2 cup pasta water leafy greens 1/4 tsp garlic powder Optional add-in: Sun-dried tomatoes

1. Cook pasta noodles according to directions on package. When draining the pasta, Grandma’s Carrot Raisin Salad reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for sauce. Place noodles in an empty bowl or plate and 4 cups shredded carrots reuse the pan for the sauce below. 1 ½ cups raisins 2. Over medium heat, add hummus and reserved pasta water to the empty pan. If you ¼ mayonnaise forget to save this, you can also use fresh water. Mix until they have combined. 1 shredded or diced apple 3. Add in garlic powder, black pepper, leafy greens and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Mix 3 tablespoons Vanilla Greek yogurt to combine, stirring occasionally until the greens are wilted–this usually does not take more Salt and pepper to taste ¼ tsp of cider vinegar than 1-2 minutes. 4. Add the noodles back into the pan and mix until the sauce has coated the noodles. If the Mix the first 4 ingredients. Stir in enough yogurt and vinegar to reach desired sauce feels too thick, add more water to thin. consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until serving. 5. Garnish with crushed red pepper or more black pepper and enjoy! Cathay is the Network Manager, Certified HIPAA Security Professional, Certified Medical Staci Gerken is a Registered Dietitian and the Nutrition Contract Administrator at the Practice Security Professional, Certified PCI-DSS Security Compliance Professional, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan where she works with congregate and home Certified Healthcare Cybersecurity Professional, and has a Certificate of Leadership in Healthcare Management Proficiency at Senior Resources of West Michigan. She also delivered meal partners in a nine-county region enjoys boating, fishing, and spending time with her family.

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 12 MAY | JUNE 2021 The Graying Globetrotter Night at the Hollywood Bowl

BY JAY Sometimes it’s the artist, sometimes the venue, but it’s doubly special ner delivered to your seat. That option might be a bit more awkward in the “cheap” NEWMARCH when both are iconic symbols. That was the case last fall when I was seats, though. The box seats offer more space to accommodate picnic-style dining. able to take in a concert with The Who at the Hollywood Bowl. We settled in with drinks and food and waited for the concert to begin. With the I have always wanted to see The Who in concert but was unable to attend when they warm southern California breezes and a festive atmosphere, the wait seemed very were performing in our area of the country. Looking over the short. It was fun just to talk, dine and people-watch. concert date options, I noticed that they would be perform- The concert itself was just great, as I had expected. Enjoy- ing at the Hollywood Bowl. With planned vacation on the ing it with the addition of a full moon and strobes lighting calendar in October, I took it as kismet, bought the tickets, the sky made it all the more special. I also found that the and planned the trip to California. normal enthusiasm I have come to expect from Michigan Tucked into Bolton Canyon in the Hollywood Hills, the crowds is no less on the West Coast. The Who regaled us Hollywood Bowl is quite literally just minutes away from with encores as the concert crowd howled for more. the noise and confusion of a major metropolis. But, due to its All in all, the experience was beyond my expectations and location, it feels miles away at the same time. As you can see I was very happy that I had chance to take in a concert at in the Adobe stock photo to the right, it’s like an oasis from the Hollywood Bowl. One downside to the experience that the traffi c and lights of the “big city,” has since turned into a funny story, The Hollywood Bowl offi cially opened in 1922 as a com- was what happened after the concert munity space, hosting school groups, services and speakers. ended. The casual ambiance of the The bowl has had a few permutations over the evening suddenly turned into a mad years, some of the revisions due to bad sound, crush as all of those in attendance bad design, or both. Interestingly, Frank Lloyd scrambled to exit. It was a melee. Wright, Jr. designed both the second and third On our way out of the venue, we versions of the Hollywood Bowl while working had called an Uber. Seemed like a in the studio system in Hollywood. simple thing until you witness the His fi rst version, which borrowed heavily from traffi c jam of Ubers and Lyfts trying southwest design, had a stair-stepped pyramidal to enter, in combination with the shape. While it is considered by some to have hordes of people trying to fi nd their had the best acoustics of any of the band shells rides. There seemed to be no system to speak of. that came to fruition, it was not popular with the Long story short, we had a number of Ubers bail public. In fact, it was torn down after just one season. Stepping back on us, giving up as they got close to the bowl into the fray, Wright designed the next version using the concentric and struggled to gain entrance. With one dying circle design that is still in use today. Unfortunately, the wooden de- phone and crowds dwindling, we fi nally found sign was not maintained and it, too, had to be demolished. an Uber driver who persisted. He was one of the most personable and patient drivers I have The next version, designed in 1929 and the one most of us are familiar encountered. His friendly manner turned around with, was in use through 2003. The current Hollywood Bowl was built the situation. Of course, we rewarded him hand- in 2004. A larger version of the previous one, the latest amphitheater somely. interestingly incorporates a number of features from several of the past band shells. In 2018, Rolling Stone named the Hollywood Bowl In a funny coincidence, month’s later on the sea- as one of the 10 best music venues in America. I have to agree; it was son fi nale of Better Things, based in Los Angeles, quite an experience. the lead character, Sam, takes her daughter and a friend to a Los Angeles Dodgers game. After the game, they struggle to get a ride as traffi c snarls outside the sta- The seats I was able to acquire weren’t the “box” seats that line the center of the bowl, dium. Their dilemma mirrored ours and made me realize that this is sometimes just but instead were bleacher-style seats off to the side. When reserving, they looked like part of the experience. Don’t let either our real experience, or the fi ctional one, keep they would be good, but I was a bit concerned about the location. I was pleasantly sur- you from experiencing the Hollywood Bowl for yourself! prised that the seats offered an incredible view of the stage. And, even though the venue was much larger than I pictured, it had an overall intimate feel. Jay Newmarch is a marketing professional and graphic artist living in Kalamazoo, In pre-COVID days, the food options were plentiful. There were any number of restau- Michigan. Jay designs the Senior Perspectives publication for Senior Resources and is rants inside the bowl that offer all sorts of fare. One option offered a complete picnic din- an avid traveller who takes every opportunity to visit different corners of the world.

MAY | JUNE 2021 13 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY

Authors of West Michigan Creating Connections

BY Imagine completing a signifi cant accomplishment that Born and raised in West Michigan, TRICIA will positively affect the rest of your life but telling no Jamie married her teenage sweet- McDONALD one. Not your closest friends. Not your parents. Not heart, Jason. Together they have your siblings. Not even your spouse. Alex (18), Tori (16), Cole (10), and Miya (7). With an active family that This is what author Jamie Berris did when she completed her fi rst novel. loves to spend time on the water, She told no one. “I was embarrassed to mention I had written a book,” Jamie is grateful for the memories she stated. Thankfully for Jamie’s tthey have created over the years. readers, she overcame that fear and WWhether it is chasing waterfalls, has written four fi ction novels, two eexploring caves, whale watching, of which are published. Whispering or hiking, their time together is Waves was published in 2016 and Us priceless. Three in 2019. Through it all, Jamie makes time For Jamie, writing is a “primal to write. Her current work-in- need,” a creative outlet she cannot progress is her hardest yet most ignore. Her books are more charac- rewarding venture, a non-fi ction ter-driven than plot-driven, and she book on the lesson of life lessons. looks forward to escaping with her “Instead of creating the story we Jamie Berris characters and telling their stories. want to live, we get stuck in the “Neglecting to write would be like story of our pasts or the stories cutting myself off from oxygen,” other people write for us,” Jamie said. Jamie said with humor. Just as her fi ctional characters refl ect and A creative writing course in college grow from their life lessons, Jamie wants planted a “voice in my head that to write her own authentic story. She will never stopped nagging me to write.” feature those life lessons on her blog at She listened to that relentless voice www.jamieberrisbooks.com. and started writing as a secret hobby Tricia L. McDonald is an internationally during nap time when her oldest child published author, public speaker, and writing was a baby, and she was pregnant with her second child. Having coach. Her new middle-grade book, The Sally four children over twelve years, she wrote whenever she could Squad: Pals to the Rescue, was published in “hide from them.” Sometimes she had to put her writing on March 2020. Her Life with Sally series (four hold for months at a time. “Babies will do that, suck enormous books) is a compilation of stories chronicling amounts of energy and time out of a mom,” she said, “not to life with her miniature bull terrier, Sally. Quit mention eat and poop constantly!” Whining Start Writing is a guide to help Jamie takes writing routine advice with a grain of salt. “Don’t writers put away the excuses and get the writ- overthink it.” She said the most important thing is to be con- ing done. www.triciamcdonald.com sistent and write something. It took her ten years to share her The Bookman is excited to continue featuring writing with a large audience, and she urges writers not to authors living in our Greater Lakeshore Neigh- make that same mistake. “Some people will love my writing, borhood. Contact The Bookman to purchase and some will hate it, plenty fall in the middle, and that’s okay,” she read the author’s books. stated.

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 14 MAY | JUNE 2021 Question: How do I earn Social Security credits tion, visit http://www.ssa.gov/” www.ssa.gov. and how many do I need to qualify for benefi ts? Question: What is the average Social Security Answer: We use your total yearly earnings to fi gure retirement payment that a person receives each your Social Security credits. The amount needed for Questions month? a credit in 2021 is $1,470. You can earn a maximum of Answer: The average monthly Social Security benefi t for four credits for any year. The amount needed to earn and Answers a retired worker in 2021 is $1,546.80. The average monthly one credit usually increases each year when average Social Security benefi t for a disabled worker in 2021 is wages increase. You must earn a certain number of $1,278.18. As a reminder, eligibility for retirement benefi ts credits to qualify for Social Security benefi ts. The num- still requires 40 credits (usually about 10 years of work). ber of credits you need depends on your age when you apply and the type of benefi t application. No one needs Question: I recently retired and am approaching more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefi t. You reporting may also prevent you from the age when I can start receiving Medicare. What can read more about credits in How You Earn Credits at owing us money or may allow us to is the monthly premium for Medicare Part B? http://www.ssa.gov/pubs” www.ssa.gov/pubs. For pay a higher amount. We have sev- Answer: In 2021, the standard Medicare Part B premium more information, visit our website at http://www. eral publications about SSI, includ- for medical insurance is currently $148.50 per month. ssa.gov” www.ssa.gov.. ing Reporting Your Wages When Some people with higher incomes must pay a higher You Receive Supplemental Security Question: If I receive Supplemental Security In- monthly premium for their Medicare coverage. You can Income, available at http://www. come (SSI) disability benefi ts, what is the effect get details at HYPERLINK “http://www.medicare.gov” BY ssa.gov/pubs” www.ssa.gov/pubs. on my benefi ts if I work? VONDA www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1- VANTIL Note that there are other work incen- 800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048). Answer: In most cases, your return to work would tives that can help you return to reduce your benefi t amount. Unlike Social Security work when you receive SSI. You can read about them in Vonda Van Til is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michi- disability, there is no “trial work period” for people What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental gan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, who get SSI disability benefi ts. Reporting wages each Security Income (SSI), also available at http://www. 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at month helps us pay the correct amount of SSI. Timely ssa.gov/pubs” www.ssa.gov/pubs. For more informa- [email protected].

MAY | JUNE 2021 15 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY Senior Resources G A P M A E G Sponsored E by

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 16 MAY | JUNE 2021 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES GAME PAGE Answers on Page 23

MAY | JUNE 2021 17 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 18 MAY | JUNE 2021 Some of you may have recognized the Another substitution is slipping in, title as the old Smokey Robinson hit and when no one is looking, I choose to do thought, “How nice, Dave is going to this instead of I have to do this. The latter talk about Motown music.” Those songs You Really word once again puts one in a box of not do tend to stay in our heads and are fun having any control. I choose says it is my to recall. But this article is about some- choice and I get to make that choice, not thing else that resides up there! a negative message from my past. This all reminds me of the song Can’t You Read Forty years ago I attended a staff in- Got a Hold on Me the Sign, recorded in 1971 by the Five service session where the speaker talked Man Electrical Band. (Where did they about something I had never heard of all heard countless messages in even taking seed. The other come up with these names!?) before–SDBs, Self-Defeating Behaviors. those days that we really did unconscious message that kept He explained about all the societal mes- not have control over. After all playing in my head was that It seems so simple, but as I said earlier, sages we had received in our formative we, were still kids. As a result I was not capable to attempt a lot of this stuff resides beneath the years: how we should act, feel, look, and of those messages we are to- these things. surface and it takes a little digging to get think. Some fall off us like water but oth- day, as I like to say, recovering there, followed by keeping track of how Maybe instead of saying I can’t ers stick, and the behaviors we develop children. What I mean is that you react to future situations when these do it, one could say I am having to try to accommodate them are often not we need to take a step back conversations with yourself happen. A BY diffi culty. Kind of puts a differ- in our best interests. and check out whether those great little book to jump-start the process DAVE ent spin on it, doesn’t it? This sayings, some of which got KAMPFSCHULTE is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel I vividly remember it as one of those new option acknowledges stuck in concrete in our heads, Ruiz. Just like after jump-starting your “Aha moments,” where lightbulbs were that this is a novel experience are still true today. Better yet, were they car, however, you still have to shift into going off in my head like a pinball ma- that is a little scary and I am not feeling ever true? In current terms, were these gear and press the gas pedal to get where chine. That in-service not only changed really confi dent. But on the other hand, messages “fake news?” you are going. the way I saw and taught my students, one could add to oneself, some of those it changed how I related to people in Self-Defeating Behaviors come in a wide things I used to think about myself I have In the feedback of one of my classes, a general, including myself. We are like variety of fl avors such as: obsessing with found not to be true. Also, I have had student wrote. At fi rst glance this looked icebergs. We only see the tip, because perfection, needing to always be right, prior experience trying new things and I like an easy, no-brainer class. (No textbook, the body of the berg is below the water, blaming others, refusing to ask for help, can put some of that to good use here. no tests.) But it is the hardest class I ever weighted down with all these negative and using extreme language to color our took, because it forced me to look at some I always act this way or I never do it this messages from the past. I would like world. Here are a few examples of what I things I had been avoiding. Many books, way. These phrases are a subset of: This is to share a few of the insights from the am talking about. even best sellers, have revised editions. the way I am. This is the way I have always in-service that have stayed with me over Shouldn’t we put out a revised edition of When a new challenge arrived on the been and the way I will always be. The door the years. the story we tell to ourselves too? doorstep in my life, my fi rst reaction is locked, the key is thrown away, and Many of those early messages we actu- seemed to be, I can’t do it. If I did not change is impossible. It is a great argu- Dave Kampfschulte is the Director of Amaz- ally did need to keep us safe--things like attempt it, I could not suffer the embar- ment for never growing up. ing Circle Workshops and an instructor at “Don’t talk to strangers” and “Don’t rassment of failure, plus I could avoid Aquinas College’s OLLI program. He is the Replacing always and never with some- jump before you look.” But thrown in putting myself out there in an emotional author of I’m Dying to Talk with You: 25 times really increases our possibilities. It were also things like: Keep your cards close risk situation. It was short term win but years of end of life conversations. He can be is like watching a movie at the theater vs. to your chest. Don’t wear your heart on your a long-term loss, as it prevented a lot reached at [email protected] on our computer screen. sleeve. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps. We of opportunities for self-growth from

MAY | JUNE 2021 19 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY Age in Place Like a Pro

The demographics of America are shifting. By 2030, one of every fi ve people in the U.S. will be 65 or older.* By 2035, the number of adults older than 65 will be greater than the number of children under 18. Every day, older adults make important choices about where they can live their best life. As a Certifi ed Senior Hous- ing Professional (CSHP), I assist older adults and their families in untangling the web related to downsizing. BY These discussions often revolve around a future move LAURA to a more carefree life in a condo or senior community. KELSO Other times, seniors have every intention of remain- ing in their homes indefi nitely. If this describes you, developing a realistic and proactive plan will set you up for success. First, evaluate your home’s layout. Things like removing walls, widening doorways, and adding ramps can go a long way toward making a home speed dial is a must. accessible. Even stairs can be managed by installing a semi-permanent stairlift. Consult with a builder who specializes in aging in place and de- Simple changes such as removing small rugs, modifying fl oor transitions, termine if the costs associated with these updates are within your fi nancial and placing no-slip strips on fl oor areas that get slippery will reduce trip means. hazards. Bathrooms, which are notorious for falls, should have grab bars in multiple places. Additional items like adjustable bath seats and stability If so, the key is to make these changes before they are needed. Home poles will allow for safe access to bathtubs or showers. Even things like renovations are both messy and stressful. Recovering from a fall is NOT the placement of light switches and faucet handles should be evaluated the time to have a contractor banging around in your home. for comfort and accessibility. You’ll also want to stay ahead of home repairs, especially those that pose Lastly, get a handle on clutter. Extra items and papers on fl oors or surfaces a safety hazard. Maybe your spouse handled all the home repairs and has create deadly hazards. One fall could be devastating. Enlisting the help of since passed. Consider investing $400-$600 in a professional home inspec- a trusted friend or hiring a professional organizer can be a game-changer. tion that includes a written report. It will give you a good idea of items that could pose a future problem. Safety is no accident. The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” speaks volumes when it comes to aging in place. Hope- If the cost of an inspection is holding you back, check out free options. If fully, these suggestions will give you a starting point to make your home a you reside in West Michigan, reach out to local nonprofi ts such as Dis- safe place for years to come. ability Advocates or Home Repair Services. Home Repair Services offers *AARP Livable Communities free home inspections for seniors. They also perform major home repairs or renovations at reduced rates for those who qualify. Their inspection Laura Kelso is an Associate Broker with NextHome Champions Real Estate program is extremely popular so expect a wait. who specializes in downsizing. She created the Grand Rapids Savvy Senior Next, develop relationships with licensed contractors before you need Learning Series (currently on hold) to educate and empower older adults and them. Every homeowner should have a plumber, electrician, HVAC per- their families on topics associated with safe living options. For more info, visit son, and a handyman they know and trust. Murphy’s Law will make sure GRSavvyseniors.com or contact Laura at 616-724-7200 or LauraTkelso@ things always break at the worst possible time. Having a reliable team on gmail.com.

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 20 MAY | JUNE 2021 The Rusty

BY Rooster JERRY MATTSON The Rusty Rooster has hand-made in some cheap-labor coun- been standing at vari- try? Was it a do-it-yourself project? Was ous places in our home for the past seven it done by some known artist, making years. It was a souvenir from a 2014 trip it worth something? Did it even belong to Hawaii. It reminds me of that trip and to the people whose condo was being how we got the bird. It was free, but we cleaned out? One of the resort’s employ- did not receive it as a gift. ees could have taken something better We rented a condo for the 12 days we and left the bird on the table. were spending in We call it a rooster Kona. One day we because of its comb, but found the walkway it could represent any surrounding the number of other exotic second-level apart- birds I suppose. It does ments stacked with not resemble Hawaii’s household furnishings. state bird, the nene, An offi cial-looking however. typed notice posted nearby stated that all On the way home, the items were free to packed among our take. A hand-written clothes in a suitcase, the note taped to the table rooster passed another said it and chairs were inspection. Maybe already spoken for. the metal bird looked Lamps, occasional dangerous on an X-ray, chairs, small tables, oil paintings, glass- or perhaps it raised someone’s curios- ware and books were among the items ity. Whatever the reason, at some point, available. And the rooster. My wife, Sue, airport TSA personnel went through our pointed to it and said, “I want that.” luggage. The main body of the 14-inch-tall bird re- Had the rooster not been adopted by sembles a horseshoe. Even if it were real, us it may well have ended up in a it did not symbolize good luck here. Was trash dumpster. Seeing it pictured here, there an eviction? What happened to someone may think that option two cause these possessions to be where they would have been the better choice. The were? I’m sure owning or leasing one of bird does have nice patina as some faded these units was not cheap. Did someone green color still exists along with the die or was there a bankruptcy? How did rust. If nothing else, there is now it now this bird end up in someone’s hands in a good story to go with it. It will prob- the fi rst place? One can only imagine. ably adorn a part of our home for several more years, but we must be careful This is not a toy. Someone could hurt when moving it to prevent scratching themselves with it. The comb has sharp wooden surfaces. In any case, as the old points, as do the beak and the four toes saying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the on each foot. beholder.” This was not mass-produced, so no oth- Jerry fi nds a certain attraction to things that ers like it will be exactly the same. Are are free. If repair needs are found later, free there any U.S. safety regulations to cover can turn into a bad deal, but that wasn’t the selling this as a piece of art? Was this case with the rooster.

MAY | JUNE 2021 21 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY Keith’s World British Accents & More On Facebook, I found dollars. They lived there until Fred’s a site about the “Five passing in 2012 and Val passing in 2016. Most Terrible British Between 2015 and 2018, it was sold for Accents,” the worst over three million American dollars. attempts by actors try- There were over 30 rooms in this 3-story ing for a British accent. home, including the maid’s quarters on Made me think of the the third fl oor and the butler’s quarters BY time when we lived in on the fi rst fl oor. There was a drawing KEITH England, back in the SIPE room for high-style entertaining, and a early 1970’s. music room with a fancy grand piano. We rented a fl at at “The Grange” which Then the dining room, with the most was a manor house in the village of Little elaborate fi replace that I had ever seen in Tew. It was a 9,000 square foot manor my young years. house, home of the lord of the manor Learn More at www.aaawm.org/dfmi On the second fl oor was a ballroom, at who owned hundreds if not thousands times an area where the children of the of acres of the surrounding area, as well manor would play. The space under the as the nearby village in its heyday. In the fl oor in the ballroom was fi lled with lime, photo above are my wife Pam’s parents, which kept the noise down on the fi rst Sam and Mina Schutter, who came for a fl oor. two week visit in 1972. In the basement was a very nice wine cel- In 1957 new owners, Fred and Val Temlet, lar, where another friend named Martin purchased the manor house and the fi ve kept his homemade wine. acres surrounding it for $5,700 American

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 22 MAY | JUNE 2021 Since the Temlet family -American accent from Western were play writers, they Michigan. decided to build a 74-seat My American English accent worked theatre in place of the but- out great for everyone. The guy with a ler’s quarters, pantry and Michigan twist to the English language carriage house. actually turned out to be quite a success This is where my story and brought many laughs from the about British accents audience. starts. It was the fi rst time During the rehearsals there were many I had tried any acting. I times we laughed and teased each could not master the ac- other. Well, not me teasing anyone, I cent or even come close, as was teased. That was when I found that my British friends com- the rehearsals were the best of times, mented. I was involved in two plays. Beauty and the Another thing I learned is to be a “you- Beast and Hay Fever. The selfer.” Such great memories from a one I’m going to focus on time so long ago. is Hay Fever, in which I Keith may be reached at rightseat625bg@ was portraying Sandy Ter- gmail.com Please drop him a note, he loves rill, a boxer. the attention, well, he The cast was mostly the would love to hear from Banbury Cross Players of you. Keith enjoys writ- Banbury, England. They Top left: Pictured is my wife Pamela, ing, photography, fl ying, were all British, with one exception, sitting by the evening fi re in the cooking, history, biking and that exception was… me. I was the dining room. and lives in downtown only American. The director wanted me Top right: Here is a write up in the Muskegon. to speak with an English accent for the Banbury paper, mentioning my name part of Sandy Terrill, since Sandy Terrill and performance with the Banbury was a British boxer. I gave an accent Cross Players. the old American try, but was that a disaster! So what did I do? I used the Right: Keith Sipe and Mary Timlin greatest West Michigan/Muskegon ac- on couch. cent and smiled a lot. So, it was settled-

JUMBLE PUZZLE #1: JUMBLE PUZZLE #2: SORRY BERRY POETIC DEBATE SHINY GAVEL BITTER REGRET ANSWERS The clever Hungarian exterminator named his new The Alaskan fishing-boat captain was disoriented and FOR company - “BOOT-A-PEST” need to get his - “BERING STRAIGHT” GAMES ON PAGES 16 & 17

Boggle Answers: IRON ZINC LEAD GOLD COPPER NICKEL SILVER

MAY | JUNE 2021 23 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - KENT COUNTY 24 MAY | JUNE 2021