March 2021 Dining Senior Style
Closings due to weather Director’s Corner with Lisa Robitshek
When Traverse City Schools MARCH FOR MEALS are closed due to weather, The annual March for Meals then Meals on Wheels is also commemorates the historic day in March closed in Grand Traverse and 1972 when President Richard Nixon Leelanau Counties. signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national Likewise when Cadillac Schools nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. For nearly 50 years, these are closed due to weather, critical programs – commonly referred to as Meals on Wheels – have then Meals on Wheels is also delivered more than just nutritious meals to homebound seniors in virtually closed in Wexford and every community across the country. And, the dedicated staff and volunteers Missaukee Counties. who deliver these meals each week provide a vital lifeline and connection to the community, which are sometimes all it takes to keep our senior neighbors at home, where they want to be. Are you interested in receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine, but you are Meals on Wheels programs across the country have come together each having trouble scheduling an March since 2002 to celebrate this proven collaboration of local community appointment or can’t leave your organizations, businesses, all levels of government and compassionate home to receive the vaccine? Call Lisa Robitshek at 231-409-0039. individuals to ensure that our seniors are not forgotten. Together, we can work together to ensure that seniors can live more healthy, happy and independent lives at home, where the majority of seniors want to be.
Here in N. Michigan, we have partnered with Moomers since 2014 to host a beloved Hot Fudge Sundae event every March. We were not able to hold the event last year out of an abundance of caution with COVID-19. Things look different this year, and will be better than ever! We’re Baaaack... It’s Moomers Time with Meals on Wheels Take-Home Sundae Kits from March 5-31! See pg 3 for details.
Please let me know if you have questions, concerns or comments. Lisa Robitshek
Meals on Wheels Years of Service
Spotlight Traverse City Mike Neibel—16 years Grand Traverse Ann Brenner—7 years Leelanau County Wexford County County Senior Services Council on Aging Joy Ash—3 years Commission on Jennifer Watkins—2 years Aging For your generous & caring support of the Meals on Wheels program.
Senior Nutrition Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency 3963 Three Mile Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 1-800-632-7334 www.mealswheelslove.org “Like us” at www.facebook.com/Meals on Wheels of Northwest Serving Meals in Editor: Jennifer Watkins Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Missaukee and Wexford Counties Page 1 In accordance with CDC and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) guidelines, in order to keep seniors safe during this coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented the following changes until further notice:
• Home-delivered meals—Delivering frozen meals weekly, using social distancing safety practices—placing meals outside of door and stepping back 6 ft wearing a mask, waiting to make sure clients receive the meals and are okay, and trying to connect as much as possible from the 6 ft distance. Volunteers and Staff are making additional friendly assurance/safety check calls during the week. • Dining Senior Style Senior Congregate Meal Sites—Usual Congregate Meal Sites are suspended until further notice. We are working hard to meet seniors’ needs and have implemented the following options: Curbside Meals—We have implemented curbside pickup in the following counties: Suggested donations will Grand Traverse County: Closed for winter (Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, 1st week remain as previously listed. of April) Reopening week of April 12, 2021. All seniors over 60 and their Suggested Donation: caregivers are eligible to receive home-delivered meals during this time of Seniors (60+)= $3.00
COVID-19. Please call 231-947-3780 to arrange to receive meals. Letters will be mailed out Leelanau County: Weekly Curbside Meals (5 frozen meals per package) monthly to address on file are available at Leelanau Christian Neighbors in Lake Leelanau, MI. Please call Leelanau County Senior Services at 231-256-8121 to register. (Note: Empire location is now closed for winter, Reopening TBD) Wexford County: Cadillac Senior Center –Closed for winter, Harborview and Kirtland Terrace Congregate Site seniors are receiving meals, being delivered by building staff. Temporary Home-Delivered meals: Since all seniors are being told to Stay Home, Stay Safe, seniors over 60 who would have normally attended the Congregate Meal Sites can receive home-delivered meals during this time. Please call us for more information at 231-947-3780.
HUMOR CORNER WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU!
Monthly Suggested Contributions Letters
What kind of bow Meals on Wheels of NMCAA is required to give clients can’t be tied? • A Rainbow an opportunity to pay a suggested donation for the meals they receive. Therefore, we send monthly Why do frogs like St. Paddy’s Day? suggested contribution letters that indicate the number of • Because they are always wearing green meals our records show each client received in the previous month. What did one Irish ghost say to the other? • Top o’ the moaning Please note that the letters we mail are a request for
Where can you always find gold? donations and are NOT a bill that has to be paid.
• The dictionary We never want seniors to stop receiving meals When is a potato not an IRISH potato? because of inability to donate.
• When it’s a FRENCH fry Meals on Wheels of NMCAA understands that not What do you call a fake rock in Ireland? everyone is able to contribute the suggested amount of • A Sham-Rock $3.00 per meal (approximately half the total cost).
Why did the leprechaun cross the road? The staff and volunteers of the Meals on Wheels Program • To get to the pot of gold faster are honored to serve you. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please call us at any time. Knock Knock? Who’s there? Irish Irish who? Grand Traverse & Leelanau Counties: 231-947-3780
Irish You a Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Missaukee & Wexford Counties: 231-775-9781
Page 2 March 2021
Please welcome Jennifer Watkins in her new role as Driver Coordinator, Traverse City
Jennifer has been the Program Specialist for Meals on Wheels of NMCAA for the past two years and is very excited to continue serving our clients, staff, and volunteers in this new role and considers all at Meals on Wheels as her extended family. She has a passion for serving our communities and especially those in need. Jennifer is also the Executive Director for HelpLink Leelanau, a ministry of Glen Lake Community Reformed Church that serves neighbors struggling with poverty and emergency financial situations in Leelanau County.
Jennifer moved here from California over 16 years ago to be close to family here in Michigan. Prior to working at Meals on Wheels on NMCAA, Jennifer worked for many years in administrative support roles at Munson Medical Center and served as a shift manager at Fieldstone Market. In California, she worked as a Corporate Manager and Sales Executive in the trade show industry for over 15 years.
Aside from work, Jennifer is very passionate about the oceans and lakes. She can frequently be seen in a kayak or scuba diving to explore both above and below the water’s surface. Her family is spread out not only across the United States but also in England, Scotland, Germany and Australia. Any vacation time is usually spent either visiting family or scuba diving in different locations with her dive group.
“I am so excited to serve in this new role working more closely with our clients, volunteers, and staff. Being a part of Meals on Wheel of NMCAA gives my life a purpose and pride that I did not previously have. I look forward to assisting in any way possible and welcome phone calls with feedback and ideas.” Jennifer L. Watkins 231-944-3673
We’re Baaaack It’s Moomers Time
with Meals on Wheels! Meals on Wheels of NMCAA Invites YOU to support local seniors and purchase a Take-Home Sundae Kit in March
MARCH 5—31, 2021 Meals on Wheels Take-Home
CALL AHEAD TO PRE-ORDER Sundae Kit for Two (encouraged and appreciated) $10.00 each 231-941-4122
OR ORDER AT MOOMERS COUNTER Kit includes: 1/2 pint chocolate ice cream PICK UP INSIDE MOOMERS AT: 1/2 pint vanilla ice cream
7263 N. LONG LAKE RD, TRAVERSE CITY 5 (3 oz.) toppings (hot fudge,
MON-THURS 11:00am—7:00pm caramel, cherries, crushed FRI-SUN 11:00am—9:00pm Oreos and sprinkles)
All COVID safety guidelines followed. Want to be a March for Meals sponsor? Email: [email protected] or call 231-409-0039
100% of proceeds from the Meals on Wheels Sundae Take-Home Kits go directly towards providing nutritious meals, compassion, security, and independence for homebound seniors in our community. We have continued to deliver nutritious meals all during the COVID crisis, and the need is greater than ever.
Page 3 March 2021
HOW TO SAVE MONEY AT THE GROCERY STORE
Saving money at the grocery store is one of the easiest ways to make your limited budget stretch further. Seniors can save money at the grocery store by applying a variety of cost saving tricks and tips that only take a few minutes to do.
1. Make a Grocery List: I’m always so surprised to see the number of people strolling around with their grocery carts without a list in hand. Make a list and use it. In fact, before you even head out to the grocery store, take a quick inventory of the items that you already have on hand and the ones that you need to get. This will help you buy the things that you need and avoid buying extra items that were not on your list. Once you’ve taken inventory of your pantry and fridge, make another list of meals that you can currently make with the items on hand. Being able to use what you currently have in stock will save you more money as you’re using up what you already have instead of buying more items. 2. Use Loyalty Cards and Coupons: Once you’ve created the list of items that you need for the week, cross-reference store ads and online coupons for extra savings. If you need some more laundry detergent, chances are it’s easy to find coupon online for that. You can stack up the store’s ad on the laundry detergent with extra savings from the manufacturer. 3. Switch to Generics: Making the switch from branded items to generic items is also a great way to save. Store branded items often have the same or better quality than the branded items. Personal favorites of generic items include: sliced breads, cereal, and toilet paper. The Wal-Mart Raisin Bran cereal actually has more fiber and less sugar than some of the branded cereals. Costco’s Kirkland Signature toilet paper is a great buy and is very strong and absorbent. Go ahead. Compare the ingredients side by side. You’ll be impressed that you’re not only saving money but you are making a better health purchase. 4. Avoid the crowds: Use being a retiree to your advantage while grocery shopping. Shop while others are at work. Shopping when the grocery store is half-empty allows you to purchase the items that you actually need; while shopping when the grocery store is full of people causes you to purchase extra items that you didn’t intend on getting. Call this a scarcity mentality, but when you shop while there are a lot of people at the grocery store, you’ll find yourself adding extra items to the cart even if they weren’t on your list. 5. Shop on Certain Days of the Week: Buy meats on Wednesday when most of the markdowns on meat are made. You can expect an average savings of 25% simply by purchasing meat on Wednesday. 6. Get a Rain Check: Did the store offer a fantastic deal that quickly sold out? Talk with the cashier or store manager and get a rain check for the item. Just because you cannot purchase the item right away does not mean you cannot come back and pick it up at a later time.
There are a myriad of ways to save money and even more ways to spend money at the grocery store. Some deals may not be such a great deal if you compare the price per ounce or if you buy more than you’ll be able to use up. By applying the above helpful tips and tricks, you’ll walk away with more money left in your wallet.
Source: The Senior Advisor https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2014/09/senior-money-saving-tips-at-the-grocery-store/
Page 4 March 2021
Page 5 March 2021 FROM THE SENIOR CENTER NETWORK IN TRAVERSE CITY
March Foot Care in Grand Traverse County:
Traverse City: 801 E. Front St, Traverse City MI 49686 Thursdays, March 4 and 18, 9:30 a.m.—12:45 p.m.
Kingsley—The Rock: 115 E Blair St, Kingsley, MI 49649 Friday, March 19, 10 a.m.—1 p.m.
Services provided by licensed nurses from the Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging (COA). Requirements: 60 years of age or older and a resident of Grand Traverse County. Fee based on a sliding scale, relative to one’s income.
Nurse will clean, file, trim nails; remove calluses; moisturize and gently massage fee. Appointments required by calling the Senior Center at 231-922-4911.
Attention: All those who regularly attended frozen curbside meal distributions at one of the Senior Center locations:
Curbside pickup will be resuming in April! Watch your mail for important information regarding this exciting program! .
Veteran Services & Support Veteran Affairs (disability, pension, death benefits) 1-231-995-6070
Grand Traverse County Chapter, disabled American veterans (transportation to VA medical facilities) 1-231-313-9357 We hope you enjoyed the lovely placemats and walker bags generously V.A. Clinic (health care) 1-231-932-9720 made by the InterQuilten group and given out this winter. Vet Center (PTSD, readjustment counseling) 1-231-935-0051 A limited number of lap quilts are available. Please call if you would Supportive Services for Veteran Families like one and we will have it (Homeless Veterans) 1-844-900-0500 delivered with your weekly meals. Please contact one of these service Call Jennifer at 231-944-3673 providers if you or someone you know can benefits from any of these resources.
Page 6 March 2021