Annual Senior Symposium

Home , Dick Butkus

Page 15 – Traveler Tales n Page 19 – Annual Senior Symposium - Protect Your Identity Page 24 – Games & Puzzles n Page 28 – Ask the Doctor PAGE PAGE PAGE 6 11 15 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 n WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE 05 Letter from the Editor 09 Fall Harvest 14 Keith’s World: Lost 19 Annual Senior 27 USS LST 393 Veterans 32 Back to School: Then & by Michelle Fields by Joel Dulyea Village, Silver Lake Symposium Museum Needs Your Now by Michelle Fields 06 Roll on Muskegon! A 10 Medicare Shopping: by Keith Sipe by Lisa Tyler Photos 33 Autumn Trees and Perfect Bike Ride by Jackie The Season Begins 15 Traveler Tales: Seattle 20 100 Things to Do in the 28 Ask the Doctor Falling Leaves Lindrup RDH, M.Ed. by Robbi Juergens by Jay Newmarch White Lake Area by Drs. Oluwatoyin by Mike Simcik 07 It’s more convenient than 10 SAC Member 16 A Spiritual Perspective 22 To a Waterfowl Verse 6 Thomas & Aruna Josyula 34 Genealogical Society: Your Help is Needed ever to apply for Social Opportunity on the Dying Process by Janet Hasselbring 30 The Sun Came In and the by Delicia Eklund Security by Vonda VanTil 11 Cathay’s Cooking by Curtis Freed 23 Social Security Q&A Deer Stayed Out 08 Soul Food: Kingdom, and Corner by Cathay 18 Clif by Lisa Tyler by Vonda VanTil by Louise Matz the power, and the glory... Thibdaue 18 Grandson Fun 24 Game Page 31 Undetected Post- by Gil Boersma, M.Div., 12 Reading Books by Clif Martin 26 The Tough and the Tender Concussion Symptoms B.C.C. by Jerry Mattson by Dick Hoffstedt by Holly Lookabaugh-Deur

EDITOR & PUBLISHER WRITERS MEMBER OF 560 Seminole Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444 Michelle Fields Laura Beechnau 231-733-3523 231-739-5858 or 1-800-442-0054 Gil Boersma [email protected] Joel Dulyea www.SeniorResourcesWMi.org [email protected] Delicia Eklund • An Area Agency on Aging Janet Hasselbring • An Equal Opportunity Employer GRAPHIC DESIGN Dick Hoffstedt • Serving Muskegon, Oceana Jay Newmarch Robbi Juergens LIKE US ON and Ottawa Counties CRE8 Design, LLC Dr. Aruna Josyula 269-345-8845 • United Way Community Partner Jackie Lindrup [email protected] Holly Lookabaugh-Deur Senior Perspectives accepts advertising simply to defray Clif Martin the cost of production and distribution, and appreciates COPY EDITOR the support of its advertisers. The publication does not Jerry Mattson Bonnie Borgeson MEMBER OF speciﬁ cally endorse advertisers or their products or Louise Matz services. Jay Newmarch To advertise in upcoming Senior Perspectives Christina Sanchez publications, contact: Mike Simcik Michelle Fields Keith Sipe Editor of the Senior Perspectives Heather Smith (231) 733-3523 or toll-free 1.800.442.0054 Cathay Thibdaue [email protected] Dr. Oluwatoyin Thomas No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission Lisa Tyler from the publisher. Amy VanLoon ON THE COVER: Vonda VanTil Glenn Rutgers | softglowdigital.com Rolina Vermeer [email protected] Enjoy Senior Perspectives Online at www.SeniorResourcesWMi.org SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 3 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES Pam Curtis, CEO

SENIOR RESOURCES 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairperson ...... Sherry White Vice Chair ...... Joel Elsenbroek Sec./Treas...... Kathy Moore

MUSKEGON COUNTY Tim Erickson Ron Giza Sonya Hernandez Holly Hughes Kathy Moore Ken Uganski Sherry White OCEANA COUNTY Ken Fisher Bernice Salisbury

OTTAWA COUNTY Tim Breed Joel Elsenbroek Kathy Hanes Mike Koppenol Tom Reinsma Dr. Gary Robertson Gary Scholten

Page # where the 2017 PROGRAM & PLANNING candy corn was found ADVISORY BOARD Barb Boelens ...... Allendale Kathy Hanes ...... Allendale Name ______Diane Cunningham ...... Muskegon Ken Fisher ...... Oceana Address ______I Rolina Vermeer ...... Grand Haven Spy Gary Scholten ...... Zeeland City ______Anne Soles ...... Pentwater It’s easy! State ______Zip ______Cheryl Szczytko ...... Caledonia Peter Theune ...... Spring Lake Simply ﬁ nd the candy corn Phone ______Bill Van Dyke ...... Holland somewhere in this edition. Joel Elsenbroek...... Jenison

List where you spotted it, clip and Our mission is to provide a comprehensive and coordinated return this form for the chance to system of services designed to promote the independence win a $20.00 gift card to Russ’ and dignity of older persons and their families. Restaurant - Sponsored by the This agency does not discriminate against, exclude from participation or deny beneﬁ ts to any eligible recipient of Law Ofﬁ ce of Douglas McPhail! services on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap. Return to: Senior Perspectives, I Spy, 560 Seminole Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444 If you have a discrimination complaint, please contact Senior Resources of West Michigan, 560 Seminole Rd., Muskegon, LAST WINNER: JEAN MISZE OF MUSKEGON, CONGRATULATIONS! Michigan, 49444, phone 231-733-3523 or 1-800-442-0054.

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 4 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 a copy and realized that not just one of the pictures was of his family, but two Letter from the Editor photos consisted of family members. On July 31st Delicia was able to reunite Bill and Don Hyma with their pictures, taken in 1947 at a family reunion in their childhood home on Hill You DID Recognize Avenue in Muskegon. Don and Bill, both from Muskegon, have four other siblings living in the West Michigan area. They are sisters Joyce (Fremont) & Lois (Holland) and brothers Rolly These People! and Russ (both in Zeeland). No one knows how these photos Hundreds of vintage photos ended up at the MCGS, but the Hyma are donated to the Muske- family is glad to have them back. gon County Genealogical With the help from these siblings Society (MCGS) with limited, (left), the following pictures were able if any, information available. to be identiﬁ ed. In 2015, Senior Perspectives approached the MCGS and of- (L-R) Don Hyma, Writer Delicia Eklund and Bill Hyma fered our assistance to help identify unmarked donated BY pictures. Writer and Senior Resources Options Counselor Back Row L-R: Uncle John, MICHELLE Uncle Charles, Uncle Walter, FIELDS Delicia Eklund is the featured writer for this column. Until recently, we haven’t had any photos identiﬁ ed from Uncle John and their Mother and her articles. But in July, Delicia received a phone call from Father, Rhyne and Trena Hyma Don Hyma, a 74-year-old gentleman who picked up the July/August edition Front Row L-R: Aunt Anna, of Senior Perspectives at a local Brooklyn Bagels. While reading though the Aunt Rika, Aunt Della, Aunt articles, he recognized the people in one of the photos. It was his older broth- Jennie, Aunt Winnie and Aunt er Russ, aunts and uncles. He called his brother Bill to let him know about Dena the surprise photo and Bill (who often frequents Tanglewood Park) grabbed

L-R: Uncle John, Sister Joyce Hyma-Frens, Aunt Winnie, Aunt Della, Mother Trena, Aunt Jennie, Brother Russ and Aunt Rika.

You can see Delicia’s article on page 34 of this issue of Senior Perspectives. You can also view past issues at www.SeniorResourcesWMi.org under the Publications tab.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 5 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES the busier streets, calling out “Clear!” and pointing to holes in the pavement if we saw any, to warn the bikers behind us. We held out our arms to the left or Roll on Muskegon! right to show those behind us which way we were turning. We moved through the neighborhood at a slow pace and waved to the people as we rode by. They waved back, amazed to see the huge group of all ages pedaling A Perfect Bike Ride through their neighborhood! Kids waved and shouted hello. Boys throwing a football stopped to gawk and then waved!

Tonight I took the perfect bike ride I learned that the boys riding beside me were brothers. One is on for me, a retired dental hygienist his way to U of M in the fall, and had just bought a new bike at who gets on my bike every once in Walmart to take with him. He said he’d been on several of these awhile, just for the fun of it. I had rides, usually with his aunt, and tonight he brought his younger heard that the biking community in brother. They had been having a conversation the entire ride. He Muskegon had organized a won- said he was going to miss Muskegon when he went off to college, derful low-key easy pedal through and told how much he enjoys being involved in all that’s going various neighborhoods on Monday on -- especially downtown! I told him that when he gets back BY JACKIE nights at 6:30, starting from the he will be amazed at all the changes. He can be in that group of LINDRUP Farmer’s Market parking lot down- Top Ten Muskegon Entrepreneurs under 30! He liked that idea! RDH, M.Ed. town. My husband, an avid biker, The couple pedaling in front of us was from Chicago, and had recommended I try it out. Now it stopped in a bike shop and heard about the ride. They had driven was time to give it a go. up to Muskegon on a whim with their bikes in their van. Inspired We loaded our two bikes onto the bike rack on the back by the many miles of bike paths here in Michigan, particularly the of his car, and threw our helmets in the back seat. In ones along the lakeshore, they wanted to try them out! fi fteen minutes we were at the Farmer’s Market. After an hour or so, and having discovered parts of this neighbor- Since Tom was driving, we were the fi rst to arrive hood I had never seen before, we rode back into the parking lot of (I think his life motto is “The early bird catches the the Farmer’s Market. Some people were off to a nearby brewery worm”). So we sat in the car waiting, and slowly but and some were going to keep pedaling to the lakeshore to see surely other cars arrived, with bikes on the back. Then a Pere Marquette beach and Lake Michigan. Some were riding few more people rode up on their bikes. Two grandpar- their bikes back home, and the rest of us packed up our bikes ents with grandkids, one on his own bike, and one in a and drove home! What a great way to spend a beautiful Monday carrier, rode up. They had ridden their bikes from their night--on an organized bike ride downtown from the Farmer’s home, about 7 miles away! By 6:30 a group of about Market. This is my kind of bike ride! 50 bikers of all ages had assembled in the parking lot of the Farmer’s Market You can fi nd information and pictures on FACEBOOKCOM/ROLLONMUS- downtown! Most were dressed in something bright, like a yellow tee shirt. Most KEGON. had helmets on for safety. The leader of the neighborhood bike ride, a retired elementary school princi- Jackie Lindrup RDH, MEd. is a retired dental hygienist who enjoys golfi ng with pal, had scoped out the ride earlier in the week. Tonight we were going to ride her father, hiking and kayaking with WEMOG, volunteering at the South Pier- through the Jackson Hill neighborhood. head Light and traveling anywhere. She is the director of Volunteer for Dental, a program which offers dental services for volunteer work to eligible Muskegon and Throughout the ride, we stopped and waited for the rest of the group to cross Oceana residents. To connect with Jackie: [email protected]

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 6 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 It’s more convenient than ever to apply for Social Security

You’ve worked hard your You don’t have to be internet savvy to fi nish curely and quickly check the status of a pend- whole life, and receiving most of our online applications in one sitting ing claim through your online my Social Se- your Social Security ben- with your computer. Or, if you prefer, we offer curity account. If you haven’t created your efi ts should be the icing on you the options to apply in account yet, you can do the cake at your retirement person at your Social Secu- so today by visiting www. party. We’re working hard rity offi ce or by telephone socialsecurity.gov/myac- to make it as quick and with one of our applica- count. seamless as possible for tion representatives. Please You can also use my Social you to apply for benefi ts call 1-800-772-1213 from 7 BY Security to view estimates from Social Security. a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays to VONDA of how much you would schedule an appointment. Simply visit www.socialse- VANTIL receive in retirement ben- curity.gov/applyforbene- You should also call us to efi ts and potential disabil- fi ts to get started. Through our safe and secure schedule an appointment ity benefi ts and how much website, you can apply for: if you wish to apply for your loved ones could re- certain family benefi ts, in- ceive in family or survivor • Retirement benefi ts; cluding those for surviving benefi ts. • Spousal benefi ts; spouses and children, divorced spouses and • Medicare; dependent children, and parents of benefi cia- Vonda VanTil is the Public Affairs Specialist • Disability benefi ts; ries. for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social • Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, plan costs; and, in some cases, After you’ve applied for benefi ts — whether Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at • Supplemental Security Income. online, by phone, or in person — you can se- mailto:[email protected]

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 7 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES wife Sara and I once met a Doctor of Psychiatry, Vernon Bell, in Naperville, Soul Food Illinois, who shared his thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer. He said “God gives us infi nite value, power, and hope. We are able to generate none on our own.” Our life and value comes from God; no person or event can take that away, but many choose to value others or what money can buy, more. The ultimate Kingdom, and the power in life remains the same--God. God created every person, every living creature, every plant and element, indeed the universe. And yet, many reject the power of the Holy Spirit who wants to give direction to our lives so we power, and the glory ... may bear fruit. Finally, hope is always available to us through faith, no matter what suffering we face in this life. The gift of hope tells us that there is a life to come that has no end. And we shall be reunited with all believers who have It surprised me to fi nd that some of the words of the gone before us. With patience, hope can keep us going until recovery comes, Lord’s Prayer, which I memorized as a child, were not even in this world of suffering and shame. included in later English translations such as the one I’m In an article entitled “The Theology of Prayer,” Alan Richardson wrote these using in this article. I refer to the following words in brack- thoughts for A Dictionary of Christian Theology, published by The Westmin- ets, which come at the end of the prayer found in Matthew ster Press, page 263: “The essence of prayer is not asking but offering, not chapter 6, verse 13, from the New Century Version: self-seeking but self-dedication: ‘not my will but thine be done.’ Our prayer “And do not cause us to be tempted, but save us from should be concerned with God’s kingdom of righteousness: with those who the Evil One. [The kingdom, the power, and the glory are BY suffer from injustice, deprivation, disease, violence. If we have the Spirit of Je- GIL BOERSMA, yours forever. Amen.]” NCV sus in us, these concerns will be for others rather than ourselves; but our own personal griefs and problems will, quite naturally, not be excluded from our M.DIV., B.C.C. These three words (kingdom, power, and glory) hold speaking with God. We must fi rst clarify our conception of the God to whom tremendous meaning, and truly sum up the whole prayer. we pray.” I view the prayer in part as an outline, in part a summary of the attitude we should have, not only in prayer but as we live our life; and when we speak to Soul Food is written by Rev. Gil Boersma, M.Div., a Board Certified Chaplain and retired pastor. God, believing in his Son, we must be prepared for an assignment. He can be reached by sending a text to, or calling (231) 557-5640. Think of these three traditional words instead as Value, Power and Hope. My

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 8 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 time my normal practice for carving afternoon at Lewis Farms leaves me pumpkins). There were more elaborate happy. It’s ﬁ nding the perfect pump- designs from which to choose; patterns kin, snacking on hot cider and donuts, that required more intricate cutting and ﬁ nding Winesap apples are in sea- than that which can be performed with son. Who could anticipate the wonder a jackknife. After 35 days of practice of walking in an aviary among dozens over three decades, I still miss the sim- of colorful parakeets, let alone hand plicity of a jackknife and triangle cuts. feeding a wide variety of animals, But I’ve made some progress with including a camel named Jeffrey? A pumpkins. goat’s insistence brings treats and

looks of wonder. Happiness is seen Last year we cut and carved an owl, in smiles and heard in the laughter of a ghost, a witch, and my daughter’s children at play. On a bench nearby, a favorite country music star, Chris grandparent watches her exuberant Stapleton. The silhouette of an owl on grandchildren with amusement and my jack-o’-lantern was recognizable, great kindness. but I was disappointed no candlelight Fall Harvest shined through the eyes. The drill bit was too small. An attempt with a big- Over three decades ago our placed by card tables cov- ger drill to enlarge the pupils nearly young family started a fall ered with the Baltimore tore the bird from its roost. Earlier I tradition. At the invitation Sun. Then pumpkins gath- had to unplug my Milwaukee jigsaw of friends, who like us were ered from local farms were before the pumpkin disintegrated into transplants to the state of disgorged and turned into pie fi lling. To avoid future power tool Maryland, we stayed after decorations fi t for the sea- shortcuts and “Tim the tool man Tay- church for a congregational son. Carving jack-o’-lan- lor” disaster, I found my jackknife. That’s progress. activity in anticipation of terns, as practiced in Mary- Halloween. Following the BY land, produced something Though I’m not a gifted pumpkin carv- benediction, chairs were JOEL more than triangle eyes and er, which is a big disappointment, there folded and stored to be re- DULYEA toothy grins (once upon a is reason enough to continue the tradition. Memories have been collected over time; memories which sustain an expectation that future activities will anchor new memories to new places and people. So, when the calendar On this ground, the seeds of refl ection turns to fall, it’s time for the family to grow into visons of generations who drive north on US 31 to a place where live in stories and traditions they left skies express a deep blue for which my behind. Carving a pumpkin produces heart aches; and fi elds, dotted orange a harvest of memories. with ripe pumpkins, hold the promise of harvest time. From US 31 we turn Joel Dulyea, A United States Army re- east at the end of exit 140 for a quarter tiree, is back to school at Western Theo- mile to once again visit Lewis Farms logical Seminary. He loves to spend and Petting Zoo in Oceana County. time with his wife, daughter and Gre- The cumulative effect of spending an tel, his two wire-haired dachshunds.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 9 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES order option, and whether you will be able to get your prescriptions if you travel. Medicare Shopping If you would like local assistance you may call MMAP at 1-800-803-7174. This number will connect you with a counselor in your area who can assist with the research necessary to make an informed decision. The Season Now is the time to begin shopping. Early enrollment guarantees coverage on January 1, 2018 and will make the winter holidays simpler with this task crossed off your list. Begins October 15 October 1, 2017………………………… Begin Your Plan Review October 15 – December 7…..…. Enroll in the Plan You Selected Each year from October 15 through December 7, Medicare January 1, 2018…...……………..………… Your Coverage Begins benefi ciaries have an opportunity to enroll in a prescription drug plan for the new calendar year (2018). While individu- Walk-in service is not available during Open Enrollment. You must call to make als may stay with their current plan, the Michigan Medicare/ an appointment. Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) recommends review- This is a free service. MMAP, Inc. is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of ing your options before making a decision. Health & Human Services, the Administration for Community Living, the Michi- MMAP has counselors who can help narrow down the large gan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Health Endowment BY number of choices to the ones that will meet an individual Fund and the Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency. MMAP does not receive ROBBI personal preference or needs. We want to help people make funding from, nor is it affi liated with, any insurance companies. JUERGENS informed decisions. Robbi Juergens is the Regional Coordinator for the Medicare/Medicaid Assis- Each year, insurance companies have an opportunity to tance Program and also the Evidence Based Program Coordinator. change their benefi ts. It is important that people with Medicare consider not only the price of their monthly premium, but also the plan formulary (drug list). You need to make sure that the prescriptions you take will still be covered and whether there are any restrictions like requiring prior authorization, quantity limits or step therapy. Other considerations include the pharmacy you like to use, whether you want a mail SAC Member Opportunity Would you like to give input into issues relating to older adults in Michigan? The State Advisory Council on Aging (SAC) is the research and advocacy arm of the Commission on Services to the Aging. United States citizens who live in Michigan are invited to apply for potential three-year terms to represent one of the 16 Area Agencies on Aging. Senior Resources of West Michigan is one of those 16. SAC is com- posed of volun- teers, although members receive a mileage allotment for travel. Each year, the Commission gives the members of the Advisory Council on Aging a research assignment based on an issue pertinent to senior citizens. The fi nished report goes to the governor and to the legislature. Their report also goes online so that it can have a grassroots effect on the 16 Area Agencies on Aging; the 83 Commissions, Councils, or Units on Aging; and the hundreds of senior centers throughout the state, as well as countless other senior service providers and concerned citizens. Applicants who would like to serve are encouraged to fi rst read the SAC Member Duties and may submit their application and resumé to: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Aging and Adult Services Agency, P.O. Box 30676, Lansing, MI 48909-8176. The SAC application form and instructions are available at: www.michigan. gov/aasa No one shall be excluded from participation in any service or activity because of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability, in compliance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 10 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 Cathay’s Cooking

BY CATHAY Corner THIBDAUE

Breakfast Scone

1 cup sour cream 1 cup butter 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 egg 4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ cup sliced almonds 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla

In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and baking soda and set aside. Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. Cut in the butter. Stir the sour cream mixture and egg into the flour mixture until just moistened-- don’t over mix. Mix in the cranberries and white chocolate chips just until mixed in. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly. Roll or pat dough into a 3/4-inch-thick round. Cut into 12 wedges, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Top with sliced almonds. Bake 15 to 18 minutes in the preheated oven until golden brown on the bottom.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 11 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES Reading Books

“Literary reading continues on steady decline in Ameri- ca” was the headline of a story in the Sept. 9, 2016, Mus- kegon Chronicle. Exactly what is literary reading, I wondered? If that includes works of Shakespeare or War and Peace, count me out as a reader. The opening sentence of the story cleared that up. “The percentage of American adults who read literature -- any novels, short stories, poetry or plays -- fell to a three-decade low last year, ac- BY cording to a new report from the National Endowment JERRY MATTSON for the Arts.” That’s a relief. I’m back in. Reading, for the NEA report, was to be for pleasure, explicitly excluding required reading for work or school. “In 2015, 43 percent of adults read at least one work of literature in the previ- ous year.” That number was down from 57 percent in 1982, when the Arts organization began tracking our nation’s reading. The story went on to state that there is a correlation between a person’s educa- tional level and the amount of reading they do. Those with graduate degrees read more than those with a high school education. As with any study like this, there are exceptions to any blanket conclusions. When I was a young boy I remember my dad, who never ﬁ nished high school, reading many books. He would bring grocery bags full of pocket books home from work. These had already been read by other employees at the County

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 12 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 Road Commission. They were mostly westerns. Louis L’Amour - yes. Hemingway - probably not. On the other hand, my mom was an elementary school teacher and I can’t remember her ever reading a book. Later in life, as a widow, she may have done some reading. I know I bought her a few books as presents over the years. These were about the history of Wheel of Fortune, or some other TV game show, and a biography of Lawrence Welk. I just don’t know if she ever read them. I never did a lot of reading, but I know I’ve read more than the Arts’ criteria of “one work of literature per year” since I was in grade school. In 2016, I set a goal of reading a book a week and I did it. The books included ones by local authors Ron Robotham and Thomas E. Carlson. More well-known writers from the state included Mitch Albom, Robert Traver, Jim Harrison and El- more Leonard. Other lesser-known authors from Michigan included Nancy Barr and Paul F. Olson. Authors whose novels are set in the state, or the surrounding area of Wisconsin or Minnesota, include Steve Hamilton and William Kent Krueger. Others included Lee Child and John Ford. Many of these I picked up at yard and library sales or Good- will stores. I keep some of them, but also donate many to re- sale stores so they may be read again. Will the reading population continue to decline in future years? I hope not. Otherwise, who will read all my treasured books when I’m gone? Jerry is a Ford retiree from the Utica (Michigan) Trim Plant and enjoys writing and working on old cars and garden tractors

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 13 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES There were around a dozen kids Keith’s World in our youth group, including my daughter Mindy. It was an early sunny morning when we started out searching for the village. Lost Village, Over the hills and down into the valleys we searched all morning, but no village. Then the comments started like, “Mr. Sipe, you are sure Silver Lake there is a village?” One said I was getting old and losing my mind. I knew for sure there was a vil- Years ago I was a youth lage in the dunes somewhere, but leader at my church, where? I had seen it in my youth along with one of our for- many years ago, I said. But they all mer pastors. We came up continued making fun of me, saying I made up the with the idea of a Mys- story to make them walk all over the dunes. After tery Trip for the youth continuing searching for the village into the early group. A mystery trip is afternoon, it was fi nally considered really “lost.” It where the youth have no was indeed a lost village and never to be found. idea where we are going BY KEITH – a destination which in- We ended the search and packed up all our stuff and SIPE cluded many surprises continued on the next step of mystery trip. The lost along the way. On this village was indeed a mystery or some lame-brained particular Mystery Trip, idea of Mr. Sipe. we were to visit the Silver Lake dunes. Years later, a friend of mine and I would fl y along But fi rst, a little story about why we were to visit the dunes. In my youth, the lake to the Ludington airport. We fl ew by Silver Lake dunes area and my parents enjoyed camping at Silver Lake State Park in Mears, Michi- circled the dunes a couple of times and never once did I see the “Lost gan. It was a great place to camp. I remember camping at Silver Lake Village.” where the water was warm and you could walk out quite a distance Then the other day I was searching through the internet and found some from the shore before the water got deep. photos…yup it was the “Lost Village” in the Silver Lake dunes. There it On one of our camping trips in my youth, my family went on a hiking was, proof that I did not make of the story. I right away sent the photos trip in the dunes. It seemed we walked forever and the hills in the dunes to my pastor friend, who had moved to Madison, Wisconsin over 12 kept coming up one after another until we came upon an area that was years ago, from which he concluded that the mystery was solved. a little fl at and there were old buildings and trees and shrubs. It was in I read that the state park people removed the building of the village an area that seemed to be in the middle of the dunes, although I was not sometime between my two visits. exactly sure where it was. I couldn’t believe my “young eyes” that there was a little village in the middle of the dunes. I wondered who had lived So here are some photos of the lost village in the Silver Lake dunes. Do there many years ago. any of you remember hiking through the dunes years ago and coming across the lost village? Aw, great memories indeed! I hadn’t been back to the dunes since my youth and, not giving it much thought, fi gured the village must still be there. For the adventure in our Keith may be reached at [email protected] Please drop him a note, he Mystery Trip, I thought it would be a great idea to go and fi nd the “Lost loves the attention, well, loves hearing from you. Keith enjoys writing, photogra- Village” in the dunes. phy, fl ying, cooking, history, biking and lives in downtown Muskegon.

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 14 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 the sunset. Oh, and yes, the food was great, too. Traveler Tales Whether or not you’re an ice cream lover, make room for the lunar orbiter. A throwback to the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair that ushered in both the Space Needle and the monorail, the lunar orbiter Emerald City, is nothing more than your choice of ice cream, but it is delivered on dry ice with sparklers. We were all mesmerized by the sight, broken only Here I Come (Again) by the laughter at the spectacle of it all. The next day we spent time back at the Space Needle, taking in all of the sites that were built At 5:00 a.m. on July 4, I boarded a plane headed for the Emerald for the ‘62 World’s Fair. Beyond the Space City. This marks my third trip to the beautiful city nestled along Needle, the park houses Pacifi c Science Center, Elliot Bay and Puget Sound. With a love of travel combined International Fountain, the Children’s Museum, with a list of places I have yet to visit that’s as long as my arm, Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Gardens, visiting the same place three times is as un- a theatre, the ballet, the opera house, Key Arena and a sculpture usual as a unicorn sighting in the backyard. park. Obviously this area draws a crowd. You’ll enjoy people Seattle deserves both my rare repeat visits watching and all of the great mid-century architecture. On your and the distinction of being one of the fast- BY way back downtown, take the monorail and try to put yourself JAY est growing major U.S. cities – perennially. into the mindset of those visiting in 1962. Fun! NEWMARCH Seattle became popular all the way back After much needed sleep, we headed south to Pioneer Square and took in the late-19th century as the gateway to it in from top to bottom... literally. After a great breakfast sandwich at the Alaskan gold rush. Coincidentally, it also served as my Biscuit B***h (rhymes with witch and a melt in your mouth biscuit it gateway to Alaska during my most recent visit. If Seattle isn’t is), we headed to Smith Tower, the city’s fi rst skyscraper. Built in 1914, enough of a draw in and of itself, it also serves, along with it was built with steel and even has metal trim and doors that were Vancouver, as a departure city for cruises to Alaska. painstakingly painted to resemble woodgrain. The builders were When a friend of mine mentioned that she’d like to arrange a determined not to have the tower turn into a torch. Memories of the cruise to Alaska for a group of friends, I was all in. But, I was 1889 fi re that destroyed 25 blocks and the entire central business district. not about to fl y into Seattle and head for the docks. I arranged for a few extra High atop the observatory, you’re able to imagine dining in the exclusive Chinese days before the cruise to take in one of my favorite places in the country. Room and can step outside to view Seattle from the south side while enjoying Even though I had been to Seattle twice before, I had never really spent adequate the open air deck. Don’t worry, it’s all gated in, so no fear of falling. time in the city proper. I’ll let you in on a little secret. If you ever visit Seattle, After enjoying the top, we headed underground for a tour of old Seattle upon you’ll be torn between the city, the islands in Puget Sound, Olympic National which the “new” Seattle was built after the great fi re. Like an archeology dig, Park, Mt. Rainier, etc., etc. This time, however, I decided to stay put in Seattle it was fun to travel down and see old foundations, doorways, and other aban- and give the beautiful city its due. doned structures. Our hotel room in the heart of downtown afforded us a great view of the skyscrapers From the sky, to under the ground, Seattle is a fun, thriving place to visit. And, fi lling the sky, but also framed an extraordinary view of Mount Rainier. Our fi rst if you get tired of the hustle and bustle, head in any direction for some solitude foray into the city was short. We wandered the streets, up and down hills, mak- in the great outdoors that surround this exquisite city. ing our way to the waterfront and watching the ferries come and go to and from the islands before heading to the Space Needle for dinner at SkyCity restaurant. Jay Newmarch is a marketing professional and graphic artist living in Kalamazoo, Dining 500 feet above the city as you rotate 180 degrees is beyond description. Michigan. Jay designs the Senior Perspectives publication for Senior Resources and A beautiful evening afforded us a chance to take in every view as we welcomed is an avid traveller who takes every opportunity to visit different corners of the world.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 15 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES These are the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was a German theologian and pastor in the 1930s and 40s. A Spiritual Bonhoeffer wrote extensively about various theological subjects including death and dying. As a hospice chaplain who has worked with the dying, I believe that Perspective on the Bonhoeffer is correct. Death is truly a gift from God but only if we accept it as such. BY However, death is not something we easily accept. We CURTIS are led to believe death is to be prevented and avoided Dying Process FREED at all costs. Death is the one subject that we, as a society, do not want to discuss. If we just ignore any conversa- “Death is grace, the greatest gift of grace that God can give to His people who tions on death then it will just go away. believe in Him. Death is mild, death is sweet and gentle; it beckons to us with The truth of the matter is that we are all going to die someday. Each of us heavenly power, if only we realize that it is the gateway to our homeland, the begin dying on the day we were born. With that said, how can we view tabernacle of joy, the everlasting kingdom of peace.” death as a “gift” as Bonhoeffer contends? Here are a few thoughts on Dietrich Bonhoeffer death and dying based on my experience in my work: 1) Do not be afraid to talk about death with your loved ones. Your family needs to know you are ready and at peace. 2) Death is a natural part of life. It is just as natural as birth. 3) Death comes whether we expect it or are prepared for it. It can come at any time. 4) The dying often want to die on their own terms, i.e., when they are alone and no one is present. 5) Nothing can prevent death. It will come upon all of us.

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 16 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 6) With each passing breath, we are closer to our own death. Therefore, always try to live life to fullest while you still can. 7) Sometimes the one who is dying needs permission to let go. The dying often need assurance from family they will be OK after their loved one is gone. 8) Death can be seen as a “gift” in which you can celebrate the life of your loved one. 9) All of the material possessions (or the lack of) in life will not matter when death comes. 10) The person who is dying will often give a “fi nal gift” to their loved one for assurance they will be OK. The “fi nal gift” will come in various ways, i.e.; it could be verbal (“I want to go home”), through touch or even the blink of the eyes. We need to be willing to have those “critical conversations” about death and dying with the people we value most in our lives. We need to realize that each of us is mortal and that death is a part of life that we will all face someday. Curtis Freed joined Harbor Hospice in January of 2017 as a Spiritual Care Counselor. He is a Board Certifi ed Chaplain (BCC) with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). Prior to joining Harbor Hospice, he worked as a chaplain at Mercy VNS & Hospice for 3 years. In addition, he worked as a chaplain for Spectrum Health at But- terworth and Blodgett Hospitals for 8 years. He is a graduate of Liberty University (1987) and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (1990).

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 17 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES pipe organ, and now, writing blogs, articles and “silly things on Facebook.” He has four children, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Check out the article on one of his grandchildren below – he’s a Clif proud parent and grandparent! Lisa Tyler is the Communications Director at Senior Resources. Note from Writer: Sitting down She is staying busy with her children’s activities, scrapbooking, and with Clif Martin is a treat. We share all things MSU - especially now that her son is a freshman there! a love of communicating – his main method was on the radio, mine in newspapers, but we both value words – and the way things used to Grandson Fun be in our former industries. When I By Clif Martin BY mentioned I grew up in Ionia, he im- LISA mediately named the former owner The caricature that replaces TYLER of radio station WION, Monroe my old photo was drawn by McPherson. He knew the history of number 7 grandson, 2017 the station better than I did! They had worked together in the Mona Shores graduate Alex Flint area years before. Clif and I are Facebook friends, and Lynn. He’s well on his way he frequently comments on my children and their activities. to becoming a professional He pays close attention to details. I looked up a few facts he Besides radio, another great love for Clif is the pipe cartoonist. mentioned, and darned if he wasn’t right every time! If you organ – specifi cally the Barton organ. Muskegon’s A fun photo from a few haven’t had an opportunity to talk with Clif, you’re missing Frauenthal Theater has a Barton organ. Barton organs years ago has us in our out – he’s a true Muskegon treasure! were primarily in the Midwest originally. The one at Looney Toons hats. Alex the Frauenthal had parts that were originally in Mus- was Foghorn Leghorn How long have you been reading Senior Perspec- kegon’s Regent Theater, and has been rebuilt by Jim and I was Marvin the tives? If it’s more than 10 years, you’ve probably been Fles of Spring Lake. Restoration took place in the late Martian. reading the words of Clif Martin most of that time. 1960s/early 1970s, and it has been restored many Clif, 87, has been a writer for Senior Perspectives since times, most recently when the theater was upgraded Back in Feb- 2003. ruary, Alex’s in the late 1990s. drawing of “I was born to be some manner of communicator,” Clif grew up playing piano, and was interested in Michael Jordan Clif said. Communicating ideas and words has been a mechanical musical instruments. “How a pipe organ was one of the long-standing passion of his. He retired from radio in works is a fascinating thing,” he said. “(Studying) the- winners in the the early 1990s, and instead carries on his communi- ater organs is a large, but little-known, hobby.” Clif Black History cation through blogs, Facebook, and Senior Perspec- said he taught himself how to play the organ. “I’m Month contest sponsored by the Friends of Hackley tives. Library. good at imitating theater organ styles,” he said. “Key- Clif got his start in radio growing up in the Method- board technique is keyboard technique. Knowing the Alex knows more about classic cartoons and ist Church. The church had a radio station, WMRP pipe organ is key. I was self-taught by imitating what fi lms than I do. I stumped him just once with a (Methodist Radio Parish) that trained people in the I saw others do.” question, “Why did Popeye quit eating spinach?” His spinach radio sponsor dropped the show radio business. “I was one who was employed af- The theater organ is very different from a church or- and the new sponsor was Wheatena Breakfast ter the training,” he said. For fi ve years, “I was a big gan, he noted. “It has a tibia – a big, fat wooden pipe. Food. That gave the old sailor all the energy DJ (disc jockey) in Flint, where I met my wife.” DJs It sounds theatrical and is designed to be that way.” he needed. For my Perspectives column of were popular and actually received fan mail, he said. January/February 2015 about baby talk, Alex Midge, who became his wife, was one person who Clif said he’s always been interested in organs. “When drew Popeye wrote to him. I was young, every big radio station had a pipe or- and Swee’ Pea. gan and had a program of pipe organ music. I grew He remained in radio for almost 50 years, until the up listening to pipe organs.” Radio station WLW in To show his versa- changes became too much. “Radio was and is a wide- Cincinnati had a regular radio show, Moon River, tility, how about ly unstable business,” he said. He started in Flint, Alex’s drawing which included pipe organ music and poetry in the and moved a few times before coming to Muskegon of a friend’s 2016 1930s. In the 1970s, Clif helped recreate the program in 1963. He worked at a few stations in Muskegon – Dodge Challenger. What a kid! What a talent! at the Frauenthal. “That was a big thrill,” he recalled. although it would seem like more stations, with the “There was a specifi c poem that opened and closed changes in call letters and owners, he noted. When Proud Grandpappy Clif says you can email him Moon River. We used that, and some local poems” in he worked at WQWQ, it was on its 7th owner. That for the online location of more of the art of Alex. the recreated show. station is now 1090 AM. “WQWQ was reincarnated [email protected] many times,” he said. Clif’s love of communication has included radio, the

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 18 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 Annual Senior Symposium Coming Sept. 26

Identity theft continues to be a problem for many, including older adults. The 2nd annual Senior Symposium, put on by the Tri-County Protection Team, will address that issue, and more. Senior Symposium is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the Folkert Community Hub, 640 Seminole Road, Muskegon, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free conference includes a conti- nental breakfast, vendors, lunch and door prizes. Last year’s event included speakers from the Prosecuting At- torney Association of Michigan, an elder law attorney, and an expert on password management. Experts discussed psychol- ogy of a con artist; how to create strong, unique passwords; and tips on protecting assets. Registration is required for this free event. Contact Kara Zielinski, Tri-County Protection Team coordinator, at 231-559- 0476, or email her at [email protected].

Name ______

Address ______

City ______

State ______Zip ______

Email ______

Phone ______

Mail registration to: AgeWell Services, Attn: Kara Zielinksi, 560 Seminole Rd., Muskegon, MI 49441

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 19 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 101 Things to Do in the White Lake Area

1. Tour the White River Light Sta- 14. Unwind at an area library. roads at the Caboose Museum. 41. Play disc golf on the Whitehall tion Maritime Museum. 15. Buy fresh produce at the farmer’s 28. Visit a local art gallery or pottery Township course. 2. Take a photo with the World’s market. studio. 42. Enjoy a movie at the Playhouse. Largest Weathervane. 16. Take a tour at a local farm. 29. Say ‘Fore!’ at a local golf course. 43. Grab an ice cream treat at a local 3. Learn about the history of the 17. Find unique hand-crafted items 30. Have a splash at an indoor water ice cream shop. area at the Montague Museum. at the arts and crafts festivals. park. 44. Watch the fi reworks over White 4. Walk along sandy beaches. 18. Roll a pumpkin down the Dowl- 31. Yee-haw at a rodeo. Lake. 5. Bike, rollerblade or walk on the ing Hill during Pumpkinfest. 32. Take in a thrill on a roller coaster. 45. Sample local chilis at the Hot 36 miles of bike trails. 19. Take a hayride during Fall Fest. 33. Do some ice fi shing on White Chili for a “Cool City” fundraiser. 6. Enjoy a summer concert at the 20. Be a bystander at any of the area’s Lake. 46. Watch over 500 cars travel from Montague Band Shell. parades. 34. Sing a few songs during karaoke Whitehall to Montague during 7. Visit an art gallery in the area. 21. Learn about White Lake’s own at a local pub. CRUZ’IN. 8. Go antiquing at one of the area’s Miss America 1961, Nancy Flem- 35. Buy White Lake souvenirs at 47. See antique wooden boats during many antique stores. ing. unique local shops. Celebrate White Lake. 9. Take in entertainment at the 22. Enjoy luminaries lining side- 36. Enjoy fall colors while taking a 48. Get a balloon animal at a festival. Howmet Playhouse. walks during the Holiday Walk. fall color tour. 49. Enjoy a carriage ride during the 10. Go down the White River by ca- 23. Go sledding down the Hanson 37. Find unique items at Montague’s Holiday Walk. noe, kayak, dinghy, raft or tube. Street Hill. Artisan Market. 50. Walk the bike trail during the 11. Snowmobile along 175 miles of 24. Go boating on White Lake and 38. Watch the Christmas Tree Light- Labor Day Community Walk. groomed trails. Lake Michigan. ing ceremony. 51. Attend the White Lake Commu- 12. Stroll along the streets in down- 25. Watch spectacular sunsets. 39. Have a picnic in an area park. nity Business Expo. town Montague and Whitehall. 26. Indulge in great local restaurants. 40. Take a dip in Lake Michigan at 52. Bring an appetite to the Rotary 13. Go fi shing on the fi shing bridge. 27. Experience the history of the rail- many of the parks. Annual Community Pancake

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 20 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 Breakfast. 80. Take part in the White Lake An- 53. Eat an elephant ear at a festival. nual Perch Festival. 54. Visit with friends and enjoy a 81. Participate in a 5K run. glass of wine at the Wine and Jazz 82. Participate in many of the Pump- Festival. kinfest events. 55. Cool off in an outdoor water park. 83. Ask someone to dance at the 56. Take in a movie on a rainy day. Maritime Festival beer tent. 57. Participate in a White Lake Nature 84. Wave to Santa as he travels Walk. through town in the Christmas 58. Rent a boat or kayak to take on Parade. White River, White Lake or Lake 85. Stop and smell the fl owers plant- Michigan. ed in Montague and Whitehall. 59. Treat yourself to a stay at a charm- 86. Take in a church service of your ing Bed & Breakfast. preference. 60. Wade in the Duck Lake Channel. 87. Take a trip back in time and visit 61. Walk out on the pier at Lake MI Heritage Park at Hilt’s Land- Michigan. ing. 62. Go horseback riding. 88. Take a stroll through Henderson 63. Visit a local farm to go berry pick- Lake Nature Center and Clear ing. Springs Nature Preserve. 64. Sit by a campfi re at a local camp- 89. Stop by a smokehouse and try a ground. variety of tasty food. 65. Take a Whitehall walking tour. 90. Get a bouquet of fl owers for your 66. Charter a fi shing boat. sweetheart. 67. Savor many fl avors at Taste of 91. Eat a delicious dinner while over- White Lake. looking White Lake. 68. Take your dog for a walk in a local 92. Take a quilting, photography, park. yoga or cooking and canning 69. Fly a kite along a beach. classes. 70. Take a drive along the scenic 93. Dine out in a backyard garden. lakeshore. 94. Experience culture through an 71. Kids love the infl atables in the Arts Council of White Lake event. park at the Arts and Crafts Festi- 95. Enjoy fresh baked goods from a val. local bakery. 72. Enjoy a frosty root beer. 96. Listen to world class music at Blue 73. Go hiking at Owasippe Scout Lake Fine Arts Camp. Camp. 97. Have a healthier look on life while 74. Bird watching in White River and shopping at health food stores. White Lake. 98. Read the local newspaper, White 75. Check out the cider mill demon- Lake Beacon. strations at Fall Fest and Pump- 99. Catch a fi sh at the Kids and Adult kinfest. fi shing event or Free Fishing 76. Play a game of tennis at a local Weekend. court. 100. Try some local fl avor at a local 77. Get a hole-in-one at mini golf. pizzeria. 78. Stock up on groceries during your 101. Stop by the White Lake Area vacation. Chamber of Commerce for help 79. Take a relaxing getaway with a fi nding all of these fun things. whirlpool suite.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 21 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES To a Waterfowl Verse 6

“I’ll Fly Away…” “And soon that toil shall end, Soon shalt thou ﬁ nd a summer home, and rest, And scream among thy fellows; reeds shall bend Soon, o’er thy sheltered nest.”

BY (To a Waterfowl, verse 6, William Cullen Bryant) JANET her story. As she drifted in and out of conscious- HASSELBRING Timing. It’s everything. I As His words broke through, yet hardly daring to ness, she would awaken from her dozing and be couldn’t have known when believe their meaning, she gasped, “My Lord, can talking, lucidly, with Henry (my father), who was I began this series, comparing Bryant’s depiction it be true? I have waited so long for this moment.” obviously nearby for her. (In the Garden, pg. 106) of the shorebird’s migration to the pilgrimage “Ellen, today you will enter into the joy of your “Angels, my Lord? Yes, I hear them. I see them in of my mother, Ellen, that Verse 6, describing the Lord. Come, angels are waiting to bring you the distance. They are coming closer. And, some- shorebird’s arrival at the safety and shelter of his home. Can you hear them singing?” (In the Gar- one is with them.” Joy rushing forth like a geyser summer home, would appear in the September is- den, pg. 109) from the ground. “Can it be, yes it is -- my Henry! sue. My mother reached her “summer home,” on “Soon thy toil shall end…” I am ready to go home.” (In the Garden, pg. 109) September 1, 2005. A shorebird’s migratory journey is fraught with I have no doubt my father was sent to accompany It’s late August 2005. Helpless and dying, Ellen dangers. Besides looking out for prowling preda- my mother home at the time of her death. lies on the hospital bed which Hospice has set up tors or human “fowlers,” our bird requires a plen- “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fl y in the living room. She gazes out over the farm- tiful food supply, energy for fl ying thousands of away and be at rest.” (Psalm 55:6) land to the hills beyond. A sense of eternity per- miles, and an internal GPS system that will keep vades the room. Coincidences – moments when little shafts of him on course. light break through the monotony and normal We listen in on her fi nal conversation, “in the gar- Eking out a living on a small farm with Henry parameters of our days. I’m sure I miss a lot of den,”* with her Lord: was no small task. Infected cows, untimely winds, them. Not this one. ‘“Ellen,” The voice was familiar, soft, and so ten- and torrential downpours resulted in heartrend- *In the Garden is the author’s testimony to her der. “My Lord is it You calling?” “Yes, Ellen, it is ing losses of income. The death of a daughter and mother’s life on the small farm in west Michigan time.” “Time?” She seemed puzzled. “Is it time estrangement from a son, who survived the jun- (present day Country Dairy). for me to get up, my Lord? I think I have over- gles of Nam but never returned home, tore at the slept. I have work to do. Beans to snip, roses to fabric of Ellen’s soul. In these “why” moments, El- Janet Hasselbring is a retired educator and musician. tend, socks to darn,” she rushed on. len found her Lord, “in the garden.” On the small She resides in Spring Lake, MI with her husband and farm in West Michigan, my parents were caught “No, my dear one. You have fought the good Welsh terrier, Maggie May. They winter in FL, where up in the great plan of God, giving their lives an fi ght. You have run the race. Your earthly chores she is inspired to write her children’s books, featuring eternal beauty and dignity. are done. It is time to go. Today your name will be the wild/shorebirds of FL and beyond. For additional called by the One who formed you in the begin- Sitting with my mother, as she traveled back and musings on her mother visit her blog: https://janethas- ning of time…” forth on the road to Heaven, inspired me to write selbring.wordpress.com/wp-admin/

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 22 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 benefi ts, each spouse receives a monthly benefi t amount based on his or her own earnings. If one Questions member of the couple earned low and Answers wages or failed to earn enough Social Security credits to be insured for retirement benefi ts, he or she may be eligible to receive benefi ts as a spouse. Learn more about earning Social Security credits by Question: I’ve heard you can ap- reading our publication, How You ply online for retirement benefi ts. Earn Credits, available at www. But isn’t it easier just to go into an socialsecurity.gov/pubs. offi ce? Question: I have two minor Answer: Retiring online is the children at home and I plan to easier way to go. There’s no need retire this fall. Will my children be to fi ght traffi c to travel to a local eligible for monthly Social Social Security offi ce and Security benefi ts after I wait for an appointment retire? with a Social Security representative. You can Answer: Monthly Social apply in as little as 15 Security payments may be minutes. Just visit www. made to your children if: socialsecurity.gov. Once They are unmarried and you submit your elec- under age 18; Age 18 tronic application, you’re or 19 and still in high done. In most cases, there BY school; or Age 18 or older, are no forms to sign or VONDA became disabled before documents to mail. Join VANTIL age 22, and continue to be the millions of people who disabled. already retired online. Visit www. socialsecurity.gov. Children who may qualify include a biological child, adopted child, or Question: I am expecting a child dependent stepchild. (In some cas- and will be out of work for six es, your grandchild also could be months. Can I qualify for short- eligible for benefi ts on your record term disability? if you are supporting them.) For Answer: No. Social Security pays more information, see our online only for total disability — condi- publication, Benefi ts For Children, tions that render you unable to at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. work and are expected to last for Question: I want to sign up for a at least a year or end in death. No Medicare Part C and D plan, but benefi ts are payable for partial I’m not sure which plan I want. Is disability or short-term disability, there a resource to help me fi nd a including benefi ts while on mater- plan? nity leave. Answer: Yes. Medicare.gov has a Question: My spouse and I have plan fi nder available on their web- been married for over 30 years and site as well as instructions on how we are about to retire. Will there be to use the plan fi nder. To access the any reduction in benefi ts because Medicare Plan Finder, please visit we are married? www.medicare.gov/fi nd-a-plan/ Answer: None at all. We calculate questions/home.aspx. lifetime earnings independently to Vonda VanTil is the Public Affairs determine each spouse’s Social Se- Specialist for West Michigan. You can curity benefi t amount, and couples aren’t penalized because they are write her c/o Social Security Adminis- married. When both spouses meet tration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids all other eligibility requirements to MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@ receive Social Security retirement ssa.gov

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 23 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES ACROSS 18 Mama in music 1 Man of many words 22 Trooper’s outfit? 6 Course designer 23 La Salle of “ER” 10 Hiker’s map, briefly 24 Fried treat 14 Words spoken on a star? 25 Obsession 15 Virna of “How to Murder 26 Thomas Cromwell’s Your Wife” earldom 16 Organic compound 27 Determined about 17 ‘60s executive order creation 29 Oblique cut 19 Combine 31 Half a Caribbean federation 20 Locks in a zoo 32 Tom’s “Mission: 21 Human Be-In attendee Impossible” role 23 1988 Cabinet resignee 33 Reunion attendee 27 Apostle known as “the 34 More put out Zealot” 36 “__ heaven” 28 Facetious tributes 37 American West conflict 29 Steady 38 Overly curious 30 Comfort and others 42 Former Blue Devil rival, 31 Avid surfers briefly 35 Societal change begun in 43 Not suitable for kids Quebec during the ‘60s 44 Shore show of the ‘70s 39 Money-saving refuge 45 Modern message 40 Subway purchase 46 Alaskan cruise sight 41 Blue dye 47 Jim-dandy 42 Hints 48 Pizza sauce herb 44 Renders harmless 50 Off-target 48 Greasy spoon 53 Color distinction 49 It’s not widely understood 54 46-Down kin 50 Small flaw 55 Magpie relative 51 Cozy spot 56 “Microsoft sound” composer 52 ‘60s aviation nickname 57 Brown shade

DOWN 1 Swindle, with “off” 2 Run a tab, say 3 1998 Angelina Jolie biopic 4 F1 neighbor G 5 It’s across from Alice Tully Hall 6 One of many in “Orphan Black” P A G E 7 Engage 8 Sixth of five? 9 Skid M 10 Largo and presto 11 Matinee hr. 12 March of Dimes’ original crusade E 13 Ancient

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 24 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES GAME PAGE Answers on Page 35

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 25 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES THE TOUGH AND THE TENDER

This is the time that sees the baseball season come to “Monk” Dubiel, Dominic “the Fireplug” Dallasandro and Bill “Swish” a conclusion and the time that sees the football sea- Nicholson. That was because he struck out so often. There was Dizzy son begin its journey to a fi nal championship. and Daffy Dean and Mordecai “Three Fingers” Brown. He won more games than any other Cub pitcher in their history and with only three As a Cub and Bear fan, I will try to show the various fi ngers. Notice all these names? They’re cute. Now the Bears. They had differences between the two sports, based on my two “Bronko”` Nagurski, “Bulldog” Turner, “Necktie Tackle” Sprinkle, “Re- favorite teams. frigerator” Perry and Dick Butkus. He didn’t need a nickname. It sound- How about where they play? The Cubs play in Wrig- ed tough enough as it was…Dick Butkus! BY ley Field, but it’s mostly referred to as “Cubs Park.” During the course of a baseball game, if you make a mistake, all they DICK Who wouldn’t want to play in a park with green do is charge the individual player with an error. That’s it, an error…no HOFFSTEDT ivied walls…beautiful! The Bears play in Soldier penalty. In football if someone makes a mistake, the whole team is penal- Field. They play in a military arena? What’s that all ized. Penalized! It sounds like they’re going to march them off to prison. about? In baseball? You’re excused. You only made an error. Baseball is the only How about the weather? The Bears play in rain, snow and mud. Call off game where you’re applauded for stealing…a base that is. And you can’t their game? Never! But at Cubs Park, at the fi rst drizzle they roll out a big even take it with you after you stole it. tarpaulin and cover the diamond while the players get to nap in the dug- Now the game. In football, when you’re on defense, you might have out. If it really starts to rain, they all get sent home for cookies and milk. your “backs to the wall.” Sounds like a fi ring squad. You might then They also have something called the 7th inning stretch, where they wake have to resort to the “blitz” or try to “sack” the quarterback…sack the up the bored fans so some guest celebrity gets to murder “Take Me Out quarterback? What do they do, throw him in the river like week-old-kit- to the Ballgame” in every key but the right one. You never know when tens? The “blitz” sounds like London during World War II. It fi ts right in the game will end either…no clock, no time limit. Before they got lights with Soldier Field. On offense, the Bears want to “march” down the fi eld. in 1988, the Cubs had countless games called on account of darkness. If all else fails, they’ll have to resort to using the “long bomb.” We’re at Hey, they’ve been playing in the dark as it is for over a century! war. Look at all those military terms. Let’s discuss their rivalries. The Cubs’ longest rivalry in their league is In baseball, you play catch. You try to hit a small white ball with a skinny with the St. Louis Cardinals. Ah, sweet little red birds. Their cross-town wooden stick. It’s like a diffi cult game of golf. The object of the game? rivals in the other league are the White Sox. White Sox? Who names a You try to get to fi rst base. If successful, you try for 2nd base and so forth. team after something you wear on your feet? How about calling them But the ultimate goal? To get home safely. Who wouldn’t want to play a the “Pale Hose?” The Bears’ rivals? The Green Bay Packers, the Min- game where all you want to do is get to the safety of home. nesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions…all ferocious and rough names. Now how about equipment? The Cubs wear a soft little beanie with a vi- Richard Hoffstedt was born to Swedish immigrants in 1934 and raised in Chicago. sor. Sure, they do wear a batting helmet now, but years ago that was un- He is a U.S. Army veteran. He has been married to Shirley for 62 years. Rich- heard of. The Bears wear everything but the kitchen sink. On their heads, ard has four daughters, twin sons, four grandsons, one granddaughter, one great they wear a helmet, like in head-on collision, and padding everywhere. granddaughter and two great grandsons. Richard is an engineer by profession. Let’s look at some of the names of players on these two teams. The His interests are music, reading, travel, riding his adult tricycle, Mark Twain and Cubs had “Peanuts” Lowery, “Twig” Terwilliger, “Jolly Cholly” Grimm, John Steinbeck.

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 26 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 USS LST 393 Veterans Museum Needs Your Photos

In 2009 a volunteer at the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum began an effort to place captioned photos of Muskegon County WW II veterans (both living and deceased) on permanent display for future generations. Over 8,000 are completed, but 12,000 remain to be found. Go to the website www.WW2vets.net to read the list of those already included. If your veteran is not included, please call Richard Mullally at (231) 744-3418 to submit your photo. This is a free public service for families of WW II veterans. Richard received the 2016 Hackley Commendation for Service to the Humanities for this project.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 27 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES nicate with each other, so giving the and cold medications contain antihis- pharmacist your medication list will tamines that may put seniors at risk Ask the Doctor ensure that they can check for drug for drowsiness and could potentially interactions. increase risk for falls. Just because Managing Your Medications: a medication or supplement is sold Question: Do people still wear over-the-counter doesn’t mean it is medical ID bracelets? Who should safe for a patient to use. Checking The Basics wear them? with your physician and/or pharma- Answer: Medical alert bracelets cist is important before starting any Question: Why should you keep a or necklaces can be used to give new medication. list of medications and daily supple- information about your identity and Question: What types of questions ments with you when you are away medical conditions. Any adult who should you ask your provider or from home? has chronic medical conditions, food pharmacist about a new medication? Answer: Keeping a list of all pre- or drug allergies, or takes multiple scribed medications, over-the-counter ANGELA DR. medications can wear medical alert Answer: It is helpful to have a good medications, and supplements you GREEN, ARUNA jewelry in which this information understanding of your medications. take on a regular basis is important so PharmD, BCPS JOSYULA — along with emergency contact When starting a new medication, you can communicate to health care information — can be included. You consider asking the following ques- providers what you are taking. It is avoid a drug interaction or to guide may purchase this jewelry at a drug tions. best to list the drug name, dose and a decision on how to reverse the ef- store or online. Medical alert bracelets • Why am I taking this medication? how you are taking it, such as “Tyle- fects of a medication such as a blood can be helpful in emergency situ- • How often should I take this medi- nol 500mg 1 tablet at bedtime.” thinner. ations, especially if you are unable cation? to communicate with emergency There are times when you might Using only one pharmacy is a good • How long will I be taking this responders. need to visit a specialist who may not idea, as the pharmacist can check if a medication? • Is there a certain time of day I have your most up-to-date informa- medication is safe for you to use, but Question: How often do you should take this medication? tion. In emergency situations, it helps this is often not realistic. Many people recommend that a primary care • Can I take this medication with to know what you are taking, since must use multiple pharmacies due to provider or pharmacist review a food? this can change which medications insurance coverage and mail delivery. patient’s medications? providers will give you, either to Many pharmacies do not commu- There may be times when you pick Answer: How often medications are up a medication from the pharmacy reviewed can depend on how many and realize that it costs too much. and what types of medications you Sometimes there are medication are taking. It is a good idea to review options that are more affordable. If all medications approximately once a cost is a concern, and if is the reason year. You may have your medications why you are not taking your medica- reviewed at your physician’s ofﬁ ce or tions, make sure to bring this up to local pharmacy. Mercy Health phar- the pharmacist and your health care macies offer a medication therapy provider at your next visit. management appointment where you can meet with a pharmacist and Seniors are referred through the Mercy review all of your medications with Health Physician Partners Geriatrics of- them. ﬁ ce either as primary care patients who Question: Are there over-the-coun- belongs to MHPP Geriatrics, or they ter medications seniors should avoid can be referred by a primary care physi- or use cautiously? cian to MHPP Geriatrics for a geriatric consult. Call 231.672.6740 Answer: You should ask your health for more information. care providers if an over-the-counter medication is safe for you to take before starting it. Having a medication list handy will also help your pharmacist determine if there could be any interactions before you start an over-the-counter medication. Over-the-counter medications and any herbal supplements that cause drowsiness should be used cautiously. Many cough

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 28 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 Senior Millage funding getting into Muskegon County

Muskegon County residents passed a senior millage on Aug. 2, 2016, to provide expanded services for adults 60 and older. In July of 2017, the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners named Senior Re- sources of West Michigan as the administrator of the senior millage funds. Senior Resources, along with the Senior Activities BY Committee, will be seeking organizations to provide LISA services for older adults in the coming months. TYLER Senior Resources proposed three phases of imple- mentation for millage funding:

Phase 1 We have recently contracted with four current providers to provide additional services to Muskegon County residents (pending commission approval). AgeWell Services will be providing additional Meals on Wheels and congregate meals, as well as Elder Abuse Preven- tion services; American Red Cross will provide additional senior medical transportation; and Legal Aid of Western Michigan will provide expanded legal services for older adults.

Phase 2 Coming in the next roughly 60 days - Senior Resources will issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for existing senior-oriented services in the community not currently under contract with Senior Resources. There are many services that federal and state funds cannot be used for; we hope that many of these programs will apply for funding. Ex- amples could include, but are not limited to: senior center programs and activities, Alzheimer’s education/support/training, other forms of transportation, senior companion programs, emergency funds, vision and dental services, and more.

Phase 3 Coming after Phase 2 – We will address gaps in older adult services. We will seek programs or services that aren’t available or that need expansion; geographical areas lacking services; underfunded and underutilized services; and unmet needs. Staff would then work with community organizations to develop programs to address those needs that aren’t addressed in Muskegon County. Organizations interested in applying for funding later this fall will be able to ﬁ nd RFPs at www.seniorresourceswmi.org/muskegon-county- senior-millage.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 29 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES The Sun Came In and the Deer Stayed Out

Janet and Harry Skok perfectly! The sun came in and the deer and have a huge and success- other critters stayed out. ful vegetable garden sur- Janet also has a special deer repellent recipe rounded by woods full which she uses faithfully. What is unusual of deer and other critters. about her recipe is the application. It’s not How do they do it? This applied directly on the plant but rather to the year a little ingenuity did ground around the plants. This recipe is easy the trick. BY to make, cheap, and environmentally friendly. LOUISE My husband and were MATZ working out at Tangle- Deer Repellent: 1/2 cup milk, wood’s exercise room 1 egg, 1 T. vegetable oil early this year when I overheard Harry talking about Janet’s idea. Janet wanted to ﬁ nd Blend above ingredients in blender. Add to one gal- some kind of cover for the tender young lon water in sprayer. Stir in 1 T. blue Dawn dish plants that would let the sunlight in but detergent. Apply to ground around plants. keep the deer out. She was going to try plastic bushel baskets and wanted Harry to cut This gardener has another interesting habit. holes in the bottom. When she went to the She rakes between the plants in the evening dollar store to pick up a supply of baskets, and then examines the pathways in the morn- she was pleasantly surprised. She found ing to check for activity. exactly what she needed: plastic bushel baskets with large holes on the This house and garden sides and on the bottom! They fastened them to the ground with stakes is Harry’s family home. and kept the young, tasty plants covered thru their infancy. It worked Perhaps another reason for the successful garden can be attributed to all the years Harry’s father spent enriching the soil. In addition to the vegetable garden, the Skoks have a lovely ﬂ ower garden.

Golf, gardening and grandchildren were primary interests at retirement for Louise. Since that time, her interests have expanded to include walking and biking and mahjong. Reading and travel are also high on her list. She and her husband both enjoy bow hunting for deer in the Upper Peninsula, hunting turkeys, and ﬁ shing in the Florida Keys.

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 30 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 Undetected Post-Concussion Symptoms

Over the years, I have treated many older patients fol- and the inner ear are sending two different signals to the brain, and some- lowing a fall or fracture, and my most recent case is the times the result is a dizzy or woozy feeling, even for a few seconds. In my prime inspiration for this article. The importance of treat- patient’s case, she suffered from this for six weeks, causing her stomach to ing the WHOLE person and advocating for yourself and be upset and impacting her diet and her spontaneous will to move and be those you love is so very important. active. She was very fearful of falling, and this also contributed to her decline in activity. BPPV can be treated in ONE treatment, moving the head My story is about an 84-year-old woman who lives alone, in certain positions to get crystals (otoliths) back where they belong. It is a fell changing a light bulb, and fractured her hip. Follow- gamechanger! BY HOLLY ing surgery, she struggled with some post anesthesia fog- LOOKABAUGH giness – very common, very normal, and doesn’t mean Since fi nding two specifi c sources of her ongoing symptoms, I am happy to - DEUR you have dementia – and was placed in a skilled nurs- report that within a week – just two treatments and some homework – this ing facility. She didn’t bounce back as she had hoped, wonderful lady began to feel so much better, her decline quickly turned into and continued to struggle with dizziness, balance, headache, and general an INCLINE, and she is almost completely done using her walker. She has not-feeling-good, although the hip was healing great. She didn’t like the a cane for long walks, but at 10 weeks post-fracture, the other problems are food, lost some weight, and because she was unsteady, she was in a wheel- resolving and she sees a brighter future. She is committed to her ongoing chair more than she was out. So a vibrant woman who cared for herself, work of strengthening, balance progression, breathing, and eye exercises, her home, her yard, her grandchildren, and drove everywhere, is now on a and I am fully confi dent I will once again see her swinging a golf club, hold- downward spiral. ing her new great-grandchild, and living her life to its fullest potential. She went home with 24-hour care about a month later. A friend of a friend My message? Don’t accept feeling bad as a “normal” part of aging. Keep who saw the dramatic change in her called me and asked me to see her. asking questions, seek help, and never give up! When she started to tell me how she fell and how different she felt, something didn’t add up. After conducting a head to toe assessment, I discovered Lookabaugh-Deur is the President of Generation Care; a Board-Certifi ed Geri- that she had two signifi cant un-detected/ un-treated complications of her atric Physical Therapist, a Certifi ed Exercise Expert for Aging Adults, and an fall, likely due to a blow to the head and concussion. advocate for anyone who needs help to feel better! She can be reached at hollyld@ First, her cervical (neck) area had alignment issues, severe muscle spasms generationcare.org. and movement restriction, to the level that she certainly showed signs and symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness. This is very treatable – often over- looked as a stiff, older neck – and in two treatments of manual physical therapy techniques, she was feeling “75% better.” The lift in her energy level was incredible. The second signifi cant issue was her intermittent dizziness. This is NOT a normal part of aging. Dizziness is one of the top fi ve chronic complaints of older adults, and its sources are varied and complex – medication, low blood pressure, inner ear issues, and more. In this case, because of her fall and slight bump to the side of head without loss of consciousness, I suspected that she may be suffering from “benign paroxysmal positional vertigo” or “BPPV” as it is nicknamed. Sure enough, testing (5-10 minutes) showed a positive response. BPPV is a condition where tiny little crystals in the semicircular canals of the inner ear are bumped into the wrong canal. The semicircular canals keep our head and body in balance in space, sending signals to the brain about our position. When these crystals fall into the wrong canal, the visual system, a critical part of how we sense our balance,

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 31 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES Left:Abri Richards and Nyela DeJong at Bronner’s Christmas Store.

Back To School: Hot or cold lunch? Nyela: “Hot lunch. The meatloaf Then & Now and mashed potatoes were my favorite. The pea soup was the worst. Destination: What school did/ If I remember correctly, lunch cost Bronner’s $.30 per day or $1.50 per week.” do you go to? Christmas Store Abri: “I take cold lunch. My fa- in Frankenmuth, Nyela: (72 years old) vorite is a peanut butter and jelly Michigan, for our “Thompson Elementary sandwich with water, cookies, and summer “Girls in Thompson, MI. It was cucumbers. If my Mom packs pizza, Weekend” get- a one room school house our lunch room has a microwave approximately 284 students.) a-way. While on and had approximately 20 students for us to use.” (Today, the average cost our 3-hour drive total between kindergarten and 5th for a hot lunch at an elementary school BY What was/is in your go- with my mother grade. After that, I went to Manis- starts at $2.40 per meal depending on MICHELLE Nyela, daughter ing back to school bag? FIELDS tique High School and graduated the meal options.) Kari and grand- in 1963 with a class of 96 students.” Nyela: “Nothing. Everything we daughter Abri, (Writer Jerry Mattson also graduated needed was supplied by the school.” Recess Activities? a conversation started about going from Manistique High School a year back to school. It was interesting to before my mom.) Abri: “I have a Pokemon backpack Nyela: “Seeing how there were hear the similarities and differences and every student is required to only two other kids in my class, we Abri: (11 years old) “I just fi nished at that each of us experienced when bring spiral notebooks for each class, made forts in the woods and played Central Elementary and start Reeths preparing for our fi rst day back to grid paper, 3 dozen pencils, loose baseball with the other classes.” school. An interview commenced Puffer Intermediate School in North leaf notebook paper, Sharpie pens, Abri: “At recess my friend Zack with my mom and granddaughter Muskegon in September. I’m going highlighters, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, and I hang out on the soccer fi eld.” to see what a separation of three into 5th grade. I will graduate from 4 3-ring binders, sticky notes, note- high school in 2025.” (With a class of generations looks like. book dividers, colored pencils, eras- Favorite Teacher? ers, pens, index cards, pencil box. I also have a calendar, white board Nyela: “5th grade Mrs. Hevelczyk. and mirror for my locker.” She talked about the bombing at Pearl Harbor a lot. She was teaching How do/did you there at the time. Very interesting.” get to school? Abri: “4th grade Mrs. Bos. She re- Nyela: “The bus picked me up. I ally gave me the feeling I could do only had to walk about a block to anything.” get to my bus stop-- of course uphill both ways. When I was in high This topic might be a good conversa- school I drove my 1961 red Ford tion starter the next time you visit Falcon.” with your children and grandchildren. Reminiscing and comparing these types Abri: “My grandma Sandee drives of stories are priceless. me and picks me up.”

SENIOR PERSPECTIVES 32 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 Autumn Trees and Falling Leaves

Stately trees, colorful leaves, an autumn breeze, can inspire a poet to write pression of raking or, more recently, leaf blowing on a with ease. Unless, of course, you’re a home owner living in the sticks, windy autumn day is like trying to herd a dozen cats armed with nothing but a rake and a stack of paper containers, knowing into a closet with a small broom. It’s mostly in early full well you’re up against impossible odds, trying to clean up the yard. November, nowadays, that I get really depressed. It seems so unfair that people living in rural America, who love the coun- As I walk out to my shed on a lovely crisp Saturday tryside blanketed with a variety of deciduous fl ora that unfurls in the morning to get my gloves, rake, leaf blower, a fresh spring, and a plethora of colors in the fall, have to clean up nature’s mess. stack of giant paper bags, a large green plastic tarp, The worst of these culprits are oak or hickory leaves. Even when those BY and then survey the landscape, I prepare to battle evil things are mulched it can take ten years for them to decompose. MIKE against those lofty invaders. After I have fi nished the SIMCIK job and the day is won, I feel that I’ve earned my rest I’ve always been enthralled with the harvest season, and as a child, read- for a task well done. ing about Injun Summer in the Late at night, Mother Nature, in her infi nite wisdom, plays her little joke Chicago paper by kicking up gale-force winds. As I wake the following morning to look every year. The out my windows, it’s as if I never cleaned up my yard at all. It seems like trees gradually every leaf went back to its original place. So, I go out to my shed, for my changing color gloves and rake, and do it all over again! While I’m cleaning up the yard seemed to me a wondrous miracle of I know somewhere there are leaves hiding under the porch, or behind nature. But then I started growing up bushes, and a few still clinging to a branch, waiting for darkness to arrive and Dad put a rake in my hand, changing the so they can frolic and dance in my yard overnight. whole mental picture. This leaf cleanup crap went on I know it’s futile to lose my temper as, in this case, I realize spring beauty every year from October through always turns into the fall beast like an endless fairytale. But, in the early mid-November. spring, I will fi nd all the leaves back in my yard as a cruel joke. The joke is: Naturally, it would be too I don’t have any trees, the leaves are all from my neighbor’s yard. easy to just rake up leaves And what’s with those stupid mushrooms popping up all over my lawn? lying calmly on the Oh, but that’s another story. ground. So, nature de- cides to make it more Mike Simcik is a Navy Veteran, with a degree in Arts and Humanities. As an interesting by whip- entrepreneur, he has owned six businesses, including The Twin Gables Coun- ping up a 15 to 25 try Inn. He enjoys fi shing, shooting-clay sports, golfi ng, building bamboo miles per hour fl y rods and writing essays. Mike and his wife Denise celebrated their 48th wind. My im- wedding anniversary in April of 2017.

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 33 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! Do you recognize any of these people?