Allendale Lifelong Learners December 2020

Home , Mordecai Lincoln, The Wonder Years

In this issue: From the Director’s Desk • All Things Michigan I’m sure you’re feeling the frustrations of Covid restrictions as much as I • Calendar of events am. But even in the midst of all the disappointment and unknowns, I’m looking for new ways to make memories and be a light in the darkness. • Updates and nonsense And as the weather is turning cooler, the masks are actually a source of warmth and comfort. Choose to make the best of your situation. It will • Volunteer Opportunities make such a difference. Here are some fun and unique ways to see some pretty awesome Christ- • Activities in the mas lights/decorations that are local and free!!! Two of my favorite Community things! Starting Friday, November 27: • The Rest of the Story Lights and Music yard display: 12385 92nd Avenue, Allendale. It’s • worth a drive to see this light show that is set to music. Pull up and tune your radio to see and hear a well coordinated light display. Located at the corner of 92nd and Warner. Every night through the end of the year. Christmas Tree Walk: Life Stream Church is hosting a Christmas Tree Walk that is open nightly, through the end of the year. Friday and Satur- day nights from 6 to 8 PM there will be special activities such as food trucks, hot cocoa, dance troupe (December 12), live nativity (December 18). This is a festive and fun event at a time we could all use a little pick -me-up! Bring a canned good for entry . ONE NIGHT ONLY—Holiday Lights Drive-thru parade: Saturday, December 5 from 5 to 8 PM, hosted by Allendale Rotary Club. Drive through the Allendale township park (behind town hall—6676 Lake Michigan Drive) to see this stationary parade. Music, lights and a wonder to behold! Don’t miss it! Christmas Lights on Lake Michigan Drive—The median along LMD in Allendale will be lit up starting on November 27 through the end of the year. This tradition is easy to view and will add some cheer to your drive through town. Hopefully these will add a little happiness and connection to others during this time. Merry Christmas to all, Until next month...Hugs, Kathy

All Things Michigan... 13 Reasons Why Michigan Is the BEST State Guess what. It’s time to wish one of your dearest friends a happy birthday. No, we’re not talking about your sorority sister or your BFF since kindergarten. We’re talking about that one place that is near and dear to your heart. That’s right, it’s Michigan’s birthday – its 183rd, to be precise. And to celebrate, we’re giving you a few reminders about why the Great Lakes State is the very best in all the union. 1.We get 10 cent returns—These things come in handy when you need a little pocket change. 2.Cereal was born in Battle Creek—You know you'd be lost without your morning bowl of Rice Krispies. 3.We've got the best apples on Earth—Speaking of a well balanced diet, a delicious Michigan Honey Crisp rounds out any meal. 4.But also the best cherries—Not to mention our cherries... The perfect "cherry on top" for snack time. 5.The world can thank us for the modern day shopping mall—First came the Kala- mazoo Mall, the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States. Then Ameri- ca's first fully-enclosed shopping center, Northland Mall, was introduced in 1954 in Southfield. You're welcome, mall rats. 6.As well as the electronic home appliance—Major appliance brands like Whirl- pool, Frigidaire, and Electrolux all have a past in Michigan. And you're forever grateful you don't have to haul your dirty clothes to the laundromat every week because of their contributions. 7.Mackinac Island attracts tourists worldwide—They come for the fudge, and stay for the luxurious bike rides. 8.As does the notorious past and present of Detroit—No matter your feelings about Detroit, you have to admit the Motor City inspires all kinds of intrigue from visitors from across the globe. 9.Our sports teams are the most fun to watch—If you've been to a game, you know what we're talking about. 10.Our beaches have all the benefits of beauty and none of the salt water—Because there's nothing worse than getting salt water in your eyes. 11.We invented most of the musical genres in pop culture—It's not just Motown. It's Madonna from Bay City, punk rock legend Iggy Pop from Muskegon, and rappers like Emimem from Detroit who've inspired countless music artists. 12.And you can't forget the modern-day vehicle—Where would we be with access to a set of wheels? 13.The UP—Most people tend to think of Michigan as the Mitten State. But we've got so much more in the Upper Peninsula. These are obviously only some of the top reasons why Michigan is the best. In this time of isolation, here are some ideas to beat the doldrums of boredom! Some are December practical, and some may be outside your comfort level. Whatever the case, it’s never too late to try something new! 2020 Su Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 Go to bed an Write down 10 Take a walk Call some- hour earlier things you’re outdoors one you than usual. grateful for. love

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 De-clutter an Make a list Make the most Slow down, Get rid of area that of short term epic, creative sit and 5 things needs it— goals salad you can watch the you never desk, table, think of sunset. use.

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Enjoy the sun Wake up 30 Make a smoothie Go the en- Make and eat lunch minutes out of ice, juice, tire day yourself a while the sun earlier to yogurt and as- without wholesome shines on you pray sorted fruits complain- breakfast ing. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Balance an Do one * 12 noon to egg on it’s thing you’ve 1:00 PM Meal Christmas Christmas end. Try it— been putting Pickup at Allen- Eve Day today is the off. dale Town Hall. day it could $5.00 donation Just an idea—Many of us will stay up until happen. and Newsletters after midnight on New will also be Years Eve. I plan to Winter Sol- available. say farewell to 2020 and welcome in 2021 27 28 29 30 31 with hope for better. Drink just Listen to Cook something New Years Choose to make each water today. your favor- you have never Eve day count and wel- ite music. tried before come the new year with a grateful, joy- filled heart!!

Many churches are now live-streaming their services during this time. If you need help getting connected to a live stream service from your church or any other local churches so you can watch from home, please ask a family member to help. If they don’t know how to set you up, call me and I will help you set it up. I’m no expert, but I can connect either a phone, device or computer so you can hear and see a message each week.

• I made a huge TO DO list for this weekend. I just can’t figure out who’s going to do it. • I burned 2000 calories today...That’s the last time I leave brownies in the oven while I take a nap. • I was standing in the park wondering why frisbees got bigger as they get closer...Then it hit me! • With all my aches and pains I’m afraid I have that Chinese disease… “Yung No Mo!” • One thing no one ever talks about being an adult is how much time you de- bate yourself on keeping a cardboard box because it’s like a really good box. • Given how often I have to pee and how cranky I get when I’m hungry, I’m confident I would be the world’s worst hostage! • This morning, I accidentally changed the GPS voice to “Male”. Now it just says, “It’s around here somewhere, keep driving!” • My goal was to lose 15 pounds this year...only 20 left to go! • How do you fix a broken pumpkin? With a pumpkin patch! • I don’t feel like I’m getting older...It’s more like my warranty has expired and my parts are wearing out, • My kids mock me for not understanding technology and then have to Google how to boil and egg! • Daughter: Alexa, play Let it Go! Me: When I was your age, I had to call the radio station, wait on hold for 30 minutes to request a song. Then I had to sit, by my boom box for an hour with a blank cassette tape for my song to play so I could record it!!!! Daughter: I don’t know what that means. • Shout out to everyone who can still remember their childhood phone num- ber, but can’t remember the password they created yesterday! You’re my people! • What rock group has four guys who don’t sing? (Mount Rushmore) • I’ve finally reached The Wonder Years—I wonder where I parked my car, I wonder where I left my phone, I wonder where my glasses are, I wonder what day it is! • How to tell if you’re an adult: You gain 30 pounds overnight, you’d rather sleep than go out, everything hurts, comfort before style, you have a favorite spatula, everything feels like a chore, college students look like they’re 12 years old, and you’re always annoyed! VOLUNTARY DUES WAIVED FOR NOW—We will not be collecting dues as we have done in the past. There are no “extras” happening at this time, so therefore there is no need to collect the voluntary dues. If you have any questions, please just ask. We are implementing some changes—such as no more “FREE” breakfast, dessert or prizes for Bunco. Our congregate meals have become “bring your own supplies” lately, so there’s no cost to the group. When we are able to gather with fewer restrictions, I will let you know if we will collect dues at that time. Thanks for understanding!

As I’m sure you’re already aware, the upswing in coronavirus (COVID-19) in our area has meant that it’s once again vital to limit social contact and avoid gathering. For that reason, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel our meetings for the remainder of 2020. While I know this is disappointing, I hope you can understand the steps I’m taking to help keep you safe. If you need anything, please reach out and let me know. Have a blessed month and stay healthy!

You can text or call and leave a message @ 616.843.0572 or send an email to [email protected]

As a trucker stops at a red light, a blonde catches up. She jumps out of her car, runs up to his truck, and knocks on the door. The trucker lowers the window, and she says "Hi, my name is Heather and you're losing some of your load." The trucker ignores her and proceeds down the street. When the truck stops for another red light, the girl catches up again. She jumps out of her car, runs up and knocks on the door. Again, the trucker lowers the window. As if they've never spoken, the blonde says brightly, "Hi my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!" Shaking his head, the trucker ignores her again and continues down the street. At the third red light, the same thing happens again. All out of breath, the blonde gets out of her car, runs up, knocks on the truck door. The trucker lowers the window. Again she says "Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!" When the light turns green the trucker revs up and races to the next light. When he stops this time, he hurriedly gets out of the truck, and runs back to the blonde's car. He knocks on her window, and as she lowers it, he says "Hi, my name is Kevin, it's Winter in Michigan and I'm driving the SALT TRUCK!"

Someone once observed that there are three days a week that we have no control over—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We only have this moment in time to prepare for eternity. For those who delay, why do you wait? If you think you can clean up your past to make preparation feasible, your efforts are futile. You can’t change your past, but you can change your future. ~Billy Graham~ AND THEN IT IS WINTER You know time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the pass- ing years. It seems like yesterday that I was young, just married, and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all those years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is... the winter of my life, and it catches me by sur- prise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those "older people" were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting grey... they move slower and I see an older person in myself now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me... but, I see the great change... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant...but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore... it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit! And so... now I enter this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last... this I know, that when it's over on this earth... it's over. A new adventure will begin! Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done... things I should have done, but indeed, there are also many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a life- time. So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life, please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can TODAY, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, LIVE FOR TODAY and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!! AND THEN IT IS WINTER...

An old man meets a young man who asks: “Do you remember me?” And the old man says no. Then the young man tells him he was his student, And the teacher asks: “What do you do in life?” The young man answers: “Well, I became a teacher.” “Ah, how good, like me?” Asks the old man. “Well, yes. In fact, I became a teacher because you inspired me to be like you.” The old man, curi- ous, asks the young man at what time he decided to become a teacher. And the young man tells him the following story: “One day, a friend of mine, also a student, came in with a nice new watch, and I decided I wanted it and I stole it, I took it out of his pocket. Shortly after, my friend noticed the missing watch and immediately complained to our teacher, who was you. Then you went to the class: ‘This student's watch was stolen during classes today. Whoever stole it, please return it.’ I didn't give it back because I didn't want to. Then you closed the door and told us all to get up and you were going to search our pockets one by one until the watch was found. But you told us to close our eyes, because you would only look for his watch if we all had our eyes closed. So we did, and you went from pocket to pocket, and when you went through my pocket, you found the watch and took it. You kept searching everyone's pockets, and when you were done you said: ‘Open your eyes. We have the watch.’ You didn't tell on me and you never mentioned the episode. You never said who stole the watch either. That day you saved my dignity forever. It was the most shameful day of my life. But this is also the day my dignity was saved and I decided not to become a thief or a bad person. You never said anything, nor even scolded me or took me aside to give me a moral lesson, I re- ceived your message clearly. And thanks to you, I understood what a real educator needs to do. Do you remember this episode, professor? And the professor answers: ‘I remember the situation, the stolen watch, which I was looking for in everyone’s pocket, but I didn't remember you, because I also closed my eyes while looking.’ This is the essence of teaching: If to correct you must humiliate; you don’t know how to teach! Just to Warm your Heart...

THE TRAIN: At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel by our side. As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, cousins, friends, children, strangers and even the love of your life. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. Others will step down over time and leave a permanent vacuum. Some, however, will go so unnoticed that we don't realize they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves. The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beauti- ful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life. I wish you a joyful journey for the coming years on your train of life. Reap success, give lots of love and be happy. More importantly, thank God for the journey! Lastly, I want to thank you for being one of the passengers on my train!

Christmas Carols I believe in the rest of the story. I believe there's still ink in the pen.... and someday all that's hazy through a clouded glass will be clear at last.

As the holiday season of 1938 came to Chicago, Bob May wasn’t feeling much comfort or joy. A 34-year-old ad writer for Montgomery Ward, May was exhausted and nearly broke. His wife, Evelyn, was bedridden, on the losing end of a two-year battle with cancer. This left Bob to look after their four-year old-daughter, Barbara. One night, Barbara asked her father, “Why isn’t my mommy like everybody else’s mommy?” As he struggled to answer his daughter’s question, Bob remembered the pain of his own childhood. A small, sickly boy, he was constantly picked on and called names. But he wanted to give his daughter hope, and show her that being different was nothing to be ashamed of. More than that, he wanted her to know that he loved her and would always take care of her. So he began to spin a tale about a reindeer with a bright red nose who found a special place on Santa’s team. Barbara loved the story so much that she made her father tell it every night before bedtime. As he did, it grew more elaborate. Because he couldn’t afford to buy his daughter a gift for Christmas, Bob decided to turn the story into a homemade picture book. In early December, Bob’s wife died. Though he was heartbroken, he kept working on the book for his daughter. A few days before Christmas, he reluctantly attended a company party at Montgomery Ward. His co-workers encouraged him to share the story he’d written. After he read it, there was a standing ovation. Everyone wanted copies of their own. Montgomery Ward bought the rights to the book from their debt-ridden employee. Over the next six years, at Christmas, they gave away six million copies of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer to shoppers. Every major publishing house in the country was making offers to obtain the book. In an in- credible display of good will, the head of the department store returned all rights to Bob May. Four years later, Rudolph had made him into a millionaire. Now remarried with a growing family, May felt blessed by his good fortune. But there was more to come. His brother-in-law, a successful songwriter named John- ny Marks, set the uplifting story to music. The song was pitched to artists from Bing Crosby on down. They all passed. Finally, Marks approached Gene Autry. The cowboy star had scored a holiday hit with “Here Comes Santa Claus” a few years before. Like the others, Autry wasn’t impressed with the song about the mis- fit reindeer. Marks begged him to give it a second listen. Autry played it for his wife, Ina. She was so touched by the line “They wouldn’t let poor Rudolph play in any reindeer games” that she insisted her husband record the tune. Within a few years, it had become the second best-selling Christmas song ever, right behind “White Christmas.” Since then, Rudolph has come to life in TV spe- cials, cartoons, movies, toys, games, coloring books, greeting cards and even a Ringling Bros. circus act. The little red-nosed reindeer dreamed up by Bob May and immortalized in song by Johnny Marks has come to symbolize Christmas as much as Santa Claus, evergreen trees and presents. As the last line of the song says, “He’ll go down in history.”

16 Year Old Boy’s Single Shot Changes History This site is east of Louisville, Kentucky, about 8 miles from my house. In 1786, this was the site of a homesteader’s log cabin. On May 19, 1786, the homesteader and his three sons left the cabin to clear some additional land for planting. As they worked, they were set upon by a band of Shawnee warriors. One of the first arrows fired by a Shawnee hit the homesteader in the chest, killing him. The oldest son, 16-year-old Mordecai, ran back to the cabin to retrieve a musket. Twelve-year-old Josiah ran toward a fort about 1/2 mile to the north. The youngest son, nine-year-old Thomas, ran to his father's side. When Mordecai returned with the musket, young Thomas was being dragged away by a Shawnee warrior. Mordecai took careful aim and killed the Shawnee with a single shot. The homesteader was buried on the south side of the cabin. A woman with three sons and baby daughter were at increased risk at the isolated cabin, so the homesteader’s wife, Bathsheba, abandoned the cabin and moved with her children to Bardstown, Kentucky, about 40 miles south, to be with her family. There, the boys grew to manhood and eventually married. Thomas found love with a woman named Nancy and they bought a farm near Hodgenville, Ken- tucky. In time, Nancy bore a son. Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln named the boy after Thomas’s father, killed by the Shawnee 23 years earlier. They called him Abraham. So, had Mordecai Lincoln not been an excellent shot on that fateful day in 1786, young Thomas might not have survived to father the 16th president of the Unit- ed States — and the Civil War may have turned out quite differently.

This newsletter is a service of the Allendale Charter Township Senior Citizens organization. If you know somebody who would benefit from the information included in this newsletter, please contact Kathy Hanes at 616-843-0572 or email [email protected]