Senior Resources Winter 2017

Winter 2016 Senior Resources Winter 2017

NEWSLETTER

City of Westland

1119 N. NEWBURGH ROAD • WESTLAND, MICHIGAN 48185 PHONE: 734-722-7632 Phone: 734-722-7628 CENTER HOURS: Mon., & Thurs., 9:00am−9:00pm The Mayor’s Connection Tues., & Wed., 9:00am−7:00pm Friday 9:00am−5:00pm Saturday 9am−12:00noon Greetings Friendship Center Members! DIRECTOR: Barbara Schimmel Marcum Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were enjoyable. Memorable, [email protected] and wish each and everyone a safe and healthy 2017. I enjoyed the Visit the city website! time I was able to spend with my family and friends, and am now www.cityofwestland.com click on Senior Resources for updates looking forward to a new year of continued improvement here in Westland. I know 2017 is going to be another excellent year for INSIDE THIS ISSUE: progress for our All American City. Fun and Games 2 During these winter months, please assist us by not parking on Mark Your Calendar 3 residential streets during snow emergencies. Keepings these roads clear Weekly Calendar 4 helps us more quickly and efficiently remove snow, making it easier Looking for Rehabilitation? 5 for you to maneuver down the road and ensuring our public safety personnel can reach you should the need arise. Health—Things to Know 6 That’s The Way I See It 7 Also, please remember to bundle up and dress appropriately as Michigan winters can be harsh and cold temperatures can cause an Compassionate Corner 10 array of health issues. Feature Nash Ramblings 11 As I close, please use the City’s website www.cityofwestland.com and Olivia’s Opinion 12 the City’s Facebook and Twitter for the latest City news! In closing, it Travel Opportunities 13 is my wish that 2017 will be Westland’s best year ever!

Blues Bash and Tax Program 14 Warmest Regards, Things of Interest 15 William R. Wild, Mayor

Fun and Games: Spot the Fake

_____ 1. Which of the following persons was not related to the inventor Henry Ford? A. Edsel Ford, B. Hank the Deuce, C. Eleanor Ford, D. Gerald Ford

_____ 2. Which was not a governor of Michigan? A. Soapy Williams, B. Epaphroditus Ransom, C. Mitt Romney, D. Frank Murphy

_____ 3. Who was not a University of Michigan quarterback? A. Connor Cook, B. Jim Harbaugh, C. Tom Brady, D. Denard Robinson

_____ 4. Which of these Presidents of the United States was not a Vice-President who took over after the Pres- ident died in office? A. Lyndon Johnson, B. Ulysses S. Grant, C. Teddy Roosevelt, D. Andrew Johnson

_____ 5. Which is not a city in Michigan? A. Sheboygan, B. Canton, C. Kalamazoo, D. Marquette

_____ 6. Which is not one of the five largest cities in Michigan? A. Grand Rapids, B. Ann Arbor, C. Lansing, D. Sterling Heights, E. Warren

_____ 7. According to the 2010 census, which of the following has a population larger than the city of Westland? A. Battle Creek, B. Kalamazoo, C. Flint, D. Bay City, E. Port Huron

_____ 8. Which one of these Michigan women was not a Governor or Lieutenant Governor of Michigan? A. Martha Griffiths, B. Jennifer Granholm, C. Connie Binsfeld, D. Candice Miller

_____ 9. Which was not an entertainer who was born or lived in Michigan? A. Burt Reynolds, B. Tim Allen, C. Jeff Daniels, D. Charlton Heston, E. Tom Hanks, F. Robin Williams

_____ 10. Which of the following was not a Ford Motor Company product? A. Flex, B. Edge, C. Explorer, D. Expedition, E. Ranger, F. Silverado, G. F-150

_____ 11. Which is not a business located in Westland? A. Town N Country Lanes, B. Firing Line Indoor Gun Range, C. Sam’s Club, D. Dairy Queen, E. Red Lobster, F. Costco

_____ 12. Which person is not currently a department head in the City of Westland? A. Ramzi El-Gharib, B. Glenn Anderson C. Jeff Jedrusik, D. Barbara Schimmel Marcum, E. Thelma Kubitskey

_____ 13. Which of the following teams was not a professional sports team in Michigan? A. Titans (basketball) B. Detroit Wheels (football), C. Plymouth Whalers (hockey), D. West Michi- gan Whitecaps (baseball), E. Grand Rapids Griffins (hockey), F. Flint Generals (hockey).

The answers are on the bottom of page 15—Have fun! Evelyn Nash

Marathon Station caters to seniors and Mark Your Calendars - handicapped customers— Remember when, there were full service gas stations? AARP Taxes begin the first week in Remember when someone would come and pump gas February. Walk-in only. On Wednesday, for you? Well, take a step back in time, and go to the Thursdays and Friday beginning Marathon Station across the street from CVS at the February 1st. Appointments for that day corner of Cherry Hill on the west side of Newburgh. will be on a first come first served basis. If seniors pull into pump #1, and beep their horn Made sure to bring picture identification someone will come out and pump the gas for you. For and last year’s tax return. You will not seniors and those with a disability, who find it be serviced without picture ID. difficult to get in and out of a vehicle, or worry about slipping on snow or ice, this offers a new alternative. Friday, February 3rd—Trivia— How wonderful is it to see a business understand the Chase away the winter blues with lots of difficulties some residents face, and jump in to offer a fun playing trivia against seniors from solution that helps. other communities! Sign up at the front desk to represent Westland and plan on a Wayne County Health Clinic pizza and salad luncheon afterwards! A federally funded clinic is now in operation at the Trivia begins at 10:00am—free pizza corner of Van Born and Venoy, in Wayne. Quality luncheon for participants only at health care services are provided in the areas of 12:00noon. Must sign up in advance at Primary Care, OBGYN, Dental Services. the front desk! Immunizations, Nutrition Counseling, Outreach, and others. Most insurances are accepted, and those Friday, March 24th—First Lady Tea without insurance pay on a sliding scale. The Enjoy an old fashioned tea party with objective of the clinic is to give the care that’s needed Westland mayor’s wife, Sherry Wild. as first and worry about the payment after. If you don’t your hostess. Tickets are available at the have the money at the time of service, arrangements Friendship Center $10.00 each. Wear will be made with no effort! your finest , don’t forget your hat and Call for an immediate appointment! (734)722-7101 bring your own tea cup! Tea Cup Contest. 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize. .Sign up WHEN THE SNOW COMES…. at the Frienship Center front desk What is a Snow Emergency?. A snow emergency means that it is imperative that cars are kept OFF FOR THE FIRST TIME! We are hosting the main roads and residential city Keeping these a car show on Tuesday, May 16th from roads clear helps us more quickly and efficiently re- 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Walk the parking lot move snow, and ensuring our public safety person- and enjoy looking at classic cars, movie nel can reach you should the need arise. Please cars, and all kinds of fabulous cars! don’t block sidewalks that could inhibit the ability There will be Grilled hotdogs, beverages of a person in a wheelchair or those walking. For a for purchase, and a fun raffle! A flyer list of people who provide services to seniors at a will be out soon, so watch for coming reasonable rate (like snow removal)—call The Sen- details! ior Alliance and ask for a Home Chores List. 734- 722-2830.

FRIENDSHIP CENTER WEEKLY SCHEDULE

MONDAY THURSDAY Daily Exercise 10:00am Angel Wings (Crochet/Knitting) 9:30am Sit and Sew 10:00am Zumba Gold 10:15am Jazzercise 10:15am Madonna Nursing (Blood Pressures) 10:30am Tai Chi For Arthritis 11:30am (Until 1:00pm) Spinning (cycling) 1:30pm Pinochle 1:00pm Arthritis Exercise 3:00pm Poker 1:00pm Spinning (cycling) 3:00pm Rookie Pinochle 3:00pm Pinochle 6:00pm Spinning (cycling) 3:00pm Zumba Gold 7:30pm Arthritis Exercise 3:00pm Yoga 5:45pm Pinochle 6:00pm AARP Taxes (see Wednesday)

TUESDAY FRIDAY Zumba Gold 9:30am Daily Exercise 9:00am Bridge Class 9:30am Jazzercise 10:15am Bridge 10:00am Cardio Drumming 11:30am Pinochle 1:00 pm Conversational Spanish 1:00pm Bingo 1:00pm Pinochle 1:00pm Yoga 5:45pm American Sign Language 3 :30pm AARP Taxes (see Wednesday) TRAVEL MTG is the 2nd Friday of each month at 1:00pm unless otherwise specified on the calendar

WEDNESDAY Coupons for Military 9:00am SATURDAY Daily Exercise 9:10am Angels Above 10:00am-12:00noon Classes offered through Wayne County Com- Line Dance 10:30am munity College Mature Learners are offered on Blood Pressure Screening 11:00am a regular basis. Classes include but are not lim- (Summers only) ited to: Smart Phone Instruction, Computer Jazzercise 12:30pm Classes, Genealogy, Tablets. Other classes Bunco 1:30pm may be available upon request. If you are interested in taking a class such as Current Events, Zumba Gold 7:30pm or an Art class, please sign up at the front desk. AARP TAXES—done Wednesdays after February We are also looking at possibly doing Nutri- 1st until approximately April 12th. First come, tion and Cooking for One. If we have enough first served. people who express an interest, we’ll do our best to provide a class!

Looking for a Short Term Rehabilitation Center? Some Helpful Hints by Cathie Coleman If you are anticipating orthopedic surgery soon, you may find yourself looking for a short term rehabilitation facility to complete your post surgical physical, occupational and speech therapy. Gone are the days when you remain in the hospital following surgery to complete rehabilitation, now the physicians recommend a short term stay at a nursing home/rehabilitation facility. The good news is that the nursing home industry has anticipated the influx of baby boomers to the rehabilitation market and many have updated and redesigned their homes in Michigan to accommodate the increased need. Admission into a nursing home to complete rehabilitation can be a difficult experience and not all nursing homes are the same when it comes to offering the services that you may desire. Here are some helpful hints that may assist you in determining which facility you may utilize for your therapy needs. First be sure to ask your surgeon if he has a preference in facilities. The doctor may already have a facility that is prepared to initiate his/her post surgery directives and that he feels confident with their results. If this is not the case, ask family and friends who have had recent surgery to see if they have any recommendations. If you have no guidance, you can research local nursing homes on the web. Most facilities will advertise short term rehabilitation but it is imperative that you visit the home in advance to determine if you feel comfortable in the environment. Make an appointment with the Admission Director and ask for a tour. Most short term rehabilitation facilities offer private rooms with private baths----make sure that you ask about the availability of bringing your belongings into the facility in advance of your stay (the day before) so that your room can be ready for you when you arrive. Does the facility have wifi? Does the facility have a physiatrist on staff to assure that there is a good pain management program? Check out the proximity of the therapy gym with your room location-----inquire about scheduling your appointments with the therapist to assure that your needs will be met-----ask about conducting therapy in your room as well as in the gym for privacy and convenience. Inquire about a home visit with your therapist in order that they may be able to better create a therapy program that will address your individual needs in your home environment. You should be able to meet the therapy team----you should be able to ask questions about what your therapy may entail and time frame for discharge home. The gym should have residents working on the equipment and interacting with each other. Inquire about weekend therapy---therapy should be available 7 days a week---and there should be staff scheduled to meet that need. You should observe a friendly upbeat atmosphere with lots of therapists to patient interaction. Also ask to meet the discharge planner in order to assure that you are familiar with the person that will be assisting you with your post therapy discharge home. Ask to have a meal while you are on tour---many admission directors will suggest that you arrive in time for a meal. Inquire about dining schedules, you should be able to dine in your room if you desire and there should be a flexible schedule with meals. If you are interested in a particular facility, I would suggest that you revisit the facility during “off hours” of operation----Saturday or Sunday mid morning and/or evenings after dinner. Are the residents clean and well groomed? Is staff evident throughout the facility? Is the therapy gym operating? (This is particularly important on the weekend to assure that therapy is

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW... Continued from Page 5 gym operating? (This is particularly important on the weekend to assure that therapy is conduct- ed 7 days a week) Are residents engaged in age appropriate activities? Does the staff interact with the residents? Is the facility clean and free from odors? Talk to some of the residents and families to ascertain their satisfaction while you are there too. You will have a much better experience with just a little due diligence. Good luck to you and if you have any further questions I would be happy to assist you.

Cathy Coleman ACC NHA Coppergirl Consulting LLC or e-mail [email protected] Cathie has over 40 years of experience in the nursing home industry working as a nurse aide, activity professional, clinical care coordinator, administrator and corporate specialist *****************************************************************************

Hepatitis C—What should Baby Boomers know about HEP C? (Hepatitis C is a virus, that like HIV, is very serious) 1 in 30 Baby Boomers (those born from 1945-1965) has HEP C and most of them don’t know it.—it is not normally tested for in routine blood work. So, what do YOU need to know? Hep C is a virus that infects the liver. If Hep C goes undetected, it can cause liver damage and may even lead to liver cancer. More Americans die from Hep C than from HIV. At your next appointment, ask your doctor to test you for Hep C. If any of the following factors ap- ply to you, you may be at risk: If you are a Baby Boomer, if you ‘ve received blood transfusions, an organ transplant or had kidney dialysis before 1992, if you have tattoos or body piercings (do you know if they used clean instruments?), had an accidental needle stick(s), if you are a Vi- etnam era veteran, or born to a mother with HEP C. The good news? Hepatitis C can be cured ! ******************************************************************************

OAB (Overactive Bladder) Did you know that about 33 million Americans have OAB (Over- Active Bladder)? Are you at risk for OAB? Take this short quiz. Urinating often is the only sign of OAB. (False) Frequent—more than 8 times in 24 hours is only one symptom. Bladder leakage and the sudden urge to urinate are also signs. Age is a risk Factor. (True) OAB does increase with age. By the time you reach 80—70% of adults have OAB—but anyone, any age can develop it. OAB only affects women. (False) Symptoms can be different. OAB effects both sexes almost equally. About 12% of the populations has OAB. OAB can affect your sex life. (TRUE) Research shows that frequent urges can interrupt sex and a full bladder can cause discomfort. Fears about incontinence can inhibit pleasure. No reliable tests can diagnoses OAB (False). Once ruling out infection, ultra sound can determine how your bladder functions. Surgery is the only treatment for OAB. (False) - Medications, behavior therapy, injections to numb bladder muscles may also alle- viate symptoms. Ask for help if you have symptoms! Your doctor can’t help you if he/she doesn’t know. Have the talk.

THAT’S THE WAY I SEE IT Birthday Freebies When you have a birthday within the last two months of the year, you can have a real problem keeping the extra pounds off. First of all, there is Halloween with all that surfeit of candy. You buy it for the kids and wind up eating a good bit of it yourself, either before or after the event. So, if you are not careful, you have added two pounds or more on your scale. Next, comes Thanksgiving, with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and pumpkin pies to name only a few. Neighborhood churches want you to get in the spirit and offer their own community dinners two to three weeks ahead of time. If you support your senior center, they will bring some more poultry and fixings a week after that. Then on the actual date the real thing takes place and you pull away from the table hardly able to make it to the couch where football and Hallmark movies fill the bill. Later, you finally make some more room for all the decadent desserts relatives brought to fill out the treats table. Call this one like it is—another three or four pounds. By now, if you have not done some serious cutting back on eating, you are really in trouble. Christmas is right around the corner and everyone knows what comes with that. People are not th content with waiting for December 25 , all kinds of businesses and organizations sponsor food events for their people. The Senior Center must “Celebrate Christmas” and they do such a great job of it with a feast, fantastic entertainment and dancing, and raffles. Oh boy, by now the bathroom scale groans when it sees you coming! Unfortunately, I have not mentioned the problem which arises when you have a birthday during this time. You can have all kinds of restaurants and businesses help you celebrate with loads of freebies—just because you have added another year to your vitals. If you sign up to become a member of their rewards clubs, you will receive e-mails letting you know about their products, sales, and offers. On your birthday, your e-mails will congratulate you and all sorts of goodies will come your way, most of which must be used within the month. Let me give you a small idea of what can brighten your in-box. Everybody loves Buddy’s Pizza. Sign up with them and you will receive a free 4 slice cheese pizza. The Four Friends Bar and Grill will serve you almost any dinner on the menu free for the birthday person. This is good only on the day of, day before and day after your birthday. Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth will give you a free chicken dinner with all the trimmings. You will have a little drive to get there, but the food is plentiful and oh, so good. Panera will give you a free pastry on your birthday. Traverse City Pie Company will offer you a year to eat a complementary slice of pie. Dairy Queen will do a buy one get one free blizzard. Red Lob- ster will give you $5 off two adult entrees. Biggby Coffee provides you a free specialty coffee. Longhorn will rustle up a free Caramel Apple Goldrush dessert after your meal. Of course you should check on-line with each place of business so that you fulfill any require- ments your freebies require. If you check on-line, you can probably find a rewards club for most businesses. But, I WARN YOU, beware of that cookie, pizza, or chicken monster who is just waiting to add a few pounds on your belly or hips. You’ve got to take it slow and eat care- st

fully the rest of the time or come January 1 , your New Year’s resolutions will revolve, not around a glass of champagne but larger sized clothes or a membership to Weight Watchers.

Compassionate Corner:

There are wonderful, helpful and meaningful projects going on all around us . If you are a group doing a project to benefit others in need —please submit the information for our Compassionate Corner—and include a need for volunteers for your project, if there is one.

Deck The Halls!

“Deck the Halls is an annual event that is hosted by the city to kick off the holiday season. This year, children of all ages had the opportunity to write Christmas cards to their choice - Veterans, Active Military, or Senior Citizens who are shut ins. Many, many cards were written, and it’s a learning experience to understand the situa- tions other people experience; some soldiers who are protecting the rights and freedoms we so easily take for granted are not with their families this Christmas. There are seniors out there who spend the holiday completely alone—no family or friends are there to visit—that card the child writes, may be the only good wishes and thoughts they receive. That veterans—many who have paid a heavy price emotionally and physically for their service to our country and the protection of our freedoms, and we need to take time from our own lives just to say thank you. Those are the lessons our young people should be learning—and through events like this one...maybe they are.

The Goodfellows were out in force this year—using the Friendship Center as the hub for No Child With- out a Christmas.

There’s something about CHRISTMAS...Anne Cassidy has been entertaining the residents at Four Chap- lins Nursing and Rehab for 46 years, on Christmas Eve. What started out as a one time visit turned into a tradition. Originally Anne had the idea to take her young piano students to entertain the residents—and they LOVED it—not just the students but the residents as well. The next year—the director from Four Chaplins called Anne to see if she was interested in coming back. Every November, Anne get the “call” to see if she is returning on Christmas Eve. She is always happy and excited to go and brings a variety of friends to accompany her—those friends may change each year, but Anne always shows up with husband Robert to share the Christmas spirit. This year, 20 friends joined in the tradition and spent a meaningful Christmas Eve, to share their hearts with those who rarely have visits from non-residents.

Angels Above meets from 10:00am until 12:00noon on Wednesdays at the Friendship Center, and takes apart gently used wedding dresses that are donated. With the materials from the dresses, beautiful small baby burial gowns are made for the babies in local hospitals that don’t make it. .If you know anyone who has a gently used wedding gown and would like to donate it, or would like a wonderful and meaningful volunteer experience, new volunteers are more than welcome. Dawn Lafferty (the group leader) has been featured on local tele- vision stations and in newspapers for the good work they do.

Meals on Wheels is always looking for volunteers. If you want a full morning every morning, only a cou- ple days a week, or want to be called as a sub when a regular is absent, it matters not. Call Barbara Ramseur in the kitchen at the Friendship Center. This program keep thousands of seniors in their homes and out of nursing homes. This program not only provides a hot nutritional meal for seniors, but provides a way to check on them and make sure they are okay. For some, who never has anyone visit, it is a time for the only human interaction they may get. Helping seniors who are alone and homebound is a profoundly moving experience—and the grati- tude makes it all worthwhile. 10

Nash Ramblings Men Don’t Listen and Women Can’t Read Maps...

It’s too late for me, now that my husband has passed on, that I have come to understand some of the biologi- cally-based reasons why men and women do the things they do. I could be sitting next to my husband in the car as he drove. Sometimes the radio would be on and other times not. It never seemed to fail that I would just get finished pointing out some information to him when he would ask me a question about what I had just said to him, indicating he had not heard a word I said. It used to drive me up a wall. Now I see that he wasn’t being ob- tuse, he was wired to act as he did. When I attended Schoolcraft College’s Health and Fitness Day last spring, Why Men Don’t Listen and Wom- en Can’t Read Maps was the title of one of the sessions. It was based on that book by Barbara and Allan Pease. Sure enough, as I listened spellbound, I began to understand things about the relationships of men and women that I never thought of before. I’d like to share some of them from the book that I read afterward. Male and female brains are wired differently and this was done millions of years ago when men were pri- marily “lunch-finders/chasers” and protectors, and women were child bearers and nest defenders. This meant that men used long-distance navigational skills to find food and defend against savage animals. Women studied their close surroundings for danger to protect the nest when men were away and used landmarks to find the way, thus strengthening their short-range navigational skills. Women have the ability to notice small details and changes in others and receive and analyze their environment constantly so they can work longer on fine detail. Men can see depth and have long-distance tunnel vision, but one in eight are color blind. Men can only do one thing at a time. Men’s brains are specialized and compartmentalized. That means that they are set up to concentrate on one specific task at a time because of fewer connecting fibers between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This means, for example, that a man is virtually deaf when he is reading. He can either speak or listen or read. When talking to him, preferably when he isn’t reading, present only one clear thought or idea at a time. Women can do two things at once. Women dominate in verbal, organizational, and multi-tracking abilities. They can hear and speak at the same time, allowing them to take part in multiple conversations at once. Men are solution-oriented and need to get to the end of their sentence. Do not interrupt when they are speaking. Men can mentally index their problems and put them on hold. Men think things over silently by having a talk inside their head. But huge amounts of alcohol can cause men to talk more than usual. By nature, a man is suspicious, competitive, controlled, defensive and a loner who hides his emotional state to stay in control. For men, being emotional is seen as being out of control. A man uses his right brain to try to solve his problems or find solutions, and he stops, using his left brain to listen or speak. His brain can only do one thing at a time. He cannot solve problems and listen or talk simultaneously. Men feel emotion as strongly as women, but they avoid showing it. Men want power, achievement and sex. Women want relationships, stability and love. Men and women are different—not better or worse—just different. They are products of biology. Their brains are wired differently. They perceive the world in different ways. They have different values and priorities. Their different hormones also dictate what they do. These are only some of the details brought out in the book. But beware. Remember that the book speaks “generally” about men and women. I, for one, can read a map and use it. Some men do a lot of talking and can listen and drive at the same time. You may take exception to some of the examples and “facts” stated in the book. Nevertheless, the authors use science, like brain scans, to explain why we do the things we do. If you like this book, these authors have written four other very readable books on the topic. (I wonder whether John Gray’s Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus would agree with the Peases…but that’s another story.)

11 Olivia’s opinion Schedule for Elderlaw Series Q: I was recently involved in a discussion Elderlaw attorney Gary Allen has been a li- with a friend about long term care. My censed Michigan attorney for 30 years. He friend expressed to me that one of her graduated from the University of Michigan children brought up their “inheritance” and did his post graduate there as well. To- worried if mom required long term care day, his practice is focused on Estate Plan- that there would be no money left. It was ning, Elderlaw, and Retirement Planning. He then brought up that mom give the is a member of the Probate and Estates Sec- “inheritance” money now—so Medicaid tion and the Elder Law Section of the Michi- could cover the expenses later. She asked gan Bar Association. He is also a VA certi- me how I felt—truthfully, I was shocked. fied attorney and licensed insurance agent. What’s your opinion? All Seminars are FREE. This information

can be very valuable and save seniors from A: There is no question that long term care liability, family issues, and possibly valuable is expensive. But, first let’s talk about funds. Do not leave your family unprepared. “inheritance”. An inheritance is what is left Your diligence now is one thing you can do AFTER the needs of the loved one that has for your loved ones. Leave your financial passed away. Many people work hard all business done and your choices clear. their lives so they do not have to worry and will be taken care of during the last years of February 16—When You Can No Longer life. I’m not sure where people got the Care For Yourself Or A Loved One idea—perhaps part of the whole March 16th—What You Need To Know “entitlement” mentality—that it’s the re- About 401K’s And IRA’s sponsibility of the taxpayer to care for mom April 20th New Laws Affecting Your Estate and/or dad. After all—government IS the Plan taxpayer…

Children are not entitled to their parents The First Lady Charity Tea— money or belongings until both parents pass Fun for the Ladies! $15 it along.– after death. It does not “belong” to We will be hosting our second annual First children nor are they “entitled” to an inher- Lady Charity Tea on Friday, March 24th, itance. Any money saved by people 2017, 1:00pm with Mayor William R. Wild’s throughout their life time should be spent by beautiful wife, Mrs. Sherri Wild hosting the providing things that give the aging parents tea . Enjoy tea games, lots of fun, prizes, and pleasure, helping them to live the life they a lovely afternoon with dainty tea sandwich- deserve—that they’ve saved for - to be fi- es and tasty confections along with delec- nancially independent in their senior years. table pastries. Prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Many times when children pressure parents place in the Tea Cup Contest, and don’t be for money there are other things involved afraid to wear your high tea hat. Sit back and like spending problems, drugs or alcohol. enjoy the reason tea parties have always been There’s a reason a child has not done well a “girl-time” favorite—from 5 to 95! Tickets with accumulating their own funds. NEVER are on sale now and available at the Friend- give up your money or the rights to your ship Center. $15 each. Don’t miss out! money. Money means power, choices and 12

Mackinac Island Senior Trip

♦ Every year during the off season, Michigan Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island does a senior trip. I’m not sure if you are aware, but rooms at the Grand can run over $1,000 a night depending on the room you occupy. Hold on to your hat, because we have a 4 days and three nights trip to the Grand Hotel for $803.00 (per double occupancy). The trip accommoda- tions are a lottery! Than means you could end up in any room—it’s the luck of the draw! On top of that, the package includes ♦ Deluxe motor coach transportation ♦ Round-trip Star line ferry trip over and back ♦ Round trip horse drawn taxi to and from the Grand Hotel ♦ Horse drawn Island Tour ♦ Activities—Bingo, Walks. Kitchen Tour, Feature Movies, Grand Hotel History Lecture and Writing and Photography Contests ♦ Full breakfast each morning and a five course dinner each night ♦ Tea and cookies each afternoon and Nightly Demitasse ♦ Champagne Reception ♦ Special Discounts at the Grand Hotel—unlimited free golf, bicycles ♦ Nightly dancing to Grand Hotel Orchestra ♦ Tournaments (bocce, putting and chipping) ♦ Fully escorted by experienced guides ♦ Other classes and more ♦ Tips and baggage handling and taxes are all included in your price We will go over the trip at the next travel meeting— Friday, February 10th at 1:00pm

There are no Travel Meetings in November or December 2017 due to Thanksgiving and Christmas Parties

Travel Meetings are the second Friday of each month, unless canceled for an event. Light lunch is provided for those who register at the front desk ($1.00) no later than the Monday of the week of the Travel Meeting. The refreshments for Friday are planned on the Monday before, so we need an accurate count how many will be attending. Those who sign up for the Travel Meeting in advance will be counted in the lunch total. Those who did not sign up can certainly attend but will not be included for the light lunch. If there is a destination you are interested in, we are happy to talk to you about the possibilities of arranging a trip!

13 WINTER BLUES BASH!

February 17th, 2017 at 12:00noon. Deputy Director, Donna Jackson is putting together an afternoon to break up the “dulldrums” of winter. Come and enjoy good food and each other while spending a few hours having fun at the Friendship Center on a winter day. Tickets are $10. AARP 2017 Tax Program There has been much confusion since AARP went from appointments to a walk in site. This is the second year that this site is a walk in site. Prior to last year, we were able to make appointments for our seniors. Due to people missing their scheduled appointments —sometimes 4-5 a day, the decision came to change to a walk in site. Once AARP decided that, we were still concerned because we didn’t want our seniors, some of whom have challenged mobility, standing outside on cold mornings, AARP allowed us all of November to make appointments for Friendship Center members. November 1st through 30th we made appointments for every person who contacted us. AARP picks up the list of our appointment schedule on November 30th at 5:00pm and after that, it is out of our control. So, please remember to mark the month of November to make your appointment for NEXT year. If you missed that opportunity, this year, you will have to come in as a walk-in. AARP appointments were announced at events starting in August, on the front marquee for 3 months, and flyers were on the table and it was in the newsletter.. Every effort was made so our seniors could get an appointment. Please remember this is not a Friendship Center program. The AARP staff is entirely a volunteer staff, so please remember to treat them well. They are not being paid to do your tax return—they are doing it because they want to help you.

Come join us for a meal! Don’t forget we have hot meals daily at the Friendship Center. Our nutrition program provides a nutritious meal at 11:15 am daily. Menus are available at the flyer table. You can reserve the meals you would like to have here or you can stop in and speak with our site manager, Barbara Ramsuer or call us at 722-7628 and ask for 2722. It’s more enjoyable to have a social experience while having a nice meal with a fun group. Think about trying the program out once and see how you like it. You really can’t beat a hot meal for a suggested donation of $3.00. Meals include en- trée, fruit, vegetable and beverage—and on occasion, a surprise from the site manager.

Our New Employee—Matt Kropp Matt Kropp comes to us from DPS. Matt has worked for the city in different capacities since 1999 with Parks and Recreation. As you know Rob retired last year and we have been on a search to find the right fit for our Friendship Center. Just before Christmas, Matt expressed interest in giving us a try. He started at the beginning of January, and we are very happy to have him here! We hope it’s mutual! Matt happens to like fixing things, and is one to notice when something is amiss (please let Matt know if something is broken or needs attention).

Matt enjoys flea markets, finding bargains and enjoys comic books and old toys—and since he likes fixing things—he will be a perfect fit here!

Alpha New Alpha Program at the Friendship Center What IS Alpha? Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith and spirituality. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Everyone is welcome regardless of faith orientation. First up there’s food - Sessions will start with refreshments, because it's a great way to build community and get to know each other. Then there’s a talk - Usually around thirty minutes long, it will be speaking or on video. Next, explore the big issues around faith, addressing questions such as: Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith? to Why and how do I pray? and How does God guide us? Here’s where the great inter-personnel communication begins. Discussion is probably the most important part of Alpha: the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and simply discuss it in a small group. There's no obligation to say anything and there's nothing you can't say (seriously). More important—no one is wrong or right. It's an opportunity to hear from others and con- tribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment. This program has been used in many different faith groups around the world and has had very positive reviews. The Alpha participants will meet once a month on the first Tuesday of each month in Hall E from 3:00-4:00pm. Come explore. The program is FREE.

Information Every Senior Should Have 1) Your Local Senior Center (734) 722-7628 2) Local Area Agency On Aging (The Senior Alliance) (734) 722-2830 3) Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 4) Local Transit Service (Nankin Transit) (734) 729-2710 5) AARP 1-888-687-2277 6) Meals On Wheels (734) 727-7357 7) Local Public Library (734) 326 6123 8) Elderlaw of Michigan 1-800-347-5297

There are many resources out there for seniors. While many find it a complicated maze, there are several organizations and professionals that make it easier to navigate.

Are you looking for a part-time job? Some seniors enjoy working a part-time job to keep busy, to have a little more spending money, or just because they enjoy it! If we hear about someone seeking employees to hire, we’ll put the information in the newsletter!

Friendship Center— See Marilyn at the Friendship Center if you are interested in working 10-20 hours behind the front desk. Must have at least minimal computer skills, a friendly smile and prioritize customer service. Applications available. (734) 722-7628

Griffin Funeral Home— Looking for two part-time employees. Looking for someone to greet visitors. Must dress in a professional manner, have good interpersonal communication skills, and a friendly smile. 15-20 hours per week. The other position is a custodial position which is also part-time 15-20 hours per week. Please contact the Westland location at 734-522- 9400 and ask about filling out an application!

Have a suggestion for a topic you want to hear about or what you’d Like to see in the newsletter. Let us know!

Answers: 1. D; 2. C; 3. A; 4. B; 5. A; 6. B; 7. C; 8. D; 9. E; 10. F; 11. F; 12. B; 13. A