Category Archives: Senior Living

Blend education with your vacation in West Michigan

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Waters Edge Golf Course

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

With school out, kids have a lot of free time on their hands. Instead of having them stay home all summer long, give them an educational vacation! There are hands-on, interactive, and genuinely fun educational experiences that will have kids of all ages learning throughout summer break, whether they know it or not. There are even educational vacations for adults, including in-depth winery and brewery tours. Make sure that the whole family is having a fun summer, while still learning, in West Michigan.

Learn a New Hobby

With the Action Summer Camps at Action Wake Park in Hudsonville, your kids will be introduced to the world of wakeboarding. These camps are the perfect place for eager wakeboarders to expand their skills in a safe and controlled environment. Action Wake Park camps supply your camper with everything they’ll need, including professional instruction. For dates and sign up information, visit Action Wake Park’s website.

 

Waters Edge Golf Course in Fremont offers golf lessons throughout the summer. In their Junior Program, the less-experienced golfers will learn basic golf instruction, USGA rules, and proper course etiquette. Intermediate to advanced golfers will improve their skills, prepare for competitive golf, and participate in weekly competitions.

 

Check out the Creative Chocolate Class at Chocolates by Grimaldi in Grand Haven. Designed to cater to your sweeter, more artistic side, the 90-minute class is an adventure that you’ll want to be sure to add to your schedule. You will have the opportunity to learn about chocolate while socializing with friends, family, and other chocolate enthusiasts.

 

Chocolates by Grimaldi

Drop into Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort in Augusta every Wednesday for a half hour group lesson from their PGA pros, five holes of golf, and happy hour food and drinks during their Five-Hole Happy Hour! Cost is only $25 per week, and you’ll golf alongside pros who will offer course tips.

 

 

Saskatoon Golf in Alto hosts Junior Golf Lessons and Leagues, perfect for any beginner, intermediate, or advanced player looking to hone their skills. The Junior League requires players to be familiar with golf basics and etiquette. The nine-week league places teams in a bracket to see who can come out on top. Enroll your kids in these lessons or leagues today to see if they have what it takes to rule the greens!

Snapshots: Fun news you need to know from Wyoming, Kentwood and beyond

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By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Give Dad a Father’s Day he’ll love in West Michigan

Don’t forget that Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17th. Many West Michigan businesses are hosting special events, discounts, or offers for the dad in all of our lives. No matter his interest, you’ll find something for him here.

 

 

Extensive Masayuki Koorida solo exhibit comes to West Michigan at Meijer Gardens

 

If you know the work of Japanese artist Masayuki Koorida exclusively from the polished, yet unfinished, stones of “Existence”, located in the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park’s Japanese Garden, you are in for a surprise.

 

 

West Michigan’s natural history to be explored during community field day

 

The 7th annual Allendale Community Field Day — on Saturday, June 16th — will offer members of the West Michigan community the chance to learn about the natural history of the region.

 

Charitable giving under new tax laws: Understanding the Donor-advised Fund (DAF)

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By Ellen A. Winter, Grand Wealth Management

 

No matter how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) may alter your tax planning, we’d like to believe one thing will remain the same: With or without a tax write-off, many Americans will still want to give generously to the charities of their choice. After all, financial incentives aren’t usually your main motivation for giving. We give to support the causes we cherish. We give because we’re grateful for the good fortune we’ve enjoyed. We give because it elevates us too. Good giving feels great – for donor and recipient alike.

 

That said, a tax break can feel good too, and it may help you give more than you otherwise could. Enter the donor-advised fund (DAF) as a potential tool for continuing to give meaningfully and tax-efficiently under the new tax law.

 

What’s Changed About Charitable Giving?

To be clear, the TCJA has not eliminated the charitable deduction. You can still take it when you itemize your deductions. But the law has limited or eliminated several other itemized deductions, and it’s roughly doubled the standard deduction (now $12,000 for single and $24,000 for joint filers). With these changes, there will be far fewer times it will make sense to itemize your deductions instead of just taking the now-higher standard allowance.

 

This introduces a new incentive to consider batching up your deductible expenses, so they can periodically “count” toward reducing your taxes due – at least in the years you’ve got enough itemized deductions to exceed your standard deduction.

 

For example, if you usually donate $2,500 annually to charity, you could instead donate $25,000 once each decade. Combined with other deductibles, you might then be able to take a nice tax write-off that year, which may generate (or be generated by) other tax-planning possibilities.

 

What Can a DAF Do for You?

DAFs are not new; they’ve been around since the 1930s. But they’ve been garnering more attention as a potentially appropriate tax-planning tool under the TCJA. Here’s how they work:

  1. Make a sizeable donation to a DAF. Donating to a DAF, which acts like a “charitable bank,” is one way to batch up your deductions for tax-wise giving. But remember: DAF contributions are irrevocable. You cannot change your mind and later reclaim the funds.
  2. Deduct the full amount in the year you fund the DAF. DAFs are established by nonprofit sponsoring organizations, so your entire contribution is available for the maximum allowable deduction in the year you make it. Plus, once you’ve funded a DAF, the sponsor typically invests the assets, and any returns they earn are tax-free. This can give your initial donation more giving-power over time.
  3. Participate in granting DAF assets to your charities of choice. Over time, and as the name “donor-advised fund” suggests, you get to advise the DAF’s sponsoring organization on when to grant assets, and where those grants will go.

Thus, donating through a DAF may be preferred if you want to make a relatively sizeable donation for tax-planning or other purposes; you’d like to retain a say over what happens next to those assets; and you’re not yet ready to allocate all the money to your favorite causes.

 

Another common reason people turn to a DAF is to donate appreciated stocks in kind (without selling them first), when your intended recipients can only accept cash/liquid donations. The American Endowment Foundation offers this 2015 “Donor Advised Fund Summary for Donors,” with additional reasons a DAF may appeal — with or without its newest potential tax benefits.

 

Beyond DAFs

A DAF isn’t for everyone. Along the spectrum of charitable giving choices, they’re relatively easy and affordable to establish, while still offering some of the benefits of a planned giving vehicle. As such, they fall somewhere between simply writing a check, versus taking on the time, costs and complexities of a charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust, or private foundation.

 

That said, planned giving vehicles offer several important features that go beyond what a DAF can do for a family who is interested in establishing a lasting legacy. They also go beyond the scope of this paper, but we are happy to discuss them with you directly at any time.

 

How Do You Differentiate DAFs?

If you decide a DAF would be useful to your cause, the next step is to select an organization to sponsor your contribution. Sponsors typically fall into three types:

  1. Public charities established by financial providers, like Fidelity, Schwab and Vanguard
  2. Independent national organizations, like the American Endowment Foundation and National Philanthropic Trust
  3. “Single issue” entities, like religious, educational or emergency aid organizations

Within and among these categories, DAFs are not entirely interchangeable. Whether you’re being guided by a professional advisor or you’re managing the selection process on your own, it’s worth doing some due diligence before you fund a DAF. Here are some key considerations:

 

Minimums — Different DAFs have different minimums for opening an account. For example, one sponsor may require $5,000 to get started, while another may have a higher threshold.

 

Fees — As with any investment account, expect administration fees. Just make sure they’re fair and transparent, so they don’t eat up all the benefits of having a DAF to begin with.

 

Acceptable Assets — Most DAFs will let you donate cash as well as stocks. Some may also accept other types of assets, such as real estate, private equity or insurance.

 

Grant-Giving Policies — Some grant-giving policies are more flexible than others. For example, single-entity organizations may require that a percentage of your grants go to their cause, or only to local or certain kinds of causes. Some may be more specific than others on the minimum size and/or maximum frequency of your grant requests. Some have simplified the grant-making process through online automation; others have not.

 

Investment Policies — As touched on above, your DAF assets are typically invested in the market, so they can grow tax-free over time. But some investments are far more advisable than others for building long-term giving power! How much say will you have on investment selections? If you’re already working with a wealth advisor, it can make good sense to choose a DAF that lets your advisor manage these account assets in a prudent, fiduciary manner, according to an evidence-based investment strategy. (Note: Higher minimums may apply.)

 

Transfer and Liquidation Policies — What happens to your DAF account when you die? Some sponsors allow you to name successors if you’d like to continue the account in perpetuity. Some allow you to name charitable organizations as beneficiaries. Some have a formula for distributing assets to past grant recipients. Some will roll the assets into their own endowment. (Most will at least do this as a last resort if there are no successors or past grant recipients.) Also, what if you decide you’d like to transfer your DAF to a different sponsoring organization during your lifetime? Find out if the organization you have in mind permits it.

 

Deciding on Your Definitive DAF

Selecting an ideal DAF sponsor for your tax planning and charitable intent usually involves a process of elimination. To narrow the field, decide which DAF features matter the most to you, and which ones may be deal breakers.

 

If you’re working with a wealth advisor such as Grand Wealth Management, we hope you’ll lean on us to help you make a final selection, and meld it into your greater personal and financial goals. As Wharton Professor and “Give and Take” author Adam Grant has observed, “The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed.” That’s one reason we’re here: to help you successfully incorporate the things that last into your lasting, charitably minded lifestyle.

Safe Resources for LGBT Seniors

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM)

 

While society has taken great strides toward acceptance of LGBT citizens, what remains invisible are the issues and challenges that LGBT adults face as they begin to age. Too often, LGBT seniors have felt the need to go back ‘into the closet’ in order to receive services or deny themselves much need care in order to avoid having to do so. The LGBT Initiative, funded by the Michigan Health Endowment grant, is seeking to change that for LGBT seniors throughout the state of Michigan, by creating safe channels for LGBT older adults to seek services.

 

West Michigan is one of the three regions where this effort is taking place. Kendrick Heinlein, AAAWM Contract Administrator, is heading up this project for Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan.

 

“Right now, the LGBT initiative is looking at different outreach strategies to reach members of the LGBT community” Heinlein states. Working with the other two regions: the Upper Peninsula and the Bay City/Saginaw region of the state, committee members recognize what works for Grand Rapids doesn’t necessarily work for the U.P., so finding the best methods for each region is the current focus.

 

Heinlein says, “We want to provide resources and reduce isolation for LGBT seniors and we’re working on the best strategies to go about that.”

 

There are currently about 1.5 million people age 65+ who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. There are also many aging LGBT people who live alone, without family to help with the aging process. This puts many LGBT seniors in the position of requiring income-based aging services available in their communities. Needing to ask for help though is often a difficult experience for these seniors.

 

Older adults who are LGBT don’t often find a warm welcome when they begin to participate in aging services. Sometimes this is due to the discrimination they encounter when seeking services; most times though, it is not hostility but cultural assumptions that can cause LGBT seniors to be reluctant to ask for help. An intake form might ask questions about marriage and children, but not about same-sex partnerships. A senior might be asked about their racial identification or religion, but not gender or sexual orientation.

 

Many older LGBT seniors carry with them memories of a time when they lost jobs, homes and family for being gay and could be jailed or committed to an asylum for being different. Because many seniors don’t want to “go back into the closet” but fear discrimination, they will avoid asking for help, which can result in a health crisis. This is what the LGBT initiative is working to alleviate. Through outreach to community service providers, AAAWM in partnership with the Grand Rapids Pride Center is in the process of creating a resource guide of senior service providers in West Michigan who are LGBT-friendly.

 

Anyone can call themselves LGBT-friendly, but what this means in terms of the LGBT initiative is that each provider in the LGBT Senior Resource Guide will be vetted to insure they will provide equal services to LGBT older adults that they would to any other seniors,

 

“A majority of providers are open to serving LGBT clients,” Heinlein highlights. “A lot of providers have been serving the LGBT community and consider being part of the guide recognition for services they have been providing all along.” By creating this resource guide, the committee hopes to provide safe avenues for LGBT older adults to find the services they need to age gracefully like their peers.

 

The debut of the LGBT Senior Resource Guide will occur at the Grand Rapids Pride Festival on June 16, 2018, beginning at 12 pm. AAAWM will have the guides available at their vendor table and they encourage people to stop by and take a look.

 

If you’d like to learn more about this project, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org.  To learn about their services, you can visit their website: http://www.aaawm.org.

 

Give Dad a Father’s Day he’ll love in West Michigan

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By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

Don’t forget that Father’s Day is Sunday, June 17th. This is a day all about celebrating dad. Many West Michigan businesses are hosting special events, discounts, or offers for the dad in all of our lives. No matter their interest, you’ll find something for him here. Give dad the gift of West Michigan this Father’s Day!

Father’s Day Specials

TreeRunner Adventure Park in Grand Rapids is hosting their annual Father’s Day event, where dads can come out and climb for free with the purchase of a full-priced ticket!

 

For Father’s Day, Arcadia Brewing Company in Kalamazoo is offering a “Buy Dad a Beer Day” special. Purchase a tier one beer for only $4 for the dad in your life!

 

Dads golf for free with a paid round at Waters Edge Golf Course in Fremont on Father’s Day. Waters Edge features a scenic and challenging 18-hole public golf course. Check out the course and book your tee times on Waters Edge’s website.

Father’s Day Events

Celebrate Father’s Day early with the Cars and Coffee at the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids on Friday, June 15th. This special evening event is bigger than ever before, with an expanded display area and much more.

 

Courtesy Michigan Maritime Museum

The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven presents the 37th Antique & Classic Boat Show on Saturday, June 16th. This event celebrates all kinds of antique and classic small craft from power boats to paddle boats.

 

Virtue Cider has a special treat for dads and dad-types all weekend long. On Saturday, June 16th, they’ll have local barber Sharp Corners on-site giving haircuts, trims, and shaves. Dads will also enjoy a father-friendly Virtue Cider pork barbecue from 2-6pm, paired with buckets of Michigan Brut all weekend that you can enjoy on the outdoor cider house lawn.

 

Goodrich Park in Whitehall is home to the 40th Annual White Lake Area Arts & Crafts on June 16th and 17th. The festival is expected to draw thousands of people this Father’s Day weekend. Those attending can purchase a variety of hand-made art and crafts such as jewelry, wood furniture, and more.

 

The Hilton Garden Inn in Benton Harbor is hosting their Classic Car Cruise on Sunday, June 17th. Your visit starts with the Father’s Day buffet at the Garden Grille Restaurant, located in the hotel. Afterwards, head out to the car cruise to check out all the cool cars on display.

 

Historic Charlton Park in Hastings is hosting their 37th Annual Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 17th. There will be over 800 vehicles on display for you and dad to check out together!

 

Lemon Creek Winery in Berrien Springs is hosting their 34th Annual Father’s Day Festival on Sunday, June 17th. This event features live music, wine tasting, food trucks, a classic Corvette car show, kids games, and more. This festival is a great opportunity to get the whole family together outside in the Michigan sunshine and celebrate your favorite dad.

Outdoor Recreation that Dad Will Love

Celebrate the great dads in your life by visiting the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary in Augusta for a summertime walk around Wintergreen Lake on Father’s Day. Dads get in free on their special day! The sanctuary is a great place to enjoy nature and learn about the wonderful world around you.

 

For the Electric Bike Place in Grand Haven, Father’s Day is a time to celebrate all the dads. Spend the day riding through Grand Haven together on these unique electric bikes, a perfect activity for the entire family.

 

Take dad out for a golf weekend at Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort in Augusta. They have six courses, making it a prime location for a golf outing. Their newest addition, Stoatin Brae, sports amazing views all around the course and vistas that rival courses across the country. Check out Stoatin Brae along with Gull Lake View’s other five golf courses this Father’s Day weekend!

 

Visit the trails of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Hastings for Father’s Day. The institute is located on 742 acres with nine miles of hiking trails for you to explore. For more information on their trails, including a calendar of events, visit the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s website.

 

Golf in Mt. Pleasant is easier than ever with Michigan’s Central Swing’s Father’s Day promotion. By using the promotional code MCSDAD2018 in your quote request, you’ll receive a $50 gift card to local restaurants when booking your golf getaway. Treat dad to some of West Michigan’s finest golf in the Mt. Pleasant area.

 

Fathers tend to like the great outdoors, and Mecosta County is the perfect place to celebrate. The area is home to over 100 lakes and numerous streams, with the majestic Muskegon River being a big draw. If dad loves golf, Mecosta County has five beautiful golf courses, each with their own scenery and experience. To plan your entire trip, visit Mecosta County’s website.

A Feast Fit for a Father

Treat dad to brunch on Father’s Day at a local brewery like Thornapple Brewing in Grand Rapids! Thornapple will be serving up a delicious brunch alongside their beer, cider, mead, and wine.

 

A waterfront meal at Boatwerks Restaurant in Holland will be a real treat for dad! Their menu features everything from salads and seafood to burgers and pizza. Enjoy a great meal while taking in the lakeside views on beautiful Lake Macatawa.

 

Schuler’s Restaurant in Marshall is the perfect place for the whole family to spend time with dad on his special day. On Sunday, June 17th, meet for an out-of-this-world smorgasbord that only Schuler’s can deliver. Make reservations early and share the experience with your #1 dad.

 

Stop by Zazios at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo for their Cooking with Dad class on Saturday, June 16th. This cooking class will be a fun and interactive way to spend time together on Father’s Day weekend. They’re cranking up the grill and learning a few tips on best practices for everyone’s summertime favorites.

 

Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo is celebrating Father’s Day by raising a glass to dad, just steps from where Larry Bell started his family-owned business in 1985. The father in your life will enjoy tickets to Bell’s special Father’s Day beer dinner on Monday, June 18th as a way to show your love and gratitude.

 

Visit Brewery Vivant in Grand Rapids for a delicious meal with dad. They create European-inspired cooking in their scratch-kitchen, with an equally impressive beer lineup. Their seasonal beers include the Tropical Saison, with real pineapple and mango balancing the hop complexity!

The Perfect Gift for Dad

Your dad will love tickets to the Circle Theatre in Grand Rapids! They have a full season of shows, including Snow White, Fun Home, Leading Ladies, and On The Town. For a full list of shows and performances, visit the Circle Theatre’s website.

 

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts’ Gallery Shop specializes in solving your gift-giving challenges! You’ll find a wide variety of handmade gifts, many by local artists, that dad will cherish.

 

Treat your dad to an extreme outdoor activity this Father’s Day with MACkite in Grand Haven! Their kiteboarding lessons are a fun and unique gift for any dad that loves being out on the water. During these lessons, dad will be pulled by a kite as long as 19 meters on a board, right on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. For information on kiteboarding lessons, visit MACkite’s website.

The dangers of secondhand smoke

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Children are susceptible to dangers associated with secondhand smoke.

By Kea Norrell-Aitch, Michigan State University Extension 

 

It is not safe to smoke cigarettes around children and, more importantly, it is not safe to smoke at all. But if adults determine they want to smoke, then they can consider this information for keeping their children safe and healthy.

 

Smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco is detrimental to your health. Smoking can be addicting, which makes it difficult to quit. Tobacco products damage many organs in your body and can cause heart disease and cancer.

Why is smoking bad for your health?

Tobacco contains a chemical called “nicotine” that gives smokers a pleasant feeling. People get addicted to that good feeling. Electronic cigarettes and “vapes” also deliver nicotine. Just because these products are popular does not mean they are safe. In addition to the nicotine, tobacco products have other poisonous chemicals in them. These toxic substances can poison your body over time, especially your heart and lungs.

According to the American Heart Association, some of the thousands of chemicals found in cigarette smoke or smokeless tobacco are also found in other familiar things:

  • Acetone — nail polish remover
  • Hydrogen cyanide — insecticide
  • Methanol — antifreeze
  • Cadmium — batteries
  • Hydrazine — rocket fuel
  • Toluene — paint thinner
  • Polonium 210 — nuclear waste
  • Formaldehyde — embalming fluid
  • Lead — once used in paint
  • Nitrosamines — cancer-causing substances
  • Arsenic— used in pesticides
  • Propylene glycol – automobile anti-freeze

Now that we have reviewed the chemicals found in cigarettes, would you drink any of them? Would you give your baby or child any of these chemicals in a bottle or cup? That is essentially what you are doing when you smoke around them. It may not be as potent as the exact chemical, but over time smoking will have adverse effects from secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is smoke inhaled involuntarily from tobacco being smoked by another.

Effects of secondhand smoke

Children are most affected by secondhand smoke and least able to avoid it (because they have no control over their parents or caretakers actions). The secondhand smoke can come from adults smoking at home or in the car. Children who have parents who smoke are more likely to have the following health issues:

  • Asthma and asthma attacks
  • Lung infections
  • Ear infections
  • Colds including increased coughing and wheezing
  • Tooth decay

Many people think their children will not be affected by secondhand smoke if they smoke outside, in a different room in the house or in the car with the window open. All of these scenarios are false. Children can still be affected by secondhand smoke in the above-mentioned situations. Smoke can get in the parents’ clothes, hair, skin and in the areas where children are sitting or sleeping. If you can smell the smoke, then the chemicals are entering into your body and causing harm.

 

Did you know there is also something called “thirdhand smoke?” According to the American Cancer Society, thirdhand smoke is when the harmful toxins remain in places where people have smoked. Thirdhand smoke can be found in walls and upholstery.

 

Many times, children and teens watch and mimic what they see adults doing. Research from the American Cancer Society has shown that teen tobacco users are more likely to use alcohol and illegal drugs than are non-users. Cigarette smokers are also more likely to get into fights, carry weapons, attempt suicide, suffer from mental health problems such as depression, and engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. This doesn’t necessarily mean tobacco use caused these behaviors, but they’re more common in teens that use tobacco.

 

The American Cancer Society says if you smoke, one of the most important things you can do for your own health and the health of your children is to stop smoking. Quitting is the best way to prevent your children from being exposed to secondhand smoke. It may be hard to quit, but you can talk to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician if you need help.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Sportsmanship: Make it a measurement of character

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By Terry Clark-Jones, Michigan State University Extension

 

Sportsmanship is a way of life. What type of role model are you?

 

We usually think of sports as a way to teach kids various physical skills, but youth sports can offer many more learning experiences. There is a lot of research and writing concerning performance but there is very little on the impact around the social, emotional, intellectual, and moral impact of participants according to the Josephson Institute of Ethics. Children learn behavior from the adults most important to them. Those important people could be the parent, a teacher, coaches or a good friend. Regardless, it is important that adults model appropriate ways of being a good competitor and spectator.

 

Sports are a major social forces that shape the quality and character of American culture. It is an opportunity to teach kids how to handle themselves positively in difficult situations. Below are examples of how grownups can teach a child (and maybe some adults) to be a generous competitor, a good loser, and a graceful winner.

  • Teach sportsmanship — Require participants to demonstrate sportsmanship before, during and after a competitive event. This can be accomplished by following rules, being honest and fair, showing respect, being well-mannered, and accepting outcomes gracefully.
  • Applaud your children — Be sure to express your appreciation to the children, the other club/group, officials and others you wish to show respect. Examples of this are to accept the ruling of the officials, congratulate all participants, remain positive at all times, and be cheerful and friendly.
  • Show respect to others — Don’t heckle, boo, make rude and sarcastic comments or insult other spectators, competitors, coaches or officials. Try to keep emotions under control and give others the benefit of the doubt. Again show respect and please refrain from public arguments.
  • Be a polite participant — Listen, act interested, and remain quiet when participants are introduced or when announcements are made. Stay until the end of the event, even if your child is finished competing. By doing this you are being a positive role model and showing integrity. Be objective and accept the nature of competition.
  • Show Courtesy to others — Do not block the view of others when taking pictures or videos, standing in aisles, or by jumping and standing up in moments of excitement. Always leave the viewing area clean by throwing away any litter.

By practicing the above examples, any event can be a pleasurable activity for all involved. Most importantly you will become a positive role model for the youth around you!

 

Michigan State University Extension offers a multitude of classes and resources on stress and anger manage, parenting, conflict resolution and violence prevention.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Summer Festivals in West Michigan

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By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

With summer comes a slew of festivals in West Michigan, each entirely unique and memorable. We’re talking about festivals centered around food, beer, art, culture, and more throughout the next few months. With events taking place nearly every week throughout the summer, there’s always something right around the corner for you to experience with these West Michigan festivals.

June Festivals in West Michigan

The Festival of the Arts is a three-day community celebration in downtown Grand Rapids offering art, food, entertainment, and fun activities for all ages. This year’s event is June 1st to 3rd, and will continue the tradition of bringing together the Grand Rapids art community for a summer kick-off. Ongoing for over 40 years, the Festival of the Arts is one of the longest-running festivals in the state.

 

The Mecosta area is home to festivals throughout the summer. The Lilac Festival is a chance for families to come out and do something fun, as a hometown, family-friendly event from June 1st to 3rd. Return for a summer of festivals, including the Morley Celebration on the Pond, Remus Heritage Days, and Mecosta County Agricultural Fair.

 

The Charlevoix Craft Beer Festival is a celebration of Michigan craft beer, local food, and entertainment on Saturday, June 2nd. The aim of the festival is to provide patrons the opportunity to enjoy a varied selection of high-quality Michigan craft beer while mingling with friends at the beautiful waterside venue. Attendees are encouraged to venture out and explore downtown Charlevoix’s culinary and retail offerings prior to and after the event.

 

The band Moxie Strings is set to appear at Cogdal Vineyards in South Haven on Sunday, June 3rd for the Cogdal Vineyards Wine Lovers’ Festival. Attendees can expect a fun experience of high-energy, original, and traditional tunes performed on five-string fiddle and electric cello while enjoying a glass of delicious wine.

 

Plan a summer fun Girls’ Night Out with Divas Uncorked, the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula Divas Uncorked event on Friday, June 8th. This evening is devoted entirely to women, wine, food, and fun. Enjoy wine and food pairings, giveaways, shopping, and pampering. Bring your entourage, relax, and be fabulous!

 

Whether you’re looking for a fun and easy family getaway or a big night out on the town with friends, Mt. Pleasant offers a little bit of everything. They have a wide variety of events this summer, kicking off with the Back to the Bricks car show on Friday, June 8th. The following day, craft beer enthusiasts gather for the Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival, showcasing some of Michigan’s greatest brews. There won’t be a dull moment during your trip to Mt. Pleasant.

 

Feast of the Strawberry Moon is June 9th and 10th in Grand Haven. The event includes reenactments, a kids day, live entertainment, and more as they explore the middleground world that evolved between Europeans and the Native Americans in the Great Lakes Region during the pre-1800 fur trade era.

 

Grand Haven hosts some of West Michigan’s fan-favorite festivals every summer. The Spring Lake Heritage Festival is June 11th to 16th, and has family fun like no other. The following week is the Grand Haven Art Festival on June 23th and 24th. The event seeks to provide the community and visitors with a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art, directly from the artists.

 

Music, boating, arts, and culture are all happening in River Country. Some of the area’s most popular annual events include the Three Rivers Water Fest from June 14th to 16th and Sturgis Fest from June 23rd to 30th. More events include Covered Bridge Days and the Magic Get-Together later in the summer. They have a full event calendar on their website, so check that out if you need to fill your time in southwest Michigan!

 

The Michigan Maritime Museum presents the 37th Antique & Classic Boat Show on Saturday, June 16th, during Harborfest weekend in South Haven. This event celebrates all kinds of antique and classic small craft from power boats to paddle boats. Woodworkers and collectors alike will show their boats, demonstrations on boat building techniques will be featured, and toy boat building will be available for kids. The aim is to help perpetuate the building, restoration, and use of classic boats and small craft to give participants and the public an entertaining and informative learning experience.

 

Founders Brewing Company in Grand Rapids is pleased to present to you Founders Fest 2018: A Celebration of Beer and Music on Saturday, June 16th. In its 11th year, Founders Fest continues to marry the finest beer with the tastiest artists from around the country and the world.

 

Located at the scenic Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer, the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival brings together the members of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail for a spectacular day in the sand on Saturday, June 16th. The festival will feature fantastic regional live music, food trucks, and local restaurants to pair with the world-class wines produced right in southwest Michigan.

 

Whitehall is home to the 40th Annual White Lake Area Arts & Crafts. The festival is expected to draw thousands of people this Father’s Day weekend on June 16th and 17th. Creative artists will participate in this very popular juried art show, and attendees can purchase a variety of hand-made art and crafts such as jewelry, wood furniture, birdhouses, ceramics, and more. A great lineup of musicians will entertain the crowds throughout the weekend.

 

The 9th Annual Traverse City Wine & Cider Festival is Saturday, June 24th. Come celebrate local wine, food, and culture. The festival brings together a true taste of the region with great wines, art, food trucks, and live musical entertainment all in one location!

 

Visit Lansing for the 19th Annual Common Ground Music Festival from June 28th to July 1st! See some of the best rock, pop, country, and hip-hop stars in the world take the stage in downtown Lansing along the Grand River in a setting unlike any other.

 

June in Battle Creek means it’s time for the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival from June 28th to July 4th. Balloon launches or fly-ins take place every night (weather dependent) and air shows take place at noon.

 

The Soo Locks Engineers Weekend begins on Friday, June 29th in Sault Ste. Marie. This fun weekend offers exclusive access to some of the area’s historic and interesting attractions such as the Locks and the Cloverland Electric Hydroelectric Power Plant.

 

The 60th annual South Haven Art Fair hosted by the South Haven Center for the Arts is a two-day juried festival held one block from the Lake Michigan shore in picturesque Stanley Johnson Park on June 30th and July 1st. This year’s unique blend of talent includes works in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pastel, drawing, sculpture, photography, glass, wood, clay, and wearable art. Admission is free for this two-day event.

 

The National Cherry Festival brings people from all over the world to Traverse City for a week-long celebration surrounding the cherry. Not only that, it attracts people from all over Michigan, the five-county area, and even just across the street to participate in activities. Come celebrate the Cherry Capital of the World from June 30th to July 7th for another year of food, drink, entertainment, and tradition!

 

New Wyoming city councilor, local medical expert on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

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WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus is Sheldon DeKryger, the City of Wyoming’s newest city councilor, who talks about his efforts of service to the city was and why becoming a councilor was the right thing for him to do at this time in his life.

 

DeKryger was appointed recently to fill the 1st Ward seat vacated by the resignation of Bill Ver Hulst. The ward covers most of the eastern edge of the city. He is no stranger to the city, or city governance. He and his family have lived in Wyoming for more than 20 years, and he has served on the city’s Construction Board of Appeals for nine years. He studied at Calvin College, and he owns and manages a custom home building company, Sheldon DeKryger Builder.

 

Also on the episode, In Focus is Dr. John Mulder, M.D., a hospice and palliative care physician, and medical director of the Grand Rapids based Holland Home senior health care provider. He is nationally recognized in his field, so much so that earlier this year he testified before a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee as part of discussions on a national crisis focused on opioid pain medications. He is also the director of the Trillium Institute, a Western Michigan group focused on improving the quality of life, all the way through the end of life.

 

 

The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

The episode will debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, May 29, and will again air on Thursday, May 31, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of June 4. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know: For the weekend, to start next week

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By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Memorial Day ceremonies planned for both Kentwood, Wyoming

Many communities will be honoring those who have given their lives to serve this Memorial Day, set for May 28, including the communities of Wyoming and Kentwood. More details here.

 

Woodland Mall’s ongoing redevelopment includes viewing wall, relocations

The redevelopment of Woodland Mall is in full swing, and shoppers will soon be able to get a front-row seat to the construction at a new viewing wall. Read all about it here.

 

 

West Michigan Tourist Association offers up a few unique summer camps

Some families probably already have their children’s summer camps selected, but in case you do not, West Michigan Tourist Association Marketing Manager Jeremy Witt offered a few suggestions during a recent visit visit to the WKTV Journal. Learn more here.

 

 

Museum school students create new exhibit ‘Revolution: The Story of America’

Check out the new exhibit created by GRPS Museum School students, titled Revolution: The Story of America, at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM). It opened May 23. (The Museum is closed Monday, May 28th.) More here.

 

 

Register now for June 4 Sibling Class at Metro Health

Have kids and expecting a new addition to your family? Register for this class. Children practice caring for a baby using dolls, make a card for their new baby, and have fun with a short tour, which includes a visit to a mom with her real newborn baby. Next class is coming up fast: June 4th. Go here to learn more and where to register.

Finding out what ‘well-being’ means to you

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Well-being involves finding a state of balance and being well both physically and mentally.

By Tracie Abram, Michigan State University Extension

 

What does “well-being” mean? As I ponder this question, I chuckle because I hardly ever hear people talking about how “well” they are. They usually talk about their problems, their aches and pains or stressors whether we want to hear about them or not. In other words, how “unwell” they are. When someone says they are concerned for your well-being, it typically means they are concerned about your overall health; your mental and physical health.

Well-being can be defined as having:
  • Positive relationships with yourself and others
  • Personal mastery — having feelings of accomplishment or self-worth
  • Autonomy — being able to make your own choices
  • A feeling of purpose and meaning in life
  • Personal growth and development

Our mental health relates to how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

 

One path to well-being is finding a state of balance that works for you. (Courtesy MSU Extension)

Experiencing a mental health issue or problem does not necessarily mean you have a diagnosable mental illness or disorder. Being able to talk freely about mental health issues is important in breaking the stigma that surrounds mental health. Mental health problems are much more common than many people realize, for example, more than 43 million Americans experience some form of mental illness in a given year. Help is available for anyone experiencing problems related to their mental health.

Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
  • Biological environmental factors
  • Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
  • Family history of mental health problems
Finding your state of balance

One approach to well-being is through achieving a “state of balance” affected by both challenging and rewarding life events. This state of balance is the ultimate goal, but a subjective one — meaning that you are the only one who can judge whether you have reached it. A state of balance can look different for each of us.

 

Author of the Nurturing Parenting Programs, Dr. Stephen Bavelek, states that there are specific needs that help us remain balanced or build resiliency. To remember them, he developed an acronym called the “Spices of Life.” Bavelek states that the more “spices” you have, the more resilient you become.

Dr. Stephen Bavelek’s “Spices of Life” acronym:

  • Social
  • Physical
  • Intellectual
  • Creativity
  • Emotional
  • Spiritual

Perhaps you are drawn to one or two spices that help you maintain a feeling of balance? My go-to spices when feeling stressed are talking to a friend (social), going for a walk or run (physical) and praying (spiritual), but I am grateful that I have the capability to access any and all of them when and if I am in need.

 

When you approach health with well-being in mind there are a wide variety of ways to maintain, improve and most importantly, enjoy your health!

 

Michigan State University Extension provides free and low-cost community-based health programs throughout Michigan. These include RELAX: Alternatives to Anger and Stress Less with Mindfulness, programs that can help people manage stress and anger and cultivate personal well-being.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Canned food safety

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By Kara Lynch, Michigan State University Extension and Alisa Sponseller, CMU Public Health Intern 

 

Canned goods can often fall under the “shelf stable” food category. This means that they can be safely stored at room temperature and are considered non-perishable food products. This can include canned tuna, pasta, jerky, spices, canned vegetables, fruit and an assortment of others. These foods do not have to be refrigerated until after opening. It is a common misconception that all canned foods will last forever.

 

There are multiple reasons canned goods do not last forever. Corrosion can happen after several years of the food being in the can. This happens to all canned food, but especially in ones with high acidic content like tomatoes. Can corrosion will change the taste, color, consistency and eventually lower the nutritional value. Temperature can also affect the quality of the canned good. It is harmful to the can when temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There are special cans designed for sale in the tropical areas because of this.

 

It is important to store your canned goods and other shelf-stable products somewhere where it is cool and dry. Canned goods are sold with “Sell by” or ‘Use by” dates, but this is actually a quality date. In other words, the contents may decrease in quality, nutritional value or appearance, but it may still be safe to eat well beyond the date. If you have a sealed can in your pantry for 2 years or more, is it safe to eat?

 

Possibly — if it was stored in proper conditions and is not damaged. However, if the can looks dirty or rusty, is bulging, or the seal looks like it could be leaking — do not take the chance, as bacteria could be present. It is important to rotate your shelf stable food, and if you are questioning something due to a visible irregularity of the can or is notably beyond the due date, Michigan State University Extension recommends playing it safe and throw it out.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888.678.3464).

Healthy Aging

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Courtesy Cherry Health

By Rebecca Pavlock, AmeriCorps Member at Heart of the City Health Center

 

As we age, our bodies go through many changes. It is important to discuss these changes with our medical providers as we observe them, as some changes may be normal and healthy symptoms of an aging body and mind while other changes may be symptoms of conditions that would require additional support from your team here at Cherry Health.

 

Below are some things to think about before your next appointment with your medical provider:

 

Do you understand your prescription medications and how to take them? The average senior patient takes five or more prescription medications to manage their health. With so many different prescriptions, it can be difficult to remember what medications are treating and how often each should be taken. If you are struggling to manage your medications, please consult your medical team.

 

Are you feeling more forgetful than usual? Many individuals face increased memory loss as they age in a normal process referred to as age-associated memory impairment. However, if you or family members are concerned about your memory, please discuss your concerns with your provider.

 

Are you having a difficult time seeing or hearing? Many older adults require glasses or hearing aids in order to see or hear properly, so do not hesitate to discuss any changes to your vision or hearing with your medical provider.

 

Have you noticed any changes in your energy levels or sleep habits? As we age we often experience changes to our normal sleeping patterns such as becoming sleepy earlier in the day, waking earlier, or not sleeping as deeply as we used to. These are all healthy, normal changes. However, if you are experiencing disturbed sleep, insomnia, or are waking up tired every day, this may not be a normal part of aging.

 

Does fear of falling keep you from your usual daily activities? It is important to keep an active lifestyle as we age in order to maintain independence. Your provider may have recommendations for how to overcome your mobility concerns.

 

Do you often feel sad, anxious, or worthless? About 15% of older adults struggle with mental health conditions. If you find yourself frequently feeling depressed or anxious, bring this up in your next medical appointment. You may benefit from meeting with a counselor or strengthening your support system.

 

Our team here at Cherry Health is eager to support you!

 

Reprinted with permission from Cherry Health.

Infusing water with fresh fruit an easy, tasty way to hydrate

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By Karen Fifield, Michigan State University Extension

 

Drinking enough water each day to stay hydrated can often feel like a chore, but, we know water is very important to keep our body working properly. According to United States Geological Service (USGS) water school, the human body on average is made of 60 percent water. The benefits to our body when consuming water each day are numerous.

 

Staying hydrated helps us:

  • Have healthier skin
  • Stay alert
  • Digest food
  • Maintain a healthy weight

Drinking enough water can be a challenge, but there are ways to make it easier. One popular way is to make fruit infused water and create a “water bar” — an area in your office or home set aside as a place where fresh drinking water can be found regularly. Adding fresh fruit to water can be a fun alternative to drinking plain water.

 

To make infused water, simply add washed fruit of your choice to a container of water and put it in the fridge to chill. Soon the flavor of the fruit will infuse the water. This drink can be a cool summer beverage or a little spice could be added to make a fall or holiday drink. Try adding a few sticks of cinnamon to an apple infused water and experiment with creating your own combinations.

 

Besides hydration, fresh fruit infused water has other benefits:

  • There is no food waste when all of the fruit is used.
  • It can be low-cost flavored drink option when seasonal fruit is used.
  • It contains no added sugar.
  • It is eye-catching.

Michigan State University Extension recommends you try infusing your drinking water with fresh fruit to help increase the amount of water you drink and stay hydrated.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Active living and diabetes

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Walk Your Pet — Pets love to go outdoors, even on miserable weather days.

By Gretchen Stelter, Michigan State University Extension

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends physical activity to help control type 2 diabetes. This does not mean you have to endure more workouts, but incorporating activities into your daily routine will help. As always, talk to your health care provider before you change any daily routine that may affect your diabetes.

 

Focus on Movement: Forget the term exercise and replace it with movement. Thirty minutes of movement in 10-minute blocks is great. So, how can you do this?

  • Stroll With a friend: Time passes quickly as you strike up a conversation while walking.
  • Clean Your Home: To boost your calorie burn, dust, vacuum or scrub floors, to music: this will make you move faster and enjoy the chores more.
  • Walk Your Pet: Pets love to go outdoors, even on miserable weather days. Many times, they will take you on a nature adventure!
  • Gardening: You will use muscles you are surprised you have with all the digging, watering and stretching. Keep using them and as time goes by the muscles will not hurt.
  • Parking: If safe, park in the space furthest from the building. Those extra steps definitely add up!
  • Track Your Steps: Many phones have “FIT” apps on them or find a pedometer. You will feel more motivated as those steps add up and you will find you have a little completion with yourself.
  • TV Time Movement: During every commercial break get up and move. Stretch, dance or walk around the house. Do jumping jacks or march in place while watching the commercial. In one hour of TV you can accomplish 20 minutes of movement!

Everyone wants to be healthier. “Exercise and controlling your weight will help. If you have a goal to lose 5 percent of your body weight, this 5 percent will reduce health risks that are factors with diabetes such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and the action of insulin.” According to the CDC, you not only will have the above health benefits, but also the energy to do more activities.

 

With the onset of spring, try new activities. The fresh air, walking, visiting with friends and spring-cleaning will give you a new positive attitude and help control your diabetes.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888.678.3464).

Catherine’s Health Center receives $20,000 grant from CVS Health Foundation

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By WKTV Staff

 

The CVS Health Foundation — a private charitable organization created by CVS Health — in partnership with the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) has awarded a total of $30,000 in grants to Catherine’s Health Center (CHC) and Holland Free Health Clinic to help patients with diabetes and other chronic diseases, manage and fully understand their conditions.

 

The CVS Health Foundation recently extended its commitment to the NAFC with $1 million in new grants. The Michigan clinics are two of 49 free clinics across the country receiving funding as part of the Foundation’s ongoing effort to make quality healthcare convenient and affordable for more Americans.

 

“The rising cost of healthcare can make finding quality and affordable care harder to come by for many Americans,” said Eileen Howard Boone, president of the CVS Health Foundation. “Through our support of the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, we’re able to increase access to quality care, improve chronic disease management and care coordination to help improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable patients and reduce health care costs in the communities we serve.”

 

Its $20,000 grant will allow Catherine’s Health Center in Grand Rapids to fund Partners in Health, a program that will support patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension with tools that will help them achieve better health outcomes. Patients learn the risks of their disease and participate in the development and coordination of their plan of care. Participants may also receive resources such as scales, home blood pressure and blood sugar monitors and needed medications, as well as connect with medical professionals to provide care and support.

 

“We have patients who haven’t had access to healthcare for a long time and come to us with very complex issues and multiple diseases,” said Karen Kaashoek, Executive Director of Catherine’s Health Center. “The grant will support the role of RN Care Manager to coordinate care before, during and after their visit, maximizing our provider time and empowering patients to take control of their health.”

 

Holland Free Health Clinic (HFHC) will utilize its $10,000 grant to support the clinic’s Diabetic Support & Education program, which is designed to equip patients with the knowledge and tools they need to live healthy lives.

 

The new funds bring the Foundation’s total contribution to NAFC to more than $4.5 million since 2015. To date, CVS Health and its Foundation has contributed nearly $300,000 in grants, event sponsorships, foundation scholarships, gift cards and product donations, among other initiatives and items, to nonprofits in the state of Michigan that align with the company’s purpose of helping people on their path to better health.

 

For more information on how the Free and Charitable Clinics will be utilizing their grants to improve community health, please visit www.cvshealth.com/NAFC.

 

Wyoming ‘Concerts in the Park’ is back this year, on Tuesdays, from June 5-Aug. 7

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Courtesy City of Wyoming

By City of Wyoming

 

The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission is back again this year with an outstanding line-up of concerts for the 2018 Concerts in the Park series at Lamar Park. Concerts begin at 7 pm.

 

For more detailed information, check out the WCEC here, or on Facebook (search WyomingCEC).

  • Dates: June 5-Aug. 7, 2018
  • Day: Tuesdays
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Location: Lamar Park

Concert line-up (subject to change):

  • June 5 — The Porters (Children’s interactive music)
  • June 12 — Delilah DeWylde (Rockabilly)
  • June 19 — Adams Family (’50s and ’60s)
  • June 26 — Valentiger (Charismatic Pop Rock); Kari Lynch Band (Country); FIREWORKS after concert
  • July 10 — Cabildo (Alternative Latin Rock)
  • July 17 — Soul Syndicate (’60s, ’70s Soul and R&B)
  • July 24 — Blue Soul Express (Blues)
  • July 31 — Matt Gabriel (Folk and Blues)
  • Aug. 7 — Yellow Brick Road (Dueling Pianos featuring the music of Billy Joel and Elton John)

Senior advocates to gather in Lansing on May 16 for 10th annual Older Michiganians Day

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Courtesy oldermichiganiansday.com

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

On May 16, 2018, over a thousand of Michigan’s senior advocates and allies will gather on the lawn of the Capitol in Lansing. This free event is an opportunity for older adults to meet with their legislators over lunch on the lawn to discuss a platform of issues that affect seniors in Michigan.

 

This year marks the 10th annual Older Michiganians Day and any and all seniors interested are encouraged to attend. If you’ve never been involved in advocacy before, Older Michiganians Day is a great way to begin. This year’s platform focuses on 4 areas to improve services for older adults in the state of Michigan: Preserving and Protecting MI Choice, Support AAASA In-home Services, Support the Direct Care Workforce, and Prevent Elder Abuse.

 

The MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program helps Michigan’s older adults and adults living with a disability by providing the services necessary to live independently in their communities. Costing less than half of what a Medicaid-funded nursing facility costs, MI Choice saves taxpayers’ money. MI Choice currently serves approximately 15,000 people with about 3,200 currently on the waiting list for services. These services are administered through Area Agencies on Aging. Changes to how Medicaid services are delivered could have a detrimental effect on the services available to seniors. Senior advocates are requesting that the MI Choice program and the role Area Agencies fulfill in the oversight, administration and delivery of these services be preserved.

 

Advocates support the Silver Key Coalition’s request for a $3,000,000 budget increase to in-home services, forwarding the goal of making Michigan a “no wait state” for senior services. There are currently over 6,000 seniors waiting for in-home services, like homemaker services, home delivered meals, care management services, and personal care. Research shows that seniors who receive these services are five times less likely to have been in a nursing home than those who stayed on a wait list. Reducing the waitlist times by increasing funding for services will help more seniors remain in their homes as they age. Since 2014, waitlists for home delivered meals has been cut in half thanks to previous investment in services for seniors.

 

Courtesy oldermichiganiansday.com

Providing services for older and disabled adults in Michigan has become hampered by the instability of the Direct Care workforce. The median income of a Direct Care worker is $10,000. While wages in other service industries are increasing, direct care wages have remained stagnant, making it difficult for agencies to hire and keep enough workers to provide care. Advocates support policies that recruit, train and provide adequate wages and call for the inclusion of direct care workers in MI talent development initiatives, in order to build a sustainable support system for senior services throughout Michigan.

 

Approximately 125, 000 seniors are victims of elder abuse and fraud every year in Michigan.  Advocates at Older Michiganians Day will be letting legislators know they support of adequate funding for elder abuse prevention programs and policies. It is important to protect Michigan’s seniors from physical, psychological, and financial abuse.

 

Older Michigangians Day is an opportunity for Michigan seniors to speak with a united voice about the issues that directly affect them. It is also an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a beautiful day in our State’s capitol. If you’re interested in attending you can call Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan to register for a ticket to attend the event at (888) 456-5664. While the event is free, your ticket provides you with a complimentary lunch. You must register in advance to take advantage of the lunch. If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you can also ask about transportation to Older Michiganians Day. Courtesy of AARP, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is chartering a bus to Lansing. Seats are limited and will be available on a first come–first served basis.

 

If you plan to make your own way to Lansing, visit the Older Michiganians Day website for more details and parking information: http://www.oldermichiganiansday.com/home

 

 

 

 

5 Local Things You Need to Know: For the weekend, to start next week

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Kids Activities, Recreation, Senior Living, Travel, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Wyoming: Spring Carnival wraps up this weekend

Wyoming’s celebration of spring, its annual carnival at Lamar Park, is wrapping up its final days. The carnival runs through Sunday, May 6. The carnival features entertainment for all ages, including games, prizes, and carnival fare favorites. A spectrum of rides will be available for carnival-goers, from crowd pleasers, such as a carousel and Ferris Wheel to the adrenaline-inducing Mega Drop and Wipe Out.

 

For full story, click here.

 

Time for the Tulips

Buff up those wooden shoes and head toward Holland as the city gears up for the annual Tulip Time festival. There will be Dutch dancing, parades, a carnival, an artist market, performances of all kinds, five million tulips in bloom, and more Dutch dancing. The official activities kick off Saturday, May 5, and run through May 13.

 

For more, click here. 

‘Dust-Off’ Metro Cruise kicks off May 5

‘Dust Off’, the precursor to the annual Metro Cruise, kicks off this Saturday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s become a favorite tradition, with car owners revving up for the summer car show, finally being able to show off what has been stored under those tarps.

 

For full story, click here.

30th anniversary edition of Lighthouse Map now available

Lighthouse lovers, get ready to plan your next lighthouse adventure! The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) is excited to announce the release of the 2018 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour. This is a free poster-sized publication which details all of the lighthouses located on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the Circle Tour driving route to guide motorists around the lake.

 

For full story, click here.

Live Mermaid to return to Grand Rapids Public Museum

Admission to Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids is $12 for adults, $7 for children, $9 for Kent County resident adults, $4 for Kent County resident children, and $2 for all Museum members! Tickets include general admission to the Museum, and can be purchased online at grpm.org or by calling 616.929.1700.

 

For full story, click here.

 

 

‘Dust-Off’ Metro Cruise kicks off May 5

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By Joanne Bailey Boorsma, WKTV

 

They are going to have fun, fun, fun at the Wyoming Moose Lodge #763 as the 28th Street Metro Cruise annual kicks off Saturday, May 5, with the traditional ‘Dust-off’.

 

The annual event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and has become a tradition and a kick-off to the summer car shows with car owners finally being able to show off what has been stored under those tarps.

 

Hosted by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the event usually has about 100 to 150 cars. A large part of that depends on the weather, according to Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Chamber. O’Callaghan added that the first 50 collector car owners to the Dust-Off will receive a free Dust-Off shirt, which has become a collector’s item.

 

The 14th annual 28th Street Metro Cruise is set for Aug. 24 and 25. There is a Blessing of the Cars on Aug. 23 as well. And while the actual event is still about four months away, there are several other pre-activities taking place.

 

Delilah DeWylde will be at Metro Cruise Aug. 24

Entries for the annual Pin Up Girl contest are also being accepted. The Pin Up Girl contest will take place July 7 at the American Legion Post 154, 2327 Byron Center Ave. SW. The final competition will take place during Metro Cruise on Aug. 25, rain or shine.  Application deadline is June 10. All contestants must be 18 years old or older and must provide a head shot and full body shot with costume and makeup. To register, visit www.28thstreetmetrocruise.com/pinupgirls.

 

The popular Art Cruise hosted by the Wyoming Business Leaders will be returning as well. Details will be forthcoming.

 

For up-to-date information, make sure to visit 28thstreetmetrocruist.com or visit the Metro Cruise Facebook page at Facebook.com/metrocruise.   

Does gardening contribute to daily physical activity recommendations?

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Explore the different ways that gardening activities can help you meet daily physical activity recommendations.

By Tyler Becker, Michigan State University Extension

 

It’s that time of year again. Gardening and landscaping season is upon us. Time to go into the shed and dust off your shovel and go down to your local hardware store to get prepped for growing season. You may be excited to start gardening, but at the same time, maybe you are reluctant because you remembered how sore your muscles were from your first day last year. If you are one of these people, you will not be surprised to hear that gardening activities count towards physical activity recommendations.

 

Heavy gardening activities can strengthen your body.

Gardening and landscaping provide numerous physical and mental benefits. One physical benefit of gardening and landscaping is that you burn calories. This could contribute to weight management by helping you use up some of the energy from the food you consume. The amount of calories used depends on the activity, intensity and duration.

 

You may already think of gardening as a physical activity, one that provides cardiovascular or aerobic exercise for your body, but did you know that some gardening activities can contribute to the muscle- and bone-strengthening guidelines?

Gardening can help strengthen your body

Heavy gardening, which requires you to use a lot of your muscles can help with overall strengthening. Think of bending down to pick up something heavy, digging holes or making a paver wall. Overall, the type of activity and intensity is key. The activity has to be more strenuous than simply bending down to pick up a dropped glove; think of picking up pavers or a bag of mulch. Strive for an intensity in which you are sweating and may not be able to keep a conversation going with someone. Some other activities that may count towards muscle- and bone-strengthening, including shoveling, raking and pushing a wheelbarrow.

Modify gardening and landscaping activities to exercise your whole body

One easy way to include additional musculature (exercise different muscles) during gardening is to switch hands periodically when doing tasks like raking or shoveling. Another method is to change the activity you do every 15 to 30 minutes. An example could be pulling weeds for 15 minutes and then switching to dumping bags of mulch around your trees or bushes. It is likely you already have a rhythm down, but simply going from one activity to another in this way, can incorporate more musculature and increase the number of calories burned. Plus, this approach can break up the monotony of performing the same activity over and over again.

Tips for reducing pain and soreness.

Do you avoid gardening because it makes you feel too sore? There are a number of ways to prevent or even alleviate pain while gardening and landscaping. First, always use proper form during activity regardless of what it is. Moving with proper form helps you avoid pain and injury. For example, if you are picking something up from the ground, keep your shoulder blades back and down, and bend and lift with your knees, not your back.

 

Always listen to your body. If you “overdid it” one day, you probably should take it slow the next day. Also, there are a number of garden tools available that can help alleviate any potential or existing pain. Your local hardware store may have gloves and garden utensils designed for those with arthritis-related issues. Using garden tools as simple as knee pads or foam pads can help lessen any potential knee pain. You should also take breaks here and there while gardening just as you would if at the gym. Try sitting down for five minutes and rehydrating with water. Lastly, be sure to stretch after gardening. This can help not only improve/maintain flexibility but improve muscle recovery too.

 

Remember, if you do not currently garden or landscape, start slow and ease into it; especially if you are focusing on using it to contribute to daily physical activity recommendations, including muscle- and bone-strengthening exercise.

 

Michigan State University Extension has a number of resources including the Master Gardener Program for those considering gardening, and those who have been gardening for a while.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

5 Local Things You Need to Know: Headlines for the week

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Education, Health, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Senior Living, Tech Trends, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Kentwood Fire Department annual report highlights funding, manpower, emergency calls

Kentwood Fire Department Chief Brent J. Looman presented, and the City Commission accepted, the department’s 2017 annual report at the commission’s April 9 regular meeting, with highlights including funding, manpower and last year’s emergency calls.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

School News Network: Wyoming Public Schools selects one of its own for top spot

“Dream big, work hard and make it happen”: That’s the mantra of Craig Hoekstra, a familiar face in the district, who this week was selected as the new superintendent.

 

For the complete story, click here.

 

Kentwood to hold Community Clean-Up Day this week
Kentwood Public Works Department oversees the city’s recycling center.

The City of Kentwood is sponsoring a Community Clean-Up Day for residents wanting to spring clean their homes and yards. The Community Clean-Up Day, scheduled for Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., will allow residents to bring general debris, gently used items for donation, household hazardous materials and electronic devices to be recycled.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Good mental health habits for kids

May is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Children can have mental health challenges just as adults can. As a matter of fact, over 2 million children in Michigan experience mental health challenges such as ADHD, anxiety and depression.

 

For the complete story, click here.

Employment in the Digital Age — free computer literacy workshops available

West Michigan Works! is now offering a free workshop to help individuals gain basic computer skills. Computer Literacy helps attendees become comfortable using a computer, accessing the internet and using email — all of which can help you find, apply and qualify for a new job.

 

For the complete story, click here.

How long does home-preserved food last?

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Know the shelf life of home-canned and frozen food to avoid food waste and maximize nutrition.

By Kara Lynch, Michigan State University Extension

 

Don’t let your preserved food go to waste — enjoy it when it tastes great and is nutritious.

May brings flowers and seed magazines stuffed into your mailbox. It is also the perfect time of year to start planning your garden with canning season in mind. Preserving food is a great way to avoid wasting food when you have more fresh produce than you need right away. Just make sure you are able to use all your canned or frozen food within the recommended time.

How long do home-canned foods last?

If foods are preserved correctly, they are safe for years but the quality and nutritional value decreases with the passing of time. The National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends only preserving enough food to last one year. So that your home-canned foods taste great and are nutritious when you decide to eat them.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a planning guide (page 32) that may be helpful when working out how much food to can or freeze to meet your needs for the year.

Choosing the right canning equipment

It is critical to can foods safely using the right equipment. Use a steam canner or water bath canner for high-acid foods and a pressure canner for low-acid foods. Just within the last couple of years, atmospheric steam canners have been approved to use with high-acid foods. It is also important to use research-based recipes and follow directions carefully. Research-based recipes can be found in updated Ball Blue Books, So Easy to Preserve, the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning and Preserving. Michigan State University Extension also offers an online home food preservation course.

How long do frozen foods last?

Frozen foods lose moisture the longer they are in the freezer. If the food was correctly frozen and kept at it zero degrees Fahrenheit it is safe indefinitely, however the quality and nutritional value deteriorates, just as it does with canned foods. The USDA has developed the Food Keeper app for smartphones, as well as a website, that lists the shelf life of various foods.

Tips for using up preserved food
  • Home preserved food makes great gifts. If you do have a bountiful harvest, can the extra produce, put a pretty label on the jars and share with your loved ones.
  • Are you in need of an appetizer but don’t have time to make anything?  Pull the dilly beans from your pantry or get the pepper jelly out and combine it with cream cheese to make an amazing dip.
  • Consider your home preserved foods when planning your meals. This helps ensure that you are using up your stored items in a timely way and creates less waste. As you make your grocery list, you may notice cost savings as you pull from your pantry rather than purchasing additional food.
  • Use your home preserved foods in the search cue when looking for a recipe online. This will bring up unique, nutritious recipes utilizing your preserved items. Use pickled beets in a salad recipe, add frozen peas to a casserole, try frozen peaches in a peach cobbler, top cheesecake with home preserved jams, the list is endless.

Michigan Fresh is a Michigan State University Extension initiative that provides information on safely storing and preserving a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. MSU Extension also offers a range of food safety and food preservation classes, in person and online. Contact your local MSU Extension county office to learn more about available classes.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

World-renowned Polish pianist joins Grand Rapids Symphony for Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1

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Guest pianist Rafał Blechacz will perform 8 pm Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, in DeVos Performance Hall.

By Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk, Grand Rapids Symphony

 

Music lovers and concert goers often ask classical musicians to name their favorite composer. Typically, the answer leads to the music of whomever they’re currently rehearsing or performing. Or to composers who wrote often or wrote well for their chosen instrument.

 

For conductors whose job it is to see the big picture, the answer sometimes is surprising.

 

“Often people ask me who my favorite composer is. I don’t know how to answer that,” said Grand Rapids Symphony Music Director Marcelo Lehninger. “But if I were going to a desert island, and I had to choose one composer, I probably would pick Chopin.”

 

That might come as a surprise because, while figures such as Maurice Ravel and Richard Strauss were great composers as well as great orchestrators, Frédéric Chopin was a great composer whose skills at arranging for orchestra were, at best, only adequate.

 

Yet the Polish-born musician, one of the greatest pianists of all time, revolutionized composition and piano performance to a degree that no one else has ever done.

 

“He completely changed the way you play the instrument,” said Lehninger, a pianist. “No one else, not even Paganini, did that for his instrument, the violin.”

 

Grand Rapids Symphony celebrates the music of Chopin with guest pianist Rafał Blechacz at 8 pm Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, in DeVos Performance Hall. The program titled Chopin & Dvořák is part of the 2018 Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, centered in Kalamazoo.

 

Joining the Grand Rapids Symphony for Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 is Blechacz, the 2014 Gilmore Artist of the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. Guest artist sponsor is the Edith I. Blodgett Guest Artist Fund.

 

The concert is in partnership with the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. Concert Sponsor is Merrill Lynch.

 

The ninth concerts of the 2017-18 Richard and Helen DeVos Classical series also include Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major. It opens with Canto, a brief work by contemporary American composer Adam Schoenberg.

 

Joining the Grand Rapids Symphony for Chopin’s Piano Concerto in E minor is Polish pianist Rafał Blechacz, the 2014 Gilmore Artist of the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. The concert is in partnership with the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. Guest artist sponsor is the Edith I. Blodgett Guest Artist Fund.

 

Not only is Blechacz a fellow Pole, he was the winner of the 15th International Chopin Competition in 2005, becoming the first Polish pianist to win the competition since Krystian Zimerman in 1975.

 

And not only did Blechacz win the top prize, he won all four of the additional prizes for best performance of a polonaise, a mazurka, a sonata, and a concerto with orchestra. No other pianist in the 91-year history of the event, held once every five years in Warsaw, has ever captured every award in the competition.

 

Lehninger, who made his Grand Rapids Symphony debut in February 2015 conducting Dvorak’s popular Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” will lead the Grand Rapids Symphony in Antonin Dvorak’s sunny Symphony No. 8

 

The concerts open with Adam Schoenberg’s Canto, which in Italian means “I sing.” One of the most frequently-heard composers in today’s concert halls, Schoenberg composed the brief work as a lullaby in honor his son, Luca, who was born in 2013.

  • Inside the Music, a free, pre-concert, multi-media presentation sponsored by BDO USA, will be held before each performance at 7 p.m. in the DeVos Place Recital Hall.
  • The complete Chopin & Dvorak program will be rebroadcast on Sunday, May 28, 2018, at 1 p.m. on Blue Lake Public Radio 88.9 FM or 90.3 FM.
Tickets

Tickets start at $18 and are available at the GRS box office, weekdays 9 am-5 pm, at 300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder Plaza), or by calling 616.454.9451 x 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.)

 

Tickets are available at the DeVos Place ticket office, weekdays 10 am-6 pm or on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets also may be purchased online at GRSymphony.org.

 

Full-time students of any age are able to purchase tickets for only $5 on the night of the concert by enrolling in the GRS Student Tickets program, sponsored by Comerica and Calvin College. This is a MySymphony360 eligible concert.

Student photography guides senior citizens in their living space

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Calvin senior Lynn Park is one of the students who provided photography for the hallways at Samaritas. (Photo courtesy of Calvin College)

By Hannah Ebeling, Calvin College

 

“I think the ability to take what you are learning in an academic setting and translate that to a real-world situation is such a helpful process,” said Jennifer Hoag, professor of photography at Calvin College. “You have to really think about what is needed and break down the criteria to be successful.”

 

Last fall, an intermediate digital photography class was given the opportunity to do just that.

 

Samaritas, a faith-based senior living home, approached Hoag because they wanted some new artwork for the walls in their memory-care unit that caters to residents in varying stages of dementia. Hoag visited their facility over the summer, and since everything looks similar, she said it was even tricky for her to navigate.

 

Art to help memory-care residents

 

“What Samaritas hoped for were images that could help their residents navigate the hallways,” said Hoag. “I thought it sounded like a really interesting project for students to think about the function of their photographs rather than thinking of them strictly as art.”

 

In groups of four and five, students came up with a theme for each of the facility’s hallways. “Students each approached the project in a very different way,” said Hoag. “Some groups decided they would get together and photograph with each other. Others worked more independently, but together decided how they wanted their photographs to look stylistically and went about it that way.”

 

This opportunity would act as the students’ final in the class. Hoag said she was not sure how the project would be received, but the students loved the idea right from the very start. They appreciated being able to serve in this way and have their work displayed in a setting, while being useful.

 

“I think the experience gave me a good chance to put into practice all of the things we had been learning in class, and with practice comes improvement,” said photography student, Marisa Seifert. “I think it is so important for students to gain this real-world experience and to engage in the community, not only for the personal benefit of experience, but also to benefit those around us who may be in need of certain services or skills. We can learn from them, and they can learn from us.”

 

Students put a lot into this project, said Hoag. Many bought their own props and went as far as baking and decorating a whole cake for the perfect shot. “A group of students even got together to make breakfast for their breakfast-themed collection,” she said. Samaritas plans to put these down the hallway that leads to the dining area.

 

“My favorite part about this project was seeing how my classmates interpreted the assignment in a different way than me,” said Seifert. “All of the photos were unique and beautiful in their own way.”

 

Students use what they learn to serve

 

The staff from Samaritas was very involved in the process and came to talk to the class. “The aging process can often affect the eyes, so they helped us understand which colors to avoid,” said Hoag. “We chose to use brighter colors within a certain spectrum.”

 

Once the photos were printed a representative from Samaritas joined the class for their final evaluation and critique. “She was able to walk around and see all the images that were made,” said Hoag. “She was really pleased with what the students came up with and already started talking about doing this again for another section of their facility.”

 

“It’s not often that I get to incorporate a service-learning aspect into the class,” said Hoag. “A lot of the photo assignments are very conceptually and technically driven and are not very collaborative. I loved the idea of having a collaborative project incorporated in the class and at the same time have students think about the function of the project.”

 

The 24 large prints of the students’ work will be mounted and hung at Samaritas Senior Living Home at the end of February.

 

Reprinted with permission from Calvin College.

Celebrate the Earth with Blandford’s annual FREE Earth Day Celebration!

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By Blandford Nature Center

 

Sunday, April 22nd marks nearly 50 years since the first-ever Earth Day around the world, highlighting the importance of caring for our home planet through environmental activism. Commemorate the occasion during our annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 21st from 12-3 pm at Blandford Nature Center located at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504. It is also the 50th Anniversary of Blandford Nature Center — what better way to rejoice at 50 years of getting people outdoors than with FREE general admission in the Mary Jane Dockeray Visitor Center.

 

In addition to free admission for the entire day, visitors will have the opportunity to explore all of the trails and check out the wildlife ambassadors, such as Baby the Barred Owl and Opal the Opossum in the Wildlife Education Center. Guests can take interpretive tours of the historical buildings including the one-room schoolhouse and log cabin or even partake in volunteer opportunities during an AM shift from 9 am to 12 pm and a PM shift from 1-3 pm. There will also be booths and vendors on-site from community organizations with a plethora of games and activities for families to participate in.

 

Photo courtesy Blandford Nature Center

“Earth Day is a chance to show the community all that Blandford has to offer for free while showing our appreciation for the Earth through stewardship,” said Renee Baker, Community Programs Manager.

 

There will also be booths and vendors on-site from community organizations with a plethora of games and activities for families to participate in.

 

The event is open to the public with free admission for all ages. Tickets and pre-registration are not required for entry. Please go to blandfordnaturecenter.org/event/earth-day-celebration/ for details.

 

Blandford Nature Center’s mission is to engage and empower our community through enriching experiences in nature. This is accomplished through: an active outdoor environmental lab, a team of passionate, knowledgeable people and a strong link from past to future promoting sustainability. Blandford offers a wide variety of educational and community programs to support this mission. For more information, please visit www.blandfordnaturecenter.org. Blandford Nature Center is a registered, charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

What is the 340B Discount Drug Program?

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Photo courtesy Cherry Health

By Brett Gingrich, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy Services at Cherry Health

 

Cherry Health’s Pharmacy is located in Heart of the City Health Center and provides prescription services for all Cherry Health patients, as well as the general public. The pharmacy also provides a 340B discounted pricing program for Cherry Health patients who qualify for the program. The 340B program is funded by manufacturers of medications and is not federally funded. This means the pharmacy can buy medications from these manufacturers at a discounted price vs. other retail pharmacies. The savings are then used in many ways including these below:

  • We give the savings back to the patient through our pharmacy sliding fee program. Patients without insurance or even under-insured patients can buy medications at a more affordable price. This is one way we keep medication costs down, so that our patients can take the medications they need, and therefore increasing access.
  • We also use the 340B savings to increase access to more services. The 340B savings we receive contribute to services such as: patient education, translation, and transportation services along with many others which otherwise may be limited. The 340B program helps make these services sustainable.

The 340B program’s original intent may need clarification, but for Health Centers in Michigan like Cherry Health the program is vital to our patients and the services we provide. The program increases access to affordable medications and furthers Cherry Health’s mission to improve the health and wellness of our patients while encouraging access. So, whether you are insured or not — I encourage you to talk to your Cherry Health primary care physician to see if our Heart of the City Pharmacy is the right fit for you! Delivery services to other select Health Centers are also available.

 

In need of a refill on your prescription? Check out Heart of the City Pharmacy’s Health Mart page here!

 

Wyoming Health and Wellness Expo on April 21 free for all ages

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events,

By City of Wyoming

 

Spring is here and it’s time to focus on health and wellness in the City of Wyoming!

 

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is excited to once again host the annual Health and Wellness Expo at the Wyoming Senior Center — a free event for all ages on Saturday, April 21 at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 De Hoop Ave SW. The event will be held from 1-3 pm. Local health organizations will be represented sharing services and local resources with community members.

 

“Spring is a great time to focus on health and wellness as the weather warms and outdoor activities begin”, said Rebecca Rynbrandt, director of community services for the City of Wyoming. “This community event is a great way to connect the community with local resources focused on health and overall well-being. The Health and Wellness Expo gives everyone an opportunity to sample, explore and try something new.”

 

The Expo will feature free blood pressure checks from lead sponsor Med Express Urgent Care in Wyoming, yoga and Zumba demonstrations. There will also be a variety of vendors providing great resources and personalized interaction. There will be many samples and giveaway prizes for participants.

 

About Wyoming Parks and Recreation

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department is committed to creating community through people, parks and programs by providing services, facilities and activities for the citizens of Wyoming and the greater metropolitan area. For more information about Parks and Recreation programs and events please contact the City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department at 616.530.3164 or parks_info@wyomingmi.gov or visit our web site at: www.wyomingmi.gov.

Bicycling in West Michigan

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By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

 

There’s nothing better than getting some fresh air while riding your bike on one of West Michigan’s many trails. With trails of varying length and difficulty, you can find something for any skill level. Are you looking for a relaxing ride along the lakeshore or a challenging trek from one city to another? There’s a trail for that! If you’re looking for an excuse to get out on your bike, then spring and summer in West Michigan are the perfect seasons to put on your helmet and hit the road.

 

Bicycling in Southern West Michigan

If you are a pedal pusher of any kind, the Kalamazoo County Parks should be on your list of places to check out. Kalamazoo is a hotbed of cycling activity that appeals to both mountain bikers and road bikers alike. A hidden gem for road cyclists is the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. The KRVT offers more than 22 miles of paved trail that connects the Kal-Haven trail to the heart of Kalamazoo and beyond.

 

The KRVT is part of a greater vision called the “Great Lake to Lake Trail” that will connect South Haven to Port Huron when complete. If hitting dirt trails is more of your expertise, Kalamazoo has something new and exciting to offer too. Last summer, the Maple Hill Trail was officially opened to the public. This 5-mile trail offers bidirectional riding depending on the day, and has something to offer riders of all skill levels. These two trails are just scratching the surface of what Kalamazoo has to offer!

 

Virtue Cider is very bike-friendly and it’s often a stopover for cycling tourist all year long. They’ve added a small in-house menu for travelers needing to fuel up or refuel! Grab a gourmet grilled cheese or choose from their selection of packaged charcuterie, cheeses, and snacks in the Bottle Shop.

 

Make sure to download the Coldwater Country Map-N-Tour app, including a 15-mile and 20-mile bike tours of the area. The app also includes local favorite things to see and do, along with places to stop for a bite after working up an appetite on the area bike tours.

 

River Country is known for its amazing outdoor beauty, and there’s plenty to enjoy. Outdoor activities are plentiful in all seasons, including plenty of biking. One must-visit place is the Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Jones. This 10-mile paved trail is best suited for beginners and intermediate riders, but everybody will find something to love. The trail offers a very fast, tight, and twisty single track, which is great for control practice.

 

Hastings offers something for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. River Walk Trail is open to cyclists and is a pleasant excursion for those seeking an easy, scenic ride. Hammond Hill Multi-Use Trail offers more than six miles of trail through rolling hills, woods, and meadows. It is suitable for mountain and fat tire bikes. Year-round cyclists, whether training for an event or simply seeking a challenging ride, can follow the area’s local race’s permanently courses along Barry County’s scenic back roads.

 

Coldwater Country Map-N-Tour app

Rent or bring your own bike to the Greater Lansing area and trek through over 15 miles of trails along the Lansing River. If you want to ride through the city, a trip through trendy Old Town and downtown Lansing is both bicycle-friendly and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to ride in a bustling downtown setting or want to visit the tranquil beauty that is the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, you’re already in the right place.

 

More bicycling in Southern West Michigan

  • Coloma-St. Joseph KOA, Riverside
  • Cranberry Lake Campground, Marcellus
  • Biking in Central West Michigan

Did you know that the Hart House Bed & Breakfast in Hart is cyclist-friendly? It’s located near the Hart-Montague Trailhead, offers secure bike storage, and has a repair area with the tools necessary to fix your bike. There’s also a brewery and pizza joint nearby for thirsty and hungry riders looking to load up on carbs and proteins for the next day’s ride. Return to your private room in the evening to relax after a nice long day.

 

If you’re visiting Grand Haven and wish to enjoy the sights in a different way, Electric Bike Place offers electric bike rentals. Rent by the half or full day and cruise in style through the area’s trails, along the lakeshore, or to and from downtown. Electric Bike Place even provides the bikes, locks, and helmets, making renting an electric bike and enjoying your day on the town even easier.
Windmill Island Gardens is conveniently located very close to downtown Holland. Less than a mile separates great downtown shopping from acres of Dutch-themed fun. It’s a very quick bike ride and Windmill Island even has bike racks available at their entrance for visitors to stash their fiets (Dutch for “bike”!).

 

Enjoy paved trails or rustic single tracks for biking or hiking in Muskegon County. The Hart-Montague Trail and Musketawa Trail offer 24 and 26 miles of paved rail-to-trail recreation. And, three state parks, city and county parks offer options for hiking the signature sand dunes. Over 25 miles of single track winds through rolling hills, marshes, lakes and forests. Trailhead access is off Russell Road where a day pass or season passes are available. Beginners, choose the shorter two-mile green loop. The blue and black trails offer intermediate and experienced riders a 10-mile or 13-mile loop over roots, bridges, and ridgelines, with plenty of lake/stream views.

 

For more ideas on where to go bicycling, visit West Michigan Tourist Association.

 

 

Understanding Medicare Coverage: Inpatient vs. Observation

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

You don’t feel well. You might go to the emergency room, where after initial triage, you’re taken to a hospital room. You’re in a gown, you’ve got an ID bracelet, nurses and doctors are visiting you, and you are given medication. You are inpatient, right?

 

Maybe not. Under Medicare rules for hospitalization, you can be admitted to a hospital under observation or as an inpatient. While the treatment you’re receiving might be almost identical, no matter your designation, under Medicare rules, it could be the difference between a co-pay or thousands of dollars in medical bills. It is important to understand the difference and know your rights when you are in the hospital.

 

An example, when Steve suffered a fall, resulting in broken ribs and a severe sprain, he spent 4 days in the hospital. Before returning home, he was transferred to a rehabilitation facility for two weeks in order to recover. After Steve returned home, he received an extremely large medical bill in the mail, because Medicare did not pay for his stay at the rehabilitation facility. He was dumbfounded. What he discovered through multiple inquiries was his status at the hospital was observation, not inpatient, prior to going to rehabilitation. Therefore, he was billed for his entire stay at the facility.

 

Bob Callery, MMAP Regional Coordinator explains, “When a person’s status is inpatient during their hospital stay, it is billed through Medicare part A. As long as they were inpatient during their hospital stay for 3 days, if transferred to a rehab to continue recovery, Medicare part A will pay for that stay as well. Observation, on the other hand, is billed through Medicare part B. If a person’s status is ‘observation’ and they are transferred to a facility, Medicare part B will not cover that stay and patients are billed for their time in rehabilitation.”

 

What can we do to avoid getting whacked with a huge medical bill?

 

Callery says, “Get the MOON!” That stands for the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON). As of March 8, 2017, hospitals are required to give patients this form within 24-36 hours of an observation stay. The MOON will let you know whether your status is observation or inpatient and the coinsurance amount you might have to pay. It will also inform you that if you need to go to a skilled nursing facility after your stay in the hospital, your care will not be covered by Medicare if your admission status is observation rather than inpatient.

 

If you are in the hospital, you or your family member need to make sure you receive this form. Your physician’s decision to transfer you to a skilled nursing facility may be the best treatment decision for you, but s/he may have forgotten that you were originally admitted on an observation status rather than inpatient. In order for Medicare A to cover the costs of rehabilitation, you must be in the hospital under inpatient status for at least 3 days prior to being transferred. If your doctor wants you to continue to recover at a facility, your status needs to be changed before the transfer takes place.

 

Medicare, with all of its rules and various parts, can be very confusing and difficult to untangle. Remembering to ‘Get the MOON!’ will help you avoid unnecessary medical bills when you’re in the hospital. In addition, there is MMAP. This is Michigan’s Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program. MMAP’s purpose is to help “educate, counsel and empower” people about their Medicare/Medicaid programs and benefits. MMAP, Inc. works through the Area Agencies on Aging. MMAP can also help you appeal a Medicare bill you believe is incorrect, but more importantly, they can help you understand your coverage to avoid receiving those bills in the first place.

 

If you have questions about your Medicare plan, you can contact MMAP at aaawm.org 800.803.7174 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org. You can also visit www.mmapinc.org to learn more.

Employment Expertise: A health care career journey at Porter Hills

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By West Michigan Works!

 

Health care is a hot industry in West Michigan. (See the hottest health care jobs in the 2018 Hot Jobs list!) There are more jobs than candidates, so health care providers are creating new ways to help people jump into careers quickly.

 

You can start a health care career by completing a short-term training program, pursing a 4-year degree, or you begin with an entry level position and work your way into the job you want.

 

That’s what Calvin Haggard decided to do.

 

Calvin completed a nursing program in high school which included hands-on experience at Porter Hills. During that time, he connected with the residents and Porter Hills’ culture. After high school, he joined their team as wait staff in the dining room with the goal of becoming a registered nurse.

 

He worked at Porter Hills Village, one of ten communities in West Michigan that offer a continuum of care to residents.

 

“You don’t just give them their food and walk away. This is their home. So you ask them about their day, how their meal was. You connect with them,” said Haggard.

 

Calvin looks back on his three months as wait staff as a strong foundation for his journey to become a nurse.

 

“Working as wait staff helped me learn to communicate with the residents and how best to help them,” said Haggard. “I’ve built a relationship with a lot of residents now. They were sad to see me leave the dining room, but I still see them around and have a chance to visit with them.”

 

Calvin noticed one resident, Nancy Frans, didn’t come to the dining room for a couple of days. He learned she caught pneumonia and was recovering in her room. Calvin brought her a get well card which is something rarely done by staff. When Nancy was well enough to eat in the dining room, she hugged Calvin and said the card really cheered her up during her recovery.

 

The next step

Porter Hills works with their employees to help them reach their career goals. After three months, Calvin was promoted to resident assistant in the dementia unit. He provides medication, assists during meals, helps them dress and accompanies them if they take a walk or go to an activity.

 

In the near future, he hopes to become a med tech before beginning CNA training (provided by Porter Hills) and eventually, training to become a registered nurse.

 

“Porter Hills wants everyone to progress. The managers worked together to make sure the transition went smoothly for me and the residents,” Haggard said.

 

Work for Porter Hills

Porter Hills Village is one of Porter Hills’ nine communities in Kent County. Their services are comprehensive and inclusive, with a great variety of independent or assisted living arrangements, skilled care and special therapies.

 

With a strong reputation since 1970, Porter Hills touches the lives of more than 2,000 seniors every day. Through communities, innovative services and community collaborations, Porter Hills redefines quality of life for West Michigan seniors and their families. Their staff is deeply committed to excellent service and fulfilling their mission as “trusted experts serving seniors with grace.”

 

Open positions include:

See all their job openings here.

 

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.

Getting Involved: The Importance of Senior Advocacy

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

In 1970, Maggie Kuhn was forced to retire from her job on the day she turned 65. At this time, the mandatory retirement law allowed her employer to make her retire. Maggie felt this was unfair, so she began talking to friends who experienced forced retirement and together they began writing letters, making phone calls, and visiting legislators.

 

The law enforcing retirement at age 65 wasn’t abolished by Congress until 1986, but it was thanks to Kuhn and her friends bringing awareness to the issue that we are no longer forced out of jobs because of our age. Maggie’s group, dubbed the Gray Panthers, were also at the forefront of nursing home reforms, fighting ageism, and preserving social security until her death in 1995. That same year she was also inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

 

Maybe we cannot all be Maggie Kuhn, but what we can learn from her legacy is that our age doesn’t have to stop us from having a voice and making a difference in our communities. In fact, Kuhn might argue, no one is going to care more about issues that affect us than we are. Upon her forced retirement, she said, “With this new freedom we have, let’s see what we can do to change the world.” Like Maggie, we all have the opportunity to become advocates, especially those of us who find we have more time on our hands after we choose to retire.

 

What do we mean by advocacy? The word advocate comes from the Latin ad- meaning “toward” and vox meaning “voice”. When we engage in advocacy, we are lending our voices to a particular issue. The traditional forms of advocacy are to send letters or make phone calls to legislators. AAAWM’s Advocacy Coordinator and Planner, Lacey Charboneau explains, these methods have “stood the test of time” and “neither needs to take much time or prolonged effort.

 

The best advocacy letters are no longer than one page, include succinct and straightforward facts and end with a call to action of some kind.” In addition to these formal methods of advocacy, email and social media engagement are also becoming effective forms of engaging with decision makers. Charboneau emphasizes though that, “No matter what the issue, or who the audience, there is no more effective way to get your point across than showing up and speaking up in person.”

 

Millennials may have surpassed Baby Boomers as the largest eligible voting block in the United States in 2018, but Boomers remain a powerful group when it comes to legislative matters. As seniors it is important we recognize the ability we have to create change.

 

“Older adults are the keepers of vast amounts of experience and knowledge” Charboneau observes, “They have seen and experienced history — both the positive and negative.  Older adults should be empowered to share their opinions and thoughts with those in power so we can learn from our past as we move forward.”

 

According to the AARP, the recent passing of the “Tax Cut and Jobs Act” activated an automatic $25 billion cut to Medicare. As a result of advocacy efforts on the part of seniors, the House and Senate “waived the required cuts as part of a temporary spending bill to prevent a government shutdown.”

 

Advocacy is often a matter of education. It is important to make legislators aware of the concerns of older adults and how certain policy decisions may affect seniors. As Charboneau says, “No single elected official can be expected to be an expert on everything. It is our responsibility to educate our legislators on the issues that matter to us.” 

 

As long as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security remain the three largest government-funded programs, there will always be a need to build awareness, educate and advocate elected officials.

 

So, how does one get involved in advocacy? Charboneau advises the first step, “Decide what issue is most important to you.” As you research about that issue, you may find there is already an advocacy group working on the issue and you can join. Maybe your issue is a local one and, like Maggie, you talk with other people affected by this concern and form your own group.

 

Maybe there are people in your church or senior center who would be interested in forming an advocacy group. AAAWM has an advocacy group called Advocates for Senior Issues if you are in or near Kent county, they welcome new members. There are also nationally recognized groups, like the AARP or AMAC that offer opportunities to get involved in advocacy campaigns. The most important step toward advocacy is to find a way to get involved.

Important lecturers, well & lesser known, visit Calvin’s 2018 January Series

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Kevin Olusola has re-imagined the cello by mashing it together and the urban art of beatboxing into a new musical genre. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org 

 

Calvin College’s January Series of lectures, always an intellectual bright light in the often dark days of mid-winter in West Michigan, has never shied away important if not always pleasant topics and often bright national speakers to local audiences.

 

The 2018 edition is no different, with weighty topics discussed including poverty and racism, and speakers including a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, a New York Times best-selling author and a former technology adviser to the White House.

 

But Kristi Potter, director of the January Series, says there was a conscience effort this year to bring “positive and encouraging stories” to the college’s Covenant Fine Arts Center.

 

“This year as I reflected on what was happening in the news and what conversations would be good to have on the series in 2018, I felt a strong need to bring positive and encouraging stories,” Potter said in supplied material. “So as always, we will hear from speakers on a number of difficult topics like poverty, racism, pollution, restorative justice and dementia, but we will also hear stories of how we can make a difference in the world with our influence, our power, our money or even our mindset.”

 

From Wednesday, Jan. 3, through Tuesday, Jan. 23, attendees will hear 15 speakers who are leading voices in some of the nation’s — and world’s — most pivotal and timely discussions.

 

Among the featured presenters are Katherine Boo, a staff writer for The New Yorker whose work has been honored by a MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant and Pulitzer Prize, and Jeremy McCarter, co-author of “Hamilton: The Revolution” and a person who witnessed the Broadway show’s journey from concept to cultural phenomenon.

 

Among the other notable, if possibly lesser known lecturers, are Kevin Olusola, who is best known as the beatboxing member of the Grammy-winning vocal quintet Pentatonix but has re-imagined the cello by mashing it together and the urban art of beatboxing into a new musical genre called cello-boxing. He will talk Wednesday, Jan. 17.

 

Shane Clairborne
John Swinton

Also notable, if under-the-radar, lecturers are Shane Clairborne, who on Monday, Jan. 8, will present a talk titled “Executing Grace: How the Death Penalty Killed Jesus and Why it is Killing Us; and John Swinton, who on Tuesday, Jan, 23, will present a talk titled “Still Waters Run Deep: Reimagining Dementia and Humanness”.

 

And, also as is the January Series overriding theme, spirituality plays a central role in many lectures.

 

“I think this year’s lineup reminds us to have hope that God is in control and there are good things happening in the world and good people leading this work,” Potter said. “And we can be a part of it.”

 

The series runs from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Covenant Fine Arts Center on Calvin’s campus. A repeat performance and conversation with Olusola will take place on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. No tickets required for the day or one evening events (but they do fill up quickly, so do not be late).

For more information about the January Series visit www.calvin.edu/january.

 

Caring for the Caregiver During the Holidays

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Holidays, How-To's, Non-Profits, Senior Living, , , ,

 

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

Given that almost 20% of the population in the United States is aged 60+ and that more than 5 million people in the United States live with some form of dementia, it is likely that we have at least one person in our family who is a caregiver. We may not recognize them as being a caregiver — we might look at it as mom taking care of dad, or the sister who drives mom and dad places since she lives nearby.

 

As the holiday season comes into full swing, the caregiving role can take on added stress. Reaching out to caregivers and helping them plan for holiday festivities can go a long way toward helping the caregiver and their loved ones enjoy the holidays alongside family and friends.

 

We can begin by helping to choose holiday activities. As invitations arrive, it can be challenging for a caregiver to decide what to accept and what to decline. An evening out with old friends might be something the caregiver would like to do, but might be difficult for their loved one to attend. A family gathering might require a long trip and an overnight stay. Having family in for the weekend might be overwhelming for caregiver and loved one, alike. Some people might decide the amount of planning required is too much and decide to just stay home.

 

Social isolation is an unfortunate reality for many caregivers and their loved ones. It doesn’t have to be this way though. Julie Alicki, Certified Advanced Dementia Practitioner, agrees.

 

“Particularly in people with dementia, the tendency is to want to isolate, but being included in gatherings is beautiful,” Alicki said. “It allows them the opportunity to be social and this is important.”

 

Planning is key in helping caregivers approach the holiday season. Sitting down with a caregiver and mapping out the holidays can help us plan in advance for how we’re going to manage the holidays. Sarah Sobel, LMSW, AAAWM Caregiver Services & Contract Administrator has a suggestion.

 

“Decide what invitations the caregiver would like to accept and, of those, which events the loved one would like to attend and start from there,” she said.

 

Knowing in advance what events will be attended helps with the next phase, which is to make plans for each event — a Plan A, Plan B and even a C just in case. This will help determine what resources and assistance will need to be put in place ahead of time, so the person in the caregiving role does not feel that they’ve been left in a lurch.

 

For example, if there is a large family gathering, a person with dementia may require a quiet place to go when things become loud or chaotic. Arranging this in advance will help the caregiver be able to relax and enjoy, knowing there is a plan in place.

 

Alicki said, “When getting together as a family, if there are big, important things planned to take place, like gift opening, move those to the beginning of the gathering so both the caregiver and loved one can participate, and they can leave when necessary without missing out.”

 

Caregivers often put their needs second, third or last to other people in their life. Offering the caregiver some relief would make a tremendous gift for the holidays.

 

“Caregiving is stressful and the holidays can add to that stress. It is important for caregivers to do self-care,” Sobel said.

 

How can friends and family help with this? Having a friend or family member stay with a loved one for a weekend would offer the caregiver the freedom to get away for some rest and time for themselves or stepping in for a day so the caregiver can take in a concert or do some shopping. Arranging for professional in-home care can also provide some relief for a caregiver.

 

“This also clues the rest of the family in on what the caregiver is going through — it keeps them in the loop,” said Alicki.

 

Try to make the holidays guilt-free for caregivers.

 

“Caregiving for someone every day can be so unpredictable. It’s important that plans are flexible,” Sobel said.

 

If a caregiver needs to leave a gathering early, let them know how happy you are that you got to spend time with them rather than how disappointed you are that they have to leave. If traveling is too much, consider changing the location of a gathering to accommodate them. If a plan needs to be cancelled, be understanding.

 

During the holidays, like everyone else, caregivers and the loved ones they care for want to be involved in holiday festivities: attending parties, gatherings, concerts and events. The holidays are time to connect with friends, relatives who live states away, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. Those who care for caregivers can help the holiday season be an enjoyable one by offering support, participating in planning, and sharing in the responsibilities of caregiving.

 

If you need help making in-home care or respite arrangements, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 888.456.5664 or aaainfo@aaawm.org.

 

 

 

Protecting Ourselves from Fraud — Watch out for ‘fake bills’

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

A few weeks ago, I came home to an envelope on my kitchen counter and a note from my mother-in-law, stating “I received this bill. I will pay it tomorrow.” It was a bill for $179.00. I called her immediately and told her not to pay the bill. Her response, “Well, I already put a check in the mail.”

 

My mother-in-law didn’t owe anyone $179.00. She knew there was something wrong with the bill, which is why she brought it to my house and left a note. In the two hours between the time she left my house and I returned her call though, she convinced herself it was something she must owe, wrote out a check and put it in the mail. It took several phone calls, a check cancellation fee, and three days to resolve the issue. At the end of it, my mother-in-law exclaimed, “Why I’ve never gotten into so much trouble for paying a bill!”

 

Of the many scams out there right now, one of them involves ‘fake bills’. Scammers produce mailings pretending to be companies like Consumers Energy, AT&T, and even the IRS — companies with whom most people would likely have an account. These mailings claim that there is a past-due amount and the bill needs to be paid immediately to avoid legal action.

 

These scams prey on values like stewardship, responsibility, trustworthiness, and honesty. They also prey on fear. People like my mother-in-law would be troubled to think they owe a utility company money and inclined to pay it immediately. When people pay these fake bills though, they lose more than money. In the process of paying, whether by check or credit card, they are releasing even more personal information to these criminals. In addition, because they fell for the scam, their information is sold to other unscrupulous people for future scams. An innocent person can become stuck in a terrible web of fraud.

 

It’s important that we begin to develop behaviors to protect ourselves from those who want to take advantage of us. There are actions we can take to avoid becoming their prey when we encounter these scams.

 

Don’t Panic. Even if something says, “Pay Immediately!” you can allow yourself 3-5 days to make sure the bill is legitimate. It is much more difficult to unpay a bill than it is to pay it.

 

Be skeptical. Did the bill come in a different envelope than your usual bill? Does the account information match your current account information? Do you owe this company money? Nancy Kropiewnicki, AAAWM Contract Administrator and Coordinator of the Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition, advises, “Being skeptical needs to be our first response when we receive these requests and we need to take the time to make sure it is legitimate before we send anyone our money.”

 

Check your records. Confirm the accuracy of the bill. Whether we write it down, keep a file of previous bills, use our bank’s bill pay service, or sign up for an online account with companies we do business with, we should be able to find out rather quickly whether we owe money.

 

If you’re questioning a bill, compare account numbers. Often the fake bill has a completely different account number than your actual account. Additionally, Kropiewnicki warns, “Do not call the phone number listed on the bill as it is most likely fraudulent. Look up the company’s phone number on a previous bill, the phone book or Google and call to verify the authenticity of the bill.” Calling the number listed on the bill could result in more scams coming your way.

 

Get another set of eyes on it. Do you have a friend or family member who would agree to be your go-to person for questionable bills/requests for payment? If you don’t have someone, you could ask your bank teller to review it, a staff person at your senior center, or trusted member of your church. It’s important to have another person look at it who might be able to notice oddities about the bill that you did not. 

 

Educate yourself. The Michigan State Attorney General website has a page dedicated to consumer alerts. You can also access help and resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

 

The bottom line is take your time. Kropiewnicki states, “Scammers use fear tactics to frighten people into paying phantom bills. They threaten legal action and arrest. Don’t fall for it!”

 

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact your local law enforcement agency for help. Financial exploitation can also be reported to Adult Protective Services at (855) 444-3911. If you’re not sure where to turn, you can also call Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or email us aaainfo@aaawm.org.