Senior MoMentSManistee County Council on Aging

Issue: January 2017

News & Notes from SarahBy Sarah HowardExecutive Director

I hope this note finds everyone well and looking forward to a wonderful New Year. I have been reflecting on 2016 and have re-alized how many changes there have been in my life and in our county. In 2016 I lost some wonderful friends. Being a part of the senior center is great but when you lose your friends it is devastating. I have been trying really hard not to show my sadness, but it has really changed me. I don’t know how people get through these feelings when there is such a significant loss. In 2016, our family grew with the addi-tion of a grandson. He is the most beauti-ful little boy I have ever seen. He has lots of dark hair and the sweetest little face. His name is Milo Andrew Martz. His first name is after my grandpa on my mom’s side and he was born on Decem-ber 4th, which was my grandpa’s birthday on my dad’s side. I think both grandpas would have been so proud of this little guy. I think next to being the Director of the MCCOA, my favorite job has been grandma. There is nothing sweeter than holding and snuggling with your grandkids. In 2016 we had encouraging news that by July of next summer the senior center may have a new home. MCCOA with the assistance of AES and Third Coast Devel-opment are working on a new senior cen-

ter in the Oleson’s building on the north side of town. This is such exciting news for Manistee County. This is a project that will not only add much needed space for the seniors’ activities and programs, it will also bring a Senior Village to life with affordable housing for the 60 and over population. We are going to have a Meet and Greet at the senior center on Monday, January 16, 2017 at 1p.m. All seniors are invited to come and get involved. We want to know what you think about this big project. We really want the seniors of Manistee County to be a part of this important develop-ment. We are all aging and we want this to be a legacy to pass on from generation to

generation.My New Year’s resolution for 2017 will be to carve out more time for my friends and family. Even if I only have fifteen minutes, they will be the best fifteen minutes that I can

give. I can’t always control my time but I can definitely

make it count.I hope you find something to keep you busy in January. Check out the calendar to see if there is something you would like to try. I want to thank everyone who helped us in any way in 2016. Your generosity and your kindness will never be forgotten.I wish you a Happy and Healthy 2017, and remember to try some-thing new.

Meet the Staff

Sarah Howard Executive Director

Jeanne BarberExecutive Assistant

Nancy FortinCustodian/Assistant

Faye KeyesSenior Helper

Jo HallReceptionist

Molly CichyBookkeeper

Board of Directors

Robert DanielsPresident

George WagonerVice President

Maureen BarrySecretary

Marlene McBride

Velma Moore

Virgil Johnson

Mary Kay Wilkosz

Get involved with these activities!Services

Foot Clinic: second Wednesday Next Foot Clinic: 10:30 a.m. on January 11.Senior Food Bank: third Friday January through November. Next Food Bank: 9 to 11 a.m. on January 20. Eyeglass Repair Clinic: third Thursday Next Eyeglass Clinic: 11 a.m. on January 19. Free Attorney Consultations: second Tuesday.Next attorney consultations: January 10. Call for an appointment

Exercise Opportunities

Exercise Group: 9 to 9:30 a.m., Mon & WedSit & Get Fit (Manistee): 10 to 10:30 a.m., Tues & ThurSit & Get Fit (Onekama): 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., Mon & WedSit & Get Fit (Bear Lake): 10 to 11 a.m., Wed & FriBear Lake Methodist ChurchSweatin’ to the Oldies: 4:30 p.m. Tues & Thur

Fun & GamesBridge: 1 p.m., Tuesday Fun Bingo: 11 a.m., WednesdayProduce Bingo: first FridayNext Produce Bingo will be January 6.

“Bare branches of each tree on this chilly January morn look so cold so forlorn.

Gray skies dip ever so low, left from yesterday’s dusting of snow.

Yet in the heart of each tree waiting for each who wait to see

new life as warm sun and breeze will blow, like magic, unlock spring’s sap to flow,

buds, new leaves, then blooms will grow.”

― Nelda Hartmann, “January Snow”

Happy Birthday!Lila Olson 1/1Lavern Bachinski 1/2Arlene Garber 1/2Phyllis Russell 1/2John Sandison 1/2Carol Ball 1/3Eugene Kolanowski 1/4Wilma Swiatlowski 1/4Leslie Jacobsen 1/4Sally Cabot 1/6Jerre Stephens 1/9Phil Hildebrand 1/9Nancy Bushouse 1/9Gail Sampier 1/12Delores Klasko 1/12Diana Duhame 1/15Joan Bockhol 1/16Mr. Harstead 1/16Lucille Hewitt 1/18Elva Palazzola 1/18Evelyn Keller 1/19

Phyllis Sheras 1/20Pat Luomala 1/21Robert Ecklund 1/22John Rowe 1/24Doris Lydy 1/26Doris Kolanowski 1/27Donald Johnson 1/29Marilyn Holm 1/31Sandra Krolczyk 1/31Barry Kenyon 1/31Paula Bullington 1/31

Happy Anniversary!Eunice & Andy Barbera 1/9Rita & Darwin Gilbert 1/25Ron & Nancy Bushouse 1/30

If we have missed your birthday or anniversary, we apologize. Please let us know if you would like to be included in our birthday or anniver-sary records.

January Milestones

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January Flower: Carnation or Snowdrop

January Birthstone: Garnet

There are many days to commemo-rate in January:

1/3 is Festival of Sleep day; 1/6 is Cuddle Up day; 1/8 is Bubble Bath

day; 1/10 is Peculiar People day; 1/13 is the first Friday the 13th of 2017;

1/17 is Ditch New Years Resolutions day; 1/23 is National Pie day; and 1/27

is Chocolate Cake day.Welcome January!!

Old friends spent time together at the Jingle Bell Ball.

Marian gives Santa a hug while passing along her Christmas wishes.

The Dutkavichs are all decked out for the holidays.

Mr. Porter assures Santa that he’s been good all year.

What a grand month December was! The excitement of the holiday season was upon us all. We enjoyed ourselves immensely, as is evident in these photos.

Butch Baker and the Just 4 Fun Band hang out with Santa at the Jingle Bell Ball.

December Fun at the Senior Center

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Sit & Get Fit Manistee, Bear Lake & Wellston

Seniors, come join the fun. Exercise is always more enjoyable in a group.

Sit & Get Fit Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at the Wellston Community Center.

Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 til 11 a.m. at the Bear Lake United Methodist Church.

Parkinsons Support Group(No January Meeting)

The Parkinsons Support Group meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month (except Jan. & Feb.) at 11 a.m. at West Shore Medical Center Educa-tion Center, room #1.

For info call Jeanne Lewis 299-1286

Linda Nickelson 690-5048

SENIOR TAX PREPARATIONEach year the Senior Center offers tax preparation help for Manistee County seniors. Our tax team is looking for volunteers to join them preparing returns one day a week here at the Senior Center. Training will be provided for 3-4 days in January at the Man-istee County Library. If you like numbers and enjoy being part of a fun team, call Mary Haw at 723-9821.

Appointments for taxes will not be taken until

the first week in February.

The AARP Smart Driver Course teaches valuable defensive driv-ing strategies and pro-vides a refresher of the rules of the road. Since 1979, the course has helped more than 15 million drivers learn research-based tips to adapt their driving to compensate for physical and cognitive changes that may occur with aging. Plus, you may qualify for a multi-year automobile insurance

discount by completing the course (check with your auto insurance agent for details).

Take the AARP Smart Driver Course at the Manistee Senior Center, April 27 & 28, 12:30-4:30 p.m. The classroom course costs $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-mem-bers. Space is limited, so register now by call-ing 723-6477

STAY SAFE—AND SAVE—WITH THE AARP

SMART DRIVER COURSE

snow day policyIf the Manistee Schools are closed due to the snow, the

Senior Center will not be open until 10 am.

No lunch will be served.Stay Home, Stay Warm, Stay Safe.

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Newsletter Renewal

If you would like a copy of Senior Moments mailed to you, please fill out the following form

and mail it, by January 16, 2017, to the Senior Center along with $6.50 to start/renew your subscription.

Please make checks payable to MCCOA.

Name ________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________

Phone Number _____________________________________________________

Birthday/Spouse Birthday _________________________________________________

Spouse Name/Anniversary _____________________________________________

Winter SafetyWhen the temperature drops, old-er adults run a higher risk of health problems and injuries related to the weather, including hypothermia and falls in ice and snow. Like most things in life, it is better to be prepared. Here are a few precautions for this time of year.HYPOTHERMIAHypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops to a dangerous level. Your body temperature can drop when you are out in the cold for an extended time because it begins to lose heat quickly. Older adults are at an increased risk of hypothermia due to changes that happen to your body with aging.Warning Signs• Cold skin that is pale or ashy• Feeling very tired, confused

and sleepy• Feeling weak• Problems walking• Slowed breathing or heart rate• Shivering is not a reliable warning sign because older people tend to shiver less or not at all when their body temperature dropsPrecautions to Take• Stay indoors (or don’t stay outside for very long).• Keep indoor temperature at 65 de-grees or warmer.• Stay dry because wet clothing chills your body more quickly.• Dress Smart – protect your lungs from cold air.– Layer up! Wearing 2 or 3 thinner lay-ers of loose-fitting clothing is warmer than a single layer of thick clothing. Think about getting your thermals!– Essential winter wears: hats, gloves or preferably mittens, winter coat,

boots, and a scarf to cover your mouth and nose.Call 911 if you think you or someone else is experiencing hypothermia.FALLSIt is easy to slip and fall in the win-ter, especially in icy and snowy condi-tions.• Make sure steps and walkways are clear before you walk. Be especially careful if you see wet pavements that could be iced over.• Clear away snow and salt your walk-ways at home, or hire someone to do it.• Wear boots with non-skid soles – this will prevent you from slipping.• If you use a cane, replace the rubber tip before it is worn smooth.• Consider an ice pick-like attachment that fits onto the end of the cane for additional traction.

ô ô ô ô ô

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Hearing Aid Clinic

All brands of hearing aids cleaned and checked for free. Get a free hearing screening.

BELTONE HEARING CENTERS will be available to provide these free ser-vices at the Manistee Senior Center Tuesday, January 10, 1-3 pm

Call 723-6477 for an appointment

Join us as wesweat to the oldies

Tuesdays & Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.

at the Senior Center

SEX After 60

It’s hard to talk about.Seniors and STDs

After 60It’s hard to talk about.Seniors and STDs

MondayJanuary 23

11 a.m.Tracy from DHD#10

will be here to present the program & answer

your questions.Manistee

Senior Center

Do you limit your activities because of a fear of falling? If your answer is yes, then “A Matter of Balance” classes could be what you need. The next classes will be held in the spring. Classes are two hours long, and will be held on Thursdays from 2-4 p.m. for 8 weeks. If you are in-terested in participating in the next set please call the Senior Center and sign up. The aim of these classes is not just to teach you how to minimize your risk of falling, but how to change the way you think about falling, to release you from that fear. “A Matter of Balance.” We have two trained leaders who will be facilitating the classes. Call the Senior Center at 723-6477 to sign up. Or stop by the Senior Center and ask for the sign up sheet.

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Pub burgerTater totsFresh root vegetablesPears

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Veal parmesanWhole white potatoesPeas & carrotsBrownieRoll

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Ranch chickenScalloped potatoesBrussels sproutsLemon barsCorn muffin

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Potato pancakesTurkey sausageFresh sliced zucchiniEscalloped apples

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Chicken cacciatoreover noodlesNantucket vegetableGreen beansTropical fruitRoll

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Tuna noodle cas-seroleStewed tomatoesBroccoli cutsRollJello w/fruit

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Potato bacon & ched-dar soupEgg salad sandwichColeslawTapioca pudding

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Meals on Wheels closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day

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Chicken broccoli casseroleFresh turnipsCauliflowerMixed fruitRoll

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Mushroom steakMashed potatoesCorn w/pimentoPearsRoll

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Pork adobow/rice pilafScalloped tomatoesPeasCottage cheese w/raspberry toppingRoll

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Potato crunch pol-lackBaked potatoSunshine carrotsCherry cobblerRoll

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Beef stroganoff over noodlesFresh red cabbageBrussels sproutsPineapple tidbitsRoll

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Glazed baked hamScalloped potatoesGreen beansPeachesRoll

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Sweet & sour meat-ballsRoasted sweet po-tatoesFresh beetsApplesauceRoll

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BBQ chickenGarlic mashed po-tatoesSuccotashCinnamon streusel coffee cakeRoll

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Salisbury steakAugratin potatoesFresh squashFruit cocktailRoll

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No meals Senior Center closed for holiday

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Cabbage rollsMashed potatoesCornPeachesRoll

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Ground beef & gravyMashed potatoesFresh carrot coinsMixed fruitRoll

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Swiss steakMashed potatoesCreamy yellow beansPearsRoll

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GoulashFresh salad blendItalian vegetablePineapple chunksGarlic roll

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January 2017 ~ Meals on Wheels Menu

Menu subject to change

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9 am Exercise11 am Social hourNoon meal3:30 pm Beginner computer class6 pm Pinochle

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10 am Sit & get fit10 am Sit & get fit (Wellston)11 am Social hourNoon meal4:30 pm Sweatin’ to the Oldies

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99 am Exercise10 am Diabetic sup-port group11 am Social hourNoon meal3:30 pm Beginner computer class6 pm Pinochle

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10 am Sit & get fit10 am Sit & get fit (Wellston)11 am Toe Tap TueAttorney servicesNoon meal1 pm Beltone4:30 pm Sweatin’

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9 am Exercise10 am Sit/get fit Bear Lk10:30 am Foot Clinic11 am Fun bingoNoon meal2:30 pm Sit & be fit II

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10 am Sit & get fit11 am Social hourNoon meal1 pm Adv. beginner computer class4:30 pm Sweatin’ to the Oldies

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10 am Sit/get fit Bear Lk11 am Social hourNoon meal2:30 pm Sit & be fit II

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9 a.m. Exercise11 a.m. Social hourNoon meal3:30 pm Beginner computer class6 pm Pinochle

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10 am Sit & get fit10 am Sit & get fit (Wellston)MCCOA Board Mtg4:30 pm Sweatin’ to the Oldies

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9 am Exercise10 am Sit/get fit Bear Lk11:00 am Fun bingoJanuary birthdaysNoon meal2:30 pm Sit & be fit II

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10 am Sit & get fit11 am Eyeglass clinicNoon meal1 pm Adv. beginner computer class4:30 pm Sweatin’ to the Oldies

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9-11 am Food bank10 am Sit/get fit Bear Lk11 am Social hourNoon meal2:30 pm Sit & be fit II

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9 am Exercise11 am Seniors & STDs- DHD#10 presentationNoon meal3:30 pm Beginner computer class6 pm Pinochle

2410 am Sit & get fit10 am Sit & get fit (Wellston)11 am Toe Tapping TuesdayNoon meal4:30 pm Sweatin’ to the Oldies

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9 am Exercise10 am Sit/get fit Bear Lk11 am Fun bingoNoon meal2:30 pm Sit & be fit II

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10 am Sit & get fit11 am Social hour11:30 am Carrie SelbeeNoon meal1 pm computer class4:30 pm Sweatin’ to the Oldies

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10 am Sit/get fit Bear Lk11 am Social hourNoon meal2:30 pm Sit & be fit II

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2Senior Center closed.All activities cancelled

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10 am Sit & get fit10 am Sit & get fit (Wellston)11 am Social hourNoon meal4:30 pm Sweatin’ to the Oldies

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9 am Exercise10 am Sit/get fit Bear Lk11 am Fun bingoNoon meal2:30 pm Sit & be fit II

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10 am Sit & get fit11 am Social hourNoon meal1 pm Adv. beginner computer class4:30 pm Sweatin’ to the Oldies

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10 am Sit/get fit Bear Lk11 am Produce bingoNoon meal2:30 pm Sit & be fit II

1HappyNewYear!

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January 2017 ~ Calendar of EventsSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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Manistee CountyCouncil on Aging

457 River St.Manistee, MI 49660

Phone: (231) 723-6477Toll Free: (888) 723-9060Fax: (231) 723-1640

We’re on the Web!manisteecountycoa.com

Serving the senior citizens of Manistee County

Senior citizens of today are just as vibrant, mobile, engaged and seeking fellowship

as their younger counterparts.

Aging, it’s everyone’s future.Stay active

Stay informedStay involved

Find us on Facebook

www.facebook.com/ManisteeCountyCouncilOnAging

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Make an Impact on the MCCOA

Donor Information

Name:_____________________________________ Address:________________________________

City:_______________________________________ State: ________ Zip: __________ Phone: ________

Donation Amount: ____________________________

Honoree Name: ______________________________ Honoree Address: ___________________________(if applicable)

Do you realize that every monetary gift given to the Man-istee County Council on Aging helps to fund programs to benefit the seniors of Manistee County? Programs including the MCCOA Food Pantry; Healthy Seniors; Edu-cational programs and so much more.

Memorial Donations

What better way to honor a loved one than by making a donation in their name. Including the address of the honoree or their family members will allow us to send an acknowledgment of the gift.

Pre-Planned Giving

As you make future plans for your estate, please consider making a gift to the Manistee County Council on Aging in your plans. If you would like your donation to benefit

a specific program, please let us know, and we will try to ac-commodate your wishes. Your endowment can make a signifi-cant difference in the lives of many seniors, and can aid in the continuation of programs to enrich lives for years to come.

Manistee County COA457 River St.Manistee, MI 49660

December at the Senior Center December flew by and brought lots of fun. We enjoyed the fun of the Sleighbell Parade, found ourselves knee-deep in donated gifts for the Adult Foster Home Christmas Gift program, and we danced our-selves silly at this year’s Jingle Bell Ball.