American House at Jenison - Assisted Living8001 Cottonwood Drive | Jenison | Michigan | 49428

americanhouse.com

Oct/Nov/Dec 2016Our StaffDarren Tigelaar AdministratorJudy Boven Nursing DirectorShari Daldos Jackson Culinary SupervisorLouAnn Kloostra Housekeeping SupervisorKati Tobias Life Enrichment DirectorRick Deemter Maintenance SupervisorChristie Lubbers Admissions DirectorMary Van Oeveren Admissions AssistantBobbi Sall H.R. AssistantJulie Ann Mesman Administrative AssistantSteven Faulk Chaplain

Important Phone NumbersMain Office (616) 457-9815Beechwood (616) 457-1660Maplewood (616) 457-3576Cottonwood (616) 457-0965Cherrywood (616) 457-8066Willowood (616) 457-5869Sandalwood (616) 457-2663

The Latest!Stay up-to-date with what’s happening atAmerican House of Jenison by “liking” our

page. Pictures are posted weekly, as well asreminders of events on our campus.

Halloween SocialThis year we’ll be hosting a Halloween Social at our

Beechwood building! There’ll be a costume contestfor the best dressed resident. There will also berefreshments and a dance.

The PatriotAs many of you have noticed, this newsletter was

passed out monthly with the activity calendar. We areno longer distributing the Patriot monthly. Thisnewsletter is now a quarterly production. You canexpect to see the Patriot in January, April, Julyand October!

2

Did You Know?

By Brian Rosso, R.D.This month I

wanted to share withyou some annualfood totals on somepopular itemspurchased atAmerican HouseSenior Living.

Did you know thatevery year AmericanHouse purchases ...

• 31,384 gallonsof milk

• 81,910 poundsof bananas

• 3,262watermelons

• 30,125 poundsof tomatoes

• 1,601,592 coffeecreamers

• 6,657pineapples

• 20,856cucumbers

• 29,040 poundsof cottagecheese

• 64,400 saltines• 18,306 pounds

of red grapesI hope you found

these factsinteresting, and wewill continue topurchase the highestquality food.

Your Flu Shot QuestionsAnswered

When flu shot season rolls around,people often ask questions such as:“Does it really work?” “Can it make mesick?” and “Why do I have to getanother flu shot? I got one last year.”

Unlike other vaccines, the influenzaformula is reviewed and updated everyyear. That’s because flu viruses areconstantly changing.

Worldwide, scientists andresearchers monitor viruses in order topredict which ones will be mostcommon during the next flu season.Unfortunately, sometimes thosepredictions are wrong. Because theyearly vaccine has to be preparedmonths in advance, by the time fluseason hits, the viruses going aroundmay have already mutated.

Despite this margin of error, it’s stillwise to get a flu shot. Even if you getthe flu anyway—which can happen ifthe strains used in the vaccine do notmatch the virus going around—thevaccine can make your symptomsmilder and reduce the risk ofhospitalization.

The vaccine can’t actually give youthe flu—the viruses in the vaccine aredead. You may experience mildsymptoms such as a low-grade feverand body aches, but these are normaland short-lived.

Your body needs about two weeks tomake antibodies after vaccination,which is another reason why you mayget the flu soon after getting the flushot—the immunization just hasn’tkicked in yet. This is why it’s importantto get a flu shot as early in the seasonas possible.

Tea TimeTea time has been a wonderful

opportunity for socializing amongour residents. We look forward tothese parties each week. Lastmonth at our tea parties wediscussed trains. Each month wecome up with a topic to shareand to spark conversation. If youhave a certain topic you wouldlike to have discussed at one ofour tea parties let one of the LifeEnrichment staff know.

Tea parties will be held everyother month. The tea partieswere held in August and willcontinue this month.

Tea Time at Willowood

3

Large Print BooksA large print book section is now

available in the Beechwood library.The Life Enrichment staff has beenworking on building up the selectionof large print books. The library islocated in the beauty shop. All weask is that if you borrow a book youreturn it!

If you are unable to make it overto Beechwood but would still like alarge print book, talk to one of theLife Enrichment staff and theywould be more than happy to helpyou out!

OutingsWe offer a wide variety of outings,

and some are more handicapaccessible than others. Because ofthe accessibility and length ofoutings, some may be better suitedfor you than others. We want toinform you of the difficulty of a tripbefore you sign up. In October you’llsee some new information on thesign-up sheets for outings. We’renow using a rating system.

1 Easy trip for anyone2 Moderate but accessible3 Must be a good walker OR this

may be a long bus ridePlease keep these numbers in

mind when signing up for outings.We’re using these ratings to ensurethat everyone enjoys the outings.

“The real voyage ofdiscovery consistsnot in seeking newlandscapes, but inhaving new eyes.”—Marcel Proust

“We shall not ceasefrom exploration,

and the end of all ourexploring will be to

arrive where westarted and know

the place forthe first time.”

—T.S. Eliot

“All truths are easy tounderstand once they

are discovered;the point is to

discover them.”—Galileo Galilei

“You will enrich yourlife immeasurably ifyou approach it witha sense of wonder

and discovery,and always challenge

yourself to trynew things.”

—Nate Berkus

“What I really wantout of life is to

discover somethingnew: something

mankind didn’t knowwas possible to do.”—Elizabeth Holmes

4

October bythe Numbers500. Average

number of seeds in amedium-sizedpumpkin. Alow-calorie snack,pumpkin seeds arehigh in fiber, zinc,iron, protein andantioxidants.

1.5 billion. Numberof pounds ofpumpkins producedeach year. The toppumpkin producingstates include Illinois,Indiana, Ohio,Pennsylvania andCalifornia.

25%. Percentageof an apple’s volumethat is air-that’s whythey float!

36. The number ofapples it takes tocreate one gallon ofapple cider.

17,897. Number ofpublished comicstrips of “Peanuts”produced by CharlesSchulz. The belovedstrip debuted Oct.2, 1950.

Five. Number offingers (including thethumb) in the wingsof a bat, the onlyflying mammal in theworld.

September 8 & 9 we celebratedGrandparents Day! On the 8thWillowood enjoyed the festivities andon the 9th Sandalwood, Cherrywood,Beechwood, Cottonwood &Maplewood celebrated.

There were kids games, liveentertainment by Martin Zyla & SteveTroyer, a petting farm, bounce house,hamburgers, hot dogs and sweettreats! As you’ll notice from all thesmiling faces, a great time was had byall!!

5

Let It GoHave you been

holding a grudgeagainst someone?National ForgivenessDay on Oct. 29 is agood reminder thatmaybe it’s time for afresh start. Multiplestudies have shownthe negative effectsthat holding on toanger can have onthe body, includingraising bloodpressure and causingfatigue and anxiety.Anger-fueled stresscan even affect theimmune system.Remember, forgivingsomeone for hurtingyou doesn’t meanyou condone theirbehavior, but simplychoose to let go ofany resentment youfeel.

Mark 11:25 “Butwhen you arepraying, first forgiveanyone you areholding a grudgeagainst, so that yourFather in heaven willforgive your sins,too.”

6

Coloring Isn’tJust for KidsGrownups are

getting out thecrayons and goingback to a nostalgicchildhood pastime—coloring. Featuringintricate drawingsthat are morechallenging thanchildren’s versions,adult coloring bookshave becomepublishingbest-sellers. Creatorssay the activity takespeople back to amore carefree time,allows the mind tounwind and providesa creative outlet.Experts note thatcoloring uses twoparts of the brain:The cerebral cortex isactivated since visionand coordination areneeded, while theamygdala is relaxed,producing ade-stressing effect.

Puppy Chow Snack Mix• 2 bags fall M&Ms• 1/4 cup butter• 1/4 cup peanut butter• 2 tbsp vanilla• 9 cups rice cereal squares• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar• 2 cups pretzel twists• 2 cups salted mixed nuts

DIRECTIONS:1. Measure 9 cups of cereal into a

large mixing bowl and set aside.2. In a microwave-safe dish,

combine the butter, peanut butter,M&Ms and vanilla.

3. Microwave on high for 1 minute.

Remove from microwave and stir.4. Return to microwave and

continue melting, stirring at 30second intervals until the mixture iscompletely melted. (There may befine flecks of candy coatingstill visible.)

5. Pour the melted candy overthe cereal and stir to combine,coating each piece of cereal.

6. Pour the powdered sugar overthe chocolate covered cereal andstir to completely coat each piece.

7. Make the puppy chow intosnack mix by adding pretzels, nutsand the second bag of M&Ms. Mixto evenly distribute the ingredients.

Recipe fromwww.busy-at-home.com

7

Playing to Your Strengths, 1“In his grace, God has given us

different gifts for doing certain thingswell.” Romans 12:6

One of the greatest actions you cantake to increase the level of hope inyour life is to play to your strengths.Because whenever you are using yourGod given strengths, life’s a greatadventure. In fact, the two best daysof your life are when you are born andwhen you figure out why you wereborn. When you begin to think likethis, you will notice that it lights somefires in your heart that never go out.The knowledge of your strengths, andplaying to them, is like having a singlepiece of information that makes aworld of difference.

I heard about a pastor who wishedhe’d had more information. He went tovisit an elderly woman in his church hehadn’t seen much because she hadbeen sick. While sitting next to her, hebegan eating peanuts from a bowl ona coffee table. Standing up to leave,he realized he’d eaten the entire bowlof peanuts. The man said to her, “I’mreally sorry I ate all of your peanuts.”Being hard of hearing, she replied,“What?” Again he said, “I’m sorry I ateall of your peanuts. I’ll buy you more.”The woman replied, “It’s OK youngman. Since I lost my teeth all I can dois suck the chocolate off of themanyway!”

What God given strengths in yourlife do you need to identify? Yourhope for your future will begin to soarwhen you play to your strengths.

Edited by Steven Faulk andadapted from Ray Johnson, HQ: TheHope Quotient, Measure it. Raise it.You’ll Never Be The Same, 2014.

Playing to Your Strengths, 2Have you ever said, “If I knew then

what I know now?” For example,between April 1992 and April 2012,Apple’s stock value increased by over4000%. If you had invested in Applethe $399 that you instead used topurchase that first iPod, you wouldnow have $26,374. Sometimes—justhaving a little bit of information makesa world of difference.

Today, I want to give you someinsider information from God. Playingto your strengths means that youneed to realize that God has given youspiritual gifts (strengths) to use inthis world.

According to Chuck Swindall, aspiritual gift is, “A God given abilitythat enables the Christian to functionin God’s family with ease, efficiencyand a sense of accomplishment.” Thefollowing two verses remind us thatevery Christian (without exception)has at least one spiritual gift given byGod. God has given you the exactspiritual gifts you need to energize youand help you fulfill God’s purpose foryou on this earth.

“Now to each one the manifestationof the Spirit is given for the commongood.” 1 Corinthians 12:7

“He gives them to each one, just ashe determines.” 1 Corinthians 12:11

Are you discouraged and in need ofincreasing hope in your future? Begintoday to ask God to show you yourspiritual gifts/strengths. One of thebest ways to clarify your spiritual giftsis to experiment by using them. Thenext couple months, I will help youidentify your spiritual gifts and learnhow to use them in a way thatenergizes you.

Songs of FaithThe lives of most

people are notcaptured in thehistory books. And soit was with WilliamRalph Featherson. Hewas born withoutfanfare on July 24,1846, in MontrealCanada, and he diedin the same city, justbefore his 27thbirthday. Little else isknown of his shortlife except for the factthat, some timeduring his 16th yearof life, William putpen to paper torecord a love poem.The love heexpressed was deepand true. The wordsof that poem havelasted more than acentury.

Three years afterFeatherson’spassing, AdoniramGordon put music tothis love poem andadded it to a hymnalwhich was publishedthat same year.Featherson’spoem, My Jesus ILove Thee, has sincebeen recorded inmost evangelicalhymnals of the past130 years.

Oct/Nov/Dec 2016

Chocolate, Anyone?

Whether you are a fan of creamy milk chocolate, rich dark

chocolate, or prefer candy with a little crunch or mix of flavors,

there’s a treat for all taste buds. See when some sweet favorites were

first unwrapped.

Year Chocolate Candy

1900 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar

1916 DeMet’s Turtles

1928 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

1930 Snickers

1941 M&M’s

1949 Junior Mints

1966 100 Grand

1979 Twix

1991 Dove Promises

2010 Pretzel M&M’s