Leelanau County

Senior Services

8527 E Government Center Dr.

Suite 106

Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Phone: (231) 256-8121

Fax: (231) 256-8129

www.leelanau.cc/seniorservices.asp

seniorinfo@co.leelanau.mi.us

Hours: 9:00 a.m.. - 5:00 p.m.

Monday - Friday

April Missias

Director

Nancy Begeman

Assistant Director

David Wurm

Finance Clerk

Armanda Krantz

Program Assistant

Chet Janik County Administrator

(231) 256-9711

County Commissioners

Tony Ansorge District #1 (Elmwood Township & a portion of the City of Traverse City)

(231) 941-1078

Debra Rushton

District #2 (Bingham Township & a portion of Elmwood Township) (231) 941-8286

William Bunek

District #3 (Suttons Bay Township & a portion of Bingham Township) (231) 256-7124

Ty Wessell

District #4 (Leelanau Township & a portion of Suttons Bay) (231) 432-0066

Patricia Soutas-Little

District #5 (Leland & Centerville Townships) (231) 218-8496

Casey Noonan District #6

(Cleveland, Empire & Glen Arbor Townships) (231) 342-9939

Melinda Lautner

District #7 (Solon & Kasson Townships) (231) 947-2509

THE LEELANAU CONNECTION

Striving to celebrate and support seniors within our community

March / April 2018

April

Dear Friends,

The sun is shining and reminding us to bid adieu to winter and welcome spring

with open arms. As with the season, Senior Services has had some recent changes

as well. After five and a half years, we gave a fond farewell to our Finance

Coordinator, Cathy Hartesvelt. Cathy was an essential member of our team who

freely shared her wisdom and knowledge regarding all things financial, as well as

her life experience with us and our senior community. I know I speak for many

when I say that we were graced with her caring and positive approach to life. We

will miss her presence, but are excited to have David Wurm join our team.

David’s extensive experience in business and working with seniors, as the former

owner of The Wurm Residence, an adult foster care home, will be an asset as we

strive to assist seniors in living life on their terms. David is part time and will be

working all day Wednesday and Thursday mornings in the office. Please help me in

giving him a warm welcome.

In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8, 1980,

as National Women's History Week. Carter’s proclamation stated, "From the first

settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who

befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too

often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed.

But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who

built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”

In honor of Women’s history month, enclosed you will find an interview with

Northport’s very own, Julia Brabenec.

As we enjoy spring, we are already looking towards summer as we plan for our

annual senior expo scheduled Tuesday, June 19, at Suttons Bay High School. We

hope you will put a star on this date in your calendar and join us for a day of

celebration.

The Senior Services millage will expire at the end of this year. The Board of

Commissioners plan to put a millage question on the ballot for the scheduled

election in August. We will share information regarding the impact of services

provided by Senior Services.

I hope you are excited about the warmth of spring and all the changes it has in

store. Enjoy each moment your day provides, and gaze into the future at the

multitude of possibilities that awaits you.

Warmly,

2

Who We Are

Leelanau County Senior

Services provides a variety of

programs and services to

meet the growing needs of

seniors. We recognize that

all needs are different and

strive to take a holistic

approach to provide a range

of services and programs that

address the unique physical,

social, and emotional needs of

our seniors.

Our programs are designed

to support our senior’s lives:

Personal Care*

Respite Care*

Homemaker*

Medication Management*

Medical Transportation

Foot Care Vouchers

We also offer limited financial

assistance for seniors who

meet certain income and

asset guidelines:

Dental Assistance

Eye Glass Assistance

Hearing Aid Assistance

Heating/Utility Assistance

Legal Assistance

Unmet Needs Assistance

Project Fresh Coupons**

Promoting Safety:

Care Trak

Emergency 911 Cell

Phone

Freedom Alert

Emergency Pendant

File of Life

Safety Medical Equipment

Loan Closet

Social Activities:

Euchre

Bitesize Learning

Senior Expo

* Income and asset tested through application and home evaluation process.

** Funded by USDA

Quotes for Caregivers

Anxiety “Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.”

~Swedish proverb

Caregivers benefit from sharing their concerns, information and solutions

with other caregivers.

Living with constant stress can be bad for your health.

Don’t be afraid to reach out.

Look for a caregiver support group in your community or outline.

Keep a journal. Studies show writing about your emotions can help

reduce stress.

A Medicare/Medicaid Specialist with

the Area Agency on Aging’s

Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)

will be available at the

Government Center to offer assistance with

Prescription Drug Programs

and to answer any

Medicare/Medicaid questions you may have.

Call LCSS at 256-8121

Appointments are required.

KIT

TE

N H

UM

OR

3

4

Fire and Rescue

Non Emergency

Numbers:

Sheriff’s Office

256-8800

Cedar Fire and Rescue

228-5396

Elmwood Twp Fire

& Rescue

941-1647

Glen Lake Fire Dept. Station 1: Glen Arbor

334-3279

Station 2: Empire

326-5250

Grand Traverse Band

Fire/Rescue

534-7666

Leelanau Township Fire

386-5343

Leland Fire and Rescue

256-7760

Suttons Bay-Bingham

Fire/Rescue

271-6978

Munson

Bereavement

Support Group

Meets the second and

fourth Monday of each

month in the

Leelanau County

Government Center

at 11:00 a.m.

All are welcome to

attend, there is no

need to register.

MSU Extension in Leelanau County

is Welcoming New 4-H Volunteers

You are needed! Share your experience and knowledge with young

people to help youth gain skills through a 4-H special interest (SPIN) club.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Leelanau

County 4-H Volunteer, please contact the 4-H Program Coordinator,

Rosali Collier, at (231) 256-9888 or collierr@msu.edu

MSU Extension will host a pruning workshop on

Friday, April 28, 2017 from 8:30am - 12:30pm

at the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Center in Bingham

Township

For more information or to register, contact

Annette Kleinschmit at MSU Extension -

Leelanau at 231-256-9888 or kleinsc7@msu.edu.

5

Mid-Michigan Honor Flight

The Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, a non-profit organization,

is a regional hub of the Honor Flight Network.

This group will be transporting veterans this fall on a day

trip from Traverse City to Washington, D.C., to view the

National World War II Memorial, Arlington Cemetery

and several other memorials.

Each veteran must have a chaperone to accompany

them on the flight. If you are a Veteran of WWII, Korean Conflict, or

know of a veteran who would like to participate in

this year’s annual flight, please contact:

County Administrator Chet Janik

(231) 256-9711

cjanik@co.leelanau.mi.us

Dean Robb of Suttons Bay Township Left with Chet Janik

Don Schwendemann of Suttons Bay Township Right with Commissioner Will Bunek

6

Millage Update

2018 Senior Services Millage

Leelanau County Senior Services’ millage will expire at the end of 2018. Senior Services is currently

funded with 92% of our budget funded through millage dollars and the remaining 8% funded through

voucher sales, expo booth rental, and private donations. The current millage received an 86% approval

rating in 2014 for a millage rate of up to .275 for four years. Seniors, sixty years of age or older make

up 40% of Leelanau County’s population. Since 2014 the senior population has increased by 1% each

year. Leelanau County has one of the largest percentages of seniors within the state of Michigan and

you would be hard pressed to find a larger percentage across the nation. As a result of the growing

population, Senior Services has seen an increase in the number of seniors requesting services. The

Board of Commissioners will be holding a special meeting on Tuesday, March 20, at 3:30 p.m., in

the Commissioners Meeting room, at the Governmental Center to discuss the senior services millage.

As a senior, we invite you to attend this meeting as the commissioners will be discussing the rate and

length of a millage to be placed on the ballot this year.

7

I had the pleasure of sitting with Julia Brabenec at the Old Art Building in Leland

prior to her performance in the, “Best Yet Variety Show”. My interview of her was

similar to her performance. She entered Stageright and her beautiful clothes

flowed as she gliding to the center, taking a seat atop a stool. Her words were

melodic and had a timbre that pulled you into her heart.

Julia (Folting) Brabenec was born at home on a farm in Richmond, Michigan; St.

Claire County. She is number six of eight children. Her parents built the home

she was born and raised in until she was fifteen, when they moved to the

Detroit area. Her mother ran the farm with the help of a hired man and her

eight children. Her father was a tool and die maker and a weekend farmer.

What is your love story?: Julia was working at The Detroit News in the

advertising department when she met John Brabenec. She worked in national

advertising and he worked in local advertising. He was a city boy who loved the

idea of living in the country. She came from a farming family. Their love grew, were married and to-

gether their love created beautiful gardens, and built a home for their growing family; two daughters and

a son. Their family moved to Boulder, Colorado, back to Michigan, and then moved to Northport in

1975. John and Julia had honeymooned in Northport and were able to move to an area they loved that

held special memories.

Favorite Work: As her children became older Julia attended Macomb Community College to study

art. She was immersed into a community of artists. Julia’s art medium was painting.

What are you known for?: Julia chuckled and said, “Getting into trouble.” She is known for her

involvement in the arts; singing and acting, being rebellious, and as an aging hippie. She and John are

known for becoming certified in organic practices, and becoming the first to sell organic table fruit in

Michigan.

Greatest Accomplishment: Raising three children. Developing organic orchard. Good steward of

the earth.

Favorite Food: Chicken Paprikash and fresh veggies

Favorite Word: Serendipity

Wisdom: “Be grateful for all we have, which is so much- Life, Family, Mother Earth.”

Most memorable experience: “My life is full of good memories. John and I worked on a play, Foxfire

together. We worked together and played together.”

Regrets: A lot of them

What’s on your bucket list?: “Nothing serious. I wish I could have been a cabaret singer.”

I reminded her that we were sitting together prior to her performing at the variety show. She realized

she was doing it.”

Julia gave a heartwarming performance. Her voice was pure. Her vibrato effortless. It was an honor to

be present as she was able to check an item off her bucket list. When she glided across the stage she

transformed into the cabaret performer she had always longed to be. Julia was accompanied by

accomplished musicians but they drifted away as she owned the stage.

Meet Your Neighbor

8

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1Easter Sunday 2 3 4 MMAP

Counselor

5 6 7

8 9 Bereavement

Group 11am

10 11

12 13 14

15 16

17 18 MMAP

Counselor

19 Parkinson's

Support Group

2pm

20

21

22 23 Bereavement

Group 11am

24

Drop in Euchre

25

26

27 28

29 30

March 2018

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 MMAP

Counselor

8

9

10

11Daylight

Savings Time

begins

12 Bereavement

Group 11am

13 14

15 Parkinson's

Support Group

2pm

16

17

18 19 20 First Day

of Spring

21 MMAP

Counselor

22

23

24

25 26 Bereavement

Group 11am

27

Drop in Euchre

28 29 30

Office Closed

12:00

31

April 2018 Food Commodity or Surplus every 3rd

Tuesday of every month

For more information on surplus &

commodities: 1 (800) 632-7334

9

Reminder: Some foods do not mix

well with medication.

Please remember to check

with your doctor or

pharmacist on what foods

to avoid while taking

certain medications.

Microwave Chocolate Mug Brownie The other day my husband was asking me if there was something sweet for

dessert. I had chunked melon. He said he was hoping for something

chocolatey. I didn’t want to make a whole batch or brownies for one serving,

so I found this recipe online. Very easy and it’s perfect for one person.

Enjoy ~ Armanda

LOVE

By Julia Brabenec

It truly makes the world go round.

Has ever scientist, philosopher or sage, found any nicer thought or sentiment that will engage, entice, or fill so

many pages of books throughout the ages?

Love.

This word resounds in chapel bells on

wedding days, moves mountains, fills

nurseries with new life, and stays with us through every breath we take until our final days, then gathers in the

hearts of those who lay us in our peaceful graves.

Love.

How could we doubt its power or its influence, or live our lives devoid of all the beauty, joy and

peace that are it’s consequence? Throughout all Time... poets, prophets, sages sing its song, the song that

even Angels surely find Devine.

So ends my little Hymn to old St. Valentine.

Ingredients:

2 Tbs. melted butter or 2 Tbs. oil

2 Tbs. water or 2 Tbs. milk or 2 Tbs. chocolate milk

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

1 dash salt

2 Tbs. white sugar, depending on how sweet you like it

2 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder

4 Tbs. flour

Directions:

In a coffee mug, add water/milk, melted butter/oil, a dash of salt and vanilla extract. Whick well.

Add cocoa powder whisk well. Add sugar, whisk well. Add flour, whisk well.

Microwave for 60 seconds. Center should be slightly molten. Careful not to overcook.

Enjoy with a spoon. Careful, brownie will be hot. http://www.geniuskitchen.com

10

Scam Corner with Allison

Allison serves as a Basic Member of the

Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff’s Office

Posse Reserve in a volunteer capacity.

Around this time of year, we like to remind our Leelanau County residents to be aware of possible home improvement scams. With

the dawn of lovely spring weather on the horizon (we hope!), fraud perpetrators come out of hibernation to target unsuspecting

victims who may or may not actually be seeking home improvement work.

Some red flags to watch out for!

According to Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist with the Federal Trade Commission, there are several red flags to

watch out for which might be an indication that the contractor is not reputable. In the article entitled, “Home improvement scams are

no laughing matter”, Ms. Tressler asks the reader to consider the following. Don’t do business with someone who

pressures you for an immediate decision

only accepts cash, asks you to pay everything up-front, or tells you to borrow money from a lender the contractor knows

is not licensed. Many states, but not all, require contractors to be licensed and/or bonded. Check with your local building

department or consumer protection agency to find out about licensing requirements in your area.

“just happens” to have materials left over from a previous job.

What can you do?

If you are looking to have one or more home improvement projects completed, there are some steps you can take on your end to

start the process. According to www.foxbusiness.com, initiate the search, research the vendor, beware of contractor financing and

insist on contract terms. “Do not let an unsolicited contractor enter your home. They could be casing your home looking for items to

steal or ways to defeat your security system”. In addition, be cautious about two contractors who come to your home, especially if one

is inside your house and the other individual is outside; if you step outside to speak to one contractor, the other person may be

stealing from you inside or casing your home with the idea of returning at a later date and time to burglarize your residence.

By doing a little “homework” on your end, you can research the vendor, and as the Fox Business article states, “Verify that they are

licensed and bonded for damage/theft protection, and that they have suitable liability/worker’s compensation insurance”. As part of the

vetting process, HomeAdvisor recommends asking the contractor the following questions:

How long has the firm been in business?

What is their permanent business address?

Is the prospect licensed to work in your area?

In case of any accident, is the company insured against workman’s compensation claims, property damage or personal liability?

How does the company maintain good customer relationships throughout the construction and warranty period? (applicable in

longer projects)

What will the payment or draw schedule look like (applicable in longer projects)

Who will be assigned as the project or site supervisor?

Will they be providing a written construction schedule?

What’s the company’s routine regarding regular meeting with the homeowners during construction?

Can I expect to see workers at the site every day?

Does the builder plan to stay personally involved in the project at all points?

May I have the names and numbers of five homeowners you’ve completed projects for?

May I visit a site where work is in progress?

It is common for contractors to want a deposit, but “avoid anyone asking for full payment, or the majority of payment, up front. Once

they have your money, a scam artist will be long gone before you realize you have been scammed” advises the author of the Fox

Business article. Additional suggestions include asking for a payment schedule where you pay in thirds and also “asking for a lien waiver

before the final payment; this verifies that any subcontractors and suppliers have been paid and have no reason to go after you”.

Finally, be sure to get it in writing! A contract is intended to protect both parties but be sure that everything is outlined from the

beginning. According to the Fox Business article, “Verify that both parties are in agreement before the work begins”.

Report any suspicious activity

Please remember that you can always contact the Leelanau County Senior Services office at (231) 256-8121 to report any suspicious

activity. If you have been a victim of a home improvement scam, let us know; we would be pleased to share any details that you wish to

provide on our Facebook page so that others will be aware of scams that may be circulating in the Leelanau County area.

References: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/preventing-home-improvement-fraud/ http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2015/07/20/be-on-lookout-for-home-improvement-scams.html

Tressler, C. (2015) Retrieved from: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2015/06/home- improvement-scams-are-no-laughing-matter

11

Community Events

DROP IN EUCHRE

Leelanau County

Senior Services

Tuesday, March 27, 2017

&

Tuesday, April 24, 2017

1:00 p.m. sharp!

$2.00 (for prize money)

pay at the door

Community Meeting Room

Lower level of the

Government Center

In Suttons Bay

COMMUNITY

MEALS

Dining Senior Style

Come have lunch with fellow

neighbors and friends.

Luncheon meal sites are

sponsored by the Northwest

Michigan Community Action

Agency and are held weekly

in Empire, Suttons Bay, and

Northport and once a month

in Elmwood Township.

Please call our office at

256-8121 for dates and

contact person information.

Suttons Bay

Community Potluck

The Suttons Bay Friendship

Community Center hosts a

once-a-month potluck

dinner. A main dish will be

provided, bring your own

table service and a dish to

pass. This free event takes

place every second

Tuesday of the month

between

6:00 p.m. and 8:00 pm

at the center. Call 271-4630 for more

information

Parkinson’s. . . Finding Hope

By Paula E. Gibeson, RN-BC

Hearing a diagnosis of Parkinson’s can be a shattering experience.

But it is not the worst thing that could happen. More about that later.

One of the wisest choices to pursue if there is any question whether a

person may or may not have Parkinson’s Disease is to seek an appointment with

a movement disorder specialist. This is a neurologist who has specifically studied

Parkinson’s and all its unique challenges. Since there is no blood test or other

study at this time to confirm the diagnosis, meeting with a specialist needs to be

a priority.

Another beneficial decision is to participate in a support group with

others who face similar daily challenges. When someone first hears the word

Parkinson’s, a feeling of being “alone in the world” can be consuming. But no

one is alone. Support groups provide not only support, but a person can feel

reassured by hearing others share their ideas how they were able to make life

easier. Receiving information about the successes of research currently

happening around the world can also offer guidance and hope.

Further advice includes . . . keep moving. Sitting only makes matters

worse. Walk around the house when the weather does not provide a safe place

outside. Stand up every time a commercial interrupts a television show. Enjoy

chair dancing with friends. Moving may be one of the many challenges of living

with Parkinson’s, but it is one of the best treatments. Exercise helps muscles,

bones, and even a person’s mood.

There are so many aspects of treatment for Parkinson’s that being a

part of a support group and attending the annual Parkinson’s Forum every June

addresses numerous issues and how to conquer obstacles. There are thousands

of research studies currently learning more about the causes, treatments, and

potential cures for Parkinson’s. Support groups help to identify how you can

become involved.

I mentioned previously about the worse things that could happen:

Consider these:

Not having a diagnosis confirmed. Worrying constantly about “what is this

that makes my hand shake, or slows me down, or have falls I cannot

explain?” What if you think you might have Parkinson’s and it turns out

that the symptoms you are experiencing are due to an over the counter

medication you self-prescribed?

To not see a movement disorder specialist is worse than having symptoms

and choosing to worry.

Choosing to be alone is painful and unnecessary. The local population facing

Parkinson’s is more people than you may realize. Accepting the basic

human fact that we need each other causes people to miss out

emotionally and physically. I encourage you to attend support group

meetings.

The worst thing that can happen would be to lose hope. Research has

already proven ways for people with Parkinson’s to live productive lives.

Know this. . . finding a cure is a realistic hope.

In summary, if you find yourself or a loved one with any of the following

symptoms: hand or leg that shakes when resting, slowness, shuffling while

walking, a bent forward posture, drooling, falls, or constipation. ask you primary

health care provider for a referral to a movement disorder specialist. Seek help

from the local support group. Get up and move around. And always remember:

There is hope!

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

12

LEELANAU COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES

8527 E. Government Center Drive, Suite 106

Suttons Bay, MI 49682

THE LEELANAU CONNECTION

Striving to celebrate and support seniors within our community

Leelanau County Senior Services

www.leelanau.cc/seniorservices.asp

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID TRAVERSE CITY, MI

PERMIT #568