B ENZIE C OUNTY C OUNCIL
PAGE 1
ON
A GING • H ONOR , M ICHIGAN
The Senior Scoop
Supporting Seniors Today,
Tomorrow & the
Future
Benzie County
Council on Aging, Inc.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Directory/Subscription Form
2
From the Executive Director
3
Health and Recipe
4
Menu
5
Dawn’s Dish
6
Calendar of Events
7
The History of Memorial Day
8
Birthdays & Fun
9
Social Security FAQ
10
Medicare News
11
Don’t Forget
12
Donations
13
Happy Mother’s Day
14
May 2015
DID YOU KNOW THAT IN MAY 1965?....
On the 2nd - Pulitzer prize awarded Tennessee Williams for (Cat on
Hot Tin Roof)
On the 5th - "Damn Yankees" opens at 46th St Theater NYC for
1022 performances
On the 13th - Mickey Mantle hits 3 consecutive HRs of at least 463'
On the 16th - Rocky Marciano TKOs Don Cockell in 9 rounds for
heavyweight boxing title .
On the 22nd - Oldest man to drive in the Grand Prix (aged 55) finishes 6th
On the 31st - US Supreme Court orders school integration "with all
deliberate speed"
B ENZIE C OUNTY C OUNCIL
PAGE 2
ON
A GING • H ONOR , M ICHIGAN
DIRECTORY
COUNCIL ON AGING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Phone: 231-525-0600 or
Toll Free: 888-893-1102
Fax: 231-325-4855
Email:
[email protected]
Website: www.benziecoa.org
Beverly Holbrook, Chairman
Ronald Dykstra, Vice Chairman
Denise Favreau, Secretary
Jane Elzerman, Treasurer
OFFICE HOURS
Monday − Friday:
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
THE SENIOR SCOOP IS A
MONTHLY PUBLICATION
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Benzie County
Council on Aging, Inc.
10542 Main Street
Honor, MI 49640
Douglas Durand,
Executive Director
Dawn Schopieray, Editor
Niel Haugen
Bob McQuilkin
Donna Malecki
Rosemary Russell
Benzie County Council on Aging is funded by Benzie County residents
through a property tax millage, federal and state funds through the
Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, Area Agency on Aging of
Northwest Michigan and private donations and grants.
The Council on Aging will not discriminate against any individual or
group because of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status,
disability, or political beliefs.
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide programs for Senior Citizens of Benzie County that promote and
encourage opportunities for socialization, education, health, safety,
welfare and independent living with dignity.
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION FORM
NAME ______________________________________________ DOB: _____/_____/_____
ADDRESS__________________________________________________________________
CITY/ST/ZIP _________________________________________
DATE ______________
EMAIL ____________________________________________________________________
If you would like a copy of this newsletter mailed to your home OR emailed to you each month,
please mail this form to the COA office, 10542 Main St, Honor, MI 49640. For annual mailing the
subscription fee is $10.00 which helps to cover printing and mailing costs. Subscription expiration
dates are listed on the bottom of the mailing label.
T HE S ENIOR S COOP •
MAY
2015
PAGE 3
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Greengs,
/ŚŽƉĞĞǀĞƌǇŽŶĞŚĂƐďĞĞŶĞŶũŽǇŝŶŐƚŚĞŶŝĐĞƐƉƌŝŶŐǁĞĂƚŚĞƌǁĞŚĂǀĞďĞĞŶďůĞƐƐĞĚǁŝƚŚŽǀĞƌƚŚĞƉĂƐƚǁĞĞŬ͊ǀĞŶ
though as I write this arcle, they are predicng some snow showers in the air for a few days, but rest assured
ǁĂƌŵǁĞĂƚŚĞƌƐŚĂůůƌĞƚƵƌŶĂŐĂŝŶ͘
As you may know, April was volunteer appreciaon month. We can only imagine what BCCOA would be like if for
ŽŶĞĚĂǇŽƵƌǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌƐĚŝĚŶŽƚƐŚŽǁƵƉ͘zŽƵǁŽƵůĚŶŽƚƐĞĞƚŚĞƐŵŝůŝŶŐĨĂĐĞĂƚƚŚĞĨƌŽŶƚĚĞƐŬĂƚdŚĞ'ĂƚŚĞƌŝŶŐ
WůĂĐĞ͖ǁĞǁŽƵůĚŶ͛ƚďĞĂďůĞƚŽĚĞůŝǀĞƌƚŚĞŵĞĂůƐƚŚĂƚƐŽŵĂŶǇĨŽůŬƐĚĞƉĞŶĚŽŶ͖ǁĞǁŽƵůĚŶ͛ƚŚĂǀĞĂƐŵĂŶǇŽĨŽƵƌ
great acvies; and we wouldn’t be able to assist with your Medicare/Medicaid concerns and problems. As you
can see our volunteers help deliver crical services at BCCOA!
tĞĂƌĞďůĞƐƐĞĚƚŽŚĂǀĞƚŚĞ^dǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌƐĂƚƚŚĞĞŶǌŝĞŽƵŶƚǇŽƵŶĐŝůŽŶŐŝŶŐĂŶĚǁĞǁŽƵůĚůŝŬĞƚŽd,E<
everyone who gives of themselves to keep our agency running smoothly. We will be hosng our Annual Volunteer Appreciaon Dinner this month and we look forward to honoring them all. Now, I’d like to take this me to talk about a great opportunity for folks to a+end the annual “Older Michiganians
Day” events taking place on Tuesday, June 2nd. I would like to invite interested people to a+end this event and
will be providing free transportaon using our vehicles. ƵƌŝŶŐƚŚĞĞǀĞŶƚ͕ǇŽƵǁŝůůŐĞƚƚŽŚĞĂƌĨƌŽŵ'ŽǀĞƌŶŽƌ^ŶǇĚĞƌĂŶĚǁĞŚĂǀĞƐĞĐƵƌĞĚĂĐŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞƌŽŽŵƚŽŵĞĞƚ
with Representaves Ray Franz, Phil Potvin, Bruce Rendon, Larry Inman, Tristin Cole and Lee Chatfield. dŚĞǇ
will be informing us of issues facing older adults and this will be a great me to ask quesons of them regarding
ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐĨŽƌŽůĚĞƌĂĚƵůƚƐ͘
tĞĂƌĞŚŽƉŝŶŐƚŽŚĂǀĞ^ĞŶĂƚŽƌĂƌǁŝŶŽŽŚĞƌŵĞĞƚǁŝƚŚƵƐŝŶŚŝƐŽĸĐĞĂŶĚĂƐĂďŽŶƵƐŚĞŚĂƐĂŐƌĞĂƚǀŝĞǁŽĨ
ŽǁŶƚŽǁŶ>ĂŶƐŝŶŐ͊
ĨƌĞĞďŽǆůƵŶĐŚǁŝůůďĞƉƌŽǀŝĚĞĚĂŶĚŽƚŚĞƌĞǀĞŶƚƐǁŝůůďĞƚĂŬŝŶŐƉůĂĐĞŽŶƚŚĞĂƉŝƚŽůůĂǁŶĚƵƌŝŶŐƚŚŝƐŵŝĚĚĂǇ
ĞǀĞŶƚ͘
/ƚǁŽƵůĚďĞŶŝĐĞƚŽƐĞĞĂůĂƌŐĞŐƌŽƵƉĨƌŽŵĞŶǌŝĞŽƵŶƚǇƚŽďĞƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĞĚĂƚƚŚŝƐĞǀĞŶƚ͕ƐŽĐome join other
COA’s and other Michigan Seniors from all over our Great State!
I also want to wish all of the Moms a Happy Mother’s Day!
ƐĂůǁĂǇƐ͕/ǁĞůĐŽŵĞǇŽƵƌƚŚŽƵŐŚƚƐ͘
Take care,
Douglas
B ENZIE C OUNTY C OUNCIL
PAGE 4
ON
A GING • H ONOR , M ICHIGAN
HEALTH AND RECIPE
Food can't cure rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it can make the disease less painful. The key is eating cuisine that
cuts inflammation, is high in essential vitamins and protects your cartilage. You can find these nutrients in fatty
fish like salmon, selenium-rich nuts, fruits full of anthocyanins, green tea and more.
Leek, Asparagus & Herb Soup
Like a bouquet of fresh vegetables, this light but soothing soup is just the thing on a cool spring evening. It is important to cut the green vegetables
Preparation
into small pieces so they cook quick1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over mediumly, while retaining their bright color.
low heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring often,
until softened but not browned, about 5
Serves: 6
minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1
Preparation time: 25 minutes
minute.
Cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium leeks, trimmed, washed and
finely chopped (1-1/2 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound new potatoes, scrubbed and diced (about 1O cups)
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth , or vegetable broth
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1
1/2-2 cups)
2/3 cup snow peas, or sugar snap peas, stemmed and cut into 1/2inch dice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons chopped fresh chervil or flat-leaf parsley, plus sprigs
for garnish
2 cups 1% milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt, for garnish
Nutrition Facts
Per serving:
132 calories
4 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono)
7 mg cholesterol
17 g carbohydrates
7 g protein
2 g fiber
196 mg sodium
302 mg potassium
Nutrition Bonus: 21 mg vitamin C (33% Daily Value)
2. Add potatoes and broth; bring to a simmer
over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce
heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, 10-15
minutes.
3. Increase heat to medium-high and stir in
asparagus and peas; simmer, covered, stirring
2 or 3 times, until just tender, 3-4 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon chives,
parsley, dill and chopped chervil (or parsley).
Transfer the soup to a blender and blend until
smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.)
4. Return the soup to the pan. Add milk and
bring to just below a simmer, stirring, over
medium heat. Stir in lemon juice, salt and pepper. Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkling of the
remaining chopped chives and a sprig of chervil (or parsley).
B ENZIE C OUNTY C OUNCIL
PAGE 5
ON
Menu
A GING • H ONOR , M ICHIGAN
NOVEMBER MENU
Lunch Served Daily from 11:30 to 1:00
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
Jambalaya
Black Eyed Peas
Turnip Greens
Bread
Fruit Cocktail
4
5
BBQ Chicken
Sandwich on a Bun
Tots
Mixed Veggies
Orange
11
12
Turkey Stew
Brussel Sprouts
Peas
Crackers
Orange
18
Chicken Patties
Lettuce & Tomato
Malibu Blend
Bun
Baked Apples
25
6
Chicken Fajitas
Peppers & Onions
Refried Beans
Tortillas
Baked Peaches
Closed
Sweet & Sour
Meatballs
Caribbean Blend
Sweet Potato
Hawaiian Roll
Pineapple
7
Chili
Wax Beans
Peas
Crackers
Apple
13
8
Beef Fritters
Mashed Potatoes
California Blend
Bread
Pear
14
Goulash
Peas
Carrots
Bread
Banana
Manicotti
Pesto Cauliflower
Corn
Bread Sticks
Strawberry
Shortcake
15
BBQ Chicken
Cottage Fries
California Blend
Bread
Nectar
19
Swedish Meatballs
Mashed Potato
Green Beans
Bread
Banana
20
Chicken Stir Fry
Far East Blend
Stir Fry Veggies
Won Tons
Rice
Mandarins
21
26
Spaghetti & Meat
Sauce
Pesto Cauliflower
Italian Beans
Garlic Toast
Banana
27
Smoked Sausage
Kraut
Cauliflower
Bread
Watermelon
28
Orange Chicken
Malibu Blend
Peas
Bread
Rice
Tropical Fruit
Rosemary Pork
Mashed Potato
Broccoli
Bread
Apple
22
Mac n’ Cheese
Broccoli
Carrots
Bread
Pear
Clam Linguini
Squash &Zucchini
Italian Beans
Garlic Toast
Tropical Fruit
29
Fish Sandwich
Normandy Blend
Corn
Bun
Orange
T HE S ENIOR S COOP •
MAY
Dawn’s Dish
2015
Want to take part in a worthwhile cause for Michigan Seniors?
Benzie County Council on Aging is heading to Lansing on June
2nd to celebrate Older Michiganian’s Day. Come join other
COA’s and Seniors from all over our great state! Hear from keynote speakers; Meet with state legislators; Attend the presentation
of both Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Michigan Community Service
Award and Senior Citizen of the Year Award. We are scheduled to
meet personally with Representatives Ray Franz, Phil Potvin,
Bruce Rendan, Larry Inman, Tristin Cole and Lee Chatfield. Governor Snyder is also scheduled to speak. There is no cost for this
trip and a lunch is provided! Just bring a little cash for snacks or
souvenirs. Call 231-525-0601. We are scheduled to leave at 6:45
a.m. and plan on returning at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Our Monday Knitting group (meets at noon) has expanded to include crocheting. All skill levels are welcome. If you have never
picked up a pair of knitting needles or crochet hook—no problem!
This crew is always happy to teach a newcomer.
PAGE
6
Thursday, May 7 —9:00 a.m. Hearing
Clinic,
sponsored by Miracle Ear. Free hearing tests,
check and service hearing aids. Call 800-4595992 for appointment.
Thursday, May 21, Fireside Breakfast—9:00
a.m. Free Breakfast Time! Join us for breakfast while learning from a local professional.
This month we’re happy to welcome Dave, a
Pharmacist with Hometown Pharmacy. Come
ready with your questions! Registration is required. Call 231-525-0601 today.
Thursdays, May 14 & 28 —9:00 a.m. Little
River Casino Trip. Trip fee $10. Receive $20
River Credits & $5 food voucher. Return by
3pm. Call now to reserve your spot on the
bus! 231-525-0601 or toll free at 877-2771306.
Friday, May 1—Thompsonville lunch and
Bingo beginning at 10:30 a.m. Please call 231
-525-0601 to sign up.
Zumba is back with an additional class! We have Zumba every
Monday at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday at 8:30
Friday, May 8—Please join us as we celebrate
a.m. Each class is $3 and if you only come for the last half hour
Mother’s Day during lunch. We’re excited to
it’s free!
welcome our friends from Honor Historical
Society. They’ll be here during lunch to model
Monday, May 11—1:00 p.m. Calling all gardeners! Interested in
forming a Garden Club? Please join me for a discussion about op- period dresses. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. All
tions for this club. We’re working on some great partnerships with ages are welcome!
Grow Benzie and our options are endless!
Friday, May 15, Music House Museum
Monday May 18—1:00 p.m. The Gathering Place Advisory Coun- Trip—Leave The Gathering Place at 10:00
cil meeting. Please consider taking an hour from your day and join a.m., return approximately 3:30 p.m. The Museum’s unique collection of instruments prous in planning future activities for our senior center.
vides guests with a walk through the history,
Tuesdays, May 12, 19, 26—1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Matter of Bal- artistry and engineering of automated music.
The collection spans from the late 18th centuance Class. This class emphasizes practical strategies to reduce
ry to 1950, going from simple music boxes to
fear of falling and increase activity levels. View falls and fear of
early recorded sound and radio. Hurry! Sign
falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity,
change your environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to up today as space is limited! Call 231-525increase strength and balance. Your trained coaches just happen to 0601. Trip cost is $15 which includes your
be a couple of “Dawns” that you see often. Office Dawn and yours admission to the museum. Stopping at Don’s
Drive-In in Traverse City for lunch aftertruly! This class is being held at the Grow Benzie building where
we’ll have plenty of room to stretch out. We are taking a van from wards. You are responsible for the cost of
food and souvenirs.
The Gathering Place to Grown Benzie and back or meet us there.
This class will meet every Tuesday for eight weeks. Class size is
Friday, May 29– Ol’ Time Gathering! Enjoy
limited so please call 231-525-0601 to sign up today! A one-time
food, music and fun. Music starts at 6:00 p.m.
suggested donation of $15 is appreciated.
with a potluck dinner at 7 p.m. donations acWednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27 —2:45 p.m. Line Dancing is back! cepted. All ages invited!
Let the stompin’ begin. $3 per class. Also Tai Chi start time has
We are closed on Monday, May 25 for Memoved to 3:15 p.m. but it’s still every Wednesday at The Gathermorial Day
ing Place.
T HE S ENIOR S COOP •
Monday
MAY
2015
PAGE 7
Calendar of Events
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
9:30 BUNCO
10:30 Thompsonville
Lunch & Bingo
11:30 Lunch
1:00 Wii Bowling
4
10:00 Yoga
11:30 The Maples
Blood Pressure Clinic
11:30 Lunch
12:00 CARDS
12:00 Knitting
2:30 Zumba
5
10:30 Music by The
Melody Makers
11:30 Lunch—Cinco
De Mayo Party
3:30 Chair Yoga
6:00 Zumba
6
8:30 Zumba
10:00 Floor Exercise
11:30 Lunch
12:30 BINGO
2:45 Line Dancing
3:15 Tai chi
7
9:00 Hearing Clinic
10:00 Bible Study
11:30 Lunch
1:00 BUNCO
8
9:30 BUNCO
11:30 Lunch—Mother’s
Day Celebration
1:00 Wii Bowling
11
10:00 Yoga
11:30 Lunch
12:00 CARDS
12:00 Knitting
1:00 Garden Club
2:30 Zumba
12
10:30 Music by The
Melody Makers
11:30 Lunch
1:00 Matter of Balance class at Grow
Benzie
3:30 Chair Yoga
6:00 Zumba
13
8:30 Zumba
10:00 Floor Exercise
11:30 Lunch
12:30 BINGO
2:45 Line Dancing
3:15 Tai chi
5:00 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
14
9:00 Little River
Casino
10:00 Bible Study
11:30 Lunch
1:00 BUNCO
15
9:30 BUNCO
10:00 Music House
Trip
11:30 Lunch —Benzie
EMS Blood Pressure
Clinic
1:00 Wii Bowling
18
10:00 Yoga
11:30 Lunch
12:00 CARDS
12:00 Knitting
1:00 Advisory Council
2:30 Zumba
19
10:30 Music by The
Melody Makers
11:30 Lunch
1:00 Matter of Balance class at Grow
Benzie
NO CHAIR YOGA
6:00 Zumba
20
8:30 Zumba
10:00 Floor Exercise
11:30 Lunch
12:30 BINGO
2:45 Line Dancing
3:15 Tai chi
4:30 Board of Directors Meeting
21
9:00 Fireside Breakfast
10:00 Bible Study
11:30 Lunch
1:00 BUNCO
22
9:30 BUNCO
11:30 Lunch—May
Birthday Party
1:00 Wii Bowling
25
26
10:30 Music by The
Melody Makers
11:30 Lunch
1:00 Matter of Balance class at Grow
Benzie
NO CHAIR YOGA
6:00 Zumba
28
9:00 Little River
Casino
10:00 Bible Study
11:30 Lunch
1:00 BUNCO
29
9:30 BUNCO
11:30 Lunch
1:00 Wii Bowling
6:00 Ol’ Time Gathering
27
8:30 Zumba
10:00 Floor Exercise
11:30 Lunch
12:30 BINGO
2:45 Line Dancing
3:15 Tai chi
www.HTtabernacle.com
Join us Sunday at 10:30am
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10691 East Carter Rd., Ste. 103
Traverse City, MI 49684
For Advertising Information, call
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3-D-5-5 For Ad Information Call LPi Direct at 1-800-477-4574
Benzie Home Health Care’s certified staff works to meet the unique
needs of our clients. Our primary focus is to provide high quality,
personalized care that offers a sense of security and independence.
Services Include:
• Registered nurse assessments, care plans, and help with medication management
• Home health aide assistance with personal care, meal preparation,
light housekeeping, exercise, errands, and companionship
• Respite providing much-needed time off with peace of mind for family caregivers
• Telephone reassurance calls each weekday morning for seniors who live alone
• Free, gently used medical equipment loans
Benzie Home Health Care
Because There’s No Place Like Home
Please contact us directly for your initial consultation and assessment
www.4LPi.com
(231) 715-3234
©2015 Liturgical Publications Inc
15-0688/a
FREE HEARING SCREENING
231-882-5640
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Come & See us!
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3-D-5-5 For Ad Information Call LPi Direct at 1-800-477-4574
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Senior Dining Out Program
©2015 Liturgical Publications Inc
15-0688/b
B ENZIE C OUNTY C OUNCIL
PAGE 8
ON
A GING • H ONOR , M ICHIGAN
THE HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY
The History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead
by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and
soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village,
and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in
their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after
which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the
cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place
in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial
Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.
In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the
official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—
because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed
and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World
War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared
Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)
Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American
flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring
the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend
the ceremony annually.
Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually
called Confederate Memorial Day:
•
Mississippi: Last Monday in April
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Alabama: Fourth Monday in April
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Georgia: April 26
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North Carolina: May 10
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South Carolina: May 10
•
Louisiana: June 3
•
Tennessee (Confederate Decoration Day): June 3
•
Texas (Confederate Heroes Day): January 19
•
Virginia: Last Monday in May
T HE S ENIOR S COOP •
MAY
2015
PAGE 9
HEADLINE
MAY BIRTHDAYS
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Joan Wolfe
Jill Claybourgh
Beverly Holbrook
Eugene Heniser
Sivert Crawford
Lynn Kuehneman
Sophie Bryan
Mike Sheronick
Frank McKeon
Hope Clifton
Bernard Mick
Katie Conley
Jane Elzerman
Bonnie Fast
Rosemary Russell
Carolyn Kuerth
Ray Tate
Steve Tebo
Harry Friend
Naureen Ruoff
Naomi Crawford
Sharon McKeon
Annabelle Billings
Catherine Bright
Ann Marie Parson-McNamara
Edward Laffleur
John Lautner
Jack Howell
Kathleen Leach
Pauline Kraus
Patty Adams
Richard Hitchingham
Joanne Kittendorf
B ENZIE C OUNTY C OUNCIL
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ON
A GING • H ONOR , M ICHIGAN
SOCIAL SECURITY FAQ
Question:
Although I stopped working a few years ago, I had additional seasonal earnings after my retirement. Will my
monthly Social Security retirement benefit increase?
Answer:
Possibly. And, you can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. Each year,
we review the records for all working Social Security recipients to see if additional earnings may increase their
monthly benefit amounts. If an increase is due, we calculate a new benefit amount and pay the increase retroactive to January following the year of earnings. You can learn more about how work affects your benefits by reading our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
Question:
I served in the military, and I’ll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect my Social Security benefits?
Answer:
You can get both Social Security retirement benefits and military retirement at the same time. Generally, we
don’t reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits. When you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. This is the fastest and easiest way to
apply. For your convenience, you can always save your progress during your application and complete it later.
And thank you for your military service!
Question:
I need proof that I receive Medicare benefits. Where can I get a letter proving that?
Answer:
If you need proof that you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Medicare, get an instant
benefit verification letter online by using your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t receive benefits,
your letter will serve as proof that you don’t receive benefits. If you recently applied for benefits, the letter will
make that clear as well. The information on your benefit verification letter will include information that applies to
your situation. You can set up your secure, personal my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/
myaccount.
T HE S ENIOR S COOP •
MAY
2015
PAGE 11
Medicare News
Getting help through the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program
Many Medicare beneficiaries have already had the opportunity to receive guidance from a counselor
representing the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program, otherwise known as MMAP. The program
provides free help to those who are currently receiving Medicare benefits or are anticipating the magic
age of 65, when they first become eligible.
MMAP is Michigan’s version of a service that is sponsored nationally by Medicare, and is part of the
Federal State Health Insurance Assistance Program, also known as SHIP. All states offer this service
and have counseling help in each county.
In Michigan, the 16 Area Agencies on Aging are the host for MMAP services. Each MMAP Region is
headed up by a Coordinator who manages the program. There are nearly 800 counselors serving
throughout Michigan. All trained and certified to provide this specialized type of assistance.
Counselors guide Medicare beneficiaries in a wide variety of areas associated with health care insurance. It is nice to have so many insurance options available, however, it can also be very confusing for
the person who needs to make a decision on what plan or combination of plans will be best for them.
Counselors will help by identifying each of the major type of insurance coverage areas, including the
benefits and cost.
MMAP representatives will routinely screen clients for eligibility in the various low income assistance
programs, including Medicaid benefits and Extra Help. If qualified, they will help with the application
process.
Counselors also provide assistance with health care billing issues, potential fraud and abuse concerns,
explain how Medicare pays for durable medical equipment, and even advise how to apply for Medicare.
MMAP representatives explain the programs and provide the options. The beneficiary is in the driver’s
seat and is empowered to make their own decisions.
The MMAP headquarters for Region 10 is located at the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan,
in Traverse City. Currently there are 58 counselors located throughout the 10 county region consisting
of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee and
Wexford. About half of the counselors are volunteers and half work for various employers who allow
them to provide MMAP services as part of their job function. Fourteen individuals recently completed
the rigorous 5 day initial training requirements and are now part a team that will be able to serve even
more beneficiaries.
Team members take pride in the fact that their help is both unbiased and free of charge. Their counseling services can be valuable to those who need guidance in any aspect of Medicare and Medicaid.
Nearly 6,000 people were served throughout Region 10 during the past year. Beneficiaries are satisfied and grateful for the help they get from our team.
We are always interested in talking to people who may have an interest in being a volunteer for MMAP.
It can be a very rewarding experience to guide those in need through the decision process.
If you need assistance or would like to explore the possibility of being part of MMAP, please call our toll
free number at 800-803-7174 and leave a message.
By: Jim Verville, Region 10 Coordinator
Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program
Area Agency on Aging, Traverse City, Michigan
PAGE 12
B ENZIE C OUNTY C OUNCIL
ON
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We have a class starting Tuesday May
12th from 1-3. Classes will take place at
Grow Benzie. Please call the Main Office at (231) 651-0805 to sign up or for
more information. Class space is limited.
Doris Maddox for
donating a BUNCH
of bingo cards.
LINE DANCING IS
BACK!
WEDNESDAYS AT
2:45 PM
CONTACT Us
TUESDAY, JUNE 2ND
OLDER MICHIGANIANS DAY
CALL 231-525-0601 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Douglas Durand—Executive Director
(231) 525-0600 ext. 102
Sabra Boyle—Fiscal Manager
(231) 525-0600 ext. 101
Dawn Bousamra—Senior Center Coordinator
(231) 525-0601 ext. 201
Jeff Stockman—HDM Route Coordinator
(231) 525-0601 ext. 202
David Main—Executive Chef
(231) 525-0601 ext. 203
T HE S ENIOR S COOP •
MAY
2015
PAGE 13
DONATIONS
When You Donate. . . You Make a Difference
The Benzie County Council on Aging is an independent 501c3 not-for-profit organization that depends upon donations to
sustain our programs. We need your support to continue to provide caring and professional services to the seniors of Benzie County and the need is greater than ever as the population over the age of 60 rises and our traditional funding sources
diminish. Your support, either large or small, helps us continue this important work!
When you make a donation to the Benzie County Council on Aging, you will be helping provide important services and programs to seniors in our county. Some of these services include Home Delivered Meals Program, Homemaking Services,
Senior Center Operations, Educational Programs, Chore Service, Snow Removal and more.
There are many other ways to contribute to the Benzie Council on Aging, now and in the future, that may fit your interests.
Tribute Donations:
Tribute gifts of any amount can also be made in memory of a loved one or in honor of an individual to commemorate a
birthday, anniversary, end-of-year holiday or special occasion. The Council will send a card acknowledging your gift to the
one you have honored, or to surviving family members of the one you have remembered.
Planned Giving:
As you prepare your legacy for your family and your community, please consider including the Benzie County Council on
Aging as part of your plans. Please remember us in your estate planning or simply have your attorney add an addendum
to your will. Your bequest to the Benzie County Council on Aging will benefit many seniors and help us to continue vitally
needed services for years to come.
Your tax-deductible donation can and will make a world of difference in the life of an area senior citizen or disabled individual.
You can be assured we will continue to be good stewards of your gifts. If you would like to designate your gift to a specific
program or in memory of or honor of an individual, please tell us and we will do our best to meet your wishes.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (231)525-0600 or toll free 888-893-1102.
DONOR INFORMATION:
Name:_______________________________________________________________________
Check here if you wish to remain ANONYMOUS
Mailing Address:_______________________________________________________________
City:______________________________ State:______________ Zip:_________________
Phone Number:_____________________ Amount Enclosed:__________________________
Make Checks Payable To: “Benzie County Council on Aging”
Benzie County Council on Aging is an independent 501c3 not for profit organization. Gifts to the Benzie County
Council on Aging are tax deductible under appropriate I.R.S. regulations. Consult your tax or legal advisor for
details.
PAGE 14
B ENZIE C OUNTY C OUNCIL
Benzie County Council on Aging, Inc.
10542 Main Street
Honor, MI 49640
ON
A GING • H ONOR , M ICHIGAN
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
Paid
Honor, MI
Permit No. #1