Leelanau County THE LEELANAU CONNECTION · 2020. 7. 23. · This past year LCSS’s newsletter...

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THE LEELANAU CONNECTION Striving to celebrate and support seniors within our community July / August 2020 Dear Friends, Summer is here. Normally there would be some exclamation points behind that statement. I have observed people being a little reserved in their excitement for summer this year, and have to admit I am one of those people. I am excited to see business open and life returning to a somewhat normal state, but am protective of my family and community and want to ensure everyone continues to be healthy and safe. Nancy, Armanda, and myself are looking at summer and taking on the challenge of how to enjoy our summer traditions in a new way. My family and I enjoy camping in the backyard, Armanda is kayaking at times when there are fewer people on the water, and Nancy is enjoying time with family at home. As you plan your summer adventures, please continue to take precautions and protect yourself by wearing a mask in public, maintain social distancing, and washing your hands. Like the water levels these past couple of years, our county’s senior population continues to rise with seniors sixty years of age and older. According to the U.S. Census, Leelanau County’s overall population these past eight years has held constant with very little change. However, the senior population has steadily increased and currently makes up 43% of the population. Leelanau County Senior Services has prided itself on being ready to serve all seniors offering support and resources to allow them to remain in their homes and living life on their terms. This past year LCSS’s newsletter reached 5,500 senior households per publication, and our services touched upwards of 35% of the senior population. LCSS provides a broad spectrum of services and plays a pivotal role in connecting people with community organizations and services available to assist seniors in maintaining their independence. We find that seniors in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80s’ plus all have different needs ranging from education and social programs, financial assistance, or needing information and resources available regarding in-home services. Senior Services is looking to the future to strengthen and extend our reach to all seniors to promote aging well in Leelanau County. The Senior Service Millage will be on the August 4th Primary ballot with a renewal rate of .320 for four years. If approved, the millage will allow the department to maintain the current level of in-home services, and continue to offer information and assistance, and increase educational programs and activities. If you have any questions regarding the millage, please reach out to our office. This summer I hope you enjoy the sun, sounds of summer, are able to let go of any fear and anxiety and can find new ways to enjoy your summer traditions in a safe manner. Take in every sunset, enjoy the vibrant hues, and breathe in the smells of barbecue and campfires. Warmly, Leelanau County Senior Services 8527 E Government Center Dr. Ste. 106 Suttons Bay, MI 49682 Phone: (231) 256-8121 Fax: (231) 256-8129 www.leelanau.cc/seniorservices.asp [email protected] Hours: 9:00 a.m.. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday April Missias Director Nancy Begeman Assistant Director 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 Carolyn (Peachy) Rentenbach District #6 (Cleveland, Empire & Glen Arbor Townships) (231) 334-3728 Melinda Lautner District #7 (Solon & Kasson Townships) (231) 947-2509

Transcript of Leelanau County THE LEELANAU CONNECTION · 2020. 7. 23. · This past year LCSS’s newsletter...

  • THE LEELANAU CONNECTION

    Striving to celebrate and support seniors within our community

    July / August 2020

    Dear Friends,

    Summer is here. Normally there would be some exclamation points behind that

    statement. I have observed people being a little reserved in their excitement for

    summer this year, and have to admit I am one of those people. I am excited to see

    business open and life returning to a somewhat normal state, but am protective of

    my family and community and want to ensure everyone continues to be healthy and

    safe. Nancy, Armanda, and myself are looking at summer and taking on the challenge

    of how to enjoy our summer traditions in a new way. My family and I enjoy camping

    in the backyard, Armanda is kayaking at times when there are fewer people on the

    water, and Nancy is enjoying time with family at home. As you plan your summer

    adventures, please continue to take precautions and protect yourself by wearing a

    mask in public, maintain social distancing, and washing your hands.

    Like the water levels these past couple of years, our county’s senior population

    continues to rise with seniors sixty years of age and older. According to the U.S.

    Census, Leelanau County’s overall population these past eight years has held

    constant with very little change. However, the senior population has steadily

    increased and currently makes up 43% of the population.

    Leelanau County Senior Services has prided itself on being ready to serve all seniors

    offering support and resources to allow them to remain in their homes and living life

    on their terms. This past year LCSS’s newsletter reached 5,500 senior households

    per publication, and our services touched upwards of 35% of the senior population.

    LCSS provides a broad spectrum of services and plays a pivotal role in connecting

    people with community organizations and services available to assist seniors in

    maintaining their independence. We find that seniors in their 60’s, 70’s, and 80s’ plus

    all have different needs ranging from education and social programs, financial

    assistance, or needing information and resources available regarding in-home

    services.

    Senior Services is looking to the future to strengthen and extend our reach to all

    seniors to promote aging well in Leelanau County. The Senior Service Millage will be

    on the August 4th Primary ballot with a renewal rate of .320 for four years. If

    approved, the millage will allow the department to maintain the current level of

    in-home services, and continue to offer information and assistance, and increase

    educational programs and activities. If you have any questions regarding the millage,

    please reach out to our office.

    This summer I hope you enjoy the sun, sounds of summer, are able to let go of any

    fear and anxiety and can find new ways to enjoy your summer traditions in a safe

    manner. Take in every sunset, enjoy the vibrant hues, and breathe in the smells of

    barbecue and campfires.

    Warmly,

    Leelanau County

    Senior Services

    8527 E Government Center Dr.

    Ste. 106

    Suttons Bay, MI 49682

    Phone: (231) 256-8121

    Fax: (231) 256-8129

    www.leelanau.cc/seniorservices.asp

    [email protected]

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

    Monday - Friday

    April Missias Director

    Nancy Begeman Assistant Director

    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

    Carolyn (Peachy) Rentenbach District #6

    (Cleveland, Empire &

    Glen Arbor Townships)

    (231) 334-3728

    Melinda Lautner

    District #7

    (Solon & Kasson Townships)

    (231) 947-2509

    http://www.leelanau.cc

  • 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:

    The Lunch Bunch

    Euchre

    Bitesize Learning

    Senior Expo

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

    ** Funded by USDA

    2020 Census

    As a result of COVID-19 the Census has had to delay their initial plan and

    develop different strategies to ensure the health and safety of its employees

    and the community, all the while completing an accurate account of the

    population.

    Currently, the 2020 Census is underway with more than half the

    households across the country having responded.

    Information provided daily to the Census Bureau from FEMA, as well as

    State and Local authorities, will be used to guide Census Bureau decisions

    on timing.

    Currently the Census is in the Self-Response Phase. You may have

    received a letter or postcard with a code to respond either through the Census website www.my2020census.gov, or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

    Initially the self-response phase was to take place between March 12 and

    July 31, but is being extended until October 31.

    LCSS has received a number of calls with concerns about scams and

    someone coming to their home. We encourage you to respond if you are

    worried about someone showing up at your home. If you are experiencing

    some challenges completing the Census, please call our office and we will

    try to assist you.

    The 2020 Census Will Ask:

    • They will ask for your primary residence.

    • If you are a snowbird it is important to state your address as your

    primary residence in Leelanau County.

    • The number of people in your household

    • Whether you own or rent your home

    • Your phone number (in case the Census Bureau needs to contact you

    later.)

    • For each person in your household: Name, Sex (Male or Female), Age

    and Date of Birth, Race, Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin, and

    relationship to the person answering the Census

    Want to keep updated?

    Leelanau County Senior Services

    http://www.my2020census.gov

  • 3

    Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance law is going to change on July 1. The decisions you make regarding your auto

    insurance coverage going forward can have a significant impact on how you receive medical care if you are hurt

    or injured in an accident.

    Personal injury protection, known as PIP coverage, is the part of your auto insurance policy that covers medical

    expenses if you are injured in an automobile accident. Currently your policy covers you with unlimited medical

    costs and all related expenses.

    PIP generally covers:

    _ Medical expenses from a car accident.

    _ Wages lost due to the injuries.

    _ Rehabilitation costs.

    _ Replacement services for things you can’t do for yourself or your family because of the accident, such as

    house cleaning or childcare.

    _ Funeral expenses and survivor benefits.

    Starting on July 1, you can choose to purchase lower-than-unlimited PIP coverage: $250,000 or $500,000 per

    person per accident. You can even opt out of PIP entirely as long as you have qualified health coverage (QHC).

    Michigan has the fourth most expensive auto insurance in the country. Since 1973, all Michigan auto policies had

    to have unlimited PIP. Over the last almost 50 years, the cost of health care has risen, and we cannot watch TV

    without an 800-call-what’s-his-name commercial, so costs have skyrocketed.

    The two major injuries caused by auto accidents are back injuries and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Auto

    accidents are the second-leading cause of TBI’s (falls are number one). The care of an individual with a TBI can

    run into the millions of dollars over their lifetime.

    It is no wonder when you read the brochures you’re currently getting from your auto insurance company that

    they are painting such a rosy picture. They are betting that you will see the word “discount” and jump at the

    chance at lowering your auto premium, relieving them of the unlimited medical liability they currently have. But

    before you do, please understand the following.

    The discount you will receive is only on the PIP premium — not your entire auto insurance premium. So, if you

    opt for the $250,000 option, you will get a 35 percent premium reduction but just on the PIP portion of

    premium. Check your policy to see how much your PIP makes up your total cost. Is your future medical liability

    worth a few hundred dollars a year? If you opt for a lower PIP level or opt out completely, your individual

    health plan will cover you for medical expense up to the maximum benefit within your policy. You will be

    responsible for your deductibles, co-pays and — once limits are hit — it may not cover all your medical cost.

    If you opt for lower limits or opt out, you may find yourself 100 percent responsible for all your rehabilitation

    costs after you have exhausted those covered by your health insurance, if there are any.

    Currently you can receive unlimited rehabilitation services, wage replacement, home care, childcare and

    payment for anything related to your injury including funeral expenses. If you opt for a lower limit, once that

    amount is hit everything stops. And if you opt out completely, your health plan does not cover any of these

    items.

    This is serious stuff. Decisions you make now will affect you in ways you may not anticipate going forward. I

    spoke with my auto insurance agent regarding my coverage and what I should do. He is using a cautionary tone

    when discussing these changes. He personally has adopted a “wait and see” attitude. Believing that people will

    make changes now, suffer an accident and once the reality of their lack of coverage hits them, will dial 800-call-

    what’s-his-name looking for relief.

    I wholeheartedly concur. The few hundred dollars of annual premium reduction may not be worth the

    exposure.

    I highly recommend you speak to your auto insurance agent. The rules are different if you have individual

    healthcare, employer sponsored healthcare or Medicare. Get an expert’s opinion. Do the math and make an

    informed decision.

    Fred L. Goldenberg is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and the owner of Senior Benefit Solutions, LLC, a

    financial services, and certified health insurance organization in Traverse City. Questions or comments

    about this column or interest in our monthly Medicare classes can be directed to (231) 922-1010 or

    [email protected]. Article from The Record-Eagle: Wednesday, 24 June 2020

    Look carefully before you opt out of unlimited PIP

  • 4

    Voting in August and November

    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

    Due to the

    hardships

    caused by COVID-19,

    Leelanau County has

    been awarded a grant

    from Michigan

    Veterans Affairs

    Agency to assist with

    emergency assistance.

    This largely covers

    food assistance, utility

    assistance, or many

    other essential

    expenses.

    For eligibility or

    general questions,

    please call

    (231) 995-6070

    As we approach the August 4, 2020, Primary Election and the

    November 3, 2020, General Election, we are reviewing safety for our

    residents and our election workers during COVID-19.

    Do you want to vote in person at the Precinct on election day or do you

    prefer to receive an Absent Voter Ballot?

    Precincts will be open on election day. The election workers will be

    provided with Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, masks,

    sanitizer, and in some jurisdictions Plexiglas. Voting surfaces, as well as

    marking devices, and will be cleaned throughout the day. Social distancing

    will be practiced. Remember that many of our precincts are small and the

    line to vote may extend outside the building making it challenging for

    some.

    With the passage of the statewide ballot proposal 18-03, all eligible and

    registered voters in Michigan may request an absent voter ballot without a

    reason. If you request to vote by absentee, your request must be in writ-

    ing and submitted to your city or township clerk. The application can be

    submitted online, via email or in person. Your ballot will then be mailed or

    hand delivered to you.

    Please know that voting by absentee ballot is safe and secure for voters.

    Your vote remains confidential.

    If you would like more information or have any questions, please do not

    hesitate to contact the Senior Services office at 231-256-8121

    or the Leelanau County Clerk’s Office at 231-256-9824.

    Michelle L. Crocker Leelanau County Clerk

    A BIG THANK YOU!

    LCSS would like to thank everyone who helped make our “2020 Virtual

    Expo” a huge success. Videos and web sites from participating vendors

    will continue to be on our web site for a full year for you to use as an

    additional resource.

    To access the virtual expo, go to www.leelanau.cc/seniorservices.asp and

    click on the left side titled Virtual Expo. There you will find everyone’s

    link with welcome videos.

  • 5

    LEELANAU COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES

    2020 Senior Millage Information On the ballot Tuesday, August 4, 2020 - .320 for 4 years

    It is hard to believe that it has been two years since Leelanau County residents passed an increase in the

    Senior Services millage of .320. The increase in millage has allowed Leelanau County Senior Services to

    expand our collaborations and services for seniors sixty years of age and older and residents of Leelanau

    County. Some of the expanded services we have been able to develop and implement are the Phone

    Reassurance Program, Care Coordination services, and a volunteer program in collaboration with

    ShareCare of Leelanau. We have also collaborated with BATA and ShareCare to offer additional

    transportation opportunities to get to medical appointments and grocery stores. These programs are

    already having an impact on many seniors and we are excited about the continual growth we expect to

    see in years to come.

    We are strong believers in the philosophy that it takes a village to meet our senior’s ever changing

    needs. The millage allows us to collaborate with a number of organizations to meet these needs.

    These past two years we have collaborated with the following organizations:

    • Leelanau County Planning Department: Referrals and coordinating efforts for senior home repairs.

    • Leelanau County Probate Court: Collaborate to provide Legal Assistance for simple wills/trusts and

    Power of Attorney

    • Munson Home Health and Comfort Keepers: Provide in-home services (personal care, respite care,

    homemaking, medication management), foot care clinics, and transportation

    • Area Agency on Aging: Referrals for additional in-home services, Quarantine boxes and food boxes,

    MMAP services (Medicare/Medicaid assistance program)

    • Meals on Wheels: Delivered home meals

    • BATA: Transportation services

    • Emergency Management/Sheriff’s Office: collaboration for support related to emergency pendants

    and scams

    • ShareCare of Leelanau: Care Coordination services, phone reassurance program, transportation,

    volunteer services

    • AARP: Tax services

    • Leelanau Christian Neighbors: food pantry services and financial assistance for unmet needs

    The millage will be on the August 4, 2020 primary ballot for a renewal rate of .320 for four years.

    If approved the millage will allow Leelanau County Senior Services to continue to collaborate with these

    organizations and more to ensure Leelanau County seniors have the information and resources available

    to them to live life on their terms.

    Millage Information

  • 6

    Foot Care Update:

    Many of us take our feet for granted, until pain or problems develop that can no longer be ignored. It is

    important to be kind to your feet and take good care of them before problems arise and to treat exist-ing problems before they limit your ability to function. We are excited to announce that we are able to offer foot care clinics again with Comfort Keepers

    (provided by a licensed nurse) and Linda Lingaur (cosmetologist).

    Comfort Keepers - at this time, the only available clinic will be at the Connie Binsfeld Building (Health

    Department) in Lake Leelanau.

    Linda Lingaur – Linda provides one on one foot care at Theresa’s Beauty Salon in Lake Leelanau as

    well as home visits.

    Foot care clinics are open to any senior age 60 and over.

    Seniors whose primary residence is Leelanau County may purchase a Foot Care Voucher for $15 which

    is redeemable for the cost of the clinic; maximum of 6 vouchers per senior per year.

    Non residents may attend the foot care clinic, but will need to make arrangements to pay cash for the

    service.

    Make your appointment by calling:

    Comfort Keepers – 231-929-9044

    Linda Lingaur – 231-256-7222 Theresa’s Beauty Salon

    231-883-4529 Home Visit

    If you have any questions, please call Senior Services

    at 231-256-8121

    Self-Quarantining

    We want to remind you of the importance of a 14 day quarantine when returning home to Leelanau

    County. Health officials continue to advocate for a 14 day quarantine after you have traveled within the

    state, country, or internationally.

    The 14 days quarantine is a long time health practice and is due to the time it may take for a virus to take hold. You may not have any symptoms, but could have been exposed, be a carrier and develop

    the disease within the 14 day time frame.

    The CDC is encouraging everyone to voluntarily self-quarantine after travel to prevent the spread of

    Covid-19. We understand this may be challenging especially when it comes to stocking your household

    with needed food and supplies upon your return. We have included resources of how to safely access

    food and goods on page 8.

    Please contact our office at 256-8121 or

    the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department at 256-0200 with any questions.

  • 7

    Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

    1

    1

    2 3 LCN 2-6

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    July 2019

    Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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    Office Closed

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    5 6Leelanau Christian

    Neighbors-LCN-

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    Commodities

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    Empire

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    August 2019 Food Commodity or Surplus every 3rd

    Tuesday of every month

    For more information on surplus &

    commodities: 1 (800) 632-7334

  • 8

    Reminder: Some foods do not mix

    well with medication.

    Please remember to check

    with your doctor or

    Pasta with 15-minute Burst Cherry Tomato Sauce

    If you’re like me, you can never have too many tomatoes or too much pasta.

    Just a couple of cherry tomato plants can send me into tomato overdrive. I

    found this easy recipe that combines my two favorite foods. On a hot summer

    day I can whip this dish up in no time. Enjoy ~ Armanda

    1 pound of pasta (I usually use less)

    Kosher salt

    1/2 cup olive oil

    2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

    3 pints cherry tomatoes

    1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

    Pinch of sugar

    1 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil

    Freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)

    Cook Pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain and transfer to a large

    bowl.

    Meanwhile, heat oil in a 12” skillet or wide heavy saucepan over medium-high. Add garlic, then tomatoes, pepper,

    sugar and 1 tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and release their juices to form a sauce, 6-8

    minutes.

    Toss pasta with tomato sauce and basil. Top with parmesan.

    www.epicurious.com

    Grocery and Pharmacy Pick Up: Many of our local grocery stores are now offering a pickup service.

    You may call-in, pay for your grocery order, and pick it up later. If you are unable to pick up an order, some

    grocery stores may offer a delivery service for a fee. For those who are unable to pick up an order LCSS is

    working with ShareCare of Leelanau to use volunteers to pick up orders and deliver to seniors. Please do

    not let transportation get in the way of getting groceries, please call LCSS or ShareCare for assistance.

    Hanson’s - Suttons Bay - 231-271-4280 - email orders to [email protected] curbside & delivery provided by ShareCare Volunteers. (Sunday 9-11 senior shopping time)

    Bunting’s - Cedar - 231-228-7460 - taking phone orders for curbside & delivery

    Anderson’s - Glen Arbor - 231-334-3149 - https://shop.andersonsglenarbor.com/online for curbside or delivery.

    Leland Merc - [email protected] - 231-256-9030 curbside pickup & delivery

    Tom’s of Northport -231-386-5721 - Senior shopping from 7-8 am - no phone orders at this time.

    NJ’s - Lake Leelanau - taking phone orders for curbside pickup 231-256-9195 & delivery provided by ShareCare Volunteers.

    Bayshore Pharmacy (Suttons Bay) - 271-6111 - curbside & delivery provided by ShareCare Vol-unteers.

    Hometown Pharmacy (Suttons Bay) 271-3881 - curbside & delivery provided by ShareCare Vol-unteers.

    Empire Pharmacy - 213-1115 - curbside & delivery provided by ShareCare Volunteers.

    Please call ahead as this information changes daily

    mailto:[email protected]://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fshop.andersonsglenarbor.com%2fonline&c=E,1,IVFCvKWi2p4aVgUsI361DsFSUlhdn2xotEBgMVSVn0zCD61KPza4g93idhty-FrK1QBoiHHXFzQxwh1OnWHVg2ZudNDF3yCLRp8MrXrj1B-_GZZfmPZX33LEZg,,&typo=1mailto:[email protected]

  • 9

    FBI PRESS RELEASE Scam Alert

    The FBI in Michigan has received numerous reports of increased efforts by scammers to target residents across western Michigan

    with two different schemes: government impersonators and romance scams. In both fraud schemes, the scammer seeks to take

    advantage of a relationship of trust.

    There are many versions of the government impersonation scam, and they all exploit intimidation tactics.

    How to Identify a Government Impersonator:

    • The caller typically advises the recipient of the call that charges have been, or soon will be, filed against them, and threatens to

    confiscate the recipient’s property, freeze their bank accounts, or have them arrested unless payment is made immediately.

    • If the recipient questions the caller, the caller becomes more aggressive.

    • The recipients are advised that it will cost thousands of dollars in fees or court costs to resolve the matter, and the caller

    typically instructs people to wire ‘settlement’ money or provide payment via prepaid cards or gift cards to avoid arrest.

    Be advised, law enforcement agencies DO NOT call or email individuals threatening them or demanding that they send money.

    Scammers often spoof caller ID information, and these phone calls are fraudulent even if they appear to be coming from a law

    enforcement agency’s legitimate number. If you question the legitimacy of a call, hang up immediately and report the call to law

    enforcement (using the published number for that agency) and the FBI.

    Romance scams occur when a criminal adopts a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The scammer then uses

    the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim.

    The criminals who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable.

    Unfortunately, con artists are present on most dating and social media sites.

    The scammer’s intention is to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear himself to the victim, and gain trust. Scammers

    may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money.

    Scam artists use poetry, flowers, and other gifts to reel in victims, the entire time declaring their “undying love.” These criminals

    also use stories of severe life circumstances, tragedies, deaths in the family, injuries to themselves, or other hardships to keep their

    victims concerned and involved in their schemes. Scammers also ask victims to send money to help overcome a financial situation they

    claim to be experiencing. These are all lies intended to take money from unsuspecting victims.

    In another scheme, scammers ask victims to receive funds in the form of a cashier’s check, money order, or wire transfer, claiming

    they are out of the country and unable to cash the instruments or receive the funds directly. The scammers ask victims to redirect

    the funds to them or at an associate to whom they purportedly owe money. In a similar scheme, scammers ask victims to reship

    packages instead of redirecting funds. In these examples, victims risk losing money and may incur other expenses, such as bank fees

    and penalties, and in some instances face prosecution.

    Tips for Avoiding Romance Scams:

    • Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better

    understand and target you.

    • Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name or details have been used elsewhere.

    • Go slowly and ask lots of questions.

    • Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate

    directly.

    • Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family or requests inappropriate photos or financial information

    that could later be used to extort you.

    • Beware if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse why he or she can’t. If you haven’t

    met the person after a few months, for whatever reason, you have good reason to be suspicious.

    • Never send money to anyone you have only communicated with online or by phone.

    If you have been victimized by a confidence fraud – or any cyber fraud - you can report it to the

    FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

    Detroit Field Office Federal Bureau of Investigation 477 Michigan Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48226

    http://www.ic3.gov/

  • 10

    Food Pantries:

    Leelanau Christian

    Neighbors is continuing to

    provide food pantry services

    on Mondays -2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

    If you are in need of food and

    are unable to drive and do

    not have someone to pick up

    food for you, please call LCSS

    and we will coordinate efforts

    to ensure you receive the

    food you need.

    The Empire Food Pantry

    is continuing to provide food

    pantry services on Tuesday

    evenings at 5 p.m. The food

    pantry is operating out of the

    Glen Lake Reformed Church

    at 4902 W MacFarlane Rd.

    You can call them with any

    questions at 231-334-4563.

    If you are unable to drive or

    have someone pick up food

    for you please contact LCSS

    and we will coordinate efforts

    to ensure you receive the

    food you need.

    Meals on Wheels: Meals

    on Wheels services are

    continuing with the delivery

    of five to seven frozen meals

    once a week. Due to

    COVID-19, and the number

    of people struggling to access

    food, we have temporarily

    signed up a number of people

    for MOW during this time. If

    you, or someone you know

    could benefit from receiving

    MOW please contact our

    office for assistance.

    American Flag Etiquette

    When the flag is displayed on the flag

    pole, it should be raised quickly

    and lowered slowly.

    The flag should never touch the ground.

    To display the flag horizontally,

    the blue square must be on the

    upper left side from the viewer’s

    point of view.

    It is proper to fly the flag at night,

    but only if it is spotlighted.

    Senior Project Fresh

    Coupons Available

    The US Department of Agriculture has provided LCSS with coupon

    packs for seniors to be able to pick up fresh local produce/fruit at our

    local farmers markets.

    To be able to acquire the coupons, seniors must meet the

    following requirements.

    Applicant must be 60 years of age or older at time of application

    The main residence of the LCSS applicant must reside in Leelanau County

    (please provide state issued identification; driver’s license, identification

    card or voter’s identification card)

    Total household income must not exceed 185% of poverty (as certified by

    your signature on the application form)

    - Household of 1 person income is less than $23,107

    - Household of 2 persons income is less than $31,284

    Applications are available at the LCSS office in the Government Center.

    Each applicant must fill out a separate application form even if they are

    in the same household.

    LCSS is limited to 100 coupon packets, so first come first served.

    If you have any questions or would like an application,

    please call LCSS (231) 256-8121

  • 11

    You may fill out this medical awareness form and return it to the Office of Emergency

    Management for them to have more detailed medical information on you should you ever

    need assistance from 9-1-1.

  • 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

    http://www.leelanau.cc/seniorservices.asp