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

Cathy Hartesvelt

Finance Coordinator

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

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

April

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! I am excited about new beginnings and the wonder of what the future

holds for 2017. As my mind was getting lost in wonder and hopes for the New Year, I

kept reflecting on some interactions I had towards the end of 2016. During the week of

Christmas, Nancy and I found ourselves on the road delivering LCSS “Comfort and Joy”

bags and stockings to those who could use some cheer for the holidays and were struck by

many of the conversations we had with some of you. We were out on a mission to bring

cheer to senior community members and found ourselves being the ones who were

inspired and grateful to receive your gifts of wisdom, history and open hearts.

In the fall, Nancy and I were fortunate to attend a conference to learn about the latest

research and trends when it comes to seniors. An unexpected conversation arose at the

conference as to whether the words aging or senior should be used when referencing an

organization or program. I was a bit taken back at resistance to the word senior. Society

generally does not have an aversion to using senior when addressing someone by a title

such as “senior vice president” because of the wisdom and knowledge that is presumed to

precipitate the title. The remnants of this conversation came to the forefront of my mind

as Nancy and I left several homes during this holiday season. As we pulled out of

driveways, we reflected on our interactions, marveled at your wisdom, celebrated life

experiences shared and history disclosed to us and realized each senior we serve has

shaped our community now and will far into the future. At the end of the day we were

determined to make the word and title of senior a word of honor in 2017.

Just as the word senior was seen as a taboo word by many at the conference, Nancy and I

learned that grief is another experiential word we encountered in our travels. It is not

clear if it is societal or cultural pressure or individual preference to not discuss the loss of a

spouse, neighbor, or individual independence. Everyone experiences grief and no one is

exempt from this emotional experience and we all share, at some level, with those who

hurt most this time of year.

So in 2017, LCSS would like to bring light and honor to the word and title of senior and

discover taboo words or topics we may be resistant to discuss. Enclosed you will find an

article, “When a Spouse Dies”, from guest writer, Toni Stanfield, MS. Toni is a

well-respected grief counselor in Traverse City. Through her 40 year long career, Toni

worked at Pontiac General Hospital and Munson Medical Center. The last 25 years Toni

has specialized in grief, loss and healing.

My wish for you is that you embrace the senior in you. You are full of life experience,

wisdom, knowledge and love which deserves accolades from first and foremost yourself,

your family and your community. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many

individuals who have reached senior status.

Warmly,

Happy New Year

from your

LCSS staff

2

3

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

Vouchers (snow removal,

dining, foot care)

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

Holiday Gatherings

* Income and asset tested through application and home evaluation process. ** Funded by USDA

Maple City

Christmas

Fun

ShareCare and Leelanau County Senior Services

are collaborating

to bring the community

The Best Yet!

Variety Show

Friday, February 24, 2017

3:00 pm

The Old Art Building in Leland

Join us for an enjoyable afternoon of entertainment provided by members

of our community.

Poets, comedians, musicians, dancers, magicians, actors and acrobats

If you would like to share your talent, please call

the ShareCare office at 256-0221 or Senior Services at 256-8121.

* * Doors open at 2:30 pm * *

This program is open to the public and there is no charge

Transportation is available - please call the ShareCare office at 256-0221.

4

Medicare News By: Jim Verville, Region 10 Coordinator

Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program

Area Agency on Aging, Traverse City, Michigan

New Changes to Medicare Drug Plans for 2017

Medicare has just announced the details for the Part D prescription drug plans available for 2017.

Beneficiaries can switch their plans during the Annual Enrollment Period that runs from October 15th

through December 7th.

Jim Verville, Regional Coordinator for the 10 county Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program said “as is

usually the case, there will be several changes in plan offerings, premium costs, and benefit details for

Medicare Part D drug plans next year.”

Following are some of the significant highlights of those changes:

There is a marked reduction in the number of plan offerings. There will be 23 plans available for

the new calendar year, or 5 fewer than approved for Michigan Medicare beneficiaries in 2016. In

addition, two of the plans for 2017 are currently sanctioned by Medicare due to noncompliance issues,

and may not be available at the start of next year.

The two plans under sanction are sponsored by Cigna-HealthSpring and include their Rx Secure

and Rx-Secure-Extra Part D plans. Current members are permitted to remain in these plans for 2017;

however, neither are available for new enrollment until the sanction is lifted.

Several Part D plans have an annual deductible. Medicare has authorized an increase of $40 to a

new ceiling of $400. Normally, the deductible must be met before the plan will provide any insurance

coverage for drugs.

When the full cost of medications reach $3,700 in 2017, Medicare beneficiaries enter the “donut hole”,

otherwise known as the gap. This results in significantly higher co-pays for their drugs. The donut

hole will increase by $390 next year. Those who enter the donut hole will pay 40% of the total cost of

their brand name drugs and 51% of the full cost for the generic equivalents. Part D companies are re-

quired to notify their subscribers of all of these details in their Annual Notice of Change mailing.

Beneficiaries should have already received this information.

While the list of plan offerings is quite extensive and confusing to navigate, there is a very helpful tool

available that can be used to compare an existing drug plan with other plans available for 2017. The

tool is called the Medicare Plan Finder. To do your own comparisons, or get help in finding the best

plan, simply select one of the following options:

If you are comfortable doing your own research, visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov.

Just click on the green box entitled, “Find health & drug plans,” and enter the information

requested. You will be given detailed comparisons for each plan, sorted by lowest cost.

Enrollment in a new plan can also be done at the same website.

A Medicare/Medicaid Specialist with the Area Agency on Aging’s Medicare/Medicaid

Assistance Program (MMAP) will be available at the Government Center each Wednesday

starting October 19, 2016 to offer assistance with Open Enrollment, Prescription Drug

Programs, and to answer any Medicare/Medicaid questions you may have.

Call LCSS at 256-8121

Appointments are required.

5

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

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.

Once again the AARP Tax Aide Program will be partnering with the

Leelanau County Senior Services Department to provide Federal and

State Income Tax Return preparation services to Leelanau County

seniors. AARP Tax Aide is looking for volunteers to function as Tax

Return Preparation Counselors at either the Suttons Bay or Empire

Township Hall locations. If you are interested in volunteering for this

program or would like additional information please e-mail Cynthia

Glines at glinesc@chartermi.net or call Leelanau County Senior Services

at (231) 256-8121 and we will get her a message with your contact

information. Volunteer training will take place the second week in

January, 2017.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Congratulations to everyone who participated in our

“Step It Up” program.

Every month the township in first place changed.

After totaling the months and averaging the steps

we are proud to announce the year’s winner.

First Place: Leelanau Township

Second Place: Glen Arbor Township

Third Place: Kasson Township

If you’re looking to stay active during the winter months,

check with your local school for track walking

or using their weight room.

To add a bit more spice to your exercise routine, check out

the Leelanau Sands Casino.

The casino hosts free polka dancing every Tuesday

from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Suttons Bay Community Friendship Center is the place to

Zumba, call the Friendship Center for more information.

(231) 271-4630

For a small fee any Leelanau County senior can join the

Traverse City Senior Center. They host a variety of

activities and programs to enhance our daily routines.

(231) 922-4911

We’re Stepping It Up!

6

When a Spouse Dies By: Toni Stanfield

Community Events

DROP IN EUCHRE

Leelanau County

Senior Services

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

&

Tuesday, February 28, 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

The ability of a person adjusting to the death of a spouse is

influenced by many variables. Was it a sudden death or an expected

one? What kind of marriage did one have? Did they love each other

or tolerate each other? How many years were they married?

2 or 62?

The personality of the surviving spouse also influences the adjust-

ment to the death. Is the surviving spouse a dependent or

independent person?

What kind of support system is present for the surviving spouse?

Did the couple just move to a new city or do they have a strong

support system of family and friends?

The death of a spouse is one of the most devastating losses one can

experience. A spouse after all is the only relative one chooses. All

the other relatives happen to us.

Even though devastating, it is clear that certain losses are different

than others.

The death of a 35 year old young man in a car crash, who leaves a

young wife with 4 children, is different than the death of a 90 year

old man who leaves the woman whom he has been married to for

70 years and who lives close to 4 adult children who have many

children of their own.

One death is unexpected, sudden, the other is expected. One is

perceived as a tragedy, the other as a culmination of a beautiful life.

The death of a spouse who was loving and nurturing is going to be

mourned different than the death of a spouse who was alcoholic and

abusive.

Whatever the circumstances the surviving spouse will experience

many emotions: disorientation, confusion, guilt, anger. The emotions

are not linear and organized but feel more like an ambush. Grief like

a thief in the night will attack at any time. One will feel scared at the

loss of emotional control. Sudden crying spells at church or grocery

stores or during a family dinner may be common. Getting through

the day becomes an effort.

Grief of course effects thinking and memory.

Many people will go to doctors and they will be prescribed

medications. Unfortunately, there is no medication to take the pain

experienced by the death of a spouse.

The old life is gone. But not everything is lost. Part of the grief

recovery is to become aware that much is left: children,

grandchildren, a business, memories of a life together, and the

transformed you. You were different before you were married. Because of the many years you were married and the shared

experience, you have changed, transformed and become a different

person. Your spouse will always be embodied in your heart and in

the way you continue to live your own life.

7

Shingles: The Whole Story

Pain so intense you cannot sleep. No, actually, worse than that, each breath causes intense pain so

extreme that you try with all you can to breathe shallowly. Do not even talk about sneezing.

Usually, I think it is helpful to start at the beginning of a topic. However, when it comes to shingles,

perhaps what you need to know is the potential end result of shingles. I have heard people describe

the pain as their worst pain they have ever experienced. I have also known patients who have had

lasting pain from shingles for years after an outbreak. Now that I have your attention: What exactly is shingles? Varicella is a virus. It is one of the types

of Herpes. Specifically, Herpes Zoster. Why is this important to know? Because a common

childhood disease called Chicken Pox is Varicella. When a person, of any age, has Chicken Pox, the

virus does not leave your body simply because the symptoms go away. Unfortunately, the virus stays

dormant in the nervous system on the nerve cells.

Those viruses can be dormant for decades. Then, as the virus comes back to life, since it has

attached itself to nerves, the sensation of pain is accentuated because the nerves themselves are

inflamed. Externally, a person may see red blisters that appear in a line. The line correlates with the

nerve that is infected. Sometimes, the redness subsides after a few weeks, months, or even years

before fading. When an individual has a weak immune system, a person may be more vulnerable to

how widespread shingles occurs.

The treatment for an active outbreak of shingles includes anti-viral medications your doctor can

prescribe. If you believe you have shingles, it is wise to seek treatment as soon as possible rather

than choose to wait and see what happens. There are topical treatments that may be helpful, also.

Some occurrences are so devastating that anti-depressants are indicated to help treat the pain and

sleep deficits from shingles.

The most effective treatment is prevention. For children, Chicken Pox no longer is a “normal”

childhood disease. The Varicella vaccine can prevent Chicken Pox from ever infecting a person.

For people over 50 years old that vaccine was not an option. However, now Zostavax is available.

Zostavax is a vaccine to prevent shingles or limit its intensity. It is intended for anyone who has had

Chicken Pox earlier in their life. Lab studies can determine whether you have had chicken pox. This

will verify whether you are susceptible to getting shingles. Some insurance companies determine

what age they will pay for individuals to receive the shingles vaccine. In general, most insurance

companies approve paying for the vaccine for individuals over 60 years old.

Additionally, if you have already had shingles, the Zostavax vaccine can help. Subsequent outbreaks

are much less severe or possibly there will be no further occurrences of shingles.

Here are your choices:

You can choose to take your chances. Not everyone has had chicken pox. Not everyone

develops shingles.

You can choose to watch carefully, and notify your doctor of symptoms of itchy, red blisters as soon as they appear.

You can choose to live with the devastating pain that may limit social outings, playing golf or

tennis, orenjoying time with grandchildren.

Or, can choose to take care of yourself. Ask your doctor about your probability of getting

shingles. Find out if your insurance pays for the vaccine. One injection that stings for a few

seconds, or spending the rest of your life stymied by preventable pain are basically what you

need to consider.

It’s truly wonderful that we live in a health care era where we have choices. Unfortunately, too many

people ignore healthy choices. www.CAREGIVERSNURSE.com

PGibesonRN@gmail.com

1(855) 205-6281

By: Paula E Gibeson, RN-BC

8

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1Souper Bowl

VI Grill

12:30 pm

MMAP

2

3 Love Your Heart

National Wear

Red Day - 11 am

4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13

Bereavement

Group 11am

14 Happy

Valentines Day

15 MMAP

Counselor

16

Parkinson’s of

Leelanau 2pm

17 18

19 20 Office Closed

21

22

23

24

Variety Show

Leland - 3:00 pm

25

26 27 Bereavement

Group 11am

28

Drop in Euchre

January 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

Office Closed

3 4 MMAP

Counselor

5 6 7

8 9 Bereavement

Group 11am

10

11

12

13 14

15 16

Office Closed

17 18 MMAP

Counselor

19

Parkinson’s of

Leelanau 2pm

20

21

22 23

Bereavement

Group 11am

24 25 Lunch: Knot

Just a Bar

12:30 pm

26 27 28

29 30 31

Drop in Euchre

February 2017

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.

Crabpuffs

Happy New Year! Just recently the Government Center hosted a

holiday party for all departments. Our very own Scott Bradley from the

Maintenance Department brought this dish to pass. It was delicious.

Scott was kind enough to share the recipe with us.

Enjoy, Armanda

We strive to meet monthly as a group for lunch at various restaurants in Leelanau County.

It’s a chance to meet up with old friends and make new ones.

Leelanau County resident seniors who are 60 or older may purchase a $3.00

non-refundable, non-transferable Special Event Voucher valued at $6.00 to be used

towards the cost of the meal.

Please remember to tip the wait staff on the full price of the meal.

Family members and non-resident friends are welcome to join us; please call us for a reservation.

Seating is limited and reservations are required either by mailing a check

or paying in person at the Leelanau County Senior Services office.

Wednesday, January 25th—12:30 p.m.

Knot Just a Bar—downtown Omena

Special Event voucher is worth $6.00 off the cost of your meal off of the menu.

Seating is limited to 45.

Wednesday, February 1— Souper Bowl - 12:30 p.m.

Soup & Sandwich Buffet

VI Grill—downtown Suttons Bay

Special Event voucher covers the cost of the buffet—

Beverage and Tip are extra.

Ingredients

1 can crabmeat (drained)

1 jar Kraft Old England Cheese Spread

1 stick softened butter

1 tsp garlic powder

1 package Bays English muffins

Directions

Mix ingredients together

Quarter muffins

Spread the mix evenly on quartered muffins

Freeze

Bake frozen muffins @ 350° until golden medium brown

Lunch Bunch

Thank you Pam Pittman for sharing

10

Happy New Year! After a short hiatus, I am thrilled to return to the Scam Alert

column and look forward to continuing to provide you with helpful information

throughout the coming year so that you can be proactive in the fight against fraud.

An Overview of Timeshare Resale Fraud

It is common knowledge that many Leelanau County senior citizens escape to a

warmer climate during the bitter cold months of winter. While northern Michigan does offer beautiful summers,

there can come a time when one needs a break from the harsh weather. If you feel this way, perhaps you opt to

either rent a vacation home or have ownership in a timeshare. This edition of the Scam Alert column will

address the growing problem of “Timeshare Resale Fraud”.

Unfortunately, many people have had “buyer’s remorse” after purchasing a timeshare when they have come to

realize that there can be some hidden issues with this type of property. According to BuyATimeshare.com, in

2016, timeshare resale scams continued and included such schemes as:

Fraudsters claiming to want to buy your timeshare for a large corporation and requiring you to pay a “small

fee of good faith to secure the sale”;

Fraudsters claiming to want to buy your timeshare for a tax break and again requiring you to pay a “small fee of good faith to secure the sale”;

Fraudsters guaranteeing to sell your timeshare (this is illegal in some states, such as Florida); and

Fraudsters stating that a buyer is waiting.

Let’s further consider this last fraud scheme which occurs when you are contacted by a timeshare real estate

agent or broker who tells you that a buyer is interested in purchasing your timeshare. As BuyATimeshare.com

reminds us, “Brokers and real estate agents make their money through commission fees after the timeshare is

sold. This becomes a scam when the timeshare resale company asks you to pay a transfer, title, closing or other

fee before the sale is completed”.

According to www.fbi.gov, in November of 2014, “David Andrew Glynn, 47 of Charleston, West Virginia, was

sentenced in federal court in Charleston to two and a half years in prison for conspiring to defraud timeshare

owners throughout the United States and Canada. Glynn previously plead guilty on August 25, 2014, and

admitted that he set up a bogus company named Mountain State Resales, LLC (MSR) that was purportedly in

the business of brokering timeshare sales. Glynn, and others, contacted timeshare owners and advised them

that MSR had buyers for their timeshares, and asked owners to pay fees and expenses necessary to complete

the sales. Timeshare owners were directed to send the requested payments to MSR in South Charleston, West

Virginia”. The FBI website also states that Mr. Glynn “was ordered to pay $97,254.42 in restitution”.

What can you do?

If you do opt to invest in a timeshare, be absolutely certain that this is a real estate purchase that you are

comfortable pursuing. Where the purchase of real property is concerned, it is always a good idea to have a real

estate attorney review any contracts that are presented to you. As Consumer Reports states, “Always do your

homework before buying and do not wire money, pay in cash, or send a money order, certified bank or

cashier’s check. Money sent by these methods is very difficult for law enforcement officials to help you recover.

It’s as good as lost”. Finally, remember the old adage: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”!

Please contact the Senior Services staff to report any type of fraud scam that you are aware of; the Scam Alert

column is a great place for us to provide additional information on any scam so that all of our family members

and friends can be educated in the schemes where fraudsters target innocent victims.

If you choose to remain in Leelanau County during January and February, be safe and stay warm! The winter

wonderland can be a beautiful thing to look at, but I personally always take comfort in knowing that those

beautiful northern Michigan summer days are just around the corner. References:

http://www.buyatimeshare.com/timeshare-resale-scam.asp

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/06/timeshare-resale-scams/index.htm

https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/pittsburgh/news/press-releases/timeshare-

fraudster-sentenced-to-prison

Scam Alert

By: Allison Hubley

* Allison serves as a Basic Member of the

Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff’s Office

Posse Reserve in a volunteer capacity.

11

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