Feb ’20 - Mar ‘21

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“Add zest to your life . . .And pass the joy to others!”�

Feb ’20 - Mar ‘21

Activities & Events Guide

ABOUT THE WILLIAMSTON AREA SENIOR CENTER

2 | Williamston Area Senior Center (517) 655-5173 * [email protected]

New Year—New Opportunities

Welcome to the first newsletter for the 2021 year. We are looking forward to the new opportunities this year

brings as we continue to deal with the restrictions stemming from the current COVID 19 pandemic and seek

to put behind us a bru- tal election year. Hope-

fully we will hear the news in the coming

months that the pandemic is under control to

the point at which the WASC and its members

may resume meeting together for lunch and

other activities. While that isn’t possible at the

present time, the WASC is still actively

serving seniors in spite of not being open for the

usual programming. Please take note of the

information provided in this newsletter concern-

ing the COVID 19 vaccines that are available.

One of the ways that we can all do our part to help open up society more quickly is by receiving a vaccine as

soon as they are available. In addition, there is information in the newsletter concerning the coffee hour that

is available at the center and tax assistance available through MSU. If you have any questions or we can be

of service, feel free to contact the WASC.

Weekly Activities

When the WASC fully reopens we will re-

sume the following activities:

�� Doors open from 9:00 am — 2:00 pm each Tues-

day, Wednesday, and Thursday.

�� Lunch provided by the Tri County Office on Ag-

ing and served at 12:00 noon. The cost for lunch

is $3.50 for seniors. Reservations for lunch are

recommended and can be made by calling the

WASC at 517.655.5173.

�� Many different programs and activities provided

in addition to the programs following lunch, in-

cluding:

Free coffee each day during regular hours.

Knitting group on Tuesdays from 1:00—3:00 pm.

Euchre on Wednesdays from 9:00 am — 11:30 am.

Needle craft on Wednesdays from 1:00 — 3:00 pm.

Information regarding current activities will be

posted online and at the WASC Facebook page.

WASC is online

Check us out online for latest updates:

Web: www.williamstonseniorcenter.com

Facebook: Williamston Area Senior Center

WASC Mission

The WASC will serve as a gathering point where

people can come together for services and activities which

will enrich their quality of life.

Our mission is reflected in the motto:

Add zest to life and pass the joy to others.

WASC Purpose

The WASC provides educational, enrichment,

health awareness, and social programs while serving

as a resource for individuals needing assistance with

medical and social service networks. The center col-

laborates with other community agencies, local gov-

ernment, and trained professionals to meet the needs

of the senior population. The center also seeks to in-

form the community of the philosophy of the center

and solicit financial support for its programs.

WASC Location

The WASC meets on the third floor of the

Commons, 201 School Street in Williamston, Michi-

gan.

Handicap access and elevators are available.

DIRECTOR’S CORNER . . .

www.williamstonseniorcenter.com| 3

For the past eleven months the Williamston Area Senior Center has

been closed or offering programs on a very limited basis following the

health department guidelines requiring wearing masks, social distanc-

ing, sanitizing hands, and taking temperatures. With the recent intro-

duction of the Covid-19 vaccine, we can finally see the light at the end

of the tunnel and hopefully start to resume normal activities soon.

In the meantime, please sign up for your Covid-19 vaccine. It’s not as

complicated as reported in the news media. I got on the Ingham Coun-

ty Health Department website and registered for my vaccine, and it on-

ly took me about 10 minutes. For more information, please read the

article n this newsletter with detailed information regarding various

ways you may sign-up to receive a Covid-19 vaccination.

During this Covid-19 Pandemic, any Williamston area senior may pick

up a five-day supply of frozen meals at the WASC on Wednesday. If

you would like to participate in this temporary meal program, please

contact the Tri-County Office on Aging at 517-887-1393 to schedule a

time for pick-up.

The Williamston Area Senior Center is a non-profit charitable 501 © (3) organization. Any donation to the

center is tax-deductible. You may also support the center through a legacy bequest as a part of your estate

planning.

--John Roy Castillo, director

Add your support to the WASC through AmazonSmile.

AmazonSmile is a simple way to support your favorite charitable organization every

time you shop, at no additional cost to you. When you shop at AmazonSmile, you

find the same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Am-

azon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligi-

ble purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Donations are submitted

to registered charities quarterly. Your donation goes directly into the WASC bank

account.

Here's how to sign up for AmazonSmile:

1. Visit smile.amazon.com

2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials (login id and password)

3. Choose a charitable organization by searching for the Williamston Area Senior Center to receive dona-

tions. Select the Williamston Area Senior Center as your charity.

4. Start shopping!

5. Bookmark smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

WASC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WASC Wish List

Your donation is appreciated!

�� Printer cartridges, HP 410A

(Black & colors)

�� Facial tissue

�� Dawn dish soap

�� Paper placemats

�� 8.5 X 11, 20 # copier paper

white

�� Office Max or Staples gift

cards

�� 8 oz. drink cups

�� 8 oz. coffee cups

�� First class stamps

�� Quart & Gallon Storage Bags

�� Paper Towels

�� Tea bags for ice tea

�� Coffee

�� Colorful and /or Holiday

Napkins

�� Volunteers

�� New members (Bring a

friend)

HAVE YOU PAID YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR 2020?

COST IS $10/year per person. Please send to:

Williamston Area Senior Center

201 School Street

Williamston, MI 48895

Membership fees as well as general donations and memorials are used to purchase supplies and

items to keep the Senior Center running.

Purchases include: food not supplied by TCOA (Tri-County Office on Aging), paper, cleaning prod-

ucts, and office supplies.

Please note: The WASC just recently received the first of its funds from local governments as a result of the millage. The center

deeply appreciates the support from the community. But we still need the ongoing support of the WASC membership through

paying dues and providing donations. Thanks in advance for helping the WASC to serve the seniors in this community.

4 | Williamston Area Senior Center (517) 655-5173 * [email protected]

President

Ron Harris (2017)

Phone: 517.655.3009

Email: [email protected]

Vice President

Michael Black (2019)

Phone: 517.202.1610


Secretary

Julie Rudd (2017)

Phone: 517.410.9433


Treasurer

Steve Arends (2017)

Phone: 517.657.3805


Treasurer emeritus

Virginia Taschner

Phone: 517.231.5615

Director

John Roy Castillo

Phone: 517.204.7694


Trustees

Karen Bollman (2018)

Phone: 517.655.4728


Cindy Hale (2018)

Phone: 517.582.0616


Marilyn Thompson (2020)

Phone: 517.420.1142


Roxanne Houghton (2020)

Phone: 810.869.0952


Tina Maurer (2018)

Phone: 517.655.6313


Ann Lemmon (2020)

Phone: 517.290-3078


If you would like to join the monthly

board meeting via Zoom, call the

WASC! Meetings are the 2nd Thurs-

day of each month at 1:00 pm.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

5 | Williamston Area Senior Center (517) 655-5173

A CHANGE IN PITCH

Being relatively new to the Senior Center (only about eight

years of seniority) and not being from or living in the Wil-

liamston or Webberville area is somewhat of a handicap

when writing about our members. I thought that Si Bement

was just that great guy he always seemed to be when he

brought Cleo Chase into the Senior Center with him almost

every day from Webberville. I DIDN'T know it was his older sister! And when Cleo (#10 in the family birth order)

asked Si (#15 in the family birth order) to do something – you DID IT! Or at least this is the way Bob Bement (#16,

and the baby of the family) tells the story.

Yes, they had 16 children in the family! The family had a love of music and lived on a 100-acre dairy farm in Web-

berville. They would often spend their evenings singing and playing the piano.

Cleo was always a very determined woman. She attended Eastern Michigan University and received her teaching

degree while raising five children – quite a feat in the 60s! Cleo went on to teach kindergarten for 19 years for Web-

berville. She continued that determination each day as she came into the WASC carrying her list of songs she in-

tended to play that day on the piano. And boy, it sounded good – even on our less than stellar piano. She made it

look so easy – her fingers caressing those keys. I complimented her more than once on her choice of songs and how

she played them all WITH NO MUSIC – just her little list in front of her. Again, it wasn't until recently that I

learned that she could not read a note of music and played all that beautiful music by ear!

And Cleo would make sure that either Si or the program held that day moved along in a timely fashion so that she

was home in time to watch or listen to her beloved Tigers if it was an afternoon game. Cleo quietly passed October

22 at age 97, joining her husband Art, to whom she was married for 64 years.

Si did so many things for the WASC. I mostly remember him lending his voice – it was so rich when he lead the

Pledge of Allegiance, the blessing, or even BINGO! He would occasionally lead a spontaneous sing-along with Cleo

at the piano, and it was impressive – neither needing sheet music. Si sang in barbershop quartets, with the Capitol

City Chordsmen, and in church choirs.

Si's biggest challenge as a volunteer recently was working with John Roy on jokes. Si would come up with some

great, clean jokes and give them to John Roy to present. 90% of the time, they would fail (John Roy has no comedic

timing and often flubbed the punch line.) I asked Si why he did this, "Why not just tell them yourself?" He replied

with a wry smile, "This is fun."

Si was also a fan of the Lugnuts and MSU Women's Basketball. Most of the women's coaching staff knew Si by

name. I, personally, am a little ticked off at Si, as I did not even get his opinion on the MSU Women's Basketball

team this year before he departed on November 16 at age 87.

My thanks to baby brother Bob Bement for his insights to allow me to prepare this article. The WASC will definitely

sound different in 2021. We will miss Cleo and Si tremendously and the harmony they brought our days through

their music and voices.

--submitted by Karen Spak

PRESIDENT RON’S POST

Happy New Year

2020 has ended. It was an election year. However, the election

turned into a Civil War that has threatened to destroy our na-

tion. We have two parties that are polar opposite that insist each

party’s views are correct. There is no middle ground. Party

sympathizers have become zealots tearing down statues, chal-

lenging each other’s opinions, protests, counter-protests, civil

unrest. “How can anybody be right if everybody is wrong.” It is

time to reunite our nation and find peace within ourselves. Our

motto has been “United we stand and divided we fall.” Hopeful-

ly, our elected officials can find common ground and restore the

trust with the American people. Enough of politics!

Covid-19 has turned into Covid-20 and now Covid-21, stretching

its tentacles into every part of our lives. The results of the pan-

demic are devasting, with over 14,000 deaths (at the time of this

publication) in Michigan alone. It has destroyed our economy as

well as our health. It has imprisoned us within our homes. It has caused isolation and depression. It has

changed our way of living.

But now we can fight back! A vaccine provides hope for destroying this threat to our existence and returning

us to everyday life. We need to take the vaccine. Vaccines in the past for mumps, measles, rubella, polio,

diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, chickenpox, hepatitis A&B, and influenza have successfully prevented dis-

ease. The vaccines can save lives – our lives! Check out the information on vaccines in this newsletter. If

you need assistance, please call the WASC at 517-655-5173. You are welcome to schedule a time to use a

computer at the center or bring in your laptop/IPad/Smart Phone to sign-up. The sooner people are immun-

ized, the closer we will be to opening the WASC. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It is showing the

way back.

Be Safe, Be Healthy and Be Happy!

Covid Be Not Proud.

People have said that you are mighty and dreadful. You have killed and sickened many people. You have

destroyed lives and careers through your insidious spread. You have frightened billions of people and expect

them to kneel to your power. However, we are stronger than you.

We will not succumb to your ominous threat. We will arise to fight you on your own turf. You spread infec-

tion through our bodies and that is where the war begins.

Our bodies will be armed with defenses that will fight you wherever you may go. We will unite and be

strong. You were not expecting a fight, but this is a fight that you cannot win. And COVID you cannot exist,

and, in the end, you shall die! (Modifications to John Donne’s Poem “Death Be Not Proud!”)

God bless the health care workers, doctors, and nurses and other frontline workers.

--Ron Harris, president

www.williamstonseniorcenter.com | 6

GIFTS, MEMORIALS & BIRTHDAYS

7 | Williamston Area Senior Center

Gifts & Memorials

November 2020:

In memory of Cleo Chase:

Russell & Susan Cockerill, Don & Sandy Ralph, Marilyn Thompson,

Beverly Zetterholm, Kathy Crandall, Joan Look, Jeanette Robertson,

Bruce & Fran Rogers, Lawrence & Kathleen Ward

In memory of Si Bement:

Marilyn Thompson, Beverly Zetterholm

General Donations:

Violet Lentz

December 2020:

In memory of Cleo Chase:

Robert Bement, Ron & Dawn Harris, Alice Heim, Dennis & Judith

Haskell

In memory of Si Bement:

Robert Bement, Ron & Dawn Harris, Jerrel & Nancy Ann Webb, Alice

Heim, Dennis & Judith Haskell

In memory of Lyleen Haller: Violet Lentz

In memory of Les Little: Brad & Lou Sharp

General Donations:

Elden & Jolene Gustafson, Katie Thornton, Harold & Kathie Sode-

man, Raymond Fink & Geraldine Beach, Graff Chevrolet—Donation

to 5K Virtual Run in December, Red Cedar Garden Club, Top Flite

Financial & Harvest House Ministries

Donations are receipted when received during the year. If you would

like a receipt for total donations to the WASC for the 2020 year for tax

purposes, please call the WASC at 517-655-5173. We would be happy

to mail you a copy. In addition we would like to thank the many indi-

viduals who give gifts in kind to fulfill the “Wish list” needs. While we

cannot itemize all of these additional donations, they are deeply appreci-

ated.

Birthdays

February

Mary Holmes

Bob Klausing

Mickie Manley

Rita Pincumbe

Julie Rudd

Bill Tomlinson

Eva Hatt

Dee Fate

March

Harold (Buzz) Sodeman

Betty Jason

Sharon Basil

Brenda Arnoczky

Virginia Taschner

Violet Lentz

Bobbie Sweeney

Elden (Gus) Gustafson

The WASC wishes each one a happy and

joy-filled birthday. If we missed your

birthdate, we apologize. Please send us an

email or give us a call and we will update

our information.

You Will Be Remembered

The WASC would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the following

WASC members who passed away in 2020. If we missed someone, please let us know so we may remem-

ber them in the next newsletter.

Jim Stoddard, Si Bement, Cleo Chase, Joe Spano, Rick Brown, Lyleen Haller &

Howard Giese, friend of WASC Herrmann Funeral Home-Fowlerville

TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE

Williamston Area Senior Center: (517) 655-5173 | 8

MSU Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) takes great pride and responsibility for our clients, our

volunteers, and our University. Our mission is to provide clients with high quality and accurate tax ser-

vices. Website: https://www.vita.msu.edu/

Schedule an Appointment:

You may schedule an appointment beginning January 18th, 2021, by calling 2-1-1 on your local mobile

or landline phone or toll-free at 866-561-2500.

Alternatively, beginning January 25th, 2021, we will be offering fully virtual services. You can vis-

it www.micauw.org/free-tax-help to learn more about how to use this service from anywhere with an in-

ternet connection!

General Requirements:

Under $57,000 in income

Wish to have help with your personal income taxes. (VITA only assists with the current

year’s personal income taxes)

NOTE: Tax preparation is allowed for only one client per scheduled session (i.e., a client may not bring in

another individual’s income tax forms to be filled out as well). If you are late for your appointment, you

may risk the chance of having to reschedule as there are only so many time slots and volunteers per ses-

sion.

Location:

The South Washington Office Complex Election Unit,

2500 S. Washington Avenue, Lansing MI 48910

Placemats for Meals on Wheels

Were a Hit Again This Year

Despite the restrictions created by the pandemic, the

WASC provided 175 placemats the first week in De-

cember to the Meals on Wheels rural Ingham County

office in Mason. The staff at Meals on Wheels were

very appreciative. They were especially pleased with

the safety and useability of the plastic wrapping used

this year.

Many thanks to the elves who helped with this project:

Virginia Cassaday, Susie Cockerill, Roxanne Hough-

ton, Anne Lemmen, and Julia O’Connor. A special

thanks to Karen Spak, who helped to facilitate the pro-

ject. It is impressive what seniors can do when they put

their minds to it!

COVID 19 VACCINES

9 | Williamston Area Senior Center

©LPI

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself against COVID 19 infection and to facilitate the opening

of the WASC and other organizations and businesses is through vaccinations. The following information is

provided to help every senior who desires a vaccine to find a way to receive one.

The Williamston Area Senior Center is here to help. Computers are available to use, and volunteers to as-

sist, if needed, to register for a vaccine. Please feel free to call the WASC for assistance at 517-655-5173.

Here is a synopsis of current information on Covid Vaccines available in our area. They have begun vac-

cinating those in 1B, which includes those over the age of 70. We anticipate vaccines will be available for

seniors from 65 through 69 soon. Even though vaccines may not be currently available, the following

sources will continue to provide updated information.

Ingham County Health Department (ICHD)

Link: http://hd.ingham.org – Phone: (517) 887-4623

The ICHD requires applicants to complete a registration form online. When vaccines are available, a link

will be provided to schedule an appointment. The ICHD follows the prioritization set by the State of Michi-

gan.

Sparrow

Link: https://www.sparrow.org/vaccine - Phone: 877-205-1300

COVID-19 Vaccination Scheduling and Appointment Instructions

�� Schedule an appointment online through My Sparrow. �

�� Complete the COVID-19 Vaccine (First Dose) scheduling form. This form button will be visible when

there are appointments available. Check back frequently to see when appointments become available.�

�� Choose an appointment time, then click Correct.�

�� Complete your scheduling by adding "COVID-19 vaccine" as the reason for your appointment. You will

receive a confirmation via email and/or a message in your MySparrow account. �

Please feel free to download and print the COVID-19 Vaccine How to Schedule an Appointment PDF file

for more information.�

McClaren

Link: www.mclaren.org

McLaren is now inviting existing patients 65 and older to sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you

are a McLaren patient 65 and older, please click the link above and follow the directions to sign-up for a vac-

cine.

Meijer Pharmacy

Link: https://clinic.meijer.com or via text by texting COVID to 75049.

When vaccines are available, Meijer will text an invite link with available clinic dates and times.

If you have questions or need additional assistance, please call the WASC. As updated information becomes

available, we will communicate it through the WASC office.

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HavenHaven

HerrmannFuneral Home

of FowlervilleP. J. Herrmann, OwnerA proud supporter of the

Williamston Senior Center

Continuously serving Fowlerville area families

since 19611005 East Grand RiverFowlerville, MI 48836

517-223-8656pjherrmannfuneralhome.com

Jen Zalinski to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6633

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Inside This Issue

WASC Mission, Purpose ......... Pg #2

Director’s Corner .................... Pg #3

WASC Board .......................... Pg #4

WASC “Wish List” ................. Pg #4

Volunteer Spotlight.................. Pg #5

President Ron’s Post ................ Pg #6

Gifts, Memorials & Birthdays .. Pg #7

Tax Preparation Assistance ...... Pg #8

COVID 19 Vaccines ................ Pg #9

Membership .......................... Pg #12

WASC Information:

Phone: 517.655.5173

WASC is currently closed due to re-

strictions of COVID 19 pandemic.

Please check out our Facebook page

or call to see when programs may be

offered.


John Roy Castillo, Director

201 School Street, PO Box 343


NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit #6

Please complete form and return with your payment to:


201 School Street


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Feb ’20 - Mar ‘21