Newsletter February– March 2016 · March 8, 2016 We need volunteers! Newsletter Assembly Crew needed 5 times per year Chasing the Winter Blues Fiesta luncheon February 1 and February

Page 1 | Payments: Northview Senior Citizens| 4365 Hunsberger NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49525

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NorthviewSeniorCitizens

Reservations and sending payments Make checks payable to Northview Public Schools

Northview Senior Citizens

4365 Hunsberger N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Christine Friedt, Program Director Holly Young, Program Assistant

616-365-6150 [email protected]

Site of Program Plainfield Senior Center

5255 Grand River Dr. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Newsletter February– March 2016

IMPORTANT! REGISTRATION PROCESS!

Monday, January 4, 2016 at 9 am (not one minute

before) registration opens for activities in this

newsletter for members. Non-member registration

opens January 18.

Helpful Hints

Plan ahead, connect with your friends and decide

early what you want to sign up for.

Registration requests may be sent via email

([email protected]) or voicemail (616-365-6150)

only! Email registration is preferred. Walk in

registration is not available at the Center or

Administration Building.

Request your events, by email or phone, in the order

on the Payment Form page.

Please only have one person (if you have a group)

register for all of you. Ask your friends first, don’t

just assume they want to go.

Multiple calls and cancellations slow down the

process for everyone, thank you for being

courteous!

The majority of our activities fill quickly.

Do not send any payment until you receive

confirmation.

Every effort will be made to respond to each

registration request within 72 hours.

We appreciate your patience!

Winter Weather Policy:

If Northview Public Schools are closed for a SNOW DAY then the

Plainfield Senior Center will be closed. Radio and TV stations make every effort to

air this info by 6:45 am.

Income Tax Appointments at the Plainfield Senior Center

Available Thursdays in February and March by appointment only. No walk-ins! Appointments may be made by calling 365-6150 or [email protected] on/after Monday, January 11, 2016 The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to senior citizens, people with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who generally make $54,000 or less/year and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Volunteers are students from area colleges, and although they are IRS certified, they are not Certified Public Accountants. Anyone that wants their taxes reviewed by a CPA should seek another option.

Page 2 | Contact: Christine Friedt | Program Director | (616) 365-6150 | [email protected]

Senior Center News

Membership Have you considered membership to the senior

center and are wondering why you should make the investment?

Members have the opportunity

to sign up for offerings two full weeks before non-members.

Membership cost is $12 per year and renews

annually on July 1. Rates are prorated. We currently have 825 members and

325 non-members at the center. Contact us today to become a member!

The Center will be Closed

March 8, 2016

We need volunteers! Newsletter Assembly Crew needed 5

times per year Chasing the Winter Blues Fiesta luncheon

February 1 and February 2 AFL lectures set up and clean up Keeping the bulletin board updated

‘Tis the Season Marketplace was a success!

Thanks to those who contributed by either

baking cookies or pies, making a craft to sell

(especially our Tues. morning group), donat-

ing to Maggie’s Attic and/or volunteering!

We also appreciate all those who came and

SHOPPED! We raised over $2600.

Thank you!

ADVERTISEMENT NEW Exercise Class! Tai Chi is a Chinese system of slow

meditative physical exercises designed for

relaxation, improving flexibility, balance and

increased health. The class is designed to

promote a comfortable and enjoyable way to

learn the very basic movements.

About the instructor: Ruth Kizer is certified

by the International Yang Family Tai Chi

Association and by Dr. Yang and the Center

for Taiji and Qigong Studies. She has been

teaching for over 20 years and is passionate

about the benefits gained from continued

practice.

Fridays at 11 am $3 drop in fee starting

Friday, January 8th.


New Programs

Chasing Away the Winter Blues Fiesta Lunch!

Tuesday, February 2 @ Noon

Offered by Pilgrim Manor at the

Northview Senior Center.

Tired of the long cold winter? Help us chase away the winter blues with a Fiesta luncheon on Groundhog Day! Menu: Tacos, Mexican rice, chips & salsa, & virgin frozen margaritas Reservations needed! All proceeds donated to the Alzheimer’s Association of West Michigan. Cost: $5 Generously underwritten by Pilgrim Manor, a nonprofit retirement community dedicated to providing compassionate care services to seniors including: rehabilitation therapy, skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. We have a care solution for each phase in your life journey.

“Navigating Life’s Tough Stuff” presented by Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids

Thursday, February 18 @ 1pm

Tough stuff will happen to all of us in life. Whether it’s dealing with a life threatening illness like cancer, supporting a loved one or friend who has been diagnosed, or learning to live with a death in the family. Join Gilda’s Club President, Wendy Wigger, and Daryl Vogel, Vice-President of Development as they share the mission and vision of Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids…building a stronger and emotionally healthy community in West Michigan, benefitting all of us! Cost: Free Reservations Appreciated

Dialogue About Dementia and Communication

presented by Clark Retirement Communities Tuesday, February 9 @ 1pm

Communication is extremely vital for the person living with dementia as well as the caregiver. You will leave with communication tips that will benefit both you and the person you are caring for. Facilitator Chris Simons, Director of Dementia Services for Clark Retirement Cost: Free Reservations Appreciated

Fantastic Fiction

Tuesday, March 1 @ 1pm

Come and discover the power of great fiction to enchant, transport and transform you! Maggie McDaniel from Kent District Library will share some of her favorite titles in a variety of genres. You’ll be reintroduced to familiar authors and meet some fabulous new ones. You might be surprised at what sparks your interest! About the Speaker: Maggie is an adult services librarian at KDL’s Plainfield Township branch. She taught herself to read the same year she was finally able to sit in her high chair without a strap. Cost: Free Reservations Appreciated


New Programs

Your Hearing Health Intriguing Evidence Links Hearing Loss With

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Thursday, March 17 @ 1pm

According to several major studies, older adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and dementia, compared to those with normal hearing. What are you doing to routinely monitor your personal hearing health? Come join us for this informative presentation on previous studies, current advancements, preventative practices, and much more! About the Speaker: Brennen Kartes is a Hearing Healthcare Practitioner with Beltone Hearing Centers of West Michigan and also has a passion for travel and music. Cost: Free Reservations Appreciated

Vein Restoration Seminar

Thursday, March 24 @ 1pm

The Center for Vein Restoration will present a program for those suffering from tired, achy and heavy legs. Vascular Screening is one of the most effective ways to perform early diagnosis of vascular disease. For those suffering from any of these leg symptoms: Varicose veins, spider veins; Aching, pain or throbbing; Swollen ankles; Heavy, tired legs; Leg cramps or restless legs; Itching or burning; Pain while walking; Bulging veins or skin color change we may be able to help!

Cost: Free Reservations Appreciated

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*Encore* Recipes for a Flavorful Healthy New Year

Cooking Demo with Chef Mark Kingshott Thursday, January 28 at 2:30 pm Chef Mark is back to help us with our New Year resolutions! Root Vegetable Stew, Roasted Sweet potatoes with Pecans and a surprise recipe will be showcased. Join us for a fun afternoon! Cost: $10 Reserve today.

Cooking Classes

Onsite Cooking Classes Presented by health educators/R.D.’s from Kent County Health Department who are also cooking enthusiasts. The focus is on using nutrient-rich foods that improve health and help prevent chronic disease. Quick Soups Thursday, February 4 @ 1pm We will learn how to create delicious and healthy 30 minute soups. Many of the recipes use leftovers or staples from your pantry. Healthy Cooking on a Shoestring Budget Thursday, March 3 @ 1pm Cooking and eating healthy does not mean you have to break the bank. With planning, and the tips and recipes from this class, you can easily add nutritious snacks and meals to your diet while sticking to your food budget. Register today! These classes sell out quickly! Cost: $7 for each class (registered separately)

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Apprentice For Life

Apprentice for Life Lecture Series (presented at the Senior Center)

All lectures are free, reservations are appreciated.

Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes Thursday, January 21 at 1 pm The couple’s fifth book illustrates a time when M-22 beckoned motorists to drive north to explore the area. Join us for a back-in-time look at travel along historical, scenic M-22. About the Speakers: M. Christine Byron & Thomas R. Wilson share a love of Michigan and a fascination with its history, especially the development and growth of Michigan tourism. Their collection of antique postcards and tourist and travel ephemera was the inspiration for their award winning books.

Generously underwritten by Heron Woods

Heron Woods residents enjoy a warm, caring environment with all the comforts of home and none of the burdens of home ownership. Storm Chasing - The Power of Wind

Thursday, February 25 at 1pm Tom Oosterbaan has been chasing storms out west almost every year since 1993, when he saw his first Great Plains tornado. He has seen over 25 tornadoes including at least one in each of the last 8 years. In 2011 he witnessed the fury of Hurricane Irene when he was on the banks of the North Carolina coast where the eye of the Hurricane first hit land. Tom has talked to numerous groups about storms and his chasing experiences. Together we will explore the atmosphere and look at ingredients needed for storm germination and development. We will discuss various kinds of storms and look at those that develop the strongest kinds of tornadoes. Finally, Tom will talk about his personal chasing experiences and take us on a video chase of the 2013 EF 5 Tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma. About the Speaker: Tom Oosterbaan is a lifelong storm chaser and works locally for Senior Neighbors.

Generously underwritten by Beltone For 75 years, Beltone has been dedicated to setting the highest standards when it comes to helping people regain their hearing. We've changed the lives of millions of people experiencing hearing loss by providing the most comprehensive, personalized care available - featuring products that have constantly set the tone for innovation. Visit Beltone soon and join the ranks of the “happily hearing”.


Apprentice For Life (cont.)

Apprentice for Life Lecture Series (presented at the Senior Center)

A Polish Doctor in the Nazi Camps: My Mother’s Memories of Imprisonment, Immigration, and a Life Remade Thursday, March 10 at 1 pm Jadwiga Lenartowicz Rylko, known as Jadzia (Yah′-jah), was a young Polish Catholic physician at the start of World War II. Suspected of resistance activities, she was arrested in January 1944. For the next fifteen months, she endured three Nazi concentration camps and a forty-two day death march, spending part of this time working as a prisoner-doctor to Jewish slave laborers. About the Speaker: Barbara Rylko-Bauer, Jadzia's daughter, is the author of A Polish Doctor in the Nazi Camps (2014). Barbara grew up in a Polish-American enclave of Detroit. She attended the University of Michigan and then was awarded a Ph.D. by the University of Kentucky. Barbara is a medical anthropologist whose writing focuses on health care inequalities, applied anthropology, political violence, the Holocaust, and intimate ethnography.

Generously underwritten by iHear iHear is the only fully dedicated Mobile Hearing Service in Grand Rapids and we are committed to the principle that our hearing aids, service and price make us the best option for all your hearing needs.

Jacobson’s . . . I Miss It So The story of a Michigan Fashion Institution Tuesday, March 22 at 1pm Regardless if you shopped at Jacobson’s, this fascinating history of the business climate in Michigan will keep you interested! Join department store historian Bruce Allen Kopytek in this return to the elegance of Jacobson's, a beloved Michigan institution for well over one hundred years. Re-enter the marvelous stores and meet the personalities who transformed Jacobson's from its humble Reed City origins to a staple of sophistication throughout the region and in Florida.

About the Speaker: Bruce Allen Kopytek was born in Hamtramck, Michigan, into a very inquisitive Polish-American family, who, despite their working-class bearing, valued faith, education and culture above everything else. As a result, he traveled widely as a youth and still does today with his wife, Carole. An architect by trade he is also a music enthusiast, book collector, history buff and avid ballroom dancer.

Generously underwritten by The Laurels of Kent The Laurels of Kent is a Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation center located in Lowell, Michigan off of M-21 with close proximity to Grand Rapids. We offer therapy 7 days per week and accept Medicare, Medicaid and most Insurances.


Outings (transportation by mini-bus)

Where Grand Rapids Worships We continue to visit area places of worship as we learn about different faiths and their place in history on this outing. Wednesday, February 24 Departing at 12:30pm The two churches we are visiting are: First Community African Methodist

Episcopal Church Linh Son Buddhist Temple Cost: $6 Note: Due to Easter falling in March we will not be visiting a church that month.

Senior Living Community Visits This series continues as we tour and learn

about area communities.

Wednesday, February 17 departing at 1pm

We will be touring Vista Springs Northview

and Boulder Creek Assisted Living.

(Lunch not included.)

Cost $4 Reserve today

Wednesday, March 9 departing at 1pm

We will be touring Rest Haven Homes and

Sentinel Pointe Retirement Community.

(Lunch not included.)

Cost $4 Reserve today

About the Facilitator:

Wayne Dantuma, owner of Always Best Care

Senior Services in Grand Rapids.

Founders Brewery Tour and lunch-on-your-own

Two dates available! Please indicate your

preference at time of registration!

Monday, February 8 - depart 10:40am

Thursday, February 11 - depart 10:40am

One of the Founders Brewing Company

education ambassadors will guide us through

the facility highlighting the equipment which

helps produce enough beer to be the 17th

largest craft brewery by sales volume in

2014, and they continue to grow!

Immediately following the tour we will enjoy

lunch-on-our-own.

Cost: $14 plus lunch is on your own.

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Outings (continued)

ADVERTISEMENT Casino Club Fish Fry- Our annual visit!

Friday, March 11 Time: Noon Meet us at The Casino Club located at 3260 Salerno Dr. NE. It is just west of Plainfield behind Wendy’s Restaurant. This private club opens its doors to the public so we can all enjoy the delicious fish fry that they have been hosting for years. Look for Christine and the rest of the group at our reserved tables. We will gather at noon! Cost: Pay at the Door $9

The “411” on “911” Life EMS Ambulance Tour and Lunch

Friday, March 18 Departing at 11am This is our 4th year offering this tour. It sells quickly and we have a lot of new people who will enjoy this event. Our visit to Life EMS is always in high demand! You will not only learn a lot about how our 911 system works. you see it in action! This state-of-the-art 911 Dispatch/Control Center is impressive. We will enjoy a catered lunch, hear about Life EMS and then tour the 911 center. About Life EMS: Since its inception in 1980, Life EMS Ambulance has consistently provided compassionate emergency care throughout West Michigan. Life EMS is locally owned and operated and is proud to serve the communities they live in. Cost: $5


Outings (continued)

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The Heritage Restaurant and Mystery Tour!! Dining at GRCC’s

Culinary Arts Restaurant We are offering three dates. Please indicate your choice when registering Wednesday, March 23 Tuesday, March 29 Wednesday, March 30 All dates departing at 10:30

The Heritage Restaurant is an award winning fine dining restaurant staffed by culinary school students from GRCC. This culinary arts school is an award winning program! Cost: $25 includes lunch, gratuity, bus and tour.

Driving Miss Daisy Playing at the VanSingel Fine Arts Center Thursday, March 31 Departing at 6:30pm Winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Play, Driving Miss Daisy is a warm-hearted, humorous and affecting study of the unlikely relationship between an aging, crotchety wealthy white Southern lady, and a proud, soft-spoken black man. Set between 1948 and 1973, the work illustrates the great social changes of the period through the evolving friendship of these two opposites. Transportation by school bus. Cost: $48 due within one week of reservation.


Broadway Grand Rapids At DeVos Hall

Phantom of the Opera Matinee The Phantom of the Opera will come to DeVos Performance Hall as part of a brand new North American Tour. Hailed by critics as “bigger and better than ever before” this production boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier, new scenic and lighting designs, new staging and choreography. The beloved story and thrilling score will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productions now on tour.

Thursday, May 19 2016 departing at 1pm

Transportation by school bus.

Cost: $76 Due within one week of reservation

Riverdance- The 20th Anniversary World Tour The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand! Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song.

Thursday, April 14, 2016 departing at 6:30 pm

Transportation by school bus.

Cost: $58 This trip is sold out but we need a wait list!

1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont

(just off US-131, Exit 95)

616.866.7200

Kurt B. Stegenga,

Owner/Manager

Upscale Facility without an

Upscale Price

Family owned & operated

The Stegenga price guarantee

Dedicated, professional and caring staff

Modern, spacious facility with ad-joining Community Life Center

Four Pianos Concert Wednesday, May 11 Departing at 5:30pm Walt Matzke’s Four Pianos features four master pianists on four grand pianos performing brilliant arrangements of classical, Broadway and pop favorites, movie themes and more! With symphony percussionist and a spark of humor in every concert, Four Pianos delights and ignites audiences! Venue is Hope College. Transportation by minibus is included. Cost: $29 Due within one week of reservation.

Outings (continued)

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The Heart of Michigan– Lansing

Tuesday, May 17 Departs at 9:30am returning around 7pm We have packed our itinerary with great visits! The State Capitol, Michigan Historical Museum and the Turner-Dodge House. The Turner-Dodge House, circa 1858, is on the National Historic Registry and is a beautiful example of Classical Revival architecture. We will enjoy a guided tour, tea & treats, and learn about the history of Lansing. Our included lunch will be enjoyed at Champps. We will step back into the Victorian era with a visit to Michigan's award-winning Capitol Building. We end our visit at the Michigan Historical Museum which showcases us with Michigan history from prehistoric times through the late twentieth century. Menu choices: Champps Cheeseburger, Chicken Wrap, BBQ Chopped Salad, or Chicken Caesar Salad. Cost: $79 deposit due within one week of making the reservation. Balance due April 1. Includes: transportation by motor coach and driver gratuity, lunch and entrance fees.

For your information… Payment Due Dates

Monthly luncheons: 1 week prior

Program fees: 30 days prior to event Fees for outings: 30 days prior to event

Day trips (motor coach): deposit due w/in 1

week of making your reservations. Final payment due 30-60 days prior

depending on the event. Check event listing for details.

Day Trips

From Prison to Paradise

Wednesday, April 20 Departs at 8am returning around 7pm We will “do time” at Michigan’s first state prison, once the largest in the world! We begin our tour at the historic Michigan Theatre where we will hear the fascinating prison history from punishments to hilarious amusements. An included lunch follows at Steve’s Ranch. We then visit the old prison, now Armory Arts Village, which is a resident artists’ community. After the prison tour, we will tour Jackson’s St. Demetrius Orthodox Church that is known for its exquisite iconography & wood carving. This will be topped off with “divine” homemade Baklava and coffee made by the members of the church. Cost: $97 deposit due within one week of making the reservation. Balance is due March 1. Includes: transportation by motor coach and driver gratuity, lunch and tours.

Preview of Coming Attractions

Upcoming trips: Shipshewana Garden Quilt Tour on 6/29/16, Chicago 7/20/16, Inland Seas Education Center in Suttons Bay 8/2/16, Brown Bag Mystery Trip September 2016, Fall Color Tour October 2016, Southern Exposure November 2016

Registration for these trips will be available in future newsletters.


Day Trips (continued)

Musical Duo Day Featuring The Motown Museum

and Forever Plaid, a musical

Wednesday, June 15 Departs at 7 am returning around 7pm

We are taking a trip down memory lane by visiting the Motown Museum, enjoying lunch at Little Tony’s burger joint (included lunch) and then heading to Meadow Brook Theatre for the musical “Forever Plaid”. Motown Museum: We will stand in Studio A, where our favorite artists and groups recorded, and view the restored upper flat where Berry Gordy Jr. lived with his young family during the company's earliest days. Forever Plaid: Once upon a time, there were four guys who discovered they shared a love for music. On the way to their first big gig, the "Plaids" are killed instantly. This fun musical revue is full of classic songs of the 1950s! Cost: $109, deposit due within one week of making the reservation. Balance due May 2. Transportation provided by motor coach.

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Meet the “new” Program Assistant

Introducing Holly Young, Program Assistant. We are blessed to have an effective and talented program assistant to keep our program running well! Although Holly has been working for us since May we wanted to take this time to formally introduce her to our membership. Many of you have heard from her already and may have even met her! Some of her duties include: newsletter, Facebook, updating the website and she helps “behind-the-scenes” to keep registration and event management (payments, reminders, cancellations, menu selections etc.) running smoothly. Accomplishments so far have been implementing a software system that enables us to better track event/member management, a new look to our newsletter and the popular Payment Form. She has been a tremendous help to Christine and a real asset to our program. Holly is a resident of Rockford and is married with two adult sons. She is involved with bible study, book club and music. She is a praise singer at her church. Please introduce yourself when you see her at a luncheon or other event!


Ongoing Favorites

Prayers and Concerns Our condolences to the friends and family of Jim Schindorf, Geraldine Riall Jackson and Joyce Smedes. If you, or someone you know who attends Northview Senior events, have had a change in health status, please contact Christine.

Join us for lunch and entertainment! Valentine’s Day Luncheon

Tuesday, February 16 @ noon

Main Entrée: Italian Chicken Breast

Cost: $5.00 Paid in advance

Thank you to Chairs: Marie Dennie, Bev Belluomini and committee

St Patrick’s Day Luncheon

Tuesday, March 15 @ noon

Main Entrée: Corned Beef

Cost: $5.00 Paid in advance

Thank you to Chairs: Fran Kazmierski, Sharon Pickerd and committee Free Attorney Consultations

By Appointment Only! February 1 and March 7

If you are interested in this 30 minute free

counseling session, please make your appointment by contacting Christine:

365-6150 or [email protected]

Book Club

Thursday, February 11 Thursday, March 10

We utilize Kent District Library’s free “Book Club in a Bag” program. Book Club typically meets on the second Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm at the Senior Center. Contact Christine for more info.

Lunch and a Movie Friday, February 19

Friday, March 18 This group of members enjoys going out to lunch once a month followed by a movie. Some only come for the lunch and that is fine too! If this is something you would like more info about, please contact Pat Arbour at 822-9938 or [email protected]

Bingo! Join others as they play bingo each month.

Enjoy the fellowship, fun and refreshments!

$1 drop-in fee. No reservations necessary!

Bingo starts at 1pm

Tuesday, January 26

Tuesday, February 23

Tuesday, March 29

Speak to a Geek Bring your eBook, Laptop, tablet,

cell phone, etc. with you and the “geek” will

answer your questions!

February 9 and March 22

Just drop in between 10:00 and 11:30 a.m.

Documents

Newsletter February– March 2016 · March 8, 2016 We need volunteers! Newsletter Assembly Crew needed 5 times per year Chasing the Winter Blues Fiesta luncheon February 1 and February