Please be assured, our centers will reopen as soon as we are · RideLink Information: The Rapid...

WE HAVE SENIOR CENTERS IN GRAND RAPIDS, GRANDVILLE, LOWELL, SPARTA AND WALKER

Ways to Wellness 2

Grand Rapids 4

Grandville 8

Lowell 12

Sparta 16

Walker 20

Nutrition Education 24

We all know by now the effects COVID-19 has had on our planet. We are constantly striving to do our part in making sure seniors stay safe. In order to keep the members of our senior centers, exercise classes and transportation clients safe, Senior Neighbors has

temporarily suspending our senior centers, Tai Chi Classes, Arthritis Foundation Exercise Programs, and EnhancedFitness Classes. You can still get rides through RideLink, but remember things change daily. We hope to be open soon and will be following the lead of our governments.

At this time we have staff answering phones from our centers and central office if you have questions. Case Workers are taking “phone” meetings with seniors and are still ready to give the same excellent care that you are use to.

We will keep you updated on our website as things change. Please listen closely to what the CDC is telling everyone and keep yourself and loved ones safe.

Grand Rapids: 616-459-3040 Grandville Senior Center: 616-531-5250

Lowell Senior Center: 616-897-5949 Sparta Senior Center: 616-887-1273

Walker Firehouse Café: 616-735-3240 Health & Wellness Coordinator ~ Julie Lake: 616-233-0283

Central Office: 616-459-6019 Intake for Case Workers: 616-233-0281

Please be assured, our centers will

reopen as soon as we are allowed!!

2 Ways to Wellness

Julie Lake, MPA, CTRS Wellness Coordinator

2

Happy April Fool’s Day!

As I think about what to share with you this month, I am reminded of all the April Fool’s Day pranks I hear about. I know I have shared a story with you about an April Fool’s prank my older brothers once played. For those of you who missed it, or don’t remember, I’m going to share it again. This month I want to remind you about the importance of laughter to your health.

When I was much younger, my parents had one of those water systems where you tipped a five gallon water jug onto a stand with a spigot. We would use this water source for cooking, drinking, and most importantly, my mom’s coffee.

On the evening of March 31st my dad tipped a brand new five gallon jug onto that water stand. The next morning, April 1st, my Mom got up at 5:00am and started her morning ritual of getting her coffee ready. She filled her coffee maker with water from the drinking spigot just like every day. Her coffee brewed while she continued to get ready for work. She enjoyed a cup or two before leaving for the day. Then as she began to be more alert and the day light started to come in through the windows, my mom noticed something a little peculiar about that five gallon water jug sitting in the corner of our kitchen. It wasn’t as clear as normal, the water seemed a bit cloudier. And there was something else strange about it. It was full of goldfish happily swimming around. My brothers had gone to the store and purchased goldfish to put into that jug. It was one of the most classic April Fool’s Day pranks I have ever seen. Of course, at the time I was probably especially happy that for once, I was not the target for my older brother’s pranks. My mom still talks about that day, despite it being more than thirty years ago.

Are you laughing at this? My mom was not at the time– she laughs about it now, but at the time she wasn’t nearly as impressed as the rest of us. But as April begins to sneak up on us, be sure you take some time to think about how laughter and humor can impact your health.

In an online article found at www.helpguide.org, authors Lawrence Robinson, Melinda Smith, M.A,, and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D, write:

“Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.

With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. But by seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life.”

I am particularly drawn to their point about how our laughter changes as we age. We need laughter and humor, partially because it often comes from social interactions with others, which also benefit us. Take the time to improve your health by finding opportunities to laugh. Pull that prank on April Fool’s Day. You know you want to.

Be Well! -Julie

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Grand Rapids Senior Neighbors Center4

We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who donated items/money to

the GR Senior Neighbors Center! Some of you give of your time and talents and we want to thank you too!

If you or your organization would like to be a part of the Senior Neighbors volunteer family please call Nicole Driesenga at 616.233.0745.

Staff & VolunteersCenter Coordinator: Jonathan Bates Activity Assistant: Jill Mancewicz Nutritional Aide: Walter Smith Representative from SNI: Nicole Driesenga AARP Volunteers: John Burns, Wilson Thompson, John Lofton, Emanual Foxworth Senior Companions: Sue Owen, Terry Murphy, Ruby Leggett, Ollie Williams, Ervin Dykstra

Advisory Council MembersPresident: Barb Turner Vice President: Perry Hughes Treasurer: Sue Owen Secretary: Terry Murphy Members at Large: Stan Smith, Hank Slagter, Charlie Pace Representative to the SNI Board: Charlie Pace

From the Center Coordinator’s Desk April showers bring May flowers???? Not necessarily! With the weather we’ve had this season not even weather men are able to keep there job. Lol. I usually love the month of April. My kids get all dressed up for Easter and we have our traditional Easter egg hunt. My favorite part is making their Easter baskets. It really brings back great memories of my childhood when my parents did the same thing for me and my siblings. On that note, this year we will be having our first Easter egg hunt here at the center. Keep an eye out for details.

Jonathan Bates,

Center Coordinator

A Special Thank You To * JW Marriott * Amway* GRPD * Rob & Diane Robinson* Don & Barb Turner * Pat Callahan* Michael Herring * Panera* Grand Rapids Drive * Stacy Peck* Spectrum Health * GVSU Pharmacy* United Healthcare * Grand Rapids Griffins

616-459-3040

Grand Rapids Senior Neighbors Center 5

GR Senior Center Wish ListThe GR Senior Neighbors Center operates, in part, through the

donations and financial support of the community & local businesses. Every donated item from the wish list frees money

we can put toward our senior services.

*Decaf/Regular Coffee/Tea *Coffee Creamers*Peanut Butter/Jelly *Snacks/Goodies*Toilet Bowl Cleaner *New Batteries*Pancake Mix & Syrup *Postage Stamps*Cereal & Breakfast items *Bingo Prizes

RideLink Information:The Rapid participates in RideLink, a network of area transportation providers. RideLink offers transportation to persons aged 60 or older to any destination, including doctor visits, recreational visits, and shopping trips within Kent County. Providers include Hope Network, Senior Neighbors, Kent County Community Action, United Methodist Community House and The RAPID. These agencies vehicles provide trips for RideLink. You must pre-register to use RideLink.

Rides are scheduled through RideLink. Call 774-1288 no later than noon of the workday before your appointment.

⚫ RideLink passengers are encouraged to make a $2.00 donationper trip. Donations are an important part of this program. The money goes directly back into the program to allow for continued service.

⚫ Service hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

⚫ Rides must be cancelled through RideLink.⚫ This service is available Sunday through Friday.

2...Emanuel Foxworth 5...Shirley Briggs 6...Billy Jackson 7...Yvonne Nero 10..Maurice Scott 20..Raymond Johnson 21..Bobby Strong 22...Orlin Wilder 23...Patricia Winston 26...Maria Cordova

Birthday Party to be held on Friday, April 24, 2020 All Day Long!

We will have food, entertainment, prizes and so much more!

26...Karen Diggs 26...Maria Cordova 29...Annie Brooks 29...Michael Lewis 29...William Starkey 29...Ginny Steen

VOLUNTEERSAre An Essential Puzzle

Piece To Our Team Join Us On Tuesday,

April 21 at noon to

honor and celebrate

the volunteers that help run our center!

Grand Rapids

Senior Center

Senior of the Month

Grand Rapids Senior Center Senior of the Month

Joyce Garrett Joyce was born in Saginaw, MI and grew up the baby of five siblings. She graduated from Saginaw High School. In 1979 she

moved to Grand Rapids. Joyce is the proud mother of 7

children (4 boys & 3 girls), 16 grandchildren and 16 great grand-

children. Joyce says that she feels she has had a blessed life. She has never had to work because she had a husband who took care of her. She enjoys listening to music, dancing and bowling when she can. If you see Joyce around don’t be afraid to say hi. She is a pleasure to have here at our center.


Color Pencil Therapy—Mondays at 11:00 Bible Study—Thursdays at 11:00 Coffee w/ Cop—1st Wednesday of the Month at 9:00 Bingo—1st Friday of the Month at 12:30 Case Manager—Thursdays 10:00—12:00 Breakfast—2nd Thursday of the Month at 9:00 Wii Bowling—Wednesdays at 10:00 Wii Golf—Thursdays at 12:00 Advisory Council—3rd Tues. of the Month at 1:00 Arthritis Exercise—Tues. & Thurs. at 10:00

Card games Wizard, Bid Whist & Pool Daily

E ARTH DAY ~ Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement started in 1970. As we prepare to mark 50 years of Earth Day in 2020, let’s take a look at the last half-century of mobilization for action.

ORIGINS OF E ARTH DAY ~ Earth Day founder, and then Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson, came up with the idea for a national day to focus on the environment after witnessing the ravages of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969. He desired to infuse the energy of anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, forcing environmental protection onto the national political agenda. April 22, falling between Spring Break and Final Exams, was selected as the date. Earth Day 1970 showed an emerging public consciousness about the state of our planet as inefficient automobiles used vast amounts of leaded gas. Factories belched out smoke and sludge with little fear as pollution was called the smell of prosperity. We seemed oblivious to environmental concerns threatening human health. Then Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962 raised public awareness about the inextricable links between pollution and public health. Earth Day 1970 helped put environmental concerns on the front page. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, urban dwellers and farmers, business and labor leaders. By the end of 1970, the first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts. In 1990, Earth Day went global, with the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, prompting President Bill Clinton to award Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nations highest civilian honor.

E ARTH DAY TODAY ~ Today, Earth Day is widely recognized as the largest secular observance in the world. As the awareness of our climate grows, fresh and challenged generations of people, young and old, are accepting the need to work together to keep our planet healthy and clean. The year 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and Earth Day Network is launching an ambitious set of goals to shape the future of 21st century environmentalism. Together we can build a movement going into the 50th anniversary that goes to the very heart of what EDN and Earth Day are all about. We invite you to be a part of Earth Day and help write many more chapters regarding our collective struggles and victories to preserve our planet into the Earth Day book.

We have listed just a few of the resources and services in the Heartside Community of Grand Rapids. More information at the desk.

Resources—Meals—Shelter

Degage Ministries ~ 616.454.1661

144 Division Ave. S. GR, MI 49503

Breakfast: 8:30—10:00 everyday Dinner: 6:00—7:00 everyday They can help with: Birth Certificate, ID & SS Card, driver’s license, 211 Card, clothing, toiletries, haircuts, lockers, laundry, showers, phone calls & mail service. Cost: Low cost payable with vouchers

First Park Congregational Church ~ 616.459.3203

10 East Park Place NE, GR, MI 49503 Free Breakfast—3rd Saturday every month 8:00—10:00 am

God’s Kitchen ~ 616.224.0217 303 Division Ave. S. GR, MI 49503 Free—Lunch: 12:30—2:00 everyday except 1st Fri of each month and Thanksgiving

Mel Trotter Ministries ~ 616.454.8249 225 Commerce Ave. SW; GR, MI 49503 Women’s & Men’s Shelter: • For single women & their children• Check in at 4:30 Women 4:00 Men• Check out 7:00 am• Dinner and breakfast served• $2.00 per meal (EBT, Cash or Debit)• Men’s Meal 5:00 daily• Women’s Meal 5:25 daily

Transportation GO!Bus (The Rapid

Transit System) 616.456.6141 Schedule 24 hours in advance *For seniors 65 or older/mentally or physically disabledLow cost

Silverline—The Rapid No fare is required to ride if you enter and exit within the No Fare Zone. Monday: Friday 5 am—1 am Saturday: 5:30 am-10 pm Sunday: 6 am—7 pm

Senior Employment AARP Foundation ~ 616.649.0310 AARP Foundation in GR is here to help you take on to-day! Offering the opportunity for you to get back into the Workplace; Develop new skills, update your resume, gain confidence of going back to work! AARP Foundation pays minimum wage for job training and aides in getting seniors jobs.

a grand rapids neighborhood

Grand Rapids Senior Neighbors Center6


Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

2 Arthritis Exercise 10:00 Case Manager 10:00-12:00 Bible Study 11:00

3

Bingo w/ Uthania 10:00

6

Cribbage 10:00 Colored Pencils 11:00

7

Arthritis Exercise 10:00 8

Wii Bowling 10:00 9

Breakfast 9:00 Case Manager 10:00-12:00 Arthritis Exercise 10:00 Bible Study 11:00 Wii Golf 12:00

10 Lunch Bunch Pizza Ranch 11:00

Cards 1:00

13


14

Arthritis Exercise 10:00 15

Wii Bowling 10:00 16

Arthritis Exercise 10:00 Case Manager 10-12 Bible Study 11:00

17

Frederick Meijer Gar-dens Butterfly Exhibit 9:30 Cards 1:00

20


21

Arthritis Exercise 10:00 Volunteer Appreciation 12:00 Advisory Council 1:00

22

Wii Bowling 10:00 23 Arthritis Exercise 10:00 Case Manager 10:00 Bible Study 11:00 Wii Golf 12:00

27


28 Arthritis Exercise 10:00

29

Wii Bowling 10:00 30

Arthritis Exercise 10:00 Case Manager 10:00 Bible Study 11:00 Name That TV Show 12:00

1 Coffee w/ Cop 9:00 Wii Bowling 10:00

Well

Suggested Donations Arthritis Exercise: $3 Chair Exercise: Free-Breakfast: Anything Lunch: $2

Grandville Senior Neighbors Center 8

From the Coordinator’s Desk

Spring is in the air and at the Center! Newness and life are not only happening outside, but in the Center too. I have seen several new faces join the Center as well as returning members who have been away for awhile. My wish is for you to know that everyone is welcome. We want each of you to feel at home. We offer a variety of activities daily. I would love it if you could make the most of each day. Perhaps you could make a point to try something new this month. Some new activities have been added and some activities are not new, but reintroducing them into your life could be great. New friendships may be made. Please know I value each and every one of you and love working with you. Have a Happy Spring!

Lisa Sarber, CTRS Center Coordinator

Staff

Coordinator: Lisa Sarber, CTRS Nutritional Aide: Joann Kanady Bus Driver: John Bouma Senior Neighbors Representative: Nicole Driesenga

Advisory Council Members

President: Jim VanStee Vice President: Roger Wynsma Treasurer: Fred Dillinger Secretary: Jackie Sheler Members at Large: Joe Haviland, Lois Ripma & Alan Wolf Representative to the SNI Board: Joe Haviland

Advisory Council Meeting: April 16 at 1 pm.

Grandville Senior Neighbors Center Located in Grandville at 3380 Division. We welcome you to join us Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for social/

recreational/educational activities, parties, music, art, games and outings. A healthy, delicious lunch is served daily at noon for a

suggested donation of $2.75 & a charge of $3.50 for people under 60.

Phone: 616-531-5250 Fax: 616-531-7743

www.seniorneigbors.org

1 Marti Borrello 3 Barb Bruinekool 3 Virginia Jenison 4 Joe Haviland 4 Laurel MacOwen 5 Shirley Briggs 6 Diane Rudnik 6 Jane Stephenson 6 Marie Vlieg 7 Ruth Houtman 7 John Stephenson 8 Hazel Williams 9 Ray Buys 10 Betty Oosterhouse 10 Marian Noto 10 Leina Semplonius 14 Donna Barry

Don’t forget to claim your free

birthday lunch on Birthday Friday - the

last Friday of the Month.

14 Janice Bolt 14 David Duggan 18 Muriel Dekking 18 Ed Vesota 19 Brenda Boerema 19 Martin Boersma 20 Debra Bierema 21 Roger Wynsma 22 Clara Braybrook 22 Marge Lewis 22 Randy Zuidema 23 Mary Ann Meeter 25 Helen Moon 26 Mary Holt 28 Bob Duell 30 Judy Walters


Grandville Senior Neighbors Center operates through the donations and financial support of the community & local businesses. Every donated item from the wish list is one more dollar we can put toward senior services.

*Colored Place Mats forSpecial Occasions

*Decaf Coffee & RegularCoffee & Stir Sticks

*Green Tea*Coffee Creamer, Sugar*Splenda or Equal*Hand Sanitizer

*Postage Stamps*Copy Paper -White & Color

*New AA, C, D, 9 Volt& AAA Batteries

*Greeting Cards*Store Bought Cookies

RideLink Information:The Rapid participates in RideLink, a network of area transportation providers. RideLink offers transportation to persons aged 60 or older to any destination, including doctor visits, recreational visits, and shopping trips within Kent County. Providers include Hope Network, Senior Neighbors, Kent County Community Action, United Methodist Community House and The RAPID. These agency’s vehicles provide trips for RideLink. You must pre-register to use RideLink.

Rides are scheduled through RideLink. Call 774-1288 no later than noon of the workday before your appointment.

⚫ RideLink passengers are encouraged to make a $2.00 donation pertrip. Donations are an important part of this program. The money goes directly back into the program to allow for continuedservice.

⚫ Service hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

⚫ Rides must be cancelled through RideLink.⚫ This service is available Sunday through Friday.

Sunday Luncheon

April 19 at 1 pm Catered by Carole’s Catering

Menu: Baked Ham Sign up with $8 payment by

Tuesday, April 14.

Please invite your family & friends!

Thank you to our Sunday Dinner Sponsors

~ Health Care Associates ~ ~ Somerset Manors ~

Join Us On Friday,

April 24 at 10:45 am to honor

and celebrate



Piece To Our Team

Silvertones will be playing at 11:00 am


Special Trips

& Activities

Join the Fun! Community Education offers adult classes, lap swimming, senior water aerobics and

pickleball. Also, Community Ed offers the free Golden Age card for 60+ year old Grandville School District

residents. The card entitles you to free admission to all school sponsored athletics offered by member Kent

County Schools.

Please stop by the Community Ed office for a free brochure or check them out online at: recpro.gpsbulldogs.org or call

616-254-65533843 Prairie Street SW

7:30 am to 4 pm

Thank You for your Donation

Panera: Baked Goods Samaritas: Birthday Cake

Lois Ripma: Ice Cream Linda Scholton: Coffee, creamer, sugar, stir

sticks & baked goods

Volunteer of the month is

Joyce VanStee

Joyce volunteers and is very helpful in the kitchen and with special events at the Center. She attends

the Center with her husband. Joyce participates in social activities, special events and lunch bunch outings. She enjoys reading, volunteering at her

church and spending time with family and friends.

Friday, April 3 at 11:00 - Pokeno with Fred.

Thursday, April 9 at 11:00 - Free Legal Advice. RSVP by Monday, April 6.

Friday, April 10 at 11:00 - Easter Social with music by David Molinari. RSVP by Friday, April 3.

Monday, April 13 at 1:00 - Arts & Crafts: Easter Egg Door Decoration. Prepay $3 & RSVP by Wednesday, April 8.

Wednesday, April 15 at 11:00 - Lunch Bunch Outing to Shots Restaurant on Lake Michigan Drive in Standale. We will be car pooling. RSVP by Friday, April 10.

Friday, April 17 at 11:00 - April Word Puzzles & Rootbeer floats. RSVP by Friday, April 10.

Monday, April 20 at 10:00 - Free Hearing Aid Cleaning with Beltone Hearing.

Wednesday, April 22 at 9:45 - Free blood pressure checks & mystery bingo with Guardian Angel.

Friday, April 24 at 10:45 - Volunteer Appreciation Social & April Birthday Party with music by the Silvertones. RSVP by Friday, April 17.

Tuesday, April 28 at 12:45 - Feeding America West Michigan Food Pantry.


Suggested Donations: Fitness: $3 Zumba Gold: $2 Chair Yoga: $2 Painting: $3 Breakfast: $3 Arts & Crafts: $3


1 Footcare with Pam 9:00 Coffee Club 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Fitness 12:45 Cards Games, Euchre & Dominos

2 9:00 Walk Club 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Bean Bag Baseball 12:45 Cards & Games 1:00 People Bingo

3 9:00 Yoga 10:00 Zumba Gold 11:00 Pokeno with Fred 12:45 Cards & Games

6 9:00 Current Events 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Fitness 12:45 Cards & Games 1:00 Painting Group

7 9:00 Walk Club 10:00 Bible Study 11:00 Coloring Group 12:45 Card & Games 1:00 Bingo

8 Footcare with Pam 9:00 Breakfast 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Fitness 12:45 Cards, Games, Euchre & Dominos

9 9:00 Walk Club 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Attorney 11:00 Bean Bag Baseball 12:45 Cards & Games 1:00 People Bingo

10 9:00 Yoga 10:00 Zumba Gold 11:00 Easter Social with music by David Molinari (RSVP) 12:45 Cards & Games

13 9:00 Current Events 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Fitness 12:45 Cards & Games 1:00 Arts & Crafts 1:00 Painting Group

14 9:00 Walk Club 10:00 Bible Study 11:00 Life Story Class 12:45 Cards & Games 1:00 Bingo

15 Footcare with Pam 9:00 Breakfast 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Lunch Bunch 11:00 Fitness 12:45 Cards, Games, Euchre & Dominos

16 9:00 Walk Club 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Bean Bag Baseball 12:45 Cards & Games 1:00 Advisory Council 1:00 People Bingo

17 9:00 Yoga 11:00 April Word Games & Rootbeer Floats (RSVP) 10:00 Zumba Gold 12:45 Cards & Games

20 9:00 Current Events 10:00 Fitness 10:00 Beltone Hearing 11:00 Fitness 12:45 Cards & Games 1:00 Painting Group

21 9:00 Walk Club 10:00 Bible Study 1:00 Coloring Group 12:45 Cards & Games 1:00 Bingo

22 Footcare with Pam 9:00 Breakfast 9:45 BP Checks & Mystery Bingo 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Fitness 12:45 Cards, Games, Euchre & Dominos


24 9:00 Yoga 10:00 Zumba Gold 10:45 Volunteer Appreciation Social 11:00 April Birthday Party with music by Silvertones (RSVP)

27 9:00 Current Events 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Fitness 12:45 Cards & Games 1:00 Painting Group

28 9:00 Walk CLub 10:00 Bible Study 10:30 Free Eyeglass Adjustments with Eyeglass World 12:45 Cards Games 12:45 Food Pantry 1:00 Bingo

29 30 Footcare with Pam 9:00 Breakfast 10:00 Fitness 11:00 Fitness 12:45 Cards, Games, Euchre & Dominos


Suggested Donations Fitness: $3 Zumba Gold: $3 Chair Yoga: $3 Painting: $3 Breakfast: $3 Arts & Crafts: $3

Lowell Senior Neighbors Center 12

Staff Terra Bieneman: Center Coordinator

Carol Schwierking: Nutrition Aide Don Schneider: Bus Driver

Advisory Board Marlene Briggs: President Kay Estes: Vice President Russ Harig: Treasurer Nicole Driesenga: SNI Central Office Rep Ronni Moyer, Teresa Potts, Shirley Willis, David Maltman: Members at Large Leo Peters: Representative of the SNI Board of Directors

Welcome to the Lowell Senior Center

If you are age 60 or older, the Lowell Senior Center welcomes you to join us Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM for

socializing, events, entertainment, playing cards and bingo. A delicious lunch from Meals on Wheels is served daily at 12:00 noon for a

$2.75 donation. Come join us. We have lots of fun! 314 South Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331

Phone: (616) 897-5949 / www.seniorneigbors.org


Thursday, April 9 Mystery Dinner Outing—4:30

Wednesday, April 22 Whitecaps Baseball Outing—9:30

Thursday, April 23 Swan Inn Dinner Outing– 4:30

Monday, April 27

Keiser’s Breakfast Outing—9:30

Please sign up in the outings book and get more details on these events at the Lowell Senior Center.

Trips are subject to change as we need a minimum of four people for an event to occur.

Please remember that

there is a suggested

donation of $4.00 round trip

for transportation

on outings!

LIFE STORY CLASSES

Have you ever wanted to leave a life

story or special memory book for your

family members to cherish? Do you feel

overwhelmed with how to begin?

Over the next three months,

beginning in February, we will

have a class to help you create a special

keepsake memory book.

Please stop by the Center to join us if

interested still.

Class Dates:

Thursday April 2 at 10:30 a.m. Title: Other Areas/Special Memories

OUTINGS


SENIOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT ROSIE FONGER

Rosie Fonger has been attending the Lowell Senior Center for the last two years after returning home from living in Florida.

Rosie lived in Lowell for most of her life and enjoys this community. She owned Rosie’s Diner for 16 years in Lowell and before that at Kroger store.

She enjoys coming to the center for the activities and socialization and has made some great friends here.

She enjoys playing euchre, cribbage, bingo, and other games.

Rosie said she is blind but can still see a little bit and is still enjoying life the best she can!

We enjoy seeing Rosie each week and are so glad that she loves coming to the Lowell Center!

*Anyone celebrating a birthday will receive a coupon for a FREE lunch and should also come to be celebrated at the

monthly birthday bash!

Lowell Senior Center Wish List

Lowell Senior Neighbors Center operates through the donations and financial support of the community & local businesses. Every donated item from the wish list is money we can put toward our senior services.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who donate items or money to Lowell Senior Neighbors Center! We really appreciate your

generosity in donating items that are needed. So many people benefit from them.

Your kindness is greatly appreciated!

Please Help Me Thank The Following Sponsors of the Lowell Senior Center

Community Caregivers KDL Library Fountainview of Lowell Laurels of Kent Green Acres of Lowell Senior Sing Along Stud Muffins & Cupcakes

Join Us On Friday,

April 17 at 11:30 am to honor

and celebrate



Piece To Our Team



1

9:00 ~ Hand & Foot10:30 ~ Bible Study11:00 ~ Joke Hour12:45 ~ Meijer Outing

2 9:30 ~ Nifty Knitters @ Laurels of Kent 10:00 ~ Exercise @ Schneider Manor 10:30 ~ Life Story Class - Other/areas specialmemories

3 Fun Tshirt Day 9:00 ~ Hand & Foot Game

10:45 ~ Music w/ Eddie Francisco 12:30 ~ Bingo w/ Green Acres

6 Sorry Charlie Day 9:00 ~ Hand & Foot

10:45 ~ Card Games

12:45 ~ Pokeno

7 No Housework Day 10:00 ~ Aggravation

10:00 ~ Exercise @ Schneider Manor

11:00 ~ Bingo

8 9:00 ~ Hand & Foot

10:30 ~ Bible Study

12:45 ~ Meijer Outing

9 9:30 ~ Nifty Knitters

10:00 ~ Exercise @ Schneider Manor11:00 ~ Book Club w/ KDL

11:00 ~ Arm Chair Travel to Italy 4:30 ~ Mystery Dinner

10 Fun Hat Day Good Friday 9:00 ~ Hand & Foot Game

11:00 ~ Jeopardy w/ Teresa

12:30 ~ Bingo w/ Fountainview of Lowell

13 Scrabble Day 9:00 ~ Hand & Foot

10:45 ~ Scrabble Game

12:45 ~ Pokeno

12:45 ~ Advisory Council Mtg.

14 10:00 ~ Aggravation


11:00 ~ Bingo w/ Laurels of Kent

15 Tax Day 9:00 ~ Hand & Foot

10:30 ~ Bible Study

11:15 ~ Outburst


16 High Five Day

9:30 ~ Nifty Knitters


11:00 ~ Bingo w/ S.N. Central Office Staff– Brian Clark 5:30 ~ Pizza/Trivia Night at Center

17 Volunteer

Appreciation Day

9:00 ~ Hand & Foot Game

10:45 ~ April Bday Bash w/ Gayle Pohl

12:30 ~ Bingo w/ Community Caregivers

20 Look Alike Day 9:00 ~ Hand & Foot

10:30 ~ LCR Game

11:30 ~ EARLY LUNCH




11:00 ~ Mystery Prize Bingo

22Center Closed WHITECAPS BINGO &

BASEBALL OUTING 9:00

23 9:30 ~ Nifty Knitters10:00 ~ Exercise @ Schneider Manor 11:00 ~ Brain Games w/ Laurels of Kent 4:30 ~ Swan Inn Dinner Outing

24 Purple Day

9:00 ~ Hand & Foot Game

10:45 ~ Spoonman

12:30 ~ Bingo

27 Tell A Story Day

9:00 ~ Hand & Foot

9:30 ~ Breakfast Outing @ Keiser’s

12:45 ~ Pokeno



11:00 ~ Bingo

29 9:00 ~ Hand & Foot

10:30 ~ Bible Study

11:15 ~ Hangman Game


30 9:30 ~ Nifty Knitters


10:45 ~ Fun Game w/ Hulst Jepsen P.T.

Please Make Sure to Sign-In and Sign-Up for

Special Trips & Activities!

Suggested Donations Lunch 60+ $2.75 59 & below-$3.50 charge Exercise: $2 Craft Class: $3

Sparta Senior Neighbors Center 16

Your Advisory Board Dori Johnson, Karen Keech, Annette DeVries, Marian Andersen, Carol Toppen,

Lee Beurkens, Lois Hall, Lorraine Gray and Judy Skeans

Spoon Man


Grand Haven Lake Michigan

3 days & 2 nights

Beautiful condos with all the amenities, including bedding. All meals included. Just bring your personal items. Be sure to sign up & pay $76 by the end of April to reserve your spot on this wonderful outing.

May 18th—20th


Leora Esther Steensma was bornon 10/7/1939 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids to Martin and Helen. Leora, better known as Lee, was the first of 4 children. Her family lived in Grand Rapids and her father worked for a lithographingcompany.

At sweet 16, Lee and her friends rented a beach unit in Holland. In the next door unit, a group of boys were celebrating John Beurken’s 17th birthday. Lee and John hit it off immediately and dated throughout the rest of high school. Lee graduated from Grand Rapids Christian in 1957 and started working at Metropolitan Life Insurance in a clerical position. In 1958 she married John and in 1960 they started their family. Lee and John were blessed with one daughter and two sons. While raising their young family, Lee stayed home with the children and John worked for Valley Truck Parts as a mechanic and then later transferred to sales. The family moved a few times within Grand Rapids and Wyoming, Michigan. As the children began to grow, Lee went back to work. She worked as a teller for Old Kent Bank. During these same years, Lee and John, avid outdoors people, decided to stop smoking and save their money for a home on several acres in the woods. In the 80’s they had saved enough to purchase 50 acres in White Cloud. They built their dream cabin on their property. In 1989 Lee retired from the bank and she and John enjoyed their secluded home. They tapped their maple trees for syrup, processed deer for others and grew a big garden. Many years later, John was diagnosed with a chronic disease that would take his life in 2013. After John’s passing, Lee was invited to move in with her daughter where she resides today. Lee has called Sparta her home town now for several years. She keeps busy by volunteering at the Sparta Senior Neighbor’s center. She enjoys traveling, shopping, games and casinos. Lee is one of the most pleasant and happy people we have at our center. She leads our exercise group with enthusiasm and fun every Tuesday and Thursday. We couldn’t be luckier to have Lee on our team here.

Lee Beurkens

Volunteer



1 All Fools Day PARTY B-day Cake11:30 Lunch1:30 Coffee Hour

2 10 Piano w/ Marlene Ledford 10:30 P.B. & J. 10:30 Exercise 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Bingo 1:30 Coffee Hour

3 10:30 Beautiful Birds w/Phil 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Euchre $1 1:30 Coffee Hour 5 Depart for Cuisine & Theater

6 10 Music w/Country Stringz 11:30 Lunch 1:30 Coffee Hour

7 10:30 Exercise 10:30 Wii Bowling 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Bingo 1:30 Coffee Hour

8 10:30 Music w/Silver Tones 11:30 Lunch 1:30 Coffee Hour

9 10 Piano w/Marlene Ledford 10:30 Exercise 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Bingo 1:30 Coffee Hour

10 10:30 Coin Game .75 11:30 Lunch 1:30 Coffee Hour

13 Commodities 10:30 Shut the Box .50 11:30 Lunch 1:30 Coffee Hour


15 10:15 Senior Steppers Perform 11:30 Lunch 12:15 New Game, Chicken Foot .50 1:30 Coffee Hour

17 10 Piano w/ Marlene Ledford 10:30 Exercise 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Bingo 12:30 Care Taker Support Group 1:30 Coffee Hour

17 Farkle .50 10 Piano w/Marlene Ledford 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Euchre $1 1:30 Coffee Hour 6 MOVIE NIGHT (bring snacks)

20 10 Music w/Country Stringz 11:30 Lunch 1:30 Coffee Hour


22 10:30 Music with

The Others 11:30 Volunteer Appreciation 11:30 Lunch 12:30 Adv Meet 1:30 Coffee Hour

23 9:30 BP Check

10 Piano w/Marlene Ledford 10:30 Exercise 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Bingo 1:30 Coffee Hour

24 10 Sparta Sleuths 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Continue Sparta Sleuths 1:30 Coffee Hour

27 10:30 Music w/Crossroads 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Rally Roll .50 1:30 Coffee Hour

28 10:30 Exercise 10:30 Wii Bowling 11:30 Lunch 12:15 Bingo 12:15 Team Departs for G.R. Bowling Tournament 1:30 Coffee Hour

29 10 Comedy Writing Workshop 11:30 Lunch 12:15 More Writing Workshop 1:30 Coffee Hour

30 10:30 Exercise 10:45 Town Hall Meeting 11:30 Lunch 12:30 Care Taker Support Group 1:30 Coffee Hour

Suggested Lunch

Donation $2.75

Walker Firehouse Café 20

Advisory Council Members

Charlie Flake: President Mitch Ross : Vice President

Nancy Plaisier: Treasurer Myrna Zielinski: Secretary

Members at Large: Henry Bancroft, Bruce Dybas

Jerry Gillhespy, Florence Goodgasell

Florence Reilly, Evelyn VeenstraWelcoming Committee:

Lynn Hojnacki, Kevin Kosten, Steve Kwaitkowski, Mitch Ross

Representative to the SNI Board: Myrna Zielinski

Advisory Council meets the third Wednesday of the month.

Subject to change if needed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tickets for the Go! Bus and RAPID City Bus are available through our

Central Office at a reduced donation rate.

Suggested Donations Adults age 65 and over: $6.00 per 10 ride card

Adults age 60 to 64: $8.00 per 10 ride card

Book of ten Go! Bus tickets: $21.00

Ride Link is available at 774.1288 The requested

donation is $2.00 per ride.

At Walker Firehouse Café we pride ourselves in being a social, welcoming location for seniors to

connect and embrace life with other older adults in our community. Enjoy a cup of coffee and

a snack. Meet new friends as you play bingo, enjoy music, learn

a new craft, or play cards.

Guests are always Welcome!Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday

9:00am to 2:00pm Lunch is Served at Noon.

There is a suggested donation of $2.75 for people over 60.

Guests under 60 must pay $3.50

Senior Center Staff Center Coordinator:

Sherri Meines Senior Director Certified

Nutrition Aide: Lora Boogaard

Centers & Volunteer Supervisor: Nicole Driesenga 616.233.0745

Senior Companion Volunteers: Delores Dykstra

Mike Moklebost and Nancy Plaisier,

Walker Firehouse Café 4101 Lake Michigan Drive,

Walker, Michigan 49534 Located on the 2nd floor in the Community Room

616.735.3240 Phone 616.735.2966 Fax Email: [email protected]

April is Senior Volunteer Month


This Month’s Volunteer is Shirley Glass

Shirley and her husband Karl have been active members of The Walker Senior Neighbors for several years. Shirley keeps track of our books, accepts

donations and encourages our members to review the variety of reading material

available to read and return, or keep them and pass them along to other readers.

Shirley also enjoys playing cards and

socializing at the center.

Thrift Store Fashion Show will begin at

11:00 am


Piece To Our Team

Join Us On Wednesday April 15 at 10:30 am to honor

and celebrate


During the month of April please stop on over and see what the seniors of Walker

are doing to help celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month. Everyday a volunteer is making a difference in someone’s life. You may be the missing piece in there

life, share your talents today!


Enhance Fitness Class

Walker Firehouse

Café offers an offsite

option to enjoy exercise and fitness.Classes are available

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday @ 9:00am

Faith United Methodist Church 2600 7th St. NW Grand Rapids, 49504

April Birthdays

Please join us the first Wednesday of the month to celebrate birthdays and enjoy a FREE Birthday Lunch.

Julie Bultena, Dick Burchett, Terry Kopp, Edward Vesota

Debra Bierema, Florence Goodgasell,

Anna Maria Mcpherson, Charlie Flake

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First Wednesday of the Month Free Legal Services with

Michael Herring Attorney at Law

Starting at 11:00 am

Tai Chi for Arthritis Class

New Class @ Westview CRC

2929 Leonard St. NW Tues. & Thurs. at 11:00

Reserve your spot now by calling Julie Lake

at Senior Neighbors 616-233-0283

Please stop by the Information

Table to sign up for activities and

events at the Walker

Center.


1 9:00 Coffee, Cookies & Cards 10:30 Ray Townsend “One Man Band” 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards

3 9:00 Coffee, Cookies & Cards 10:00 Flower Pot Craft w/Delores 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards

6 9:00 Coffee & Cookies 9:30 Bingo 11:00 Cards & Games 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards

8 9:00 Coffee, Cookies & Cards 11:00 Ron & Lynn “The Others” 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards

10 9:00 Food Demo w/Sherri Breakfast in a bag! 11:00 Cards 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards

13 9:00 Coffee & Cookies 9:30 Bingo 10:30 Book Club w/Michelle 11:00 Baseball Game/Cards 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards

15 9:00 Coffee, Cookies & Cards 9:30 Food Demo w/Mitch Kettle Corn 10:00 Blood Pressure w/Tara GA 10:30 Volunteer Awards w/Nicole 11:00 Thrift Store Fashion Show 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Advisory Meeting

17 9:00 Coffee, Cookies 9:00 ELS Students GVSU Color Sheet, Baseball, Games 11:00 ELS Students GVSU 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards

20 9:00 Coffee & Cookies 9:30 Bingo 11:00 Baseball Game/Cards 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards

22 Center Closed Health Fair at Marsh Ridge

9:30 to 2:00 Marsh Ridge

470 Marsh Ridge Drive NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504

24 9:00 Coffee, Cookies & Cards 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards

27 9:00 Coffee & Cookies 9:30 Bingo 10:30 Fabric Wreath Craft w/Sherri 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards & Games

29 9:00 Coffee, Cookies & Cards 11:00 Bob Lacy, Vocals 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Cards

24

24

Health Education from Meals on Wheels of West Michigan

25 Health Education from Meals on Wheels of West Michigan

31 Ida Red . Sparta . 887.8152 | 2050 W. Main . Lowell . 987.0019 | northernpts.com

No more pain.Free Consultations, Arthritis Management, Balance & Dizziness Therapy, Pain Relief


AffordableLivingforSeniorsRecently Renovated Rent Subsidized

1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments Barrier Free Units AvailableIntercom Entrance 24-Hour Maintenance

Free Heat Located on City Bus Line(616) 453-8273 • TTY (216) 472-1884 • 1925 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids

ProfessionallyManagedbyPKManagement,LLC

Bring in this coupon for FREE Senior Vitamins

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

• Med Sync Program• Home Medical Equipment• Immunization Administration• Dr Comfort Diabetic shoes by appointment

***Call the pharmacy for more details***Momber Hometown Pharmacy11 S State St., Sparta, MI 49345

(P) 616-887-7323 • (F) 616-887-9559

If you have an upcoming surgery scheduled choose HealthBridge Post-Acute Rehabilitation

to help you get home as soon as possible.

Memorialize thru ArtCustom hand-made Glass Art

Infused with your loved ones cremains.

Call with your ideas303-884-3104Degree Glass

Protecting What Is Most Important To You.

Estate Planning and Asset Protection.

Offices in Grandville, Cascade, and Muskegon.

Call today to schedule your free consultation! 616-777-5291 | www.eyestonelawoffices.com

Estate PlanningThat Works

Bernard’s AceHardware &Rental Place1601 W. Main St. • Lowell616-897-9490

“FriendlyAccommodating Service”

Prescriptions delivered to your home or work in the metropolitan Grand Rapids area absolutely free of charge!

Filled by The Chemist Shoppe on the Spectrum Blodgett Campus.

Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-1

REHAB CLOSE TO HOME

Our team of professionals is dedicated to promoting the highest level of independence and quality of

life for our guests by creating a comfortable living environment and providing

comprehensive health care services. Let The Laurels of Hudsonville be your first choice

for Short Term Rehabilitation Services. Contact us any time at 616.669.1520

with any questions or to schedule a tour.


At SarahCare® Adult Day Care Centers, seniors are safe, healthy,

and happy during the day.Metro Health • Knapps Corner

616-528-4003www.sarahcare.com

Go where you get more. Call Beltone Today.1-800-522-9588

640 Baldwin St • Jenison 49428 - 616-457-00286161 28th St. SE Suite 4 • Grand Rapids 49546 - 616-464-1974

1810 W. Washington Suite 1B • Greenville 48838 - 616-754-7122

Why is Beltone the best place for better hearing?• In-office Trails to try the latest hearing technology • Free hearing aid clean & checks• Lifetime care for you and your instruments • Free annual hearing exam• Satisfaction-guaranteed 30-day refund policy • Toll-free patient care line: 1-800-BELTONE

SCHEDULE A FREE HEARING TEST 616-287-6005w Industry leading 4 year warranty available ww 90 Day 100% money back guarantee ww Hearing aids starting at $599 w

Rob Barry,H.A.D.

Senior Neighbors is funded in part by: Individual donations, Heart of West Michigan United Way, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, Meals on Wheels of West Michigan, Meals on Wheels America, The Home Depot Foundation, Kent County Senior Millage, Kent County Community Development Block Grant, City of Grandville, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Adult and Aging Services Agency, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Corp. for National and Community Service, Administration on Aging.

Please Note: SNI does not necessarily endorse advertisements

in this newsletter.

Every year we serve over 4,000 older adults, helping them remain independent through our five Senior Neighbors Centers and a wide range of essential services. We promote the well-being of older adults with services thatpromote self-sufficiency, especially forthose with physical, social or economicneeds living in Kent County.

We are dedicated to promoting independent living for people who are 60 years and older by providing essential services that help seniors remain independent into their later years. We focus heavily on health and wellness programming as we work to aggressively pursue our mission of Enhancing the Lives of Seniors.

Please be assured, our centers will reopen as soon as we are · RideLink Information: The Rapid...

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