Winner of 61 National Awards of Excellence! - Page 4 & 5 - Be Your Own Health Advocate n Page 11 - Cooking Corner - Senior Resources
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Winner of61
National Awards
of Excellence!
Page 4 & 5 – Be Your Own Health Advocate n Page 11 – Cooking Corner
Page 13 – Cribbage n Page 16 & 17 – Game Pages
PAGE PAGE PAGE
10 27 32
MAY | JUNE 2022 n WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE
04 Be Your Own Health Advocate 10 Let’s Try This 16 Senior Perspective Game Page 23 Connections 30 Genealogy Leads, Fiction Follows
Michelle Fields 10 Senior Perspectives Cooking 18 Covid, Connection and a Set Jerry Mattson Tricia McDonald
05 Be Your Own Health Advocate Corner of Mahjongg Tiles 25 American Fitness Center 31 The Hospice Chaplain
Christine Wistrom 12 Going Online with Social Security Janet Hasselbring Joel Dulyea Becky Tjapkes
06 Looking Back Vonda VanTil 20 It All Starts with a Good 26 Senior Scams 32 Little Miracles in a Crazy World
Keith Sipe 13 Cribbage - The Game for Everyone Foundation - Part II Joe Stapel Cindy Hogg
08 Dvorak in America Louise Matz Jan Smolen 27 Dad Called the Shots Until the End
Dick Hoffstedt Jackie Lindrup 34 Guard Your Social Security Card
15 Social Security Q & A 22 Warm Thoughts Vonda VanTil
09 No Sports Please Vonda VanTil Gil Boersma, M.Div 28 Conquering Two Years of COVID-19
Clif Martin Holly Lookabaugh-Deur
EDITOR & PUBLISHER WRITERS MEMBER OF 560 Seminole Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444
Michelle Fields Gil Boersma
michelle@seniorresourceswmi.org Joel Dulyea
231-733-3585
231-733-3523 Michelle Fields www.SeniorResourcesWMi.org
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Jerry Mattson
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MAY | JUNE 2022 2 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORE
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MAY | JUNE 2022 3 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORE
Be Your Own
Definition of Self-advocacy: history and that he
Taking the initiative to com- was my last-ditch
municate your needs and effort to find an
wants to others in order to answer for my ear
support your overall well- pain. I received a call
being. When it comes to from his office later that week letting me know include, headache and migraines, deafness, tinnitus
your medical care, being an that he agreed to see me. After the exam, he or noise in the inner ear, neck pain or a stiff neck
BY advocate for yourself means explained that he didn’t see anything that was and extreme muscle stiffness and restricted shoulder
MICHELLE understanding your health- causing my ear pain. With the disappointment movement.
FIELDS care needs and speaking up rolling down my cheeks, he suggested I see Dr.
Stop the music! Have I FINALLY found what
on your own behalf. In other Zehr, a Chiropractor in the area who specializes
could be wrong with me? After all the doctor
words, advocating for yourself means educat- in Atlas adjustments.
visits, co-pays, and testing, was something this
ing yourself on your health condition and com-
I wasn’t sold on this concept. Treatment by a simple causing all my ear pain?
municating your health concerns and questions
Chiropractor for ear pain? And the bigger ques-
to your healthcare provider(s). But you might I called Dr. Zehr’s office the next morning and
tion, what in the heck is an Atlas?
have to take it a step further. Here’s my story. was scheduled for a consultation later in the
So, that evening I Googled it: week. Preparing ourselves for yet another dis-
After flying home from vacation in Feb. of 2021,
appointment, my husband Mike and I arrived
I noticed occasional inner ear pain in my right The atlas and axis vertebrae are the two most su-
at my consultation with our fingers crossed and
ear, but thought it was due to pressure changes perior bones in the vertebral column, and they are
our optimism cautiously high. After an assess-
from the flight. Within four months it went part of the seven cervical vertebrae. The atlas is the
ment from Dr. Zehr, he let me know that my
from a come-and-go type of ache, to a frequent top-most bone, sitting just below the skull; it is fol-
x-rays showed my atlas never fully developed
deep, piercing pain in my ear and neck. I also lowed by the axis. Together, they support the skull,
as a child and as a result, my entire spine was
started to experience a white-noise type of facilitate neck movement, and protect the spinal
misaligned.
buzzing in my ear and my migraines seemed to cord.
He thought with some non-manipulative ad-
be more frequent. I had my primary care physi-
Some of the symptoms of an atlas misalignment justing of the atlas, (the first bone in the neck)
cian look at it, twice, and was told “your ear
looks fine.” About a month later, with the pain
and buzzing continuing, I went to see an ENT
(ear, nose and throat) Specialist. I described my
symptoms and findings of previous doctor’s
visit. He performed his exam and let me know
that my ear looked fine. He suggested a com-
plex hearing test and found hearing loss in my
right ear. Because of this, he ordered a CT scan
of my head and neck. All tests came back nega-
tive. I asked the ENT for a referral to someone
who specializes more in-depth on ear disorders
and was referred to a specialist on the other
side of the state. At that appointment, nothing
was found causing my ear pain. At this point, I
started to second guess myself.
Several weeks later, feeling frustrated, disap-
pointed and a bit like a hypochondriac, I sent
my CT imagery and doctor notes to a neu-
rologist in the area. Explained my symptoms, (L-R) Amanda, Dawn, Dr. Jeffrey Zehr, Dr. Jared Plemon, Rebekah and Suzanne.
MAY | JUNE 2022 4 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORE
Health Advocate
team that we are all on the same side, and our
input might even make their job easier.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor about
what your health concerns are. Be specific in
providing the details, and if you can suggest
he could bring my entire head, neck, spine, and 5. And while going through this process, it a possible cause, explain why you think it
hips back into alignment and this just might be is important to review your medical bills for
might be the source of your problem.
able to relieve the pressure on the nerves caus- errors. Trust me, it’s worth it.
ing the ear pain. When you are advocating, don’t assume your
Michelle Fields is the Editor and Publisher of
I was scheduled to begin treatment the next day. solution is the only one. While you don’t
Senior Perspectives and has been with Senior
Hoping for immediate relief, I left his office with want to be afraid to offer suggestions, listen
Resources for 13 years.
no noticeable change. But later that day, I noticed ________________________________________ to your doctor and what s/he is telling you.
one leg seemed longer than the other. Two days Most physicians want you to talk to them
later I saw Dr. Zehr again and told him what I With the continuing CO- when you come in for a visit. How else can
was experiencing. A grin came over his face, he VID-19 crisis overpowering they know what is going on?
clapped his hands together, and said “It’s work-
hospitals and the medical It also helps to keep your rights in mind
ing.” Two weeks into treatment with Dr. Zehr and
community, there seems to when you are advocating for yourself. You
Dr. Plemon, my ear pain was gone, and within a
be more concern that medi- always have the right to be treated with dig-
month the buzzing subsided, and my migraine
cal professionals are over- nity and respect. If a member of your medical
headaches weren’t as frequent. It was working! To
make sure my atlas stayed aligned, I was weaned worked and, at times, seem- team isn’t treating you respectfully, you may
BY
down on visits from three times a week to one per CHRISTINE ingly unresponsive. Several want to point out that you are trying to be
week. Today, I am only seen two times a month for WISTROM of my friends have recently respectful, and that you expect that to go both
preventive care. been talking about how hard ways. You also have a right to be an active
it is to get their doctor to listen to them and part of the team making decisions about your
The moral of my story? DON’T GIVE UP! You
take their concerns seriously. Now it is more care.
know your body better than anyone else. If you
feel there’s a problem, don’t abandon your suspi- important than ever for us to learn to speak
up and be a part of the team involved in plan- If you find that your medical team is not
cion that something is wrong. Being an advocate
ning the care we receive. meeting your expectations, you have the right
for yourself means understanding your healthcare
needs and doing something about it. to a second opinion or to find another doc-
Advocating for yourself begins by consider- tor. Finding a new doctor can be challenging
Here are five suggestions to advocate for your own
ing what might be causing your symptoms or though, so be sure you’re willing to go that
health care:
pain. If you are afraid to suggest the pos- far before you make the commitment.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Write the ques- sibilities, then you have to depend on others
tions on a list to bring with you. You can get more to come up with solutions, and they may not Receiving quality care, having your doctor
questions answered if you are prepared. listen to you and respect that you are part of
have all the information they need to make an
2. Understand how your health insurance works. the team might seem like a hopeless dream,
accurate diagnosis.
Your insurance might not pay for certain chiro- but it is possible. Remember to keep your
practor treatments or tests. This care might not be No one knows your body as well as you do. conversations respectful, but don’t be afraid
covered. You have first-hand experience that no one to be an active player in advocating for the
3. Maintain your own records. This is important else does about how you feel, how things quality care you need and deserve.
when it comes to seeing a medical professional affect you, and what your needs are. Your
outside of your network.
doctor may be frustrated when you suggest Chris is an Independent Living Specialist at Dis-
4. Get a second (third and fourth) opinion if need-
what might be causing your problem, but ability Network/Lakeshore in Holland, Michigan.
ed. You know your body better than anyone else.
sometimes we need to remind our medical Current interests include assistive technology,
MAY | JUNE 2022 5 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORE
Keith’s World
yond all measure. I’m sure there are many things I
have done and done very well, better than average.
Looking Back
Maybe I have not won an award, or a trophy, but I
did accomplish it in a satisfactory way. An accept-
able way to many people, and maybe I even got an
“atta boy,” for it was well done.
I am sure we all have looked back on our lives and
I found the following story in an enjoyed them. I had been raised in such an achievement-
wondered what effect we had on the living. Did
article quite a while ago, and I am oriented environment, so inundated with the myth of
we make a difference in some way, no matter how
not certain who wrote it. It was Talent, that I thought it was only worth doing things if
big or small? Did we excel in some way in a certain
either by Kurt Vonnegut or Anna you could “Win” at them.
area? Were we good enough?
Macedo based on what I read. By
The last sentence is what caught my attention --
not being sure which one, I will Myself…I do not excel in anything. I’m not number
“win at them.” That really has struck a chord with
give recognition to both of them. It one or even close to it. Just an ordinary fellow who’s
BY me!
KEITH starts out… lucky he made it this far in life. I was just an average
SIPE In my younger days, if you were not really good at guy in school with average grades. Sometimes they
When I was 15, I spent a month work-
something, you were a failure, a loser, or maybe an were underwater, like below “C” level. My English
ing on an archeological dig. I was talking to one of the ar-
under-achiever. You need to excel at something to and math skills needed a lot of help. My wife would
cheologists one day during our lunch break and he asked
have value in yourself. You needed to be better than have agreed to that. I went into military service after
those kinds of “getting to know you” questions you ask
the best. Special! high school, because I knew I was not college mate-
young people: Do you play sports? What’s your favorite
rial. I did pick up a skill while in the service, which
subject? And I told him, no, I don’t play any sports. I do I remember at times hearing you need to be “great”
helped me after my Honorable Discharge.
theater, I’m in choir, I play the violin and piano, I used to at something to be accepted most anywhere.
take art classes. As I look back, I enjoyed all the adventures I had
What can I do? I have asked myself so many times.
in doing so many things. It was much later in life
And he went “WOW. That’s amazing!” And I said, “Oh What have I excelled in? I have played the trumpet.
when it finally hit me – “that’s okay.” All the people
no, but I’m not any good at ANY of them.” I have been a chef; cooked at a summer camp for
I met and the influence they had on me in some
kids. I have directed choirs, plays, written skits and
And he said something then that I will never forget and way, they were my educators, teachers, mentors,
poems. I have my own column, Keith’s World. I
which absolutely blew my mind because no one had ever and friends, which made me the person I am today.
have owned and operated a printing business. Was
said anything like it to me before: “I don’t think being
in the Air Force and Army for a total of 21 years. There is one area where I did come out on top, how-
good at things is the point of doing them. I think you’ve
I was a stage actor in two plays at The Grange ever. I was married for 51 years to a beautiful and
got all these wonderful experiences with different skills,
Theatre, in Little Tew, England. There are many wonderful lady who will be in my heart forever.
and that all teaches you things and makes you an inter-
other things I have done as well, but…but, I’m just
esting person, no matter how well you do them.” Keith may be reached at rightseat625bg@gmail.com Please
an ordinary guy, an average person. Why? Here’s
drop him a note, he loves the attention, well, he would
And that honestly changed my life. Because I went from why…I’m far from great in anything I do. But I’m
love to hear from you. Keith enjoys writing, photography,
a failure, someone who hadn’t been talented enough at okay, I am satisfied with what I have done, even
flying, cooking, history, biking and lives in downtown
anything to excel, to someone who did things because I though it wasn’t the best. I’m okay. I am blessed be-
Muskegon
MAY | JUNE 2022 6 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORE
MAY | JUNE 2022 7 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORE
Dvorak
BY
DICK
HOFFSTEDT
in America
In the last quarter of the 19th century, who later became one of the earliest
European music was slowly enter- African-American composers. Bur-
ing the concert halls of America, leigh introduced Dvorak to tradition-
especially that of Antonin Leopold al African-American spirituals.
Dvorak, pronounced Devor-jacque.
In the winter and spring of 1893,
He was born in 1841 in Prague,
Dvorak was commissioned by the
which was the capital of the Czech Spillville. At the Exposition, he was American music should be used as a
New York Philharmonic to write his
community of Bohemia. Czechoslo- besieged by music lovers including foundation for the growth of Ameri-
9th Symphony, which was called
vakia didn’t begin until WWI. the conductor of the Chicago Sym- can music. Because of his many visits
“From the New World.” He started
phony Orchestra, Theodore Thomas. to London, he was skilled in the
In 1892, Dvorak was contacted by a to compose it in January of 1893 and
English language.
wealthy and philanthropic American finished it in May of 1893 in the small On December 16, 1893, there was a
woman named Jeannette Thurber, town of Spillville, Iowa. He wanted world premiere of Dvorak’s 9th Sym- Dvorak loved America, but his love
who had established the National to spend time in Czech communities phony, “From the New World” at for Prague and his beloved Bohemia
Conservatory of Music in New like Chicago, Omaha, and Spillville. the prestigious Carnegie Hall. It was were too much to overcome. Some-
York City. She was a champion of He loved Longfellow’s poem “Song performed by the New York Phil- time in March of 1895, he and his
women’s rights but also for people of Hiawatha,” so he took a short trip harmonic under the baton of Anton family sailed back to Europe. It was
of color and those with disabilities. to Minneapolis to see the Minnehaha Seidl. Amid thunderous applause, he a great time for America, and we are
She offered him $15,000 (almost Falls. These side trips helped ease his had to stop after each of four move- fortunate he chose to come here. His
$500,000 today) to come and be part home sickness. ments to take a bow. music will endure for many years to
of her conservatory. He accepted come.
While in Chicago, on August 12, Dvorak’s main goal in America was
and arrived in Hoboken, New Jersey,
1893, he conducted a concert of his to discover “American Music” and Richard Hoffstedt was born to Swed-
with wife Anna and two of their six
8th Symphony at the World’s Colum- engage in it. Shortly after his ar- ish immigrants in 1934 and raised in
children. His contract was for two
bian Exposition on “Bohemian Day.” rival he wrote a series of newspaper Chicago. He is a U.S. Army veteran. He
and a half years.
He also conducted his American articles on the state of American has been married to Shirley for 67 years.
One of the first persons he met at the Spring Quartet which he had com- music. He supported the concept Richard has six children, five grand-
conservatory was Harry Burleigh, posed during his three-month stay in that African-American and Native children and five great grandchildren.
MAY | JUNE 2022 8 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORE
Martin’s Meanderings
No Sports Please
I do not understand sports. I don’t know why
the players in any given sport are doing what
they are doing. I suspect that the part of my
brain that is supposed to process sports is
missing.
If there is a sport that I might seriously try to
comprehend, it would be baseball. Thanks to
BY
CLIF George Carlin for that. His monologue on the
MARTIN difference between baseball and football gives
me hope.
Baseball, says George, is played on a diamond. In a park. I like
that. You play baseball in the spring and summer. That sounds
nice. But you don’t have to play if it rains. A game can go on
forever in extra innings. Nobody’s watching a clock. A baseball
cap is pretty cute and you don’t have to play the game to wear
one. The purpose of baseball is to go home and be safe. I could
live with that. It’s almost warm and fuzzy,
I will never ever figure out what football is all about. Here’s what
George Carlin says about that sport, game, or whatever it is:
You play football on a gridiron. I don’t know what that is. You
do it in weather that makes sensible people stay home. The
game is timed and it might end in a sudden death. You don’t
wear a cap. You need a helmet. It’s war. I quote George here. He
explains it so frighteningly well. “The object is for the quarter-
back, also known as the field general, to be on target with his
aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with
deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use shot-
gun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his
troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a
sustained ground attack that punches holes in the wall of the
enemy’s defensive line.”
I don’t understand a word of that. If I must leave home, just take
me out to the ball game. The one in the park where they sell
peanuts and Cracker Jack.
Clif says he will donate his brain for scientific research to determine
what else might be missing.
MAY | JUNE 2022 9 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORE
Senior Perspectives
Cooking Corner
You are never too old to try something new. Try this fun
experiment with your neighbor, friend or grandchildren.
Blue Cheese Wedge Salad
Ingredients:
Head of Iceberg lettuce cut into wedges (your preferred size)
Grape tomatoes (10 per wedge)
Crumbled Blue Cheese (2 T)
Blue Cheese creamy salad dressing (I use Marzetti’s)
Garlic Expressions salad dressing (1 T per wedge)
BY JACKIE
LINDRUP
STACI Directions:
RDH, M.Ed.
GERKEN Place each iceberg wedge upright in a bowl or on a plate.
Works well in a salad bowl because it falls over as you eat it!
Drizzle lettuce with approximately 1 T of Garlic Expressions (this is the secret to this
salad’s success!)
Cover with Blue Cheese salad dressing (1-2T)
Cut grape tomatoes in half and put at the base of the wedge
Add Crumbled Blue Cheese on top of wedge (2 T)
Note from Jackie: I have to credit my son Hunter Ebey who is a fantastic New
Orleans cook, for figuring that the key to this successful wedge is the addition of
Garlic Expressions to give it the right zip.
MAY | JUNE 2022 10 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREEasy Chicken and Dumpling Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
2 cups of pre-cooked shredded chicken
1 cup Peanut Butter
32 oz can of chicken broth or chicken bone broth
1 cup Sugar
1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Egg
1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough. If you like many biscuits, use two cans
Pepper to taste Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees
BY BY 2) Mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg together until
CATHAY Directions: Heat chicken broth in a pot on medium-high heat and cook until ANGIE smooth and creamy. Roll mixture into small balls and
THIBDAUE it gently boils. Add cream of chicken soup and stir until thoroughly mixed PUTERBAUGH arrange on a baking sheet; flatten each with a fork,
in. Add pre-cooked shredded chicken and stir until everything is combined. making a crisscross pattern.
Cut biscuits into small pieces and place in chicken broth mixture. Stir the mixture well, reduce 3) Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Cool cookies on the baking
the heat, and let the chicken and dumplings simmer for 5-10 minutes. Put pepper to your taste sheet for 2 minutes before removing.
over dumplings while cooking.
Note: I like to add chocolate chips to these cookies If doing this, lower
Cathay is the Network Manager, Certified HIPAA Security Professional, Certified Medical Practice
amount of sugar to ¾ cup.
Security Professional, Certified PCI-DSS Security Compliance Professional, Certified Healthcare
Cybersecurity Professional, and has a Certificate of Leadership in Healthcare Management Angie Puterbaugh, LBSW is a Social Work Supports Coordinator at Senior
Proficiency at Senior Resources of West Michigan. She also enjoys boating, fishing, and spending Resources of West Michigan. Angie’s recipe was a favorite of her mom’s,
time with her family. Sandy Burns. Sandy has 6 children throughout the West Michigan area.
THANK YOU TO OUR RECIPE PAGE SPONSOR - CARE PATROL
MAY | JUNE 2022 11 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREGoing online with
Social Security
saves you time
Our online tools and 3. Complete and submit your online
services save you application for retirement benefits
time and make your in as little as 15 minutes at www.
life easier. Often, ssa.gov/retirement.
there’s no need to
4. Access our publications library and
contact Social Secu-
get online booklets and pamphlets,
rity. Here are five of
BY including audio versions, on
VONDA
our webpages that
relevant subjects at www.ssa.gov/
VANTIL can make your life
pubs.
easier:
5. Get news when it’s hot off the
1. Request a replacement Social Secu- press. Check out our blog for Social
rity card, verify your earnings, get Security news and updates at blog.
future benefit estimates, instantly ssa.gov.
get benefit verification letters, and
more with your own personal my Please share this article with your
Social Security account, at www. friends and family.
ssa.gov/myaccount.
Vonda Van Til is the Public Affairs Spe-
2. Visit our Frequently Asked Ques- cialist for West Michigan. You can write
tions page at www.ssa.gov/faq to her c/o Social Security Administration,
get answers on your Social Securi- 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525
ty-related questions. or via email at vonda.vantil@ssa.gov.
MAY | JUNE 2022 12 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORECribbage
The Game for Everyone
As defined by four at a table. Partners are rotated af- might want to start playing with a
Wikipedia, crib- ter every game. We meet in the homes friend, spouse or grandchild. Eventu-
bage is a card game, of the players and we all appreciate ally, you may wish to join a group or
traditionally for our guru Dave Boes, who does the even start one of your own.
two players, that communication necessary
involves playing to keep the group together
and grouping cards and running smoothly. He
BY
LOUISE in combinations even keeps a record of the
MATZ which gain points. winners and losers of every
It can be adapted game.
for three, four or even six players.
The cribbage board is
Cribbage has several distinctive
interesting, too. You need
features: the cribbage board used
a board to peg the score as
for score-keeping, the crib (a sepa-
you play. I purchased one
rate hand counting for the dealer),
on line for $10. It’s simple,
two distinct scoring stages (the play
but functional and small.
and the show), and a unique scoring
Some of the boards are
system including points for groups of
colorful and with unique
cards that total fifteen.
designs. Recently, I discov-
If this sounds complicated and dif- ered that one of our players
ficult, believe me it is not. Cribbage has a collection of unusual
is an interesting game, easy to learn, cribbage boards. In fact,
and it’s fun. You just need to be able Bart Robinson has collected
to count and anticipate opportunities 100 cribbage boards. Sur-
to score. Cribbage has just enough of prisingly, he amassed this
a challenge to give your brain a little collection in just two years!
exercise.
Cribbage is a great game for all ages.
Top left: Dave
Some people prefer to play with just If you are unfamiliar with the game,
& Betty Boes.
one opponent on a regular basis. Oth- I suggest you try it out on line. There
Above: Bob, Ardis,
ers like to rotate their opponents or are several free websites that do a nice
Bart, Rosie. Right:
play with larger groups. Still others job of explaining the game and let you
Ardis & Marlene
prefer tournament play. I joined a play with a robot. Afterwards, you
group in our condo complex mostly
to get to know some of my neigh-
bors. I was not what you would call a Golf, gardening and grandchildren were primary interests of retirement for Louise. Since
strong or experienced player, but the that time, her interests have expanded to include walking, biking, pickleball and mahjongg.
group is very welcoming and helpful. Reading and travel are also high on her list. She and her husband both enjoy bow hunting
We usually play with a partner and for deer in the Upper Peninsula, hunting turkeys, and fishing in the Florida Keys
MAY | JUNE 2022 13 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREMAY | JUNE 2022 14 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORE
Question: I am receiving Social Question: Recently, I curity.gov/applyonline. This is the
Security retirement benefits and was told I shouldn’t fastest and easiest way to apply. For
I recently went back to work. be carrying my Social your convenience, you can always
Do I have to pay Social Security Questions Security card around. Is save your progress during your ap-
and Answers
(FICA) taxes on my income? that true? plication and complete it later. And
thank you for your military service!
Answer: Yes. By law, your employer Answer: We encourage
must withhold FICA taxes from your you to keep your Social
Question: My father receives
paycheck. Although you are retired, Security card at home in
Social Security retirement ben-
you do receive credit for those new a safe place. Do not carry
efits, and I will be in charge of
earnings. Each year Social Security it with you unless you are
his estate when he dies. Should
automatically credits the new earn- taking it to a job inter-
Question: I got an email that occur, do I need to report
ings and, if your new earnings are view or to someone who
that says it’s from So- his death to Social Security or will
higher than in any earlier year used requires it. Identity theft is
cial Security, but I’m not benefits automatically stop?
to calculate your current benefit, one of the fastest grow-
so sure. They want me
your monthly benefit could increase. ing crimes in America, Answer: When your father dies,
to reply with my Social
For more information, visit www. and the best way to avoid please notify Social Security as soon
Security number, date
ssa.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 becoming a victim is to as possible by calling us at 1-800-
of birth, and mother’s BY
(TTY 1-800-325-0778). VONDA safeguard your card and 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). An-
maiden name for “verifi- VANTIL
number. To learn more, other person, such as a spouse, may
cation.” Did it really come
Question: How can I get proof of visit our Social Security be eligible for survivor’s benefits
from Social Security?
my benefits to apply for a loan? number and card page at www. based on his record. Also, we might
Answer: No. Social Security will socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. be able to pay a one-time payment of
Answer: If you need proof that you
not send you an email asking you $255 to help with funeral expenses.
get Social Security benefits, Supple-
to share your personal information, Question: I served in the mili- We suggest reading a copy of our
mental Security Income (SSI) and/or
such as your Social Security num- tary, and I’ll receive a military online publication, How Social Se-
Medicare, you can request a benefit
ber, date of birth, or other private pension when I retire. Will that af- curity Can Help You When a Family
verification letter online through
information. Beware of such scams fect my Social Security benefits? Member Dies, at www.socialsecurity.
your personal my Social Security ac-
— they’re after your information so gov/pubs/10008.html.
count at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Answer: You can get both Social
they can use it for their own benefit.
This letter is sometimes called a Security retirement benefits and
When in doubt, or if you have any Vonda Van Til is the Public Affairs
“budget letter,” a “benefits letter,” a military retirement at the same time.
questions about correspondence you Specialist for West Michigan. You can
“proof of income letter,” or a “proof Generally, we don’t reduce your So-
receive from Social Security, contact write her c/o Social Security Adminis-
of award letter.” You even can select cial Security benefits because of your
your local Social Security office or tration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids
the information you want included military benefits. When you’re ready
call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800- MI 49525 or via email at vonda.vantil@
in your online benefit verification to apply for Social Security retire-
325-0778) to see whether we really ssa.gov.
letter. ment benefits, go to www.socialse-
need any information from you.
MAY | JUNE 2022 15 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORESenior
Perspectives G A M E P A G E
Game
Page
Answers
on
Page 35
Game Page Sponsor
MAY | JUNE 2022 16 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORED
O
T
S
a
n
d
B
O
X
E Dots and boxes is a simple game with a simple goal: whoever “owns” the
most boxes at the end of the game wins. You and your opponent take turns
S drawing horizontal or vertical lines to connect the boxes. When someone
draws a line that completes a box, you write your initial inside to win the box.
MAY | JUNE 2022 17 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORECovid, Connection, and
however, whatever this would mean for
others, individually or collectively, it’s
become true for me.
a Set of Mahjongg Tiles
The changes I’m realizing, especially my
need for solitude, could be due to aging
or being a wannabee writer, forever lost
BY in trying to find a story. However, upon
JANET
HASSELBRING reflection, I’ve concluded they’re due to a
VID, my priorities regarding connection absence,” has become a reality; friendship
lesson learned during the pandemic: con-
have changed – what seemed important and connection have taken on a spiritual
nection is deeper than physical proximity;
once, I now find unimportant and unin- dimension.
Connection: the energy that changes evident in Mah-jongg, a game
teresting,
exists between people when During the pandemic, our basic human I’ve played for many years, but now play
I’m meeting different people and read- need for connection was challenged with with a new awareness of connection.
they are seen, heard, and
ing different books, I have less need for social distancing, quarantine, masks, sepa-
feel valued; when they can conversation, and when I am with people, ration, and in some cases, sadly, isolation.
Originating in China, mah-jongg has
become popular in the U.S. It is played
give and receive without my conversation has changed. I’ve be- In its aftermath, our interactions with oth-
with 136 or 144 rectangular pieces, called
judgment; when they derive come more aware of the needs of others ers continue to be impacted by Omicron,
tiles, and can be played with 2, 3, or 4
and the universal need for being loved. the possibility of other variants, disputes
sustenance and strength. over vaccinations, and at-home tests.
players who attempt to collect winning
I’m content to be alone and crave solitude, sets of fourteen tiles, corresponding to
How has COVID changed your life?* but interestingly, as my scheduled cof- I was skeptical when they told us the those displayed on an official card, which
The changes I feel are subtle, yet distinct fees and chats with friends decrease, my world would never be the same after CO- changes every year. It distantly resembles
and undeniable: in the aftermath of CO- prayer list has increased. “Presence in the VID, that we’d live with a “new” normal; gin rummy.
MAY | JUNE 2022 18 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREThe tiles display flowers, dragons, winds, (Doubles), four of us went rogue and
jokers(wild), and three suits contain- started playing Triples -- three winning
ing four of each number 1 – 9 -- bams, combinations using two sets of tiles. With
bamboos, craks, Chinese characters, and no precedents or rules to guide us, we,
dots, wheels or balls. No other game has reprobates, formed the Underground
the appeal and intrigue that mah-jongg Mah-jongg Club (UMC); we’re tight as
has for me. The game is challenging, and, scamps and bonded like scalawags.
just between you and me, I’ve fallen in Note: For general information about mah-
love with the tiles. They have a magical jongg visit https://www.amja.net/; for
quality -- pleasing to the eye, smooth and how to play, visit YouTube; for informa-
soothing to touch, and when jumbled tion about UMC, contact the writer. Shhh,
before each game, they make a congenial don’t tell…
clicking sound.
*In reflecting on the emotional, psycho-
Mah-jongg also fits my “new normal” logical effects of COVID, the author is not
style, because whether making new ignoring or depreciating the traumatic
friendships or solidifying existing ones, physical effects of the virus.
mah-jongg is suitable for extroverts or in-
Janet lives in MI with her husband, Don and
troverts; one can share secrets or sorrows,
Welsh terrier, Snack. Jan drags herself off the
or just show up and share nothing at all. tennis and pickleball courts occasionally to
Mah-jongg helped writer Amy Ettinger write. Her writings include Tales from Pelican
overcome grief after her mother died: Cove, a series of books featuring wild/shore-
“For me, game days are days of light easy birds from FL and beyond, Country Dairy,
friendship and acceptance; a feeling that which describes life on her family farm, in west
lingers long after I leave the table.” MI, in the 1930s, when her parents lived and
(The Strength My Mother Left Me) Ditto! worked on the land, and Tweets, A Twitter
Feed of Short Stories and Articles. Her piano
Note: Shhh, don’t tell… Last year, look- gets lonely because she chooses to whack fuzzy
ing for a challenge beyond the classic yellow balls and popping pickleballs instead of
game (Singles) and its variant, Siamese, tickling its ivories.
MAY | JUNE 2022 19 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREIt All Starts with a
BY
JAN
SMOLEN, DPM
Good Foundation Part II
Every week I hear at least one story from a patient who has had a fall, and I head injuries. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury. Falls
always ask how it happened. I hear things like “I was trying to carrying in too are also expensive, with the total cost to the health care system in 2015 of 50
many boxes or bags in from the car” or “I was walking too fast and missed the billion dollars.
last step on the stairs” or “I slipped on the ice getting the mail” or “The throw
I dove into the literature some more and found The Framingham Foot Study
rug threw me to the ground.” I have heard many stories about where people fall
of 1,375 people. They found Pes Planus, or flatfeet, increases the risk of fall-
and here are the most common places: the bathroom, going up or down stairs,
ing by 78% and foot pain increases the risk of falling by 62%. Another study
the garage, the driveway/yard, and places of worship.
by Hylton Menz et al in 2006 found reduced ankle flexibility, Hallux Valgus,
I did some research to see it there was scientific evidence that foot deformities decreased sensation, decreased muscle strength and foot pain from hammer-
and foot pain can increase the risk of falling. I found some shocking statistics. toe, corns calluses and thick toenails can also increase the risk of falls. Menz
also found 50-80% of people wearing poorly fitting shoes -- usually too narrow
Age 65 seems to be a turning point for when people become prone to falling,
-- are also at increased risk.
and people age 85 and older are most likely to fall. One in four elderly people
fall daily. 50% of people who fall once will fall again, likely because they become So, what can you do with this information to prevent falls? If you have Pes
fearful of falling and then stop doing daily activities and become weak. The most Planus, or flatfeet, see a Podiatrist. Flatfoot deformity is treated with custom
common injuries that occur from falls are fractures of the hip, wrist, ankle, and made orthotics, or over the counter arch supports. orthopedic shoes, AFO
MAY | JUNE 2022 20 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREbraces, and high-top shoes. For decreased ankle flexibility and overall decreased your bathtub to a shower.
flexibility, getting a referral to a Physical Therapist can improve pain, function
The cliché is true “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” These are exercises I recom-
and balance. Foot pain can be caused by bunions; hammertoes can be helped by
mend keeping your legs and feet strong and flexible.
wide toe box shoes such as SAS PW Minor. If you have diabetes you may qualify
for diabetic shoes and inserts. Padding such as moleskin or silicone for the ham- 1. Trace the ABCs with your toes
mertoes or bunions can help with foot pain. Surgery to correct these deformi- 2. Put a towel under your feet and scrunch the towel up with your toes.
ties can help if you are a candidate. There are treatments to trim down painful 3. Do 50 ankle pumps -- like pumping an accelerator up and down -- with
corns, calluses and thick toenails. Ask your health care provider for a referral to a your ankle two times per day.
Podiatrist. 4. Do 50 leg lifts two times per day.
5. Get up and walk around inside your house one time
Find a good shoe store and have your shoes fitted cor-
every hour during the day, or go to the mall and walk.
rectly. They should have a wide toe box, supportive
6. Take an exercise class, Tai Chi or yoga class for
heel counter and a firm non slip sole. I don’t recom-
seniors. Your local senior center may have infor-
mend shoes with memory foam as they can place
mation on these.
you off balance. If you need an orthotic, get one or
7. If you still feel unsteady walking don’t forget
talk to your health care provider about the best one.
to talk to your health care professional about a
Address your foot pain, don’t just live with it. If you
Physical Therapy referral for gait training, bal-
feel unsteady use a cane, walking stick or walker.
ance training and muscle strengthening. You are
Ask for a referral to a Physical Therapist for an evalu-
worth it!
ation, gait training, and balance training, since most
insurances cover this. Most insurances also cover Silver
Jan Smolen DPM is board certified by The American Board
Sneakers Program, which is a Medicare Fitness Program.
of Podiatric Surgery and is a Diplomat of The American College
Wear shoes instead of slippers in the house. Clear away all
Foot and Ankle Surgeons. She is a physician at Shoreline Foot and
the clutter in your house, including throw rugs. Make sure the
Ankle Associates in Muskegon with satellite offices in New Era,
lighting is good in your house, put up handrails, and convert
Fremont and Ludington.
MAY | JUNE 2022 21 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHORESoul Food
Warm Thoughts
For us northerners, on them, no problem!
seeing the ice melting and
If you belong to a loving and active faith
the temperatures rising we
community, a warm invitation to join you for
cannot help but be thankful
worship and offering to pick them up may
for the coming of warm air.
be what someone is longing for. However, if
In May or June, we will be
you hear on the phone “I’ll think about it,”
able to sit outside on sunny
BY don’t give up. Maybe the next contact could
GIL BOERSMA,
days and maybe catch a
be in person, and you could simply keep an
M.DIV., B.C.C. visit with a neighbor with-
offer “open” to the needs and interests of the
out having to bundle up.
lonely soul. Letting the one who is in recovery
We won’t stop making phone calls to friends
express their need or interest to you requires
or family members but we might add plans Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV) -
true humility.
to walk or drive someplace together just for
pleasure, not for necessities like groceries. Rev. Gilbert Boersma, BBA, MDIV, is an Elder
“Be completely humble and
in the United Methodist Church, and a Retired- gentle; be patient, bearing
Maybe you are one of the gracious souls who
Board-Certified chaplain. His wife Sara is retired with one another in love.
think of those who don’t get out much, don’t
from Muskegon Community Mental Health and
have many friends, or have recently lost loved Make every effort to keep the
offers counseling privately, part-time. Their two
ones. Their loneliness hardly notices good
sons, one daughter-in-law and four grandchil- unity of the Spirit through the
weather. Their energy is gone, so you have
dren also live in Muskegon. Gil offers “spiritual
taken someone, say, to the grocery store. If bond of peace.”
direction” for those who have interest You may
that is just what they’d love to have you offer
contact him by email: boersmagil71@gmail.com
MAY | JUNE 2022 22 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREchild and she babysat other kids in his “Muskegon area,” I told him.
family.
“I used to work there at the prison.”
During a 40-degree day, I was on the
“Did you know Jerry …”
boardwalk headed toward the beach
with my hands in my jacket pockets. And he said, “Dibble?”
The rain had stopped, but it was windy “Yes. Jerry and Robbin attend the same
and cold. I met a man wearing a yellow church we do.”
slicker with the hood over his head
“Tell him Matt said hi.”
kept tight with a tie-string under his
chin. “Will do.”
“Wanna buy my gloves for ten bucks?” I wore a green and gold NMU sweat-
he asked while a few paces apart. shirt the day we stopped at Paula
Deen’s Family Kitchen, near Foley,
“No. I’m good.”
Alabama. A woman walked over to
Face to face, I noticed a small outline our table.
Connections
of the State of Michigan on his slicker.
“Did you go to Northern?” she asked.
When asked, he told me he was from
Kalamazoo. “Yes. I graduated in 1966.”
“I like your cap with the 2nd Division “I graduated in 1968 and my husband
pin,” he said. “I was in the 2nd Divi- in 1969. We probably crossed paths
sion too.” up there,” she said. With a smile and a
Away from home, their hands and said, “Yes. The Upper “have a nice day,” she walked away.
“I hoped someone would recognize the
making connections Peninsula.” Keith and Jana were from I also got comments from people while
pin,” I said. “I was in Korea in ‘68 and
with people can be Iron River. We walked and talked for a wearing my “CMU grandpa” and
‘69.”
difficult. But we while. They knew Pete and Joann from “Manistique Merchant Car Show” tee
found simple things Manistique, who attended their church. “I was there in 1958, but it’s nothing I
shirts.
like a license plate I went to high school with them. The want to talk about.”
or a logo on a shirt, walkers were staying on the seventh Clothing adorned with your home
“OK. Have a good rest of the day,” I
BY jacket or ball cap floor of the same building we were, a state or something another person may
said and continued to the beach.
JERRY
to be conversation few miles away. share an interest in helps make connec-
MATTSON These people were all repeat customers tions.
starters.
On the first floor, we met Dave and Bev staying at The Plantations, so we might
On a January day in southern Ala- sitting outside their condo. The State A short conversation beats just a nod or
see them again next year.
bama, on a two-track nature trail, a of Michigan was printed on his shirt. a “good morning” every time.
One morning on my daily beach walk,
couple walked past us with the gal “Where do you live?” I asked. “We’re Jerry and Sue met many people from Up
I met a man with a Detroit Tigers cap
wearing a “Lake Michigan Unsalted” from Quinnesec,” said Dave. At CMU, North during their winter stay near Gulf
on.
shirt. Matthew, our grandson, shares a suite Shores, Alabama. Staying in an area where
with Carter from that same town. Bev “Are you from Michigan?” I asked. lots of snowbirds nest probably made con-
“Are you from Michigan?” Sue called
worked in a day-care he attended as a “Holland,” he said. necting a bit easier.
out. They both turned around, raised
MAY | JUNE 2022 23 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREFREE INFORMATION FREE INFORMATION FREE INFORMATION
FREE INFORMATION
FREE INFORMATION
Mail Us for FREE Information
For free materials on local housing opportunities,
contact us! Let us know who you would like
to hear from and we’ll provide your information
to those advertisers.
o Heritage Senior Properties, Pg 7 o Christian Manor, Pg 22
FREE INFORMATION
o The Village at Park Terrace, Pg 9 o Darley Village, Pg 23
FREE INFORMATION
o Christian Care, Pg 12 o SHAWL I & II, Pg 24
o Bayview Towers, Pg 14 o Robbinswood/
o Christian Haven Home, Pg 15 NorthCrest AL, Pg 29
o The Oaks, Pg 20 o Park Woods Apt., Pg 32
o The McAuley, Pg 20 o Oceana County MCF, Pg 35
o Chestnut Fields, Pg 21
Name ___________________________________________________
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Address _________________________________________________
City ________________________ State _______ Zip _____________
Phone ___________________ Email___________________________
Please mail form to: Senior Resources, Attn: Community Living,
560 Seminole Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444
FREE INFORMATION FREE INFORMATION FREE INFORMATION
MAY | JUNE 2022 24 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREAmerican Fitness Center
I awoke one morning I told Caleb that my goals are less hercu-
to discover a sharp and lean, that I just want to keep my shoul-
angry pain that was ders, knees and, you know, the rest of my
diagnosed as a sprained body functional as long as I can. That is a
right shoulder. The realistic goal, one that will sustain my hab-
prescription was a series its of “dates with daughter” and “dotes
of at-home exercises that on granddaughter” days.” Like Larry, my
BY brought relief. But my days of heavy lifting have ended. So, we
JOEL
DULYEA shoulder didn’t feel quite don’t need to do multiple repetitions that
right. The physician pump us up on the conditioning equip-
assistant agreed, exercise machines would ment. One set is enough to lubricate the
help. So, I returned to the American Fitness joints and strengthen the chassis.
Center in Whitehall and exercised into full
Here is the first reason American Fitness
recovery. But for the COVID interruption, I
Center gave me to keep exercising. They
have not stopped.
accept my insurance’s self-care Silver
The fitness center is housed in a low-lying Sneaker program. There are multiple other
strip mall next to the Soap Opera Laundro- insurance plans with which the fitness
mat on Colby Street. Just inside the door, center manages payment. The second
cardio machines are lined up facing east, reason is the people who are new to me,
toward the dawn of good health. Then like Larry. Eighty percent of Caleb’s clients
come the conditioning machines used for are retired. They include both men and
circuit training. As one continues further women who have had knee or hip replace-
back into the fitness center, more equipment options ment surgery. After requisite physical therapy they
are available, including racks and stacks of dumb sustain their health with visits to the fitness center.
bells and free weights. There is a back room that My wife pedaled a stationary bicycle after a knee
I think is for the “no pain no gain” customer. I’ve replacement and physical therapy. She was one of
heard heavy weights hit the black rubber mats in forty-two new members of retirement age added
that room. I don’t go there. in 2021. The numbers go up and down with the
migratory habits of snowbirds, but the average
Caleb is the Head Trainer at the center. He is not shy
active attendance is around eighty. Those are the
about engaging old folks like me in conversation, or
ones who inspire me to keep moving. I met a new
with young people as well. His customers range in
acquaintance last week. Matt wore the world on
age from teenagers to octogenarians+. I met Larry
his face. He had the best comment, the best reason
Jancek one afternoon. He walked in with the help
to come to the fitness center. He said, “I always feel
of a cane. When I asked him how he was doing he
better after I exercise.”
answered, “I’m doing the best I can.” He said much
more which made me laugh and hope to see him Joel Dulyea is a United States Army retiree who loves to
again. Caleb informed me that Larry has a grand- sing with his wife Merijo, spend time with his daughter
daughter who broke two state records in power lift- and son-in-law, and dote on his granddaughter.
ing. My eyes popped when he said Larry’s 17-year-
old grandson bench pressed 405 lbs. They must use
the back room. Top: “I don’t go there” room.
Left: Cardio Machines
MAY | JUNE 2022 25 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREAfter imposter scams, the top four most common complaints received
Senior involved Online Shopping, Prizes, Sweepstakes and Lotteries, Inter-
net Services, and Business and Job Opportunities.
The public reported about $392 million in losses, up from $246 million
BY
JOE
STAPEL
Scams the year before.
When consumers reported fraud, regardless if they suffered a fraud
or not, they were almost always contacted by phone. The crooks also
used -- in descending order of frequency -- texts, emails, websites or
apps, social media sites, the mail, or online ads or pop-ups.
We will be discussing senior scams again in this article.
The bottom line for seniors is never to let your guard down, no matter
Reporting Abuse: To report abuse, neglect, and/or financial exploita- how a solicitor reaches out to you.
tion, call MDHHS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human
The median loss by age is as follows:
Services at 855-444-3911 any time day or night. If the situation is an
From age 60 to 69 it is $516, then it jumps to $800 per incident for 70 to
emergency call 9-1-1.
79 year-olds. It takes a huge jump to $1,500 per incident for those 80
A news item from the SafeSeniors web site reports that senior citizens and over.
often feel at fault when experiencing abuse. They might say, “She hit
How do victims hand over funds to scam artists?
me. It must be something I did.” Or, “They took my money. Maybe
1. Bank transfers or payments ($756 million) from victim’s accounts.
they think I said it was OK.” “My son was supposed to take care of
2. Crypto currency was $750 million.
me but he left me alone. Maybe I made him angry.” In most cases,
3. Wire transfers using Western Union or Money Gram, Gift Cards,
none of this is true.
Reload Cards, or cash.
One in ten older adults in the United States experiences abuse,
Romance scams stole a record $547 million! Losses to romance scams
neglect, or exploitation. It is estimated that only one in 24 abuse or
over the five years ending in 2021 now stand at $1.3 billion, making
neglect cases and one in 44 financial exploitation cases are reported.
romance scamming the costliest of any fraud reported during that
AARP has reported over 24,173 active scams.
time. Unfortunately, the largest loss to romance scams was to those 70
Consumers reported losing a record breaking $5.8 billion dollars to and older, at $9,700 an incident.
fraud in 2021, for a 70 percent increase over the previous year, accord-
To learn more about the SafeSeniors Task Force, visit www.safeseniors.info.
ing to the Federal Trade Commission.
Be Informed. Stay Safe.
The losses stemmed from a variety of schemes. Most came from im-
posters -- crooks who stole money from people by acting as romantic Joe Stapel has a degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University. He
interests, government employees, relatives in trouble, tech support has worked full and part-time as a police officer for three different agencies in
experts or others such as representatives of businesses or charities. Muskegon County. He also was a Licensed Private Investigator in the State
There were almost one million imposter scams among the 2.8 million of Michigan for 9 years.
frauds reported in 2021. Imposter fraud losses skyrocketed to $2.3 bil-
Joe worked for the Meijer Corporation Loss Prevention Department in Grand
lion dollars in 2021, up from $1.2 billion dollars in 2020.
Rapids for 28 years as a Security Officer and as the company’s first Safety
These reports fall into three categories: Specialist. He worked for Baker College of Muskegon as the Campus Safety
1. Fraud Director for 11 years with a staff of 27 armed officers and 8 dispatchers. Joe
2. Identity Theft held the position of Ordinance Enforcement Officer for Laketon Township in
3. Other consumer complaints from defective appliances to predatory Muskegon County for 3 and 1/2 years.
lending
MAY | JUNE 2022 26 SENIOR PERSPECTIVES - LAKESHOREYou can also read
