Tri-County Office on Aging

July 2024 E-Newsletter

Image Description: The picture shows a festive scene for the Fourth of July. In the background, sparklers light up the warm atmosphere. In the front, an American flag waves in the wind, standing out clearly against the sparkling lights.

Upcoming Health and Wellness Workshops

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Delta 39’ers Enrichment Center in Lansing starting Wednesday, July 17

Walk with Ease

Sam Corey Senior Center in Holt starting Thursday, July 18

Matter of Balance

Hope Community Church in Lansing starting Tuesday, July 30

Dementia Caregiver Series

Schmidt Community Center in Lansing starting Thursday, August 1

For a full list of workshops, visit tcoa.org/classesevidence-based-programs

To register, call TCOA at 517-887-1465 or email Christine at histedc@tcoa.org.

Image Description: The image depicts four men standing side by side on a golf course. Each man is wearing a hat and smiling. They appear relaxed and are likely enjoying their time together outdoors. The background suggests a sunny day on the golf course, with green grass and trees typical of a golfing environment.

Photography: Leandro Martins Photography

Thank you for Supporting TCOA!

The 36th Annual Meals on Wheels Charity Golf Outing held on June 11, 2024 at Forest Akers West was a huge success! Thank you to all golfers, sponsors, volunteers and EPIC Prize item donors for helping TCOA raise funds to support Meals on Wheels, and in-home services for local older adults.

Special Thanks and Appreciation

to the 2024 Meals on Wheels Golf Outing Sponsors:

Event:

Jackson National Life Insurance Company®

Golf Cart:

Physicians Health Plan, McLaren Medicare,

Loving Hands Home Care Agency,

PHP Medicare, Home Care Alternatives

Hospitality Cart:

Dart Bank

Silver Plus:

Forster Woods

Silver:

Lansing Board of Water and Light, Consumers Energy,

Aria Nursing & Rehab, Ingham County Medical Care Facility,

Cypress Home Care, Two Men and a Truck, CATA, DBI Business Interiors

Bronze:

STAAR Alert

Hole Sponsors:

Sparrow Specialty Hospital, MSUFCU, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation,

Shaheen Chevrolet, Caswell Law PLLC, EATRAN, Brookdale Senior Living,

Burcham Hills, Auto-Owners Insurance, Meijer Capital City Market, A&W,

The Courtyard, Newman Lofts, MSU Clerical-Technical Union

The Tri-County Office on Aging has partnered with Michigan State University's School of Social Work to empower older adults with the skills needed to connect with loved ones and actively participate in our increasingly digital society.

Funded by a grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the Virtual Connections project aims to demonstrate safe smartphone usage among older adults, including introducing them to telehealth for virtual healthcare access.

The project will operate in two main tracks: one focusing on home-delivered meal recipients, and the other engaging older adults at congregate meal sites. The primary goal is to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness among older adults.

We are preparing volunteer coaches of all ages to support this important initiative with user-friendly materials and resources.

If you're interested in volunteering or want to learn more about the project, please reach out to Ricki Stein at steinr@tcoa.org or call 517-887-1391 for more information.

The Senior Project Fresh program is aimed at helping older adults eat healthier as they age.

The program provides participants free nutrition education and $25 in coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods sold at local farmers’ markets and roadside stands.

Residents who are aged 60 or older with a total household income of $27,861 or less for an individual, or $37,814 for a couple, are eligible to apply for the program.

Residents who are aged 55 or older who belong to a Michigan federally recognized tribe or urban tribal group are also eligible.

Applicants must live in the county where coupons are obtained. The program runs from May 1 to October 31 each year. Ingham County distribution will begin in July.

If you think you are eligible and would like to participate in the program, please contact

Ingham County

Jamie Bennett

Tri-County Office on Aging

Phone: 888-224-3030 Option 5.

Eaton County

Jeff Keener

Capital Area Community Services

Phone: 517-543-5465

Clinton County

Roxanne White

MSU Extension

Phone: 989-224-5240

This month's volunteer spotlight is Jane, a dedicated volunteer at Grange Acres Senior Dining Site in Haslett. Jane joined our team in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by a desire to make a positive impact in her community. Her background as a Drug & Alcohol Counselor has molded her into an individual always willing to lend a compassionate ear and a warm smile.

Jane finds deep fulfillment in her volunteer work, describing it as a rewarding experience that has given her a sense of purpose, belonging, and communal oneness. Especially during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, her commitment to Grange Acres has provided higher levels of life satisfaction and a deeper connection to those around her.

Outside of her volunteer work, Jane has an interesting past—she once toured the state as a singer in a band, sharing her favorite tunes with audiences everywhere. Her diverse experiences and genuine warmth make her a valued member of our volunteer team.

If you visit Grange Acres in Haslett, be sure to meet Jane and experience the positivity and kindness she brings to our community every day.

Thank you Jane for your many years of service to the Community!

July is Disability Pride Month, a time when we at the Tri-County Office on Aging celebrate the resilience, achievements, and diversity of individuals with disabilities. Disability Pride is about recognizing disability as a natural aspect of human diversity, promoting self-acceptance, and advocating for equal rights and inclusion in society.

We celebrate Disability Pride Month in July to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and foster a community where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued and respected.

Join us in honoring Disability Pride Month and supporting the journey towards equality and empowerment for all.