Tri-County Office on Aging

September 2024 E-News

Three women are standing together, each holding a section of the giant check from MSUFCU's Desk Drawer Fund. They are all smiling broadly, radiating joy and accomplishment. The check displays the amount of $60,829, made out to Tri-County Office on Aging.

This month, we received a generous donation of $60,829 from MSUFCU, who chose TCOA as the beneficiary of their employee-driven fundraising for the second quarter.

Thanks to the incredible dedication and generosity of their team, MSUFCU achieved an unprecedented milestone by raising the highest amount ever in a single quarter.

This remarkable achievement not only highlights the collective spirit and commitment of MSUFCU employees but also significantly supports TCOA’s mission and initiatives.

We are deeply grateful to MSUFCU and their employees for their outstanding contribution and unwavering support.

Andrea Radel, TCOA Executive Director, expressed her appreciation, stating, “Tri-County Office on Aging is thrilled and humbled to receive this generous gift from MSUFCU and their caring employees. As the go-to agency for older adult resources and information in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties, TCOA is prepared to use this donation to support older adults aging safely and independently in their own homes and communities. Meals on Wheels, Project Choices in-home services, Crisis Services, Health and Wellness workshops, the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program, Information and Assistance, and more are vital programs that support senior health, safety, and wellbeing while honoring dignity and choice. We are grateful to MSUFCU for recognizing and uplifting the growing number of older adults in need in our community.”

Tri County Office on Aging 39th Annual Dinner and Auction Thursday, November 21 2024

SAVE THE DATE!

November 21, 2024: TCOA 39th Annual Dinner and Auction at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing at 6:00 PM.

Tickets for $75.00 each are available online.

Visit tcoa.org for more information or to sponsor.

Upcoming Evidence Based Workshops- Tri County Office on Aging

The Savvy Caregiver Program (topic: dementia caregiving)
UM Health- Sparrow Lansing Health Center starting Wednesday, September 11

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (topic: self-care for caregivers)
First Congregational Church of Christ in Charlotte starting Thursday, September 26

Diabetes PATH (topic: diabetes management)
Delta Township Library in Lansing starting Wednesday, September 11

A Matter of Balance (topic: fall prevention)
Alfreda Schmidt Community Center in Lansing starting Thursday, September 5
Delta 39’ers Enrichment Center in Lansing starting Thursday, September 12
St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Johns starting Wednesday, September 25

Chronic Pain Path (topic: pain management)
Stockbridge Area Senior Center in Stockbridge starting Tuesday, September 24

For more information, click here.

Tri County Office on Aging 39th Annual Dinner and Auction. Raffle ticket sales starting soon.

A man stands smiling with a friendly look on his face. He has a clean goatee and wears glasses. He’s dressed in a bright yellow polo shirt with a badge hanging from the collar. His smile and appearance show that he is approachable and kind.

September Volunteer Spotlight: Michael Pohnl

This month, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Mike, a dedicated volunteer who brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role at TCOA.

Mike earned his degree in Construction Management and MBA in Materials and Logistics Management from Michigan State University quite some time ago. He has spent his entire career in the construction industry and public service, culminating in his retirement in 2015 as the Deputy Director of the State of Michigan Workforce Development Agency. Before that, Mike dedicated 33 years to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Workforce Development Agency.

Mike’s commitment to service extends far beyond his professional career. His impressive volunteer journey includes a 2 ½-year stint as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Hungary from 1991 to 1994.

Although his time with the Peace Corps was cut short, Mike's impact was far-reaching. He later worked with the Hungarian Environmental Ministry to develop the first primary school environmental education curriculum following the government’s transition. His work in Hungary includes co-authoring the first Hungarian environmental education textbook for public schools.

At TCOA, Mike manages an invaluable all-volunteer tax service sponsored by AARP during tax season. Coordinating 35 volunteers, Mike oversees the completion of over 1,000 tax returns for older Michiganders each year, generating more than $1 million in tax refunds for his clients.

Outside of his impressive volunteer work, Mike is an avid traveler who explores destinations across the United States and around the world. In August, he is embarking on his first trip to Africa, adding yet another chapter to his rich travel experiences.

We are incredibly grateful for Mike's dedication and the positive impact he makes through his volunteer work. His commitment to service and community is truly inspiring. Thank you, Mike, for everything you do!

If you are interested in making a difference and joining our team of volunteers, please submit an application at tcoa.org/volunteer. We look forward to welcoming more passionate individuals like Mike to our community!

Thank you, Mike, for everything you do!

Medicare Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment for Medicare begins October 15 and runs through

December 7, 2024.

Please reach out to the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at Tri-County Office on Aging to set up a free appointment to ensure that you have the best plan.

Contact MMAP at 517-887-1416.

Tri County Office on Aging presents virtual connections. How to help older adults use their smartphone. The image shows a hand holding a smartphone. In the background is a blurred picture of a living space with wood floors and a comfy couch and a sitting chair displaying a comfortable and open living space.

Tri-County Office on Aging is excited to announce a new partnership with the MSU School of Social Work to host workshops designed to help older adults master their smartphones.

From basic navigation to managing telemedicine appointments, our dedicated volunteers will cover it all. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join us as volunteer coaches to support this important initiative.

If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of older adults by helping them gain valuable digital skills, please fill out a volunteer application at tcoa.org/volunteer.

Your support will help bridge the technology gap and empower our community's seniors.

Two older women are standing and chatting with each other. The woman on the left has reddish short hair and is wearing a white shirt with a brown jacket. Her hands are in her pants pockets. The woman on the right has blond short hair and is wearing a white top. In the background, there are people mingling, but they are out of focus.

Volunteer Opportunities

Keep TCOA in mind for any one-time team building excursions! Groups who package meals in the Central Kitchen help TCOA to provide nutritious meals to those in need.

We also have a need for continuing volunteers in each of TCOA's programs. Check out our website to learn more.