SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Feel Good. Live Well.
Your Comprehensive Approach to Healthcare. Our internists are specialists for daily life, doctors with the training to help adults practice and maintain the essentials of healthy living. · New Patients Welcome · Annual Physicals & Health Screenings · Electronic Medical Records with Online Patient Features · No Insurance? Ask about SimpleCare
231.487.9702 · doctors4adults.com BURNS PROFESSIONAL BUILDING, STE MOST MAJOR INSURANCE
2 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
&
300 · PETOSKEY
SIMPLECARE ACCEPTED
On the cover: Laurie McMurray takes her road bike out for a ride.
features 6 Good Stuff Good to Go: Treating plantar fasciitis Grandparenting: Bonding with codes 9 Nod to Nostalgia Year: 1974 10 Good Taste Roasted Bean Salad
12 Good Escape The Gingerbread House
20 Good Idea Sculpting retirement
14 Good Word Rick Fowler
22 Cover Story Striving for better
16 Good Buys GPS
26 Good Cents Paying off student loans
19 Good Health Keeping your brain busy
28 Good Samaritan Taking the challenge
GOODlife 3
Home Care by Seniors for Seniors www.airwayoxygeninc.com 330 W. Mitchell | Petoskey, MI 49770 | 231.348.8343 Our loving, caring compassionate seniors are there to help. We offer all the services you need to stay in your own home, living independently.
• Companion Care • Housekeeping Services • Meal preparation/cooking • Personal Care • Overnight and 24-hour Care • Transportation • Shopping • Doctor Appointments • and more!
Fall Prevention Products
Serving Petoskey and northern Michigan
Call us today. Like getting a little help from your friendsTM. Call us at 989-448-8323 or visit our website at www.seniorshelpingseniors.com ©2009 Each office is independently owned and operated. All trademarks are registered trademarks of Corporate Mutual Resources Incorporated.
EZ ADJUST BED RAIL
ASSIST A TRAY $147.00
SD-8000 • $102.80
SECURITY POLE & CURVE GRAB BAR SD-1100 • $146.45
LUGGIE FOLDING ELECTRIC SCOOTER $2399.00
Your Source for Great Health
Live Better, Stay Active, Be your Best and...
Quality Vitamins & Herbs • Sports Nutrition Organic & Natural Foods • Organic Meats & Dairy Homeopathy • Natural Cosmetics
For severe or chronic back pain
Enjoy Life Visit:
with Chiropractic Care!
www.benoclinic.com Special offer for new patients
ence! d i r e Exp Staff Experience, Expertise & Compassion Since 1973
Specializing in Applied Kinesiology Most insurance accepted
Toski-Sands Plaza | Harbor-Petoskey Rd. Petoskey | 348-8390
4 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
8983 M-119, Petoskey 347-4445
As pain specialists
We understand... SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 1 PUBLISHER DOUG CALDWELL EDITOR MAGGIE PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY G. RANDALL GOSS LAYOUT AND DESIGN WENDY WOLFSEN FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT ADVERTISING DIRECTOR CHRISTY LYONS (231) 439-9329 clyons@petoskeynews.com ADVERTISING SALES BETH FLYNN ANNE MCDEVITT ERICA NIESEN JEFF GENSCHAW
your pain is not trivial. Our goal is to manage pain with as few side effects as possible and to provide multiple treatment options that will support the individual’s level of function.
WE OFFER: • On-site injection therapies • Medication management We provide evaluation and treatment for all types of pain problems, including pain due to: • Back and neck pain • Chronic headache and facial pain • Cancer-related pain • Complex regional pain syndrome (RSD) • Fibromyalgia • Phantom limb pain • Diabetic neuropathy
• Pelvic pain • Chest wall pain • Shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia) • Myofascial and other soft tissue problems • Musculoskeletal pain • Carpal tunnel syndrome • Neurological pain
Local pain specialist: Gary L. Fuchs, MD Board Certified in Anesthesia Board Certified in Pain Management
Northern Michigan
Pain Specialists, PC 1420 Plaza Drive, Suite 2B • Petoskey, MI 49770 231-487-4650 • Fax: 231-487-4601 Across from Home Depot and Office Max MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED • NO REFERRAL REQUIRED
MATT HAUSLER JOY HOLMES BOB REEDY
Central Drug Store
LISA SLADEK
© GoodLife, all rights reserved, 2011. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine. The publication of any advertisement does not reflect any endorsement for any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically stated in such advertisement that there is approval for such endorsement. GoodLife is published bi-monthly by Northern Michigan Review, Inc. GoodLife Magazine 319 State St., Petoskey, Mich. 49770
Lani & John Ochs, Pharmacists Serving & supporting Charlevoix since 1897 Ochs Family operated since 1914
Complete Prescription Services and Education Diabetic Supplies We Pack & Ship UPS
After hours emergencies 231-547-4726 Charlevoix downtown by the traffic light Open M-F 8-6, Sat 9-5
(231) 547-2424 GOODlife 5
GOOD STUFF GOOD TO GO
GOOD HUMOR
Treating plantar fasciitis A problem that can often plague people, says Dean Tahtinen, physical therapist with First Choice Physical Therapy in Petoskey, is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is comprised of bands of tissue that connect your heel to the underside of the bones of the forefoot and to the ball of the foot. When those tissues become inflamed, it is called plantar fasciitis. The inflammation results from overuse or a trauma, and can be especially painful in the morning. “Throughout the night, all that tissue is slack,” said Tahtinen. “As soon as it starts to heal, it starts to heal in that slack position.” To combat the pain and to reshape the plantar fascia, Tahtinen recommends three treatments, which can be done individually or together.
1.
Ice the tissue. Empty a 20-ounce Coke bottle (the shape is beneficial for massaging the underside of the foot) and fill with water. Freeze. Wearing a sock, ice the area by rolling your foot back and forth over the bottle for five to 10 minutes, or until the foot is numb. Your foot will go through several stages: cold, burning, achy and then numb. Make sure, said Tahtinen, that the foot makes it all the way to numb.
2. Work the tissue and increase blood flow. Place a towel on a linoleum or wood floor. Keeping your heel on the ground, use your toes to pull the towel toward you. Twice a day, perform three sets of 20 repetitions — one pull of the towel with your toes counts as one repetition — unless you feel pain first. If you feel pain, stop the exercise.
3. Stretch the tissue. Place a 1/2- to 1-inch thick book on the floor. Stand with the book under the big toe of the afflicted foot. Step forward with the uninvolved foot, leaning your hips toward the wall and placing your hands on the wall straight in front of you. Keep the rear leg straight with the heel planted on the floor. — By Morgan Sherburne Dean Tahtihen demonstrates how ow to work the planter facia ia
6 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
The best is yet to come I sort of like being a graying panther, keeping up on today, with respect for all that has gone before. Staying relevant, making a difference, blah, blah, blah … Most days, I call it good if I can find my keys, there are no runs in my support hose, and I can remember why I went into a room. The one thing that saves me from despair is a sense of humor. Never mind panther — I am happy to be Garfield. But things keep changing. Recently, the Coast Guard announced that they would no longer be using Morse code. As my husband astutely pointed out, what are people going to use when trapped in a North Korean prison? Presumably, a place that doesn’t get very good cell phone reception. If you can’t dot dot, dash dash, anymore, how will you be able to conspire with your equally unlucky neighbor? About the only outcome I can remember from the early space program is the invention of Tang. (And after a couple mornings of Tang, you begin to wonder about the money that’s been spent.) When my teenage son asked if it was true Jimi Hendrix put drugs under his eyelids, I wondered why I might be his resource for this valuable information. It was probably payback for the colorful stories I had told my family as a nurse. Like the time I admitted a very large unconscious man and found a tuna sandwich tucked beneath his lap apron. CSI at its best! Recently, someone I know was pontificating on how lost society is: Women shop QVC to talk to someone and have a delivery to the door, while guys gamble online losing sums of money. Children grow fat in front of computers. Wouldn’t it be great to return to the good old days? Jackie Gleason wasn’t svelte, and he could have used court-ordered anger-management classes. (We called that “knuckle sandwich” entertainment!) And the clap-o-meter from the show Queen for a Day was clearly rigged. The clapping was the same for all, and the really tearful queens always won, even if their story wasn’t so terrible. So there we were, laughing at physical abuse in marriage and watching women crying for a cash prize. I don’t know. I think a lot of things are better now. But because we instantly know all the bad that happens, in minute detail, we upset the balance. That is, on balance, we are a lot better off. But a lot of days, I’m just hanging on like the suction cup Garfield in the car window. — Katie MacInnis Katie MacInnis is a retired nurse living in Harbor Springs with her husband, Charlie, and their dog and cat. She was an English major (no kidding) before becoming a nurse, and loves to write. There are LOTS of reasons to grumble as we age but there are still things to laugh about. The alternative to growing old is a little depressing, and as she likes to say: “I’m doing everything I can to stay off of page 6 of the News-Review.”
GOOD STUFF GRANDPARENTING
Bonding in code
— Morgan Sherburne
B
eing a good grandparent crayon. Swap papers with your con- For a giggle, try talking as quickly as doesn’t necessarily mean pack- fidant and paint over the message you can. ing up the grandkids for an ex- with watercolor paints. Watch the Finally, for a head-scratcher, subpensive day at the zoo. message emerge. stitute a number for each letter in a All you might need is paper, crayFor a secret code that requires no short message. “A” corresponds with ons and some household ingredients extra tools at all — just a sharp mind “1,” “B” corresponds with “2” and so — or even nothing but the spoken and the patience to teach a little one on. If you master that too quickly, word. — try talking in one of the oldest reverse the numbering system: “A” is To create a special bond with your codes in the book: pig Latin. 26, “B” is 25 and on down. grandchild, try trading stories in a “What’s really nice, too, for that In pig Latin, you remove the first secret code. letter of a word, add it to the end of kind of activity is that even grandpar“Secret code makes it really fun the word, and tack the syllable “ay” ents far away can do it,” said Walker. and cool for kids,” said Tamila onto that letter. “Pig” becomes “ig- “It creates a bond even if they’re not Walker, co-director of Watch Me pay.” “Secret” becomes “ecret-say.” together all of the time.” GL Grow!, a child development center in Petoskey. “It instills a sense that they’re buddies, that they have something special.” An easy secret code is writing in invisible ink. Sure, you can buy invisible ink sets from stationary stores, but making your own adds an extra step to your spy-day with the grandchildren. To make invisible ink, mix equal parts baking soda and water. Use a paintbrush, cotton swab, toothpick — anything vaguely resembling a writing utensil — and write a message. Talk about your day, or tell a cute story from when your grandchild was a toddler. Hold the paper up to a heat source, such as a light bulb. The heat causes the baking soda to turn brown ... and your story to appear. Or paint the page with purple grape juice, which causes perhaps a prettier secret message. Another route is to go crayon and watercolor: write a top secret message on white paper with a white
GOODlife 7
Sunnybank The choice you can feel good about Sunnybank is an attractive alternative for adults who have found some of life’s daily routines challenging. Sunnybank provides the individual attention and assistance that residents need in order to manage on their own - better, longer and with far greater ease than is possible in their own homes.
Assisted Living Services • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner meals • 24 hour refreshment center • Daily room pick up and bed making • Weekly housekeeping • Flat linen, towel and personal laundry service • Beauty and barber shop
• 24 hour electronic security system • Activity and recreational programs • Short term and respite care • Services such as podiatrist, optometrist, medical laboratory, and various kinds of therapy available
Reduce Your Blood Pressure & Your Medication Costs Do you take Diovan, Avapro, Benicar, or Atacand? Tired of high insurance copays? Worried about the Medicare Donut Hole?
Losartan, the first of this class of medications, the Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, to come off patent is now available at Medicap Pharmacy at a much lower cost and far lower copay than other meds in this class.
Wes Ostrander, R.Ph. & Liz Ostrander, R.Ph.
2240 E. MITCHELL • PETOSKEY HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
231-487-0262 ONLINE REFILLS • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY 8 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
NEW! Amlodipine 90 Day Supply $13.25 Compare to Norvasc™
The Medicap 395 Program Covers over 395 Different Prescriptions 30 Day Supply for $3.95 90 Day Supply for $9.95 Available at Medicap Pharmacy located in Petoskey
For a 395 Program List e-mail your request to rph@petoskeymedicap.biz
DRIVE-THRU • 24 HOUR DROP
NOD TO TO NOSTALGIA -- 19XX 1974 Music In the news
Movie
— On Aug. 9, 1974, President Nixon resigned as a xxxxxxx result of the Watergate scandal.
Young Frankenstein Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” gets a facelift in the xxxxxxx 1974 terror-comedy “Young Frankenstein.”
— A nationwide 55 miles-per-hour speed limit is xxxxxxxxxx imposed to preserve gas. — Chicago’s Sears Tower becomes the world’s tallest building. Now, Dubai’s Burj Dubai, at the height of 2,600 feet, is the world’s tallest building. — The fossil of Lucy, a member of a hominid species who were the first to descend from trees, is discovered in Hadar, Ethiopia. Though the researchers found only fragments, hers was long the most complete skeleton of the species discovered until “Little Lucy” was found, the 3.3 million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis fossil of a 3-year-old girl.
Gene Wilder stars as the protagonist, Dr. Frederick xxxxxxxxxx Frankenstein, the great-grandson of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The young Dr. Frankenstein is a lecturer at an American medical school, engaged to Elizabeth (Madeline Kahn), when he is called to Transylvania, where he has inherited his family’s estate. Annoyed by being associated with the story of his grandfather’s work, Frankenstein is surprised when he becomes intrigued by the elder Frankenstein’s journals. But as he tries the same experiments himself, Frankenstein runs into trouble when his assistant botches the brain acquisition.
xxxxxx
Music In the news
Patti Smith
xxxxxx
The way it was The way it was
Rubik’s Cubes
During the summer of 1974, Patti Smith recorded and released her debut single, “Hey Joe” — arguably, the single to crack open the punk rock scene. For 37 years now, Rubik’s Cubes have been spun, In 1971, Smith, who had moved to New York City turned and flipped into monochrome-sided boxes. xxxxxx to work on her poetry, gave her first public reading, ac- xxxxxx And even today, tween celebrities such as Justin Bieber companied by guitarist Lenny Kaye. The two combined are trying their hand at the 1974 invention. their talents to release “Hey Joe,” which also featured Ernö Rubik was born in 1944 in Budapest, Hungary, singer, songwriter and guitarist Tom Verlaine. andxxxxxxxxxx grew up to be an architect, designer and universixxxxxxxxxx Record producer Clive Davis signed the group, now ty professor. But more famously, he grew up to invent joined by guitarist Ivan Kral and drummer Jay Lee the cube puzzle. An early prototype was constructed of Daugherty. Smith and her band recorded her debut wood, and Rubik called it the “Magic Cube.” album, “Horses,” while playing the New York circuits The first cubes were sold in a toy shop in Budapest in alongside such bands as Blondie and The Ramones. 1977. The puzzle’s name was changed to Rubik’s Cube serv- Smith retired to Detroit with Fred “Sonic” Smith in in 1980, and, a year later, 12-year-old English schoolboy o the 1979. They married in 1980. Patrick Bossert published a book called “You Can Do In 1988, Patti and Fred Smith recorded the album The Cube.” The book eventually sold 1.5 million copies. r): “Dream of Life,” which would mark their last recording The first International Rubik’s Championships took together. Fred Smith passed away in 1994. place in Budapest in 1982. Twenty-five years later, Rubik Over the course of her career, Smith has released 10 attended the world championships in Budapest — and records, was nominated for a Grammy, exhibited art- awarded the prizes in person. work galleries such asnostalgic the Museum Modern Though currently Rubik is retired, he continues to deIf youathave a favorite itemofyou’d like Art to share with GOODLife readers, let us know! in New York, and has become celebrated for her poetry. sign games.
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx
E-mail Beth Anne at bpiehl@petoskeynews.com.
GOODlife 9
GOOD TASTE
Roast green beans By J.M. Hirsch
AP Food Editor
When it comes to green beans, the oven tends to get overlooked.
M
for a bold warm salad
cetta to mix, then spread in an even layer. Roast for 10 minutes, or until the beans are browned. Transfer the beans and pancetta mixture, as well as any juices in the pan, to a large bowl. Drizzle the lemon juice over the beans, then add the cherry tomatoes and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the salad between serving plates, then sprinkle generously with Parmesan.
aybe it’s because steaming and sauteing are so quick, and bringing out the best in green beans calls for just a bit of heat. But a short, yet intense, high-heat roast can have the same Nutrition information per servdelicious effect, with the added benefit of giving the beans a sat- ing (values are rounded to the isfying char. It’s also almost effortnearest whole number): 210 less. calories; 120 calories from fat To prove the point, I came up with this simple, yet boldly fla- (54 percent of total calories); 13 g fat (7 g saturated; 0 g vored salad of roasted green beans with pancetta and garlic. The trans fats); 20 mg cholesterol; beans then are tossed with cool, 16 g carbohydrate; 10 g proraw cherry tomatoes for a pleasant tein; 7 g fiber; 680 mg sodium. and juicy contrast. For the dressing, it’s just a splash of lemon juice GOT LEFTOVERS? and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Turn leftovers of this roasted green bean and pancetta salad ROASTED GREEN BEAN into an intense cool pasta salad. AND PANCETTA SALAD Boil up some spiral pasta. During Start to finish: 25 minutes the final 5 minutes of cooking, add Servings: 4 — 1 1/2 pounds green beans, ends 1 to 2 cups (depending on volume trimmed of leftovers) frozen corn kernels ASSOCIATED PRESS — 3 cloves garlic, chopped and continue cooking. If you have This photo shows roasted green bean and pancetta salad. — 4 ounces pancetta, diced fresh kernels cut from the cob, For the dressing on this dish, use a splash of lemon juice and — Juice of 1 lemon skip the boiling step and simply a sprinkle of Parmesan. — 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved add them to the bowl in the next — Kosher (or other coarse) salt and step. Add a bit more lemon juice, then ground black pepper When the pasta is cooked, drain season with salt and pepper. Stir — 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese it and the corn, then run under in a bit more grated Parmesan cool water, then drain again. In a cheese. For a spicy hit, mix in 1 Heat the oven to 500 F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss large bowl, toss the pasta and corn teaspoon finely minced jalapeno the green beans, garlic and pan- with the leftover green bean salad. pepper. 10 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
NEW LOCATION Same Great Service, Same Quality Products
NEW LOCATION AUGUST 30, 2011 2160 Anderson Rd., Suite 140 Petoskey, MI 49770 Bear Creek Crossing (Lowe’s Plaza)
231.439.0875 · vitalcare.org
AFFILIATED WITH NORTHERN MICHIGAN REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM GOODlife 11
GOOD ESCAPE
Mary Gruler welcomes guests to the dining area of the Gingerbread House Bed & Breakfast in Bay View.
Sweet retreat
By Aebra Coe · Photos by G. Randall Goss
Bay View’s Gingerbread House welcomes the weary
F
or those seeking a weekend es- gingerbread pancakes and peach cape, the Gingerbread House in pancakes served with local maple Bay View has been lodging wea- syrup and toasted pecans. She does ry travelers under the care of Mary accommodate allergies. There is Gruler since 1988. homemade granola and fruit availThe little pink bed and breakfast able every morning along with the opens every Memorial Day weekend fresh-baked breakfast. and continues business through the “The conversations at breakfast third week in October. Gruler ex- are wonderful,” said Gruler. Everyplained that it is more than a place one staying at the house eats at the to stay. same table. “It’s a mix of people from “People are looking for something all walks of life,” but everyone is able more personal than a hotel when to find something in common and they’re on vacation or celebrating an similar interests, she said. anniversary,” she noted. “There’s a couple celebrating their Gruler does all of the cooking for first anniversary sitting next to a the breakfast, which is served fresh couple celebrating their 50th,” she every morning. Some of her spe- said, noting she has visitors from all cialties include gingerbread muffins, over the world, including Switzer12 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
land, England, Japan, Wales, Austria and Canada. “A bed and breakfast is an experience, not just a place to stay,” said Gruler. This is the Gingerbread House’s 24th season and she said there are those who come back every year. Fifteen years ago, three couples who had never met one another stayed at Gruler’s on the same weekend. They all enjoyed themselves and made reservations for the same weekend the following year, unaware the other couples had done the same. They were surprised and delighted to see the their fellow guests the following year and have become friends, all travelling to the Gingerbread House
together for the last 15 years. One of the men in the story above is a writer, Clair Verway, of Muskegon, and has written a book of poetry called The View from Here. The book features several poems about the Gingerbread House. The bed and breakfast has been featured in Midwest Living and Country Home and Hearth, and has four rooms available for rent. All of the rooms have windows with views of the bay. One room has a veranda. All have air conditioning and heat. Children are accommodated in one of the rooms. Gruler explained that every room is different and they all have a homey feel. Each has its own entrance and key, so visitors don’t have to worry about a curfew. “There is a draw of the water; people love it and seek it out,” said Gruler. She suggested visitors can walk down to the bay from the B&B to search for Petoskey stones. The Bay View music programs are a five-minute walk and Stafford’s Bay View Inn, which serves lunch and dinner, is also a short walk away. There is no television, “deliberately.” Gruler said it’s a way for her visitors to get away from the world and feel like they’re going back in time. She does have Wi-Fi available for those
who need to stay in contact with work or family while on vacation. Gruler was a nurse for many years in Petoskey and taught nursing at North Central Michigan College. She helped start the hospice program in Petoskey. She said the bed and breakfast is a sort of second career. The building was built in 1881 as a rooming house and remained as such for most of its history. Early on it was called Woodland Villa and there are photos in the lounge area of the first headmistress in front of the house. Mary acquired the name “Gingerbread House” from previous owners. It refers to the intricate trim on the home. Guests often make reservations a year ahead of time and the Gingerbread House is usually full all summer long. Gruler suggests calling, even if on short notice, because cancellations provide openings throughout the season. She also suggests planning a spring visit as that is her slowest period. Rates are $185 per night for the three upstairs rooms and $135 per night for the downstairs room. For more information, call (231) 347-3538, email webmaster@gingerbreadbb.com or visit gingerbreadbb. com. GL
Front porch
A guest kitchen in ‘50s style
Guest bedroom The Gingerbread House Bed & Breakfast GOODlife 13
GOOD WORD
Three guys I want to meet on the water S
By Rick Fowler
antiago, the main characlish waters of the rivers Lea, Wye ter in Ernest Hemingway’s and Dove, or perhaps meet him “The Old Man and the Sea,” on the Maple, Bear or AuSable. A relished the sea and what it blueprint for taking trout in any gave back to him. of these Blue Ribbon rivers would His grit, determination and be simple. LISTEN, FOLLOW struggles endeared him to the and SHARE! readers of this Pulitzer PrizeI want to cast into the shallows winning tale. Yet, could this poor during a mayfly hatch and ask fisherman have been a reflection questions of “the father of angling.” of the storyteller himself? I want to know what makes a man Hemingway lived for many feel so complete, so innocent, so summers in the tiny hamlet of full of life while stepping lightly Horton Bay on the shores of in sometimes turbulent waters. I Lake Charlevoix. Tales of his ad- were you really leading us away want to partake in a dialogue simventures angling in the Horton from this area, because of the ilar to the main characters WalCreek abound from those who beauty of the Fox and the bounty ton develops in “The Compleat knew him and in the many short of brook trout it housed?” Angler.” stories he authored. However, it Then I want to wade the twists Piscator (the fisherman) and seems to me the true nature of and turns of the Fox letting “Papa” Vinator (the hunter) meet innoHemingway’s passion for fishing make the first casts into the shady cently enough while walking along comes out in the “Nick Adams” banks. I want to ask more ques- a road that leads to a trout stream. stories, set often in the Seney area tions about his favorite fly, his I want to be the third member of of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. secret for luring and landing 18- the party tagging along and listenFrom the moment Nick steps off inch brookies, his adventures far- ing to the conversation. It would the train and checks into the ho- ther up the river by the big burn be talk of simple things: simple tel, avid readers are spellbound by of the early 1900s and what camp- tackle, simple approach to the the clarity of the woods, the water ing stories he told by the light of a river and a simple reminder of the and the ultimate outcomes he de- cedar cooking fire. power of fish and fishing. I would vises. follow into the river making menI want to cross the intersection “I have laid aside business and tal notes of the way Walton nears of M-28 and M-77 at the Seney gone fishing.” (From “The Com- the curves and eddies, his false crossroads, head down the Fox pleat Angler”) casts and his fly choices. After a River Trail a few miles and meet Though Izaak Walton’s words time I would hope to share with with Ernest Hemingway by the were penned more than 360 years him my fever and fervent resolve tag alder banks of the Fox River. I ago the significance and depth of to be philosophical on the water want to ask him, “When you de- his quest to reach trout streams too. scribed the river in many of your seemed to satiate a desire for, short stories you referred to it as perhaps, immortality. I want to When I was 8, my dad offered the Big Two-Hearted. However, meet Walton and enter the Eng- me the use of his Shakespeare rod
14 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
and reel. It was the first time I ever went fishing by myself and I would head to the river as often as I could. I still have the reel, a Shakespeare 1700 push button. After most of my fishing adventures my dad would ask a simple question: “Did you get anything today?” That was it! There wasn’t a lot of encouragement or discouragement, just “Did you get anything today?” I want to head to Nunns Creek with my dad to dip smelt and talk about the days when he was growing up. I want to know why he never really liked to go fishing during the years he was working. Was it because the weekends were never long enough, or because he never could afford the time it took? I want to take my dad to Caribou Lake in Ontario and fish for walleye in a 14-foot boat that sometimes leaks from loose grommets in heavy seas. I want him to see the painted Canadian skies this area brings out at night and the excitement that comes with every ‘eye that is hooked and brought in. We were going to go before he got sick and the opportunity passed. I want to take my dad on one more boat ride from Crooked River to Burt Lake through the Indian River to Mullett Lake through the Cheboygan River and out into Lake Huron, ride under the Big Mac, skim across Lake Michigan until we reach Wagoshaunce Point. We can then anchor and fish till dark for bass, which he loved to do but hated to clean. I want to let my dad sit at the end of our dock on South Manistique Lake while I run to get more bait. When I return, I’ll ask him if he missed me, and if he “got anything while I was gone.” GL Rick Fowler has been teaching high school English in Boyne City for the past 32 years. He has also been a freelance writer for 20 years. Rick and his wife, Sue, live in Harbor Springs, and have two children, Alexandra and Eric.
Your health is in good hands Our patient centered medical home provides convenient, quality medical care for the whole family.
• Urgent Care • Physicals & routine health care • Chronic disease management • Dermatology • In-office x-rays • Fractures
Little Traverse Primary Care 8881 M-119 • Harbor Springs/ Petoskey 231-347-5400 • 1-888-300-5872 7700 S. US 31 • Alanson • 231-548-1333 www.littletraverseprimarycare.com
A hearing device like no other... • See the revolutionary ReSound Alera • Hear the exceptional surround sound quality • Learn if ReSound Alera is right for you
Petoskey Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists
BETTER SELECTION...BETTER SAVINGS
Colleen Keith,Coleen M.A., CCC-A • Dr. KarenCCC-A Kallio, Au.D., CCC-A Keith, M.A.,
the SAME GREAT SERVICE!
560 W. Mitchell, Suite 250, Petoskey, MI 49770
Licensed and certified clinical audiologists
See us today at the new 8287 US-31 (1 Mile S. of M-68)
ALANSON
347-5850
Call us today to schedule your appointment! (231) 487-3277 GOODlife 15
GOOD BUYS
GPS units help guide the way to desired destinations.
Leading the way Customizing navigation with GPS
A
s advanced technology becomes more and more a part of daily life, more people have begun to rely on different global positioning system products (GPS), both for personal and for commercial use. Close to 20 companies have products on the market, all of them vying for ranking as the top GPS manufacturers. The most recognizable of these companies for most people are TomTom, Garmin and Magellan. “Many of the current GPS manufacturers offer very similar units these days,” said Mary Edger, owner of the Petoskey Radio Shack. “Technology has really changed in the past several years, and GPS units have gotten much better and easier to use.” GPS is a technology that was originally reserved for military uses
16 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
and not available to the public. In the 1990s the government released the technology and made it possible for companies to develop private applications. While early versions were not very easy to use for most people, the technology has advanced and become quite simplistic. TomTom began in Amsterdam in 1991 as Palmtop, to develop business applications for handheld computers. With the advent of GPS technology in the late 1990s, Palmtop changed its focus to mobile incar navigation. In 2001, the company became TomTom and launched the TomTom Navigator. Garmin began its life in 1989 to develop navigation and communication devices. The company quickly grew, expanding from a few employees in 1989 to more than 1,000. Garmin currently sells products for a wide range of applications
By Mark Lindsay · Photos by Maggie Peterson
including marine devices, aviation technology, fitness devices, wireless GPS for smart phones and outdoor receivers. Magellan, headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., offers GPS products for handheld outdoor devices and in-car navigation. Magellan began life as Thales Navigation, an international company engaged in aerospace, defense and security products. In 2006, Shah Capital Partners, a private equity firm, purchased Thales Navigation and changed the name to Magellan. Whether the primary need for a GPS is step-by-step directions on how to get to a local store or directions for a trek across the U.S., a GPS unit can do the job. “There are features available on different GPS brands that will suit almost any needs,” Edger said. Almost all GPS units have re-
sponsive touch screens that are easy to use for all people, as well as audio directions that allow hands-free operation. “The first and one of the most important things to look for when purchasing a GPS system is if the provider will produce accurate road maps and continue to update them,” Edger noted. When a road is added or removed it should be updated on your GPS so it won’t route you to an undesirable road that is supposed to be the quickest route to your destination. Edger recommended looking for a GPS brand that offers a lifetime update plan at no charge. For those planning on taking long trips, being able to plan out the route and even include some historical stops along the way is possible. Some units will allow you to save up to 10 routes, specify different points and even preview each turn to take along the way. “Some GPS manufacturers include several million points of interest in their units,” Edger said. Points of interest can include everything from a small, local, interesting place to a national monument. Some GPS may even offer a picture. Even for those that have lived in the same state or even the same town their entire life, having a GPS system can still be valuable. “One of the exciting features in today’s systems is the ability to detect and guide you around traffic jams
and delays,” Edger noted. “A GPS can make a commute much easier, so you won’t ever be late for work or an appointment.” Many GPS units have a featuree ect which will guide you to the correct urn lanes for exits or an upcoming turn as well. nstruc“The hands-free audio instruction GPS units offer can make it very easy to follow a route,” Edger said. “Not having to stop and look at a map saves time and prevents you from missing turns or stops.” One thing to look for in a GPS is text-to-audio, which allows the unit to audibly announce turns including the road name. Another great advantage a GPS can offer is a “Where Am I?” feature. Units with this feature offer a display of information such as the closest hospital, gas station, police stas, tion or other emergency locations, ur car along with the location of your ct for in case you forgot. This is perfect ortthose unfamiliar locations, sportny ing events, amusement parks or any other place that has hundreds of places to park. Navigation is merely one of the many things that today’s GPS units are capable of. Many products can go beyond just the simple pick and point and routing with all the extras they provide. You can listen to music on some with a built-in MP3 player, listen to audio books and when traveling in a different country you can even check the current currency and the conversion rate. GL
by Burley 321 Spring St. Harbor Springs (231)526-2123
7031 US 31 Alanson (231)548-2211
www.insurancebyburley.com
Since 1909, the tree continues to grow! STRENGTH • GROWTH • LONGEVITY GOODlife 17
231-347-3211
888-347-0369
Activities
COUNCIL ON AGING
• Card groups • Bingo • Arts and crafts • Games • Choir • Shuffleboard • Dances • Support Groups • Guest speakers • Special events • Wii Bowling
HEALTHY LTHY LE LEGS = ACTIVE LIFE LET US DO YOUR LEGWORK! CALL TODAY FOR YOUR
FREE
SCREENING!
Do you have… • • • • • • • • •
Leg Pain or Achiness Leg Heaviness Leg Fatigue Leg Swelling Night Cramps Bulging (Varicose) Veins Leg Itchiness Leg Skin Color Changes Leg Ulcers
Any one of these can be caused by vein problems
SERVICES Transportation Congregate Meals Meals On Wheels Respite & Personal Care
Homemaker Services RSVP Health Services Fitness
Visit us online at
www.emmetcoa.org
00309520
Before
After
000 Over 8dures proce 2004! since
• State-of-the-art Laser Procedures • Phlebectomy and Sclerotherapy • Cosmetic Superficial Laser Vein Treatments • All procedures and ultrasound tests performed in our office • Little or no discomfort • Return to regular activities almost immediately
Formerly Great Lakes Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
ASK ABOUT OUR 360-DAYS SAME AS CASH PROGRAM
JUST TRADED IN HER OLD HEARING AIDS FOR NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART MODELS!
GET A $250 PER EAR ALLOWANCE.
TRADE UP TO BRAND NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE DIGITAL MODELS Limit one $250 allowance per hearing aid purchased. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires October 31, 2011
Most procedures covered by insurance We participate with BCBSM, Medicare, Priority Health, ASR/ PhysiciansCare and NOW Blue Care Network! Brad Vazales, MD, David Amalfitano, DO*, James Gracy, PA-C 2390 Mitchell Park Drive, Suite B • Petoskey, MI 49770 (231) 487-9090 or toll free (877) 664-2463 •www.greatlakesveins.com *Dr. Amalfitano’s primary office location is in Traverse City with limited appointments in Petoskey
18 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Too many miles on your hearing aids? Trade ‘em in for brand new high-performance digital models. They’re advanced, powerful, adaptable, comfortable & nearly invisible – all the features you want in a modern hearing instrument. Trade in today!
Call today to schedule a precision hearing screening: Dr. Michael W. Koskus, Ph.D., CCC-A
Gaylord
Petoskey
854 North Center
Fifth Third Bank Building 500 Madison Street
800.968.8080
231.348.3666 Join us on:
Matthew L. Christy, Au.D., Licensed Hearing Aid Dispenser #3501003413 Your insurance plan may cover hearing aids. Call today to inquire.
Find us online!
GOOD HEALTH
An active mind can preserve memory
By Morgan Sherburne
A
s we age, life clutters behind us. Decades’ worth of meeting new people, new jobs and new experiences skid up like a rug piled up behind a door. It’s easy to blame age for memory slip-up: misplaced keys, a forgotten pot of boiling water. But those forgotten things don’t automatically mean a larger health problem. “We are so individual and age so differently. ... You need to worry when memory impacts daily functioning — if you get into your car to visit your daughter and can’t remember where your daughter lives,” said Donnell Houx, a speech and language pathologist and clinical supervisor at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey. “People should only be concerned if important daily function is impacted. If they can’t remember a person’s name, it’s not a big deal.” Houx mainly works with patients with neurological conditions, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and stroke patients as well as anyone who has issues with speech and language, voice, cognition and even swallowing, which can be affected by neurological conditions. Mainly, what can happen as people age is that their recent memory — the kind of memory that allows us to recall what we had for breakfast, or where the car keys are — can get usurped by things such as anxiety, depression and stress. Stress and anxiety impacts the ability to concentrate on everyday tasks, and lowered concentration im-
Donnell Houx is a speech and language pathologist and clinical supervisor at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey.
pacts the ability to learn. “The key is to pay attention. If we don’t pay attention, we don’t learn. If we don’t learn, we don’t remember,” said Houx. There are many ways people can keep their brains healthy and active as they age. Much of these ways center around keeping active, healthy and stress-free. “Being active helps maintain memory. The more active you are and the more alive you are, the better your memory is,” said Houx. Being active does not have a limited definition: one’s activity can be physical, mental and, importantly, social. Houx recommended taking advantage of free classes offered through senior centers and community associations. “We’re social animals who need interaction and feedback. When you
isolate yourself, you don’t have that neural stimulation,” said Houx. “It’s important not to get in a rut, and not to become complacent.” Houx also uses a few kinds of visual exercises with patients. One such exercise asks patients to visualize going to a grocery store and to picture picking each desired item: an apple, a can of soup, a loaf of bread. In another exercise, Houx reads aloud a very visual poem to her patients. Then, she asks her patients to draw images that come to mind from the poem. Finally, each person presents an interpretation of the poem. Continue brain stimulation at home with puzzles such as word searches, crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles. One of Houx’s patients formed her own game: for each state she had lived in, she tried to come up with a city for each letter of the alphabet. For Texas, she remembered Abilene, Beaumont and so on. Often, patients worried about memory loss have no reason for concern. “I’ve joked, I’ve reached my maximum ability to multi-task,” said Houx. “If you forget where you put stuff, it becomes problematic because you get stressed out.” So most of all, Houx recommended people who are concerned with perceived memory loss to not worry. “The neural plasticity of the brain is amazing,” she said. “We have all of these things taking our attention away from what we’re supposed to pay attention to. As we get older, we worry. Quit worrying. Go play. Dance.” GL GOODlife 19
GOOD IDEA
Sculpting retirement Photos and story by Morgan Sherburne
L
arry Kazyak is a man who has enjoyed his retirement. He has immersed himself in blacksmithing, learned the art of riding a high-bike, taken tintype photographs, restored antique cars and boats, and throughout his Boyne City home he shares with his wife of 52 years, Judy Kazyak, there are few pieces of furniture, flooring, cabinetry and art objects that weren’t touched by Kazyak — including the coffee table. “We were driving alongside I-75 and saw a crew cleaning out trees from under the power lines. I said, ‘Judy, we’re going home to get the chain saw!’” said Kazyak. When he returned with the chain saw and began slicing at a large felled maple, a man came along, angry that Kazyak was stealing his firewood. When Kazyak assured the man he only wanted a slice for the table, Kazyak drove away with his prize. But recently, Kazyak has returned to one of his earliest loves: sculpture. “It was my first love that I was successful in,” he said. “I enjoyed spending a lot of time doing it, and have been getting more into wooden stuff.” Primarily, Kazyak works in all different types of metals, making such sculptures as oversized sunflowers and pelicans, impressionistic dandelions (actually, he clarified, though people call them dandelions, they are a type of weed called “goat’s beard”), and abstract kinetic sculptures spinning in the breeze that shoots up the Kazyaks’ hill from Lake Charlevoix. These sculptures grow in unex20 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Larry Kazyak worked as an engineer in the metroDetroit area for more than 30 years before retiring to Boyne City.
pected corners of the Kazyaks’ yard. They inject shots of saturated color into the Northern Michigan landscape — particularly the sunflowers during the white of winter. “It just makes you happy, to see it in the winter,” said Kazyak of the 8-foot-tall sunflower growing against red pines in the backyard. The sunflower is welded of metal; its petals are cast-off shovel blades. Kazyak started taking sculpture classes at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center in Birmingham while living in Livonia. At the time, he worked in jet engines at Williams Research, now called Williams International, before making the move to Ford Motor Company, where he drafted jet and turbine engines. Though Kazyak took advantage of a number of classes offered
The Kazyaks’ Boyne City home is threaded with personal touches crafted by Larry Kazyak. This buffalo was carved from a walnut tree felled near his house.
through University of Michigan- he tore the metal apart and conDearborn, he is a primarily self- structed new wings and new eyes. taught engineer, holding only a “I don’t really sketch anything,” he high school diploma. said. “I just start and go. If it works After a decades-long hiatus from out, it works out.” sculpting, Kazyak returned to the When Kazyak began sculpting pastime approximately four or five again, his hobby came back with years ago. a vengeance. He drove to the Art One of the sculptures — actually Institute of Chicago for an exhibit a fountain — that he left unfinished of Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacomwas a pelican, the pouch of his bill etti. He collects ephemera — tree filled with a fish. From the fish’s stumps, cedar trunks, a chokemouth, water streams into a pond. cherry tree out of which he made Kazyak started the project in the a handrail for their cabin’s porch 1970s, and is only now finishing. and those shovel blades for his sun“I came to an impasse. Something flower — that often ends as a piece with the pelican was constructed of art. incorrectly,” said Kazyak. Even a walnut tree being felled He took 40 years to think about only a few hundred feet from his it. house did not escape his eye. In “I cannot count the hours (that go exchange for a few six packs of into the projects). If I did, I would soda, the group of men felling the shoot myself,” he said. “I said to my- tree brought the pieces to Kazyak’s self, when it gets done, it gets done. house. Like my pelican. That’s 40 years in One of those chunks of walnut the making. Hundreds, hundreds, turned into a modernistic penguin, maybe thousands of hours went a sculpture that won the best of into that thing.” show award at the Charlevoix CirIt’s easy to see why. The body of cle of Arts’ show “Outside the Box” the pelican is constructed of bronze in February of 2010. by a type of welding that creates Aside from that show, he doesn’t asymmetrical loops of bronze. The display his work and he prefers not hundreds — thousands — of links to sell it. Still, he rarely stops prothat make up the bird’s body look ducing and usually has a few projlike overlapping feathers. A feath- ects under way at any one time. ered wing, each feather constructed “I’ve got so many ideas I would individually, is tucked alongside the like to do, but I would have to live bird’s body, while amber gems as to be 150 to do it all,” he said. “I reeyes gleam from the pelican’s face. tired after 30 years, when I was only Initially, Kazyak was dissatisfied 58. See, I like to play too much, so with the bird’s wings and eyes, so I’ve been playing ever since.” GL
Tall sculptures such as this sunflower, whose petals are cast-off shovel blades, brighten the Kazyaks’ yard during the winter.
This pelican, actually a fountain, was 40 years in the sculpting process for Boyne City resident Larry Kazyak.
For All Your Insurance Needs Auto, Home, Business, Life & Health
Wilson Insurance Agency, Inc. 2073 U.S. 31 N., Petoskey (231) 347-4464 I FAX (231) 348-1190
jwilson@wilsoninsurance.us GOODlife 21
COVER STORY
Striving for Triathlete Laurie McMurray practices changing shoes as she would during the transition between the bike riding and running aspects of the competition.
better By Maggie Peterson · Photos by G. Randall Goss
A
pproaching the start line at free time. She gathered friends the 2011 Bayshore Mara- and acquaintances to form a thon in Traverse City would women’s group that headed out have surprised a 10-year-younger once a week for rides. A friend and fellow rider, Jamie, Laurie McMurray. But at 55, the Petoskey resi- had been diagnosed with breast dent’s entry was a step toward a cancer, and the following summer larger goal. it was too strenuous to mountain It was training for an Ironman. bike. She and McMurray turned McMurray’s road to the mara- to road biking as a way to stay acthon began around 2000, as her tive. kids were older and she dusted McMurray had been interestoff her mountain bike, looking ed in participating in a triathlon, to pick up a hobby to fill growing but it wasn’t until March 2006, 22 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
when a flyer caught her eye after swimming laps at Charlevoix Area Community Pool, that she signed up for her first one. The flyer advertised Tri 4 Fun, a women’s noncompetitive triathlon in Charlevoix. The proceeds would go to two local cancer support groups, Circle of Strength and Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders. At this point, Jamie was not doing well, and McMurray wanted to do the triathlon in her honor.
McMurray talked to her daughters, Rebecca and Mara, about being a relay team, as she knew she didn’t have enough time to train for the run. She would swim and bike, Mara would bike with her and Rebecca would run. They made T-shirts and raised funds, encouraging those who donated to send along a card or note for Jamie, to show support in her struggle. “I wanted her to know how many lives she touched through her battle with cancer,” McMurray noted. Earlier in the month of the event, Jamie passed away. The McMurrays continued with the tri, swimming, biking and running in her memory. McMurray has been competing ever since. That same summer, before doing Tri 4 Fun, McMurray had called her son, Ben, about participating in triathlons with her. “Doing it together just meant we did some training together, traveled together, encouraged each other together,” McMurray said. Their first of many triathlons was just after Tri 4 Fun, in East Jordan in June 2006. Triathlons were enough for 2006 and ‘07, but in 2008, she answered the phone and it was Ben. “He called me from school, and said ‘Mom, I’m signing you up to do a half Ironman,” McMurray recalled. A full Ironman clocks in at 2.4 miles of swimming and 112 miles biking, followed by a 26.2-mile marathon. The half Ironman, also called Ironman 70.3, is exactly half — swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles. The better part of that summer was spent training. For triathlons, swimming and running days rotate with biking ones, ideal for alternating muscle groups worked. McMurray now has three half Ironmans under her belt, each
one the Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 McMurray said with a laugh. But it was the first time that Steelhead in Benton Harbor. The first year she knew she would have she really thought she could pull to walk some of the running por- off a full Ironman. The idea ention, and chose to walk the hills, tered her head in 2008, when she aid stations and mile 7 to 8. The and Ben went to Madison, Wis., second year, she met her goal to to observe and volunteer at an run the entire half marathon. And Ironman competition there. Ben the third year, in 2010, her aimed signed up for the 2009 competo go faster — and beat her previ- tition, which led to a trip to the ous time by 37 minutes. 2010 Ironman World Champion“When I got done, I felt terrible,” ship in Kona, Hawaii.
Laurie McMurray practices her bicycle riding.
GOODlife 23
STRIVING FOR BETTER Continued from page 23
McMurray knew if an Ironman was in her future, she would have to get more serious about her running. “Before I could even think of doing a full Ironman, I would have to do a full marathon,” McMurray said, later adding, “I can remember saying I would never run a marathon, because I didn’t really run. That has been the part that I’ve had to work on more than swimming and biking, and it’s not that much fun.” She started training in the winter months, following a schedule that gradually ramped up the miles run in a week and tapered off before the race. The training called for one 20-mile run, but a marathon-experienced friend suggested two 20-mile runs. It was this advice McMurray followed. She was dropped off in Charlevoix as her husband went to work and followed the bike path back toward Petoskey. It was rough going. “After the first 20 miles, I said I could never do 26,” she recalled after her first run. But not too long after, she was headed down the path again for the second 20-miler. This time, greeted by wind and rain, she felt differently after the run. “My mind was like, ‘OK, I can do this (marathon) because it has to be better than this,’” she said. Her family was there to support her that day, sporting signs along the way. To one, “Just tell your legs to shut up,” she recalls saying, “I can’t. They’re not listening.” Her daughter Rebecca started running alongside her at mile 21. She kept her goal of a 9 minute, 30 second mile until mile 22. “It was at mile 22 that I wanted
24 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Laurie McMurray works on her swimming skills in Walloon Lake.
to sit down on the pavement and not go farther,” McMurray said. “ ... After mile 22, it’s really a mental thing.” But she crossed the finish line at 4 hours, 22 minutes, fourth in her age group. She vowed to never do another marathon again. “But then I get this in the mail,” she said, waving a medal engraved with her name and time, “and think, ‘I can do better than fourth place. ... I’m 55, and I can do better. That’s pretty motivating.” Since the marathon, McMurray’s training has turned to biking. She hasn’t made a commitment to a full Ironman yet, but if she does, that means a 112-mile bike ride is in her future. Her goal is to ride 100 miles nonstop at some point in September. “I just need to know what that feels like on my bike. If I can do 100 miles, 12 more miles is no big deal,” she said with a laugh. GL
Laurie McMurray sprints from the water while pulling off her wet suit en route to her bicycle for the next portion of a triathlon.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Health DIRECTORY
James J. Slater, DO, FAOCO Board Certified Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Facial Plastic Surgery Specializing in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose and throat as well as facial lesions and skin cancer
D I R E C T O RY O F
EE
FR
EVER YTHIN G YOU NEED AT YOUR FINGE RTIPS
N O RT H E R N
MIC HIG AN
Health Y DIRECTOR
DOCTORS DENTISTS H O S P I TA L S CLINICS & MORE A PUBLICATION OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN REVIEW, INC.
S & MORE ITALS, CLINIC DOCT ORS, HOSP OF A PUBLICATION AN REVIEW, INC.
NORTHERN MICHIG
810 South Main Street, Suite 4 Cheboygan, MI 49721
231-627-NENT (6368) 231-627-6902 Fax 1103
SPRI NG/S UMM
ER 2011
Pick up your copy today!
Contact Beth Flynn to reserve your space! Email: bflynn@petoskeynews.com · Phone: 231.439.9328
PRESCRIPTION FOR BETTER HEALTH. Finding a remedy to our ailments isn’t always easy. Now, you can get health-related news and articles and locate local healthcare professionals quickly and easily. Go to UpNorthHealth.com and connect with better health, today.
Your health. We care.
UpNorthHealth.com GOODlife 25
GOOD CENTS ENTS
Banking on the future By Mark Lindsay
In recent years, not only has college become more expensive than ever, but because of the unique economy it’s also probably the hardest time in recent history to afford tuition. One of the primary issues for students entering or completing college is their ability to repay student loans. According to the most recent U.S. Department of Education statistics, two out of every three students who graduate from college finance their education at least partly with student loans. “The number one way to eliminate student loan debt, in my opinion, is to not borrow in the first place,” said Mark Kantrowitz, a nationally recognized financial aid expert with FinAid.org and the author of three books on financial aid. “If you prepare in advance and have 26 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
a plan to avoid accruing the debt, ing loans. the pressure won’t be there when “Probably the second best plan to you graduate.” avoid student loan debt is to save “These days some young people the money in advance,” Kantrowitz are making bad decisions regard- noted. ing going to college or what college Family contributions and perto attend based on financial needs,” sonal savings during the teenage Kantrowitz noted. Weighing the years can quickly add up to a large ability of a college graduate to find tuition nest egg. decent employment against the There are many plans out there money they need to pay off their that work with young or new parloans can make the decision diffi- ents to start saving for their chilcult. dren’s college tuition early. Families With today’s economy, the aver- may choose to take advantage of a age age of a graduating student has 529 plan, or invest with an insurincreased and more people over ance plan to save in advance for the age of 50 are repaying loans. their children’s future. According to Virginia Panoff, direcA 529 plan is an education savtor of financial aid at North Cen- ings plan operated by a state or tral Michigan College in Petoskey, educational institution designed more loan requests come from new to help families set aside funds for high school graduates, but there is future college costs. It is named afno age limit for students request- ter Section 529 of the Internal Rev-
enue Code, which created these types of savings plans in 1996. Saving for college through an insurance plan, such as the Gerber College Plan, is essentially purchasing an insurance policy which allows you to invest until your child reaches maturity. When a plan such as this matures it may typically be used for college or most anything the beneficiary chooses. “Be organized; do the work before you or your child begins their college career,” Kantrowitz said. “Choosing the school you can afford, or one that offers zero debt programs, can be equally as important as choosing a school you like.” Researching schools with the best scholarship assistance and financial aid assistance in the area can save thousands. “It’s also important to re-evaluate your financial situation during the school year as well as when you reapply for aid,” Kantrowitz noted. Schools will review your loans based on new information you provide them involving financial hardship such as unemployment or family emergencies. “One of the number one questions we get from graduating students is when their repayment will start,” Panoff said. She pointed out that most lenders will notify them when they graduate or are no longer taking six or more credit hours regularly. “They are given a six-month grace period before their first payment is due. This gives the student time to get financially prepared to begin making payVirginia Panoff ments,” she noted. Whether your student loans are government or private also affects the repayment options. Determine which kind
you have if you’re not sure; if you have a government loan there are a number of different repayment options. Private loans typically do not offer options; with them you’re basically stuck with the repayment terms that you agreed to when you took the loan out. Government loans are eligible for two standard repayment plans. The 10-year plan is the default option which offers fixed payments for 10 years. The 20-year plan increases the repayment period and lowers monthly payments, but it also will increase the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan. “Paying off debt sooner rather then later is always the best plan,” Kantrowitz said. “Any time you find yourself with extra financial resources you should apply some or all of the money to your highest interest outstanding loans,” Kantrowitz added. Tax returns, inheritance or sale of personal property are good examples of opportunities to pay down loans quicker. “When filing your yearly federal tax returns, don’t overlook the income-tax deduction on student loan interest,” Kantrowitz noted. This deduction is calculated as an adjustment to income, so unlike the home mortgage interest deduction, you do not need to itemize your deductions in order to qualify for it. Private student loans don’t typically offer many options for repayment. Consolidation of loans may be a good option for those with private loans. Consolidation may decrease monthly payments and can offer some chance for savings on interest payments. There are also some consolidation options for federal loans, but the two may not be consolidated together. “There are some hardship options people should be aware of
that are available to them during repayment of government student loans,” Kantrowitz noted. “It’s important to first communicate with your lender when you find yourself struggling with repayment. Don’t just stop making payments, and pay the interest at the very least if at all possible.” Avoiding defaulting on your loans can be essential to keeping repayment options open to you. Options such as loan forgiveness programs, deferment and forbearance are open to people with federal student loans. Most private student lenders also offer forbearance and deferment options, but there are no uniform policies governing private student loans and you are completely at the lender’s mercy. Check with your lender to find out your options. If you qualify for a loan forgiveness program, whatever balance remains on your loan will be wiped out without penalty. “One of the best-known forgiveness programs is for federal employees,” Kantrowitz noted. With this plan, if you work for the federal government for 10 years while making monthly payments, any remaining balances on your loan can be forgiven. “A deferment offers a temporary suspension of loan payments for specific situations such as reenrollment in school, unemployment or economic hardship,” Kantrowitz said. “If you don’t qualify for deferment but are experiencing financial difficulty, you can also apply for forbearance, which will temporarily postpone or reduce your payments.” “The fastest way to get rid of student loans is to live beneath your means and pay them off as quickly as you can,” Kantrowitz noted. “If you’ve got private loans, it is imperative that paying them is on the top of your list of financial priorities.” GL GOODlife 27
GOOD SAMARITAN
Taking the challenge By Aebra Coe · Photos by G. Randall Goss
Summer volunteer Maggie Taylor, of Boyne City and Florida, shows thumbs up to a student at Challenge Mountain.
C
hallenge Mountain is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching and improving lives for the mentally and physically challenged through outdoor recreation. Services are free of charge to clients and their families and include ski lessons with equipment which adapts to a variety of needs. All of the programs at Challenge Mountain, located in the Walloon Lake area, are run entirely by volunteers. “Our resale stores continue to be our main funding source. Due to generous donations of items and time of our volunteers, we are able to purchase the adaptive equipment that makes it possible,” said Mike Hurchick, program director. Hurchick said the biggest area of 28 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
need for volunteers is in Challenge Mountain’s resale store locations in Boyne City and Petoskey. Volunteers can work as many hours per day and as many days per week as they would like. The work involves store inventory, sorting items, meeting and greeting customers, and working the cash register. “It’s for a great cause. You can’t beat Challenge Mountain when it comes to finding a valuable place to spend your time,” said Hurchick. The nonprofit will also need volunteers for their winter ski programs, which begin as soon as the snow falls and continue until March. In order to make those programs available for clients, they need people to help in the kitchen,
put boots on clients, clean up, for registration and to teach clients to ski with adaptive equipment. “We’re grateful for any time people can give us,” Hurchick said, describing the interaction between volunteers as “a friendly atmosphere; it’s like family.” Some of the volunteers have been there for more than 20 years. “Once people see the good that is being done here, they tend stay for a very long time,” Hurchick noted. Dick Katz has been a Challenge Mountain volunteer for more than 10 years. He is from Boyne City and is a ski instructor in the winter, teaching mono- and bi-skiing. This year he is taking charge of the day and overnight camps. Katz said he got hooked on vol-
unteering after volunteering on one occasion and meeting a young blind girl who participated in one of the programs and said to him, “I’m so thankful this isn’t a dream.” He said he was inspired to tears at that moment. “It’s a wonderful organization; you really can change people’s lives by volunteering,” he said. “Be prepared to get hooked on it, but it’s worth it.” Challenge Mountain’s clients’ needs vary greatly. According to Hurchick, the organization has learned to adapt to each special situation in the least restrictive manner possible and provide a foundation for years of growth and recreation, allowing enjoyment of valued Northern Michigan natural resources. “And none of this would be possible without our volunteers,” he said. For more information on volunteering with Challenge Mountain, contact Mike Hurchick at (231) 582-1186 or cmski@challengemtn.org. GL
For the Health of It! H E A LT H & F I T N E S S E X P O
YOU ARE INVITED Saturday, November 19, 2011 10am-2pm North Central Michigan College Gym 1515 Howard Street, Petoskey The Petoskey News-Review is excited to announce the upcoming Health and Fitness Expo. The Expo is designed to promote available health and fi tness resources in our communities.
HEALTH
FITNESS
Health & Wellness Senior Residential Housing Education Financial/Legal In-Home Service Providers Durable Medical Equipment
Health Clubs Fitness Classes Running Nutrition Dance Classes Yoga & Meditation
Door Prizes
Volunteer Dick Katz (right), of Boyne City, helps student Tyler Olsen line up the target with a bow and arrow on the archery range, at Challenge Mountain, near Boyne Falls.
Presented by
Volunteers Joanne Tracey (left), of Gaylord, and Pat Gombos, of Boyne City, watch activities and share their support at Challenge Mountain.
GOODlife 29
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY | INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING
JOIN US FOR
A FESTIVE
Fall
LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE AND VA BENEFITS ACCEPTED
TURN A NEW LEAF AT INDEPENDENCE VILLAGE OF PETOSKEY AS YOU EMBARK UPON THE NEXT CHAPTER IN YOUR LIFE.
1
Wines For Humanity Tasting Event Friday, September 9 2:00 p.m.
2
Wines for Humanity raises funds for charities across the country in order to prevent homelessness in families with children. We believe that funds raised locally should be applied locally. RSVP by September 8.
3
Village Farm and Flea Market Thursday, September 15 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Spend an afternoon bargain hunting for that perfect find. Indoors or outdoors, weather permitting.
9/11 Community Hymn Sing Sunday, September 11 2:00 p.m. Ten years after the tragedy, join us in remembrance as we lift up our hearts in our ability to stand united.
4
Attend one of our events to see what living in an Independence Village community is all about.
BBQ Lunch and Music with Randy & Paul Friday, September 30. Lunch at 12:00 p.m. Music at 1:00 p.m. Come in for our last BBQ of the season and enjoy a chefprepared meal and music that will put a smile on your face.
Independence Village of Petoskey 965 Hager Drive Petoskey, MI 49770 Off US 131 South and Lears Road
www.SeniorVillages.com
888-777-0327
©2011. Independence Villages are managed and lovingly cared for by Senior Village Management. *Certain conditions apply.
30 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
With the fall season upon us, why not take the opportunity to start life anew? Our caring staff is here to help every step of the way, providing you with the tools and resources you need to make the transition into retirement living a smooth one.
You’ll see (and feel) the difference. CALL
TODAY 888-777-0327 RSVP FOR ANY OF OUR EVENTS
member families can’t be wrong! We accept insurance! Patient Centered Medical Home
offering general healthcare health education, and behavioral health services.
Flu Shots Now Available 10 to 3
Rt. 119 Station
Allied EMS Systems, Inc. 3407 M-119 Harbor Springs 231-248-1202
of Northwest Michigan
GOODlife 31
SUPER seniors Every Sunday & Wednesday for Guests 50+
3x points Every Sunday & Wednesday
$895 Lunch Buffet Monday through Saturday
Drink Specials in Rendezvous
(SS @V\ *HU ,H[ *YHI 3LNZ HUK :LHMVVK )\MML[ ,]LY` ;O\YZKH`
Simply the BEST!
Follow us on
1760 Lears Road • Petoskey, Michigan (877) 4-GAMING • odawacasino.com OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY BANDS OF ODAWA INDIANS. ODAWA CASINO RESORT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL OR MODIFY ANY AND ALL PROMOTIONS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
32 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH