NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010
YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
When it’s not merry & bright: Recognizing holiday depression
R E P
N O S
ITY SCOOTER S! L I B O AL M FALL CLEARANCE LOW, LOW PRICES! ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡
&RQVHUYH \RXU VWUHQJWK DURXQG WKH KRXVH (QMR\ WKH RXWGRRUV 3RZHUIXO EDWWHULHV FDQ JR IRU KRXUV 3OXJ LQ DW QLJKW WR UHFKDUJH 0RGHOV EUHDN GRZQ IRU WUXQN WUDQVSRUW Hurry! Offer applies only to in-stock Scooters, while supplies last.
as From as low
$595!
Diabetes Day!
November is American Diabetes Month %H VXUH \RXU EORRG JOXFRVH WHVW VWULSV SURYLGH DFFXUDWH UHDGLQJV 7KH )RRG DQG 'UXJ $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ )'$ KDV LVVXHG D ZDUQLQJ DERXW WHVW VWULSV WKDW XVH *'+ 344 *OXFRVH 0RQLWRULQJ WHFKQRORJ\ 7KLV WHFKQRORJ\ FDQ IDOVHO\ HOHYDWH JOXFRVH UHVXOWV ZKLFK PD\ PDVN VLJQL¿FDQW K\SRJO\FHPLD RU SURPSW H[FHVVLYH LQVXOLQ DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ OHDGLQJ WR VHULRXV LQMXU\ RU GHDWK $VN RXU VWDII IRU D FRS\ RI WKLV +HDOWK 6DIHW\ $OHUW RU YLVLW ZZZ IGD JRY DQG VHDUFK ³XFP ´
VitalCare’s Choice for Safe Testing --
One Touch Diabetic Test Strips ‡ )UHH VKLSSLQJ GLUHFWO\ WR \RXU KRPH RU YLVLW RXU VWRUHV ‡ 6ZLWFK WR 2QH 7RXFK DQG ZH¶OO H[FKDQJH \RXU 0RQLWRU IRU )5((
Be Safe!
:H ELOO 0HGLFDUH 0HGLFDLG %OXH &URVV DQG RWKHU PDMRU LQVXUDQFH SODQV RQ \RXU EHKDOI
7KXUVGD\ 1RYHPEHU D P S P
9LWDO&DUH *OHQ¶V $OSLQH 3OD]D ‡ 1XWULWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ ‡ 6LJQ XS IRU FODVVHV DQG RQOLQH VXSSRUW ‡ *OXFRPHWHU ([FKDQJH 'D\ ‡ )OX &OLQLF ‡ )5( ‡ )5(( ) IRRW )5(( IRRW SUHVVXUH UH VF VFDQV SUHVVXUH VFDQV
$ 25
Ga s C ar d Door Prize!
Diabetic Comfort Shoes ,I \RX KDYH GLDEHWHV DQG IRRW QHXURSDWK\ RU QXPEQHVV LQ \RXU IHHW 0HGLFDUH PD\ SD\ IRU RQH SDLU RI GLDEHWLF VKRHV DQG LQVHUWV SHU FDOHQGDU \HDU IRU EHQH¿FLDULHV
:RPHQ¶V 3HUZLQNOH 5XQQHU UZ ZLLQN QNOH QN NOH H 5X 5XQQHU 5XQ Q
:RPHQ¶V 0DU\ -DQH :RPHQ HQ H Q V 0DU\ U\ \ -D
0HQ¶V %RVV 5XQQHU
Many Styles Available! %HQH¿WV RI &RPIRUW 6KRHV DQG &XVWRP 0ROGHG ,QVHUWV RII &RP R IR I UW 6KR K H HV V DQG &XVWR RP 0ROGHG G ,,QV Q HUU ‡ 5HOLHYH XQHYHQ IRRW SUHVVXUH ‡ 0LQLPL]H ULVN IRU KDUG WR KHDO IRRW XOFHUV ‡ &RQWULEXWH WR SURSHU SRVWXUH DQG VSLQH DOLJQPHQW ‡ 5HOLHYH IRRW DQG OHJ SDLQ ‡ 3XW \RX EDFN RQ \RXU IHHW
2 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Affiliated with Northern Michigan Regional Health System
: 0DLQ 6WUHHW *OHQ¶V $OSLQH 3OD]D 0RQGD\ )ULGD\ ZZZ YLWDOFDUH RUJ
features
On the cover: Theresa Brady, with her grandsons, Zachary (center) and Trystan
6 Good Stuff
Good To Go: Standing hip abduction Good Humor: What to wear? Grandparenting: Holiday crafts
9 Nod to Nostalgia 1954 - “White Christmas� 14 Good Escape The Terrace Inn offers turn-of-the-century charm
16 A Good Word 89 steps of memories
28 Cover story Grandparents raising grandchildren
18 Good Health Holiday depression
32 Good Cents Staying on budget
24 Good Times The art of the toast 25 Good Taste Recipies to invigorate the palate
35 Good Samaritan Spreading holiday cheer 38 Good Shots Picture yourself here! GOODlife 3
y h W North Central?
North Central Michigan College offers an exceptional education right here in northern Michigan. At North Central, you can earn an associateʼs degree, certificate or certificate of development. Or, you can take the basic college courses to transfer to a four-year university. Enjoy a small-town setting and unmatched natural beauty while you take the next step on your own individual path to success.
Classes offered in Petoskey, Gaylord, Cheboygan and East Jordan. Learn more about North Central Michigan College. www.ncmich.edu • 231-348-6600 • Petoskey, Michigan
00237029
4 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010 - Volume 2, Issue 2 PUBLISHER DOUG CALDWELL EDITOR MAGGIE PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY G. RANDALL GOSS
G.R.S.
Transportations, Inc. Specializing in Senior and Handicapped Clients Serving Northern Michigan Wheelchair Accessible Van
LAYOUT AND DESIGN WENDY WOLFSEN FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT ADVERTISING DIRECTOR CHRISTY LYONS (231) 439-9329 clyons@petoskeynews.com ADVERTISING SALES BETH FLYNN JEFF GENSCHAW MATT HAUSLER
“When getting there is important to you, it becomes a priority to us.”
(231) 547-4958 Russ McCraney, Owner
With God All Things Are Possible
JOY HOLMES BOB REEDY BRIDGE WERTZ LISA SLADEK KIM TAYLOR
© GoodLife, all rights reserved, 2010. 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
DID YOU
KNOW?
• Airway Oxygen will deliver your portable oxygen tanks without charging a delivery fee. • Airway Oxygen does not limit the amount of tubing or supplies that you receive for your oxygen. • Airway Oxygen will match an oxygen system to fit your lifestyle. Call today and let one of our friendly, knowledgeable, and qualified staff members help meet your needs. Stop in today and check out our Diabetic Shoe Line. Not only is the shoe a quality product, you also get a caring personal fitter to make sure you are satisfied. Always remember we are committed to caring for you and we will follow up to assure just that.
www.airwayoxygeninc.com 330 W. Mitchell | Petoskey, MI 49770 | 231.348.8343
GOODlife 5
GOOD STUFF GOOD TO GO
GOOD HUMOR
Standing hip abduction Increasing balance and hip strength are two benefits to standing hip abductions. “Lack of balance leading to falls is one of the leading causes of injury in our senior population. To improve balance, you need to challenge it safely,” said Shelley Budnick, physical therapist and orthopaedic certified specialist with OrthoSport in Petoskey. The move works to support your body when walking. The muscles worked on the leg standing are the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, while the moving leg is using the gluteal muscles and TFL, or tensor fasciae latae.
1. Until you are comfortable balancing, stand close enough to a sturdy chair or counter for balance. Start by standing on your left leg with the knee softened (not all the way back).
2. Pull in your stomach, tighten the gluteal muscles and move the right leg slowly out to the side and slightly back, about 12 inches.
3.
Return leg to base position. Repeat 30 times each side.
As your muscles strengthen, rely less on the support of a chair or counter until it’s not necessary anymore. After becoming comfortable with no exterior support, think about using bands to increase the intensity of the workout.
Barbara Rivard of Harbor Springs does a standing hip abduction.
6 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
What to wear? You might see me in my prom dress … I have mowed the lawn in dangle earrings and hose (support hose) because I needed to dress up for a meeting or some shindig, and later in the day decided this was the perfect time for grass cutting or that painting project in the garage. But hey, why change clothes? For a lot of years I was obligated to wear a uniform working as a nurse. I have a closet full of nice things that are just waiting to get holes in them or things spilled on them. My husband wondered if I shouldn’t change out of my pastel sweater set, and I told him he was lucky I didn’t have dead animals in my pockets. I had read an article in National Geographic about a program that shipped unwanted clothing to Africa from the United States. The local people could pick out what they wanted, and one gentleman chose a suit jacket and carried his “catch of the day” in two pockets on either side: Dead carcasses, legs akimbo flopping beside him as he walked through the desert in his loin cloth, holding his spear, wearing his fierce makeup, in his tailored 44 long, navy blue jacket with shoulder pads. He looked quite distinguished! And not someone you want to mess with. And anyway, there is no way he changes his clothes just to kill his dinner, so why should I? I remember buying clothes a half-size larger so I could grow into them. Or buying black or brown shoes because they “go with everything.” I used to think I wanted my obituary to say: “She was found dead, with matching earrings, blouse and tastefully chosen slacks, purse and shoes.” And always, I wanted them to be size 8, which I have never, ever been. But now, I just want to use up my stuff, and all the better if I get holes in something or I get dirty. Anyway, I don’t have my prom dress. And for sure it wouldn’t fit. — Katie MacInnis Katie MacInnis is a retired nurse living in Harbor Springs with her husband, Charlie, and Fred and Amelia, her cat and dog. She keeps busy doing volunteer work, collecting her Social Security checks and getting senior coffee, even from the drive-in window. She loves to write, and finds lots of humor in the changes that aging brings.
GOOD STUFF GRANDPARENTING GRANDPARENTING
Holiday crafts T
hese easy-to-do crafts allow for even the youngest of family members to get involved in holiday preparation. Maggie Van Wagoner, a retired Petoskey High School art teacher of 33 years and current teacher and volunteer at Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, shared these crafts. The materials that aren’t already in the house are easy to find at area craft stores. Thanksgiving birds — Materials: Gourds, construction paper, feathers, scissors, hot glue gun or straight pins Pick up a variety of gourds. Cut construction paper into beaks, and hot glue or pin a beak onto a gourd. On the opposite side, hot glue or pin feathers where the tail would be. (Give the birds some- rotating the bulb so lines of color thing to sit on by collecting bright are distributed throughout. Use GOOD THOUGHT colored leaves, then spraying them colors that don’t clash, and make with Krylon Triple-Thick Crystal sure to leave some clear areas for Clear Glaze. They last years when contrast. Colors used first will stored in a box.) show up as the first layer on the Ornaments — Materials: Clear ornament. When finished, let the bulb ornaments, acrylic paint, pa- ornament dry upside down over GOOD TO KNOW per cups, water, ribbon a small container. When dry, reTake the top — the part with place top and tie a ribbon through the hoop for attaching a hook — the hoop for hanging. off the ornament. Combine a bit of acrylic paint and water in a paper cup. Pinch the side of the cup, tilt the ornament and pour a very small amount of the paint, drip by drip, into the ornament,
GOOD THOUGHTS Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. — Henry Ford As a graduate of the Zsa Zsa Gabor School of Creative Mathematics, I honestly do not know how old I am. — Erma Bombeck The other day a man asked me what I thought was the best time of life. “Why,” I answered without a thought, “now.” — David Grayson GOODlife 7
GASTROENTEROLOGY Our Board Certified Gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of problems and diseases involving the digestive tract and liver. One of the most important functions of a gastroenterologist is the early detection of colon cancer through screening colonoscopy.
GREAT LAKES
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Frank J. Koziara ll, M.D.
ASSOCIATES
Heidi V. Huck, M.D.
James A. Doull lll, M.D.
Thomas G. Tietjen, M.D.
560 W. Mitchell Street, M-40, Petoskey, MI Your colonoscopy can be scheduled at Northern Michigan Hospital as well as Otsego Memorial Hospital. Call Today!
231-487-2391
All are welcome to join us at these upcoming hospice programs WHEN IT’S NEEDED MOST • Sunday, November 7, 2010 - Annual Memorial Service 4pm Charlevoix United Methodist Church • Thursday, November 11, 2010 - “Handling the Holidays” 7pm Charlevoix Area Hospital • Wednesday, December 1, Lights of Love, 6:30pm Boyne City Sponsored By: Hospice of Northwest Michigan • Health Department of Northwest Michigan North Country Community Mental Health • Charlevoix Area Hospital
800.551.4140 231.547.6092 www.nwhealth.org
8 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
HOSPICE
of Northwest Michigan
In partnership with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan
NOD TO TO NOSTALGIA -- 19XX 1954 Music
Movie
Bill Haley In 1954, charts were hit with “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” performed by Bill Haley and His Comets. It reached the Billboard Top Ten in July, xxxxxx and sold about a million copies. Haley is often sited as one of the first to play xxxxxxxxxx rock ‘n’ roll, blending the genres of country and western with rhythm and blues. Bill Haley and His Comets went on to have hits with “Rock Around the Clock” and “See You Later, Alligator” later in the 1950s. A re-recorded version of “Rock Around the Clock” became the theme song for the TV show “Happy Days” in 1973. Haley died in 1981 from a heart attack at the age of 55. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
xxxxxxx
In the news In the news
“White Christmas” xxxxxx Two Army buddies, Bob Wallace (Bing xxxxxxx Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye), team up
xxxxxxxxxx after World War II as a song-and-dance act. They cross paths with another act, sisters Betty Haynes (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera-Ellen). The sisters travel to a Vermont inn to perform a Christmas show, soon followed by Wallace and Davis. They discover the inn is in danger of closing, and a series of encounters and misadventures occur in their trying to save it. The film was nominated in 1955 for Best Music, Original Song of “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.”
The way it was The way it was
— The first issue of Sports Illustrated debuts on Aug. 16, 1954. — Hurricane Hazel xxxxxx hits the North Carolina-South xxxxxxxxxx Carolina border on Oct. 5, 1954.
xxxxxx
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx TV xxxxxxxxxx Dinners
— Joe DiMaggio & Marilyn Monroe are married in January.
TV dinners became mainstream as society latched on to television. Frozen dinners had been around since the mid 1940s, but when Swanson introduced their version in 1954 it was a whole new game. The wellrecognized brand coined the phrase TV dinner. The first dinners included turkey, buttered peas, sweet potatoes and cornbread dressing and gravy.
— The phrase “under God” is added to the Pledge of Allegiance. — The first successful kidney transplant is performed.
If you have a favorite nostalgic item you’d like to share with GOODLife readers, let us know! E-mail Beth Anne at bpiehl@petoskeynews.com. GOODlife 9
We were here yesterday. We’re here today. We’ll be here
Tomorrow The moments in history that define us, the excitement of fulfilling our goals and the daily events that bind our community together. This is what you’ll find in the pages of the News-Review, Charlevoix Courier and Gaylord Herald Times, just as in the past 134 years.
Life. Captured daily. News-Review Home delivery: 231-439-9315 PETOSKEY
10 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Home delivery: 989-732-1111
Home delivery: 231-547-6558
GOOD TASTE
Tailor-made treats By Michelle Locke The Associated Press
L
og on and you can design your own jeans, shoes, even cars. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that you also can go online for tailormade treats that let you put your own twist on everything from jerky to gingerbread. Take chocri, a chocolate bar company that lets you pick out different chocolate bases, then choose toppings from dozens of options. Customers fall into three camps, says chocri’s U.S. CEO Carmen Magar. There are people who want to go crazy — chives? Really? Then there are people who like the idea of personalizing a gift without having to clock hours in the kitchen, and people who just really like the chocolate, which is fair trade, organic and from Belgium. The business was started in Ger-
Web offers your food your way
many by friends Michael Bruck and Franz Duge. The young entrepreneurs already were running a chocolate fountain company and when Duge was casting around for a birthday gift for his girlfriend, he hit on the idea of creating a bar and topping it with her favorite snacks. Success in Europe led them to open a U.S. branch this year and orders currently are around 50,000 bars a month, says Magar. Popular toppings include things like strawberries, raspberries and hazelnut brittle, though sea salt also is in demand. Tiffany Swords of Hoboken, N.J., came across chocri some months ago when her husband ordered a couple of bars. He got dark chocolate with orange and fleur de sel and she had a bar with dried blueberries and vanilla chips. They have since ordered more as gifts for family and
friends. “I really like that you can choose,” says Swords, a teacher. “If you have someone and you know what they like, it’s totally custom. The gift receivers are pleasantly surprised.” Want more bespoke bonbons? M&M’s can be ordered in various colors and emblazoned with everything from your corporate logo to the smiling face of your sweet 16year-old. Other customized food offerings include Slant Shack Jerky, where you pick the meat, marinade, rub, glaze and size, and ecreamery, which lets you pick the base, flavor, mix-ins and packaging of your ice cream. Striking a more seasonal note, you can order your own gingerbread family at Gingerista, selecting the mix of ages and genders to fit your clan. Dogs, cats and fish also are available and each cookie is hand-frosted in GOODlife 11
-
In autumn, an easy meat pie to leave you satisfied By Jim Romanoff For The Associated Press
the color you pick. But custom food isn’t necessarily cheap. Chocolate from chocri averages about $7 a bar, while ecreamery charges $49.99 for four 1-pint containers. The concept of custom-made goods goes way back, points out Lynn Dornblaser, a new product expert with the international market research firm Mintel. But new dynamics in the market include the Internet, the growth in small companies that sell their products exclusively online, and consumers who want “what they want, the way they want, when they want it.” After all, once you’ve stood in Starbucks and ordered your grande, half-caff, soy latte, 140 degrees, buying food as-is seems so outdated. Dornblaser sees the trend as the flip side of the “paradox of choice,” written about in a 2004 book by that name by Barry Schwartz — that too many options make consumers anxious. “It’s very true in a lot of cases, the whole paradox of choice, but it isn’t true everywhere and here’s the perfect example,” she says. Product personalization “isn’t being confused or upset by the amount of choice. It’s being entranced by the ability to make it unique.” GL
Online: — www.mymms.com — www.createmychocolate.com — www.slantshackjerky.com — www.ecreamery.com — www.gingerista.com
12 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Whether it’s for a Halloween party or Sunday in front of the widescreen for a football game, good food for a fall gathering should be hearty, flavorful and easy to prepare. With this rustic pork and veal pie, you can put a checkmark next to all three. For the savory filling of this freeform meat pie, you start with pre-shredded cabbage, which is sold near the pre-washed salad mixes at your grocer. Then you add convenient, ground pork and veal along with canned tomatoes and spices. After it is simmered to let the flavors meld, the filling gets wrapped up in store-bought, refrigerated pie crusts and baked until golden brown. For added convenience, the pie can be baked a day ahead and reheated in a 350 F oven for 30 minutes, or until heated through.
RUSTIC PORK AND VEAL PIE Start to finish: 1 hour 10 minutes (40 minutes active) Servings: 6 -2 teaspoons extra-virgin oil -3 cloves garlic, minced -6 cups shredded green cabbage (1/2 small head) -1/2 pound ground pork -1/2 pound ground veal
-1 cup canned diced tomatoes, with juice -2 tablespoons tomato paste -1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves -1/4 teaspoon ground allspice -1/4 teaspoon cinnamon -Salt and ground black pepper, to taste -2/3 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese -1 package refrigerated piecrusts (two 9-inch crusts), at room temperature Heat the oven to 450 F. Coat a large baking sheet or pizza pan with cooking spray. Set aside. In a large nonstick skillet over medium, heat the oil. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Stir in the cabbage and saute until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground pork and veal and cook, breaking it up as finely as possible with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, allspice and cinnamon. Cover and let simmer for 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Uncover, stir in the cheese until melted, then set aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, on a lightly floured surface, place one piecrust on top of the other. Dust the top crust with flour and roll the crusts out together into and 18-inch circle. Fold the circle in half, transfer it to the prepared baking sheet or pizza pan and unfold. Place the pork and veal mixture in the center of the piecrust circle, spreading it out in an even layer and leaving a 4-inch uncovered border. Fold the edges of the crust up over the filling, forming pleats and leaving a roughly 2- to 3-inch opening at the center. Bake the pie for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown on the top and bottom and completely cooked at the folds. Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 578 calories; 313 calories from fat (54 percent of total calories); 35 g fat (14 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 85 mg cholesterol; 44 g carbohydrate; 21 g protein; 3 g fiber; 525 mg sodium.
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. 路 New Patients Welcome 路 Annual Physicals & Health Screenings
231.487.9702 BURNS PROFESSIONAL BUILDING, STE MOST MAJOR INSURANCE
300 路 PETOSKEY
& SIMPLECARE ACCEPTED GOODlife 13
GOOD ESCAPE
Victorian charm
Terrace Inn offers nostalgic accommodations
By Kristin Bates • Photos by G. Randall Goss
B
uilt in 1911, Terrace Inn today maintains its turn-of-the-century charm. Located in the historic Bay View Association, the inn has undergone some major renovations thanks to owners Mo Rave and Patty Rasmussen, residents of Petoskey. They purchased this Victorian inn, which is recognized as a State Historic Landmark, in May 2006. With high ceilings, original wood paneling and crystal chandeliers, guests can relax on the front porch or watch one of the “million dollar sunsets” over Little Traverse Bay from the veranda. “We really didn’t know what we 14 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
were getting into when we purchased needs before they have to ask. We this building,” Rasmussen said. “We have a unique energy here and our saw the potential, had stars in our guests are very diverse. We get all eyes, and since our purchase have ages staying in our inn.” worked very hard to improve and Room selections range from the upgrade the rooms.” cottage room, which has a queenFor starters, they overhauled the size bed or two twin beds and a kitchen by replacing the old floor. private bath, to a deluxe room with They also did cosmetic changes on a king- or queen-size bed with a the rooms by painting, adding new shower and a tub. Some of these wallpaper and bead board. Rasmus- deluxe rooms include an electric sen and Rave decided to cut back on fireplace. The Whirlpool suites inthe existing rooms to add three king clude a queen-size bed, a jetted tub, and three queen Whirlpool suites. a fireplace and a kitchenette. For On the three floors of the inn, there those looking for a more spacious are 37 different room selections for accommodation, there is a deluxe guests. Whirlpool suite. These have kingRasmussen replied, “I like to size beds, a two-seated Jacuzzi tub, make our guests feel special, so I try a kitchenette and a fireplace. For the to think ahead and figure out their off-season, which runs through May,
Patty Rasmussen and Mo Rave are owners at The Terrace Inn.
rates range from $69 a night to $149. Throughout the winter season, there are several different packages available. The Northern Michigan Romantic Escape includes a twonight stay, daily breakfast, massage for two and dinner. The Martini & Massage Getaway is for a party of five or more. It offers breakfast, dinner with two martinis and a 45-minute massage and manicure. The Romance package is in one of the Whirlpool suites and includes a bottle of wine, tray of Michigan cheese and artisan bread. These packages are available through March 1. Reservations are encouraged. For the month of November, the Terrace Inn is hosting a western dance weekend Friday through Sunday, Nov. 5-7, where guests can learn dance instruction on site through a workshop. This package includes two nights lodging, appetizers on Friday night, daily breakfast and dinner Saturday evening. Cost is $259 plus tax, based on a double occupancy in a cottage room. For the same price, there is a Thanksgiving holiday getaway beginning on Thursday, Nov. 25. They will offer jazz, trim the Terrace Inn Christmas tree and appetizers. Breakfast is included and checkout is
on Saturday. “We also offer ballroom dancing lessons every Monday night. Our caretaker, Art Barber, gives these lessons for $10 a person. It really is a fun time for all,” said Rasmussen. With a stay at the inn, guests are treated to a complimentary breakfast buffet by chef Kevin Phillips, a Petoskey resident. Rasmussen said, “It took us three years to find Kevin. He creates an incredible breakfast buffet. We set out homemade scones and breads, sausage and gravy, an egg casserole, quiche and fresh fruit. We‘ve had such a great response, we are thinking about having a cooked to order breakfast available next summer.” The dining room, which can seat approximately 110 guests, and the veranda are available for off-season rental for special events. Terrace Inn is located at 1549 Glendale Ave. in the Bay View Association. Lodging is available on Tuesday through Saturday, unless by special request. Dinner is offered 5-9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the winter season. The inn is closed in March. For more information, call (231) 347-2410 or visit www.theterraceinn.com. GL
Terrace Inn dining room
Entrance to the Terrace Inn GOODlife 15
GOOD WORD
89 steps W
ith a starry cloak above me, I move toward the lull of lapping waves and the dock that seems to be waiting for me. After many years, this ritual at our small lakefront cabin is nondescript for my family. My journey to the end of the dock is a given with each night’s stay at the cabin. This evening, as the early October winds begin picking up, I wonder how much mileage the cedar dock sections had borne under my footsteps. How many trips have I made to the end? How many starlit nights have I witnessed 100 feet out on the water? How many drops of rain have pelted me into submission? How many gusts have nearly toppled me into the turbulent waters? How many evenings have I held my children’s hands as they walked with me cautiously, to view the aura of an August meteor shower? How many times have my wife and I ventured onto these sections to contemplate our place in the world, our love, our children? How many fish have I caught, landed, admired and released back into the cool waters? Over the course of 19 years, I have taken hundreds of treks. Eighty-nine steps out! Eighty-nine steps back! Tonight, the weathered slabs creak a bit as I start out. Armed with a dependable but aging rod and
16 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
by Rick Fowler reel, I flick the switch on my headlamp and proceed. The 14th step sparks a memory. Were we ready for second home ownership? Could we afford it? With two young children, 3 and 1, should we try to afford it? From the third section of dock that first summer, my daughter landed her first bluegill. We gently released it and I held her hand until we reached the shoreline. With a burst of energy, she raced to tell her mother. This moment confirmed our decision had been a good one. As I move further out, my lamp illuminates the way like a miner descending into the abyss of coal. At step 33 I pause, shut off my light and gaze upward. As I remember, there were millions of lights flickering in the
sky on our third July at the cabin. Our entire family was on the dock looking skyward at the IMAX theater of the heavens. Sue and I pointed out a few of the constellations — Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, the Seven Sisters. Suddenly, we noticed movement to the north. The quickly moving object captured our attention for minutes before we realized what it was. A satellite, programmed by man for a journey unknown to us, was rapidly orbiting our section of the universe. To two young children and their parents it was a marvel. The winds are getting brisker as I make my way along. At step 77, the cone of light my lamp throws out falls upon the snakelike form of a deadhead that had occupied this space next to the dock for years. It had been a night much like this. The fishing had been slow at the end and since I had had no luck, I decided to make a cast and let the crawler rigged hook settle on the bottom. I went back toward shore to see if I could finally remove the log firmly settled into the silty bottom. Gusts were causing some unbelievable wave action on this night, wetting the cedar planks. My lesson in how slippery cedar can get when wet happened suddenly. I approached the log and began to reach downward. Just then another strong
burst of wind flung me backwards a bit. I overcompensated and with stumbling feet careened into the water, belly-flop style. None the worse for wear, I heaved myself back up, retrieved my fishing rod and made my way back into the cabin. To my amazement the entire family was sleeping, thus saving me a bit of an embarrassing moment. Step 89! There is a special spoon on tonight’s menu, a colorful red and white daredevil. I unhook it from the fourth eyelet, making sure there are no snags in the line, switch off the lamp and cast out into the jet-black waters. Slowly, methodically, I wind the line back onto the spool, and cast again. On the third, I feel tension. One night in our 10th summer I had felt the same tension. Arriving at the cabin hours before, the winds had calmed. The lake was placid and splashed with a myriad
of sunset colors. Outfitted with my ever-present rod and reel I baited the hook this night with a simple crawler and sinker combination, and cast out to the south side where the reeds were elevated. Within seconds the creature struck and the line became taut as the tension increased. The last glimpse of light melted behind the western sky and soon I was encased in darkness. With no light, I couldn’t tell what manner of species I had hooked. With a battle that would have pleased a saltwater fisherman, I managed to get my foe to the dock. It felt and had fought like a walleye, and in the obscure shadows I realized I was right. I put my catch into a creel, headed back to shore and burst into the cabin exclaiming, “Look at this monster!” Alas, again this night, everyone was sleeping. I weighed the fish in at 6 pounds and released him gently into the cool, waveless waters, secretly
hoping to meet him again. Tonight however, there are no lunkers. The once brightly lit sky had given way to billowing clouds, and I notice lightning in the distance. A similar light show was also evident one evening last summer when Sue and I walked out hand in hand carrying lawn chairs and proceeded to prop ourselves down at the end of the dock. We marveled at the beauty of the evening sky, the approaching storm, the rapid growth of our children, how thankful we were to have what we had, and relished in the decision we had made years earlier to purchase our cabin up north. Tonight, as the soft pellets of rain begin to fall, I gather my gear and began to walk toward the dimly lit cabin eighty-nine steps away. 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.
GOODlife 17
GOOD HEALTH
(Un)happy holidays
Recgonizing depression at the holidays “There are different types of depression and different degrees of horter days, colder nights and severity within each type,” said Dr. snow — the thought of anoth- Andrew Sahara, acute care services er Northern Michigan winter director at North Country Community Mental Health, which serves can be very depressing. Add on top of that economic Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, hardships and the upcoming holi- Otsego, Kalkaska and Emmet counday season, and for some people it’s ties. too much to handle; they start slipAccording to Sahara, the sympping into a serious depression. toms of depression go beyond just By Melissa Frugé
S
18 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
feeling sad. He said you may become aware of feeling hopeless, irritable or anxious. There may be a diminished interest in daily activities, and things that once provided pleasure may no longer hold any appeal. Someone may start feeling helpless, worthless and suddenly have thoughts of death or suicide. Holidays can create a lot of powerful emotions, explained Sahara.
“The Christmas holidays are particularly family oriented. We are more likely to notice the absence or loss of loved ones at family gatherings. The new year comes as a reminder that time is passing and thoughts of our own aging and mortality may be triggered,” he noted. “For most people, just thinking about these special days can bring back a flood of happy memories,” said Kathy Bremmer, social worker for the Friendship Centers of Emmet County. But she said for those who have lost a loved one it is difficult, if not impossible, to not think about what used to be and not miss those times spent together. “There is a lot of pressure to be happy during the holidays, but it’s not always a happy time,” said Mary Hotchkiss, a social worker from the Women’s Resource Center in Petoskey. Bremmer recommended finding new ways to relax and simplify life. Perhaps this year try something different during the holidays. If you are grieving the loss of someone special, try making their favorite dish for dinner. For instance, Bremmer’s niece makes her grandma’s special Chex mix, loaded with bacon and nuts. “It may not be healthy, but we all love it and the memory of Grandma making it brings a smile to everyone’s face,” she said. Hotchkiss explained people often feel like they have to buy gifts or spend lots of money to meet others’ expectations, but they don’t have the financial means to do so. For some it can be a choice between putting food on the table and keeping the electricity on, or presents. “Take the emphasis off spending money and focus on caring and sharing,” said Hotchkiss, “A lot of time, seniors especially, are on a fixed income.” For older adults, Hotchkiss said physical limitations and mobility can become an issue in the winter,
and it’s easy for them to become feelings become overwhelming and seek help before it’s too late. isolated. “(The holidays) are a good time to According to Sahara, a lack of physical activity and sunlight can reach out to people,” said Hotchkiss. also contribute to feelings of depres- GL sion. He said people are less likely to be exposed to direct sunlight, which in turn lowers levels of vitamin D and could lead to possible seasonal affective disorder (SAD), another form of depression. Bremmer agreed, and suggested including more exercise into the day, trying something new or something you haven’t done in a long time, like reading for fun or playing cards. “Volunteering your time can be the most rewarding and meaningful thing a person can do,” said Bremmer. “There are many opportunities at the friendship centers through the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program.” “Making sure seniors get linked up with services that maintain independence is so important,” added Hotchkiss. Sahara said he believes it’s important to become aware of the symptoms of depression because then it will be easier to recognize them in someone else or even one’s self. He said it can be hard to motivate someone who is depressed, so it’s important to be a good listener; don’t try to direct them, rather guide and support. Encourage those in need to seek help from someone they do feel comfortable confiding in, such as a medical doctor or member of the clergy. There are many mental health resources available locally. North Country Community Mental Health, the Women’s Resource Center and Catholic Human Services all provide counseling services and other organizations can help with grief programs. Hospice of Little Traverse Bay has a specific program for dealing with holidays. Local churches offer grief and counseling as do professional mental health care providers. The key is not to let
Area resources: North Country Community Mental Health’s Access Center, (800) 834-3393, will provide a caller with either a direct service appointment or information regarding other local mental health resources. There are offices in Bellaire, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Gaylord, Kalkaska and Petoskey. After hours, one can call Third Level Crisis Line, (800) 442-7315, for support, information and a direct connection to the organization’s emergency services staff. Women’s Resource Center, (231) 347-0067 Catholic Human Services, (231) 237-0048 Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, (231) 487-4825
GOODlife 19
A N
I N T E G R A T E D
S Y S T E M
O F
C A R E
For the REGION Its COMMUNITIES Its RESIDENTS Northern Michigan Regional Health System is a nationally-ranked network of physicians, specialists, colleagues, researchers, Primary Care
and educators who work tirelessly to meet the medical needs of its patients, and to anticipate the healthcare needs of the region. To that end, the Health System treats the ills, prevents future conditions, and embraces wellness through a far-reaching network that manages all three –
because being well means LIVING WELL. Specialty Care
NORTHERN MICHIGAN REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Education
Prescription Services Pharmacy
22-COUNTY SERVICE REGION REGIONAL SERVICE LOCATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Diagnostics and Therapies
Rehabilitation, Home Care, and End-of-Life Care
800.248.6777 · northernhealth.org
20 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Sunnybank
The choice h i you can feel f l good d about b 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
Charlevoix • 615 Petoskey Avenue • 231-547-2599 Petoskey • 2000 E. Mitchell Road • 231-348-2600
www.sunnybankassistedliving.com GOODlife 21
An Unmatched Level of Expertise HEART AND VASCULAR CARE
Every innovation in heart and vascular care is put to use for our patients. The 13 physicians at Michigan Heart & Vascular Specialists find the best technology in the world and bring it to you.
231.487.2490 路 888.326.2490 路 michiganhvs.com 13 Physicians with 11 Convenient Regional Locations 22 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
For All Your Insurance Needs
McFadden Chiropractic Clinic
Auto, Home, Business, Life & Health
Brian P. McFadden, D.C. Specializing in…Deep Tissue, Muscle Spasms, Sports Injuries, Headaches, Neck, Low Back and Leg Pain
BCBS PPO Provider Medicare Accepted ~ Messa ~ PPOM
Wilson Insurance Agency, Inc. 2073 U.S. 31 N., Petoskey (231) 347-4464 I FAX (231) 348-1190
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS 12900 U.S. 31 N. - Charlevoix • 547-0995
wilins@charterinternet.com
As pain specialists
We understand... 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
O
ne of our newest sections is our scattering garden. Loved ones may scatter cremains here at not charge although there is a charge to record the name and genealogical information at the cemetery office if so desired. A granite tablet is located near the garden and is available for inscriptions. For those who have chosen cremation, Greenwood Cemetery believes it is vitally important to inter cremains in a cemetery rather than to scatter elsewhere. Because of our work with
genealogists and our role as keepers of history we know it is important for future generations to have a place to ‘go’ to remember a loved one - perhaps even one they have never met. The cemetery is a resource for genealogy research since it provides a recorded history or our lives for future generations. With this in mind, some families have chosen to memorialize their loved ones here at the cemetery even though scattering elsewhere has already taken place.
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
GOODlife 23
GOOD TIMES Food and Entertaining
The art of the
toast
By Kristin Bates
W
ith the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to think about the art of a good
toast. The custom of the toast dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who drank to honor their gods. Today, it is mainly used to commemorate a special event, such as a holiday, wedding or anniversary, or a person’s achievements. Toastmasters of Petoskey is a local group of Toastmasters International, which developed to help people opening, a body and a conclusion. It become more competent and com- should fit the occasion in both mood fortable in front of an audience. Cur- and content. rently, there are 12,500 clubs in 113 Harbor Springs resident Preston different countries in this nonprofit Mathews, vice president of educaorganization. tion for the group, recommended “In the beginning years, the focus the person offering the toast should of the group was to help business- stand, get the guests’ attention, lift men to think quickly on their feet their glass by the stem and say, “I to give a toast,” said Keith Lapp of propose a toast.” Alanson, the Petoskey chapter presiAllow time for the guests to fill dent. “Since its inception in 1924, and lift their glasses. This will give the model has evolved to include them a moment to shift their attenlessons on public speaking and lead- tion toward you. At small dinner ership skills. It is amazing how hard parties, however, there is no need to it can be for people to give a well stand for the toast. Just lift your glass thought-out speech.” by the stem. Now, you are ready to A good toast should have an make a toast. 24 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Mathews offers the following tips to a successful toast: — Keep it short. A toast shouldn’t be more than a couple of minutes in length. — Practice the toast in advance. This can be done by using friends as sounding boards before the big event. — Speak slowly, clearly and loudly, especially if no microphone is available. — Be positive. This isn’t the time for reciting college pranks or inside jokes. — Stay sober. It’s difficult to give a good toast if you are incoherent.
— End on a bright note. Be sincere, be brief and be seated. Stressing the importance of thinking toasts through from start to finish, Mathews cited what he called one of the most famous toasts of all. “Humphrey Bogart’s words to Ingrid Bergman, ‘Here’s looking at you, kid,’ in the legendary 1941 film ‘Casablanca,’” he said. “Now trade ‘kid’ for another endearment. No big deal? Maybe. But Bogie probably would have achieved another kind of immortality if he’d raised his glass to Bergman and said, ‘Here’s looking at you, baby cakes!’” GL
More about Toastmasters of Petoskey: Toastmasters of Petoskey meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Odawa Hotel, in Petoskey. Members meet for an hour to understand the importance of public speaking techniques. “We work through a series of manuals, have a grammarian choose a word to incorporate into the speech and each member formulates a one- to twominute talk,” said Keith Lapp, president of the group. “These talks vary in length and difficulty. Then, a person in the group counts each pause or break throughout the talk.” Lapp explained the meetings as a series of 10 self-paced speaking assignments offered in the Competent Communication manual. Members learn the basic foundation in public speaking by understanding the use of humor, gestures, eye contact and speech organization as well as the importance of the overall delivery. For more information on Toastmasters of Petoskey, call (231) 633-2328 or e-mail kelapp@hotmail.com or preston.mathews@att.net.
chorizo
Hearty soup made vegetarian Associated Press
This hearty soup from Ross Dobson’s “Wholesome Kitchen” is easily made vegetarian. Dobson suggests simply replacing the chorizo with 2 cups of sliced mushrooms and cooking as directed. You also can stir in some baby spinach at the end. SMOKY CHORIZO AND NAVY BEAN SOUP Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 4 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 ounces chorizo sausage, casing removed, crumbled 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 teaspoon Spanish smoked sweet paprika 14-ounce can chopped tomatoes 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 14-ounce can navy beans, drained and well rinsed 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Toasted baguette slices, rubbed with garlic, to serve
In a large saucepan over high, heat the oil. Add the chorizo, onion and garlic and saute for 5 minutes, or until the chorizo has browned and the onion has softened. Stir in the paprika for 1 minute, or until aromatic. Add the tomatoes, stock and beans and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley and cilantro, then serve with the garlic toasts. Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 638 calories; 238 calories from fat (37 percent of total calories); 26 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 41 mg cholesterol; 71 g carbohydrate; 30 g protein; 9 g fiber; 1,423 mg sodium. Recipe from Ross Dobson’s “Wholesome Kitchen,” Ryland, Petters and Small, 2010
GOODlife 25
GOOD IDEA
PupLight inventor selling to government By Sue Manning Associated Press Writer
L
OS ANGELES (AP) — Jackie Simoni is a computer geek turned inventor of a special light to make dogs safer after dark. Now, she’s also a government contractor. Simoni invented PupLight six years ago. She came up with the idea of a light that attaches to a collar while fumbling with a leash, flashlight, poop bags and animal repellant during a walk with her 90-pound, very social golden retriever. It took 15 prototypes, but the lights are now sold at Petco, her biggest customer, Cabela’s outfitters and on Amazon.com. “I thought I would sell a million a year,” she said. So far, the number is closer to 150,000 at $19.95 each. But Simoni’s luck could be changing. The Secret Service has been using the lights for a couple of years. A few weeks ago, she got a five-year, $125,000 contract with the General Services Administration so she can sell to more than 1,000 other government departments, said Rita Haake, program manager of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the College of DuPage in Illinois.
“The process that Jackie had to go through is thorough and substantial. The federal government evaluates the product offering and then negotiates for best pricing from the company,” said Haake, who helped Simoni with her GSA application. All Simoni has to do now is contact the departments that use dogs and sell them on PupLight, then they can order the lights through the GSA. Hot prospects include: the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with its canine search and rescue corps; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for airport detection and narcotics canines; and Customs and Border Patrol for dogs that search for narcotics or find themselves in dark border tunnels, Haake said. Four years ago, Robert Eschenberg, 43, an auto repair technician from Ventura, Calif., and his wife, Kim, adopted Maggie, a 10-monthold Lab mix who had been abused. Every once in a while, she would freeze in fear. On a walk one night, a neighbor complained that she couldn’t see Maggie, even though Eschenberg was carrying a flashlight. At a dog
Friendship Center of Harbor Springs
Located at Hillside Apartments, Community Room C 309 W. Main St. • Harbor Springs Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9:30am-2:30pm
231-526-6061 26 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
show, the neighbor found a PupLight and bought it for the dog. “Maggie was a little leery of it at first, but when it got dark and I reached down to turn it on, something changed in her. Her chest popped out and she started to strut. She was proud. Maggie now had a job and that gave her confidence,” Eschenberg said. They would meet people on their walks and the people would smile and ask about the light. “It helped in socializing her,” he said. The Eschenbergs have since adopted a friend for Maggie, a
7-month-old Dalmatian mix. And the first thing they did was order a PupLight. “Our girls are referred to as the dogs with headlights,” Eschenberg said. PupLight was the highest rated dog light product tested by Whole Dog Journal in January 2008. “Every dog owner who helped us test this product asked if they could keep it after our trial was completed. There really isn’t any better testament to a product’s ease of use and usefulness,” the magazine wrote. PupLight got a four-paw rating, meaning it was “as good as it gets; product is fully approved by WDJ.” The light did more than make dogs safer. It made Simoni smarter, she said. Having learned all her lessons, and noting how many times she borrowed the lights from her dog, Tangent, and her 3-year-old golden retriever Sargent, she has come up with a light for humans. It’s called NekLight. Simoni, 60, knew nothing about engineering, packaging, marketing, patenting, shipping, showing and all the rest of the tedious, time-consuming details that inventing requires. She could find nothing like her light on the market, so started looking for ways to make her own. Instead of big bulky headlamps, she found she could use LED lights. In the first prototypes, Tangent’s nose blocked the light, his fur blocked the light and the batteries didn’t last long enough. She went through an encyclopedia of 250 dogs and measured the tilt of their heads. “Poodles hold their heads almost straight up and beagles hold their heads almost straight down,” she said. She figured out a way to adjust the tilt. Tangent is tall but her neighbor had a miniature dachshund and the light hit the ground. She devised a way to adjust it. She kept dropping the light off her kitchen counter until she came up with a polycarbonate case and a collar of reinforced nylon. Then she found an engineer. Like Eschenberg, Deb Seyfer of St. Paul, Minn., liked her PupLight so much, she sent Simoni a note. Butch, her 8-year-old Lhasa apso, is small so it was hard to see him in the dark and it is dark a lot in Minnesota, she said. The PupLight took care of that, she said. She got hers four years ago at a pet expo in Minneapolis and she has only had to change batteries once. “And he’s not encumbered by it at all,” said Seyfer, fellowship coordinator at the University of Minnesota. “It’s lightweight, comfortable and seems quite indestructible. He is very low to the ground, and it’s been dropped a few times by me and it’s held its own.” Online: www.puplight.com www.whole-dog-journal.com
Central Drug Store
Lani & John Ochs, Pharmacists Serving & supporting Charlevoix since 1897 Ochs Family operated since 1914
Complete prescription services and education Diabetic, first aid and sports injury supplies
After hours emergencies 231-547-4726
Charlevoix downtown by the traffic light Open M-F 8-6, Sat 9-5
(231) 547-2424 Home Care by Seniors for Seniors There’s a huge difference in the kind of home care you can receive from someone who really understands what your life is like as a senior. The concerns you have. The need for independence. Someone who like you, has a little living under his or her belt. Our loving, caring compassionate seniors are there to help. We offer all the services you need to stay in your own home, living independently.
Now serving Petoskey and northern Michigan
• • • • • •
Companion Care Housekeeping Services Meal preparation/cooking Personal Care Overnight and 24-hour Care Transportation
• • • • •
Shopping Doctor Appointments Yard Work Handyman Services and more!
Call us today. Like getting a little help from your friendsTM. If you’re interested in becoming a provider we would like to hear from you too. 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.
GOODlife 27
COVER STORY
Back to parenting When Theresa Brady was granted guardianship of her two grandsons, her life was turned on its head. “It was complete, utter chaos,” the Petoskey resident recalled. “ ... I always thought I’d never do it. I always said I’d never single parent again — but God said ‘Ha!’ And he gave me two boys, which is entirely different from one girl.” Before being their guardian, Brady had had power of attorney for her grandsons, Trystan Beebe,
28 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
now 9, and Zachary Beebe, now 10. But when it expired, they went back to live with their mother. But Brady, 51, said their mother was unable to take care of them financially and otherwise, and about six months later the boys were back with her. It was then she approached guardianship, a process she called tricky both legally and emotionally. Brady found support in the group Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, which gathers at
By Maggie Peterson · Photos by G. Randall Goss
the Petoskey Friendship Center. She first joined when her grandchildren came to live with her the first time, and it was through encouragement by the group that she decided to apply for guardianship. It was granted in summer 2007, although the boys had been living with her since spring. It was then the real chaos began. “I was always the fun grandma. I would just pick them up and take them places, and buy them clothes.
Theresa Brady helps her grandsons, Zachary (left) and Trystan
Zachary Beebe looks over the house rules.
... That was the package deal,” she noted. But now, she was scheduling doctor appointments, bedtimes, bathtimes and playtimes. This was made more challenging because both boys have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and some emotional disorders. “CMH (Community Mental Health) is a big part of our life. We
work very closely with CMH, and Next come showers or baths, then CMH were the ones that made me homework before an 8 p.m. bedaware of the grandparents group,” time. Brady said. “I don’t waver too much from Structure was key at the begin- that 8 (p.m.) mark,” Brady noted. After that is her time to decomning, and remains so today, she added. Average weekdays begin press, before going to bed to start at 6:30 a.m., with the boys out the the routine over again. door by 7:30 a.m. They all get home Parenting the second time around 3:30 p.m., when it’s time to around is different for a number play before dinner around 5 p.m. of reasons, not least because of GOODlife 29
Back to parenting Continued from 29
the everyday influence of technology. When raising her daughter, “VCRs were just coming out, Beta was going out and VHS was coming in, and now we’re to Blu-Ray,” Brady said. But technology is part of the reason she’s able to be there when her grandchildren need her. As a research interviewer for Medicare recipients, she’s able to have her home be the office and send information via computer. And her cell phone is a lifesaver, she said. Now entering into the fourth year of guardianship, Brady said she can see progress being made by her grandsons, and added that in many ways, they are like a normal family. She said they like to travel, having made a trip to St. Louis, Mo., to visit the boys’ mom and then on down to Arkansas, to dig for diamonds. “We didn’t find any diamonds, but we found lots of jasper,” she said. She added that turning to community resources has been crucial to the transition, and still remains so. “Use the grandparenting group,” she suggested to those in positions similar to hers. “If you don’t know where to go, they have a lot of resources.” GL
“…I always said I’d never single parent again — but God said ‘Ha!’” — Theresa Brady 30 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group meets 6-7:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month, January through November, at the Petoskey Friendship Center, 1322 Anderson Road, Petoskey. Childcare is available by appointment. During the group time, there are opportunities to learn from community resource specialists and connect with others in similar situations and facing similar experiences. Legal, financial and parenting issues are addressed. For more information, call (231) 347-3211.
Grandparenting Resources Sue Ann Bouwense with the Petoskey Friendship Center said the group Grandparents Raising Grandchildren has had several speakers come in to share their knowledge regarding common issues. Some previous topics and resources include:
Who: 7th Probate Court, serving Emmet and Charlevoix counties Topics: Explanation of forms and the process of guardianship and adoption Contact: Emmet County, (231) 348-1764; Charlevoix County, (231) 547-7214 Who: Charlevoix-Emmet Department of Human Services Topics: Cash assistance, food benefits, Medicaid, children’s protective services, children’s foster care, adult services Contact: (231) 348-1600, www.michigan.gov/dhs Who: Charlevoix-Emmet and Northern Antrim Counties Great Start Collaborative Topics: Connecting to programs and services for children 0-5, including playgroups, preschool, health insurance, developmental screenings Contact: (231) 582-8070, www.greatstartforkids.com Who: Northern Community Mediation, Petoskey Topics: Grandparenting time, guardianship, maintaining family ties Contact: (231) 487-1771, www.northernmediation.org
BRAD VAZALES, MD, FACS, FACC Board Certified Heart & Vascular Surgeon JAMES GRACY, PA-C
Start living without the pain, swelling, cramps and other symptoms of venous reflux disease also known as varicose vein disease. State of the art procedures available: • Laser vein treatments • New sclerotherapy
• Little or no discomfort • Most procedures covered by insurance
Specialists in the comprehensive treatment of venous reflux disease BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Over 6000 procedures performed since 2004.
Ultrasound Evaluation of Veins & Arteries – P.A.D. Screening
Great Lakes Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery
2390 Mitchell Park Drive, Suite B, Petoskey, MI 49770 • 231-487-9090 • 877-664-2463 • www.glcvs.com
Call today to arrange a FREE screening evaluation! GOODlife 31
GOOD CENTS
Staying on a
BUDGET
and quickly assess where you are not been planned or even put into today, helping us to develop a plan writing. Don’t be afraid of making lists; ne of the primary concerns to get you on the right track for toby categorizing areas of income facing Americans today is morrow,” she noted. how to establish and then People approaching retirement and spending, you’ll be able to can significantly improve their fu- more easily identify opportunisuccessfully live on a budget. For those approaching retire- ture quality of life by taking time to ties to plug holes in your budget. ment age, the need to have a sound plan for their financial well being. Edward Jones recommends placfinancial plan grows. The first step to being success- ing your spending under headings Financial adviser Sandy Duley ful at living on a budget is to have such as household expenses, food of Edward Jones in Harbor Springs a well thought out and clearly de- and clothing, and entertainment. “Honestly track your expenses suggested a thorough review of fined plan in place. your financial plan by age 50 to “Most people fail in ever hav- for at least one to two months to prepare for living on a more fixed ing a budget to begin with,” Duley understand where your money is income. noted. currently going,” Duley said. It’s far too easy to fall into the Once spending habits are clearly “We have software that can look at your current financial picture trap of following a budget that has identified, you’ll be better equipped By Mark Lindsay
O
32 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
to make daily decisions about money. Impulse spending is most often the beginning of a landslide of poor spending, and once the habit is developed it can be difficult to overcome. For those living on set incomes such as a pension or Social Security, there is very little variation in income so avoiding unnecessary spending is crucial. Credit card use is typically the No. 1 area families can address to significantly improve their financial picture, according to Wells Fargo advisors. Bank cards and department store cards are a very poor idea for people living on a fixed income. The rule is that if there was no money to purchase an item this month there isn’t likely to be next month either, and delaying the expense will never make it easier to bear. Adding to the increase in impulse spending with credit cards, there are also fees and interest that can quickly double the purchase price of that item you just had to have. Bank account debit cards can be a very good way to monitor spending, but may also have large fees associated with them. Spend some time with your banker discussing exactly how your account works and have a realistic plan to use a debit card. Duley recommended a zero based budgeting system. “Every dollar should be allocated toward monthly expenses, debt reduction or a good savings plan for retirement,” she said. Once you’ve got the right plan in place for you and your family, you can look for ways to improve the value you get for your money. One good way to improve your income and expenses for homeowners is to refinance when the time is right. Duley suggested, “Anytime you can save over 1 percent on your mortgage rate, it’s a good idea to consider refinancing.” Lowering your house payment adds money to your budget that can be used to pay down debt, add to savings or start an investment program. Duley added, “Many people think they don’t have enough money to invest, but we can help them start an IRA for as GOODlife 33
Staying on budget Continued from 33
little as $25 a month.” Coupon websites are becoming extremely popular and widely available, allowing you to compare your shopping list to the best deals right up to the minute. Today, using the right coupons for your purchase can be as simple as swiping your coupon card at your local grocery store. According to industry estimates, you can save an average of $5.20 to $9.60 per week on your grocery spending simply through the use of coupons. That can add up to an annual savings of more than $500 alone, which can go toward saving against future need. The savvy spender will often shop around and compare prices on large purchases, sometimes for weeks before making a decision. This principle should also apply to your grocery spending. Make a list of commonly purchased items to compare prices and keep an eye on store sales for those items as well. There are many ways to make the most of your income and to spend smart, and it is important to find a plan that works well with individual goals. Time invested today in preparing for the future can pay off in a big way by alleviating financial stress. The ability to own nice things and go nice places isn’t necessarily limited by budgeting — it simply means you can do so in a manner that doesn’t leave you bankrupt. GL
Resources: Edward Jones, www.edwardjones.com AARP, www.aarp.org Wells Fargo, www.wellsfargo.com
34 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
The first step to being successful at living on a budget is to have a well thought out and clearly defined plan in place.
Don’t be afraid of making lists … you’ll be able to more easily identify opportunities to plug holes in your budget.
Time invested today in preparing for the future can pay off in a big way by alleviating financial stress.
GOOD SAMARITAN
Helping spread holiday cheer By Kristin Bates
I
f you don’t have the deep pockets to make a donation this holiday season, volunteering time is another way to spread holiday cheer. An estimated 63.4 million Americans volunteered 8.1 billion hours of service in 2009 alone. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, if you multiply those hours by the estimated dollar value of volunteer time, which is $20.85 per hour, it is $169 billion dollars worth of vol-
unteer service. Locally, volunteers are sought regularly to help fill community needs. Many organizations will accept help for one day or several hours, as well as on a regular basis. The Manna Food Project, located in Harbor Springs, distributes food to 34 different food pantries across Northern Michigan, including the Manna Food Pantry. Through these facilities, they distributed 1.7 million pounds of food in 2009. This directly affected approximately 137,635 families
in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties. Petoskey resident John Myers, involved with special projects for the organization, said, “With only four paid staff members, we couldn’t operate at such a large level without our 50 to 100 volunteers each week. Although our pantry is open only on Tuesdays, our warehouse facility is open Monday through Friday in order to distribute all the necessary donations we accumulate throughout the week.” By partnering with Feeding America West Michigan Food GOODlife 35
Helping spread holiday cheer Continued from 33
Bank, this food bank warehouse is responsible for collecting food and non-food items which are distributed to families in their communities at no charge. Boyne Valley Pantry, located in Boyne Falls, is supported by the Manna Food Project. Boyne Valley Pantry director Bill Cousineau said, “Just in the last two and a half months, our numbers have doubled to where we are supplying 32 to 38 family members a week. With a steady list of 12 to 15 volunteers, we are always thankful for more help. Not only does it allow us to keep up with the demand, it also gives our regular volunteers a much needed break.� Pastor Eric Kerr, director of Seventh Day Adventist Food Pantry in Boyne City, said, “People are hurting right now and having someone give you food throughout the winter is a tremendous gift. We are feeding 30 to 40 families each week and the need is only increasing.�
The Boyne Area Community Christmas, an organization that supported approximately 660 children in 350 different families in 2009, is in need of volunteers for their distribution dates of Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 20-21. Boyne City resident Nancy Hosmer said, “We collect names from the area schools and local churches for those families in need. We have close to 100 volunteers that help pull this together, but we always need more help. It’s a great opportunity for a class or a bunch of students to see their community members in action during the time of year people need it the most.� If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and aren’t sure where to start, visit the Char-Em United Way website, www.charemunitedway.org. Through this organization, there is access to Volunteer Connections. This program coordinates volunteers for Charlevoix and Emmet counties. Currently, there are 53 different nonprofit agencies offering 80 volunteer positions. With a simple click, you can register to begin your volunteer service and give $20.85 per hour back into your community. GL
Where to start: Manna Food Project and Manna Food Pantry Harbor Springs (231) 347-8852, www.mannafoodproject.org. Boyne Area Community Christmas Ruth Witenski (231) 758-2787, (231) 582-3152 Salvation Army (231) 347-3531 www.usc.salvationarmy.org/petoskey Boyne Valley Pantry Boyne Falls (231) 549-2230 Care and Share Food Pantry East Jordan (231) 536-7423 Seventh Day Adventist Food Pantry Boyne City (231) 582-0151, biblejournal@gmail.com Brother Dan’s Food Pantry Petoskey (231) 347-7423 Char-Em United Way, click through to Volunteer Connections www.charemunitedway.org
3HUVRQDOL]HG 3UHVFULSWLRQ 6HUYLFHV 0RQ Âą )UL D P Âą S P 6DW D P Âą S P
‡ &RPSHWLWLYH 3ULFLQJ ‡ )UHH $UHD 'HOLYHU\ ‡ 6SHFLDOW\ &RPSRXQGLQJ
: 0LWFKHOO 6WUHHW 3HWRVNH\ ‡ %XUQV 3URIHVVLRQDO %XLOGLQJ PDLQ HQWUDQFH ‡ 36 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
100% invisible 100% amazing
Little Traverse Bay Family Medicine Accepting New Patients Board Certified in Family Medicine
Quality Family Health Care Is Our Purpose
Dr. Ferguson practices in-hospital medicine for his patients Introducing S Series iQ OtoLens, the only invisible-in-the-canal hearing aid to feature S Series iQ technology.
PETOSKEY EAR NOSE & THROAT SPECIALISTS
Honoring Most Insurances
231.348.1968 Same Day Appointments
2390 Mitchell Park Drive, Unit C ~PETOSKEY~ (Next to the Red Cross Building)
SERVING YOUR TOTAL HEARING HEALTH CARE NEEDS
CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT
231-487-3277
9 AM – 5 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9 AM – 7 PM Wednesday • 8 AM – 10 AM Friday
Live Better, Stay Active, Be your Best and...
Enjoy Life
with Chiropractic Care!
Severe or chronic back pain? A natural, non-surgical solution is here!
Correct the underlying cause of your back pain with our new painfree treatment for: sciatica, stenosis, herniated disc, spinal disc degeneration, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, pinched nerves, numb/tingling leg/arm pain.
Specializing in Applied Kinesiology
NEW PATIENTS
100 off
$
your first visit!
Present this coupon at time of service. Some insurance exclusions may apply
Most insurance accepted 8983 M-119, Petoskey 347-4445 For more information visit
www.benoclinic.com
Experience, Expertise & Compassion Since 1973
GOODlife 37
GOOD
SHOTS
All photos courtesy Karen Peters of Charlevoix
A September storm whips across the lake at Lake Michigan Beach in Charlevoix.
The Charlevoix lighthouse is bright against the blue sky as waves crash onto Lake Michigan Beach.
A deer nibbles on the roses outside the Peters’ home in Charlevoix. Deer often sleep just off the deck, having learned to trust the homeowners won’t hurt them, even if they do eat the potted plants at night.
38 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
ABOVE: Sailboats are hoisted out of the water at Northwest Marine in Charlevoix, having sailed their last for the season.
READERS: We want your really good shots of grandkids, pets, sunsets, birds ... whatever! Tell us about your photo and e-mail high quality jpgs to mpeterson@petoskeynews.com. We may use your good shot in an upcoming issue.
Rods and reels frame the Charlevoix lighthouse before heading out for a day of salmon fishing
GOODlife 39
SUPER seniors Every Sunday & Wednesday for Guests 50+
3x points Every Sunday & Wednesday
$895 Lunch Buffet Monday through Saturday
Drink Specials in Rendezvous
Friday, December 31st, 2010
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! • LATE NIGHT DINING! • PARTY FAVORS! • SHOWGIRLS & MORE!
Simply the BEST! 1760 Lears Road • Petoskey, Michigan • (877) 4-GAMING
www.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.