FR
EE
Reflections Spring 2018
Arenac County Independent | Ogemaw County Herald | Oscoda County Herald
Page 2 • Reflections - Spring 2018
Reflections Spring 2018
2 - First Pitch
First pitch
Ogemaw County veteran Jerry Ehinger was recently called upon to throw the first pitch to kick off the 2018 West Branch Little League season. Ehinger was honored during the Opening Ceremony May 5, where he stood with other county veterans during the national anthem and threw the first pitch to kick the day off. Ehinger was the umpire for the very first West Branch Little League game, and also helped wire the lights that now light up Field One during late-evening ballgames.
3 - Local dentist committed to learning, giving back
Photos by Eric Young Catcher Xander Kartes shakes hands with Jerry Ehinger after Ehinger threw the first pitch.
4 - Fairview track coach goes cross country to fundraise for cancer research 6 - Grandparents called upon to raise grandchildren 7 - Seniors becoming more tech-savvy 8 - New York native considers Michigan her home 10 - Cookies, cherry juice and crocheting Sunrise Printing & Publishing Š 2018
Local s veteran t presen rs the colo e h t g in dur g Openin . y n o m Cere
Reflections - Spring 2018 • Page 3
CAROL THOMAS
Attorney at Law presents a FREE Seminar on
NURSING HOME PROTECTION, WILLS & TRUSTS & VETERANS BENEFITS
Local dentist committed to learning, giving back By Tim Barnum news@arenacindependent.com 989-387-9140
With nearly four decades of dentistry under his belt, one might think Dr. Larry Carr is ready to sit back and relax. Instead, Carr continues to not only practice, but improve, while also performing charitable dentistry work. Carr, 64, moved to Sterling to practice at the Sterling Area Health Center’s Rifle River Clinic when he was 25 after graduating from the University of Illinois — the state in which he went to high school too. “I was heavily in debt,” he said. “There was a practice opportunity at the Rifle River Clinic where I could be my own boss without investment. Interest rates back then were approaching 20 percent, and I was initially in the public health service. That’s what initially brought me here.” Thirty-nine years later, Carr remains in Sterling as a part-time oral surgeon at the clinic. He didn’t know that was in the cards when he was a fresh face in the clinic. “I had it in the back of my mind,” he said. “My first impressions were good, but I was going to re-evaluate it after three years. The deal was sealed, though, because I married a Michigan girl.” Car said from a young age he did well in math and science classes, and that he also wanted to be able to set his own schedule rather than be under the eye of someone else. These traits, along with a desire to help others, drew him to dentistry. “I always wanted to use my talents to work with other people and I always liked to work with my hands, and combined with my scientific abilities, the idea of being a dentist was really attractive to me,” he said. “I’ve been able to work as my own boss because I’ve been able to take care of other people in an area where I thought I would make a difference — where there was significant need.” Former Sterling Area Health Center Board Chairman and CEO Jim Balten said Carr is
quick to offer up a kind word, and has a big heart and great work ethic. “He certainly has had a very big commitment to not only the community at large, but the health center,” Balten said. “He has certainly been committed to the mission of the Sterling Area Health Center and he has graciously volunteered his time on several occasions over the years for a variety of events. As an example he would go the to home Whittemore-Prescott games — the position that was there in case of an emergency. Not all physicians or providers, whether it be dental or whatever, would necessarily do that.” Carr served as a team doctor for the W-P football team for roughly 20 years, which came about due to a couple of his patients, Kyle Tobin and Sam Harrison, persuading him to come along for the ride. “Mr. Harrison and Mr. Tobin were my patients and asked me if I would do it and I said, ‘OK,’” he said. “Actually, they talked me into it.” A desire to help out is one of the reasons Carr has stuck with the Rifle River Clinic for so long. He said he likely could’ve earned more money practicing somewhere else, but treasures his bond with his patients as much as his salary. Carr said the allure of helping people was likely instilled in him by his parents, and that he and his staff always look to find a way to relate with patients and over time become friends with them. “Almost always, if we had somebody come into the office there in Skidway Lake that was terrified or petrified or very anxious, my staff and I were able to gain their confidence so we could almost always treat them and allay their fears,” he said. “That’s what makes things happen further, where patients bond to you or tell you their secrets.” While the sliding-fee scale at the Sterling Area Health Center lets Carr help low-income people, at times he helps people completely free of charge. Since its
See CARR, 11
Daron Thomas, Carol Thomas, Jim Thomas
• Elder Law & Asset Protection • Estate Planning - Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney • Probate • Nursing Home Protection PROTECT ASSETS FROM NURSING HOME EXPENSE
If faced with the devastating cost of nursing home care or in-home care, you need to know your options to protect your home and assets. For a married couple: We can potentially protect all or most of the assets for the at-home spouse and have the income of the nursing home spouse go to the at-home spouse. For a single person: We can potentially protect at least 50% of assets, plus the home. Don’t wait until it is too late. Don’t let lack of knowledge cost you your life savings. Find out what can be done for in-home care. Even if a nursing home is not in your near future, please find out what you need to know now so you don’t lose everything later. It is important to see a law office with a Certified Elder Law Attorney.
Please call our office for a complimentary consultation at 989-793-2300 5191 Hampton Place, Saginaw, MI 48604 attorneycarolthomas.com
UPCOMING SEMINARS
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 • 10 am, 2 pm & 5 pm Horizons Conference Center 6200 State St., Saginaw Wednesday, August 1, 2018 • 10 am Holiday Inn of Midland 810 Cinema Dr., Midland Thursday, August 23, 2018 • 10 am Quality Inn of West Branch 2980 Cook Rd., West Branch Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018 • 10 am & 5 pm Courtyard by Marriot - Bay City Riverfront 2 East Main Street, Bay City Call for reservations ~ limited seating 989-793-2300 or 1-888-615-7592
Page 4 • Reflections - Spring 2018
More than 100 people showed up to participate in a St. Patrick’s Day race organized in part by Fairview’s Don Haskin in California, part of a 10-week campaign to raise $50,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Courtesy Photos
Fairview track coach goes cross-country to fundraise for cancer research
By Dominic Trimboli
dominictrimboli@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9295
After helping to raise just short of $5,000 for blood cancer research on a 12-day trip to Northern California, Don Haskin said he was in awe of the depth of human generosity. Don is a track and field coach for Fairview Area Schools and also the athletic director for Kirtland Community College. Over his career at Fairview he has helped his track teams come home with 17 girls and 13 boys North Star League championships, six regional track wins, one cross country regional win and one state track championship. Don crossed the country on a trip that was part family visit and part charity campaign. He visited his daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Adam Roach, who participated in a 10-week campaign to raise $50,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “This is a 10-week blitz for Megan and Adam,” Don said during the campaign. “I don’t know what their tally will be at the end, but whether they end up with $25,000, $30,000 or more, it is going to be exciting to sit back and watch.” The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a nationwide charity that raises funds that go directly to the study of a cure for blood cancers. The program that Megan and Adam participated in is a national drive called the Man/Woman of the Year Award. Last year more than 900 men and women across 80 communities raised as much money as possible in order to win the title of Man or Woman of the Year. There are local and national winners of the title. Adam said he originally undertook this fundraiser after one of his friends, a previous Man of the Year, convinced him it would be a rewarding experience. However, a few weeks into the preparations the fight against cancer became personal. “A few weeks in, my grandfather had been diagnosed and passed away from blood cancer,” Adam said. “It happened sort of fast. … So my goal for the whole campaign is to raise $50,000, at which point (the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) will name a research portfolio for my grandfather.” A research portfolio is essentially a grant for cancer research. Adam officially named his campaign “Run for Denis,” Denis being
Don Haskin explains to a small group how best to approach their next task. his grandfather’s name. It consisted of different running events that he and Megan put on with the help of friends and family, like Don and his wife Mel. Don said generally he and his wife plan a trip to California for a holiday visit, but this time his daughter and son-in-law convinced them to change plans. “We’ve all known someone who has passed from cancer or struggled with it,” Don said. “As soon as they said ‘cancer,’ I was in. … It was 12 days of campaigning restaurant owners, business owners and anyone who would listen to us.” In addition to canvassing businesses, Don helped Adam and Megan put on a track and field training event for kids of all ages, as well as a St. Patrick’s Day race that saw more than 100 people show up for beer, breakfast, prizes and a rain-soaked 4-mile run across a golf course. Don said although the race was fun, he got the most enjoyment out of the track and field event for kids. “The happiest thing for me was the kids’
faces at the end of the clinic,” Don said. “It was one of those deals where it’s a labor of love. You walk out feeling so much satisfaction from helping these kids. It rained like the dickens, and still no one wanted to leave. They all wanted to stay and finish their races. Sometimes you just got to run in the rain.” More than 30 kids showed up for the track clinic. They were split into groups and went to multiple stations where they would learned everything from sprint skills to jumping techniques and how to keep form in long-distance runs. According to Don, raising hundreds of dollars for cancer research wasn’t the only rewarding aspect of the event. “I felt like we exceeded our goal,” Don said. “We had emails coming in asking when we were going to do it again. … One mom emailed about her son who had low selfesteem as a result of his poor performance in school. When he got home with the medal we gave him, he told his mom he never thought he would get one. She said that gave
him such a boost to his confidence because he now knew how to do all the things we taught him.” Adam said the help of his wife’s family was key to the success of the track and field clinic. “I was so thankful to have Don and Mel come out,” Adam said. “They’re not only great parents-in-law, but they’re so knowledgeable about these types of events.” Now the fundraiser is over, Don was happy to announce that Adam and his team won Man of the Year after raising slightly more than $67,000. Overall the fundraiser brought in more than $310,000. According to Adam’s exit interview with LLS, he received more than 250 donations from around the country. One of the two biggest areas for donations were near Adam’s home in Monterey Bay, Calif. The secondlargest area was here in Michigan. Although the Herald was unable to reach
See HASKIN, 11
Reflections - Spring 2018 • Page 5
Page 6 • Reflections - Spring 2018
We offer the very best, compassionate care for individuals needing assistance within the comforts of home. We are a private duty home healthcare agency providing care to each of our clients, based on a customized program to fit their personal needs. Our friendly office staff can assist you in creating a program that works best for your family. Contact our office today! Your loved one deserves the best possible care in the comforts of home - and that’s exactly where we’ll care for them! By choosing our Agency, you can be assured that all employees are covered under our Liability Insurance, giving you and your loved one peace of mind.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE: Light Duty Housekeeping Personal Care Companionship Services Meal Preparation Private Duty Nursing Respite Care
Please contact our local office for a free in-home consultation and customized plan of care to fit your needs!
989-328-4316
Toll Free - 888-958-2384, Ext. 4 Visit us on the web at: www.sunrisesidehomecare.com Payment Options: Self-Pay, Veterans Aid & Attendance (VA) Long Term Care Insurance Other Insurance: Auto/Life/Workman’s Comp, etc. **All employees are carefully screened with extensive background checks, reference checks, and randomized drug screening.**
More and more grandparents are stepping into parental roles for their grandkids. Metro Creative Connection
Grandparents called upon to raise grandchildren Older adults whose children have grown up often look forward to the next stages in life, which may involve retirement, downsizing and enjoying visits with their grandchildren. A growing number of aging adults may find themselves playing a key role in their grandchildren’s lives. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 2.7 million grandparents across the country are stepping into parental roles for their grandkids. Some assist their adult children while others have become the primary caregivers. Factors like military deployment, illness, incarceration and substance abuse are forcing grandparents to take on responsibilities they may have thought were over. PBS reports that, between 2009 and 2016, the number of grandparents raising grandchildren in the United States rose by 7 percent. Although raising the next generation can bring about many rewards, including security, sense of purpose, a deeper relationship with family and social interaction, there are many obstacles as well. That includes the financial strain raising children can place on individuals unprepared for the cost of child-rearing. Census figures also show that about one-fifth of grandparents caring for children have incomes that fall
below poverty level. Grandparents may be rusty concerning safety requirements and equipment now needed to care for grandchildren as well. As grandparents navigate the unexplored waters of raising grandchildren, there are certain factors they need to consider. Legal advice or advocacy Certain circumstances may require grandparents to seek legal help so they can raise their grandchildren in lawful ways. If there is neglect, divorce, arrest or other factors, it may be a smart idea for grandparents to seek the help of an attorney or advocacy group to clarify their legal rights and ensure access to grandchildren. In addition, grandparents may need certain legal documents, such as a power of attorney, citizenship papers, adoption records or consent forms. Get educated The rules have changed since grandparents raised their own children. It is important they learn as much as possible on child safety guidelines. Consumer advocacy groups or pediatricians can help explain how guidelines have changed. New furniture and toys that meet current safety guidelines may have to replace older, unsafe items. Take care of yourself Raising grandchildren can be emotionally taxing, especially if poor circumstances led to the grandchildren being placed with family. It is crucial to recognize feelings and one’s own health when caring for others. A grandparent who is exhausted or overwhelmed may not offer the appropriate care. Emphasizing one’s own mental and physical health is essential, as is getting help and advice when it’s most needed. The organization AARP recommends compiling a list of support services, such as respite care providers, counselors and support groups. Grandchildren will have feelings, too Children, whether they are old enough to understand or not, may react to change differently. Some children may act out while others may grow detached. Grandparents can focus on providing stable environments and offer support and consistency even if grandchildren are withdrawing or pushing their loved ones away with words or actions. Raising grandchildren can be complicated, but it has become more prevalent. It can take time for these new family units to find their grooves. More information is available at www.aarp.org in its GrandFamilies Guide.
Reflections - Spring 2018 • Page 7
Seniors becoming more tech-savvy Technology is the future, and digital communication has opened many doors for people around the world. Although younger generations have grown up with technology at their fingers, Baby Boomers and older adults did not. But in spite of that, studies show that growing numbers of seniors are open to the idea of technology and even seeking ways to further their use and knowledge. According to a 2014 study by Pew Research Center, 59 percent of seniors regularly use the internet — a 6 percent increase from the previous study conducted in 2012. Today, 67 percent of adults age 65 and older say they go online. Pew also says that, although seniors consistently have lower rates of technology adoption than the general public, four in 10 seniors now own smartphones, which is more than double the number who did in 2013. Seniors in Australia are especially tech-savvy, as Deloitte’s mobile consumer survey found 78 percent of Australian seniors aged 65-75 own a smartphone, up from 69 percent in 2016. While stereotypes have long painted seniors as technologically inept, seniors are actually more socially and digitally engaged than ever before. Seniors use technology in many different ways. Some use mobile apps to manage medications and doctor’s appointments and
monitor their fitness regimens. Some families employ 24/7 alert systems or smarthome technology to keep seniors comfortable and safe at home for as long as possible. Noninvasive, “smart” technology can analyze factors such as whether or not doors are left open, if there has been movement in a home or whether appliances/lights are on or off. This represents a great way for families to stay informed and provide assistance even if they are not nearby. SilverSurfers, a senior-based information website, says other tech that seniors are embracing includes online dating; audio and digital books; online shopping, which is especially valuable to seniors who have mobility issues; and social media, which can keep seniors connected to others and feeling less lonely. A study conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found 18 percent of American seniors live alone, and 43 percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis. Loneliness can increase death risk. Social media and internet connectivity can be an important tool in helping seniors feel like active members of society. Technology is no longer just for teenagers or active workers. Seniors are increasingly embracing technology and becoming a fast-growing demographic for tech usage.
Page 8 • Reflections - Spring 2018
New York native considers Michigan her home
By Emily Tierney emilytierney@ogemawherald.com 989-387-5262
Retired Dr. Jacqueline Hanifin, or Jackie as most know her, may originally be from New York, but she considers Michigan her true home. Hanifin has practiced medicine here throughout her career, finds the state to be full of natural beauty and is an activist for state environmental concerns. Hanifin has lived in Michigan longer than anywhere but is originally from Albany, N.Y. Her mother was a registered nurse and her father was a steel contractor, and she had two sisters and one brother. “You could say that Michigan is my favorite state,” she said. Throughout her early childhood, she said life was not easy because of the Depression. While her family never went without food, she said money was tight. She remembers there being no money for sports or for roller skates, both considered enjoyable for kids at the time. She said men stood in lines seeking work but most were sent home still unemployed. Women were forced to find work to support their families even though it was considered nontraditional. “Life was different,” she said. “We couldn’t afford things.” Hanifin said even though times were hard because of the Depression, she remembers her childhood and teenage years revolving around music. Many of her summer nights were spent outside watching live bands perform while dancing
See HANIFIN, 9
Dr. Jacqueline Hanifin speaks to someone at a table at this year’s Ogemaw Community and Business Expo. Dominic Trimboli
Hanifin
Reflections - Spring 2018 • Page 9
FROM PAGE 8 with family or friends. Hanifin said life was very different in those days. Today, people throw things away all the time; back then, people fixed their belongings instead of tossing them. She said this was especially true for clothing and shoes. She said when someone’s shoes started to wear out, it was common to stuff newspapers in the soles to preserve them as long as possible. If someone had holes in their pants, it was custom to patch the holes, otherwise it was a sign of being poor. This is quite different from today where it has become a trend to have holes in pants. “People wear holey pants now,” she said. “That’s not how it was then.” Hanifin recalls being in a one-room school until seventh grade since there was barely money for education. Despite the inconvenience, she said she always enjoyed being at school and learning. Along with this, she was a member of her school glee club. By the time she got to seventh grade, Hanifin decided she wanted to become a doctor when she grew up. Part of the inspiration behind her determination was because her mother was a nurse. More than anything, furthermore, she wanted to help the world and knew being a doctor was the way she was going to do it. “I’m lucky I became a doctor,” she said. “That’s all I wanted to be. I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t made medical school.” Hanifin graduated in 1950 from Utica College and in 1954 from Kansas City
University of Medicine and Biosciences. She practiced general medicine at a Detroit hospital near where the old Detroit Olympia Stadium was. The hospital is no longer there anymore, she said. “That was the time the generalist did everything,” she said. She delivered babies and did orthopedic work and gynecology. These are not things a general doctor would do nowadays, she said. Hanifin got married in the 1960s and started a family of her own. She had four kids, three by adoption and one through birth. She retired as a doctor in the late 1980s, but in 1990 she decided she wanted to work again. “I got antsy,” she said. She looked through newspaper ads and found an open position at the former West Branch Regional Medical Center. “I wanted to live in a place that was more or less quiet and pleasant living,” she said. “Because it seemed like a better style of life.” She continued practicing until her retirement in 2007. From there, Hanifin started reading newspapers and speaking with local farmers about agricultural concerns. She thinks fertilizers should not be overused because the chemicals can seep into the ground and affect water. Thus, she became a local activist and started speaking out about Michigan environmental issues. Hanifin is not shy to speak up about Michigan water being taken and sold for profit by Nestle Waters. Her interest in
the topic goes back two years when she first learned water was taken from Everett. Hanifin read newspaper articles and became angry. “Over the years, residents noticed creeks were getting lower and fish were disappearing,” she said. “That got me interested.” Hanifin had a T-shirt made that reads, “Governor Snyder, Save Michigan water. Say no to Nestle.” “I wanted the people in West Branch to know,” she said. “Even though they’re not in Everett, even though water isn’t being pumped from Ogemaw, they are pumping water out of upper Michigan that needs its water more than they do.” On April 2, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approved the increase of the amount of water Nestle extracts from 250 gallons to 400 gallons a minute. Hanifin said this left her feeling defeated at first. Hanifin added “The end” to her shirt, but then found out environmental groups are still fighting despite the ruling, so she added “Not yet.” Hanifin believes many businesses think in the short term without considering the future. “They’re taking our water and one of these days we are not going to have the water,” Hanifin said. “You have to understand that I’m talking 50-100 years down.” Hanifin said we should be considerate of future generations, of our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “I’m going to be gone,” she said. “I don’t have to worry about any of this in reality. What happens in the future will
never happen to me. Loss of water? No, it’ll never happen to me.” Hanifin has written to Gov. Rick Snyder multiple times, she said, and believes he is not protecting citizens or the environment. In her opinion, he is only concerned with protecting business. “I’m not anti-business,” Hanifin said. “I’m anti-abuse by business.” Other than the Nestle Waters controversy, Hanifin feels strongly about the Enbridge pipelines under the Mackinac Bridge. She is concerned the old pipes will rupture and leak oil into the Great Lakes. “The damage that will be done to the Great Lakes will be something that is unfathomable,” she said. “It would take years to clean up.” She is passionate about water to this day and continues to speak out against the Nestle controversy. “Nothing exists without water,” Hanifin said. Despite her concerns, Hanifin loves Michigan and said it is her favorite state. “There’s a lot to see in Michigan,” she said. “It’s so gorgeous.” Hanifin encourages people to not only embrace Michigan, but to get out and travel the world because there are so many places to see. She said she has traveled around the states and went to Europe in the ’70s. Some of the places she went to are Nice, the French Riviera and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Hanifin said she would tell anyone younger to do what they want with life, to get out and travel and to try to make the most of everything.
Know someone with an interesting story? Email us
editor@ogemawherald.com 18 hole regulation course in beautiful Northern Michigan
Open 7 Days a Week
Virtual Golf Is Here! Call clubhouse or visit our website for details
3757 N. Weaver Rd. Comins, MI 48619
experiencecedarvalley.com
2018 Membership Passes Available Now. Spring, Summer & Fall Rates For 9 & 18 Holes With Cart
989-848-2792
Page 10 • Reflections - Spring 2018
Cookies, cherry juice and crocheting How to happily live to 100 years old
By Dominic Trimboli dominictrimboli@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9295
On April 24 Inez Wilda Pletcher Wagner became Oscoda County’s latest centenarian. That means she’s lived to be 100 years old. Inez is a loving great-great-grandmother who lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the civil rights movement and the modernization of every facet of life we take for granted today. Her father was one of the original settlers of Fairview and she’s been a resident for far more than 50 years. Now, she spends her days playing cards, eating cookies — which she says were better in the old days — and enjoying the company of the countless friends she’s made over the last century. We sat down with Inez and her daughter Lana at her apartment in Fairview and spoke for roughly an hour and a-half about her family, how the world has changed and why it’s important to turn off the television and go live life actively, instead of from the couch.
Q: A:
How do you like to start your day?
I have cookies! I have cookies for breakfast. That’s it, I don’t want anything else. Homemade chocolate chip, and I have another recipe that calls for dried fruits, and it’s good!
Q: A:
Are the cookies these days still as good as the ones you used to make?
I like to have homemade cookies, although I will eat bakery cookies. Everyone knows I do, so they make cookies for me. … But you know, these young girls,
See COOKIES, 12
Inez Pletcher Wagner grins as she remembers her favorite part about being a grandmother, making cookies and watching the kids enjoy them. Dominic Trimboli
Preparing America’s Taxes Since 1955
Daniel L. Blamer, EA
Master Tax Advisor Franchisee 620 S. Morenci, Mio, MI 48647 989-826-6521 989-826-6040 (fax) dblamer@hrblock.com • www.hrblock.com
Reflections - Spring 2018 • Page 11
Haskin
FROM PAGE 4 Adam after the fundraiser, Don said Adam was ecstatic. He beat his goal by more than $17,000 and officially raised enough money to earn the research portfolio for his grandfather. In his exit interview, Adam said this experience has made him grow as a person. “These past 10 weeks have been an incredible experience and I’ve been overwhelmed with the level and reach of the support,” Adam said. “... This campaign has energized me and helped me grow as an individual. I very much appreciate the amazing people that have supported our efforts as we gathered together to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer.” Don said he was surprised with the generosity he saw during the fundraiser. “We just felt the sense of giving was so mind-boggling,” Don said. “People are so giving ... It’s amazing how sometimes the people with the least are willing to give the most.” Although the charity is over, the fight against leukemia and lymphoma is not. To donate directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society general fund, visit www.lls.org and select the red “donate” button on the top right corner of the page.
Carr
FROM PAGE 3 inception in 2015, Carr has volunteered for the Michigan Dental Foundation’s Mission of Mercy. This year in June, Carr will once again participate by offering oral surgery services completely free of charge. “When you go to the event, we’ll take care of as much of your needs as possible,” he said. “If they come in at 6 a.m., they’ll take care of the most urgent things. Let’s say you have two wisdom teeth. We’ll take your wisdom teeth out for you. Then you get back
Don Haskin smiles as one of the kids gives the high jump a try.
Courtesy Photo
in line and if you have cavities, they’ll take care of your cavities.” “We hope to treat thousands of patients,” Carr said. In order to hone his surgery skills, Carr went back to school last year. He went to the University of Colorado where he participated in an oral surgery residency program. “Some of the cases I was doing was treating patients with significant medical needs combined with significant dental needs,” he said. “To take care of those needs Closed Sundays
Closed Sundays
— HARDWARE • HOUSEWARE — CHAINSAWS • HARD TO FIND ITEMS • CLOSEOUT DEALS
432 N. Mt. Tom Road • Mio, Michigan 48647
989-826-3580
I needed a higher level of training. That’s why I went to the residency.” Carr said he hasn’t set a timeline for when he will completely walk away from dentistry. Balten said it is sad to think about a day when even in a limited capacity, Carr is no longer part of the health center family. “It’s unfortunate that at some point we all have to retire,” he said. “I know that it’s difficult to walk away. I think Dr. Carr found it difficult to walk away, but there’s a point where you have to look at your own health
and well-being, but his leaving was not total. He does come back a couple of days a month and provides a well-needed service to the health center, and they’re certainly glad to have him. He’s got the staff that worked for him and with him over the years that has always had great respect for him.” Carr and his wife Susan live in Sterling. He practices oral surgery twice a month at the Sterling Area Health Center Dental Clinic located at 5095 Rifle River Trail in Alger.
Page 12 • Reflections - Spring 2018
Cookies
FROM PAGE 10 they aren’t as good at baking cookies as we were. … They make dump cookies. That means you take everything, dump it in a bowl and make them that way. That isn’t how you make cookies!
Q: tions?
Can you tell me about something you remember from your birthday celebra-
A:
Our pastor came on Monday and he asked, “What are the five things that made you get to 100?” I said, “Well I honored my father and mother and I ate right, I guess.” I worked hard, and I went to church every Sunday, and I drank my sour cherry juice concentrate. I’ve done that for 30 years.
Q: A:
You used to volunteer with the Yarn Angels. What was that like?
I could always sit down and crochet. I made afghans and sweaters, and big afghans and baby afghans. The Yarn Angels meet at the apartments here once a month, and they make things for the veterans and other things for (His Love Family Resources) in Mio. … Making quilts is what I really liked to do. Well, besides taking care of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Q: A:
How big has your family gotten over the years?
Well I’ve got three daughters, seven grandchildren, about 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. I’ve never seen them though because they live in Arkansas. It won’t be long until I have three (great-great grandchildren).
Q: A:
What’s one of the best things about being a grandmother?
Having them come to see me, and like to see me. And how when they come over they go right for the cookie jar! I have
one grandson who every time he comes he goes right for the cookie jar, because evidently his mother didn’t bake cookies. Well, at least not like I did!
give them another pill to counteract that one. I could see that, so I didn’t do that. … Some of my friends had shoeboxes full of their pills. No wonder they all died!
Q: A:
Q: A:
Is it nice to have so many family and friends who visit you so often?
Oh, yes, I’m glad. I wish I could see, and hear. Then I’d be happy. Well, I’m happy anyways. I have a lot to be thankful for. I’m glad I do. I think I had a good life, a good 100 years. Most of them were good, anyways.
Q: A:
What was it like when you met your husband?
Well, it was great. … This new young man came up to me after church and asked if I’d go for a ride with him. I said I would, but I’d have to take my car home first. So, that was the deal. When he went out all the guys laughed at him. They said, “we knew she wouldn’t go with you!” When he picked me up there was eight of us in the car, so we got acquainted real fast!
Q: A:
Can you tell me any special memories you had with your husband?
The last thing that my husband said when he died. I was beating him in cards, and I said, “Do you want to give up?” and he said, “No, I’ll never give up!” and that was the last thing he ever said.
Q: A:
Do you have a tip for anyone who wants to make it to 100?
I never went to doctors! That was another thing that got me to be 100. If there’s something wrong, fix it, but if it isn’t broke don’t fix it. I’ve known a lot of my friends who would go to the doctor whether there was something wrong with them or not. He would give them pills just to satisfy them. Then they wouldn’t agree with them so he’d
What do you think of the music now?
I don’t think much of it! I like hymns, I think they’re pretty. As far as the music in some churches, or on TV, it’s terrible! I don’t know why they have to scream! That isn’t good singing as far as I’m concerned. … But I’m not complaining! That’s just the way I feel. I like good music, but what I think is good you might not like.
Q: now?
What do you think of how everyone gets their entertainment from a screen
A:
I think it’s dumb! It’s all right. It’s nice that they can have that type of entertainment, but I always had to go find my own entertainment. We didn’t always have TV. … It’s a different world now, different than when I was growing up. I don’t know just how, but we used to get along without (technology) and had a lot of fun too!
Q:
What do you think is something kids today miss out on with all the technology we have?
hit me all of a sudden that I couldn’t see.
Q: A:
Now that you have a hard time seeing, what do you like to do?
There isn’t much I can do anymore but sit and think. I think about a lot of things, but it doesn’t make me any money! I’m thankful that my mind is OK, at least I think. I’m thankful I know who I am, and where I’m going. I think 100 years could have gone a lot worse.
Q: years?
What’s something you’re thankful for after living to be around for so many
A:
I’m thankful that I have my right mind, and I can walk. I don’t use a cane, I don’t use a walker. I have them, but I don’t use them. I’m just thankful that I’m this healthy. I just wish I could see, then I’d be on my own.
Q: A:
Have you done everything you feel like you had to do in life?
I’ve had a full life. There isn’t anything else I want to do. I don’t want to travel, and when I was growing up I couldn’t afford to. At least not very far.
A:
Q:
Q: A:
A:
It’s a good thing to grow up on a farm, you don’t see that much anymore. … But it’s good that they have this technology to learn things. I would never have imagined what’s on these telephones. Why do you like it here in Fairview so much?
It’s nice and quiet. There’s lots of people around, if I want to be with ’em! I made quilts and knit and crocheted and belonged to the Yarn Angels, so there was always something to do. I was just always busy until I got this macular degeneration. It
Last question, Inez, but first I want to say thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today. What kind of advice do you have for the young adults today just getting started on life on their own? Well, you’ll probably want to get married. I would advise you to always put your wife first, and you second. Of course, that’s if she’s worth it. Not all of them are! Treat her good and raise your kids, I would say, to be Christians. … Just find a church that you like to go to, that you enjoy. Not all churches are meant for you, but just find one you like and enjoy. That’s my theory.